Portrait: Chloe

Chloe

Portraits are more than just a likeness. They are more than just pretty pictures of people and animals. A portrait should capture the subject's uniqueness and personality. Sometimes it is as subtle as the angle at which you are viewing it. Sometimes it is the reflected colours that create a mood. The most important feature to me is the eyes. I like the sense of communication that is created when the viewer makes eye contact with the portrait. Most of my portraits are of pets... I like some animals better than most people and most animals better than some people. With this portrait of CHLOE, I have focused on the face and eyes and faded out the body.

Coates of Arms

The Coates of Arms is a British Pub at 580 Talbot Street (corner of Albert Street), just a short walk from home. I like this ‘historic, old home’ converted into a pub. High ceilings, lots of dark wood, traditional wall paper and lots of soccer trophies over the bar. It was the Alex P Keaton (closed March 2009). The beverage of choice, this visit was Boddingtons, based in Manchester, England, since 1778.

TT06 The Coates of Arms

50 Taverns

New project, a continuation of the Streetscapes Series. This one involves a concentrated effort to enjoy the process more. There are lots of historic buildings, many of which are taverns. According to an article by freelance writer Kym Wolfe "The first tavern opened in 1826. By 1850, there were 25 saloons and a mere five years later, when London officially became a city, the number tripled to 75. In the 1870’s there were 170 taverns and hotels in London." So... 50 taverns, 50 beverages. I have already completed ten images, this one was the fourth. An evening out with my friend Sharon, owner of Richmond Cleaners.

“This building, dating back to 1854, was the original home of Josiah Blackburn’s “London Free Press,”. It served as the Queen’s Hotel from 1871 to 1920 and became the home of the “Farmer’s Advocate” from 1921 to 1965. With the intention of bringing “A Taste of Europe” and its warm hospitality to London the Marienbad opened on March 8, 1974. The restaurant took its name after the famous Czech spa Mariánské Lázne - Marienbad.” Excerpt from website: http://www.marienbad.ca/ The waitress recommended the German beer, Hacker-Pschorr.

TT04 Chaucer’s Pub (Image Size: 5.5" x 9")

Public Art

Under the Oxford Street Bridge between Talbot St and the Thames river, you will find this mural by London artist Tracy Root. I frequent the bike path in this area, so I watched the progress. The mural which has been completed for a few weeks now, was funded by the Heritage Committee and the London Arts Council. It's an unexpected splash of colour, I like it.

City of London Public Art Policy - "The City of London supports the display of art in public places that will strengthen the natural assets of the city, provide unique attractions and act as a constant delight to residents and visitors to London."


Mural by Tracy Root

Desert Golf

GH13 We-Ko-Pa, Saguaro

After watching a little of the Champions tour in Scottsdale, Arizona last weekend, I was inspired and reviewed my photos from our golf trip to Arizona earlier this past spring. My favourite course was We-Ko-Pa, Saguaro Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This course was like no other that I have ever played. We were in the middle of a desert, with lush green fairways, century old cactus and surrounded by mountains… not a house, townhome or condo to be seen, truly in the middle of the desert.

Figure Drawing

 

Sketch from life drawing session thursday night at Bijan School of Art. Drop in life drawing sessions are every thursday night from 7 to 10pm and cost is only $10, with poses ranging from 30 seconds to 30 minute. This is much larger than I usually work and not black and white. (conte on manila paper, image size 16″x11″) Looking forward to going again next week.

Don Giovanni

Last fall on my trip to Italy, I attended the opera "Don Giovanni” at Teatro La Fenice. Thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the fact that I did not understand a word of it.... the music of Mozart was amazing. I was working on this artwork last Saturday afternoon and listening to Saturday afternoon at the Opera on CBC Radio. Ironically featured was "Nézet-Séguin’s first release Don Giovanni, featuring Ildebrando D’Arcenagelo, Vitalij Kowaljow, Diana Damrau, Rolando Villazon, Joyce DiDonato and Luca Pisaroni." Again, I didn’t understand a word of it, but enjoyed it. (Watercolour and ink, image size 7"x10")

Female No 16

UF No. 16

Another figure drawing/painting from a session at TAP in April. Model was Gina, tall thin and graceful, which made it easy to stylize. Playing with simplicity of line and freedom of watercolour.

Richmond St London

SS52 Richmond Street, London

Continuing with the "Streetscapes" series, this is number 52. Richmond Street between Dundas and Queens Ave.

