Post Cards From the Hammer

Toronto Streetcar and Snow Storm, Queen and University

2012-01-11T15:28:00.001-05:00

11x14 oil on canvas

I'm getting ready to do a much larger version of this scene, so I decided to paint it again a little larger, making a few changes along the way. I added more color and a bit more detail. Its always difficult to know how far to go with color and detail, and of course the only way to find out how it looks is to paint it.

Toronto Streetcar, Snow on Queen

2011-12-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

8x10 oil on stretched canvas

The atmospheres and scenes that I choose to paint require the use of gray tones. I have been creating grays using different mixes. For this painting I used ultramarine blue mixed with transparent iron oxide for the main color scheme, and added white, cadmium red, and yellow ochre for highlights.

I purchased James Gurney's book "Color and Light". There is so much info in it, it is mind boggling. In his section on Grays and Neutrals he says "Grays or neutrals are the opposite of intense colors. We sometimes associate grays with blandness or dullness, but they are actually an artist's best friend. More paintings fail because of too much intense color rather than too much gray,"

Passengers board a Toronto streetcar on this blizzardy day.

Spadina and College Rain, Toronto

2011-12-14T10:00:00.003-05:00

6x6 oil on board

Spadina is a street full of eclectic stores, wonderful colors, lots of activity, and home to Toronto's Chinatown. This view features the corner of College and Spadina during a downpour in the fall. I am continuing to experiment with color palettes and in this picture I used Viridian, Ivory Black and white for the main background and added cadmium red, yellow ochre, and cadmium yellow as highlights.

After my show in July of this year, I chose to devote my time to family responsibilites and my art was set aside. It was an all encompassing path which didn't allow time to pick up a brush along the way, but it was a path that I needed and wanted to take. My beautiful wonderful mother passed away Nov. 20 after a difficult illness. I will cherish every moment I spent with her.

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

2011-07-06T07:54:00.000-04:00

I will be at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition this weekend in Booth 262 (white section near the cafe at City Hall.) Please stop by if you are in the area. I would love to meet you.

I have been busy with framing and finishing up some larger pieces, but I will be back with some new postings next week after the show. I'm also looking forward to visiting my fellow bloggers to see all the work I have missed during the last two weeks.

Heading Home, Union Station, Toronto

2011-06-29T16:36:00.002-04:00

24x24 oil on canvas Sold

This is another scene that I was hoping to get finished for the upcoming show. I don't think working under pressure helps creativity. All it does is create stress, but nonetheless, I am still enjoying the intense painting time. I hope to get back to some regular posting after the show.

I did this scene in a 12x12 a while back and wanted to do it on a larger scale. I hoped to keep the main structure of the scene and not work on too many details. When going up in size, its easy to start focusing on details rather than the shapes.

"Suits" head for the Go Train after a day at the office.

Bay Street Rain, Toronto

2011-06-24T21:10:00.001-04:00

24x24 oil on canvasSold

There is nothing like an upcoming show to get one motivated. There was a time when I came into the studio, checked mine and other blogs, and procarastinated a "little". Now I come in, pick up a brush, and get going. I have to say that I really enjoy the momentum and the production, even though it is sometimes exhausting.

I did a similar scene to this a while back, but wanted to revisit it in a square format. My focus this time was the streetcar tracks and cables. I think it is a little darker and drearier, reflecting our weather for the past week.

If you are in Toronto for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibiation, visit me at booth 262.

FAV 15% in the May Boldbrush competition

2011-06-19T09:23:00.017-04:00

12x12 oil on canvas

I am pleased that my painting "Movie Night at the Westdale Theatre" was voted into the FAV 15% in the May Boldbrush painting competition. You can view the FAV 15% paintings HERE.

6x6 oil on board

Here is another Toronto Streetcar using the Zorn palette with the addition of Viridian for some highlights. I like the misty rainy look that is possible with the limited palette. I also tried to incorporate more palette knife work and thicker paint. I often use a palette knife on certain areas of my work, but would like to incorporate it a bit more. For some great videos on painting with a palette knife, visit Tom Browns blog. He has several videos where he paints on a small scale using the palette knife only. You can visit his blog HERE

Taxis On Yonge Street, Toronto

2011-06-13T07:50:00.005-04:00

30x40 oil on gallery wrap canvas Sold

I previously did this scene 8x10 in acrylic (view it here) to get a sense of what it might look like on a larger scale. An obvious lesson I learned, is that you have to PAINT it on a LARGE scale if you want to know how it will look. There really are no shortcuts. And then I ask myself why I am doing this,(as I am covered in head to toe paint and the studio is a complete mess) and the answer is "because I have to" and also because the image is kind of fun and funky.

When painting on a large scale, I found it difficult to maintain the value study I did. The details try to sneak in. I had to repaint the middle and far distances three times.

This is Yonge Street in Toronto with the signature Taxicab colors dominating the foreground.

Toronto Streetcar 2

2011-06-07T15:10:00.002-04:00

12x12 oil on gallery wrap canvas Sold

I've been spending a lot of time getting paintings ready to take to the TOAE in early July. Varnishing, signing (I have a very bad habit of not signing them until I think they are done, and then I forget). I am also painting the sides of the gallery wrap canvas...a lot of work.
There are a few more pictures that I want to paint to take. I did a smaller version of this one, and would like to do a large (24x24) but decided to try the 12x12 first.

I used a version of the Zorn palette here, but added some viridian for a few highlights. I may do another 12x12 with a more extensive palette to decide which one to use for the 24x24.

Toronto's Painted Ladies

2011-06-04T21:00:00.004-04:00

6x6 oil on panel sold

The other day the forcast was for rain and more rain, so I grabbed my camera gear and headed into Toronto hoping to get some nice rainy shots of the Kensington Market area. As the train was pulling into the station, the rain stopped and I was left with a boring gray cloud cover. I decided to head over to the Kensington Market area anyway, took in the Art Gallery of Ontario (more on that later) and then wandered around the streets between the University of Toronto, Kensington Market and Dundas Street. There are some wonderful Victorians here, some in a state of desrepair, some fixed up nicely, and many of them painted in unique colors. They are surrounded by fences, gates, and overgrown gardens. As I wandered around, the sun would peak out every now and then, and shine through the many lush chestnut trees that lined the streets. I'll get that rain another day.

