​Although I was really stoked by our model's pose and costume, I struggled with composition and drawing - some days are just like that.  When pondering the failed painting back in my studio, I realised that both orientation and medium had been poor choices. Having observed her live for 4 hours and taken photos, I simply started again with the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) on newsprint, horizontal and with charcoal to capture the wonderful contrasts in this lovely costume and elegant beauty. 

The advantage of slowing down is seeing the details. Not so every feather can be painted, but so that the important elements can be captured ... and there was a bee in her bonnet that I missed - how fun is that! Now I have a strong composition and look forward to doing a finished piece on good paper.

For an artist, "back to the drawing board" is a good thing! For me, drawing is just so liberating and this time has led me to discover new techniques in charcoal.

In the spring when the rains flood the fields below our property, it makes nice ponds for waterfowl. The above peaceful couple were enjoying that exact scenario when yours truly with her camera made too much noise and the scene changed dramatically. A second charcoal rendering "Wild Goose Chase", depicts the ensuing cacophony and was the perfect opportunity to explore additional new charcoal techniques ...

​ These charcoals and a few oil paintings of Chickadees in my pyracantha are available at Gallery Odin.

I have admired this scene for several years. Finally just this past Sunday, although it was smoking hot, I set my chair up in the shade of a tree overhanging the sidewalk, and enjoyed drawing the peaceful view for a couple of hours. 

After a busy few months of painting, it is nice to get back to basics. Pure, honest but far from simple; drawing is the foundation of a good painting. All the rendering in the world cannot hide a mistake in drawing, just as a cornerstone would be sorely missed in the foundation of a building. So, not only is it nice to simply sketch, frankly, it is essential to every aspect of good art.

Walking along the serene shores of Lake Ontario to decompress, I stole fifteen minutes to sketch this quintessential dockside scene.

It’s been several months since I attended life drawing at RCA ... the sessions never disappoint!

I am experimenting with charcoal and different papers. The medium suited this elegant simple pose.

At this weeks drawing session, our model tackled the most beautiful yet physically challenging gestures that left us in awe. For the sustained portion following the warm up gestures, Linda held this elegant pose for three 20 minute periods, just enough to capture the essence of her beauty.