Pam Dallaire's Oil Painting Diary

The SRF Charcoal/Pastel Workshop

2012-01-24T09:46:00.003-05:00

We had a great time at the "Adding Charcoal to Pastels Workshop". It's more difficult than just doing charcoal.

I found that paper was the most important item and since we used watercolour paper, a deep toothed paper is needed.

The results were amazing because we had amazing artists. :)

Pam

Charcoal Workshop Results

2012-01-16T22:40:00.005-05:00

A busy day, after a busy week.

Here are most of the results from the Charcoal Workshop in Moonbeam.

I made new friends and had a great time!

Thanks for having me Moonbeam~

Pam

Blue Jay in Acrylic

2011-11-27T09:45:00.003-05:00

A challenge painting.

Blue Jay

Done to test luminosity of feathers, different background options, etc.

I painted a dark blue background and then transferred the image using white charcoal on the back of a printout from the computer.

Next was blocking in the white and black areas to compare value contrast. I wanted a different background but when my test failed I opted for masking the bird and then stamping the background with white paint, applied with a bunched up piece of Kleenex. It left tiny pieces of paper behind and looks like homemade paper.

None of the details are correct at this stage.

Pam

Timmins Museum Christmas Sale Friday

2011-11-20T21:01:00.002-05:00

I will be at the sale Friday evening only.

Pam

Pastels

2011-11-13T17:29:00.005-05:00

Pastels, some with a little charcoal.

Step 3: "A Golden Night"

Another quick one: "Leaves"

A quick one: "Pumpkin"

Pam

Charcoal Drawings

2011-10-25T22:01:00.006-04:00

Extra charcoal drawings I thought I'd better add to the blog. I've already started the next one.

"Winter"

"White Jug" is finished. (There is pastel added to the coloured areas.)

Snow Covered Bridge:

Pam

Hancock Peak

2011-10-18T11:25:00.007-04:00

Hancock Peak north of here, close to James Bay.
A winter landscape and log cabin.

Step 4: Done

Step 3: Almost there...

Step 2: Laying in the rest of the outline. A dog in front and two people on the porch.

Step 1: Drawing in the basics quickly.

Pam

Red Roof

2011-10-10T12:35:00.007-04:00

My husband has been bugging me to paint this old barn since last fall. The day before all the autumn leaves started falling we decided to go and get pictures.

It rained the whole way there, but when we reached the barn the sun decided to shine and I got great references of the barn and the cattle. I like the cattle but decided on the barn for this painting. I'll do cattle another time.

Red Roof: An acrylic painting, 16 x 20". (For the Porcupine Art Club exhibit titled "Environment", in December.)

Step 4: Finished.

Step 3: Details in the building.

Step 2: Adding colour.

Step 1: Painting the Grisaille. (5 value scale)

Pam

Magnolias Workshop

2011-09-26T10:22:00.008-04:00

I couldn't take my sister's Watercolour Workshop on painting Magnolias, so I'm doing it at home. See my sister's website. Thanks, Ellen (and Char) for a great workshop!

Step 6: Masking removed and areas fixed. I'm happy with my watercolour progress, I think I'll leave it this way and frame it. :)

Step 5: So far....so good.

Step 4:

Step 3: Third step, third hour; letting everything dry between steps.

Step 2:

Step 1: About 1 hour into the painting.

Pam

Ship and Tulip Continued

2011-09-22T09:29:00.002-04:00

Back to my demonstration oil painting in glazes.

Step 10:

With the bright red of the accents, I had to harmonize the painting. I put a few brushstrokes of alizarin crimson into the draping and liked it so much that I put a glaze over the whole background with violet in the creases.

The objects look like they are floating because I haven't added highlights to the material yet.

I've dragged the glaze colour into the ship base, added it into the frame, tulips and front metal can.

At this point I'm only using safflower oil as an additive to the oil paint.

Pam

Library Donation

2011-09-13T23:09:00.003-04:00

I have finished the donation for the Smooth Rock Falls library, "The Storybook Comes to Life". It is done in acrylics and the girls' skin and hair are oils. You can't see the edges but it looks like a book on the sides.

I spent a busy weekend at a graphite workshop in Timmins, held by Colette Theriault at the Porcupine Art Club.

I didn't finish my Cocker Spaniel drawing but I will work on it this week.

