Wet Snow on Wellington Street

30 x 30 oil on canvas

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and also thank those of you who commented, or just stopped by for a look.  I'm looking forward to a year of creative challenges, and hopefully will have some fun along the way. Artist Barbara Muir mentioned that a colleague of hers referred to 2016 as sweet 16, so with that in mind, lets start this year on a positive note!

This painting features the TD centre on the right, with the Toronto club visible on the left. The Toronto Club is one of Toronto's oldest private member's clubs.

Follow me on instagram: @cjeffreystudio

Night Lights and Wet Snow on Wellington Street

12 x 12 oil on canvas

 I love the way the lights at night reflect off of the surrounding surfaces. The simple parking sign at the TD Centre created intense red shadows and the yellow car and street lights added to the mix. When I took this reference photo, it was a messy wet January snow. The large concrete wall along the TD centre added to the composition.

The Toronto Club is visible on the left, an historical building from the 1880's. 

Bay Street Blues

14 x 14 oil on canvas paper

I've mentioned this before, but doing studies on paper allows me to get the information down quickly and helps me stay "loose" and less contrived. I think it has something to do with the fact that its only "paper" and therefore just a study. That said, I always like the way they turn out and wish I would have been so spontaneous on a canvas or board. I'll get there..sometime.... .

I'm looking forward to trying this on a larger scale.

Suits at Bay and Wellington

12 x 12 oil on canvas

Lunch time at Bay and Wellington on a warm spring day. Another view of Toronto's financial district.

Wet Snow on Wellington Street

12 x 12 oil on board

After doing three shows in four months, it has been difficult getting back to the studio. I took some nice rain/snow photos the other day and was inspired to paint this scene. I liked the reflected lights on Wellington Street, walking past the TD Centre. I would like to paint this on a larger scale, so tried it first on a 12 x 12.

Reflected Light, Wellington Street

12 x 12 oil on canvas

When I'm getting ready for a show, it takes a while to build the momentum required to work all day, everyday (well maybe not the whole weekend). When it happens, its hard work, but the routine of working becomes enjoyable. Its being totally immersed in something that is difficult, challenging, sometimes rewarding, and often enjoyable. I like being in this place. I have a saying that works for me, but not every artist. I am either working, or I'm not. I either come into the studio and work, or I get sidetracked. I have no in between. Some people can work that way. They can take some time for coffee and shopping and get back in. If I escape, I get into another world where painting doesn't happen. I often wonder how other artists work. Watching shows about Picasso, one would assume that he drank and partyed all day, and produced at night. Hard to believe.
My son sometimes calls me a Troll (term of endearment) and says that I must get away from my studio cave. I'm happy here with my dog at my side, or under my feet.Time to get back at it.
This scene features reflected light from glass high rise towers and a streetcar and beck taxi in shadow.