ArtistJane's BlogSpot

Illustrations for Roddy's Book

2012-01-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Well I have no excuse for not blogging more frequently lately, simply saying I've been busy doesn't seem to cut the mustard. I have finished editting my brothers second fantasy novel, and decided to also do the chapter start illustrations as a new and different sort of project.

I actually haven't done any illustrating since college, so it was kind of fun. Of course, my brother has changed his mind about the kind of illustrations he wants for the book (now just wants to illustrate the animales/creatures of the book) thus I'm not so interested. Now I'm more interested in finishing my own novel and illustrating it; perhaps I'm best suited to being in charge of a project.

Obviously I'm inbetween paintings at the moment, and really just don't know where I want to go with my painting either. I'm still at odds with myself, something I have to rectify soon. It's complicated.

Box Self Portrait

2011-11-28T19:01:00.001-08:00

Decided yesterday to start working on the family box portraits, made from the drawers of the old (antique?) desk. Did mine first, and started Wendy's too. They're sort of an ode to the old famous artist whom made such boxes. I'll have to look up the name again.

I still have a bit to finish; will need more finished paint tubes, for example. But you get the idea.

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More Art Cards

2011-11-27T06:29:00.001-08:00

I've no sense of time. The party is next Sunday. So I'm making a few more now. Rather enjoying the small size. Have started on some drawers too.

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Art Cards

2011-11-23T05:38:00.001-08:00

In process ofaking some art cards for EAG's 60th Anniversary party on Sunday coming. Don't really know what to put on them, so have started with little backgrounds. Hopefully they dry fast though! Don't know how many to make either, but decided on 15 for now. I don't really know that many people at any rate.

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Happy Hallowe'en

2011-10-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin carving contest at the workplace today ... wishing everyone a happy all hallows eve. Inspired by Tim Burton, so we added a name plate. Added some of this weekends fingers and toes for effect.

The making of my Zombie Clothes ...

2011-10-29T08:56:00.001-07:00

We actually had to tell people to drive on these, even though they were in theiddle of a puddle on the road!

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Fingers about to be Pickled

2011-10-29T08:54:00.001-07:00

And toes and eyeballs. Now carving the babies head for the last pickle jar. Script already written and handed out to our volunteers and family. Just doing final party preps and details now ...

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And After ... Many more to go!

2011-10-24T18:49:00.001-07:00

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Prepping for the party ...

2011-10-24T18:48:00.001-07:00

Before ...

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Chagall at AGO

2011-10-16T19:48:00.001-07:00

We went to see the Chagall exhibition at the AGO this afternoon; probably not the best timing due to all the forecasted protesters, but I had thought 'how bad could it be?'

Well there was narry a protester in sight, but it did take me two fu@!>#g hours to drive downtown due to some Toronto Marathon which closed half the city. Really pissed and tired by the time I got there, but then hey, I made it.

Turns out the exhibition has been falsely called "Chagall" - it should be called "The Russian Avant Garde" with only 5 Chagall paintings and a handful of his sketches. That's it: practically zero reason to put his name on the show. Very disappointing to those who actually thought they'd see his work.

There were rooms - entire rooms - of other Russian artists works. Sure. Even a couple of Kandisky's. But not what was billed.

Anyway. Wasn't even allowed photos on one's phone, unlike the Abstract Expressionism show (way better). Quite militant about it too. Sigh.

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What we did NOT eat at Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-10-09T17:02:00.001-07:00

You know you're in the country when ...

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EAG 47th Annual Juried Art Show

2011-10-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

I was accepted this year into the EAG Annual Juried Art Show; very happy about this. I managed a few photos at last nights Opening, which was well attended.

The show itself is terrific; 66 works in primarily painting and some sculpture (mine are two chessboards with players).

I noticed that in general painters who paint together for some time (years?), seem to grow to look like each others works. I'm thinking of a particular group, whose paintings all seem to look alike now, and I miss the individuality of their works. I'm not sure anyone else notices, or are particularily concerned about such a thing. They win awards this way, that part works. Maybe that's why I stay somewhat removed from artist groups, because I fear this myself.

