Plein Air paintings:Young Walnut Trees and Bluff of Poplars

5x7 oil on canvas panel Sold

As promised (to myself) I ventured out into the world to do some plein air painting. Not too far from our house there is a pathway that looks over the town of Dundas towards the Niagara escarpment on the other side of the valley. I set up my makeshift easel and art supplies and had some fun. It really is like baring ones soul. There is no time for studio correction. I have a lot of respect for people who do this all the time. I hope that I can get over my shyness and will be able to paint some town scenes where there are people milling about.

I did both of these yesterday afternoon while the wind and cloud swirled around, changing views every few minutes. The Queen Annes Lace was abundant and also lots of pink clover.

Quiet Spot for One

6x6 oil on board

This painting features a Muskoka chair on a porch with a vibrant Japanese Maple at the side. 

$100 plus 10.00 shipping

Connie the Sailor Cat

6x6 oil on board

Connie is a real sailor cat. She lives on one of the sailboats across from ours, and their boat has no spiders or bugs at all. Connie thinks she owns the dock, and freely jumps on to any boat that happens to be around. The way she "struts her stuff" I thought she would make a great match for Dreama's Eddy.

In this painting, Connie guards her boat, standing next to the spinnaker pole and a line tied to a cleat.

$100.00 plus $10.00 shipping

"Arctic Blue" Hamilton Harbour

6x6 oil on board

I love these old tugs. Our perception of them is often deceiving, as they can appear small like toy boats. This old tug has been converted from a working boat to a pleasure boat and docks at the marina next to ours. The faded paint is glowing as it is illuminated by the setting sun.

$100.00 plus shipping

Evening Light, Macassa Bay, Hamilton

8x10 oil on canvas

The sun finally came out! People often ask me if it rains here all the time. Although we have had a very wet summer this year (rain almost every second day it seems), we do get lots of sunshine. I love the rain, and the patterns and reflections it creates on city streets and so these scenes are often portrayed in my paintings

. We keep a small sailboat in Hamilton and have finally had the time to get out and do some sailing. I couldn't resist capturing this group of power boats, reflecting the warm light as the sun set.

$125.00 plus shipping

Pink Umbrella, Front Street, Toronto

8x10 oil on canvas

I loved the style of this woman, who walked so confidently with her red, pink, and white flowered dress and pink umbrella. I tried painting a couple of versions previously, but just couldn't seem to make the central figure part of the scene. I  added a few things...more cars and more building and it seemed to work. There are some scenes that I just HAVE to paint and will struggle with it until I feel I have achieved some degree of success.

This woman walks down Front Street, passing the Flat Iron building as she crosses Church Street.

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Crossing Dundas Street, Toronto

6x6 oil on board SOLD

People cross Dundas Street or get on the streetcar on this rainy day in Toronto.

Thanks everyone for your comments on my previous post...they are always appreciated and motivating! If you are a new follower, welcome!

Front Street Taxis, Toronto

8x10 Oil on Canvas

This past weekend, I was at the juried Toronto Outdoor Art Show. In spite of the heat and rain, it was a wonderful show. The people were very gracious and positive and I enjoyed the conversations and comments. It was my first outdoor show in many years and it was a learning experience regarding presentation, framing, and pricing. There are some things that I would change for future shows.

I also met C.C.H. Pounder who played Mo'at in the movie Avatar. (Neytiri's Mom and the spirit leader) What a lovely person...and she bought some small paintings. She collects pictures of people in the rain.

In this painting, taxis head down Front Street during rush hour, the yellow umbrellas from Le Papillon Restaurant folded during the late afternoon rain.

Rainy Walk past the Sultan's Tent, Front Street Toronto

8x10 Oil on Canvas Sold

These young ladies walk past the Sultan's Tent Restaurant on Front Street on a rainy day.

For those of you who are in the Toronto Hamilton Area, I will be at the Toronto Outdoor Art Show at Nathan Phillip Square, July 9,10,11 Booth White 23. I would love to see you there!