quiet dignity

6x8" original gouache painting on toned paper

The Strathmore toned paper is wonderful to paint on however, for this piece, I decide to darken the background a bit with some lovely purple. I think it helps her white hair 'pop'. ; )

Portraits Workshop - APRIL 25, '20

SATURDAY APRIL 25, 2020!

I'll be teaching a Portraits Workshop here in Toronto with the Willowdale Group of Artists. I'm really looking forward to it. 

Here's the description - 

PORTRAITS

with Nora MacPhail

In this workshop we will explore an approach to portraits using an easy-to-remember way to block-in. This method includes using measurements for finding facial features, as well as using comparisons to find a likeness. Common mistakes and how to improve them will also be reviewed. No more struggling with egg heads and wonky eyes. ; ) 

I will do demos using photographs. Artist will be doing lots of drawing (bring your sketchbooks!) and we will be painting with watercolour. 

CONTACT ADELE - wgaworkshops@gmail.com

MEDIUM - Watercolour (and Drawing Materials).

PHOTOS - Bring your copyright free reference photos of adults (no children - those measurements are different). Try to find photos that are close ups of the head and shoulders with contrasting lighting. I will bring extra photos for participants to work from.

MATERIALS - 

Bring painting supplies you like and what you’re used to. Materials list is attached.

You can check out my work on Instagram at noramacphailart or my online art gallery at -  https://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/nora-macphail-1599

SEE YOU THERE!

calm

$60 - 6x8" original gouache painting on grey paper

Update - this painting is hanging in a show for the month of February.

It was wonderful to paint from life today. 

Lately I've been working from photos (from the awesome app 'sktchy') and it's a great way to learn. Taking that information and applying it to painting a live model has been the best way for me to progress. Back and forth, from photos to life... so far it fits!

I think I caught the calmness of this fellow artist!

jewels

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

This is my second recent portrait with a model wearing sunglasses. It's fun painting eyes behind colourful glass! 

Here's the original sketch. 

shades

 $80 - 6x8" original watercolour painting 
I think with all this oil and gouache painting, my watercolours process has changed. I can't quite put my finger on it, still mulling it over, but I certainly want more completion and depth from watercolour. Thick paint gives volume immediately so, I guess, I'm trying to 'flesh out' (pun intended) my watercolours.
Here's the charcoal drawing before painting. : )

upward

$60 - 5x7" original watercolour painting with 8x10" mat
I loved painting her eyes! And this time I added some greens to the shadows,  instead of using purple as I often do. 
Here are two more photos, including the original charcoal sketch on newsprint. Check out my Instagram account for even more!

a friendly face

$60 -8x10" original watercolour painting.

Lately, I've been missing watercolour. The look is so light and fresh. So, here's today's daily painting.

all together

$60 - 6x6" original oil painting on 1" deep panel.

I loved painting the little circles on the vase! This low strong lighting, (an idea I got from the awesome dailypainter Lisa Daria) is really cool. Such wonderful contrasts! Check out pics below...

friendship

$60 - 6x6" original oil painting on 1"deep panel.

These flowers/friends all have their own style and personalities. But they get along great!

(still a bit wet... shipped Jan 9, '20/sides painted yellow to match background)
Details -

father of the bride

$60 - 6x6" original oil painting on 1" deep panel

All the purple friends and guests are watching the big sunflower give away his daughter. ; )

(still a bit wet... shipped after Jan. 9, '20/sides painted same turquoise as background colour)
Details - 

and now it's time to put them away...

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

It's time to put away the ornaments... but New Year's is right around the corner!

snow gate

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

I often walk by this little courtyard with it's lovely archway. It's so cute and the recent snowfall makes it more beautiful than ever. I love how the snow contrasts the little black gate, perfect for pen and watercolour.

over the shoulder

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

Well, the last figure painting session of the year was today and I managed to capture this lovely little portrait of the model. Her melancholy expression matched mine as the last session came to an end. : )

snowy alley

SOLD

$80 - 5x7" original watercolour painting includes 8x10" mat
I love painting snow! I use a wonderful thick black pen to make strong interesting lines. It's nice and contrasty compared to the white snow. This little alley, with the snow on the bikes, just caught my eye.
Details -

I'll call you

$60 - 6x6" original oil painting with 1" deep painted sides

It's always nice to have a few white flowers mixed in with dark ones when painting a still life. These two are only a phone call away from each other. : )

Detail - 

party pack

SOLD

Next month I'll be seeing the awesome amazing Lisa Daria do a demo. I'm sooo excited! She's an incredible daily painter. Meanwhile, I'm brushing up (pun intended) on my 6x6" flower paintings in anticipation. Woo Hoo! 

Details - 

sunhat shadows

$200 - 8x8" original oil painting on 1" deep panel

Well, this girl was quite a challenge! I loved exploring the shadows falling over the top half of her face, and balancing it with the lights on her cheeks. Also, I worked with a green and purple palette which created some helpful guidelines. I'm very happy with her!

painted 1" deep sides