Loose Sketches on Archival Paper
Sketches below are in the following mediums
watercolour
gouache
mixed media
I usually carry a sketchbook with me to quickly capture moments I see. These sketches are developed from free drawings in my sketchbook. I use various materials to create the movement and focus of each piece. I find the relaxed nature of working on loose paper encourages me to take risks and try something new. Though, the result might not resemble my goals, there are pieces of each sketch which inspire me to take some subjects to the canvas.
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The beginnings of life jacket girl, or so I call her. I quickly sketched these two women looking out onto Georgian Bay and revisited the sketchbook drawing on a piece of loose 14x17 bristol paper. As I worked through the break wall, I noticed some of the shapes created a girl wearing a life jacket. I have since started working on a larger piece of her which I hope to finish soon.
Flowers against Wallpaper. 11x14 mixed media of Gouache & Neocolors. I'm never quite sure what to do with flowers on the page, but I surely enjoy painting them
Developing a stronger style of showing my cat's personality in this 11x14 gouache painting. I just love that right leg action with claws out and the smile is mischievous, just like my cat.
One of the horses at the farm passed away this spring, and this is the view from where we buried him. Royalty! I love to see the different patches of land on the backside of the mountain. They take shape over the course of the summer and show some brilliant colours when they bloom 11x15 watercolour & ink
Working to move the viewer through a painting. This unfinished sketch was so interesting as I left it, that I didn't add anything more. I think that's one of the hardest part of painting: stopping! 11x15 watercolour
A reminder to have some purpose. This mixed media got out of hand. It's a little chaotic, but I love how the cat takes the shape of a pitbull? and also looks like he's wearing sports socks. So, that's fun! 14x17 mixed media
This one is a whole mish mash of different days. I started this on site at the farm, and moved it into my studio to complete the foreground. I love how primitive it turned out. Like, what is even going on here? I don't know, but I love it.
I probably should finish this cow's eyes, but I just love the way this floral arrangement came together. The neocolors really popped the colors of the gouache. I was working with a new brand of gouache for this piece, and although it's very vibrant (which I love), it was slow to dry. 11x14 mixed media - This cow is part of a series of sketches I'm creating to help me complete a large canvas piece.
Trying floral arrangements on horses? I just love this horse's eyes. Especially the right eye, but this painting is one of my favourites this month as I continue putting pieces together for a large canvas piece. 11x14 Gouache.
Flowers & a Cow Bell. While doing some studies to determine the look of the larger piece I'm working on, I tried one where the cow bell shows. I love the colour and shading I achieved on it! 11x14 Mixed Media
My first sketch of the floral cows. I love how pronounced her muzzle is! I didn't finish this one, but I loved it at this stage, so I stopped!
Morning coffee and a whole lot going on in the garden brought together this mix of a piece! I love all the different things you can see when you start exploring the photo. It also shows how my dog ultimately doesn't care if anything touches him when he's sleeping. I've never had a dog like that before. So trusting. 14x17 Mixed Media
The gardens at the Russian Palace. I don't know if it's because of the news, but I had a dream about gardens outside a gorgeous Russian palace. So, I woke up and created this piece 11x14 Mixed Media
Late Night Gab Sesh. An old friend and I were catching up on the phone (for 6 hours!) and I painted a few pieces as we gabbed away. I love the orange behind the trees. I attempted to make a building behind them, and I think it worked! 7x10 Mixed Media
More Cats. Working on animal poses this week, and I love how this cat looks like he's a ninja in mid air. (also part of the late night gab sesh series) 7x10 mixed media
Eye Study. Sometimes I want to make really unrealistic eyes, and others I want a little more emotion from them. This study was done on the scene as my horse wondered why I was painting and not giving him carrots. 7x10 watercolour
Horse Study #2 Same Day different colour, and I'm in love with the top section of this study. The pinched up muzzle and cheek of my horse who's showing his distain. My lack of attention is making him angry. Don't worry, I put the paintbrush down and gave him a pat.
Summer Fun Series - I took a photo similar to this years ago, and I pulled it out to paint. I love how it turned out! 7x10 watercolour
It always looks more interesting where we're headed. Small 6x6 Watercolour
This was my first outdoor painting session with other artists, and boy, was I nervous! After doing a few scribbles to relax, I came up with this piece. Love it! Watercolour.
Working out the composition with this hilarious piece. Depiction of what the animals get up to when the farm is quiet. Watercolour.
Constantly trying to figure out what to do with flowers? I love painting them, but I don't think I love paintings where they are the subject. 6x6 watercolour
Evening under the barn lights. 7x10 watercolour
Doodling on good paper - sometimes I forget to use less expensive paper! This one is working on shadow & depth.
Flowers, AGAIN! Maybe I should just submit and lean into painting more of them. 12x12 watercolour
Study in Watercolour. Landscape organization inspired by rock formations in Perry Sound, Ontario
Digital Paintings
I draw and paint digitally using Rebelle, Fresco & Corel Programs on my Wacom Tablet. I enjoy the freedom of having an entire art store at the click of a mouse. I like using digital painting to try something new without making a mess in the studio, though, you’ll usually find me making a mess in the studio anyway.
