Monday, June 29, 2015

Bay Street Blues

14 x 14 oil on canvas paper
I've mentioned this before, but doing studies on paper allows me to get the information down quickly and helps me stay "loose" and less contrived. I think it has something to do with the fact that its only "paper" and therefore just a study. That said, I always like the way they turn out and wish I would have been so spontaneous on a canvas or board. I'll get there..sometime.... .
I'm looking forward to trying this on a larger scale.

Friday, June 19, 2015

College and Spadina

 30 x 40 oil on canvas
This painting is still a work in progress. At 30 x 40 inches it is taking longer than I had hoped, but one can't force it. It takes what it takes. I need to add some streetcar lines, its always risky doing this as they need to be present, but not draw attention to themselves.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Late Afternoon Shadows, Bay Street

8 x 10 oil on panel
When I do a study, I don't know if I will do a larger painting from it. I like the composition and the colours of this image, and so I think it will work well on a larger scale
.The  sunlight shining down Queen Street is reflecting off of The Old City Hall tower and spilling onto the adjacent towers. Suits head home after a day in the financial district.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Waiting For a Streetcar on Spadina

12 x 12 oil on canvas
Waiting for a streetcar on a rainy day on Spadina in Toronto.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Rain on Yonge Street, Dundas Square, Toronto

24 x 24 oil on canvas
It was quite a downpour when I took this reference photo. I looked so drenched, someone wanted to take my photo. I have to admit it. I love the rain, the moodiness it creates and the atmosphere. Dundas Square on Yonge Street is our version of Times Square in New York. It is much smaller, but is interesting nonetheless. Large signs change the colours in the street. The Ed Mirvish theatre, formerly the Canon is visible on the right.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Lunch Break, Bay Street at King

14 x 14 oil on paper
Sometimes I like to do studies on canvas paper. I often do a series of studies before I take on a larger painting. When doing an oil sketch, working on paper seems to allow me to maintain more looseness.
This scene is midday at Bay and King in front of the Bank of Montreal. (I don't have a thing for Don Draper of Madmen, but sometimes a similarity emerges).