Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Snow on Queen Street, Toronto

24x24 Oil on Stretched Canvas
When I did an 8x10 of this scene, I was planning to do a larger canvas. There are several challenges to painting larger. I find that the spontaneity of the smaller piece often gets lost when painting large.  I tend to overwork areas. Part way through this one, I went to the local art supply store and bought some LARGE brushes that I was desperately in need of.  Other challeges..winter trees are so hard!
I"m not sure if I am done. I can see from looking at the photograph that I need to soften some edges. I think the tree needs some softening with the blue of the sky. Also, I may need to soften the value of the girl in the foreground. Now on to something nice and small to reward myself!

14 comments:

Linda Popple said...

You really captured a cold day! Fantastic painting!

Pam Holnback said...

Great piece! I've been trying to do more large pieces lately. It is a challenge!! Large brushes really help!

LindaHunt said...

I Love this painting. Your captured the wintry day with all of its atmosphere and bluster. I enjoy working with large brushes also...

SUSAN RODEN said...

Working from small to large is such a difficult transition. Been scrolling up + down to see the difference between both Catherine and can't really say I love one more than the other. Think you handle both so very well.
(good point on using larger brushes - wish that worked with pastels)

Sarah said...

This is lovely Catherine. I know what you mean about working larger. I hardly ever do anything bigger than 8X10, but really want to try.

myra anderson said...

i think this is wonderful!

claire christinel said...

I find winter scenes so difficult to paint but you capture them perfectly. The aerial atmosphere in this painting is so perfect, the cold, moisture and subdued colour is captured beautifully. It's like you painted the air as it goes back in space.

Jan Yates, SCA, Canada said...

really like your varied edges and negative space in this one Catherine and echo the other comments re your atmosphere--as far as touching up the figure in the foreground i had a peek at your study and it looks like you just carried the pallet from the flyers on the pole into the figure, and the figure was softened so perhaps you are right--although it looks finished to me. The painting looks fresh/alive and not static in the least so you have succeeded. It's so funny you say it's challenging to work larger-I have the challenge in reverse-i hate using small brushes and when i have wee canvases i still pick up my #14 flat! I do know what you mean re retaining the spontaneity in a larger painting..it always amazes me the thought process/decision making/problem solving/self discipline that goes into each painting--and then to have to make it look effortless!

Edward Burton said...

This has such a wonderful atmosphere to it - you can definitely tell that it is cold. Beautiful painting, Catherine.

Eden Compton Studio said...

Just discovered your blog Catherine - love your cityscapes!

Montag said...

Wonderful Toronto winters...
I wrote a poem about it two Christmases ago. I love the turbid, cold margaritas of the salty Toronto winter streets!

(assuming there is plenty of salt used for de-icing in TO... I don't recall...)

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Hello Montag
Yes, there is plenty of salt! I will check out the poem.

Thanks everyone for your kind comments.

Lisa Daria said...

I like this a lot and I wouldn't change a think - LOVE the glow of the headlights and the street lights, the way you put the wires down and the brushwork - nice!

Liza Hirst said...

I agree with Lisa - it's great as it is.