Dragon Fruit!

 

I saw this dragon fruit in the grocery store and I thought... 'I could never paint that thing'! and then I thought... 'could I'? So, I took on the challenge and here are the results. 

I love the 12x6" format. And I also love the 6x12" format. ; )

Painting the little seeds was like painting snowflakes, little radom dabs of paint.

They are $120 each or the set for $225. I think they look great together. Click here - Daily Paintworks for purchase info. 

Here are some process pics. Enjoy and Thanks for looking. 

stand up to sit down

6x12" oil painting on 1"deep wooden panel.

When the model couldn't make it to our last portrait session, a fellow artist stood up to the occasion and sat for us. : ) 

I went for a high key palette (very light, like pastel colours) and really thought a lot about adding greys. 

Donnybrook Building

6x12" oil painting on 1"panel

After sketching and painting this little building numerous times, I've just been informed by a Riverdale Farm employee that it's called the Donnybrook Building. This is just the bottom half of the building. It was once two stories which kind of explains the small door (that seems to fascinate me). It's believed that farm animals used to live on it. Yep... 'on' it. I'm going to continue investigating the history of this awesome little building. To be continued... ; )

Streetcar fix it shop

$60 - 6x12" original pen and watercolour painting

The streetcars were just coming and going Sunday morning at the Russel Car House fix it shop. It made for quite a challenge while painting with the Urban Sketchers Toronto group. I realized I probably wouldn't have tired this subject on my own but when someone else picks the painting spots, you never know what might happen! 

 My set up which sits on my lap.

Fortunately I was under a big shady tree on such a hot day, hence the blue tinge on my photos. Probably the most challenging outdoor subject I've ever painted from life. #phew 

Award of Excellence for Portrait

The Don Valley Art Club Show opening went great last night. Tons of people showed up. Thanks to everyone for all their support. It was wonderful to see all of you! 

I was thrilled and honoured to receive an Award of Excellence in Portrait. There were 15 awards given amongst over 100 paintings. Also, my painting sold. So all in all a wonderful evening!

sparkly

$200 - 6x12"original oil painting on board

I painted this bright 'sparkly' model at last week's portrait session. Her hair was so cool, and fun to paint. Again, not sure why but, I love this long thin board size for faces. It gives everyone a kind of graceful long look. ; )

piece by piece

SOLD

Let me first say how much I love this 6x12" size for portrait. I chose it on a whim as I was heading out to Don Valley Art Club's portrait session and I'm sure glad I did. Especially once I saw this awesome model. I took one look at his long beard, then my long canvas, and thought... perfect!

Below is a pic of my pochade/paint box hard at work. : )

Here's a close up. The oil painting is actually on a 1" deep cradled board for easy hanging. This oil painting experience was definitely a break through for me!