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. 

Snow in Chinatown, Dundas Street

24 x 24 oil on canvas

This picture is pretty much the weather we had yesterday with blowing snow and not so great driving conditions. Anyone who lives in an area that gets snow, knows that snow doesn't stay white for long. It turns into a brown salty slushy mess. 

This scene is in Toronto's Chinatown, along Dundas Street.

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.

Spadina Street Rain

24x24 oil on canvas

I wanted to redo the 12x12 study of this scene that I had previously done. I am still leaving the black tube of paint in the drawer, staying with the palette in the previous posting. This scene is on Spadina Street in Toronto's Chinatown.