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.

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!

tell me a story

SOLD

5x7"painting with 8x10"mat, ready to frame!

I loved painting this one. The woman on the left was really enjoying sharing her story with her friend, who sat perfectly still, riveted to every word her friend said. 

The people out the window are pencil marks left unpainted, a new approach that I think I'll keep experimenting with.

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! 

on holiday

Spent some time at a cafe doing a little people sketching. I used a 6B pencil. Both men were relaxed and I wanted to capture the way they were draped onto their chairs... hence the title of the painting.

Then I added a bit of line work, finding the darks with a Micron Brush pen. After a while, the main fellow put on a scarf which I happily added. 

And of course, I added watercolour. The thing that attracted me to the sketch in the first place was the way the hands, shoe and legs all lined up. It was like a game of Twister! Fun to draw. : )

sketchers enjoying the moment

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

Spent the day with the Toronto Urban Sketchers at an old downtown building, that is about to be demolished. The organizer of the group is putting together a book of our paintings, based on disappearing landmarks in Toronto. It's kind of a sad subject, but an important one.

late run

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Back from a wonderful loooonnggg vacation during one of the most fantastic summer's ever! It's been sunny with a cool breeze almost every day. Even the adorable dogs along the Humber River are enjoying it!

$50 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

pizza oven...mmm!

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I spent the day at the lovely Riverdale Farm which was originally the Toronto Zoo. This lovely stone pizza oven heats up yummy pizzas on Sundays at noon!

$50 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"matt.

Here I am on site painting it with my eyeshadow case watercolour kit.