Radford Art Blog

Miniature Show Opens Fri Feb 3

2012-01-31T19:36:00.001-05:00

Bigger is not always better. A show featuring works 3" x 4" or 3" x 4" x 3" opens this Friday, Feb 3 at 7:30pm. This is the 7th annual miniature show at The Art Exchange. The show is always displayed uniformly with consistant framing. Miniatures are affordable original artwork.

SS19, Richmond Street, London

Untitled Female No 14a

Working Schedule

2012-01-27T20:29:00.002-05:00

Today was my last day at Art Rental & Sales Gallery.Over the past 2+ years, I have learned allot and met allot of great people:volunteers, artists and customers. ARSG is an organization dedicated to the local artscommunity with all proceeds towards the purchase of new acquistions for Museum London's permanent collection.

Starting next week I will be working a few more hours with the LondonPotters Guild, but bottom line is instead of working on6 days week, I will work 4 days a week. I am really looking forward to that. Ofcourse, I will still be doing all the bookkeeping for Keys by Troy. Theplan: spend all day Wednesday working on my art. My new year starts February,with my artistic goals for the upcoming year being to work larger and add some colour.

Miniature show at Art Exchange

2012-01-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

SS20 Richmond Tavern, London

I have been working on some miniatures for the 7th Annual Juried Miniature Show at the Art Exchange. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 3, at 7:30pm. I have finished a couple small streetscapes, this one will not be entered. Its very challenging to draw buildings this small, 3" x 4", figurative work is much easier (and much more fun) to create in this size.

Drawing at the Market

2012-01-07T10:45:00.000-05:00

I met my friend Susan at the Covent Garden Market on Thursday morning beforework. I normally do not chooseto draw flowers, but the colourful arrangement of Esthers Flowers and Gifts,just inside the Talbot Streetentrance was so cheerful, I had to. The structure was very architectural. Thecontainers were so geometric. Flowers were the minor part of sketch.

Figure Drawing

2011-12-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Untitled Female No. 13

India Ink, applied with a brush, on tan stonehenge paper, from figure drawing session at The ARTS Project.

Seasonal Drawing

2011-12-17T11:39:00.001-05:00

Its December 17 and there is very little snow yet. It doesn't look like or feel like Christmas. Last night was teddy bear toss at the London Knights game. With a total of 9,851 teddy bears tossed onto the ice surface for the The Salvation Army’s Christmas Hamper program, it started to feel a little like Xmas. This is one of the few games I go to. I have put out the few decorations that I have... which includes these stuffed toys.

Figure Drawing

2011-12-14T10:43:00.002-05:00

Sketches from Figure Drawing

Attended figure drawing at The Arts Project on Monday night. This was a first time model. She was great.... lots of motion in gestures, held longer poses really will. Just a couple of the sketches.

Lifestyle Magazine

2011-12-05T17:41:00.001-05:00

"The Gift of Art", an article by Beth Stewart in Lifestyle Magazine November/December Issue.

Link to online version Lifestyle Magazine

Richmond Street

2011-11-27T15:57:00.001-05:00

SS16, Richmond Street, London

This 3 storey streetscape with the traditional business section at streetlevel and apartments (presumably) over is in the heart of downtown London between Dundas Street and Queens Ave. Thedesign is simple. There is elaborate detailing around the all the windows androofline. Drawn from photo reference.

Sketching Dundas Steet

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Before work on Wednesday, spent a couple of hours sketching downtown. This is view of Dundas Steet, north side, from 3rd floor of library. Started drawing the interesting brickwork on facade of The Yew Tree building, with the contrasting One Londo Place in background. Next door to that is Attic Books. I had never been there, and I had a few estra minutes before work, so I stopped in.

Attic Books is one of the largest second hand booksellers in the country. I purchased "Historic Streetscapes of Huron County" from April 1981, written and illustrated by Nicholas Hill. What great little book with lovely pen and ink drawings from all the small towns of Huron County, where I grew up. Interesting I was not charged tax, because it was local history book.

Sketch of Dundas Street

Sketching the Dog

2011-11-12T08:33:00.001-05:00

Sketch of Mac

Sketching the dog while he sleeps, which seems to be most of the time. I have read that dogs sleep between 13 and 16 hours per day. Mac is always excited for a walk, but right after, back to the couch.

Occupy London

2011-11-05T11:04:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday morning, went to Victoria Park to draw with Susan. I thought the "Occupy London" was larger than it really was. All tents are in north west corner of park. Not quite sure what they are trying to accomplish or what they will accomplish, but was interesting to draw... so much architecture lately, need a change. Hopefully some more warm weather next week.

Back to London Streetscapes

2011-10-30T17:30:00.001-04:00

SS14, Covant Market Place, London

Back to the streets of downtown London. Seems a little boring in camparison to Italy.... but I do really like the downtown here in London, Ontario. First one "SS14, Covant Market Place, London" completed on location last Sunday. Second one "SS15, Richmond Street, London" drawn from photographs, Woke up at 5am on Wednesday morning, so I thought might as well make constructive use of this time, so this is what I did.

SS15, Richmond Street

This is Richmond Street north of King Street. Szeminykei Kirwin Mackenzie Law Firm on left is a little modern, but makes an interesting contrast to the historic Richmond Tavern. This is what I have found out about this local watering hole ... the original building was constructed in 1852 and at the time was called the Revere House. 10 years later, the building was doubled in size and became known as the Richmond Hotel. This establishment has been continuously operating for over 150 years.

Venice, Italy, Streetscape

2011-10-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

Another streetscape completed in Venice on location.

SS11, Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy, Streetscape

2011-10-27T09:42:00.001-04:00

SS10, Venice, Italy

This was the the view cross the canal from the "Istituto Canossiano" in Venice, Italy. The Institute is located in the historic centre of Venice in the Dorsoduro district, a wonderful place to stay. This drawing completed on location Sunday Oct 2.

Venice, Italy

2011-10-22T08:37:00.002-04:00

Second half of vacation was spent in historic city of Venice. "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City", "City of Canals. Venice is great architecture with canals, bridges and boats. The city stretches across 117 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon. Venice is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, due to the city's being one of the world's greatest and most beautiful cities of art. The city has an average of 50,000 tourists a day. So, some areas are extremely busy, but you could find quiet spots to draw. Attached are a couple of sketches from Monday Oct. 3.

Venice, Sketch Monday Oct 3

Another Venice Sketch Monday Oct 3

Cortona, Italy, Landscapes

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

In Cortona, we stayed at Casa Betania, which had a beautiful vista of surrounding coutryside. (second sketch) On Monday, September 26, we walked outside the city, for some landscape drawing. (first sketch) Cypress trees are symbolic of trusan landscape. "One cannot think of Tuscany without thinking of the magnificent cypress tree, so quintessential and symbolic of the Tuscan landscape that it has adopted the name of "The Tuscan cypress tree. Although this is a somewhat fitting name, it is however grossly incorrect as its real place of origin was almost certainly Persia or Syria and was brought to the Tuscan area by the mysterious Etruscan tribes-people many thousands of years ago who considered the plant to have mystical/supernatural connections." read more The Tuscany region is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its magnificent scenery of rolling hills, hilltop towns villages and vineyards.

