off to Kiawah Island, South Carolina

I did paint the back field in the rain today, but due to technical difficulties, could not load it to post. I am off to South Carolina for a painting workshop with Ian Roberts and friends. Will have lots to post when I am back....in 12 days.

Workout

Today's exercise - finally got the ellipse, study in values (cup might be a bit dark), varying colours especially in the shadows - I like the glow in the shadow behind the shapes, and deliberate brushstrokes which can be an exercise in itself. Feels like I was at the painting gym!

Felix

All peacocks have lots of personality, even as they emerge from a painting. It was a lot of fun to paint Felix - a sheer joy comes with him. The camera does not quite pick up the colours or the gold on the feather "eyes".

Gigi's Flowers

This still life came about by itself at my cousin's cottage at Thanksgiving. I sketched it and wanted to paint it - large. So these last two days have been absorbed in doing so. I would actually like to do it again, but next time very loose and expressionistic. And I really enjoyed the colours!

Rainy Day

My view from the window - I wanted to give those fall colours one more try.

Two Pears

More practice - I made a big puddle of dark colour today and worked outwards from that. This technique will be useful in my next plein air painting.

Last Autumn Leaves

This scene is at the edge of our lawn in the backyard. It is a bit like entering into another reality. The little tree full with leaves was to be the focal point, but the eye is pulled into the forest.

Keeping Company

Rescued a mini decorative pumpkin from my sister's frozen garden and decided that painting it would be good practice for shadows etc.

Farm Laneway

Shapes, value masses, light and dark - that was my objective - and the sun was shining on the dry grass so that it actually did look white.

Solitaire

Back to basics - one apple on a small canvas, for the experience of technique a la Carol Marine. The apple was on a shiny surface so there is a shadow and a reflection. Somewhere the yellow got lost, and the red got a bit muddy but it was fun.

In the Vortex

After many small outdoor scenes, it was time to paint on a bigger canvas, purely from the heart. I had been reading about the German painter Franz Marc who painted expressionistic horses and other animals. The idea was so appealing that I wanted to try it too, even though I tend to paint more realistic.....this is afterall my herd, even though I set out to paint just horses, the ones I know emerged.

Dune Ride

There were dune buggy tracks on the wide beach. The canvas happened to have a deep green primer, which gives the painting a darker tint. I was focusing on the little valley - the sweet spot.

Brilliant Autumn

Sunny sunny day, full autumn colours and I had to go back to the Ottawa River to see it in this prestine moment. I was looking for shapes within shapes, and a focus on this long line of Laurentian foothills that stretch along the river.

The Woodshed

I tried out different brushes today - decided that I need to start with bigger sized brushes.

Before the Wind

It was chilly and windy today, and Mary and I painted outside, with frozen fingers and determination. A bright orange red tree against the darker forest was the beginning. I had to mute down some of the colour for it was too bright. We know that it is a maple in autumn, don't we?!

Upriver

Dramatic weather came down the river, raining in one spot and sunny in another. I wanted to capture the serenity of the calm water and gulls wading against the moving clouds and dark sky.

Point Alexander

I started this painting the last time I was here, and continued today inspired by a painting by Doris McCarthy. Doris was mentored by the Group of Seven, and is close to 100 years old now. Today I went back to that spot on the Ottawa River and took several photos. It was raining on and off and the colours were just starting. Hopefully a plein air day in this beautiful location will be possible this week.