6x6 oil on canvassold

Just For Laughs, Yonge Street, Toronto

2011-05-31T21:23:00.004-04:00

24x24 oil on canvas Sold

Thanks everyone for your great comments regarding realism vs impressionism. Reading through them, I realize that I am a little "uptight" in my approach to painting and need to relax a little and not worry so much about a distinct style. There were some thoughtful comments about letting the subject decide, and also to possibly incorporate both styles. A quick read through them will reveal some choice tidbits of insight well worth taking to heart.

I will be exhibiting at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition again this year and if you are in the area July 8,9,10 you can find me at Booth 262.

The banners advertising the "Just For Laughs" show influenced my title choice for this painting of Yonge Street in Toronto. The Hard Rock Cafe is visible under the Expedia sign.

Your opinion needed:Realism vs impressionism

2011-05-25T16:44:00.004-04:00

16x20 acrylic on canvas

8x10 oil on canvas

Renovations, family responsibilities (sandwich generation), and yard work have kept me away from the studio. I don't know what happens when I am away, but when I come back, I feel that I have lost my way. I question my goals and where I want to be artistically. I used to paint realistically, doing commission work. Like many other artists out there in the blogosphere, I am now trying to learn to paint more "painterly" with looser more expressive brush strokes and a more spontaneous look. Sometimes though, I miss painting those wonderful details. I used to have confidence when I approached a painting. Now everything is a learning experience and struggle.

How many of you out there struggle with the transition from realism to impressionism? Or do you find it difficult to "loosen" up in your work. Why is this so difficult to do?

I did this painting of a Maine Coon cat on a marble fireplace about 5 years ago. Below it is a scene from Dundas that I did today. The lilac bush and mauve colored car caught my eye as the evening sun created long shadows. The house had some great green shutters and door.

Bloor Street Market, Toronto

2011-05-13T17:57:00.000-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

I needed a break from large, rainy, and complicated and this proved to be just what I needed. I took this photo the other day in Toronto. Its still a little early for planting, but a few markets had pansies and a few other items for sale. Early afternoon isn't the best time for photos, but there was a slight overcast haze that helped the atmosphere.

This is Bloor Street West in Toronto.

Yonge Street Rain, Toronto

2011-05-13T17:51:00.001-04:00

24x24 oil on canvas

This is the third time I have attempted this scene, and it didn't get any easier. I wanted to do it larger than previously, and as usual, my bad habits came into play. I grabbed the smaller brushes and started doing details. Then, having to be away from the studio for a day, most of the paint dried so I had to remix all the colors. I made sure at that point to keep all the small brushes far away. (Why does the need to do realism keep sneaking back into my style) I did an acrylic sketch of this scene to see how far I wanted to go with the colors. I still subdued them a bit, and the oil allowed for more blending. This is probably the last time I will visit this particular scene, although Yonge Street is still a favorite spot for me.

The store in the foreground is called Pia Pia Fashion Boutique, and some letters of the Zanzibar club sign are just visible next to the yellow canopy sign. This is Yonge Street in Toronto.

Movie Night at the Westdale Theatre

2011-05-04T20:11:00.001-04:00

12x12 oil on canvas sold

This painting was challenging for several reasons. There were too many colors, so I was concerned about maintaining color harmony. I could have chosen a limited palette, but all of the sparkly lights of this old movie theatre and the lights of the stores were a big part of the attraction for me. Using more colors than I normally do, I also worried about having the road turn into a mud color.

This theatre dates from the 1930's and is one of the few, if not the only, theatre of its era still in use in Hamilton. Next to it is the Bean Bar, a great coffee place.

Toronto Street Car on Dundas

2011-05-02T14:55:00.003-04:00

8x8 oil on canvas sold

I would like to thank everyone for their insightful comments on my previous posting. I really enjoyed reading about other artist's color choices. I even heard from two writers who had some great things to say. So again, thank you!

We are back doing some renovations on our little stone cottage, and so the studio was out of commission for a few days. I thought I would get back into painting with this little picture of Dundas Street in Toronto on a rainy day.

To bid on this painting, you can go to the ebay auction HERE

I need your input and opinions!

2011-04-27T11:25:00.002-04:00

12x12 acrylic on stretched canvas

I have been doing some experimenting with color, using limited palettes. I want to find a color scheme that works best for the urban images I like to paint. I tried the Zorn palette with a sunny city scene, and found it very limiting. So then I thought I would do the opposite, and try a picture in acrylics, using several different colors. I like to use acrylics from time to time...I like the fast drying time, the glazing one can do almost immediately, and the quick changes that can be made.

I would love to hear your opinion about your choice of color. Do you always use the same colors? Do you change for different types of images? Do you like a limited palette or a wide variety of colors? Your information will help me in my quest to find out how different color palettes influence the look of a painting. Thanks!

Oil Sketch of Queen Street in Toronto using the Zorn Palette

Taxis at the Go Station, Toronto

2011-04-20T10:29:00.002-04:00

12x12 oil on canvas

In the previous posting, using the limted palette, I was able to convey a gray misty feeling. The challenge with this picture was to convey the same feeling even though I was adding more colors. I knew it would be difficult to maintain "color harmony" with the variety of colors in my photo reference and I didn't want to change the taxi color as it is typical Toronto colors. I did tone down the colors of the taxi in the foreground, and kept the greens of the trees muted. I'm still wondering if it looks too bright for a rainy day.....so complicated!

Taxis wait at Union Station in Toronto for pedestrians escaping from the rain, while others head down the stairs to catch the Go Train.

"Zorn Palette" Landscape

2011-04-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

I used the "Zorn Palette" to do this cityscape. I think this palette will work well for rainy misty scenes. I like the look it created, but I found myself reaching for the blue, which wasn't there. I was surprised that I could mix a sort of green color using ivory black and yellow ochre.

This scene is from James Street North in Hamilton. Cars head down hill, under the TH&B railway bridge, going north towards the bay. I may try a larger painting using this palette.

The "Zorn Palette"

2011-04-16T14:29:00.001-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

While reading blogs and other internet info, I often come across what is called the "Zorn Palette". It consists of Ivory Black, Virmillion (or cad red or cad red lt), yellow ochre, and white. The artist Anders Zorn apparently used this palette. Differing opinions suggest he used this palette for landscape, others say he used it for figures. There is also the opinion out there that he rarely used this palette, and had several colors in his studio. Regardless, I want to try a few paintings using the palette he is known for.

I spent a lot of time learning and discovering values, and now I am delving into color. I want to find out how different palettes affect the look of our work.

I used a photo on my monitor as a reference to do a painting of my daughter. I used ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light. It was difficult not being able to paint her turquiose blue eyes and the matching blue shirt, but thats the beauty of this palette. Not overdoing the details or color.