Nuit Blanche 2011

2011-10-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Just posting some photos that I had meant to post days ago, from our night downtown Toronto, Yonge Street, Nuit Blanche.

It was cold; someone should really consider that this event move to September in Canada. Sigh. Otherwise very good; in reality, this event is a street party organized around the theme of art, specifically more installation art in this section of Toronto. Just a comment, neither good nor bad. I like seeing different sectors every year, and this year we'd decided to do the Yonge Street sector.

Yes, I could see the elephant in the window. And those who could see the elephant, should be able to understand my paintings. They based on similar premises, just different media.

I liked the car, liked the buildings in light and movement. Really liked the "drawing with only your eyes" but the lineup was ridiculous. I miss the tangibility of the works, like only the idea and memory linger rather than a phyiscal presence of art, that irritates me like a rash at times. But perhaps that is a way of youth now, an example of the new generation mindset.

Just painting.

2011-10-03T19:54:00.001-07:00

Painting for the sake of painting.

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Forgot to upload final 2nd helmet pictures ...

2011-10-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Second Helmet, in Progress

2011-09-10T14:26:00.001-07:00

Spending the afternoon working. Very corporate blues.

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One helmet semi-complete, one helmet to go ....

2011-09-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Just uploading some pics of the "practically finished" helmet. Of course, since I have a couple of weeks I will niggle here and there for final touch ups. Especially when adding paint to clay, it is never really finished; everytime you look at it, you can see where you've either missed a spot or there's a spot that really should be cleaner. But it's basically complete.

I'm working on the helmets on a glass head that you can buy at Pier 1 store. Normally it just keeps regular hats looking good, but the helmets look great on it (and it so much easier to work on them this way). Mine was gifted to me several years ago, so it wasn't an extra purchase and very convenient.

The idea for the second one is already finished in my head, so all I have to do now is paint it. This next one will be a painting on the helmet, with an ode to the company I work for and the military. It's fitting.

2011-08-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

Sorted out the adhesive problems ... full steam ahead.

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Helmet #1 : Canadian Landscape (step 1)

2011-08-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

My first helmet is planned to be a synthesis of our beautiful Canadian Landscape, a quiet scene of trees (naturally) and rocks, very akin to the Canadian Shield terrain (my favourite). I'm using sculptural pieces atop the helmet, planning everything to be painted for the final finish. So for now I'm not worrying about the colour of the clay being used, just the forms and shapes.

Today I made a large batch of pieces for the natural elements, and tonight I'm working on placement.

Two more vacation Studies in oil

2011-08-21T09:42:00.001-07:00

Not sure if I will take either of these past this point; am undecided right now. Will likely work on the top one further though (bush weighs wrong). But I am turning to the first helmet this afternoon, so kick-start this.

Have spent some time yesterday trying to consolidate my disparate thoughts on radar, and it's functionality versus the flexibility of VR. This I can continue while sculpting, as kneading something might may a difference.

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Little 6x6 oil from Camping Vacation

2011-08-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Am just getting now to posting some of my painting from my vacation. I had decided in the outset that during this couple of weeks I would paint only that which was around me, which would allow me to not spend undue time and worry on whether or not I was painting "the right subject" etc. Hence I worked primarily in my little sketchbook, with several canvases ongoing. I plan to work on some new pieces from my sketches in the coming weeks, while also working on the two helmets for True Patriot Love auction.

Cornfield Sketch

2011-08-12T11:49:00.001-07:00

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2011 Camping Vacation Sketchbook

2011-08-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Red sketchbook

2011-08-01T03:41:00.001-07:00

Some sketches from yesterday. I brush the pages in a light colour for easier drawing in bright sunlight.

Damn iPhone is crap on photographing in landscape mode. Making me wish for a BB.

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Roughing It

2011-07-31T18:47:00.001-07:00

Tent is awesome ... except we put it up wrong and found it raining inside (and only inside) when we woke up this morning. Sigh. Sketched today. Fed the mosquitoes.

