new class: November

paint play

Last Dance, Niagara escarpment, oil on canvas, 16x20in, 
available

This ongoing series will open up new ideas and fresh ways of seeing.

 Exploration in varying influences and techniques are emphasized and you will be encouraged to experiment with colour pallet, brush work and paint application.

We will work from direct observation as well as learn how to use reference materials so your paintings look fresh and vital-not copied. Choose your preferred subject matter i.e.  landscape, abstract or still life. 

A few plein air studies

 October, Niagara Escarpment, fog study, oil on canvas, 6x6in

Whenever I change my palette or experiment with new painting tools / approaches, I  tend to start off small...

October, Niagara Escarpment,  plein air study, oil on canvas, 6x6in,  2012

The following is a little heavy-handed but I like it 

October, Niagara Escarpment,  plein air study, oil on canvas, 2012, 6x6in

October

"October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came- The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band."
 - George Cooper

 October, Niagara escarpment, plein air study, oil on canvas, 11x14in, available

 "Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
-   Elizabeth Lawrence

thanks(giving)

 

'We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.'  Cynthia Ozick

 

  September, remains of the Day, Niagara Escarpment

 plein air, oil/cold wax on panel, 2012

available 

 "Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity."
  Sean O'Casey

between

Below is a wee study -am still entranced with edges, convergence and things in between.

October, Remains of the Day

plein air, oil/cold wax on panel

8x10in, 2012

available


 

'rags for those loved', intentions from Ireland

yyyyyyyyyyyy

Wish Horse

 rags for those loved', intentions from Ireland  

outdoor installation, Grimsby Public Art Gallery

Niagara, ON, Canada

This is a toy horse that my daughter played with as a child. I embellished it with  feathers for flight and a jewel for luck. Before I hung it on the rag tree (borrowed from the Irish custom which you can read about here) , I made a wish, or 'intention' as they like to phrase it.

A few images of the project-as usual I forgot to take many photos and these are not the best. I will be going back periodically to document the tree as it fills, but along with rags and the wee wish horse, I have seen a child's purse, a pair of reading glasses, some small ears of corn, and even paintbrushes suspended from the branches (not mine). I added some rags that my Mother used for painting-she never threw anything out-she would wash and re-use them.
I am so grateful that the gallery has allowed me to leave the installation up for an extended period!