"Salvaged" 16 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas

I originally began working on this painting back in the Spring of this year. At the time, I had a strong desire to paint a still life composition but I wanted to paint it from life rather than using a photo. Again, I visited the local Salvage Centre to see if I could find a few interesting objects to use in my painting. A Salvage Centre can be a fun place to find just about anything. Some unwanted stuff that I had found there as I was browsing, can be reused and recycled if they are in relatively good shape. If I find something that I like by way of color or that I find the shape interesting, I'll buy it. I know that at some point, I'll make use of it in my paintings. Pictured here is a tall blue vase, a small terra cotta cup with some fake flowers, a lovely butter yellow teapot (love the colour too!), a fake red leaf and a few polished stones. Everything here has a connection to each other, all are discarded and all are found again. Showcasing them in a painting, makes them loved.

"Roses" Botanical Art 8x10 Colored Pencil on Canson Drawing Paper

My colored pencil drawing that I was working on in the Studio on Sundays, is finally finished and I am enjoying how it looks. I particularly like how the larger leaves have some holes in it made by an insect or worm and it's browning leaves.  A touch of whimsy I think which adds to the realistic appeal to the drawing. I considered adding a small bug on a leaf but that may have detracted from the flowers. I may try that next time. I'm not certain what type of Roses these are but I think they are a vintage old world garden variety type.The drawing looks very nice in it's dark ebony frame below.

"A Work in Progress & Sunday in the Studio"

It seems that it has been a few weeks since my last posting and I thought that I should try to put something in soon or run the risk of having no one visiting my blog. I haven't forgotten my blog but lately, I've been very busy with other things that forced me to put aside doing my art work for a little while. I've recently started this colored pencil drawing of Roses, working on it every now and then when I have some free time.  I started up an art group a little more than a month ago and we get together every Sunday afternoon in a rented Studio space close to down town. Each artist work on their art in the studio for a 3 hour period.  I've been bringing my rose drawing for the last couple of weeks to the Studio and wondering if I'll ever finish it. I'm working on it slowly.  I do like how it looks so far and I hope to have it posted soon.

The Studio we rented above is in the Kensington area of the city. It's a trendy neighbourhood of artists and artisans, cafes, shops and restaurants. The studio is well lit and is comfortable to work in. 

The other side of the studio space.

This lovely lady is my artist friend, Kate.  She loves to paint horses, which you can see the horse painting she's currently working on, on the easel beside her. She's very good!

Another lovely lady in my group is my artist friend, Dayna. She's an expert watercolorist, among other artistic endeavors.

I'm suppose to be in this photo but I didn't want to disturb anyone into taking my picture so instead I took a picture of my workspace and supplies. I was really there! Honest! Next Sunday, I'll have to get someone to agree to take my picture.  That's all for now.