Sleigh Day

 

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$80 - 5x7" original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

It's snowing like crazy here in Toronto! Fortunately, it's been mild, so it's the fun kind of snow... sleigh day snow! The fire escape was fun to paint. It is one of the few fire escapes on the houses around here. (I may have overdrawn it, but it's still cool looking). ; )

early autumn

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$40 - 5x7 with 8x10"mat

I'm having a blast with this new water-soluble pen that I've been using for Inktober (#inktober2018) It's called the Elegant Writer Pen and it releases green and a bit of pink ink when wet. You can see two videos of me painting it on Instagram.

favourite hat

$60 - 5x7"original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

Well, it seems the 'hat wearers' just keep on coming. Today's cafe moment features 2 people in hats, which are such a treat to paint. I don't think this woman knew I was drawing her, she seemed more excited that we were all enjoying the Passion Iced Tea. Her friend included. His just peeks out from behind his arm. 

: )

OneWeek100People2018 Challenge

 I had a few moments at my last life drawing class to capture some fellow artists. And below, people reading at a local bookstore. : )

Well, it turns out 100 people is a lot! ; )
These sketches are part of a drawing challenge going on this week (there's still time to join in), set up my the awesome Montreal urban sketcher Marc Taro Holmes. Post your drawings of people, with the hashtag #OneWeek100People2018 ,on Facebook, Instagram, your blog, wherever! It's fun... even if you don't quite make it to 100 by Sunday. Drawings can be super small and/or loosey goose, like mine. Cheers and Happy Drawing.
p.s. ipad photos... ; b

language

$100 - 8x10"original watercolour painting

I love drawing and painting people in cafes. I thought the lights hanging from the ceiling encouraged the perspective. These two friends were talking about learning a language however, the title also refers to people's body language, like the way his head is tilted and the posture of the guy writing in the background. : )

closeups - 

1 minute video of me sketching

Recently, while at a cafe, I made a little video of myself sketching with a 6B pencil.
I can't seem to get the video to upload here... so click the link and you can check it out on my instagram page! 
https://www.instagram.com/noramacphailart/
It's also on my Facebook page. Meanwhile, I'll figure out how to make the clip file smaller so blogger will accept it next time, since I plan to do more!  : p

sharing

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat

I never tire of painting people at cafes. The goal is always to find two people who have interesting body language because they are actually taking and listening to each other, as opposed to people on their computers and phones. Not always easy to find these days.

snowy path

$40 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat

Finally! Lots of snow for me to paint! I love painting snow, it's nice and 'contrasty'.

past the hot dog stand

$40 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat

The walking while drawing sketches are so fun to do. I just draw what I see, impulsively, and hope it works out. Sometimes it does... sometimes it doesn't. Either way the line is nice and loose. At home, I add fresh watercolour.

; )

past the music shop

$40 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat

Another walking and drawing sketch with my Micron purple Brush Pen. I really had to keep the wash of watercolour loose to match the line. I love the originality of this kind of drawing.

afternoon stroll

$40  - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat
Well, my new Micron purple Brush Pen is now my new favourite drawing tool. Also, I'm revisiting my 'walking while drawing' idea. If people can text and walk, why can't I draw and walk! ; ) 
Here are some close-ups.

Robert Library, University of Toronto.

 

On Sunday, the Toronto Urban Sketchers (TOUSK) went out sketching at Robarts Library. This University building is a very interesting structure. In fact, there is a constant discussion amongst Torontonians on whether it's shaped like a turkey, a peacock or a turtle! So, we planned to draw it. Unfortunately very cold weather drove us inside. Well, maybe not 'unfortunately' since I managed to do these sketches. 

Students didn't mind/notice and I don't think there is enough of a resemblance to anyone to cause offence. ; )

I'm one of the TOUSK correspondents. Check out our blog! - here

hanging out on Sunday

$60 - 5x7"watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

Well, I think the title says it all.

through the garden gate

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I spent Saturday at the Toronto Botanical Gardens with fellow artists from the Don Valley Art Club. It's a place I've painted at many times before however, this time, I stumbled across a hidden garden archway. I think I'm finally getting the hang of plein-air painting. It's soooo challenging. 
$160 - 8x16"painting
Here's my set up - 

and here's me!

in the park

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat. Ready to pop into a frame!!
Another sketch from the Toronto Music Garden is now painted. I tried to keep it loose and fresh... and "splattery"! 
close ups - 

funny story

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$60 - 5x7"painting with acid-free mat, ready to pop into an 8x10" frame!

These women are sharing a good joke!

tell me a story

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5x7"painting with 8x10"mat, ready to frame!

I loved painting this one. The woman on the left was really enjoying sharing her story with her friend, who sat perfectly still, riveted to every word her friend said. 

The people out the window are pencil marks left unpainted, a new approach that I think I'll keep experimenting with.

school's out

I was out with my trusty paint box recently. : ) Here's the result.

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

paint box

I've been doing a lot of urban sketching/plein-air painting with my trusty little paintbox. : ) It fits my Winsor & Newton travel watercolour palette perfectly and I can clip watercolour paper, up to 9x12", onto it. : ) It sits on my lap while I sit on a cheap aluminum camping stool. A lot more discreet and lightweight than a big easel.