Misty Mountains

This painting was inspired by our recent trip to the Sunshine Coast. On the day we left (by sailboat) the mist and clouds had crept in, the rain was starting and the wind was picking up. The crossing of the strait ended up being quite uncomfortable! However, the view looking back up Jervis Inlet definitely made up for it. Photos really don’t do it justice. This is definitely a case where it is wonderful to be a painter instead of a photographer. I was able to paint it as I remembered the view with just some photographic reference. Although the colour palette might look fairly monochrome, there is a surprising range of colours in it.

Western Light

I don’t often paint over other paintings but this time I did! I admit it felt good to place thick brushstrokes and use the palette knife over the other piece. I’m not sure this is entirely successful but as an imaginary landscape, it certainly has lots of energy. I think I would like to play more with thick application of paint in future.

Twin Beaches – May

I have painted plein air at this location a few times now and every time it’s so different. The level of the water and the direction of flow of the tide …the colour of the water …and the sky, the quality of the light – so much can change by season and by time of day. Of course things are changing even during the time it takes to create a small painting. On this day, the tide was coming in quite quickly but I mostly kept the original water level. I loved the colours in the shallows and on the wet sand.

The Commons – Waiting to Bloom

Back in April, Elsa Bluethner and I gave a workshop on plein air painting at a local festival. It took the form of information sharing especially about approach and equipment and then we each did a demo. Mine looked towards the south showing a pretty gate to a community garden. This spring has been very cool and things are taking a long time to bloom. The small fruit tree in the foreground was just trying to start opening its buds.

Despite the cool grey day, everyone seemed to enjoy the event. I think we may be starting up a plein air club soon …as soon as it finally warms up!

Degnen Bay Plein Air

Degnen Bay – Cold Spring Afternoon (8″x10″ oil on raised panel)

I went out plein air painting with an artist friend early in April to a protected bay on our coast. Lucky us that’s only about a 15 minute drive. There were a few boats moored here but I decided to focus on the fleeting sky and cloud structure and the effect of that on the water. Especially happy with the sky!

I didn’t want to start another 8×10 but my friend was still painting and had a 6×8 linen panel she was willing to give me to try. So here’s the second painting of the afternoon looking another direction. We were getting rather chilled so I ended up tweaking this one back in the studio.

Degnen Bay – Evening Light (6″ x 8″ oil on linen panel)

Once again, I decided to focus on the natural aspects of the scene – the lengthening shadows and new green of the spring trees while mostly ignoring any man made structures.

Exultation

Painting a larger piece with the theme of birds in flight seemed natural after creating the smaller ones. The scale of this one allowed much more in terms of setting. The whole thing evolved intuitively as the layers built up. One of the final elements was the bridge crossing a narrow chasm in the foreground. I suddenly realized there was a path to look out over the ridge. That must be some spectacular view! I enjoyed the idea of that other view which here is just hinted at but the main feature is the sky full of birds darting and skimming through the air – the feeling of exultation.

Time and Tide

A larger painting that I will be including in my upcoming featured artist slot in a local gallery. I love the feeling of movement and as well the capturing of a feeling of time. There is a sense of both high and low tide; both morning and evening; transparency and reflections.

The shapes of the waves are stylized and rhythmical. The clouds are wind-blown ribbons.

The shapes of the waves turn into fish…

Hints of sea stars, sea anemones, sea weeds and more…

A gull wonders if it’s time to fly off with the others.

Time and Tide (close up detail bottom middle)

Texture, shape and colour. 🙂

Twin Beaches – March

First plein air painting of the year. It was a lovely day to spend an afternoon outdoors painting. For a change I went with another painter friend which was pleasant and interesting. I paint quickly but she paints even faster – very useful when the light keeps changing. She did two paintings the same size as mine in the time I did one – and yes, beautiful work. Check out Elsa Bluethner’s website!

Exploring the Edges

This was a fairly major undertaking with lots of layers and textures built up over time. I love those crazy-looking oyster catchers and all the shell-like and other shapes that feel like a tidal zone. I’m also very happy with the glowing yellow which to me, gives the piece an Eastern flavour as well as evoking the warmth of the sun.

“Exploring the Edges” Detail from upper left

“Exploring the Edges” Detail from left canvas

“Exploring the Edges” Detail from right canvas

I hope you enjoy the richness of all the colours and textures!

Autumn Lake

This piece started life as a study for a large commission and then became a painting that I liked in its own right. The feeling of this imagined landscape is of Ontario lake country in the fall. The leaves of the birches have turned gold while the occasional maple splashes red. A barred owl gazes out and the moon is full in the early evening sky.

Green Tea Doodles

take some time for tea and check out my doodles

landscape painting