SS01 Talbot Street, London

SS01 Talbot Street, London

This was a request from a gentleman who grew up in London and moved to BC. He wanted a reminder of London and suggested the Talbot Block or JLC… this became the first streetscape in the series of Streetscapes: 50 in 50.

The distinctive Victorian architecture of the Talbot Inn, was incorporated into the new London Sports and Entertainment Centre (JLC). 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." From London Public Library.

Streetscapes: 50 in 50

This series of Streetscapes: 50 in 50, is a yearlong project in honour of turning 50 in May 2011. This fascination with architecture started in 2007 with an art trip to France and a plein air drawing of a Limoux, France streetscape. The first drawing was drawn one building at a time, after completing a section, I would move down the street and draw the next section and so on, completing a front elevation style streetscape. After coming back, I started to take more notice of the architecture here in London. I had to travel half way around the world to appreciate what was right here at home.

The idea or inspiration for doing this series of Streetscapes: 50 in 50, came from Kym Wolfe, a friend from London Talbot Toastmasters. When Kym turned 50, she did 50 things she had never done before. This is my twist of Kym’s venture.

The drawings are a combination of ink, graphite and watercolour. Image size ranges from miniature to 8” x 13”. Streetscape locations include: Huron County towns, Italy but the majority of the 50 are downtown London.

So for the next 50 days, I will post one per day…. A virtual exhibit ‘Streetscapes: 50 in 50’

Untitled Female No. 15

Untitled Female No. 15

Completed this one just a few weeks ago, but original gesture was from figure drawing session at TAP on April 4, 2011. Model was Gina, tall thin and graceful, which made it easy to stylize. Playing with simplicity of line and freedom of watercolour.

LAA Annual Show and Sale

I will be taking part in the 40 Annual Show and Sale of the Lambeth Art Association from April 26-28, 2012 at the Lambeth United Church (Colonel Talbot Road and Main Street, Lambeth ON). Print this evite and receive a 5% discount on purchases at our annual April show.
Thursday, April 16 from 7pm to 10pm
Friday, April 27 from 10am to 9pm
Saturday, April 28 from 10am to 4pm

Superstition Springs GC

Superstition Springs Hole No. 3

Another sketch from Arizona golf trip. First golf course we played was Superstition Springs Golf Club in the Valley of the Sun. Greg Nash designed this course to be friendly off the tee, with the all important second shot to be played aroung beautiful lakes, creative bunkers, mounding, with plenty of palm trees, mature pines and eucalyptus trees for shade. This was a former PGA Qualifying Site, very different than other desert golf we played.

Desert Golf

We-Ko-Pa, Saguaro Hole No. 6

We played six rounds of golf while in Arizona this past week, with my favourite being We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Saguaro Course on the last day. From sketchbook, started with fast sketch on location finished later.
We-Ko-Pa is owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and is managed by Scottsdale-based EF Golf and OB Sports. There are no homes, condos or townhomes lining these fairways, just the natural beauty of the desert with views of McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Four Peaks and the Superstitions Mountains.

Second Round, First 18

April 6th, Good Friday, weather warm enought to play golf, London, ON Canada. I was expecting it to be busier at Greenhills Golf Course, therefore waiting more, therefore drawing more, but there was no waiting. First chance to sketch was hole no 13, then a short wait on hole no 15, shown here. Had just enough time for very fast sketch, then added a little more when I got home. Happy to have day off and be golfing!