sunny disposition

$60 - 7x5"painting with 10x8"mat

It's always interesting to paint dark colours in watercolour. Here, I decided to contrast some white flowers with a dark vase. I threw the clementines in there for a mid-value. : )
close ups -

poppy fields

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I painted these poppies this morning for Remembrance Day.

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

inquisitive

$60 - 8x6"watercolour painting on paper.

I really enjoyed painting this portrait. I think I captured his serious expression.

road trip

The trip to Banff and Calgary was just fantastic!! I had an amazing time. The only painting I did was this one, heading into Banff. Happily, too busy hiking and biking to get any painting done! Perhaps next time. Now, back to the studio. : )

funny story

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$60 - 5x7"painting with acid-free mat, ready to pop into an 8x10" frame!

These women are sharing a good joke!

anticipation

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This is my second painting done today with the Toronto Urban Sketchers, at the Leslieville Farmer's Market. I promised myself I'd do a painting capturing the people there. Then, once I arrived and set up, I lost focus with all the activity, people, food, kids, etc. and I tried to do a painting with everything in it! I mean everything! Needless to say, it didn't work. I think keeping it simple while on location is best for me, until I really get the hang of it. So, here's the second one, which I'm very pleased with. ; )

$100 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat
Painting box and close ups - 

just enjoying the day

I do enjoy drawing at cafes! 

$80 - 8x10"painting.

travelling along

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

I spent the day plein-air painting with the Don Valley Art Club at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, also known as Edwards Gardens. Here is my step by step process...

I painted this waterfall, which I've painted before, but from the other side of the bridge. I worked from my trusty little paintbox. Here's the drawing in 6B pencil.

Half way there... I like to add darks early, so I can determine the values right from the beginning. Artists often do watercolour from light to dark however, when I do that it never seems to take forever to get dark enough...

All done. You can see the pink bulldog clip on the right of the box holding a rag in place. There's also a few paper towels, a compact mirror (to look at the piece in reverse while painting) and an 8x10"mat (under the box) to make sure it'll fit nicely into a frame when finished. Quite a challenge!

a little bird told me

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I spent the day with some friends painting a still life with 'birding' as the theme. : )

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat/ready for an 8x10"frame!

close ups-

Sheraton Centre Hotel

I went urban sketching with the Toronto Urban Sketchers (TOUSK) yesterday. About 15 of us ventured over the to lovely Sheraton Centre Hotel which has a wonderful courtyard full of plants, rocks and a waterfall. The rooftop view is quite grand, but unfortunately it was surprisingly chilly yesterday. I happily remained warm and painted the plants and pond. 
I'm also trying to work bigger lately, so this one is 11x14".
Other news: I'm now on Instagram for those who like to follow! 

nice view

$60  -5x7"painting wit 8x10"mat.

Well... it looks like most of the Cherry Blossom Trees are loosing their lovely pink petals this season. Until next year!

sparkling

$100 - 8x10"painting

I found this cute little bird house and decided, being small, it would suit my still life set up style. It's now friends with all the other items in my crowded cupboard of goodies. : )

close ups- 

stage whisper

This painting is now framed.

$100 - 8x10"watercolour painting I really enjoyed working in studio with this little set up! Red flowers are tough to do in watercolour, they can get a bit heavy and dead pretty quick if I'm not careful. Very pleased with this one. : )
close ups! - 

purple puzzle pieces

$40 - 4x6"painting

I painted this wonderful lavender for the Daily Paintworks "Escape the Snow" Challenge. I love the weekly challenge posted on the DPW site, it makes me paint subjects I might not otherwise explore. : )

going out for dinner

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

These two cuties are heading out to their favourite restaurant! ; )

close ups-

lilac-breasted roller bird

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It's National Bird Day! I chose this colourful lilac-breasted roller bird because it's one of my faves! Both the male and female are this colourful. Also... it just happens to be this year's Pantone Colours of the year, rose quartz & serenity.

$40 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat

outside in

The beautiful facade of the Royal Bank of Canada lives inside a building called Brookfield Place here in Toronto. The whole building is a gorgeous glass spectacle and I hope to go back and draw some more, again with the Toronto Urban Sketchers. My aim here was to add a few faces walking through the scene to add a feeling of height to the composition. 
$80 - 9x12"painting

on site with the Toronto Urban Sketchers

magenta

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This was my final watercolour demo for the wonderful Mississauga Art Club. Magenta pansies, proud and unique!

$60 - 8x10"painting

sunlit pass

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From the GoTrain to PortCredit for my last watercolour teaching class of the year. The red water-soluble pen creates a random wash that encourages a spontaneous look. 

$60 - 8x10"painting

sunny disposition

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You can always count on Sunflowers to brighten up the day!

Thank you to all those that came out to the group art show yesterday. Super successful thanks to art enthusiasts and warm weather!

$60 - 8x10"painting