View of church and fort on hilltop

View from garden patio at villa

Cortona, Italy, Streetscape

2011-10-16T10:13:00.000-04:00

Another streetscape completed on location in Cortona Italy.

SS08 Cortona, Italy

Cortona, Italy, Streetscape

2011-10-15T10:05:00.000-04:00

Once I got a feel for Cortona I looked for streetscapes to draw. Not only did I have to find an interesting street and architecture, but I had to find a shady spot to sit, where I wasn't in the way of traffic, rather difficult on those narrow streets. Weather was perfect our whole trip, too hot to sit in sun, but perfect when sitting in the shade. Drawing completed on location.

SS07 Cortona, Italy

Cortona, Italy

2011-10-13T09:51:00.001-04:00

Arrived on Saturday, Sept 24 in the afternoon and had time for a walk about Cortona to get familair with this hilltop city. Sunday was first full day in Cortona and I spent the all day drawing and sketching. Attached are two of the sketches. You either walk up or you walk down, can't get lost. Each sketch took a hour to hour and half.

Cortona, looking down at rooftops

Cortona, looking up a narrow street

About Cortona - "Believe it or not, Cortona, was a well-known Umbrian hill town before Frances Mayes wrote about renovating her house, “Casa Bramasole”, near here. (Under a Tuscan Sun). Cortona is a small but fascinating city in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, central Italy, situated on a commanding hill, and overlooking Lake Trasimeno. Its cyclopean walls reveal its Etruscan origins. It was one of the twelve cities of Etruria and in its vicinity many ruins and Etruscan tombs may be seen."

No computer for 2 weeks

2011-10-10T09:23:00.000-04:00

I consider that a real vacation, I didn't touch a computer for over 2 weeks, lots and lots of sketching and drawing with this trip - Novack Avid Traveller "Artists in Italy" lead by Kevin and Daphne Bice. I highly recommend this type of travel... great combination of scheduled events/dinners/etc with lots of free time to what we want, when we want.

I managed to do 8 finished drawings on location and about 35 sketches from Cortona, Florence, Ravena and Venice. I will post some samples in next few days/weeks. Unfortunately, back to reality means back to work and I have lots of work to catch up on. One more day of holidays, so we will play golf this afternoon... 'cause the temperature is going to be 25 degrees and sunny! Speaking of golf... this past summer I started taking a small sketch book with me when golfing (as seen in many of my posts). I spent my waiting time sketching golf holes and I just realized how much that helped me in "seeing and drawing faster".

Glen Cairn

2011-09-13T20:46:00.010-04:00

Holiday Monday golf at Glencairn Golf Club. near Halton Hills. This is hole no. 1, sketched while we waiting to tee off. Love this course... from the stone walls, burns and bridges to the " I hate" those sod-walled pot bunkers. On hole number 2, I missed the green by inches and ended up in the pot bunker right in front, three strokes and I was still in trap, a drop in the sandtrap, next shot right over the green. Managed to stay out of bunkers after that. So 17 good holes and 1 bad.

Glencairn Hole No. 1

Kings Riding

2011-09-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

Kings Riding Hole No. 10

Sunday golf at Kings Riding Golf Club just north of Toronto near King City. Architect Thomas McBroom's inspiration is based the King's Course at Gleneagles in Scotland. I loved this very walk-able course with a mixture of mature parkland and features of the classic Scottish courses. This was butterfly that landed on my shoe lace and would not fly away, in fact stayed on my shoe lace while I walked about 100 yards. Must have been good luck, as I birdied back to back par fives, the one we were playing number 9 and hole number 10. This is a sketch of no 10, completed while we waited to tee off on front nine.

Greenhills No. 3

2011-08-31T11:40:00.000-04:00

Greenhills No. 3 Sketch

Sunday afternoon golf at Greenhills. Quick sketch started to wait on hole no. 3 then finished by hole no. 6. Waited too much, so only played 9 holes. Feels like a nine hole course!

Rocky Crest, Rain

2011-08-24T12:31:00.000-04:00

Sunny and bright to start the day. By the time we tuned on to Hamer Bay Road to Rocky Crest Golf Course was starting to rain. By the itme we pulled in to the parking lot, it was pouring rain. Lightning and pouring rain, so no golf that day at Rocky Crest, my favourite Clublink course. This is view from club house looking out onto the eighteenth hole, while having coffee deciding where to go and what to do.

KOLF No. 13, Quotes

2011-08-12T11:57:00.000-04:00

Bobby Jones, arguably the best golfer that ever lived, said such things as ... "Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots, you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies." This is the quote I started this piece of artwork with.I admire Bobby Jones not only because he was the most successful amateur golfer that ever lived. He exemplified the principles of sportsmanship and fair play. The most widely known incident - he called a two-stroke penalty on himself, and lost a tournament by one stroke. I believe golf is played against yourself or "old man par" as Jones said.

The golf hole pictured here is based on Greenhill's Hole No. 2, a long par five. It may be slightly downhill, but is always difficult to reach in 3 shots, as it is guarded by 4 sand traps.

KOLF No. 13, Quotes

KOLF No. 12 Quotes

2011-08-08T19:49:00.001-04:00

This is another drawing in the KOLF series. "Walking down any fairway you can sense the tradition and history of the sport. You can almost feel the presence of the likes of Bobby Jones and Babe Zaharias." Quotes include: IF YOU TRY TO FIGHT THE COURSE, IT WILL BEAT YOU. GOLF BRINGS OUT YOUR ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS A PERSON. THE MIND MESSES UP MORE SHOTS THAN THE BODY. The hole depicted here is based on Number 7 at Forest City National in London.

KOLF No. 12, Quotes

Boothhill Country Jamboree

2011-08-03T18:07:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was a weekend of country music, interesting people and very, very hot weather at the Boothhill Country Jamboree. The campground near Bothwell, Ontario was a sea of RV's. Most of the people supported cowboy boots and hats. There was only a few tents scattered amongst the 200 acres of motor homes. Considering the fact that I am not a big country music fan, I did enjoy the music of Sammy Kershaw (especially his version of Louie Armstrong's Wonderful World), high energy rockin sounds of Mustang Sally and The Oakridge Boys brought back memories of seventies and eighties country. I didn't get a chance to really listen to the rest, but I heard all the entertainment was good. Attached are a couple sketches from beside the stage area looking back at campground. First row of campsites directly behind the snow fence is the VIP section.

