Monday, August 31, 2009

"Lovin the Rain"


6" x 6"
Oil on board
I really enjoyed the way this young woman sauntered down the street, without a care, as if it wasn't pouring rain. Everyone else was hunkered down or under their umbrellas, escaping from nature's wrath. People ask me if it always rains in Toronto. And no it doesn't, but I love the rain and the reflections it creates. My husband pretty much hates the rain, so he is very good to begrudgingly come along for walks with me, and be the umbrella holder.
This crosswalk scene is from Yonge Street in Toronto.
Also, I've decided to start a new blog for my "Drinks With the Masters". I have too many ideas in my head that I must do!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Bay and Queen, Toronto


19" x 15"
Oil on Board
I wanted to do a busy city scene with wires etc. I have to say, I really had my work cut out for me with this one. It was really hard. Simply put. I don't know how many times I changed the color of the poles. And as usual, I still may not be done, but its time to get away from it and decide.
This scene is from the corner of Queen and Bay Street in downtown Toronto.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Morning dew and coffee


6" x 6"
Oil on Board
While working on this little scene, I noticed that it started looking like some of the paintings from the 1940's. I decided I liked the look, and left it with that feel to it. This is our local Tim Hortons. It is so early, the morning dew is still on the grass.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Subway Station Shelter



20" x 16"
Oil on Canvas
I wanted to do something with a little more color. When doing a city scene, objects need to relate to the scenery around them, so that the perspective isn't lost. with bold colors, this is harder to do.
This is a scene from Union Station in downtown Toronto. People are heading down to the subway or Go Transit. A line of Taxicabs wait on the street.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Reflected


6" x 6"
Oil on Board
I'm not sure if I'm completely happy with this picture, but I think it "works". In my first attempt, I tried to paint the bike in a more detailed manner, trying to paint the color and details I saw. I wiped that one. I realized that the only thing that makes the bicycle discernible is the reflected light shape in the bicycle tires and around the bicycle. It is all "suggested shapes".

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The French Fry Truck


16" x 18"
Oil on board
I never know when I'm finished a painting. I like to stop at a point anyway, let the picture sit around for a couple of days, and decide if it needs more work. Inevitably, I will find things that I don't like. For example, I already realized that I forgot the gull's beak. Ha. Also, undecided about whether to put in the city wires. The title is temporary. Needs much more thought....
This scene is from Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto during the Outdoor art festival.

Monday, August 10, 2009


16" x 18"
Oil on Board
Thanks to all of your encouraging words, I am definitely entering the contest! I have decided to submit another one as well. It is a little different...same sort of atmospheric quality (I hope) but a sunny day. I liked the way the crowd was gathered at this French Fry truck in downtown Toronto. Also, I caught the scavenging seagull at just the right moment. At this stage in the painting, I am working on blocking in the values with some color added. As you can see from the monitor in the photo, I use this to work from. You can still "squint" and see depth and atmosphere. I call it painting "en plein monitor".

Thursday, August 6, 2009

"Crosswalk in the Rain"



11" x 14"
Oil on Canvas
I have been toying with idea of submitting a painting to International Artist magazine. I have been experimenting with painting more people..this months contest is people and figures. I don't know why I want to choose such complicated pictures....they can be extremely frustrating! Often I choose them because I like certain aspects. In this one, I liked the different reflections on the crosswalk, and of course the bright red purse.
This scene is from downtown Toronto on Yonge Street with the Hard Rock Cafe in the background. I need help with titles. I seem to have no imagination in this department! Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Queen Street Cyclist, Toronto


6" x 6"
Oil on Board
A cyclist heads down Queen Street in Toronto. Toronto downtown, like any big city, is full of people, bicycles, street cars and cars. Toronto seems to have more bicycles than normal. Its either because we are more environmentally friendly, or its impossible to drive there.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

San Francisco afternoon


20 x 13.5
Oil on Board
I decided to try the challenge from Different Strokes from Different Folks. I enjoy city scenes, so this one kind of fit in. Also, it wasn't a rain picture! I usually like to experience a place or scene first hand, so it was a little difficult just going by a photo. I also tried to keep it loose and not attempt too much detail.