Carly

Carly, ink and watercolour, 4 x 6  inches, ©2016

Portrait of Carly. This is how I see Carly - fun, friendly, happy, alert, a lovely little dog. The challenge was: they already had a "traditional" acrylic painting of this cutie. So I needed something completely different, I choose a sketchy, playful, loose style.

We-Ko-Pa Golf

Arizona We-Ko-Pa, ink on pastel paper, 5 x 5  inches, ©2016

We-Ko-Pa Golf

Arizona We-Ko-Pa, ink on pastel paper, 5 x 5  inches, ©2016

We-Ko-Pa is owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Situated in the beautiful Sonoran Desert with ancient saguaros in the foreground and magnificent mountains in the distance. Awesome views of Red Mountain. No homes, condos or town homes lining these fairways. Played golf here April 2012.

One Detroit Center

One Detroit Center, ink on pastel paper, 5 x 5  inches, ©2016

Xmas Window Painting

Working larger... its on my to do list. So this qualifies, some Christmas window painting for ISP Canada / Tech Alley on Oxford Street in London. Some holly with orange berries on the front windows, quite simple. They wanted some techie elements, so on the entrance side, I have included cell phone, laptop, monitor and headphone along with the gifts. 

ISP Canada / Tech Alley ~ Xmas Window Painting

First-St. Andrews United Church

First St. Andrews Boutique Bazaar

I am looking forward to being part of Artisans' Alley at the Boutique Bazaar at First-St. Andrews United Church. Look for the many booths downstairs at First-St. Andrew's in Proudfoot Hall, displaying Sewing, Knitting, Baking, Preserves, Fair Trade Coffee, Christmas Decor and much much more. On the main floor you'll find our Heirloom Jewellery section. Check out their French Cafe in the Fireside Room downstairs.  For the children, there is Children's World.  And of course.... Artisans' Alley has been growing in popularity and scope over the past few years.

Date: Saturday, November 12th, 2016
Time: 10am - 2pm
Location: First-St. Andrews United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London
More info: http://www.fsaunited.com/bazaar.html

Queens Ave Apt

Queens Ave Apt, ink and watercolour, 3.5 x 5  inches, ©2016

More beautiful old building on Queens Ave in downtown London, that I walk past on a regular basis. Red Brick apartment building on the corner of Queens Ave and Wellington Street, across from London Life.

Bankers Row

Bankers Row, ink and watercolour, 3.5 x 6.5  inches, ©2016

These two building are part of the Ridout Street Complex National Historic Site of Canada. They are located on Ridout Street in downtown London and were built mid-19th-century. (The designation refers to the three buildings at 435, 441-447, and 451 Ridout Street North)

200 Queens Ave, London

200 Queens Ave, ink and watercolour, 3.25 x 4  inches, ©2016

I walk west on Queens Ave on my way home from work. I pass this building each time. I didn't appreciate the architecture until I went to a talk about "Mid Century Modern" Architecture.

"Mid-Century Modernism is a term used to describe the design style that brought forth major changes in modern design, architecture and urban development between 1933 and 1965"

Another illustration recently completed for the "Boutique Bazaar" at First St. Andrew's United Church on November 12 from 10am to 2pm, 2016.

Prince Alberts Diner

Prince Albert's Diner, ink and watercolour, 4.25 x 3  inches, ©2016

Looking forward to participating in the Boutique Bazaar, at First St. Andrews United Church (350 Queens Ave, London. this is one of the illustrations, just completed for this event.

http://www.fsaunited.com/bazaar.html

"Back again this year are all the popular sections of FSA's famous Boutique Bazaar. Look for the many booths downstairs at First-St. Andrew's in Proudfoot Hall, displaying Sewing, Knitting, Baking, Preserves, Fair Trade Coffee, Christmas Decor and much much more. On the main floor you'll find our Heirloom Jewellery section. Who knows what unique (and maybe priceless pieces) you will find there. We especially recommend our Treasures Table. If you have ever watched the Antiques Road Show you will know that folks often pick up some amazing items at church bazaars. Who knows...maybe you'll be on television some day with your "find"!