It has been a very long time since I have done a portrait, but thought it was time.

I'm off to try a landscape using this palette. Give it a try!!

James Street Showers, Hamilton Ontario

2011-04-14T16:08:00.001-04:00

12x12 oil on canvas

The colorful buildings in the background on this section of James Street added some interesting colors on this rainy day. The cyclist, on his commute home, also added a nice focal point. We don't have this much greenery yet, but a couple of weeks should see the soft green buds on the trees. I think this will be one that I want to try on a larger scale.

Plein Air, Dejardin Canal, Dundas

2011-04-12T18:29:00.003-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas panel

With renovating and spending time with my mother, my studio time has suffered lately. So I'm taking the opportunity to use the small blocks of time to do some more plein air work. I think that working plein air helps our observation skills and teaches (forces?) us to say what we want to say in a faster more spontaneous fashion. I did this picture a couple of days ago on a breezy rainy day. I couldn't figure out why the paint wouldn't go on, and then realized the canvas was covered in a layer of water. Still struggling!

This is a piece of the Dejardin Canal that once connected Dundas to Lake Ontario. The canal was a great plan, and supposed to make Dundas the manufacturing centre in 1850, but then the railway came, and Hamilton took over the limelight.

April Showers, Yonge Street, Toronto

2011-04-09T16:29:00.006-04:00

12x12 oil on canvas

Spring is finally making an appearance here in southern ontario. Almost time to put the snow shovels away, although snow in April isn't unheard of. I was anxious to get back to some rainy scenes. I want to do some larger pieces so will be doing some 12x12 to decide which ones will translate well into some larger canvases.

I love this corner of Yonge Street. It is so busy, lots of different signage, and nice blue buildings in the background.
(I was unhappy with the photo I took of this picture. It came out looking very orange. I changed the white balance setting and it worked out much better. I have been using the "shade" setting rather than the Auto and it has been working well, but with this one, change was required. I don't know a lot about photography, but the white balance setting makes an important difference in getting colors correct.)

Plein air paintings, Dundas

2011-04-06T17:38:00.005-04:00

March 26 Waterfall behind the quarry houses

Mar 18 Birches and Path on the sandhill

Mar 24 Looking toward Hamilton from the sand hill

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March 18 Looking towards the golf course from the sandhill

3x5 water color and gouache on watercolor paper

I am primarily a studio painter, but I want to incorporate some plein air painting into the mix. I would like to have a small kit to take along if I am away from the studio and want to do some quick studies. I was really impressed with Nathan Fowkes and the method he uses. He is truly a master at creating light and drama with simple shapes and quick studies. He uses water color and designers gouache, a little easier than everything needed for oil painting. His painting kit is described HERE . He shows demos on his blog, and if you follow along and do one, you get the idea of how he is using the paint in almost an oil painting method.

Most of these scenes are within 15 minutes walking distance from my house. I want to do some urban scenes, but I am still too shy to get out in the streets..I need a little practice in more secluded locations before I am brave enough to tackle some urban scenes. Is there a way to overcome this shyness?

Plein Air Painting-Stone House in Greensville

2011-04-04T22:04:00.002-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas panel

I wasn't sure if I should post this picture. I struggled with the color palette I chose, it started to pour rain, and the whole experience was quite difficult. I have been wanting to do some plein air work, especially on the days when I don't have a large block of time for studio painting and today I felt like getting outside.

I used Kevin Macpherson's palette when doing this picture. He uses a limited palette of cadmium yellow pale, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. I read about this palette while looking at Rene Pleinair's blog. Rene recently joined our group "daily painter originals". I have often enjoyed looking at Renee's work and noticed that the landscape of the Netherlands looks a lot like the area where I live. I decided to try the palette he uses, based on Kevin Macpherson. People say using a limited palette is easy. I found it very difficult mixing all those grays from so few colors!.

This old stone house is in Greensville, a small town next to mine. This house has sat in a state of desrepair for several years, but someone seems to be living there still.

Umbrellas on Yonge Street

2011-04-02T17:07:00.003-04:00

8x8 oil on stretched canvas

I got a little impatient and decided it was time to do a rainy scene. It actually felt like spring today! Canadians are a versatile bunch. One day of warm weather, and all of a sudden bicycles, motorcycles, and warm weather gear are seen everywhere.

These young ladies and their jumble of umbrellas head down Yonge Street in Toronto on a rainy day. Shopping must go on, whatever the weather.

$125.00 plus $10.00 shipping

If you would like to bid on this painting you can go to the ebay auction page HERE
Thanks for looking

Richmond Street Snow Banks, Toronto

2011-03-31T12:40:00.001-04:00

24x24 Oil on canvas

As much as I like the abstract shapes and lines of snow banks, and tracks in the snow, I think I am ready for some warmer weather and a good rain to wash away the salt crusted snow that lingers on. I will look forward to getting back to some rainy scenes.

I wasn't sure about the composition of this piece with the one ray of strong light and the car in the middle, but I think the orange and yellow and the figure on the right has taken the eye away from the car. The snow bank may need some work, but I was afraid to overwork it and lose the dark value.

I am the type of person who likes to set goals. They are somewhat haphazard goals, and often get worked on in the same way. I am trying to get at least ten 24x24 paintings done to take to the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition this summer (if I get in) and also to start submitting to galleries. I have been waiting on contacting galleries because I want to make sure that I feel ready to start getting my work out there. Sometimes we get too anxious.

Toronto Streetcar and March Sun

2011-03-28T15:02:00.001-04:00

12x12 oil on gallery wrap canvas Sold

When taking photos, I think the general theory is that the best time to take them is before 10 A.M. or after 2 P.M. The light and the colors are much rich at these times. I took this photo around 4 P.M. and I liked the contrast between the dark buildings and the light coming around the corner.

This is a "double" Toronto Streetcar, at the corner of St. Patrick and Queen Street.

Winter's Last Hurrah

2011-03-24T11:02:00.001-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

After nature gave us several hopeful glimpses of spring with warmer weather and some rain, this is what we woke up to yesterday. School buses cancelled, some businesses closed. Nature has to let us know who is boss.

This was a difficult picture with so much gray, and very little in defining images. The whole scene was pretty much mid value. Not really a pretty picture, but then, it wasn't a pretty picture for anyone who had to face the onslaught of winter one more time.

This is King Street in Dundas, after plows and salters created a path for drivers.

