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 

to make a short story longer

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

About 20 fellow Urban Sketchers and I went to a downtown park, with an outdoor cafe, for our last sketch outing. There are many urban sketchers groups and ours, called TOUSK (Toronto Urban Sketchers) is fantastic. Very friendly, very supportive and run by a wonderful ambitious woman named Marie-Judith. We meet up about twice a month. 

Here are a few photos of my painting kit.

The people in my cafe scenes don't look too much like real life, because of my style, and just in case it offends them. I save trying to get a likeness for my portraits. Also, I changed the colour of their clothes... to brighten things up. : )

I added a couple in the background, with soft cool colours.

That's me. Duh.

peak through

SOLD

A friend and I spent the day at the lovely Guild Inn. It used to be an artist retreat but, sadly, it closed. The grounds and gardens are still open to the public, with lots of statues and stone facades to paint.

$70 - 8x10"painting

Here's my trusty paint box which holds up to an 8x10" painting and sits on my lap, a table or the ground.