On a coffee drive up around the South Esk and around through Sunny Corner and Eel Ground we spotted some deer on the roadside…I took photos of course and one of them ended up being this little 8 X 10 in piece of art. I started with a charcoal sketch and transferred it to my Gelli plate for painting. The print was pulled on black drawing paper. I was thrilled with the outcome and it has given me more ideas for monoprints.
Another winter day out in the car, this time the location was St. Mary’s Church in Newcastle, Miramichi.
The drawing of the church took about 1 1/2 hours…leaving no time for me to complete the watercolour itself on location that day. It was painted in my studio from a photo I took (as usual) before starting the drawing. The first photo here is the completed drawing on Arches 100% cotton paper with an inset photo of the scene. The second photo is the completed watercolour. As you might notice…I take a bit of artistic license with colour. I’m more interested in making a painting work as a whole than copying.
(Touch a photo to enlarge)
Forest Heart is another successful Monotype. I got brave enough to try a larger size this time (10 X 8 in.) and I am quite pleased with the outcome.
My regular fare in paintings are scenes from my everyday life whereas these Monotypes seem inclined toward a more dream like or imaginative state. I find it exciting to have these varieties of expression.
Contemplation
Monotype 1/1
Size 7 X 5 inches (will be matted to 10 X 8 in.)
Finally ..what I call a successful Monotype!
—a monotype is a one of a kind hand pulled Art Print — It is NOT printed from a photograph of a painting!
My thoughts on it’s creation —
A woman on her knees looking back contemplating her childhood wishing she could help the child but unable to do so, as there is a great divide. The child looks up toward her adulthood contemplating what the future will bring. The light surrounding their heads signifies the invisible connection between past and present.
Feeling a bit moody with the dark winter days?
Winter’s Magic
Hand pulled art print from an original charcoal sketch (finishing touches with ink and pastel)
Size 5 X 7 in.
Inspired by a photo I took on a drive to the Enclosure.
(Touch to enlarge)
Right back into the swing of things after the New Year celebrations. Hope everyone is blessed with Joy, Peace and Good Health in 2026!
First 2 photos
I’m back to painting in the car during the winter months….Here’s mine…and (second photo) you can just see my friend Kelly’s car on the road up in front of me.
I sit in the car with the drivers side window down to see my subject in good light…and I wear a heated vest and heated socks for warmth. The only way to paint Plein air in Canadian winters!
Sun after Storm - acrylics on canvass cardboard panel - size 61/2 X 12 inches.
Trees Bough To Nature
Hand pulled art print from a gel plate transfer of an original charcoal sketch (white ink added after the pull)
Size 5 X 7 inches.
Inspired by a drive today…looking at all the birch trees bent over from the ice and snow.
A Christmas trio of the nativity of Christ. Begun as oil monotypes on Fabriano mixed media paper…but each was generously embellished with more oil painting. I’ ve since ordered some gel plates and plan on doing more experimenting with monotypes in the new year.
Merry Christmas One and All!