Orange and Blue, King Street, Toronto

2011-03-22T17:27:00.006-04:00

24 x24 oil on canvas

This painting was quite a bit more complicated than I planned on. I think I will have to tackle the foreground when I have a bit more energy. I'm a little disappointed with the lack of brush work showing. Getting dramatic brush work is a challenge for me. I don't know if it is fear of putting it on nice and thick and having it look horrible, or maybe just not knowing how. Blogs, besides being entertaining are such a good source of information. I have discovered so much about art by watching process videos and by discovering new artists from blog lists. Another artist I hope to learn from is Barry John Raybould. He has a virtual art academy that looks very interesting. In the introduction to his brushwork course he says:

"Brushwork is another of those things (like hue changes across a form) that separates the really great painters from the rest of us. Exciting brushwork adds interest and vitality to your painting, and is what makes a painting a “painting” and not a photograph.

On another note, I submitted a small painting to DailyPaintWorks challenge. The theme for this week is "Home" and I don't think anything says home like a porch, a wicker couch, and a cat curled up in his favorite spot. All of the proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to the Red Cross in Japan. To see the entries for the challenge and to bid on a painting go HERE

March Commute, Toronto

2011-03-18T12:07:00.003-04:00

12x12 oil on gallery wrap canvas

Toronto cyclists are a determined group. They ride all winter long, no matter the weather. This cyclist rides down King Street on a late afternoon in March.

Recently I discovered the artist Colley Whisson (before I saw his work on Lines and Colors) and I bought his book "Impressionist Painting Made Easy". I was intrigued by his energetic brush work, and the looseness of his scenes, so I had to see how he did it. The book is quite reasonably priced and can be bought off of his web site, and shows several paintings from start to finish. Its worth it if you are trying to "loosen" up in your work. How did we all get so "tight" anyway? Maybe starting out in commercial art?

Slide Show Demo for "March Reflections"

2011-03-13T09:18:00.001-04:00

This is my first slideshow showing several steps of painting "March Reflections". I apologize for some glare on the canvas as I photographed my work. I like to have a fairly accurate drawing when I start, even though I will lose most of the lines as I fill in with paint. The final picture in the slideshow is better quality, as I took it when it was off the easel and out of the glare.

My palette for this picture is diox purple, transparent red iron oxide, cobalt blue, cadmium red, phthalocyanne green, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, cad yellow deep, titanium white, ivory black.

The slideshow can be seen on the Daily Painter Originals video website HERE

Or on youtube HERE

March Reflections, Toronto

2011-03-11T16:46:00.001-05:00

12x12 oil on canvas Sold

I am a member of Daily Painter Originals, and besides being an online gallery, we also produce videos or slide shows to show the process of our work. I admit to not being much of a techie, but I thought I would give it a try. As I painted this picture, I would stop at different points and take a picture. My son, the in house techie, came into the studio and said "Mom, why don't you put the camera on a tripod and have it set to take a picture every five minites or so (can my camera do THAT? apparently) As it turns out, all the pictures I took will be of varying sizes, but I will attempt the slide show and report back.

I drone on and on about values, and this picture had several challenges. The building on the far right is yellow, but it is in the shade, so it needs to be a cool color since my light source is warm. I mixed a melange of colors that included diox purple, cad red, yellow ochre, and others and came up with this color. Still dark and still cool. As I was painting this picture, I thought it would have made a good abstract subject.

Check out several Daily Painter Original videos HERE. My fellow artists are much better at this stuff than I am.

March Thaw, Queen and Spadina

2011-03-09T20:58:00.001-05:00

12x12 oil on stretched canvas

At this time of year, we hope for spring. But March can bring anything...snow storms, rain, or warm summer-ish weather. In this scene, the left over snow mixed with salt and dirt is melting, creating a mess on the streetcar tracks as young ladies make their way across the street after work on a March afternoon.

Dinner at Adega?

2011-03-04T16:56:00.005-05:00

6x6 oil on canvas panel

I ordered some canvas panels online and tried one today for the first time. I couldn't seem to get the paint to work. The surface was very rough, the paint seemed to disappear, and the overall look was dull. I tried adding linseed oil to my paint, and that didn't work. Finally I grabbed a knife, and slapped it on. I may not use these surfaces very often unless I recoat with more gesso.

The painting was challenging because the light was uninteresting. The whole scene was in shade, but I was attracted to the stucco orange/yellow wall and red fabric canopy.

Two young ladies walk past The Adega Resaurant on Elm Street in Toronto.
For some reason, pictures are not showing up on my blog list. If anyone knows how to fix this, I would appreciate the info.

King Street Shops, Toronto

2011-03-01T13:51:00.001-05:00

12x12 oil on stretched canvas

There is the accepted theory that when you have warm light, you have cool shadows. And if it is cool light, then warm shadows. This made it very difficult to paint the nice yellow canopy in the top corner that was in the shade. How does one cool down yellow? I tried it in varying ways...adding purple or red..and then tried a yellow/green mix and it seemed to work. Often when things don't work, it is because the temperature is wrong. Art can be so complicated.

Toronto Facade

2011-02-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

6x6 oil on gessoboard

In downtown Toronto, there is a great mix of old and new. This block of lovely buildings has been beautifully restored. I think it is on Wellington Street near Yonge.

This small painting is being offered for sale on ebay and if you wish to go to the auction page to place your bid, you can click HERE

$100 plus $10.00 shipping

Winter Sun, Yonge and Dundas, Toronto

2011-02-24T15:41:00.000-05:00

24x24 oil on stretched canvas

This is a very "busy" city intersection.There is a lot going on...billboards, signs, cars, people, and different and weird buildings. I don't know why these scenes attract me and why I take on the challenge of painting them. Throughout the painting process, I definitely go through a love/hate relationship with the picture.

In this scene, the late afternoon light creates many different highlights that reflect off of each other. There is almost darkness, and at the same time, light that is almost blinding reflects off of the snow.

Massey Hall, Toronto

2011-02-21T12:48:00.004-05:00

6x6 oil on gessobord

Massey Hall was built in 1894 as a Music Hall, and is still used for music performances. It is a great place, full of character. Jazz lovers who are familiar with the Dizzy Gillespie, Charley Parker Recording, Live at Massey Hall...well, this is where it happened in 1953.

