Preliminary sketch of cottage

Sketchbook ~ Cottage

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

Arva Flour Mill

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

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

Old Vienna

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

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

Beer History

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

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

Arrowhead Country Club

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

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

World Tour Golf

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

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

International Club

Sketchbook ~ International Club (Holes No 10 to 12)

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