special plein air workshop

In the Orchard

The vibrant spring colours are here for a very short time-let’s get outdoors and paint them! We will work on location Monet style-‘en plein air’- among  orchards, lush fields and big open sky. For those preferring  to paint structures, there are barns, fences and wonderful fallen down sheds for inspiration This afternoon workshop is enjoyable for those with minimal art-making experience as well as more seasoned artists. In inclement weather, painting will progress in the studio with fresh spring cuttings as inspiration. Sessions are in oil or acrylic. Participants are responsible for their own supplies, paints etc. and a suggested colour pallet and list will be provided upon registration. Some outdoor easels are available.

Saturday, May 10 1:30-4:30PM *this workshop will make a lovely Mother’s Day Gift! REGISTRATION:     Grimsby Public Art Gallery 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby,    Ontario, L3M 1Y1 phone: 905-945-3246 e-mail: gpag@town.grimsby.on.ca webpage: www.town.grimsby.on.ca/ArtGallery/Main/

mind field

I am working on a few small oil sketches to possibly be made into larger commissioned paintings. Wanting to bring a plein air feel to the work, I wondered about the idea of revisiting May in March.

Apprehensive  about making a study indoors-I was afraid of losing that ‘plein air’ feel. But surprisingly, I found it did the opposite-it took me back outside.

 I was in the orchard, feeling that balmy May breeze, hearing the Spring bird voices, breathing the sweet smell of new-new grass, new blossoms, things were growing faster than I could paint them. 

I can go into the field of my mind. 

Waiting for May, oil/cold wax on canvas, 14x16in, 2014
copyright Jan Yates

a little madness in the spring

"A little Madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King."
-  Emily Dickinson

April, waiting for May, oil on canvas, 40x40in, available