Category Archives: Sketches, etc

This month I have donated a painting for the silent auction at the Annual Valentine’s Charity Ball a fundraiser by the Freemasons of Ottawa to take place on February 9th, 2019 at Centurion Conference and Event Centre, Ottawa. There is a wide selection of articles up for grabs. The super grand prize is an African Safari. All proceeds of this auction will be split equally among – the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health- Do it for Daron Initative, Bruyère Foundation and Roger Neilson House. More info at valentines.ottawamasons.ca

Below is my oil painting, gallery sized cotton canvas, 30 inches by 30 inches completed in 2019. To be part of this silent auction on February 9, 2019.

Row boats for Rent, oil, 30×30, 2018

When I am on the road and not in my studio my choice of art tools are a quarter sheet of  watercolour paper, 3 brushes, small metal palette filled with pigments and a collapsible waterproof sac from Hachem art supplies in Quebec.

Here are a few watercolour sketches completed in the last week

Sunflowers, watercolour, 1/4 sheet, 2019

Juice Bar, Mercado, watercolour, 1/4 sheet, 2019

Pork Stall, Mercado, watercolour, 1/4 sheet, 2019

The year 2019 is the 12th year of the Chinese calendar symbolized with the pig. Many explanations are given for why the pig received this last place finish- the wolf destroyed his house and he was re-building, he overslept and then stopped to have lunch on his way to the selection committee.

Every 12 years if you are born under the zodiac sign of the pig you are not lazy as many may think. I see it as the need for more time to consider the situation. You are humourous, honest and understanding of others.

So I took in upon myself to sketch at the market here in Mexico at the butcher stalls. Pig, cow or goat heads hang side by side with individual parts of the carcasses. Unbelievable, I was completely out of my comfort zone as a landscape painter of harmonious colours and shapes.

Real food, here is part of the process to my table

Real Food, before they invented styrofoam packaging

Flowers everywhere in large buckets of water at the market in Cubasa tin pail

I continue to work in my studio on new paintings and updating others. It a cosy feeling when you are working on spring landscapes with lovely greens and blues when outside it is minus zero or below here in Quebec .

Recently, I have been looking at the paintings of Neo Expressionist Danish painter Per Kirkeby  ( September 1, 1938-May 9, 2018). I am attracted to his paintings for their earthy tones which correspond to the natural tones of our landscapes. Here is a quote from  him ” My canvas is the plot of land and my colours- that is, the matter of paint itself- are the soil, the flower beds, with their different components and varying textures”. Simply stated but it does explain his works.

I like to “top up my painting mind” by looking at works I have a sensitivity for and Per Kirkeby is one of those artists.

Here are two recently completed 2019 oil paintings.

Spring Marshland

Sunrise

The end of another year is fast approaching, thanks for your support this year. My solo show at the Two Barn Owls in Hudson, Qc was a success. I appreciated seeing old clients and new ones who supported me with purchases and kind words.

I am happy to say the Old Brewery Mission of Montreal received a donation of almost 5,000$ thanks to the selling of art pieces at the annual square art exhibition. This was my 3rd time contributing to this effort and I appreciate all who bought my roosters.

Studio

Presently I am working on new canvases and reworking older canvases in my studio. Season Greetings and Happy New Year.

This Saturday November 10, 2018 – 25 artists will be at 232 Senneville, Qc, selling our art for a fundraiser benefiting Old Brewery Mission of Montreal. Doors open at 11 and close at 4. Here are my roosters painted in acrylic on canvas and framed. It is referred to as square art as all paintings are in this format. Hot soup, bread and a sweet are offered at 5$, please come and enjoy this private home on Lac-Saint-Louis, our art and lunch.

Sunny, acrylic, 12 by 12, 2018

Oscar, acrylic, 12 by 12, 2018

Wyman, acrylic, 12 by 12, 2018

Pete, acrylic, 12 by 12, 2018