I took this picture on Shuter Street in Toronto.
If you are interested in this paintng, you can click here to go to the ebay auction page where you will have the opportunity to place your bid. Thank you for looking!
Check out my website at www.catherinejeffreystudio.com

Queen Street Shoppers, February

2011-02-17T08:05:00.001-05:00

6x6 Oil on board

Queen Street in Toronto is an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants, usually in the original architecture. When the sun came out after our recent snow storm, I grabbed my camera and went in to get some photos. I liked the way the sun peaked around this corner building, highlighting these young ladies as they shopped on Queen Street. The light posts are always covered in signs, adding some color and interest.

If you would like to bid on this painting, you can go to the ebay auction page by clicking HERE.

Snow on Queen Street, Toronto

2011-02-15T10:19:00.000-05:00

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!

Queen and St. Patrick, Toronto

2011-02-12T10:56:00.001-05:00

6x6 oil on board

I was able to spend some time in Toronto, and took lots of photos. The city provides so much food for the senses. There are so many shapes, textures and colors. There is lots of activity going on, even on the coldest or snowiest days. Its exciting being there, taking it all in, and hoping that I can capture even a small portion of what it has to offer. And of course, the architecture is stunning.

This small painting shows the corner of St. Patrick and Queen, on a cold crisp February day. I plan to do a larger version of this scene.

$100.00 plus $10.00 shipping
If you would like to bid on this painting, you can go to the ebay auction page HERE.

Waterdown Victorian

2011-02-11T08:40:00.001-05:00

6x6 Oil on canvas

Cold cold weather and bright sunshine add atmosphere to this house in Waterdown, a great victorian town up the hill from Dundas.
$100.00 email for information

Ancaster Church

2011-02-09T14:50:00.000-05:00

6x6 oil on board

I love these old stone churches. Architecturally, they are quite magnificent buildings. This stone church is in Ancaster, a town very close to mine. The wrought iron fence in the foreground seemed to bring it all together.

$100.00 plus $10.00 shipping

February Sun, James Street Hamilton

2011-02-07T15:03:00.000-05:00

16x20 Oil on Stretched Canvas

I knew what I liked about this piece when I started it, but as I worked on it, I realized how complicated it was. Most of the painting was about problem solving. Keeping the temperature of the shadows consistent was a challenge. And keeping detail at a minimum was important. This is one that will have to sit in the studio for a bit while I decide if it needs much tweaking. For now, I need a break from it.

Snow on Queen, Toronto

2011-02-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

8x10 oil on canvas

We recently had the biggest snow storm of the year ( so far). As far as severe storms go, it was fairly tame. We had white outs, and school closures, but didn't get what was forcasted. It still created a lot of great snowy scenes. In this painting, young woman waits to get on a streetcar on Queen Street in Toronto.

A fellow blogger asked me what my palette is for my rainy and snowy scenes. Lately I have been using Diox purple, Transparent red iron oxide, cadmium red, cadmium yellow dark, yellow ochre, Ultramarine blue, and sometimes a little ivory black.

Snow Banks, McMurray Street, Dundas

2011-02-02T17:36:00.001-05:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas

Fresh snow after a snow storm is illuminated by morning sunshine on McMurray Street in Dundas.

Dundas was once a manufacturing community before Hamilton became the larger city and took over. Dundas is mostly a bedroom community, but still has pockets of industry. This street leads to a manufacturing company that has been inexistence since 1840.

I was asked in the previous comments if I always use a limited palette. For sunny pictures, I usually use the limited palette mentioned in the previous post. For this picture, I added cadmium yellow light to mix the color required for the turquoisy/blue sky.

(I felt the snow banks were painted with too sharp edges, so I softened them and retook the photo.)

Sunlit Street, Dundas

2011-01-30T17:24:00.001-05:00

8x10 oil on Canvas

It was bright and sunny today and it usually means that colder weather is on its way. I started this painting by doing a quick sketch from a photo, painting in the darkest darks, coating the canvas with transparent red iron oxide and a little diox purple. I then painted it with a palette of permanent alizarin, ultramarine blue,cobalt blue, cadmium red, cadmium yellow dark, titanium white. I constantly study other artist's work to discover how they get their pictures to look a certain way. This palette is similar to Jennifer Mcchristian's plein air palette: white, cad yellow medium, cad red, alizarin, ultramarine blue, and yellow ochre. Indian yellow and sometimes thalo red rose as an underpainting. (I read this in an older post, so I'm not sure if she still uses this)

This painting is a street in Dundas near University plaza.

Messy Commute, Dundas On

2011-01-29T12:00:00.002-05:00

8x10 Oil on canvas

Snow in southern ontario cities is "idyllic" for about one day. After the cars, plows, and salters are done with it, it is a messy dirty soupy mixture. I like "monotone" scenes, but I knew this one would be difficult. As I painted, I realized that this misty snowy day was loaded with subtle color. The challenge was to maintain the misty feel, while adding just the right amount of color. A challenge I need to work on.
These cars are heading west on King Street in Dunda Ontario, stopped at the lights on Cross Street.
$150 plus $10.00 shipping

Sun after Snow, Dundas Ontario

2011-01-25T18:25:00.001-05:00

8x10 oil on Canvas board

This is an oil sketch that I tried to complete in an hour. I wanted to keep it loose and not labour over details. I took this photo the morning after a big snow storm. This scene is from a house on Melville Street in Dundas.

My new computer finally arrived and after fighting with the set up, I think everything is good to go. I would just like to say that I hate computers..(.not really) but they are such a pain. It is definitely much faster than my poor old dying one...and with all the paraphenalia that comes with blogs and web sites, the speed is necessary when perusing various sites.

Late Afternoon Traffic, James Street Hamilton

2011-01-23T13:06:00.001-05:00

16x20 oil on canvas

We have had some extremely cold weather lately, -9 F...really cold for southern Ontario. (I know you folks in Alberta and Manitoba get this all the time) I froze my hands when I took this photo, thank goodness there are several Tim Hortons around to duck into for a coffee.

This scene shows traffic heading south on James Street, ready to go under the T H and B railway tracks and then head up the mountain. These cold crisp days bring lots of sunshine.

Sun and Snow, John Street Hamilton

2011-01-19T10:45:00.000-05:00

6x6 Oil on Board

At this time of year, a day of sunshine is a welcoming and rare occasion. Most often sunshine is associated with very cold temperatures. I like this colorful block if buildings on John Street in Hamilton. The salt that we put on the roads melts the snow and ice and allows for great reflections.

A nonstop parade of family visitors and a dying computer have kept me from painting, posting, and visiting my fellow bloggers. My new computer was due to arrive a week ago, but I am still waiting! I will make the rounds and visit as soon as I can. Presently, it takes about 10 minutes for a blog to load.