Glendale Golf Course

2011-07-28T12:15:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday made the trip to Glendale Golf and Country Club. Founded in 1919, it was one of the first private clubs in the Hamilton area. An enjoyable round, that included perfect weather, it may have rained in London, but not in Hamilton. Played with a pleasant twosome familiar with the course, who smiled and laughed the whole afternoon, able to share knowledge of the tricky greens, sloping fairways and blind shots.
Played better on front nine (42) than back nine (51)... what sticks out most for me is, how many "out of bounds" there were. A penalty of “stroke and distance” certainly adds to your score. And 3 of them on the back nine, really adds to the score. I have never seen so many white stakes, in what seems like the middle of a golf course! Despite that, it’s a very pretty golf course because of elevation changes and great views of Hamilton and even Toronto in the distance. Hopefully will get back to play it again, with a little more knowledge of the course layout.

Glendale No 6

Glendale No. 12

SS05 Dundas Street, London

2011-07-24T09:41:00.002-04:00

Another streetscape of downtown London, Ontario.

What says history and London more than Kingsmill's. This family run business was established in 1865 by Thomas Frazer Kingsmill, an Irish immigrant. The Kingsmill family continues to offer fine products and services from this art deco style building in downtown London. Keep walking down Dundas Street and you find - The Met, which dates to 1890, currently an artisans weekend market. This location was Canadian head office for Metropolitan Department Stores, and also a Bargain Harold’s, Saan and Red Apple.

SS05 Dundas Street, London, ON

"Drawings" at Sunset Arts

2011-07-09T11:16:00.001-04:00

About the Show at Sunset Arts Gallery in Grand Bend

A collection of “Drawings”. Black and white, with a small splash of colour. The human form, architecture and golf. Traditional figure drawing has always been a favourite subject of Cheryl. The human body is truly a magnificent work of art.

In August of 2007, Cheryl spent two weeks in a converted medieval monastery in Limoux, in the picturesque Lanquedoc area of Southern France. She loved the medieval towns and hilltop villages with their rich history and amazing architecture. When she returned home, she began to take more notice of the wonderful architecture right in southwestern Ontario. Sometimes you have to travel half way around the world to really appreciate and notice whats right here.

Another favourite subject or obsession... is golf. For Cheryl, golf is not just about the landscape, it's about combining the figure, history and landscape elements together in a piece of artwork. Golf is truly about respect for your fellow players, the game and the environment.

About the Artist

Cheryl Radford currently lives and works in London, Ontario. She grew up on a farm just outside Londesboro in Huron County. Starting with a diploma in Fine Arts, she went on to work in the graphic arts industry for many years, but recently made the switch back to the fine arts.

With 3 part time jobs; London Potters Guild: Program Administrator, Art Rental & Sales Gallery: Gallery Assistant and Keys by Troy: Bookkeeper, Cheryl spends allot of time doing detailed work at a computer. To Cheryl, one of the real joys is the simple act of drawing. Time to draw, is really an escape from the complicated computerized world. Cheryl believes drawing is the cornerstone of all visual art and there is nothing wrong with being known as an artist who draws. She considers drawing to be a primary medium, not a preliminary sketch for a painting, sculpture or another medium.

“I draw inspiration from all that life has to offer; a variety of people, work, the seemingly ordinary natural surroundings right here in London, to going away golfing at pristine golf courses. In the words of George Bernard Shaw: Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

SS02, Mainstreet, Bayfield

2011-07-07T20:50:00.001-04:00

SS02, Mainstreet, Bayfield

This is a streetscape of village of Bayfield, a rural village with gourmet dining, art galleries, boutiques and historic buildings. With a mere 900 permanent residents to that swells to over 2500 in summer, this quaint Lake Huron town has allot to offer.

This is a small portion of Mainstreet, Bayfield, a histoic portion that dates back to 1850. The Albion Hotel, with it's original Geogain Colonial architecture and the beautifully restored Black Dog Village Pub and Bistro, circa 1850.

This drawing that will be featured at Sunset Gallery in Grand Bend, where I am the Guest artist between July 10 and 23.

Golf Quotes

2011-06-29T08:17:00.002-04:00

I received an email a couple weeks ago, with famous golf quotes superimposed on amazing golf courses photography. Some more searching turned up hundreds of quotes by many famous, not so famous and unkown persons. In this peice of artwork I have incorporated some golf quotes that relate to how I feel about the game. Of course, certain quotes bring to mind a specific person... everyone know someone who has thrown the putter!

This is a drawing in the KOLF series. "Walking down any fairway you can sense the tradition and history of the sport. You can almost feel the presence of the likes of Bobby Jones and Babe Zaharias." The hole depicted here is based on Number 1 at Greenhills.
To see more of this series and other works of my art, visit Sunset Gallery in Grand Bend, between July 10 and 23, where I will be the feature artist.

Heron Point, Sunday

2011-06-23T08:54:00.001-04:00

Golf on Sunday at Heron Point, at Alberton (near Hamilton). Normally I like to walk and carry my clubs, but we road in a cart on Sunday, mostly because its easier to draw. Playing other Clublink courses, I am more inspired to draw. "Heron Point has played host to several Canadian Tour events, including the 1997 Canadian Masters won by Mike Weir at 18 under par, serving notice that his PGA Tour future was bright. This mix of meadowlands, linksy terrain and wetlands designed by Thomas McBroom provides a true test of anyone's game." Clublink

No. 6 Par 5

No. 8 Par 3

Managed to sketch 6 holes, here is No. 6 and No. 8. Didn't play very well, posted 95 (ESC), real score would have been about 102. ESC: Equitable Stroke Control, is a system used by the USGA to minimize the effects of "disaster holes" on a golfer's handicap index. Then, playing at Greenhills on Tuesday for ladies night. Game was much better, in fact best this year at 82.

London Clay Art Centre

2011-06-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

Small drawing, approx size 1.5" x 1.5" of the London Clay Art Centre, located at 664 Dundas Street in London's historic Old East Village. I did a detailed rendering in Adobe Illustrator, but it was "too perfect". The image needed to have a "hand made" look, as it is to be used on a small label for the paper bags in retail store which sells handcrafted local pottery. The building does not currently look like this, but plans are in the works to restore the building’s Victorian facade.

Robinson Hall

2011-06-08T20:49:00.000-04:00

Sketching last thursday night with my friend Kym, downtown London by Robinson Hall, in front of the Covent Garden Market. Was a little cool, so we only sketched for a short time, before going for coffee. A quick reference ink sketch for the series of streetscapes that I am working on. This may have been a bank originally, but I'm not sure?

Garlands, Golf in Michigan

2011-05-30T19:58:00.000-04:00

Weekend trip to Garlands Golf Resort in Northern Michigan. I had a Saturday off work, so felt like a long weekend. Left after work on Friday night, 4+ hours of driving later we arrived, service, accommodation and golf courses were great. A little bit of rain on Saturday, but managed to play 36 holes of golf and another 18 on Sunday. Sunday was warm and the sun came out! We were a twosome on Saturday, amongst all the foursomes, so felt quite slow. But for me "waiting" met more time for sketching. Eight sketches on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Fountian, No. 4

Monarch, No 15

From Driving Range

We took a more scenic route home. Drove through "Black Bear Capital of Michigan" Curran, "Wild Turkey Capital of Michigan" Fairview, and "Michigans Smallest City" Omer.