Artisans' Alley has been growing in popularity and scope over the past few years. Located in our Chapel space, this area is reserved for local crafts people who produce items that you will never find in stores but will want the minute you see them. With Christmas coming, this is the place to pick up that gift that cannot be found anywhere else. Go ahead and play Santa! You'll get lots of holiday hugs in return."

Glencairn

Sketchbook ~ Glencairn (Scotch Block)

Sketchbook ~ Glencairn (Leithfield)

Clublink Glencairn Quote: "It’s been said that Glencairn is the closest you’ll come to Scotland without crossing the Atlantic. From the moment you pass the stone gates and wind your way between rock fences to the majestic multi-turreted clubhouse, you will feel like you just arrived at a Scottish links." That describes the course exactly. Most challenging are the pot bunkers, if you stay away from them, its a pretty easy course. This round, only in pot bunkers twice, so this was my best round/score at Glencairn!

Emerald Hills

Sketchbook ~ Emerald Hills (Holes No 1 to 9)

Emerald Hills is one of the original four founding courses of ClubLink. We took the scenic route, no 400 series highways, which took longer, but such a pleasant drive. Started with the beauty of a foggy morning, rolling hills around highway 109 on route to the Stouffville golf course. Rainy to start with, but turned into great day.

Rocky Crest Golf Club

Sketchbook ~ Rocky Crest (Holes No 1 to 9)

Round three: Rocky Crest Golf Club, my favourite. Walkable, challenging, nature all around, from the granite outcroppings to the forests of pine, white birch and hemlock. Score wise - my worst of the five rounds, but still my favourite Clublink course.

National Pines Golf Club

Sketchbook ~ National Pines (Holes No 1 to 9)

Round two: National Pines Golf Club, designed by Thomas McBroom, opened in 1992. National Pines is a great walking course (even thought it was very hot that day) that predominantly features Lovers Creek which comes into play 14 times during a round.

Caledon Woods

Sketchbook ~ Caledon Woods (Holes No 14 to 18)

With a couple of days off work to make a long weekend, we went to Caledon Woods to play golf. (first of five rounds). It's located in the pastoral hills and valleys of the Caledon countryside just north of Toronto, opened in 2003, replaced the 27-hole Bolton Golf Club. "Architect Paul Takahashi kept the classic parkland character intact but introduced links-style elements with tight lies and crowns around engaging greens—among the region’s best—that have a wide range of slope and contour."

Preliminary sketch of cottage

Sketchbook ~ Cottage

Starting to work on an illustration of a 1860's (?) cottage in the country. There is a huge catalpa tree (beautiful, tropical-looking North American native shade tree) in the front yard. I sketched this view while sitting in the shade of this very large tree. I like the way the limbs and heart shaped leaves frame the house... although I was having a hard time sketching that part. The trellis fencing just adds to the quaintness of the setting. Looking forward to working on the finished illustration.

Arva Flour Mill

Arva Flour Mill, ink and watercolour, 3.5 x 4.5  inches, ©2016

The historic Arva Flour Mill, in Arva, Ontario, on the banks of the Medway Creek, is Canada's oldest continuously operating water powered flour mill and perhaps the oldest in North America. I went for a drive back in February and stopped here on my way home. Worth a visit, beautiful setting. This small illustration is available at Gift of Art in Grand Bend.

Old Vienna

Stubby Beer Bottle: Old Vienna, ink and watercolour, 4.5 x 3  inches, ©2016

My brand of choice - back in the day! My stubby original drawings are available at The Rusty Gate in London, ON and Gift of Art in Grand Bend (as of June 8, 2016) 

Beer History

Stubby Beer Bottle: Labatt's 50, ink and watercolour, 4.5 x 3  inches, ©2016

Remember the "stubby"? The stubby beer bottle was Canada's national beer bottle from 1961 to 1984. A little hop into beer history...