Thank you all for your comments on my previous post. They are always so inspiring.

Snow Plow on King, Dundas

2011-01-04T19:46:00.000-05:00

8x10 oil on canvas

This is a painting from last years snow storm. We haven't had any really dramatic storms yet...so we don't have a lot of snow on the ground. I love a good storm...everyone gets to stay home if it arrives at the right time. Down south, if a freak storm hits a city, the city pretty much shuts down. Here, with a forecast of snow, our plows are ready to go, day and night.

Joseph Webster House, Dundas

2011-01-03T17:11:00.003-05:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas

I am fascinated with light and how it affects the surrounding areas. I would like to learn how to do nocturnes in a variety of settings. It was late afternoon when I took this photo of the Joseph Webster House, a beautiful historical stone house on the outskirts of Dundas. I wanted to change the scene to an evening view and so I looked at Marc Hanson's blog for ideas. He did a series of nocturnes and shares several ideas on the subject. Well worth looking at. On his side bar, you can find the nocturn postings and also a reference to his web site to see them all.
Click Here to go to the ebay auction page

Waiting For Timbits

2010-12-31T14:22:00.002-05:00

6x6 oil on board Sold

I spend a lot of time at Tim Hortons coffee shops, drinking coffee and buying Timbits for our dog Bailey. I meet a lot of nice dogs there, and the other day I met Maggie, a beautiful Golden Retriever. She was waiting very patiently for her snack. (She was at the other Tims, but I liked the setting of this one better...artistic license!)

At the eve of this new year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of you out there in our virtual community for your wonderful comments, for taking the time to look at my art now and again, and for turning the sometimes solitary experience of being an artist into one of sharing and community. You often provide the motivation and inspiration to continue on.

Have a Wonderful New Year, and all the best for 2011

Click Here to go to the ebay auction page to place your bid

Digging Out, Dundas

2010-12-28T17:33:00.000-05:00

8x10 oil on canvas panel

Everyone seems to be buried under a lot of snow, so I thought this would be a fitting piece to celebrate the "winter wonderland". We don't have this much snow here in Dundas...this is a scene from another similar snowfall. I don't usually use a "spatter" method to show snowflakes, but I wanted to have a little fun with this one.

Spencer Creek, Dundas

2010-12-27T13:30:00.001-05:00

6x8 oil on canvas panel-plein air

For some reason, the idea of getting outside and painting has been lurking in my mind. Why I get the urge when it is -8 C (about 17 F) outside I don't know. Perhaps its the anticipation of a new year and the need to try something new and hopefully learn something new. I did learn several things: buy wool socks and gloves, bring hot coffee, remember that the wind can blow things around, keep it simple. I'm not sure if I am happy with the result, but its rewarding to accomplish what I set out to do.

This little scene is of a creek that flows through Dundas, about 5 blocks from my house.

Clearing the Way for Coffee

2010-12-21T17:54:00.003-05:00

8x10 oil on canvas Sold

Holiday chores have definitely gotten in the way of painting, so here is a painting from last years snow storm. It seemed kind of fitting for today. Shop....go for coffee...shop...go for coffee. At least part of the day was fun.

The Deluxe Remembered, Dundas On

2010-12-14T14:59:00.002-05:00

16x20 Oil on Canvas

I love old buildings and the atmosphere they create. Until a year ago, this great restaurant stood as it always has since the 1940's. The Lee family owned it, and they never closed. Their wonderful diner style furniture was made in Dundas for them when they opened. In the early seventies, Mr. Lee passed away. Mrs. Lee closed the doors, left everything untouched, and lived up stairs. The same juke boxes were at each table, the same cigarettes at the counter, the same old cash register. We used to peer into the windows to look at this great old place. Mrs. Lee lived to be 103, and when she died, her Grandson rented the place for movie shoots. Robin Williams was here to make a movie (our town is sometimes called Hollywood North) And then, a new restaurant opened. The furniture ripped out, and the diner was gone. I know change has to happen. I just don't like it.

Snow Train, Dundas Ontario

2010-12-13T13:11:00.002-05:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas

I often cross these tracks while walking our dog Bailey. There are places where the edge of the gorge by the stream is too close to the tracks, leaving little room to pass by. With this fresh dusting of snow, I had to get this photo as the train went by. Looks as though winter is finally here in Southern Ontario.
click on picture to see enlarged version

Wet Snow, Back Alley, Toronto

2010-12-12T09:56:00.001-05:00

24x24 oil on board

I often mention Richard Schmid. He seems to be an artist who never compromises, and who paints from the soul. I like the way he writes about art in a no nonsense way. I found one of his earlier books from the 1970's in the library. He discusses several ways to start a painting and he demonstrates most of them. Unfortunately this book is not available unless you can pay a lot of money on amazon for the few copies around. The one from my library has also disappeared.

Starting a painting is a difficult decision. I spend a lot of time experimenting with different ways to begin a painting. I like what Schmid calls the "Full-Value monochrome Wash" He says in the book,"This is a nice, safe way to handle complicated subjects when brilliant color is not particularly important. The turpentine wash can be carried to various extremes. If a bit of clean color is added during the rendering, it can be an end in itself-a finished painting in transparent paint."

I loved this back alley scene behind P.J. O'Briens Pub off of Leader Lane in Toronto.The reflections from the wet snow gave it more interest. After doing the wash in payne's gray with a little black added, I decided to leave it alone, deciding whether to leave it as a painting in transparent paint.

Late Night Shopping, King Street, Hamilton

2010-12-06T17:05:00.003-05:00

8x10 acrylic on board

This is acrylic painting number three. Painting in acrylics is certainly a different process than painting in oil. Jan Yates, a fellow blogger (check out her wonderful paintings here) leaves great comments. She commented on my last painting "These acrylics are very lively--are you working in quicker motion w acrylic? more of an immediate feeling."
I think that I approach oil painting with more fear...I am learning so much as I go and I wonder if the next brush stroke is going to ruin the picture...but with acrylics, I'm not concerned with the outcome. I just paint and have fun. Will I ever get there with oils?

I am going to do this same scene in oil and compare the difference.

Taxis on Yonge, Toronto

2010-12-05T08:42:00.002-05:00

8x10 acrylic on panel Sold

Another acrylic scene. Sometimes I get on a tangent, and have to get it out of my system. I want to see how much pure color I can add to the scene, without losing the mood, and apply this to my oil paintings. Somehow it seems easier to experiment with acrylic paints. I think my Nov 30 post "November Rain" could use some more pure color highlights. Still debating if I should change the painting.