Here and There, Switzerland

2011-05-26T15:34:00.003-04:00

Here and There, Switerland (size: 7" x 9")

Commission artwork, with style based on a previous painting. After visiting Switerland, this is the painting to commemorate the trip. I started with the figure, from a Monday night session at The ARTS Project. I looked through the photos from the trip and picked out images that I felt suited, windows and mountains. I used the greenery to tie it together, similar to “Here and There”. “Edelweiss” the unofficial national flower of Switzerland. (The common name comes from German edel, meaning "noble", and weiß (also spelled weiss) "white", thus signifying "noble whiteness" or "noble purity".) Windows are interesting and symbolic.... they are an invisible division between private and public, are you inside looking out or outside looking in. Windows are said to symbolize enlightenment.

Here and There (size 6" x 12")

A short explanation of the original artwork, created in 2008 ... The human figure is at some level a self portrait. This represented my new found appreciation of the architecture in downtown London. This artwork was done after I came back from Limoux in the picturesque Languedoc area of Southern France, in 2007. The windows: one from a small town in southern France and and one from downtown London on Talbot Street.

Lack of Golf

2011-05-21T11:11:00.000-04:00

Too much rain, not enought golf. Can't be on the course drawing, but can still draw from photo reference. These are ACEO cards. Top is Greenhills, bottom left is Heron Point and bottom right is Rocky Crest. ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card.

SS01 Talbot Street, London

2011-05-14T12:24:00.002-04:00

SS01, Talbot Street, London, ON

Another streetscape of beautiful, downtown London. The distinctive Victorian architecture of the Talbot Inn, was incorporated into the new London Sports and Entertainment Centre (JLC) shown in this ink and graphite drawing, size 4" x 12". As long time fan and supporter of the London Knights, I have spent allot of time in this building, including the historic season when the Knights broke a CHL record, going 31 games in a row without a loss (29-0-2). Having said that, I was also witness to the record breaking season of 1995-96 at the old Ice House, south of the 401, when the Knights set a record for winning only three games all season (3-60-3).
"This building was originally constructed as the Hope Hotel in the 1840s by William Balkwill. It burnt down in January 1865 and was reopened in September 1865 as the City Hotel. It was renamed the Belvedere in 1871 and later the Talbot Inn. The building was demolished in 2001 and its facade was recreated on the John Labatt Centre which opened on the site in 2002." More info: Talbot Inn.

Image size: 4" x 12"
Matted with 2" border all around, outside diminsion: 8" x 16"
Price is $65.00

Untitled Female No. 12, Savannah

2011-04-29T18:00:00.003-04:00

The figurative portion is from April 4 at The ARTS Project. India ink gesture, then ramdam and free watercolour... trying to get away from the tight / controlled work. The architecture details are from last years trip to Savannah (well, golfing in Hilton Head and a drive to Savannah). The Riverfront District is historic and interesting and very beautiful. I unfortunately did not have time to draw while I was there, but have some good photo reference.

About Savannah "The City with the Nation’s Largest Registered Urban Historic Landmark District: Savannah has a unique city plan with 21 lush green squares, a wide variety of architecture, 1,600-plus restored structures rated historically and architecturally significant all within a 2.5 square mile area."

Golf Season

2011-04-25T15:48:00.002-04:00

It’s been a long winter, but finally golf season has begun. Middle of April, before Greenhill Course even opened, played 18 holes on Good Friday. Then came the overnight April showers and Dingman Creek flooded the course, so off to GreyStone to play on Saturday.

Sketching on the golf course is good practise in drawing quickly. Usually only have time for a few pencil lines at a time. The rest of the sketch is done on next hole or hole after that, depending on wait time. This is GreyStone Hole # 1 with Niagara Escarpment in background. I find drawing naked trees very challenging and golf courses are full of naked trees at this time of year. In a week or so we will have the lush foliage and the courses will be all green.

On Location

2011-04-15T16:43:00.008-04:00

Finally warm enough to be outside to do some drawing. Before work on thursday morning, met Susan at Victoria Park, where there are many large, old victorian era homes. Victorian era refers to a time period and not to a style. Queen Victoria, born in 1819, ruled Great Britain, the most powerful nation on earth at the time, from 1837 to 1901. Victorian architecture, in its broadest sense, is any building or style that was produced during her reign. The feature that attrached me, was the large colums with the ionic capitals. There are so many more wonderful examples of victorian era architecture in this area.

Figure Drawing

2011-04-05T17:30:00.005-04:00

From last nights figure drawing session at The ARTS Project. Great model, great poses. I like these freedom and simpicity of these two short gesture sketches. I tend to get very tight and controlled with the longer poses. Still adding the watercolur on some of the ink drawings/sketches.

Coffee Shop Sketching

2011-03-26T10:12:00.006-04:00

Thursday, met my friend Susan for some drawing at the coffee shop... well more talking than drawing, this is one quick sketch. Conversation turned to an Italy trip and she told me about a website call Mango. "Mango is a language learning program teaching practical conversation and cultural awareness for the world’s most popular languages. It’s so fast and easy, you’ll be able to have a real conversation in your new language in just minutes!" Mango Website.

Figure Drawing

2011-03-17T09:56:00.004-04:00

From Monday nights figure drawing. I found her hair... braided, dreadlock like, most interesting and more challenging to draw than I thought it would be. The smoothness of her skin was a nice contrast to the matted angular forms of her hair. This is one page of my sketchbook from monday night.

London Streetscape No. 2

2011-03-06T17:00:00.012-05:00

Richmond Street between Dundas and Carling. If you are downtown London, just look up and you will see all the great architectural detail on the old buildings. The reference for this was taken while I was downtown about a week and a half ago and did the small sketch of the corner of Dundas and Richmond. After I started drawing, this is what was going through my mind... "what was I thinking, there is soooo much detail here, this is going to take forever!" But a week later, drawing a little here and there when I had sometime, and here is the finished piece. It’s the architectural detailing around the windows on the second floor that attracts me. There are so many more streets like this down town, I am not sure what to do next.

New sketch book

2011-02-26T15:29:00.000-05:00

Well, not really new. Came across this sketchbook in the basement, can't remember when I bought it. Both my other 2 sketch books are full, so I have a new small sketch book... small, being just 4.5" x 4.5", its small enought to fit in my purse or pocket.

On Thursday before going to work, stopped at Starbucks for coffee and had enough time for a sketch of Richmond and Dundas Street corner. Its very busy there at that time of day, so I really should have put some people in drawing. Next time.

