Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Umbrellas on Spadina

12 x 12 oil on canvas
This is one of my favorite spots along Spadina Avenue. There are always interesting people with their umbrellas getting on and off streetcars. In this scene, the CN tower can be seen in the background. 

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Gros Horloge, Rouen, France

10 x 8 oil on panel
The city of Rouen in Normandy was another stop along the River Seine during my river cruise in France. It is famous for its large astronomical clock which dates from the fifteenth century. Most of the days were cloudy while I was in France, but on this day some rain fell (conditions I love but I'm sure most people would be disappointed) and created a great mood beneath the clock. As always in France, there was a cafe/restaurant nearby. 
I used the same colour palette I have been using lately: Ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, viridan, Alizarin, terra rosa, cadmium yellow deep, cadmium lemon, cadmium red, titanium white. I normally make my own yellow ochre which seems to be a required colour for stone buildings and the gold colour of the clock.
 

Monday, June 6, 2016

A trip to France

Au Vieux Paris D'arcole, Rue Chanoinesse
8x10 oil on Panel
In May, I had the opportunity to visit France. My sister and I took a Viking River Cruise from Paris to Rouen in Normandy and then spent 3 days in Paris. I had never been to Europe, and although I was somewhat familiar with the architecture and culture that I was excited to experience first hand, I was equally impressed with the countryside, lovely small towns, and history that goes with them. I was also amazed with the greenery and the parklands all over Paris. The chestnut trees were in bloom, and they could be seen everywhere, often trimmed and in rows. Such a feast for the eyes, and so much inspiration for an artist.
This restaurant was just around the corner from Notre Dame Cathedral on the Left Bank of the Seine. It was covered in wisteria, which luckily happened to be in full bloom!