Port Burwell
Port Burwell
Many artists are most rigid in the way that they work. Following a consistent path to the production of a painting feels secure to these people. I, however, vary greatly in the way that I develop a painting. This piece was produced half in my car on site, with the balance executed in my studio. This mixed-media piece involved India ink on matboard administered by fountain brush and pen (the in-car bit) and then tinted with acrylic later on. I was attracted by the mess of nautical gear in combination with the lighthouse.
Many artists are most rigid in the way that they work. Following a consistent path to the production of a painting feels secure to these people. I, however, vary greatly in the way that I develop a painting. This piece was produced half in my car on site, with the balance executed in my studio. This mixed-media piece involved India ink on matboard administered by fountain brush and pen—the in car bit—and then tinted with acrylic later on.
Church Painting
Church Painting
In this painting I recreate a sunny autumn afternoon of painting. This scene of Old Chelsey (Ottawa area) shows Marilyn and me hard at work. Now, Marilyn seldom paints and I seldom stop.
Have you ever wondered why you so seldom find artists painting out in the countryside or on city streets? That activity called plein aire painting is quite demanding, not only because of the vagaries of the weather and the hassles with transporting equipment but also because of the difficulty restricting a view. Where should the edge of the painting be? What should be included? What should be the focal point, the heart of that work? Now add another factor to those questions. How much can I produce in an hour?
Farmstead, Isle of Orleans
Farmstead, Isle of Orleans
The charm of this small island in the St. Lawrence is undeniable. The distinctive Norman architecture adds to the rolling landscape to produce a romantic scene. Vine culture is not a major component in this island’s overall agriculture but has an importance in French culture where food and drink hold an almost hallowed role in everyday life. For some reason, the Quebecers have managed to retain a rural appreciation for the importance of quality food that the rest of North America has lost. Too bad.
On a recent edition of the CBS program, Sunday Morning, a segment was presented that examined all types of dwellings. That show originated from Jefferson's self-styled, eccentric, mountain-top house, Monticello. It started me thinking about the many homes that I have painted over the years in various countries. I have not tackled Monticello, but I have visited that much promoted residence. I would be one of the few people who are not very enthusiastic about that self-designed Italianate villa.
Lake Huron Sunset
Lake Huron Sunset
Lake Huron sunsets are justifiably praised. I was fortunate enough to visit a friend at Inverhuron and experience this technicolour performance at day’s end.
Over the last forty years I have had the opportunity to paint by the sea in many locations. It is perhaps rather puzzling to think about why I, who come from landlocked Waterloo Region, would be so drawn to the many colours of the ocean.
Old Cabin Road
Old Cabin Road
The genesis of this painting goes back many years. I suppose this old cabin, a veteran from early days, has been transformed and would no longer be recognizable. This road in the Parry Sound area is still in existence, although I’m sure now it too has been improved.
This painting shows the vestiges of the old style cabin that I discovered near McKellar, Ontario. To be sure, this building is well past its "Best By" date. I noticed a real estate advertisement recently that proclaimed the virtues of "cottage" sites in this very area, so I guess if this log cabin is still standing, it won't be for long.
Crooked Fence, Newfoundland
Crooked Fence, Newfoundland
When I look for something to paint, I am enticed not by the anticipated subject but by the unusual visual idea. Although this small fisherman’s house is appealing, for me the crooked fence that traces the contours of this domestic plot adds a spice and unexpected kick to this visual stew. Another artist approaching this same piece of landscape would have another feeling for what he sees. As an artist, the only thing that I have to offer that is unique is my point of view, my personality.
Newfoundland is a magical place for me as it transports me back to my childhood. I did not have any contact with the Rock when I was a kid, but I was immersed in the small-town attitude that still permeates the latest addition of Confederation. Clearly my romantic view is not universally cherished. I was surprised when a fellow that I know who comes from Newfoundland told me that he had no interest in paintings of the Rock. "I spent twenty years trying to get away from that place," he said. "It's much prettier here with the Mennonites and all."
Painting the View, St. Leon de Stanton
Painting the View, Saint-Léon-de-Standon, Quebec
This almost aerial view offers a great contrast to the artist and the small farm. Many years ago a distant writer cousin, quite unusual in Mennonite circles, suggested an idea about art that has stayed with me. He said that art is about opposition—good against bad, warm against cool, active against passive. It only took me thirty years to understand that he was right.
I have often thought that painters who set up their easels where the public can watch and comment are either exhibitionists or masochists, possibly both. It is also a way for an artist to draw a crowd of potential customers. Yes, guilty as charged, I have stood toe to toe with scenery in many areas of the world. In most cases, I would like to think that I've had a few victories, a number of draws, and certainly my share of defeats. But just as in boxing, a split decision is a possible result.
Winter Harbour, Nova Scotia
Winter Harbour, Nova Scotia
While some of my paintings are inspired by a light effect or a particular activity or subject, this ink and watercolour drawing/painting is based on the play of colour. This small inlet does exist, not far from Halifax, but I am more concerned here with the heat of the reds and ochres against the cool blue of the snow and water. In that aspect, this painting shares some common ground with Helen Frakenthaler’s colour field paintings.
My travel sketches are most often about a particular destination that I have visited. Sometimes I go to great lengths to bring my viewer to spots which are from time to time unusual, out of the way, and personal. A particular physical feature may spur my desire to paint. Peggy's Cove with its signature lighthouse or grain elevators in Saskatchewan bring a focal point to a work. At times, the design of an object such as Big Ben or Talliessen, Frank Lloyd Wright's summer studio, features in my sketches.
Lashes of Sunlight
Lashes of Sunlight
From the time that I attended classes at M.F. Kousal’s studio, I have been attracted to landscape painting. Since those lessons, I have painted landscape from many corners of the world. Often the scene was merely a background for some animal, or activity by people, that was the main focus. In this painting near Belfountain, Ontario, the only player is the sunlit landscape itself.
From the time that I was a teenager and attended classes at M.F. Kousal's studio, I have been attracted to landscape painting. Since those lessons forty years ago, I have painted landscape from many corners of the world. Often the scene was merely a background, while animal or human activity was the main focus. This painting shows the West Credit River near Belfountain, Ontario. Stone from a nearby quarry was used for the construction of the Ontario Parliament Buildings.
Deer Ridge
Deer Ridge
Grateful golf club members commissioned this fall-version painting of a Club adjacent to the Grand River, in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of their links made possible by the efforts of the principal shown on the green.
Grateful club members commissioned this fall-version painting of their Club adjacent to the Grand River, in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of those links made possible by the efforts of the principal shown on the green.
Here beside the river on a perfect autumn day, it is hard to believe that there could exist a more wonderful world. I am not a golfer, something to do with co-ordination I think, but I would readily admit that some of the most attractive landscapes cradle this Scottish sport. Strange that these tranquil settings give rise to so much trauma and frustration.
