Boat Walk

To use rubbers or not?

 When painting of course, as the pigments are so toxic. Well I for one had never really thought of wearing gloves but the question was posed and it made me think. Well maybe I should. If I did I think only one would be necessary as only one hand is wiping. Finger painting isn't my style but then I think of the old masters. I don't remember seeing them wearing gloves especially latex gloves. Then there is an issue with wearing latex for long periods of time. So hot and sweaty and it really puts a damper on that loving feeling. If anyone reads this I would really like to hear your thoughts.

Shore Morning

The same morning on the other side of the street was one of my favourite homes.

 It is a work of art in itself.

 It has been lovingly been restored by its owner.

 It was Spring and the foliage wasn't fully out.

 The foreground bushes were a lovely warm red that brought out the burgundy inner trim on the windows.

Shore Coach

There is this wonderful coach house on Shore Drive near where I live.

 The light this one morning was just amazing.

 It sits in front of the main house and speaks of a more gracious time of horse and carridge.

 My goal was to capture the light.

AHA moment

Italians Europeans do know how to live. The streets where light is bouncing off the walls and glass reflecting. The tight narrow lanes, the windows arbitrarily placed on the sides of buildings by the fancy and amusement of the builder. Doors of different shapes and sizes artfully arranged. 

AHA Four Some

Have you ever noticed that the more things change the more they stay the same? Where are their iphone ears? This could have been their grand parents or their great grand parents enjoying a little shade and a little companionship on a sun soaked Italian day. Why rush sit down awhile enjoy life, life is short.

Four Some Aha

A couple of weeks ago Leslie Saeta went on vacation with her family in sunny Italy. You may know Leslie from her weekly radio blog show 'Artists Helping Artists' or 'AHA' for short. It is one of my favourite shows that I make a point of to listen to every week. It is co-hosted by accomplished and talented artists as guests to add their unique spice and flavour to this savoury show. I take notes and learn many great tips and important information that is extremely useful. When Leslie went on vacation she sent her listeners via facebook pictures of her trip to use in our paintings. For me this was wonderful for a couple of reasons. I would get to experience Italy through another artists eyes and see which photos she would use for her own work.

Leslie is an excellent pallet knife artist. Her work is bright, colourful and tastey. Happy, elegantly direct and minimal are words I would use to describe her work and approach. So when I was choosing what photo to use I was living a little vicariously through her.

My focus was to simplify and play with colour. The photo was used as a starting point not the destination it was the feel of a beautiful Italian day beside the water.