The Square Silo

GH11 The Square Silo

Silos in the late 1880’s were built square, but farmers discovered that air seeped into the corners, causing the silage to spoil. Round silos eliminated air pockets, so square silos were rarely built after 1900. This silo is located on a golf course near Halton Hills, just west of Toronto, on Leithfield No. 4 at Glencairn Golf Course, designed by Thomas McBroom. This course is framed with golden fescue, rock fences, narrow streams (burns), dozens of the deep dreaded pot bunkers and one square silo. The course is described as “The closest you will come to Scotland, without crossing the Atlantic.”

Golf and a ball game

GH08 Cherry Creek No 7

A week of holidays, golfing, gardening and a little bit of artwork. Wednesday, golfed at Cherry Creek Golf Club located in Macomb County, Michigan. Lanny Wadkins/Mike Bylen designed golf course. After golf, went to Detroit to a ball game, Blue Jays lost to Tigers, but a good game. Comerica Park, an open air ball park, located across from the Fox Theatre and between two historic downtown churches, St. John Episcopal Church and Central United Methodist Church. From the park you can see the downtown skyline. Check out...  Detroit in ruins: Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre's [their website] extraordinary photographs documenting the dramatic decline of a major American city.

KOLF No. 14 Quotes

KOLF No. 14 Quotes

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" represented by the outline of a Bobby Jones. These random quotes appealed to me as they all have  an artistic twist.

Quotes include: WHAT OTHER PEOPLE MAY FIND IN POETRY OR ART MUSEUMS, I FIND IN THE FLIGHT OF A GOOD DRIVE – ARNOLD PALMER. The hole depicted here is based on Number 16, the longest par 5 (white-471 to black-558 yds) at Firerock Golf Club in London.

Blackhorse Golf

BlackHorse Golf and Country Resort No 3 and 7

Played golf at BlackHorse Golf and Country Resort with my sister a month or so ago. Really liked the course, so Troy and I went back to play with my sister and her husband again. Two holes carved out of a former gravel pit are among the most spectacular, offering dramatic views and the challenge of playing around a 5-acre spring-fed lake. The course has six ponds, 50 bunkers and four sets of tees on every hole. BlackHorse is tucked away in a quiet rural setting, Its in great shape, is challenging and worth the drive to Kindardine. This drawing is of the spectacular view by hole 3 and hoel 7 in distance. Size is 3.5” x 12.5”, ink and graphite on stonehenge paper.

Golf for a Cure

KOLF No. 13, Quotes

This is the drawing I am donating to Golf for a Cure to be held at Greenhills Golf Club on Tuesday, July 24.

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.

The art of fifty

The art of fifty, read the article in the he Londoner on July 10 by By Shobhita Sharma.

A Homage to London's Downtown

A series of historic downtown streetscapes by London artist Cheryl Radford, described by heritage advocate Genet Hodder as "a heritage lover’s dream," will be exhibited at Museum London's Art Rental and Sales Gallery during July and August, 2012.

Exhibit of Downtown London Historic Streetscapes by London artist Cheryl Radford
Exhibition Dates:  July - August, 2012
Location:  Art Rental and Sales Gallery @ Museum London
                  421 Ridout Street North, London, Ontario, N6A 5H4
Hours of Operation:   Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm

Contact:  Jordana Franklin, Gallery Assistant, Art Rental & Sales Gallery
Email:   jfrankli@london.ca Tel: 519-661-0333 ext. 4224

SS50 Richmond St, London

SS50 Richmond Street, London

The final streetscape of the series.

For me the most interesting of all buildings and/or blocks of buildings in downtown London is the stretch on the east side of Richmond Street, between King and York. Streetscape No. 49 starts at King and Streetscape No. 50 ends at York, put together, the whole impressive block. All the detail around the 2^nd and 3^rd floor windows is amazing, somewhat the same, yet all different.

SS49 Richmond St, London

SS49 Richmond Street, London

For me the most interesting of all buildings and/or blocks of buildings in downtown London is the stretch on the east side of Richmond Street, between King and York. Streetscape No. 49 starts at King and Streetscape No. 50 ends at York, put together, the whole impressive block. All the detail around the 2^nd and 3^rd floor windows is amazing, somewhat the same, yet all different.