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Off Camping

2011-07-30T08:55:00.001-07:00

So we're off in minutes for camping on my sisters 10 acres. With the bugs and snakes, but oil paints are onboard nonetheless. I've decided to take only two small books with me (not including sketchbooks) one on Van Gogh and one on Cezanne. I don't know much of the latters works, but on first glance the images were interesting. Already argued about the space requirements needed for supplies, but I wouldn't budge.

I miss my studio already.

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Location:Outside

Abstract Expressionists at AGO

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

Went to see the above show at the AGO yesterday afternoon, and will also make a second trip before it leaves in early Sept. My personal favourite ended up being by someone I've never heard of before, but it is dynamic:

Several Pollocks too; I like his work.

More thoughts later on show. Will quickly add (gotta head off to work), the I saw the Henry Moore and Brian Jungen thing - think large doggie chewie rawhides cozied up beside giant stone statues - and got snarled at by security for these:

Freezers?? Come on. Did Futureshop run another special?

Anyway, loved the Kathleen Munn exhibit.

Love the cows. Love the colour. The rawhide guy needs to spend some time in this room.

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Location:Mobile Dr,,Canada

Final painting (still have to sign it)

2011-07-22T06:14:00.001-07:00

Oil on handmade paper.

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Location:Studio

Making an Exception

2011-07-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

I have decided to make an exception tonight, and post my amazing cloud photos, which I kinda pasted together. My sister just couldn't understand my cloud painting (and I still don't see why) but when I showed her the photos, then she both believed me and gets it. I personally like the painting best, which is why I paint.

Will post the finished painting tomorrow. Pictures were taken on the iPhone, which is why they've been pasted together. Like most of my photos, they'll get deleted after a bit. They pile up pretty quickly and I need the space. Besides, the paintings feel more real than any photographs.

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Location:Studio

Painting or something like it

2011-07-18T19:35:00.001-07:00

Just working away in the studio tonight. Spent some time outside sketching in the park near me this weekend past. Managed to get a sunburn too, which is quite distracting. Now it's itchy, too. My skin is burning.

I'm not sure what I'm doing really, it's like I'm painting but I'm not sure where I'm going with it. Just feeling my way through without trying to over analyze why or what. This is just a landscape, certainly not revolutionary but I'm really enjoying spending time inside it. I'm sure my last instructor would be disappointed in my turning towards anything realistic, but in my mind this is right, for right now.

Still in progress, of course. Will finish tomorrow.

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Location:Studio

Canadian Open Chess Tournament

2011-07-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a long and exciting weekend down at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel showcasing my chess sets at the Canadian Open. Mark Bluvshtein, who holds the distinction of becoming both the youngest Canadian IM and the youngest Canadian GM in history, played with one of my chess sets on Friday night for his Chess Simultaneous Exhibition, where he played 16 other players at once. The man is beyond good. It was very cool.

Oh, and by the way Mark won the match. He did say that the board provided some challenge to him.

Quick picture of the booth, with Roddy and Wendy playing in the background.

Huge thank you to Linda and Jeff, who found the display case for the boards. It's awesome!

Super Bishop

2011-07-07T19:20:00.001-07:00

Something to paint and maybe raffle off this weekend at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Will be there at the Canadian Open Chess Tournament showcasing my sets. Now I'm really a bundle of nerves.

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Location:Studio

Tired & painting final pieces

2011-07-05T20:34:00.001-07:00

I just had to paint this set, and couldn't put it off any longer. Off to bed now. Will have to find poetry another day.

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Location:Studio

Supersizing Pieces

2011-07-01T05:51:00.001-07:00

I've made a few much larger chess pieces, just to see how they'd turn out. And cause the do go nicely sized with the 4x4 squared piece board. Will have to paint these, as colored clay is out of the question. Want to make a few more now, but will have to wait until tomorrow as today is the bank holiday.

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Location:Studio

Sore Hands

2011-06-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

So I've been through 21 packages of clay today, and I'm done for the day now. Mainly because the hands are quite sore; balances out the back I think.

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Finished two sets today and sketches for tomorrows pieces

2011-06-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

... and my back is killing me. Simply cannot sit or stand any more today. Found a nice comfy spot of real estate on the carpet and am growing roots for a bit.

Finished the Winter Pieces

2011-06-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I'll finish the Summer side.

