Toronto Chinatown

4 x 4 oil on paper

I haven't posted a painting in over a month. It has been a difficult summer with the heat. I believe it is our hottest summer on record, here in Southern Ontario. My studio is in the attic and when the temperature outside is above 27 degrees celcius (81 F), even with an air conditioner, it is impossible to work. I spent some time doing plein air and catching up on some art reading and research. 

When I decided to do this image of Toronto's Chinatown on Spadina with the lights under the umbrella and awning contrasting with the grey of the rain, I thought it would be worth trying a few studies with different undercoats to see which one I prefer. I don't always use an undercoat, but thought a different approach might have better results. The 4 x4 squares were coated with a wash of transparent oxide red and the other with Indian yellow. I then painted the same image on both.

I'm not sure which one I prefer. Any thoughts or opinons are welcome!

Umbrellas on Spadina

12 x 12 oil on canvas

This is one of my favorite spots along Spadina Avenue. There are always interesting people with their umbrellas getting on and off streetcars. In this scene, the CN tower can be seen in the background. 

March Sun, Spadina Ave, Toronto

12 x 12 oil on panel

After a snowfall, the sun can be brilliant.  On this day, the winter sun came out in full force, illuminating the buildings and wet streets. This scene is from Toronto's Chinatown, on Spadina Ave.

This painting will be available at The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Sept. 18, 19, 20.

Chinatown Rain, Dundas And Spadina

36 x 48 Oil on canvas

I did this painting over a year ago and didn't like it. The composition was off, and it was difficult to bring it all together. Plus, the people were walking from side to side adding to the compostion difficulties. It was a large canvas covered in paint and it sat in the studio staring at me. I decided to put it on the easel. What I loved about this scene was the busy activity at this corner of Spadina. Streetcars continually pass both ways, shoppers are everywhere, and the sounds and sights of Chinatown pervade the scene. So, I decided to rework it, changing the people and numerous other elements. The composition still isn't the best, but I think I've captured some of the atmosphere and activity of Chinatown on Spadina.

Snowy Saturday in Chinatown

12 x 12 oil on board

I took this photo last January and  it was a very blustery blizzardy day, but yet Chinatown on Spadina was in full swing. I loved the fact that the umbrellas were out, covered in new snow. Salt on the sidewalks melts the snow, creating soft reflections.

Sunny Day, Queen and Spadina

8x8 oil on canvas paper

I'm finding that more and more I like to do a study or two before I start a larger painting. This scene has many more colours than this, but I wanted to try for  atmosphere with a limited palette and then decide where to go from there. 

This is a very busy corner at Queen and Spadina.