treat

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

I saw this scene on my way home, as I was cutting down my favourite little lane. I stopped and drew it, although the man and his dog were long gone, putting them in from memory. They were both so cute. I'm sure the man enjoyed giving his dog the treat as much as the dog enjoyed receiving it. ; )

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 - 

tea and cinnamon

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

I drew this while enjoying a tea with cinnamon myself. 

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

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!

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.

capri pants

 I drew this cafe scene, on location, as an 11x14" painting designed for a 16x20" frame. I like all the open space. However, I'm considering framing it as an 8x10" painting, which would make it look like this:

or even like this...

Hmm. Any preferences?

anticipation

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This is my second painting done today with the Toronto Urban Sketchers, at the Leslieville Farmer's Market. I promised myself I'd do a painting capturing the people there. Then, once I arrived and set up, I lost focus with all the activity, people, food, kids, etc. and I tried to do a painting with everything in it! I mean everything! Needless to say, it didn't work. I think keeping it simple while on location is best for me, until I really get the hang of it. So, here's the second one, which I'm very pleased with. ; )

$100 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat
Painting box and close ups - 

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. 

hidden door

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

Here's another one from Riverdale Farm. I saw this little hidden door and I thought it would be an interesting subject. I like paintings of door and/or windows. Below is a pic of my painting kit.

wee wee wee

$50 - 5x7"painting 

I went out plein-air painting with some friends to the Riverdale Farm which has the cutest little pigs. Super adorable! They were total sleepy heads... which made them a bit easier to capture with paper and paint.

Still working on how to paint bigger when out in the field. 

raspberry iced tea

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

Today is a holiday Monday, Victoria Day, so I did one of my fave things to do... spent time observing and drawing people at a cafe. Now I'm heading out to dinner for this summer's first outdoor patio meal!

laze around

$60  5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

I love the look of a dark ink line when painting something light and delicate like a cherry blossom tree. It gives a nice strong contrast. Also, it came in handy when drawing the dog's hair. : )

after the rain

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$100 - 8x10"painting

Back to doing a cityscape, my favourite subject! : ) Looking forward to spring to get out there and do some more. 

Museum of Inuit Art

I had fun over the weekend doing some Urban Sketching with the Toronto sketchers at the Museum of Inuit Art. They don't allow watercolours, understandably, so I used a Tombow pen. It has a brush on one end and a nib on the other. It is water-soluble so, I added a bit of finger smudge for shading.

 : )

ride out the storm

$80 - 8x10"painting

The mild weather has been wonderful but I'm sure glad it snowed. It's just so fun to paint!

close up - 

over yonder

$40 - 4x6"painting

Well, it finally snowed! After a mild season, I happily woke up to a winter wonderland.

outside in

The beautiful facade of the Royal Bank of Canada lives inside a building called Brookfield Place here in Toronto. The whole building is a gorgeous glass spectacle and I hope to go back and draw some more, again with the Toronto Urban Sketchers. My aim here was to add a few faces walking through the scene to add a feeling of height to the composition. 
$80 - 9x12"painting

on site with the Toronto Urban Sketchers