Pam

Opaque Layers on Ship and Tulips

2011-08-28T14:51:00.004-04:00

Now that all the summer exhibitions and events are over, I can get back to normal work.

Step 9: Ship and Tulips (for the oil painting workshop demo)

Started adding opaque oil colour with only oil based medium. I haven't started touching the front brass can yet.

The tulips painting, in the background, is what I will be teaching at the oil painting workshops, not the ship and flower pot. I didn't want to have duplicate copies of the tulips painting. I'll have at least two as it is.

More to come....

Pam

Second Glazes on Storybook

2011-07-29T17:48:00.003-04:00

I'm getting close to the finish of this painting. Tomorrow I'll put the rest of the books in the shelf, touch up the flor and finish the girls skin and hair(which is done in oils).

While the oil paint dries for a few days, I'll finish the dresses and put the trompe l'oile pages on the side of the canvas.

I'll be glad to hand this one over to the Smooth Rock Falls Public Library.

Pam

Oil Painting Workshops

2011-07-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics of Oil Painting by Pam Dallaire

(Starting Sept 2011 in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario and March 2012 in Timmins, Ontario)

A series of oil painting workshops for the beginner in oil. In the first workshop you will learn everything you need to get started. We will discuss traditional and modern application of oil glazes, canvas supports, framing options, oil paints, mediums, brushes, varnishing, and much more. I’ll take the mystery out of oil painting.

In the second workshop of the series you will learn to paint an underpainting in black and white acrylic paint, using the reference photo above. We will also discuss traditional and modern application of oil glazes.

In workshop three you will learn to apply transparent oil glazes with colour directly from the tube.

In workshop four, you will learn to mix oil colours and apply the final accents to the painting. With the knowledge gained from this series of workshops, you will be able to paint both traditional oil glazes and modern methods of oil glazing.

You can download the pdf advertisement from the SRF Art Center website.

Pam

Glazing with Oils

2011-07-15T10:41:00.007-04:00

I've been working and here are the updates.

I have to do a quick oil painting in layers for a workshop in September so here are the steps so far.

Model Ship and Tulips:

Step 8: Added a thicker glaze of Burnt Umber and Lemon Yellow on background and some shadows. Then added Cad Red Med and Alizarin Crimson glaze in specific areas. Added the lemon yellow to the mix to make orange areas.

Step 7: Second, thicker, yellow glaze with Indian Yellow.

Step 6: The finished greyscale and the first colour glaze in Indian Yellow. (Very thin.)

Step 5: Continuing to develop the greyscale to where I need it. I'm also thinking how the glazing colours should be applied.

Step 4: Almost done the underpainting.

Step 3: Continue to work on the underpainting which needs as much detail as I want the finished piece to have.

Step 2: Start of the Acrylic Underpainting.

Step 1: Transferring the image.

_______________
And, Kitten in Black and White:

Step 1: Graphite on the wooden panel didn't work so well, so...

Step 2: I changed to acrylic.

Pam

First Oil Glaze on Storybook

2011-06-30T21:14:00.004-04:00

Snowflake, the rescued cat, has come home from her vet visit. She was spayed, got shots, etc. She is very sore but quiet and recuperating. They said she was quiet the whole time. What a difference from 6 months ago; feral and terrified.

Thanks must be given to the Smooth Rock Falls Animal Rescue volunteers and the Lioness Club for transporting her and covering her vet bills. Now we will see if anyone would like to adopt her.

She is UPSTAIRS in our guest bedroom. When she is better, I'll open the door and she can explore the top floor. No more basement cat! :)

On to the painting:

Here is step 7 of "The Storybook Comes to Life". The first oil glaze on the left girl.

I need to get the colour on so it can dry while I finish the acrylic areas.

Pam

Step 6: The Storybook Comes to Life

2011-06-27T14:13:00.003-04:00

I have time to work on the library painting.

Here is step 6.
Pam

Make Your Own Easel

2011-06-27T13:37:00.007-04:00

I have had beginner artists asking how to make an inexpensive easel, for painting and display.

After finding none on the internet that suited my purpose, I decided to design my own.

Make your own Cardboard Easel

(Folds for travel, holds a canvas, no cost!)

You will need:

1 large piece of cardboartd (depending on the finished size)

string or wool

masking tape or duct tape

a box cutter or knife

a ruler

large sewing needle to piece the carboard with the string

Step 1:

Choose the width and height of your finished easel. Find a heavy cardboard with no bends. Size: the same WIDTH of your finished easel & 3 times the LENGTH of the finished easel.