Detroit Skyline

2011-02-21T10:40:00.008-05:00

I am still fascinated with historic buildings. Stepping back from the streetscape gives the city skyline view. Here we have the Detroit Skyline in ink and graphite. The photo reference for this was taken back in August on a trip to Art Gallery of Windsor. Of course, I prefer historic, older buildings, so I have excluded the section with the Renaissance Center. I have read that Detroit has one of the nation's largest surviving collections of late nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings in it's downtown.

This drawing is for sale. Cost is $65.00 Canadian plus shipping. Drawing is double matted. Contact the artist for more details.

Talbot & King Sketch

2011-02-13T13:06:00.005-05:00

Thursday morning before I went to work, I met Susan Garrington for some location sketching, downtown on second floor of the Covant Garden Market.... Too cold to be outside sketching! This is the building, across the street at the corner of Talbot and King Street. I love drawing architecture and there are so many great buildings in downtown London. I roughly sketched the building, went to work and was busy for couple of days, then finally added some colour Sunday morning, so I was really guessing about colour. Next time I plan to have my watercolours with me.

Figure Drawing

2011-02-08T19:46:00.005-05:00

Couple of sketches from Monday night session of figure drawing at The ARTS Project. Loved the model, great poses.

London Streetscape

2011-01-29T09:50:00.002-05:00

London Streetscape No. 1 (ink and graphite, 5.5" x 13")

After taking some photos at the London Arts Council of paintings from Art Rental and Sales Gallery, I was admiring the architecture on Dundas Street from Clarence to Richmond. I noticed this plague at the top of the building "Duffield Block 1876" A simple search tells me "In 1871, Joseph Spettigue built Spettigue Hall (later the Duffield Block) which contained an elegant 663-seat concert hall on the second floor. Designed in the Second Empire Style, the structure was 197 feet long, 63 feet high, and cost $12,000 to construct." (See Duffield Block for more information).

I took some reference photos and this is the streetscape drawing I did.

Missing Golf

2011-01-17T16:57:00.007-05:00

Yes, I am missing golf. Received the new "ClubLink Life" magazine recently and in it was an article about the new ClubLink course (Glendale Golf and Country Club) in Hamilton. Can't wait for spring to go check it out. I like tree lined, old courses, ones with a lot of charactor and history This course dates back to 1919. A couple of quick sketches to keep me thinking about the upcoming season.

Small Line Drawing

2011-01-13T10:14:00.004-05:00

Small female (4" x4") india ink on stonehenge paper. A simplified line drawing from last monday night figure drawing session. (Untitled Female No. 10)

Gesture Drawings

2011-01-05T18:53:00.009-05:00

First figure drawing session of new year on Monday night at the ARTS Project. Model was great! Young, energetic, tall thin structure, the way she would tilt hips almost to extreme, her graceful curves especially graceful fingers, and her short spiky angular dark hair made her fun to draw. I found her poses to easy to stylize and easy to see the lines of movement. These black ink marker gestures drawings were 1 to 2 minutes.

New Year

2011-01-03T18:07:00.006-05:00

I picked up my remaining artworks from Night Cap Gallery on Sunday. They are closing for the remaining winter months and but will re opening April 1. At that time, I plan to have some more artwork with them. That brings me to my new years goals... last years goal was to exhibit or show work outside London. Accomplished that with Parkhill (Night Cap Gallery), Bayfield (JMR Gallery) and Muirkirk (Boothill Jamboree), althought not all as succesful as I wanted, but you have to try it, to see what works. This year, my goal is to post once a week.

Sketching the white stuff

2010-12-18T16:27:00.007-05:00

Can't remember last time I spent time sketching the white stuff. The walk to work by the Thames River. No plein air this time of year. Snapped some photos while walking to work and did some quick sketches.

More Figure Drawing

2010-12-07T15:33:00.004-05:00

Added india ink using calligraphy pen to a couple simple line drawings from last Monday night. Working on some colour ones, but not liking the results yet.

Figure Drawing

2010-12-05T19:59:00.003-05:00

The model last monday night at The ARTS Project was very graceful and elegant. All poses were great. It seemed really easy to draw the movement and rhythm using flowing calligrahy lines. Some of the pencil drawings from my sketch book below. I have added India ink to some of the sketches I did on stonehenge paper and watercolour paper... still working on adding the colour and making them a more finished drawing.

Mabel

2010-11-24T10:26:00.011-05:00

When I am in the mood to sketch, sometimes the only available models are my dogs. This is Mabel curled up on the couch. These were the last couple of sketches I did of Mabel, earlier this month. She was a great dog!

Pencil sketch of Mabel.

Watercolour portrait of Mabel, completed back in 2002.

Remembrance Day

2010-11-13T10:23:00.006-05:00

Thursday morning I went to Victorica Park for the Remembrance Day Ceremony. I went a little early so I could do some sketching, after all it has been a wonderful week of weather. Thousands of people turned out for the ceremony, great to see. Attached is quick sketch of The Boer War Memorial. A little history... The Boer War Memorial, George Hill, sculptor was unveiled in 1912 and the Cenotaph was erected in 1934. The World War Two Sherman Tank, “Holy Roller” was dedicated in 1950 to the First Hussars.

Figure Drawing

2010-11-08T20:24:00.006-05:00

Last monday nights model at The ARTS Project was great. Gestures full of movement, held the longer poses incredibly well. First drawing, short pose - 3 minutes from the session.

This was started on Monday night then I added pen lines later. I like how easily pen and ink can create thick and thin lines and how stonehenge paper allows such smooth smudging.

Night Cap Gallery

2010-11-02T17:31:00.006-04:00

My original drawings of historical architecture of North Middlesex are now available at Night Cap Gallery in Parkhill. Included are streetscapes, churches, old barns and of course the Parkhill Public Library. The present library building was erected in 1914 and opened July 28, 1915, on land donated by the Town of Parkhill. It was financed by a Carnegie grant, and is currently the only Carnegie library still open as a branch in the Middlesex County library system.

Parhill Public Libray (Ink and Graphite)

Figure Drawing

2010-10-26T19:58:00.007-04:00

Monday night at TAP, great model. Two of the sketches from my sketch book, using pencil and ink pen.

Untitled Male No.3

2010-10-19T07:16:00.005-04:00

Just sold this drawing, that was completed a couple of years. Stylized and simplified figure drawn with smooth flowing caligraphic lines.

I went to figure drawing at The ARTS Project last night. I found the models poses quite boring. The lines and the graceful form I seen with this model, I didn't see at all. Used last nights session, strictly as practise, not worth posting anything I did, thats for sure.

Figure Drawing

2010-09-24T07:49:00.005-04:00

Last monday nights model at the ARTS Project was great! Energetic, creative poses. This is one of the many, many gestures. The gesture drawing is in india ink on matt board, prepainted with acrylic paint, ramdom and abstract, nice warm colours. I like the textured surface of the this matt board. I think the drawing, needs more drawing, just not sure what I will add ... The pink makes me think of the CIBC Run for a Cure, which I will be running in next Sunday.

