I've discovered that flag studies are just as challenging, and fun, as figure studies. I drew these from the window of a second floor coffee shop. Happy Canada Day!
The spontaneity of life drawing is so wondrous. When you only have 20 minutes to finish a painting it turns out completely differently than if you had lots of time to think about it.
Last night's life drawing class. I worked with a 6B pencil and then added cadmium red and mineral purple to these 5 minute poses. I think I prefer them with a little bit of wild splatter (top one), it compliments the gesture aspect.
Our group art show went great today! There are about 20 artists in the show and we had a nice constant stream of visitors. The venue we use has wonderful high windows, 4 long walls and we set up cool colourful stands in the centre. I sold three paintings and a bunch of hand painted cards, including these two.
I drew this while walking down the street (looking for more motorcycles to draw actually!) and when this little pup passed me, I decided his name was Beans.
$50 - 5"x7" watercolour painting with 8"x10" matt.
I painted these motorcycles on site with my paint box on my lap. They caught my attention as they sat there, all in a row, waiting for me to paint their portraits.
When I get home from a life drawing session there is always a question of whether or not I should touch up my paintings. But I always decide not to since the painting experience for each piece is over now. It was done from life and it should remain so.
Painting this was such a battle! The Queen Victoria statue here in Toronto is actually black. The plan was to make her look like a statue, but all that dark bronze... ugg. So, I made up flesh colours as I went along and, typical of me, I got a little 'colour happy'!
I drew this at a cafe and then painted it once I got home. Since people move so quickly, I draw them one at a time. I finish drawing them just as they zoom off. Then I wait for the next person to come along, figure out where to put them in the composition, then draw them quick before they go. I wait for the next person, see where they fit in, and draw them quick. It's like putting people into the puzzle of a drawing! It's a great challenge.
Plein-air painting is a blast!! It's so challenging. I did a few paintings today with my new little box on my lap. It stays propped open and it holds everything perfectly. From a distance it just looks like I'm working on a laptop.
I'm in a group art show next month and we sell hand painted cards. The Strathmore Cards are great. Just slip your painting into the precut sleeve and it includes little sticky tabs so they stay put! 5"x7" Card and Envelope.
I am the Featured Artist at the Daily Paintworks News Blog this week! The interview questions really helped me think about my art, where I am and where I want to go.
A friend of mine at Trafalgar asked me to sit at their Italy Tour promotional booth and be a "Venetian painter", like on the streets in Italy. It was so fun! A few people came right up and said hello but mostly they just peeked over my shoulder.
I participated in the Forest Hill Art Show this weekend! There were about 20 artists and we had a steady stream of guests... and I sold 2 paintings! The masonite panels we use, which have holes for hooks, is a genius idea.
Today I decided to take on the challenge of working from a photograph. My three goals were, to add an interesting light source, give the background depth and have fun painting plaid.
Today I drew on 8"x10" watercolour paper instead of the usual discreet 5"x7" pad. Everyone was so involved with their book, computer or friends, they still didn't notice me drawing them!