Molly in Italy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12x12 Oil on Canvas

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

Gooderham Building, Toronto

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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