red, purple and white

 

click here to buy - 
$80 - original watercolour painting on paper. Includes 8x10"mat.

I recently taught a Zoom watercolour painting class for the awesome Humber Valley Art Club. A wonderful group of artists who were very attentive as they painted along and I talked (and talked #heehee) about painting. I'm going back there in May for my first 'in person' workshop which will be on watercolour portraits. Super excited to be teaching in person. Fingers crossed...again.

with confidence

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

We had a new model at life drawing and she gave off so much energy, despite sitting perfectly still(!). It's funny how some models are so dynamic and alive, while not moving a muscle. Incredible really. Also, it was nice to bring out the watercolours! ; )

here's a detail - 

heading out

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

Snow can't stop this little pup from enjoying his day!

balancing act

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

It's a balancing act trudging through all the snow we've had! People are skating in their boots.

Bella

SOLD - $120 - 9x12"original watercolour painting

I've been painting this lovely model for 19 years now. I believe she was the first life model I ever drew. It's always a lovely surprise when she shows up for our session.
Meanwhile, portraits aren't getting easier... just different. Here's a detail - 

january's flower - the carnation

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

I love January. The start of a new year is always inspired by new year's resolutions and fresh ideas. This orange carnation is January's flower, bringing in the new year with lots of bold colour. 

Here are some close ups -

looking forward to the new year

$60 - 5x7original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat.

Look below for the step by step process. I remembered to take pics along the way!

Enjoy. Happy New Year!!

Latest News!

First of all, it turns out that there was an article about our art show in the Toronto Observer, including a pic of me and my art table! Here's the link. 

Second, I decided to use gouache at our Don Valley Art Club portrait session. 

Gouache (opaque watercolour) creates a mat finish of very intense colours.

These 25 minute poses, at 5x7" each, are fellow artists. It's challenging to grab hold of a bit of likeness in the short time allowed. I'm going to keep playing with this medium. 

We'll see... ; )

for your info

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

Enjoying a Friday off with a coffee, a treat and today's news.

early holiday shopping

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

This little critter can't help getting some early holiday shopping done. Berries for everyone!

grazing the day away

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

This beauty is spending Sunday afternoon grazing the day away. 

dappled grey

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

Grey horses can be born any colour (!) and then their coat lightens as they mature. In fact, they usually end up being white horses. Cool! Of course, this dappled beauty will be grey forever. : )

Star

SOLD

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

This little friend was a pleasure to paint. It's a good life being a horse... and being an artist! 

subtlety

6x12" original watercolour painting

Here's another piece from my last portrait painting session, where we artists take turns sitting for each other. (It's surprisingly difficult to sit still for 25 minutes! If you try it, you'll have a whole new respect for life models.) 

I wanted to tie in the red shirt with the red glasses. I'm really happy with her expression but I'm feeling that the 6x12" size might just cut off people's shoulders, giving them a big looking head!

our fearless leader!

6x12" original watercolour

At our portrait session last weekend, I decided to create 6x12" paintings. Mostly because I had paper that size and I wanted to use it up. ; ) I drew a loose energetic line with charcoal pencil then added lots of fresh watercolour paint.

On most social media, like Facebook and Instagram, you can only post pics as a square. So, here's the complete painting.

catching up on some thinking

 

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

It's always nice to sit with a cup of tea and catch up on some thinking. Or in my case, some drawing... ; )

a good read

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

It was so nice to see someone reading a book at a local cafe this morning. Instead of having their nose in their phone. When I first started drawing I captured people reading all the time. Now, it's a rare treat.

climb

SOLD

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

Not sure how this pic ended up so angled... but here's my drawing in my paintbox which sits on my lap. : )

Good 'ole Winsor Newton travel palette with my choice of tube paints squeezed out. I change and/or add colours as my style changes over the years. Although the warm cool staples remain the same. 

The path didn't go in that direction, but I added it since there was just so much greenery around the base of the little building. I know everyone says green is a difficult colour. Not sure that's true, it's just that there's always so much of it! I decided to call this one 'climb' for two reasons, the little ladder and because the flowers are climbing towards the sun. : )

portrait sketch

 9x12" original watercolour portrait. 
Lately I've been reading about Frank Reilly's approach to portrait, which is easy to read about it you just google him. It's a good structural way to look at portrait drawing, very informative. : )
Below is the pencil sketch before I started painting.

Seahorse Charlie aka Magic Man

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

Seahorse Charlie aka 'Magic Man': 

Charlie, with eyes wide open, floats through the seagrass beds looking for that special someone. Last week he told you about himself. Well, he's ready to tell you more. Charlie is a professional magician. He can move his chameleon like eyes independently of each other! Also, his camouflage ability enables him to change colours abracadabra. And, he can hold his breath underwater for... a really long time. He could magically be yours, just link up through PayPal. ; )