The signature colors of Toronto's Beck Taxi are in the foreground.

Yonge Street Traffic

2010-12-03T08:17:00.004-05:00

8x10 acrylic on panel

I painted in acrylics for years, mostly for realistic detailed work. I'm enjoying the oils and learning all about the process, but for some reason I felt like a change. Sometimes after doing a large painting, I want to try something a little different. So, I got out my acrylics and tried using them in a looser more spontaneous style. I used a brush to lay down most of the underpainting, and then used a palette knife to add thicker paint. I would have liked to have gone even thicker, but maybe next time. I did have some fun.

On another note, this past weekend I met Kim Rempel, a fellow member of Daily Painter Originals. It is so great to meet people in the real world! She was displaying her work at a show, and so I go to see her paintings. They are so vibrant and I have to say, Kim's personality is as vibrant as I assumed it would be! A real pleasure.

Click Here to go to ebay auction page

November Rain, Bay and Dundas,Toronto

2010-11-30T12:42:00.002-05:00

24x24 oil on board

November in southern Ontario could be described as "dirty". Most of the leaves are gone, few plants are growing, and browns and grays dominate the view. The entire month seems to be cloudy. I started this painting during the rain we had a few days ago.and continued until the rain we are having today. I knew it was a busy scene and a real challenge, but I wanted to take it on. This corner of Bay and Dundas is cluttered with unique looking buildings, street car lines running every which way, and I particularly like the sign on the side of the Canadian Tire store that states " carry only a smile, free delivery".
click on picture to see enlarged view

Shadows on Queen Street, Toronto

2010-11-23T11:00:00.001-05:00

16x20 Oil on Canvas

I haven't been doing many larger paintings, and I decided that its time to get back to it. I feel that my value studies and smaller studies have helped enough so that I feel comfortable getting back to larger canvases. I had done a loose value study of a similar scene (see post Nov. 14) and wanted to do one with a bit more color and detail.

For purchase information, please visit my website catherinejeffreystudio.com

Queen Street Shoppers, Vignette No. 5

2010-11-20T16:49:00.004-05:00

6x6 oil on board
Sold to some wonderful people from Conneticut

I am really enjoying doing these small scenes. I have spent so much time lately trying to learn how to paint light and reflections, focusing on values, edges and color harmony. So much of the work I do is focused on learning so I pick my subjects very carefully. In contrast, with these small paintings, I just pick a scene I like and paint it (hopefully incorporating all of the lessons I have been learning).

In this Vignette, shoppers cross Queen Street on a late Saturday. The store "Cards and Presents" and "The Healthy Greek" are on the opposite side of the street.

Art Galler y of Hamilton Fall Fundraiser

2010-11-19T14:55:00.001-05:00

I had 6 paintings juried into the Art Gallery of Hamilton's Fall Fundraiser and I was pleased to sell two 16x20's and one 8x10. Its great to start getting work out there, and even more of a boost to sell a few. The paintings I submitted were all Hamilton City Scenes. I was sad to see "Winter Light, King William Street" (top painting) go. I think we all have favorite paintings that we get attached to.

Old and New, Old City Hall, Toronto Vignette #4

2010-11-18T11:26:00.001-05:00

6x6 oil on board

The clock tower of the Old City Hall in Toronto is reflected in a modern building.

Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto vignette #3

2010-11-17T08:21:00.001-05:00

6x6 oil on board

People line up to see the show "Rock of Ages" at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in the early evening.

Winners on Front Street ,Toronto Vignette No.2

2010-11-16T08:24:00.003-05:00

6x6 oil on board

I love this block of restored buildings on Front Street. This little painting shows some of the details as you look up from the Winners store on Front Street.

This painting is part of a series small vignettes of Toronto.

Impressions of a City No 1

2010-11-14T14:03:00.001-05:00

20x20 Oil on Board

This is a monochrome block in using transparent earth brown, black and white.I am still debating how much color I want to introduce to this picture. Sometimes I like the look of them as they are.

This is Queen Street in Toronto.

Early Evening on King

2010-11-11T16:16:00.003-05:00

6x6 oil on board

The early evening light is reflected on a streetcar as it heads past the Princess of Wales Theatre on King Street in Toronto. "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" was playing. It would have been great to drop in to see the show.

Late Saturday on Queen Street, Toronto

2010-11-06T17:10:00.001-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

I used a similar palette as the previous post to suggest the retreating sun on a crisp sunny fall day.

This streetcar heads west on Queen Street on a late Saturday afternoon.

Silver Light, Queen Street

2010-11-04T16:25:00.002-04:00

8x8 oil on canvas

Just before the sun disappeared behind the buildings, this "silvery light" cast shadows on Queen Street in Toronto. When the sun starts to go "down" at this time of year, there is a very small window of opportunity to capture it. The City TV building can be seen in the background.

Moses Znaimer Way, Toronto

2010-11-02T14:04:00.007-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas panel

Moses Znaimer is the creator behind CityTV and Much Music to name a few. This section of Queen Street is named after him. The CN Tower is in the background.

I'm still working on adding some color to a value study, trying to maintain drama and the sense of the scene. I sure wish I had paid attention in school! I began this scene with a value study in yellow ocher, black, and white.

Molly in Italy

2010-10-28T13:50:00.003-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas panel

Molly is a very good family friend who decided to do some traveling after finishing university. She worked for awhile in England, then Italy, and now she is in Australia. She took some great photos and put them on her blog and told me I could us some as reference photos. I don't normally like to use photos unless I have experienced the scene in person, but I may take a vicarious trip with her once in awhile.

I need lots and lots of practice when it comes to painting people. I liked this image of Molly in Venice, in front of an old wall with graffiti. It was challenging to portray her shaded with the wall behind her in sunlight.

Sorry about the likeness Molly, its the best I can do! We miss you!

Europe Bound, Front Street, Toronto

2010-10-26T08:43:00.002-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

This block of buildings on Front Street on the way to the St. Lawrence Market is stunning. I hope Hamilton has the sense to restore several similar blocks of buildings on James, John, and King. This is a perfect example of how a street scape such as this is pedestrian friendly and adds atmosphere and charm.

The lamp post and flowers in front of the store called "Europe Bound" are highlighted in the late afternoon sun on Front Street in Toronto.

Queen Street Shadows, Toronto

2010-10-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

8x8 oil on canvas

The early evening sun creates shadows along this great wrought iron fence on Queen Street in Toronto.

