When I get home from a life drawing session there is always a question of whether or not I should touch up my paintings. But I always decide not to since the painting experience for each piece is over now. It was done from life and it should remain so.
Painting this was such a battle! The Queen Victoria statue here in Toronto is actually black. The plan was to make her look like a statue, but all that dark bronze... ugg. So, I made up flesh colours as I went along and, typical of me, I got a little 'colour happy'!
I drew this at a cafe and then painted it once I got home. Since people move so quickly, I draw them one at a time. I finish drawing them just as they zoom off. Then I wait for the next person to come along, figure out where to put them in the composition, then draw them quick before they go. I wait for the next person, see where they fit in, and draw them quick. It's like putting people into the puzzle of a drawing! It's a great challenge.
Plein-air painting is a blast!! It's so challenging. I did a few paintings today with my new little box on my lap. It stays propped open and it holds everything perfectly. From a distance it just looks like I'm working on a laptop.
I'm in a group art show next month and we sell hand painted cards. The Strathmore Cards are great. Just slip your painting into the precut sleeve and it includes little sticky tabs so they stay put! 5"x7" Card and Envelope.
I am the Featured Artist at the Daily Paintworks News Blog this week! The interview questions really helped me think about my art, where I am and where I want to go.
A friend of mine at Trafalgar asked me to sit at their Italy Tour promotional booth and be a "Venetian painter", like on the streets in Italy. It was so fun! A few people came right up and said hello but mostly they just peeked over my shoulder.
I participated in the Forest Hill Art Show this weekend! There were about 20 artists and we had a steady stream of guests... and I sold 2 paintings! The masonite panels we use, which have holes for hooks, is a genius idea.
Today I decided to take on the challenge of working from a photograph. My three goals were, to add an interesting light source, give the background depth and have fun painting plaid.
Today I drew on 8"x10" watercolour paper instead of the usual discreet 5"x7" pad. Everyone was so involved with their book, computer or friends, they still didn't notice me drawing them!
I just discovered Winsor Red! What a wonderful colour. It was perfect for the vase with these little guys, which I painted for the challenge at A Nos Pinceaux.
Using the photo reference from Terry Miura's Challenge, I splashed watercolour onto paper, let it dry, then added the pen contour drawing. I usually draw first and paint second, so this was quite a refreshing change.
$40 5"x7" painting with 8"x10" matt. Ready to frame!