Friday, April 25, 2014

Crossing Queen at St. Michaels

12 x 12 oil on canvas
It always seems easier to paint rain as it pounds on the skylight in my studio. Its easier to "feel" the atmosphere. This scene was quite muted and as I was painting, I decided to incorporate a little more  palette knife work to add some interest and blend the colours of the street to show wetness.
I imagine this woman has left work at the "Urban Angel" after spending a day helping those in need. The streetcar heads down Queen Street.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Night Rain, King and University

6x6 oil on board
This is a small study for a potential larger painting. The night rain created a show of reflections at the corner of King and University in Toronto.
This painting is for sale through Daily Paintworks Auction.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Dundas Square, Night Rain

12x12 oil on canvas
As I've mentioned before, I like to do smaller images before I decide to do it on a larger scale. The investment in time and materials makes it worthwhile. I like the strong lines on this one, so may do it on a 36x36 size.
This scene is looking towards Dundas Square at Dundas and Yonge.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Streetcar Parade, Queen and University

8x10 oil on canvas
A very busy evening commute had traffic backed up for blocks. Three streetcars passed by at the same time, providing some nice colours and reflections.
This streetcar parade is at the corner of Queen and University with the window of the Four Seasons centre for the Performing Arts at the right.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Snow in April

8x10 oil on board
I must apologize for doing this picture. I know here in southern Ontario and many other areas we have had ENOUGH of winter. But as I went walking early this morning with Bailey my dog, I had to take some pictures of the wonderful soft snow that had fallen on everything. This house is on Melville Street in Dundas.
Spring really is here, and as Mark Twain says,"  In the spring I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."

Monday, April 14, 2014

T.G.I.F., University and King

8x10 oil on board
When I took this photo, there was some snow still left, with piles of snow on the streetcorners. It was very rainy as downtown workers head home on a Friday. This scene is at the corner of University and King.

Friday, April 11, 2014

April Showers, Yonge Street, Toronto

16x20 oil on canvas
I do most of my paintings from photographs so it helps if you enjoy taking photos. I love taking pictures and heading out on a rainy day or during a snow storm and wondering what images will present themselves. Sometimes great scenes just happen, and other times I will stand in a spot for a long time waiting for just the right people or vehicles. The turquiose and orange of this sign was a perfect match for the Beck Taxi
This scene is from Yonge Street near Dundas Square.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Promise of Spring

8x8 oil on canvas
When I was taking photos in Toronto a couple of days ago, it was windy, rainy and cold. We haven't had a very nice spring here in southern Ontario, but we are hopeful that the nice weather will arrive. I took this photo in front of the Hudson's Bay store on Bay Street. The young lady was walking by the display window full of spring blossoms and pastel dresses.