SS48 York & Clarence

SS48 York and Clarence Street, London

Located at York Street and Clarence Street is Call the Office, a bar at the corner of York Street and Clarence Street, with decades of history. (From www.neighbourgoodguide.ca) “Formally known as The York Hotel, CTO was once the hang out for the likes of Greg Curnoe, The Nilist Spasm Band and Jack Chambers. Now you can expect any given band on any given day of the week to stop in and play a show. Yes, the bathrooms have seen better days and the monitors have 20 years worth of spilt beer in them but that's why it's a gem. Everyone from Radiohead to local heros The Matadors have rocked the stage of Call the Office.“

SS47 York St, London

SS47 York Street, London

174-184 York street is Bud Gowan Formal Wear. They sell high quality men's clothing, although the building (sign) does not reflect that... I drew the sign in whole, which in reality is ripped and torn completely in the middle section. Next door (186 York Street) is Gardner Galleries, with 5 levels and a rare terra cotta exterior. I could not find much information on either of these buildings.

SS46 Dundas & Adelaide

SS45 Dundas St and Adelaide St, London

When I took photo reference of this corner, I was surprised to see the date on the corner said 1867. According to London Public Library reference, this is still a mystery, as there were no buildings on the site at that date. .

Charles Lilley moved to London as a young man, was a telegraph operator before becoming a grocer and also ran the Crown Hotel. In 1871, he built this two-storey block on the corner of Adelaide and Dundas Street. The post office took the name “Lilley’s Corners” when it was opened in 1872, with Charles Lilley as postmaster.

SS45 York St, London

SS45 York Street, London

I worked at Charles Chapman Co. Ltd for almost 6 years. This was my first full time job, silk screen technician and later graphic artist. Chapmans was located on York Street, when I started working for them and later moved to Elias Street in East London. The Chas. Chapman Co Ltd was established in 1855 in London by Charles Brightmer Chapman, a former school teacher and a landscape artist of some renown. (size 3" x 6")

SS44 Richmond St, London

SS44 Richmond Street, London

Another Richmond Street streetscape, this is close to Victoria Park area. Coffee Culture, P’lovers (since closed), Romans Leather, and Executive Travel. I have to admit, this is one of my least favourite streetscapes that I have done, I prefer black and white. (size 4" x 10")

SS43 Dundas St

SS43 Dundas Street, London

Many of my drawings have been downtown locations, but because I now work in Old East Village, I have shifted some focus to the east end.  This streetscape drawing of Dundas Street measures 2.5" x 4". Silk Road Furniture offers quality new and used furniture at incredibly low prices, located right next door to the London Clay Art Centre, where I am working. Other building is The Diner, now closed, but I have heard rumours about it reopening with new owners. (size 2.5" x 4")

SS42 Talbot St, London

SS42 Talbot Street, London

I worked at MC Group for almost 15 years and part of the time was spent at 350 Talbot Street. Built in 1890, this building is associated with Massey-Harris Co. Ltd, a Canadian manufacturer of agricultural implements.
This was a showroom and repair shop for the company until 1950. This is a good representation of Romanesque Revival commercial architecture, a  style that shows strength and solidity with the rusticated stone-block base and stone coursing on the building facade. Large arched window openings and a vehicular archway on the first storey are also typical of Romanesque design.  (size 3" x 4")

SS41 Courthouse Sq.

SS41 Courthouse Square, Goderich

I spent 2 summers living in Goderich, Canada's Prettiest Town. My plan was to shot some reference photography of the beautiful and historic Courthouse Square and Park, while there for a family wedding in September. But on Sunday, August 21 major damage was done by the destructive tornado, so that did not happen. Finally on March 23 of this year, I was able to get there to take some pictures. I choose this block, mainly because it did not have much damage. There is one store boarded up with a sign reading RE OPENING SOON, just a hint of the destruction. (size 3.5 x 10.5)

SS40 Clinton

SS40 Albert and Victoria Street, Clinton

I was born and raised near Londesboro, and attended high school in Clinton, ON. The corner of Albert and Victoria Street (main corner in Clinton) there is a wealth of late nineteen century architecture. In 1857, Clinton became first incorporated village in Huron County, then in 1876 incorporated as a town, and reached the peak of its development in 1890’s. (SIZE 6" X 9")

SS39 Palace Theatre

SS39 Palace Theatre, London

Old East Village not only has historical architecture, it has a growing arts community, which includes The Palace Theatre and London Clay Art Centre, where I currently work.
From www.palacetheatre.ca:  Palace Theatre has a significant and storied history dating back to the 1900’s. Originally built in 1929 as a silent movie theatre, the Palace Theatre was noted as one of the finest establishments of its kind in the entire world. (size 3" x 4")