Figure Drawing

2010-09-15T11:30:00.000-04:00

Attended a figure drawing session at The Arts Project for the first time in months. Great model on monday night. The sessions have changed slightly with new person looking after the timing. Many,many short gesture poses starting at 30 sec, 1 min, etc, which I really like. Attached is a couple of the sketches in the 3 to 5 minute range. Hopefully get there again next monday night.

Country Club Golf

2010-09-08T08:13:00.008-04:00

2 days in a row off work, means 2 days in a row of golf. The Country Club on Sunday and Heron Point on holiday Monday.

The Country Club, a traditional old course, is set in the rolling hills of the Humber River Valley in Woodbridge. There are two 18-hole courses were created by the distinguished designer Howard Watson and fine-tuned by renowned architect Arthur Hills. We played the East Course, which undulates along the valley's edge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills and Toronto to the south. Two of the four sketches I did while playing at The Country Club.

Hole number 1, completed while waiting to tee off.

Hole #6, started while waiting for group in front of us, and finished as we played the hole.

JMR Gallery

2010-09-01T15:15:00.006-04:00

This morning, I dropped off 9 of my original drawings at JMR Gallery (Home of the Ontario Artist). The gallery is located in Bayfield Ontario, a beautiful and historic little town on the shores of Lake Huron. My work will be there from now to December 20. Drawings include male and female figurative art and golf art. I will be taking some architectural and some more golf images in mid September. If you are in the area, check it out.

Blue Springs Golf Course

2010-08-30T16:18:00.007-04:00

Sunday golf at Blue Springs Golf Course. A wee bit about Blue Springs ... a picturesque and exciting layout, changes in elevation, tall trees, wondrous views and rolling countryside combine for a challenging but fair course that also serves as the headquarters of the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association. Here are 2 of the 5 sketches I did while playing. First sketch, hole no 5, made par with a very long putt and then tap in and hole no 15, made par from under a tree on the left side of the fairway. We were a twosome in amongst foursomes, so was a bit of waiting. I always enjoy this course!

Art Gallery of Windsor

2010-08-25T08:38:00.005-04:00

No golf on Sunday, just resting a sore arm, so off to Windsor. I had never spent time at the pictureque waterfront in Windsor. This southern most city in Canada boasts 3,000 acres of green space, 180 parks, 40 miles of trails. The Art Gallery of Windsor located on the waterfront in Windsor, has amazing views of greenspace in front of the (very clean looking) Detroit river and the Detroit Skyline across the river. Was able to spend a little bit of time sketching before we came home.

Detroit Skyline Sketch

While at the Gallery, viewed "Masterworks Southwest" a juried, traveling exhibition of contemporary southwestern Ontario craft and "Uumajut: Symbols of Spiritual Power" an exhibition pulled from the AGW's extensive historical archives of Inuit works and highlights those pieces concerned with the notion of the "living spirit". I also looked at Art Rental & Sales Gallery, which has works displayed thoughout the Gallery. Very inpressed with the gallery, the exhibitions and the space.

Friday Night Golf

2010-08-15T06:42:00.003-04:00

Played nine holes of golf on friday night. I started double bogey, bogey, then I did this quick sketch on hole number three. A change of pace, getting my mind focused on being there "at the golf course" ... not thinking about work, what I should be doing at home, etc. made all the difference to my game. I then made par on the next 5 holes, then a bogey and ended with a par, for a 39. Very happy with that nine holes.

County Jamboree

2010-07-31T13:50:00.000-04:00

Sunday, I will be at the Biggest Country Music Event of the 2010 Summer, the 2nd Annual Boot Hill "Country" Jamboree in Bothwell Ontario. The weekend of festivities started on Thursday with karoko and a Jam Session with Guest Jamie Warren. Friday evening included Marie Brottrell with Aaron Solmon (Memories of Hank & Patsy), Jamie Warren and Little Texas. Today the line up of entertainment includes Jessie Farrell, Mustang Sally and the big attraction George Canyon. Sunday's entertainment includes Desert Heat, Deric Ruttan and Larry Gatlin & Gatlin Bros.

North Middlesex History

2010-07-24T19:23:00.001-04:00

Over the past few months, I have been doing some drawings of historical architecture of North Middlesex county. I will have a booth at their celebrations this weekend, Friday night and Saturday morning at the North Middlesex Community Centre in Parkhill. Included will be streetscapes, churches and beautiful old barns. This is my favourite "Parkhill Streetscape No. 3" an ink drawing measuring 4" x 9", double matted to 9" x 14" in size.

Golf in the Muskokas

2010-07-21T20:07:00.000-04:00

Holidays last week. Rented a cottage on Six Mile Lake. Spent the week drawing, golfing and sitting on the dock. It was great! Played Rocky Crest Golf Club, twice ... my favourite clublink course. A "walkable" course that still has all the beauty of the Muskokas. Played my best round of the season there on Monday, shot an 81. Followed that up with a 95 on Wednesday.

Played Grandview Golf Club for the first time. I played from the red tees, which is normal for me and found some of the holes rather short. I usually can't reach a par four in one, let alone be over the green in one. Having said that, it was one of my better drives! Grandview is descibed ... "Two-time major champion Mark O'Meara knows a thing or two about golf courses and that insight is obvious to anyone fortunate enough to play the Mark O'Meara Course at Grandview. Winding its way through the granite, forest and wetlands of the incomparable Muskoka region, Grandview is a delight to play." It did pour rain for a couple of holes, which was fine because it was a very hot day.

Also played The Lake Joseph Club. "Architect Thomas McBroom utilized the granite crags, towering trees and heaving topography of the incomparable Muskoka vacation region north of Toronto with such success that the course was named the best new course in the country by Golf Digest." We took a cart that day, so it was easy to do some sketching while playing.

Last sketch was practice greeen at Greenhills after ladies night on tuesday.

Sketches by the River

2010-07-08T10:56:00.002-04:00

Went sketching by the Thames River, by Blackfriars Bridge last evening with my friend Kym. With thunderstorms looming in the distance, I was convinced we would get rained on... but we were lucky and didn't get wet.

We were sitting out in the middle of the river on a rocky patch with our chairs. Before we knew it, the water started to raise and we were soon surrounded by water, came up at least 4 inches in less than an hour. There was abviously heavy rain to the north of the city! This first one shown here was not complete when we had to move.

We moved up to the top of the break wall, facing downtown and did some more sketching. It was a lovely evening to be sitting outside drawing.

Phillie with Colour

2010-06-30T07:37:00.000-04:00

There is a small street close to The Clay Studio called Elfreth's Alley. I felt like it was 2007 and I was back in France. "While a modern city has sprung up around it, the Alley preserves three centuries of evolution through its old-fashioned flower boxes, shutters, Flemish bond brickwork and other architectural details. Butchers. Bakers. Candlestick-makers. Named for blacksmith and property-owner Jeremiah Elfreth, Elfreth’s Alley was home to the 18th century artisans and trades-people who were the backbone of colonial Philadelphia. " This ink drawing with some added colour, is from photo reference. The order of homes is not exact, but it gives the feel of the street as I seen it.