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Location:Studio

Boards finished and piece go perfectly!

2011-06-22T04:45:00.001-07:00

Such fun.

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Half done and still working on ... will be finished today

2011-06-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Board in Progress

2011-06-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

And now we paint that the base is done ...

New board finished

2011-06-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

Just finsihed a new chessboard (from maquette of the Canadian geography) in oil. Have the winter pieces made, and now working on the summer pieces. It should be in cool when dry. Just needs a blue keyline, but it has to be drier to completely polish. This piece specifically narrows the landscape to be less defined between the squares, but still allows for traditional play. It'll be a "moving landscape" when being played: very cool.

So now I'm finishing the next one I have on the go (sorta working on a few at once at the moment).

Test Driving Website

2011-06-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with an additional set of pages for my website, these ones specifically showcasing the chessboards. Decided to have this trial site via Weebly, located at:

www.hooplechessboards.com

When I'm happy with it, I'll move it over underneath my domain at www.janehoople.com ... really, as soon as I figure out the directions, I'll do that. I think Weebly might be making it difficult, but then that could just be an opinion.

From the flower garden

2011-06-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Snapped a few pics while weeding this morning. These might be lovely to paint in future? Dunno. I don't normally paint from photographs. And there are bees out there ... which scare the hell out of me!

From Capital Hill

2011-05-31T19:25:00.001-07:00

Just posting a pic of the view from the window. Should have taken one yesterday when the sun was out!

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Final Muskoka Chair "ChessMaster"

2011-05-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Taking it outside to varnish, but I'm likely not going to have time to varathane. Will have to coherse someone else into helping with this aspect. Oh and try not to notice the messy studio area; will look at that after I come back from a few days in Ottawa.

2011-05-27T21:40:00.001-07:00

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Queen in Progress

2011-05-26T20:19:00.001-07:00

Practically finished now, just finishing the bottom half of the queen piece on the back.

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Chair is going to be late ... sigh.

2011-05-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

But I'm working on it, I swear. Just finishing the Queen on the back now, then have to varnish. Will have to call Kathleen and ask her when I can deliver it to her ... will need that extra couple of days to finish.

Right Arm in Progress

2011-05-20T19:43:00.001-07:00

Mighta bitten off more than anticipated, but it should look smashing when done.

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Location:Studio

Seat Finished, Starting on Back

2011-05-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Have finished the seat icons, and am now moving on to the Queen on the back of the chair. Actually, I might have to paint the arms now, simply to give the seat a chance to dry before painting the back of the chair.

2011-05-17T20:31:00.001-07:00

Chair Seat Continues

2011-05-15T20:16:00.001-07:00

Just working on the seat figures tonight.

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Luscious Oil

2011-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just playing; right leg.

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Acrylic versus Oil

2011-05-11T05:52:00.001-07:00

For the first time in my short history of painting, I can truly say that acrylic fails me entirely. I'm switching back to oil paints. Perhaps I am at the point where the subtle differences have morphed to major, and I feel the change as an uncompromising pain.

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Blocking in base colours

2011-05-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

2011 Muskoka Chair, now working on "GrandMaster"

2011-05-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

In the country for Easter

2011-04-23T08:47:00.001-07:00

Quiet country life; just sketching in conte. Waiting for the chocolate eggs to fall from the sky, instead of the snow that I woke up to this morning.

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Location:Chesterville

Acquarium

2011-04-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Well, not sure what I'm really doing, just painting. What really is painting, anyway? Where does the boundary of it's definition lie? This more like exercise for the brush and mind.

Anyway, I've been thinking about water all week.

Studio Working

2011-04-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

I've been spinning like mad for several weeks now, some of it completely inactive in the studio due to company at home, but some brief intervals of furious work with dubious outcomes. I think I've been thinking too much again, perhaps that tendency to obsess about things was evident once or twice.

Am planning towards showing my chessboards at the Canadian Tournament the first week of July this year, so have looked into the idea of getting prints done of the boards in particular. There is indeed a whole world of things I just don't know, that is abundantly obvious. Sigh. So many numbers. I hope to have this option figured out to lay it beside the option of having a gallery show, to see which would be more beneficial in the end.

