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.

treat

SOLD

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

I saw this scene on my way home, as I was cutting down my favourite little lane. I stopped and drew it, although the man and his dog were long gone, putting them in from memory. They were both so cute. I'm sure the man enjoyed giving his dog the treat as much as the dog enjoyed receiving it. ; )

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 - 

hand in hand

$40 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat ready to pop into a frame.

Here's the drawing I drew while walking down the street. I added lots of watercolour once I got home. : )

past the hot dog stand

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

The walking while drawing sketches are so fun to do. I just draw what I see, impulsively, and hope it works out. Sometimes it does... sometimes it doesn't. Either way the line is nice and loose. At home, I add fresh watercolour.

; )

Tree Studies

A few long overdue tree studies.

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

hanging out on Sunday

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

Well, I think the title says it all.

through the garden gate

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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!

funny story

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

These women are sharing a good joke!

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.

capri pants

 I drew this cafe scene, on location, as an 11x14" painting designed for a 16x20" frame. I like all the open space. However, I'm considering framing it as an 8x10" painting, which would make it look like this:

or even like this...

Hmm. Any preferences?

anticipation

SOLD

This is my second painting done today with the Toronto Urban Sketchers, at the Leslieville Farmer's Market. I promised myself I'd do a painting capturing the people there. Then, once I arrived and set up, I lost focus with all the activity, people, food, kids, etc. and I tried to do a painting with everything in it! I mean everything! Needless to say, it didn't work. I think keeping it simple while on location is best for me, until I really get the hang of it. So, here's the second one, which I'm very pleased with. ; )

$100 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat
Painting box and close ups - 

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. 

just enjoying the day

I do enjoy drawing at cafes! 

$80 - 8x10"painting.

hidden door

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

Here's another one from Riverdale Farm. I saw this little hidden door and I thought it would be an interesting subject. I like paintings of door and/or windows. Below is a pic of my painting kit.

wee wee wee

$50 - 5x7"painting 

I went out plein-air painting with some friends to the Riverdale Farm which has the cutest little pigs. Super adorable! They were total sleepy heads... which made them a bit easier to capture with paper and paint.

Still working on how to paint bigger when out in the field.