Hands on Auction

Bluejay in Summer, watercolour,
framed in a dark wood that's hard to see against the background

The other day I was photographing this framed watercolour painting, just before bringing it to the Dundas Valley School of Art to be part of the DVSA 42nd Anniversary Art Auction. In the last shot I took, my little boy put his hand over top of the painting. As he placed his hand on the glass, Clarence said, "I'm going to stop the bird from flying away."  Uch, too cute. And if the bidding at the auction gets opened up to include paying in Lego, Clarence really could stop this blue jay from flying away to a new home.

Come to think of it, this hand on painting photo makes me think of last year when I was also photographing a piece that went to the DVSA Art Auction, and Clarence wanted to touch the bunny rabbit.  And now that has me thinking about the time I was at an art gallery in Washington, D.C. (I can't remember which one because I was very young), and one of my two older brothers dared the other one to touch a VanGogh painting. The dare was followed through on but I don't think the result was as exciting as either one of them had hoped.

Larf Love

I've been meaning to share a recommendation for a great new children's book called Larf. My official assessment is: "I give it a gazillion thumbs up." The illustrations are beautiful and fun, making them the perfect accompaniment to the narrative which is both whimsical and thoughtful. My little fella Clarence is also a fan. "Want to read Larf," is a clear sign of unequivocal 2.5-year-old endorsement. I won't tell you too much about the book, but you should know that  Larf is a sasquatch, or as he's also described, "a hairy, seven-foot-tall, scarf-sporting manbeast..."  Awesome.

And you know what else is great? I went to Sheridan with Ashley Spires, the author of Larf and a number of other superb children's books, and she's great! I'm a completely reliable source on this because, as you can see, I have Quill & Quire to back me up and they're no slouches. Ashley dedicated Larf to her former classmates in the postgraduate Illustration program at Sheridan, something which makes me feel pretty darn special, especially give that Larf is a very special book.

For information about what other's have to say about my favourite manbeast, click here

Orchid Instructions

Orchid, waterolour, 5.5 x 7.5 inches

  

There's a wonderful purple orchid blooming in my studio right now, and it's a pretty irresistible subject for a painting. I don't think I have my orchid care quite right because the first flower comes out well before the rest of the stem has finished producing buds, but the effect is still lovely. There is so much detail and wonder in one orchid flower that if the plant had given me numerous blossoms to paint at once, I think this painting would have taken me a ridiculously long time. There is also a delight in seeing the flowers in their various stages of development simultaneously. It's a reminder that as much as it would be nice to sometimes just get to the end result that you want, it's the process that makes everything possible.

New Beginnings

A new-to-me drawing table, monitor and computer chair 

 

One of the things that I most love about the city of Hamilton are the kind and helpful people. Above, are pictures of my newly improved studio space which feature the drafting table that I had given to me by someone I met at the Christmas Makers' Market last year on James Street. Bruce was the father of one of the other vendors and after spending some time at my table, he asked if I would have use for a large, antique drafting table that once belonged to an architect. Um, yes, please. He and his wife were moving and Bruce liked the idea of clearing out the drawing table to someone who would get good use from it. So Bruce, if you happen to see this blurb of mine, thank you again! The table is awesome. Its adjustable height has relieved some strain in my shoulders and neck and I love what a huge surface it has.

I couldn't resist including a shot of what the other half my studio room looks like. A plastic partition separates "mommy's art space" (Clarence's term, not mine), from Clarence's play room. We both get to enjoy the sunlight and watch the birds, while also enjoying each other's company. It's a pretty sweet set up, I must say. Admittedly I haven't been doing as much work in my studio in the last three months, including posting new things here, but I have a pretty solid excuse-- nausea and exhaustion. Yup, I'm pregnant. Woohoo! The baby is due August 20th so I still have plenty of painting time before then. These days I'm feeling more energetic and less sick, so I'm looking forward to sharing new work in the months ahead.

Mysterious Beagle

The most recent pet painting I finished was done from a blurry old photograph of a beagle named Cleo. This beloved family pet lived long before the time of digital cameras and so there was only one photo for me to work from. When I looked at other beagle images to gather a little more visual information, I couldn't find a single beagle who looked anything like Cleo. When the watercolour was completed and delivered to its happy new owner, I found out the reason I couldn't find any similar beagle examples is that Cleo was diabetic. Mystery solved!

Now that the Christmas holidays are in full swing, I'm enjoying some relaxation that doesn't involve painting, but starting to feel restless to start something new. I think a trip to the art supply store is due. My birthday is on Thursday and I may just treat myself to some new supplies.

From Start to Finish

watercolour, 8 x 10

Earlier I wrote about a very regal looking dog whose portrait I was painting for a very nice lady I met at the St. Paul's Market in Dundas. I finished the painting on Monday and on the right is the final result. This dog is so stately. As I was working on the watercolour painting, I imagined the dog thinking to herself, "well, I suppose you can paint my portrait, if you like."

I've included the photograph that I worked from, as well as the preliminary sketches that brought me to the finished painting. I love seeing artist's process work so I thought I'd show this painting from start to finish.

Christmas Makers' Market!

Tomorrow there's a Christmas Makers' Market happening in Westdale, Hamilton. I'm going to be a part of it. Here are the deets:  

Holiday Edition of the Makers' Market
November 26, 2011 at St.Paul's Anglican Church, 1140 King Street West, Hamilton 
from 10am - 4pm

Items as original as the person you are gifting them to:

original art, stationery, jewellery, toys, clothing, knitted goods, accessories, bath and beauty products and 

homemade baked goods.

Free admission. For more info: www.makersmarket.ca 

email themakersmarket@gmail.com or call 905-527-1316