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 

for your info

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

Enjoying a Friday off with a coffee, a treat and today's news.

early autumn

SOLD 

$40 - 5x7 with 8x10"mat

I'm having a blast with this new water-soluble pen that I've been using for Inktober (#inktober2018) It's called the Elegant Writer Pen and it releases green and a bit of pink ink when wet. You can see two videos of me painting it on Instagram.

catching up on some thinking

 

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

It's always nice to sit with a cup of tea and catch up on some thinking. Or in my case, some drawing... ; )

a good read

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

It was so nice to see someone reading a book at a local cafe this morning. Instead of having their nose in their phone. When I first started drawing I captured people reading all the time. Now, it's a rare treat.

all these years

$80 - 8x10"original watercolour painting

Well, here's my first contribution to the #30x30DirectWatercolor2018 Challenge set my Marc Taro Holmes. 30 paintings for the month of June. I thought this sweet couple that I drew at an outdoor cafe would be a nice place to start. 

We'll see how I do with this very challenging challenge.

favourite hat

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

Well, it seems the 'hat wearers' just keep on coming. Today's cafe moment features 2 people in hats, which are such a treat to paint. I don't think this woman knew I was drawing her, she seemed more excited that we were all enjoying the Passion Iced Tea. Her friend included. His just peeks out from behind his arm. 

: )

OneWeek100People2018 Challenge

 I had a few moments at my last life drawing class to capture some fellow artists. And below, people reading at a local bookstore. : )

Well, it turns out 100 people is a lot! ; )
These sketches are part of a drawing challenge going on this week (there's still time to join in), set up my the awesome Montreal urban sketcher Marc Taro Holmes. Post your drawings of people, with the hashtag #OneWeek100People2018 ,on Facebook, Instagram, your blog, wherever! It's fun... even if you don't quite make it to 100 by Sunday. Drawings can be super small and/or loosey goose, like mine. Cheers and Happy Drawing.
p.s. ipad photos... ; b

winter walk

SOLD

$60 - 5x7"original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat. Ready to frame!

One of my favourite streets. I've walked it many many times and watched it change dramatically through the variations of the seasons. But, the trees are always there, standing proud.

sharing a piece of chocolate cake

$60 - original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat.

It's the holidays! I spent my first afternoon off at a cafe, drinking a hot chocolate and drawing some people. These two lovely women took a break from shopping to share a piece of chocolate cake. : )

Berczy Park's cat

8x10" watercolour
I spent Saturday with the Toronto Urban Sketchers over at Berczy Park. The city just finished renovating the triangular park. About 30 life size dog statues now surround, and swim in, the three tier fountain. As well, there is one cat. That's what the girl in my painting is looking at. I think I'll boost up the colour and line of the foreground cat so she's a little bit more noticeable. ; )
In the last photo the fountain turned on, which was a nice sudden surprise! We really wished it was on when we first got there... a good reason to go back and paint it again.

One Handed Palette and Water Holder!

My new watercolour palette and water cup holder. I saw one of these on Urban Sketchers, so I decided to make my own. : )

I got an inexpensive plastic corrugated board from the hardware store and flipped it over to use the back. I got plastic (not cardboard) so that it's WATERPROOF.

The water cup MUST have a lip on it. (dollar store)

Position the cup where you want it and trace it with a sharpie. Trace the BOTTOM of it! Make sure the hole is smaller than the lip.

I decided to cut a shape for the thumb hole on my palette too. (This is optional if you don't use a thumb hole.) A bulldog clip can hold your palette to the board.

 Ready to cut...

Cut with an X-acto knife. Ready to assemble...

I pushed the cup in only half way. Then added a bull dog clip, just for a little extra reinforcement. : )

 Don't forget the lid!

The space between the cup and palette holds an extra brush. 

All done. And my thumb fits into the hole perfectly so I can hold the board with one hand. This will work perfectly while I stand, or sit, when painting in life classes, urban sketching or plein-air painting. It's nice and light. Can't wait to try it out!

I've left an extra bit on the right so that I can clip a cloth/paper towel there.  Happy Painting Everyone!

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

sharing

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

I never tire of painting people at cafes. The goal is always to find two people who have interesting body language because they are actually taking and listening to each other, as opposed to people on their computers and phones. Not always easy to find these days.

snowy path

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

Finally! Lots of snow for me to paint! I love painting snow, it's nice and 'contrasty'.