Wednesday, March 25, 2015

March Hoar Frost

March Hoar Frost   Oil    10 x 12
This small oil began its life as another painting of a similar subject but I wasn't satisfied with how it was working so I took a paint scraper to it and began anew. It depicts one of the many favorite walks I take around my neighborhood. Painted entirely with a painting knife.

Monday, March 23, 2015

March Snow

Fresh March Snow Watercolour 
I felt in the mood to do a watercolour today. We've had a bit of fresh snow over the last few days and more is coming our way after losing alot of it to a spring thaw. I love the brightness of the light at this time of the year, everything is so vibrant, almost blinding when the sun shines on the snow. Sunglasses are a must.  I can't take all the credit for this painting, it was inspired by the late English watercolourist Roland Hilder. I am quite fond of his technique, it resonates with my own. This piece includes many of my favourite things about this time of the year, low scudding clouds, bright snow, shadows on the snow and colour that hints at spring around the corner.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The Shack

The Shack
I call this the Shack but it was actually a small cottage down the back lane from me. Last spring someone came and knocked it down and hauled it away. Glad I came across it when I did. There's lots of places like this out here, nobody comes to them anymore and they get tired of paying taxes on them so down they come. This time of the year the shadows are getting longer and the colours brighter (and the sun warmer)!

Monday, March 16, 2015

Annapurna Valley

Annapurna, Nepal
Friends of mine spent almost a year near here and quite often hiked themselves and with friends of theirs. While painting this I was imagining myself sitting on the boulder in the foreground and painting from life. Oh well, maybe some day!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Barby Lake

Barby Lake, Mb.
I found myself reminiscing about one of my all time favourite fishing spots in Manitoba. Although it could be frustrating trying to catch those prize winning Rainbow Trout, many times I went home empty handed, when you were successful it was exhilarating to reel in those beauties. I got 2 Master Angler sized Trout out of this lake. The lake itself is beautiful, I have been here winter, summer, spring and fall and all seasons have their special charm and beauty. In this oil I've tried to capture the serenity of the place and also the fickleness of those Rainbows by depicting the one that got away!!