What I have done in the studio is more exploratory than brilliant, if I was to assess it. I have two more chessboards in progress, one sculptural and one simply oil. When painting, mostly they are I guess landscapes, or gestations of landscapes. I don't even know if they are finished, or still in progress. One is below just for an example. It's more like reflex painting, where one starts with nothing particular in mind but just a brush in hand and then lets the shoulder wander around the boundaries of the paper. Fluidity becomes of prmary importance, rather than the technical merits of memory.

I've also been working on some non-traditiona media, like these little paper tubes my sister brought home from work. Old paper rolls of some sort - very cool really. Why? Uh, why not. I like their roundness, for a simple answer. They have no particular purpose, so will probably just be disgarded later, but in the meantime they provide a whimsical 'canvas' to paint one.

Then there is this marvellous paper (have you heard this before perhaps?) that has all these holes in it, that provides an lovely challenge to ink in and around. This is just something in progress, that I can work on even if people are here gabbing in the background. Just letting the mind wander and find interesting stories to tell from the forms inherent in the paper.

And, of course, don't mind the questionable photography. I did shoot these myself.

Painting Again

2011-03-22T20:01:00.001-07:00

Feels great too.

ArtistJane

Checking In

2011-03-16T05:43:00.001-07:00

Been busy and haven't posted, so just uploading a couple of new chess pieces. Have made several sets this week already and am working on a special checkers set too. Having fun. Will have to stop and update the website too (groan).

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Location:Bartley Dr,Toronto,Canada

New Board, small 10x10"

2011-03-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hmm Mostly Finished

2011-02-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

So I'm mostly finished and am just getting to posting now. Still have the white border to finish, but am hestitating as the original plan was to take this on Wednesday to New York with me, so that I could play a few times with my friends down there over the weekend. But if I do paint the border, or niggle any more, it won't be touch dry and I'll have to forget the whole idea. Sigh. Decisions, decisions. It's probably too big to take on a plane anyway, I suppose. And I'm havng a problem deciding what to bring, and I'd need larger pieces if i take this board ... but I've not finished the smaller board that was my second option ...

Doesn't it just annoy one when people waffle? I'm waffling; annoying even myself. I need new shoes to go to NYC anyway, and a really small hairdryer. I should go out into the world, even though I don't really feel like it. It's snowing again, which is kinda pretty I suppose.

Work in Progress

2011-02-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

New chessboard currently in progress. Oil on wood, and wasn't able to finsih it this weekend (started yesterday).

Friday

2011-02-18T16:57:00.001-08:00

It was the the perfect day to go out for a walk, and I even made it home in the daylight hours.

But there was no one here waiting for me, no happy spirit wanting to go exploring the sunlight and winds. So I slid into a silent corner far away from the windows, and here I've stayed.

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Location:Studio

Catching up after catching the flu

2011-02-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, just checking in and updating some pics as I'm getting over the flu. Really, it's been quite some time since I've been this sick. And I know that six days is nothing compared to the 3 weeks most people have been out with this one, but for me to be sick this long is weird. And I don't likes it. Still can't sleep though; spent last night sleeping in the chair in my studio because it's the most comfortable spot I could find. Lying down is dismal - just impossible to breathe.

But I got new medicine yesterday evening and today was better. Look, it's 8:00pm and I'm still semi-vertical. I can even read still. Back in the studio plotting again. Definitely on the mend. Looking forward to going to NYC next weekend to visit friends and wander the art shows.

What does one wear at art shows? Do you think anyone cares really?

Another little square for the new "candies and sweets" chessboard in progress ... and

... and the finished clay chessboard. This ones a little different. Haven't really sorted out what I think yet. Still have to take some photos with the pieces on it, that might help sort out thoughts.

Little Brothers Book Cover

2011-02-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Still working on the cover for little brother, not quite done. Made the mistake of painting it size as and on watercolour paper (should have been larger and on illustration board). Paying for both of these now, but still reasonably happy with results so far. Will finish tomorrow, as decided to go swimming tonight.

Working on Several Things at Once

2011-02-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

I'm spending this weekend in the studio, on several very different things. Painting the board pieces for the candy chessboard (some below), designing the pieces that go with it, and painting the cover illustration for my brothers book.