SS38 King & Richmond St

SS38 King and Richmond Street, London

The corner of King Street and Richmond Street in London, former Imperial Bank of Canada. (size 3" x 4")

SS37 Talbot & King St

SS37 Talbot and King Street, London

This great old building at the corner of Talbot and King Street was the commercial block for John Burridge, built back in 1881. I worked across the street at MC Group for a number of years, so I walked by it at least twice daily. I always admired the decorative detailing and the contrasting yellow and orange/red brick. The architect was William A. Joanes of London, Ontario. (size 3" x 4")

SS36 Ridout St, London

SS36 Ridout Street, London

This building on Ridout Street, just north of Queens Ave in London, currently houses the Nancy Campbell Collegiate private school, originally built as early as 1835. This building was part of a group of structures known as "Bankers' Row" because of the presence of five branch offices here. In 1970, after years of neglect and deterioration, John Labatt Limited restored this building (and some other building on street) to help preserve the rich heritage of this street. Beautiful yellow bricks with black trim. (SIZE 3" X 4")

SS35 St. Thomas

SS35 Talbot Street, St.Thomas

On the way to deliver some drawings to a Port Stanley gallery, I made stop in lovely St Thomas, known as the "Railway Capital" of Canada. The down town is 3 kilometers of beautifully painted murals, lush small parks and beautiful historic Victorian buildings. St. Thomas was first settled in 1810 and was incorporated as a village in 1852, as a town in 1861 and finally grew to become a city in 1881. (SIZE 3.5 " X 8")

SS34 Dundas St, London

SS34 Dundas Street, London

This is a great stretch of buildings on Dundas Street. I remember the “Ontario Furniture Co” building as the Duthler Textiles store. When the Duthler store closed, the store was reborn as the Honest Lawyer restaurant with Downtown Kathy Brown’s above.

SS33 Dundas St, London

SS33 Dundas Street, London

This is view of Dundas Steet right downtown, north side. I have sketched these buildings a few times from inside the library in the winter months.  Attic Books, a very interesting store. It is one of the largest second hand booksellers in the country. They sell antique books, maps and prints. Other services include appraisals, purchases, consultations and assistance with general care of books and paper collectibles. They recently celebrated 30 years of business. There is beautiful detailing in the brick work and roofline.

SS32 Dundas St, London

SS32 Dundas Street, London

I am now working in Old East Village, I am walking to work a couple of days a week, so I am seeing a different part of the city. Most of my drawings have been downtown, because I usually work in the downtown. This streetscape... Dundas Street just east of Adelaide Street, measures 3.5" x 4.5", still working quite small.

SS31 Then and Now

SS31 Then and Now, Talbot and Dundas, London

I have lived in London for approx 30 years and seen many changes over the years. This is the corner of Talbot and Dundas Street, with memories of listening to blues music at the Firehall, socializing at Mingles and more recently watching hockey at the John Labatt Centre. This drawing goes back further in history with the historical City Hotel “THEN” combined with the new John Labatt Centre “NOW”.

From London Public Library Archives: 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.

Reference of City Hotel from London Public Library Image Gallery, James Egan Collection - Public domain: Copyright has expired according to Canadian law. No restrictions on use.

SS30 The Back Alley

SS30 The Back Alley, Richmond Street, London

This is behind the row of buildings on Richmond Street, between Queens Ave and Dundas Street.  A back alley can be as interesting as the façade of the buildings.

SS29 Dundas St, London

SS29 Dundas Street, London

This is Dundas street between Talbot and Richmond Street. Three completely different styles of buildings. Thaifoon, Devine Décor and a for rent space next door. This would have been a good one to do in colour, first painted grey, middle painted yellow and lastly red brick with green roof

SS28 Dundas St, London

SS28 Dundas Street, London

Three – four storey buildings on Dundas street, all with painted brick, all with the paint peeling off. Street level: Wok’n chopsticks and 2 for 1 pizza (– odd combination), London Casbah, and London Rock, a store with punk, rock and metal clothing, have never been there. I find I tend to slant to left on my drawings, this one really slants to the left.