Step 2:

With ruler and box cutter, SCORE (don't cut through) the cardboard in 3 lines on the OPPOSITE side of the cardboard. (See the plans.)

Step 3: Bend the 3 scored lines towards the GOOD side of the cardboard to create a ledge for your canvas.

Step 4: Divide the rest of the length in HALF and SCORE the cardboard on the GOOD side, folding it in half to create the easel shape.

Step 5: Use your needle and string to hold the cardboard in the shape you want.

Step 6: Reinforce the folds with masking or duct tape. Also tape the Shelf for the canvas in position so it doesn't unfold.

That's it, you're done. Happy painting!

Pam

The Storybook Comes to Life step 5

2011-06-13T18:20:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I took pictures of Bald Eagles on Mattagami River.

Here is where I am on the library painting. I have the complete concept all worked out now and it is just a matter of finishing.

The book trompe l'oiel effect is about 1/3 done and takes a lot of masking tape to create a book effect. :( The acrylic grisaille (black and white underpainting) is 1/2 done on the girls' skin and then the background story book has to be finished in acrylic.

When that is all done I will do quick transparent oil layers on the girls to achieve realism on them only.

To see all the stages of the painting go to this page.

Pam

2011-06-10T17:49:00.004-04:00

Living in Smooth Rock Falls is a never ending source of interest. I live on Cloutierville Road and the clean up crew is a little unusual.

Just start your lawn mower or hang up your laundry and the clean up crew is there to keep those nasty bugs and snakes at bay. :)

I have been doing quick pen, ink and graphite drawings. I forgot to take a photo of the white rose I completed before it went to the art club on display. I'll get a shot of that this week.

Here is "Winter House" a miniature.

Pam

Pastel weekend

2011-05-16T16:47:00.005-04:00

This weekend I attended a workshop by visiting artist Colette Theriault.

We learned to create a "Dog Portrait in Pastel".

I had a great time and produced this:

"Border Collie"

Pam

Learning to Read

2011-04-18T17:17:00.006-04:00

I am doing a painting for the Smooth Rock Falls Public Library. I was given a few photos to work with (taken at the library) and placed elements from the photos together to compose a painting. I am changing and adding other elements as I go along, depending how they look in the actual painting.

I've changed the title of the piece from "Learning to Read" to "A Story Comes to Life" : 18 x 24" Acrylic on canvas with painted edges.

There will be a trompe l'oeil factor in the painting. I am painting it to look like the page of a story book, with the edges looking like the edge of book and a turned up corner on the bottom right right hand corner of the painting.

The girls will not only be reading a story, but be IN a story book. The background will look like typical story book artwork and as I paint in closer to the girls, I will paint more and more realistically, making the book look like it is coming to life.

Step 1:

I gessoed the canvas thickly with palette knife, let it dry and then tinted it with an acrylic wash of raw umber, to look like venetian plaster. I drew out the painting on the dried canvas.

Detail of one face.

Step 2:

Blocking in the colours to see what works and what doesn't. I've already made changes from the original mock-up.

Step 3: I am starting to paint the "Storybook" background that will resemble artwork in a children's story book.
(the colours are much brighter than shown, I'll get a good photo for the next step)

You can see I have a supervisor watching every move and making sure the artwork is up to her standards. :)

Step 5: The black and white grisaille is almost done for one girl and I'm ready to start on the second girl. I've changed my mind and will do the girls' skin as traditional oil layers but thin so they dry quickly while I finish the rest of the painting.
The tromple l'oeil is started as you can see in the bottom right hand corner.

More to come...keep watching.

Pam

News from March

2011-04-01T10:19:00.009-04:00

After giving 3 workshops in 30 days, I need a weekend to rest. As I type this, Snowflake is keeping me company beside the computer. It's been just over 3 months since she was rescued from my garage as a feral cat. She is actually less nervous than the feral cat I rescued as a kitten 5 years ago. Here is a picture from yesterday. When I first trapped her, the full winter coat made her look big, but you can see just how tiny she is even after 4 months of eating as much as she wants. She was just a bag of bones under all that fur. As for my artwork: I took a Watercolour workshop with Dianna Rennie yesterday and forgot to take a photo of them before I started converting them to mixed media. I've started adding colour pencil on top of the watercolour base. Sunflower: Tulips: The only reason I took flowers is they were the only reference photos handy as I rushed out the door. See the results of my last workshop HERE. Pam

Supermoon Over Smooth Rock

2011-03-19T21:25:00.003-04:00

There is a Supermoon tonight!