Kingston, Ontario

2011-01-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

Just posting some photos taken at my sisters place, just outside of Kingston. They're finally getting some snow this year, and of course, be careful what you wish for, because they certainly have snow now.

I like this picture because it looks like someone's been sketching in the snow, with all the lines and spots. Very intriguing.

I'm fascinated by horizonal type pictures. I took tons, but am just showing a few.

They have a hideaway built down along the border of swamp, built on a rocky crest overlooking a serene landscape. Perfect when a bit warmer if one is thinking about sketching, but perfect now to get out of the wind for a spell.

One of my favourite trees. This one I've painted years before; it's been hit by lightning several times and still stands today.

2011-01-02T19:02:00.001-08:00

New Year, New Project

2011-01-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

Working on a couple new chessboards, just because. Actually the sculptural aspect was completed earlier this year (I guess last year now), but I'm just getting to painting it now. And also have started to paint my next one, and am designing the pieces separately in one of my sketchbooks. This one will be based on candy, many different kinds and meanings of candy.

Photos from Home (where Winter really is)

2010-12-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Just decided to post some of the photos I took while visiting home (east of Ottawa) this past week for Christmas. Took the camera out for an early morning walk.

Countryside Holiday

2010-12-23T19:25:00.001-08:00

Out in the country for a country Christmas. Lots of snow and quite nippy. Actually wearing boots here. Was forced outside to take the camera for a walk. Didn't seem natural, but I tried.

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Location:North Dundas,Canada

"the Arguement"

2010-12-13T19:37:00.001-08:00

Little 5x5 canvas; thought I'd play with the leftover palette.

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Location:Don Valley Pkwy,Toronto,Canada

2010-12-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

Painting Again

2010-12-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

Have had the flu for a bit more than a week now, and am finally feeling better than mud. Just a bit of a cough left. I might even venture out downtown tomorrow, try and soak up some seasonal spirit. Painted a bit of a Christmas card image, I think. Its' kind of an everything and nothing image, can't really explain it more than that. I can't get a good photo though; it look so much better in person than any photo. Obviously I'm not a great photgrapher ... am trying, really. Sigh. Will have to take my word for it.

Raspberry Bush

2010-12-01T20:12:00.001-08:00

Can't Sleep since 3:07am

2010-11-30T01:04:00.001-08:00

Up watching the shadows on the wall again. Was painting for a bit, but am trying to sleep again. That alarms gonna ring and I just won't be ready for it. Again. Pretty much much finished my 'raspberries' piece now. Maybe can take pic tomorrow. Finished editting my brothers book now too, yay. Back to painting. Now if only I really had a clue where to go, other than to finish the two already started in the summer. Actually those don't entice me either.

I'm lost. Anniversary of 60 days today of life without a dog, and I still hate going home at night. No reason to be. Never go outside anymore.

Ok trying to sleep again.

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Location:Home

Sunday Afternoon Painting

2010-11-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

A friend recently pointed out that I haven't posted anything in a long while, so I've chucked all the things I'm supposed to be doing and have just been dabbling in the studio this afternoon. Best day in weeks. Oh, I don't know whether or not its art, but having a wonderful time anyway.

2010-11-02T04:41:00.000-07:00

So the world is a dry, busy place these past ten days. Mother is in the hospital for major back surgery, Georgie is off living with his father, the horrible condo where I live has added in two more fences with padlocks ensuring now that it would be impossible to ever walk a dog out of the building, and yeah, life pretty much sucks. Am making a serious effort to complete the editting of Roddy's book by the end of this week, and so won't be painting until after that is done. Not been a good year for painting in general. Completely lost on that one. But I do have a gallery interested in my chess show next year; bigger problem will be to actually be ready and have everything done the way I want it in time to even have a show.

Posting some scribbles in the meantime. Very difficult to drive and doodle, and everything lately is about going here and there, helping this and that.

Tossed Out of the Studio

2010-10-21T06:40:00.001-07:00

So the property management is turning off the hydro today, so I'm off into the world with a bag of supplies, papers and canvas. Let's see what I can create whilst on the go.