SS27 King St, London

SS27 King Street, London

Victorian-era building in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. The Salt Lounge, may now be closed. Not sure if this history is fact or not… The building was built in 1890 by W.J. Thompson and ran for nine months as the Thompson House. John Fraser bought the hotel in June 1891 and the name was changed to the Fraser House. In 1951 it was sold after being owned by the Fraser family for 60 years. The name was then changed to the Royal Alex.

SS26 Dundas St, London

SS26 Dundas Street, London

Miniature size. I took this photo reference while walking to Old East Village. The London Ale House boasts 14 beers on tap and more than 40 craft beers among its selections. Can’t say for sure as I have never been there, really should go there.  The warm colour of the beer sign caught my attention, had to add the colour, which is not normal for me.

SS25 Dundas St, London

229 Dundas Street, the London Mechanics Institute Building, a four storey white, brick library building was constructed in 1876. [www.historicplaces.ca] This impressive landmark in the downtown area was constructed in 1876 under a design prepared by Thomas Tracy of the London architecture firm of Robinson, Tracy and Fairbairne. Despite this worthwhile goal, the objectives of the London Mechanics Institute were not realized and it eventually faded out of existence and its educational functions were taken on by the public library system. Image size is 4" x 3".

SS24 Richmond St, London

SS24 Richmond Street, London

Richmond and Dundas Street, smack dab in the heart of downtown London. Street level brings an eclectic selection of business: pawn shops, variety stores, restaurants and jewellery stores. Uppers levels: beautiful details around the window and at the rooflines. Image size is 4” x 13.5”.

SS23 Dundas St, London

SS23 Dundas Street London

Taken from Article by Jane Sims - The Capitol Theatre and Bowles building, once thought to be too derelict to restore, have made majestic comebacks on London's Dundas Street, breathing new life into a block of core buildings between Clarence and Richmond streets that badly need a new draw. London developer Shmuel Farhi and the City of London who came together with an idea that would save the buildings. The Capitol was built in 1920 and was known as the Allen. It had a long lobby with mirrored walls that led to a large theatre. But after the years of neglect, it became a Dundas Street eyesore with a sign on its marquee that said R.I.P. The Bowles building was added in 1928, and was a restaurant and a jewelry store.

SS22 Clarence St, London

SS22 Clarence Street, London

Solid Gold on Clarence Street, yes it’s a strip club. So forget that part and just look at the building. The sign at top of building says 1876. Beautiful detailing around the windows and roofline. I couldn’t find out much about this building. Miniature Size 3" x 4"

SS21 Carling St, London

SS21 Carling Steet, London

Carling Street, looking towards Richmond Street. This one is different than most of the series, in more ways than one
1) was on “whiter” paper, yes that was a mistake
2) not an elevation or corner view
3) looking down a street  with cars lining the street, pedestrians walking
4) impression of modern buildings in background, I usually left them out
Miniature Size 3" x 4".

SS20 Richmond Tavern

SS20 Richmond Tavern, London

The historic Richmond Tavern, corner of Richmond and King. 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.  Miniature size: 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…. Although after completing a few, it got much easier. Miniature Size 3" x 4".

SS19 Richmond St, London

SS19 Richmond Street, London

I have lived and worked in downtown London or close to the downtown for approximately thirty years. I always enjoyed being able to walk to work. This is Richmond Street, between King and York Street, one of the most historic and beautiful blocks in the downtown. The architectural details of the upper floors are all slightly different, which gives the street extra character. Miniature Size 3' x 4".

SS18 Richmond St, London

SS18 Richmond Street, London

Richmond Street between King and York. Includes business:  Los Comales, with a variety of authentic dishes from Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Nicaragua.  The Organic Traveller, a marijuana paraphernalia store which still holds the distinction of being the first shop in the country solely dedicated to pot smoking and marijuana education. Hardcore Tattoo and Kangaroo Variety, an interesting variety of shops in this stretch of Richmond Street. Size is 6” x 9”

SS17 Blyth, ON

SS17 Blyth, ON

For some, Blyth is known as "Canada's Leather Fashion District" with two large leather outlets. "Bainton's" on Queen Street and "The Old Mill" located on #4 Highway one mile south of the community. For others, Blyth is known for the Blyth Festival which boosts live Canadian theatre in the restored c1920 Memorial Community Hall.

This streetscape is across from the Memorial Hall. The Blyth Inn at the corner of Queen & Dinsley is an early 1900's structure uniquely built of precast concrete "stones". This local establishment is affectionately known as “the boot” for anyone born and raised in Huron County.