Arrowhead Country Club

Sketchbook ~ Arrowhead Country Club (Holes No 1 to 6)

Arrowhead Country Club was designed by the team of Raymond Floyd and Tom Jackson. There are 27 holes here and we played Waterway and Cypress. The "greenest" course we played, possibly the most water and most elevation change. Played with a lovely couple from Montreal.

World Tour Golf

Sketchbook ~ World Tour Golf (Holes No 1 to 3)

Located in the Carolina Forest section of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, World Tour Golf Links "World Tour is the brainchild of golf course designer Mel Graham. His vision was to recreate 18 of the world’s most elite, renowned and challenging golf layouts from 15 courses in three countries and nine states. The result is an utterly unique golf experience – a trip around the world played on a course you’ll never forget!" We played with a great couple from Kentucky, on a beautiful course on a beautiful day.

International Club

Sketchbook ~ International Club (Holes No 10 to 12)

Forecast was calling for rain, but we were there to play. It drizzles a little bit and that was it for the day. The International Club’s golf course was designed by Willard Byrd. Pines, oaks, and native grasses, many lakes and ponds, sparkling white bunkers all together create an aesthetically pleasing golf course. The gentleman in the pro shop, was telling me about the 2 kinds of poisonous snakes on the course, and I said "if I play in the middle of the fairway, I will have nothing to fear" This was my best round of the holiday, an 81! I literally hit the middle of the fairway on every hole.... not wanting to come close to any poisonous snakes!

Burning Ridge

Sketchbook ~ Burning Ridge Golf Club (Holes No 6 to 9)

Burning Ridge - Because of a mix up in our tee times… we ended up arriving just minutes before our tee time. So rush from car to first tee and off we go. This course was designed by Gene Hamm, elegantly mounded, pine lined fairways and quite a few water hazards. Most greens are elevated and protected by bunkers. “The course is also known as a woman-friendly course. The women’s tees were not put in as an afterthought, but were carefully placed to provide a fair challenge to our extensive women membership and numerous ladies groups.”

The Pearl

Our April vacation means the golf has officially started. We spend a week in Myrtle Beach, SC doing nothing but playing golf. Last summer, I sketch all the holes I played in black and white, starting part way thru the season. This year I am starting right at the beginning of the season and doing it in colour. Sketching in black ink on location and from photo, and adding colour later. Started new sketchbook, just for golf, from Stillman & Birn, alpha series.

It makes a long day, get up in the middle of the night, 2:45am to drive to Detroit and fly out early in the morning, 8:30am, but the advantage to that is we are in South Carolina at 10:05am, early enough to play golf the first day.

Sketchbook ~ The Pearl, East (Holes No 4 to 9)

The Pearl, East - A short drive north to Calabash, North Carolina, we played The Pearl. Dan Maples is the designer of the 2 courses at the Pearl, East and West, traditional parkland golf, through pristine forest, ending with a dynamic finish along the Calabash River. The weather wasn’t warm, in fact we drove back to the rental car after nine holes to get more clothes to put on.

Blackfriars Bridge in Winter

Blackfriars Bridge in Winter, ink watercolour and gouche, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, ©2016

A warm sunny Sunday, followed up with a cold blustery Monday! I did this little illustration a couple of weeks ago and today felt more like this.

Warm Sunday!

Sketchbook ~ downtown view from west London

Warm and sunny yesterday. Yesterday, Sunday, March 27 felt like spring, this was first time this year to sit outside and sketch, down by the forks of the Thames, where I walk all the time. I recently bought a new sketchbook with tan coloured pages and my plan was to use it as my "urban sketching book" or for people sketching, in an effort to draw more people. So, there are people biking, walking, running on the bike path, along with all the architecture.

Looking out my back door

Sketchbook ~ Looking out my back door

Quick sketch "looking out my back door".
Reminds me of that song by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Just got home from Illinois locked the front door oh boy!
Got to sit down take a rest on the porch
Imagination sets in pretty soon I'm singin'
Doo doo doo lookin' out my back door......