Streetcar on Queen, October light

2010-10-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

8x10 oil on board

It is challenging to take the looseness, spontaneity, and values from a monochrome study and apply it to a finished piece. I tightened up a little more than I wanted to on this painting, but I think I was able to maintain the proper values.

Streetcar on Queen, Toronto

2010-10-19T09:32:00.000-04:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas Board

I took a few days off to go to Toronto. I wanted to capture some of the wonderful October light in the "big city" as well as take in some great coffee bars and pubs. Toronto is amazing!

This is a value study of a streetcar going down Queen Street on a late Saturday afternoon. City scenes are all about shapes and values so I want to get the image right before I attempt the painting with more color.

Greensville Hill, Dundas

2010-10-14T16:18:00.001-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

We visited my daughter up north last weekend for Thanksgiving, and the fall colors were beautiful, but I found this little scene a few blocks from my house was as good as it gets. I took this photo while walking Bailey as the last rays of the sun created a warm glow on the trees.

The Richelieu, Hamilton Harbour

2010-10-13T15:26:00.000-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

It was a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend and we were able to get out for another sail before cold weather sets in. The autumn light is amazing at this time of year. Taking pictures from a boat allows for different perspectives. I liked the angle of this tug as it was illuminated by the late afternoon sun.

Tracks and Cars, York at Queen Street

2010-10-07T13:06:00.000-04:00

8x8 Oil on stretched canvas

During evening rush hour, cars drive over streetcar tracks at the corner of York and Queen Street in Toronto Ontario.

Red Lights, John and King, Hamilton

2010-10-06T08:34:00.000-04:00

12x12 Oil on Canvas

A larger version of an oil sketch I did previously. Still staying with limited color.

Gooderham Building, Toronto

2010-10-01T17:27:00.000-04:00

8x10 Oil on Board

I'm still working with a limited palette, focusing on values. Often a black and white value study will have lots of drama, and then when color is added to the mix, the drama can disappear and the picture flattens out. I want to make the transition from "monochrome" drama to having the same effect using color. Its basically maintaining the strong value patterns using color, which is a lot more difficult.

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Toronto Streetcar #2

2010-09-30T11:14:00.003-04:00

8x8 Oil on Canvas
Another Streetcar on Dundas Street near Bay Street on a rainy day in Toronto.

Toronto Street Car

2010-09-27T17:39:00.001-04:00

8x8 Oil on Stretched Canvas

A streetcar heads down Dundas Street in Toronto Ontario.

Hunter Street at the TH&B, Hamilton

2010-09-25T09:17:00.001-04:00

8x10 Oil on Board

I almost always do a thumbnail sketch in pencil to make sure my composition and values are interesting enough to do a painting. I also find that value studies in oil give me a lot of information which I can apply to a larger version of the same subject. I am still reading Richard Schmid's book "Alla Prima". He discusses the monochrome block in, and in some cases carried it a few steps further to a finished painting.

This scene is from Hunter Street in Hamilton, looking toward the TH&B Railway Station in the background.

Crossing John at King, Hamilton

2010-09-23T12:39:00.001-04:00

8x8 Oil on Canvas paper

I find that when I start to focus on details, I need to do a few value studies to help me pay attention to what is happening in a painting. In this study, I used a limited palette of black, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow, cadmium red. This is a study for a larger painting.

John Street at the TH&B, Hamilton Ontario

2010-09-21T17:14:00.000-04:00

8x8 oil on canvas

Traffic heads down John Street, under the TH&B railway bridge in Hamilton Ontario.

$125.00 plus $10.00 shipping

T.H.&B Railway Bridge, Walnut Street Hamilton

2010-09-19T11:36:00.000-04:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas

The Toronto Hamilton Buffalo Railway Bridge crosses over Walnut Street in Hamilton Ontario.

Chevys at Timmys

2010-09-17T16:53:00.000-04:00

6x6 oil on board

I have been away from the studio for awhile...so I thought I would get back into it by doing a small painting of our local Tim Hortons, one of my many favorite subjects. We have had cool air, some great rain showers, and the feeling of fall is in the air. A wonderful time of year.

Thanks everyone for your comments on my previous posts. I will be making the blog rounds again soon to see what everyone has been up to.

Morning Light

2010-09-05T11:59:00.000-04:00

11x14 oil on canvas

Morning light creates soft shadows on these sailboats moored at Macassa Bay in Hamilton Ontario.

Blustery Day on the Bay

2010-09-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

5x7 oil on canvas board

A sailboat sails past U.S. Steel (Formerly Stelco Steel) on this blustery day in Hamilton Harbour. Large piles of coal dominate the foreground.

$75.00 plus $10.00 shipping

Tugs at rest in Hamilton Harbour

2010-08-30T08:31:00.000-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

These tugboats are moored behind a break wall in an industrial part of Hamilton Harbour. A barge dominates the foreground. This bay at the western end of Lake Ontario is also called "Burlington Bay".

The Jerry C., Hamilton Harbour

2010-08-27T17:16:00.000-04:00

8x10 oil on canvas

The Jerry C., a modern Tug, is highlighted by the evening light against the greys of the destroyer "HMCS Haida" in Hamilton Ontario. The HMCS Haida has been restored and lies at the Naval Base in Hamilton. The Haida is the last remaining example of the 27 Tribal Class destroyers built for the Royal Canadian Navy , the Royal Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy between 1937 and 1945. She did service in the Second World War.

Evening Reflections

2010-08-25T20:17:00.000-04:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas

Warm colors from the setting sun create wonderful reflections on these boats across from our dock at Macdonald Marine in Hamilton Ontario.

Buddy and Polly at Carol's Point

2010-08-24T16:24:00.002-04:00

11x13 Oil on Canvas

There are three marinas in Hamilton Harbour, home to several large and small watercraft. Some big expensive boats never leave the marina, others are out all the time. This couple loved to go sailing with their dog buddy and anchored in the cove at Carrol's Point. In the morning, Polly would row out to land so buddy the border collie could play in the water. The morning sun created great reflections as it peaked over the trees in the cove.

Tight Reach, Hamilton

2010-08-14T17:49:00.002-04:00

8x10 Oil on Board Sold

This sailboat is flying the spinnaker on a tight reach, past the steel mill on race night in Hamilton Harbour.

I would like to thank everyone for your kind and positive comments on my previous post. They are always motivating and inspiring. I will be away for a bit where there is no internet access, but I will make the blog rounds when I return.