Beachcombing

I can't resist a beach and come home with pockets bulging with finds each and every time.  This time was no different.

A broken whelk shell, bleached by the sun, the wormholiest (if that is a word) piece of wood I've ever seen was added to the collection, along with half a jaw bone of an unidentified animal, the femur of a seagull, rocks, mussel shells and anything else that took my fancy.  I like to think the piece of wormy wood that the sea placed at my feet was from some ship from hundreds of years ago.  Its certainly not recent, and I haven't seen worms in wood for many many years.  Whatever its origin, it becomes mine and I can weave stories in my head about 16th century pirate ships now sitting on the bottom of the Atlantic.

Either way, the pieces make good references for drawing.  This is graphite, in a 9 x 12 sketchbook while the news was on tonight.

Salmonier River finished

 Salmonier River

5" x 7" acrylic

Detail has always appealed to me.  I can spend hours creating tiny strokes with a pencil or brush to make minute progress. So completing this little painting of a curve in a tributary of the Salmonier River held endless interest for me.

The process of creating something from broad strokes of colour down to individual forms is a challenge and very enjoyable.  I'm looking at the next challenge for  a new piece that will test my patience and ability.  I came across the art of Sadie Valeri.  Her still life pieces with exquisitely painted glass and paper fascinate me and also inspire me to try my hand at a similar composition.  It may take awhile for me to find the right composition and props (having a friend in the antiques business helps). 

I would like to film the process.  Of course I anticipate the painting will take time to produce so a speeded up version of the process would be required. A little experimentation is required before I jump into this, so stay tuned.

More coyote

I am over run with ideas for new paintings and drawings.  Its an odd sensation, making me want to furiously put it all down on paper before the ideas disappear or the urge leaves, as we know it can do.  But I have other things to do first, such as finalizing pieces for our upcoming exhibition and completing a few pieces in progress before I dive into the ideas.

I will put down some thumbnail sketches however so I'll have something concrete to go back to later and the ideas aren't lost in day to day life.

Here is an update on the drawing of the coyote that I started in pastel.  Its coming on slowly and I'm in no rush.  Without the snout built up  the face looks too broad,but that should rectify itself as the shading becomes apparent.  I always love how pieces start to move forward out of the paper. 

Salmonier river

The tall grasses that grown on the edges of rivers are a rich source of inspiration in terms of shapes and colours.  Some rivers are flanked by reeds which I'll be working on in another painting for the future.  The texture and colour found in these grasses was a little daunting initially but as I'm getting into it and seeing the form develop, it becomes rhythmic to create the lines and arches that they form.

The water, too, has depth with submerged rocks and grasses that add interest.  I love how the movement of the water makes the grasses float in that direction, almost like hair blowing in the wind.  I'll continue to develop this small piece as a prelude to larger piece.  I like how the water leads me into the painting, wanting to see what is around that corner.

This is 5 x 7 on stretched canvas in acrylic.

Upcoming exhibition - Beginnings

 

The local art group that was formed earlier this year is holding its first exhibition - Beginnings - in a few weeks.  With time fast approaching, the push is on to finalize pieces for the show and do all the last minute things to make sure things go smoothly.  I have just one more piece to choose and am torn between a couple, one depending on whether or not I want to frame yet another piece.

This summer exhibition and sale, will be held in the historic Masonic Temple, which was built in 1885 and is now designated a Registered Heritage Structure.  It seems I have a penchant for old buildings as my gyotaku workshop was held in the Anna Templeton building, a National Historic site. structure.  Our first exhibition introduces ten original pieces of work from each artist. Subjects range from gyotaku fish prints and seascapes to florals and traditional landscapes with mediums encompassing printmaking, mixed media to watercolours and oils.

The exhibition runs from July 24th to August 13th at Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral Street, St. John's. It is open from 10am - 4pm weekdays and 1 - 4pm on weekends.

The opening reception with all artists present, will be held from 2 - 5 pm Sunday July 24th.  Come along, we'd love to see you there!

Fish completed

 Capelin Weather

5 x 7  acrylic

I spent some more time with the capelin piece again today to finish it.  I had taken some photos, but the light wasn't right in them and as I had started from life I wanted to complete it that way. 

Whether painting from life or from photographic references, as long as the lighting is good, the painting will usually follow through technically.  I know there is a school of thought that believes only drawing from life is the classic technique and photos cause problems.  To me, there are issues with both.  Practicality for me when using fish or a water scene comes into play. Working a full time day job means that I can't always access the lighting that I need or have the time to devote on site. I can do a lot from life studies, but time and availability makes painting completely from life often a luxury rather than the norm. 

Use of both provides me with the best of both worlds.  I can have the reality check and knowledge of colour and light that stays with beyond the boundaries of the reference photos that I take on site or of the specimens.  I think familiarity with a subject gives the best grounding for a good painting and that familiarity is often found through studying the subject in life.

These little fishy friends are available for sale in my Etsy store.