living amongst the trees

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

I spent the day at the wonderful High Park here in Toronto, plein-air painting with a friend. We had a great day amongst all the green (!). Can you spot the little duck swimming by. There were lots of them keeping up company. : )

Making progress and trying to keep the greens interesting and true. The house is there... it's just 'amongst the trees', hence my title. : ) 

My little paintbox has served me well over the years. Placed on my lap as I work, it includes my palette, brushes, pencils, water container, a compact mirror (to look at the painting in reverse) and a rag clipped to the right side. It's just great!

take a long lunch

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

I'm thrilled to be back at it with my cafe moments. I drew this on site during my lunch break. It's almost like 'train of thought' writing, where you just write without editing yourself. I draw as quick as I can, (before the customers get up and leave!), without overthinking it. Just let the line go go go! 

The works become like diary entries.

Here's another pic - 

I drew with the Jumbo 9000 Faber-Castell 6B pencil, my new fave. 

hidden door

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

Here's another one from Riverdale Farm. I saw this little hidden door and I thought it would be an interesting subject. I like paintings of door and/or windows. Below is a pic of my painting kit.

lovesick

I drew this little badger at the Royal Ontario Museum. I was shocked at how long his nails were! Turns out they are nocturnal monogamous little diggers!

This one is looking for his mate.