Figure Drawing

Sketchbook - Figure Drawing

Another enjoyable figure drawing session at The ARTS Project.

Figure Drawing

Sketchbook ~ Figure Drawing

Tuesday afternoon figure drawing session at the Arts Project, male model. I prefer female, but I think it's good practice to draw males too. The model was great, totally enjoyed the session. Not only did he hold the poses really well, his poses were interesting and challenging. Well defined muscle structure in the form. Faber Castell PITT Pen and 6B pencil.

King Edward Pub

Sketchbook - King Edward Pub

Warm, sunny Sunday in February, a great day for a drive. Destination, King Edward Restaurant and Pub in Ilderton. This English style pub is in an 1880's heritage building, complete with an impressive tin ceiling.

Figure Drawing

Sketchbook - Figure Drawing

Great model at The Arts Project yesterday. One of the poses, simplified, ink and graphite.

Corks No 2

Corks No 2, ink & watercolour mounted on birch panel, 6 x 6 inches, ©2013

This is a painting from the 2013 Art of Old South Show. I am experimenting with mounting a watercolour illustration on a board and finishing with a wax application. I am pleased with the result and will be doing some more.

My Wednesday off usually turns into too much bookwork and not enough artwork. Today was researching, experimenting and playing in my studio!

Figure Drawing

Sketchbook - Figure Drawing

I went to figure drawing yesterday at The Arts Project for the first time in years! There's been so much architecture in my work and I haven't made time for the human form. So that's going to change. There is a figure drawing session on Monday night from 7pm to 10pm and another one on Tuesday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm. Cost is $10. Looking forward to going back... I know this isn't a great sketch, that just means I need to go back on a regular basis and practise.

Dog Sketches

Sketchbook - Dog Sketches

Buddy is a Golden Retriever, 6 years old, still acts like a puppy, always wanting to play with his ball.

The Village Idiot

The Village Idiot, ink and watercolour, 3 x 4 inches, ©2016

The Village Idiot is a record store located in Wortley Village. They have all kinds of music from the 1920s forward, stereo equipment, furniture to house it and posters. With a slogan like “cool stuff for cool people” and that beautiful red paint, why not visit in person at 135 Wortley Rd (I couldn't find a website for them).

This illustration is available at The Art Exchange.

Victoria Tavern

Victoria Tavern, ink, watercolour, gouche, 4 x 5.5 inches, ©2016

The Victoria Tavern is opening again and has a new owner, Mike Small. This location housed a grocery store from the 1920's until 1933 when the Victoria Tavern opened. The long standing SoHo watering hole closed its doors in 2013, but was included in our Barhopping into History book, because if closed just as we were going to print. I haven't been inside since it re-opened, as it was closed for a function the day I tried. It is January and we finally have winter, so I thought it was time to paint a snowy, wintery picture.

Sweet Onion Grill

Sketchbook - Grimbergen

Sketchbook - draught taps

Enjoyed the opening for "The Preview Show" an exhibition of the artworks representing the upcoming shows for 2016 at Westland Gallery. After which we enjoyed a beverage at Sweet Onion Grill. A beer that I have never heard: Grimbergen. Lots of history here. "The Grimbergen Abbey dates back into the Middle Ages when Norbert van Xanten took the name of Norbertus and founded the Premonstratensian Order (or Norbertine Order). In 1128, the Lords of Grimbergen asked him to build an abbey and he granted them their wish. Shortly after, in the same year, the Fathers of Grimbergen Abbey began to brew a local beer." Read More

Winks Eatery, Inc.

Sketchbook - Winks Eatery

Sunday afternoon "drinking and drawing" at Winks Eatery, Inc., Richmond and Albert Street in London. Enjoyed a Hoegaarden, a wheat ale that is brewed in Belgium, one of my favourites! Comes in a really big glass, makes it look bigger than it is.