October Rain, King Street, Toronto

12 x 12 oil on board

I was happy to get some photos as the leaves are turning. We have had lots of rain so getting a rainy scene wasn't too difficult. The yellow leaves made the scene. 

The Beautiful Church on Simcoe Street is visible on the top right hand side.

En Plein Monitor

8x8 oil on canvas paper

I am hoping to get into the city to do some plein air painting. I think it is important to have some idea how we will approach a scene when we are out there. There are many ways to start a painting. We can do a monochrome value study, draw it in, or block it in and paint from there. In my "Plein Monitor" painting, I chose to block in with thinned paint and a large brush and work from there. I kept to a limited palette of ivory black, viridian, yellow ochre, cad red, and white. (I often use this for rainy scenes). I also worked from a black and white photo to get my values right. (I won't be able to do that out doors).

How do you approach a painting? I would love to hear some thoughts and opinions.

I will be doing the other 8 x 8 in a less limited colour palette and will post that one shortly.