Philadelphia

2010-06-17T16:45:00.005-04:00

I had the opportunity to visit to Philadelphia this week with some members of the London Potters Guild. 2 days is not enough time ... Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, beautiful city. I had never thought of Philadelphia as a city I must visit, but it is city well worth visiting.

We visited The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. Interesting and informative, a vision for the future of the London Clay Art Centre.... the whole purpose of the trip. Tuesday morning, we visited Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Isaiah Zagar is an award-winning mosaic mural artist whose work can be found on over 100 public walls throughout the city of Philadelphia and around the world. We did allot of walking, so I had time to figure out what and where I wanted to draw. Tuesday afternoon I had time to do just that... sit and draw. I choose the historic neighbourhood by the hotel we stayed at, Spruce and 12 street. I did some quick sketches in my sketch book and then completed this drawing on location. I wish I had more time there.

Greystone Golf Club Sketches

2010-06-10T07:37:00.004-04:00

Sketched 3 holes during the round of golf at Greystone Golf Club. This it hole no.1 and hole no.6. We road in a cart, which I usually don't like, but I really wanted to take my larger sketch book. It too big and too heavy for carrying, besides with a cart, I had a place to sit. It was busy and we did have to wait.

Golf Day

2010-06-08T08:08:00.003-04:00

Sunday Morning, Greenhills looked like this, thanks to Dingman Creek and the overnight rain. Hole number one ladies tee box in is to the left of the big trees. The other photo shows number ten tees in front of the submerged bench.

We managed to get a tee off at Greystone Golf Club... This describes it perfectly "Perched on the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, the unique setting creates captivating optical illusions on many of the putting surfaces. " I did a couple of drawings while golfing, to be uploaded soon.

Too Much Architecture

2010-05-29T10:53:00.000-04:00

Too much drawing architectural structures lately. Straight, perfect, man made rigid structures... I needed to draw something more organic and nature inspired. Yes, golf courses are man made, but it is still nature. The natural, rough elements are masterfully combined with the graceful curves of the fairways and greens. This is Blue Springs hole no. 2 looking back up the hill, at the ladies tee box. Situated on the Niagara escarpment, there is great changes in elevation, making walking the course a workout!

Westhaven Golf

2010-05-26T08:28:00.006-04:00

Played at Westhaven Golf and Country Club on holiday monday. Arrived a littel early... normal golfers go to the driving rnage to hit balls, and then to the practice green to putt. But for me , its a great time to sketch. The 18th, a beautiful finishing hole is a dog leg left, with a pond to the right and in front of the green, it finishes up at the back of the club house.

Had some more time, so did a quick sketch of no. 4 which comes back up to the clubhouse on the other side. Didn't quite finish as it was time to start. Finished with an 88, which I was happy with. Took some more pictures, so hopefully find time to do some finished drawings of this course.

Sunday Golf at Blue Springs

2010-05-18T08:19:00.004-04:00

Blue Springs Golf Club is one of my favourite Clublink courses... great changes in elevation, tall trees, incrediable views and rolling countryside all make for a challenging round of golf. This is the first hole, drawn while waiting to tee off. We walked the course, so no time to draw after that. There are some tiresome and uphill walks between holes... was exhausted when we finished.

Worldwide SketchCrawl

2010-05-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Saturday May 15, 2010 is th 27th Worldwide Sketch Crawl Day. Because I work on Saturday, my sketching was limited. I stopped on my walk to work to sketch the bike path by the Thames River, west side looking south.

This is the view of Blackfriars Bridge, while walking home.

This is in Harris Park, while walking the dog.

Brinsley Methodist Church

2010-05-03T15:53:00.003-04:00

I am currently working on a series of drawings of historical buildings of North Middlesex County. They will be for sale at North Middlesex's 150th Anniversary Celebrations. The festivities will run throughout 2010 with the centerpiece being the 150th anniversary weekend, July 30th to Aug 2nd, 2010. I plan to do approx 16 drawings. This is one of six I have completed so far.

I have a copy of an illustrated historical atlas of Middlesex County. I plan do incorporate some of these images into my drawings. As interesting as architecture is, rather than just drawing a picture of a buiding, as I have here... I plan to create some more interesting artwork by using other elements besides the historical building.

Heron Point, Sunday

2010-04-19T20:06:00.004-04:00

Off to golf at Heron Point on Sunday. Some people like to warm up by hitting ball, chipping, and putting. I was content to set on bench at first tee and sketch. This was a challenging clubhouse to draw, because of all the unsual angles. First few holes pace was really good, then caught up to people, so again that waiting just gives me a little time to draw. In the end played really well, 40 on front and 42 on back. One of my best games and its only April 18th.

Annual Show and Sale

2010-04-17T09:50:00.001-04:00

Golf Season in Ontario

2010-04-15T10:50:00.010-04:00

Golf Season in Ontario has started. Greenhills was under water due to flooding from Dingman Creek, so off to Glen Cairn we went on Sunday. The first nine was a little slow, so I got 2 sketches done. Second nine we caught up to people on the 6th hole, so one sketch on back. I have had this small sketch book (7"x 5") in my golf bag for a couple of years now. In the past I have only sketched a couple of times each season. I wonder if I can do at least one sketch each time I play this year....

North Middlesex Cards

2010-04-10T10:55:00.003-04:00

Handmade cards... with original artwork. I am sketching and painting original little images of historic building in North Middlesex on these cards. I am really using these as practise sketches before I do a larger more detailed drawing of the buildings. Finished drawings and cards will be for sale at the North Middlesex's 150th Anniversary Celebrations. The festivities will run throughout 2010 with the centerpiece being the 150th anniversary weekend, July 30th to Aug 2nd, 2010.

Urban Sketchers

2010-04-03T12:22:00.005-04:00

I do like to draw and sketch on location. It is a constructive way to use small amounts of time. It sharpens my observation skills and makes me more aware of my surroundings. Location work also challenges me to draw quicker and draw more from memory. A friend, Susan Garrington, suggested I check out "urban sketchers" website. Love the concept and the sketches are great!

Beautiful, but slow

2010-03-28T14:03:00.004-04:00

Just got back from golfing in Hilton Head, SC. Great vacation. Weather could have been a wee bit warmer the first couple of days, but we managed to golf six rounds in six days. My favourite course was Crescent Pointe Golf Club. We were only able to get afternoon tee times and the problem with that was.... it was so slow!! The bright side of that was... I was able to do lots of sketching while we played. Attached is three pages of my sketch book, all completely while playing golf.

Courses I would love to play

2010-03-17T10:40:00.004-04:00

Just finished a couple of commissions.... golf, one of my favourite subjects.

