Sunday, December 29, 2019

and now it's time to put them away...

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nora-macphail/december-already!/714049
$60 - 5x7" gouache original painting with 8x10" mat.
It's time to put away the ornaments... but New Year's is right around the corner!

Saturday, December 21, 2019

snow gate

$60 - 5x7" original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

I often walk by this little courtyard with it's lovely archway. It's so cute and the recent snowfall makes it more beautiful than ever. I love how the snow contrasts the little black gate, perfect for pen and watercolour.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

over the shoulder

$60 - original 5x7" watercolour painting with 8x10"mat
Well, the last figure painting session of the year was today and I managed to capture this lovely little portrait of the model. Her melancholy expression matched mine as the last session came to an end. : )

Thursday, December 12, 2019

snowy alley

SOLD
$80 - 5x7" original watercolour painting includes 8x10" mat
I love painting snow! I use a wonderful thick black pen to make strong interesting lines. It's nice and contrasty compared to the white snow. This little alley, with the snow on the bikes, just caught my eye.
Details -


Monday, December 09, 2019

I'll call you

$60 - 6x6" original oil painting with 1" deep painted sides
It's always nice to have a few white flowers mixed in with dark ones when painting a still life. These two are only a phone call away from each other. : )
Detail - 


Friday, December 06, 2019

party pack

SOLD
Next month I'll be seeing the awesome amazing Lisa Daria do a demo. I'm sooo excited! She's an incredible daily painter. Meanwhile, I'm brushing up (pun intended) on my 6x6" flower paintings in anticipation. Woo Hoo! 
Details - 


Monday, December 02, 2019

sunhat shadows

$200 - 8x8" original oil painting on 1" deep panel
Well, this girl was quite a challenge! I loved exploring the shadows falling over the top half of her face, and balancing it with the lights on her cheeks. Also, I worked with a green and purple palette which created some helpful guidelines. I'm very happy with her!
painted 1" deep sides

Thursday, November 28, 2019

fixings...

Usually when people talk about 'fixings' on American Thanksgiving, they mean food. Well, I'll be doing some fixing today... not with food but with these three portraits. ; ) 
I'm so happy with parts of them but...
it's the eyes, eyes, and eyes. Perhaps they are a bit far apart...
perhaps they're too small...
perhaps they are... well actually there's lots of probs with this one. So today, I'm at the easel fixing 3 portraits. Hopefully a few brush strokes will bring each one to it's finished state. : )

Sunday, November 24, 2019

colourful gal

SOLD
$20 - 9x12" original gouache painting on artist quality gray paper. 
It is at a great price because there is a gray paint mark, made by me, in the upper right corner. It doesn't bother me... perhaps it doesn't bother you either. 
Today was spent with lovely fellow artists of the Don Valley Art Club. We held our portrait session at the Todmorden Mills Papermill Gallery, since the club's art show is presently hanging there. The model was fabulous too.
I may have to touch up her eyes a teeny-weeny bit... but otherwise I'm very happy with her. : )

Monday, November 18, 2019

Last Show of the Year!

The Don Valley Art Club Show.... I'll be at the opening reception, which is always a full house and an awesome event! Wednesday Night 7-9pm with 100 artists showing 2 pieces each. I plan to be there on Sunday November 24 too. On that day, we paint from a live model who sits in the middle of the gallery. There's lots of room and extra chairs if you want to bring your sketch book and join us from 1-4pm! Or just come by and say hi!! 67 Pottery Road at the Papermill Gallery, Todmorden Mills, Toronto.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Toronto East Rotary Arts & Crafts Show



Another fantastic year at the Toronto East Rotary Arts and Crafts Show! I had cards and crochet birds bookending my table of oil paintings. ; ) I'm very happy to say that many items have gone to new homes. 
See ya'll there next year!

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Dogs Rock




Sketching Dogs on cards to sell at the upcoming Arts and Crafts Show on Saturday. They're just waiting for some watercolour paint. ; )

Monday, November 11, 2019

Drawing the Bangarra Dancers!!!

 
 
I had an absolutely awesome time with the Toronto Urban Sketchers on Friday. We were invited to draw the Bangarra Dancers, from Australian, as they warmed up the morning of their performance. Then, some of us returned that evening for the actual performance, called "Spirit", which celebrated their 30 years as a dance company. 
I used charcoal pencil and newsprint and just drew as fast as I could! They did not stop moving. Their idea of an hour warm up was a work out like I've never seen. Truly spectacular dancers! Very inspiring. 

Saturday, November 02, 2019

inside outside

12x12" oil painting
This painting will be displayed on the Square Foot Wall at the upcoming Don Valley Art Club Show. Every artist contributes one 12x12" painting, each hanging 1" from each other, floor to ceiling. It always looks super cool!
Here are the step by step pics and a flyer for the upcoming show. I'll be there for the opening on November 20. Come by and say Hi!
 

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Save The Date!

There are TONS of artisans in this upcoming art show, including me! 
November 16 - Saturday only - Free - Save the Date!