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2010-10-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Fall Afternoon, Interesting Conversations

2010-10-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Fall 2010

2010-10-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

Can you believe the fabulous colours this year? Incredibly inspiring. Too bad one can't paint and drive.

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2010-10-04T17:05:00.001-07:00

Found Paper

2010-10-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just posting a little oil on this great little piece of paper that I found in my sisters scrapbooking stuff. She has some really great papers hidden in those drawers, papers that might just get drawn and painted on. These are little tiny squares, no bigger than 3x5". Very pretty.

Little Sketches

2010-09-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

In lieu of that little painting in progress, I'm posting a couple of sketches. Should be able to post the other tomorrow (or so). Sketches are from the weekend past, one from the badlands here in Ontario (so COOL you just can't imagine) and the other from late night doodling. Didn't get any painting done at the badlands cause there was just too many people around, and Georgie was being a little uncooperative. Only because he was excited too, really.

Zoo that Surrounds Me

2010-09-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Part I of II

2010-09-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Doodling in Oil Again

2010-09-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Evening

2010-09-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Playing again tonight, although I've realized that painting doodles is probably not the best use of my time. It doesn't particularly help with finsihing the other two paintings that I have ongoing. And, just dawned on me as well, experimenting with techniques in oil on paper will likely not be of use on pieces that are oil on canvas. Ummm ... well, guess it's better to figure that out late than never.

So, what will I do with these? Haven't decided. But they're fun anyway. Not practical.

Blue Two

2010-09-10T21:51:00.001-07:00

Just adding in my piece from last night, oil paint on this fabulous paper. Nothing seriously, just feeling the paint move around. Had a truly lousy evening otherwise. Certain I even screamed at some of these creatures.

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Location:Macdonald-Cartier Fwy,Brockville,Canada

If Wishes Were Dreams

2010-09-08T19:05:00.001-07:00

Such is the world that it exacts more than one can imagine of the spirit.

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Escaping Bishop

2010-08-30T19:37:00.001-07:00

Location:Oil on canvas

The Game

2010-08-30T19:33:00.001-07:00

I'm quite sure words fail me lately, and surely there will be those that are more critical of my work in the studio than I would like. Just saddened of late; things change souch and I've naught where to go. Even George is out of sorts, possibly as I am.

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Working on new Chessboard

2010-08-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Was happily playing in a new media this weekend, better clay and this time for the entire chess board. I'm liking the results, although I only really only just started. It's more work than they say; my hands are getting a real workout, and boy does it smell right out of the container. Even the dog left the room. But it's great.

Started a new painting too, this one 60"x30", so now I'll have several things on the go at once. Now I really like this idea.

Will have to wait until next Saturday to get more clay to finish the chessboard, rather pooped about that. But I'm going to get to paint on this half right away anyway.

Last Day

2010-08-15T20:18:00.001-07:00

Yup, another day older in just under an hour from now. And what have I learned this year? Hmm.

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Location:Toronto

NPCC now Showing

2010-08-14T10:41:00.001-07:00

Now on display until Sept ....

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Location:Eglinton Ave E,Toronto,Canada

Exercising in Paint

2010-08-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Just spending some time tonight exercising my painting arms. Nothing special, nor even practical, I suppose. Thinking out loud. I was wondering why it is people ever gave up finger painting; you know, it's wonderful fun.

Copy of scribble pages

2010-08-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Just uploading a copy of my lateset scribble page for a chess show. Had a pile of these from way back related to different things, and now I can't seem to find them since I moved. Checked everywhere last night with no success. Mind you, they're not important to anyone else, and really just thinking notes, but i was pretty annoyed with myself for misplacing them. I know they were collected all in one spot at one point in my last studio, and certainly planned to follow me. Ok, perhaps I should've organized them better, but they made sense to me and I did used to know where they were.

Maybe they'll show up later. Anyway, was hoping not to lose this one so am uploading a copy. Now at least I'll know where to find it. The other pages are not so interesting but will try to scan them later. Just getting somewhat prepared for a show, working out visual details. Pretty boring to most people I presume. My dog isn't all that interested.