First one is hole number 2, a 167 yard par 3 at Ardglass Golf Club in Northern Ireland. This requires a carry across the coastline and cliffs of the Irish Sea. The clubhouse, parts of which date back to the 14th century is also spectactular. I could just imagine standing on the tee here looking out at this breathtaking hole. No wonder its a favourite hole.

Second one is hole number 10 from Club de Golf Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. Le Manoir Richelieu golf course was inaugurated on June 18, 1925 by former U.S. President William H. Taft, who spent his summers in the great region of Pointe-au-Pic. This golf course was originally designed by the English golf architect Herbert Strong.

Art! Phart?

2010-02-24T10:48:00.004-05:00

And now for something completely different...Art! Phart?

What: It’s an Art Sale. All pieces must be priced at $200 each or less.
This is a fundraiser for The ARTS Project. 25% commission in effect.

Why: We are trying to showcase London artists to a larger market by getting away from the usual gallery space.

Where: We will be staging the sale at Jim Bob Ray's on Richmond Row.

When: One day blow out on Thursday February 25 from 3:00pm to 11:00pm

Musical guests: Whiplash

If you are an artist and you’re interested or you know someone who may be interested you can register on our website. Click the link

For more info email info@artsproject.ca
or call 519-642-2767

Less Than a Month

2010-02-21T11:50:00.005-05:00

KOLF No. 10 ( approx 6" x6", Ink and Graphite)

Small golf drawing, loosely based on a Muskoka course with historic golf figure in nickers. Golf is now less than a month away.

Post 5 to 9 Show

2010-02-04T05:38:00.002-05:00

The third annual 5 to 9 Group Show is random pieces of artwork, also could be known as the MC Reunion. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of fun. This is a very talented group of artists. And I do “ talk more at the opening than I do the rest of the year” Problem is, I am already involved with a couple of groups that are just that … random. They have shows/sales on a yearly basis. They, the Lambeth Art Association and the Gallery Painting Group are both talented groups of artists. This show /group, just feels like more of the same.

It is time to re-think. What do I want to get out of my artwork? What do I want to get out of my involvement with groups. What direction do I want to go? What makes the most sense for me to put my time and energy into? Now that I have less time, this is more important.

My goal of working larger and in colour... Well, not there yet. There may have been a little colour and one was a little larger, but far from what I was envisioning. Style and medium were common elements in my work, but I really want a more unified theme or series for my work in a show.

Figure Drawing - Male vs Female

2010-02-03T18:57:00.006-05:00

For me, a male figure drawing is just that, a male figure drawing. I just draw what I see and I don't feel the need to add or expand the image. But with a female figure drawing, I have a whole different approach. It just expands itself. When I see the female form (drawn on my page), I see more. Its about what is going on in my life right now, how I am feeling about certain things, more of story emerges. It's really a self portrait, of sorts. The three pictures that I have at The ARTS Project right now, are examples of that.

Untitled Female No, 6 (6' x6", India Ink and Graphite) The figure drawing was done with reference to a figure drawing session on January 4th. I played around with quite a few other layouts, more complicated, detailed drawings and finally came to a use the very simple backgorund shapes that represent Museum London.... Art Rental and Sales Gallery.

Finishing Touches for the Show

2010-01-30T18:49:00.004-05:00

Tonight and tomorrow I will finish the last of the matting and framing for the 5 to 9 Group show with the opening on Tuesday, February 2 @ 6pm at the ARTS Project. This years show is only one week long and runs from Feb 2 to Feb 6 ( I think it should be two weeks long, but its a group decision, so one week it is). The show will feature some of my golf influenced peices and some figurative work, mostly black and white.

Artwork @ ISP Canada

2010-01-21T21:01:00.005-05:00

Artwork now on display at the office of ISP Canada, 45 Oxford St West, Rear, London.

"ISP Canada Inc. has given friendly, personal internet service to London and surrounding areas for the last 15 years. Now, under new ownership ISP Canada looks to provide their current customers and future customers an even better technology solution as a whole."

Framed Artwork:
- Hanging Garlic
- A Drive Down a Country Road
- Trees by the Thames
- Mirror Image
- Untitled Female

Matted Golf Art:
- KOLF No. 5, GH No. 13
- Glen Abbey No. 18
- FireRock, No. 8
- Sunningdale, Thompson, No. 5
- Forest City National, No. 1

Simple Lines

2010-01-16T11:01:00.003-05:00

Finally, back to some figure drawing sessions. These are just 2 of the loose sketches of my favourite subject, the human form. The busier life gets the more I like simplicity. Here the simplicity of line... uneven line, was created using traditional pen and ink.The flexible drawing nibs create a varity of line widths depending on how you hold the pen. The biggest drawback to pen and ink , is you cant erase any mistakes, but then mistakes can add to the spontaneity of a drawing.

5 to 9 Group Show

2009-12-31T11:22:00.000-05:00

The 5 to 9 Group, an eager group of ten London artists, is once again ready to help art lovers escape the 9 to 5 day job melancholy. Today the group announced the dates and location of their third annual art exhibit. The venue – same as the past two events – is The ARTS Project (www.artsproject.ca, 203 Dundas Street, London, Ontario). The exhibit – featuring new works in photography, mixed media and painting – will commence with an unveiling reception on Tuesday, February 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each member of the group will be in attendance at the reception and each piece of artwork will be available for purchase. Admission is free and all are welcome. The exhibition will continue through to February 6.

The 5 to 9 Group came to fruition in 2006. At that time most of the group’s members were colleagues at the same 9 to 5 day job. Through water cooler chats and lunchtime banter, it was discovered that they all loved creating art in their spare time, though most had never shown their work in an exhibit. Fueled by each other’s art passion, they decided to take a leap of faith and show their work. The inaugural exhibit was held in February 2007, and the second in February 2008. Both were very well-received by London’s art community, and the group decided to turn it into an annual event. “Back when we started the group we had no idea that it would turn into an annual exhibit,” says Lisa Jenniskens. “But our collective passion has kept us going, and now we’re busy putting the final touches on our new creations and preparing for our 3rd annual event! We’re looking forward to once again sharing our work with London’s art enthusiasts.”

Members of The 5 to 9 Group make a living during from their day jobs and follow their passion for art during the evening hours – hence their moniker. But over the past couple of years the members’ 9 to 5 day jobs has taken them in different directions and away from each other, but their 5 to 9 art enthusiasm has kept them and the group together, inspired and motivated. “Though we don’t see each other as often as we used to, creating art is something we’ll always have in common,” says Jim Gruber. “Every year we strive to make our work and the event different and better. We’re all excited with the way that our work has evolved this year, and can’t wait to unveil it on February 2nd.”

The ten artists in The 5 to 9 Group are Denise Antaya (Sutherland), Jim Gruber, Lisa Jenniskens, Betty LeBlanc, Jeff McClinchey, Richard Minns, Christina Nurse, Cheryl Radford, Anthony Vella-Zarb and Scott Woods. Their collective talents include photography, digital art, mixed media, oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings.