Sleigh Day

 

click link to purchase - 

$80 - 5x7" original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

It's snowing like crazy here in Toronto! Fortunately, it's been mild, so it's the fun kind of snow... sleigh day snow! The fire escape was fun to paint. It is one of the few fire escapes on the houses around here. (I may have overdrawn it, but it's still cool looking). ; )

language

$100 - 8x10"original watercolour painting

I love drawing and painting people in cafes. I thought the lights hanging from the ceiling encouraged the perspective. These two friends were talking about learning a language however, the title also refers to people's body language, like the way his head is tilted and the posture of the guy writing in the background. : )

closeups - 

1 minute video of me sketching

Recently, while at a cafe, I made a little video of myself sketching with a 6B pencil.
I can't seem to get the video to upload here... so click the link and you can check it out on my instagram page! 
https://www.instagram.com/noramacphailart/
It's also on my Facebook page. Meanwhile, I'll figure out how to make the clip file smaller so blogger will accept it next time, since I plan to do more!  : p

tea and cinnamon

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

I drew this while enjoying a tea with cinnamon myself. 

close ups-

Robert Library, University of Toronto.

 

On Sunday, the Toronto Urban Sketchers (TOUSK) went out sketching at Robarts Library. This University building is a very interesting structure. In fact, there is a constant discussion amongst Torontonians on whether it's shaped like a turkey, a peacock or a turtle! So, we planned to draw it. Unfortunately very cold weather drove us inside. Well, maybe not 'unfortunately' since I managed to do these sketches. 

Students didn't mind/notice and I don't think there is enough of a resemblance to anyone to cause offence. ; )

I'm one of the TOUSK correspondents. Check out our blog! - here

through the garden gate

SOLD

I spent Saturday at the Toronto Botanical Gardens with fellow artists from the Don Valley Art Club. It's a place I've painted at many times before however, this time, I stumbled across a hidden garden archway. I think I'm finally getting the hang of plein-air painting. It's soooo challenging. 
$160 - 8x16"painting
Here's my set up - 

and here's me!

harbourfront hollyhocks

SOLD

Here's one of my drawings from a few posts back, of the Toronto Music Garden, with paint added. I'm very happy with this one. : )
$60 - 5x7"painting with an 8x10"mat.
close ups-

funny story

SOLD

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

These women are sharing a good joke!

school's out

I was out with my trusty paint box recently. : ) Here's the result.

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

paint box

I've been doing a lot of urban sketching/plein-air painting with my trusty little paintbox. : ) It fits my Winsor & Newton travel watercolour palette perfectly and I can clip watercolour paper, up to 9x12", onto it. : ) It sits on my lap while I sit on a cheap aluminum camping stool. A lot more discreet and lightweight than a big easel. 

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!