Here is a picture of it at 9 pm over Smooth Rock Falls.

The tides will be higher than normal.

Also...an update on Snowflake the cat that used to live feral in my garage. After 3 LONG months of patience and training SHE now likes to watch me work on the computer from my art desk. :)

She has lost most of her winter down around her face and neck and looks more like a siamese with wings. Her body is still loosing fluff but he tail is actually growing in long hair. She lost much of the hair on her tail in the freezing weather before xmas.

Pam

St Patrick's Day and a Kid's Workshop

2011-03-17T18:10:00.002-04:00

In just over 2 hours, I taught (with the help of my artist cousin Rachel Therrien) 16 kids under the age of 12 to draw the Easter Bunny in Charcoal.

Here are 12 new artists in the making. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Pam

March 27th Workshop

2011-03-06T13:45:00.006-05:00

Porcupine Art Club on March 27th, 2011, from 9 am to 4 pm. Results from the workshop.

I will also be drawing a simple 1/2 figure of a child for demonstration. For more information about this workshop, email me. Pam

Charcoall Workshop for Children

2011-03-05T18:38:00.004-05:00

On March 17th I will be holding a Charcoal workshop for children ages 8 - 12 years at the Smooth Rock Falls Public Library.

We will be drawing the Easter Bunny in Charcoal.

SRF artists Rachel Therrien and Kitty Ratushny will be helping me teach the children.

Pam

White Rabbit

2011-02-19T17:27:00.004-05:00

I had to wait for the Timmins Train Station board to dry last night so did a quick 1/2 drawing of a white rabbit.

White Rabbit: 9.5 x 11.5"

Step 3: Done! (A little reflection in the photo.)

Step 2:

Step 1:

Pam

My Charcoal Workshop Feb 12th

2011-02-14T11:15:00.005-05:00

I gave a one day charcoal workshop on the weekend, Feb 12th, 2011. "Charcoal Drawing from a Photocopy Reference". I had help by French art teacher Elise Marin Nolet.

Here are photos from the workshop held at the Centre Art SRF, in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.

Final Drawings by the artists:

I will be giving another Charcoal workshop on March 27th, 2011 in Timmins, Ont. at the Porcupine Art Club. "Drawing Young Children in Charcoal" The cost is only $25. supplies included. Only 7 spots left and open to anyone 18 years plus. Email me to sign up or for more information.

Pam

Timmins Train Station

2011-02-11T09:55:00.009-05:00

Another Historical piece of art celebrating the 100th Anniversaries of the City of Timmins.

It's not just about the train station. I spent most of my youth within the radius of the train station and the church in the bottom right corner of the picture. Our house was situated one on the block behind the church. I loved the sound of the church bells and the train whistles as the train passed by below the church. :)

The picture is a LOT older than I am but the memories are the same. I used to sit on those same pulley carts waiting for the train, and the building has just been turned into the city bus station.

Timmins Train Station: 22x 30"

Step 7:
Finished and Varnished. Photo taken with indoor lighting.

Step 6:

Step 5 is one you can't see on the finished work: An experiment. I plan to varnish the finished charcoal. I haven't done it before, and normally I would do these steps before starting work on a piece.

I glued (with acrylic medium) the watercolour paper to a piece of hardboard and weighted it down for a few hours. After it was attached I let it dry overnight. I just sealed the back of the hardboard and I'm letting it dry so that it will never absorb moisture and warp.

When the board and paper are completely dry I will continue to work on the charcoal. I did a test before deciding to try this technique and liked the look of it. The mid-gray tones will look different than a dry charcoal drawing but with so much dark black in the drawing, it should look good. I won't know unless I try. :)

The varnish will have to be dry and the drawing framed by noon Wednesday, for delivery, so I'll work all weekend on the drawing.

It will be displayed at La Galeruche, La Ronde Building, in Timmins during the month of March. It is The Porcupine Art Club's annual non-themed exhibit, just the members most recent works.

Step 4:

Step 3:

Step 2:

Step 1: the grid.

Pam

Pastel Bowl of Cherries

2011-02-11T09:42:00.004-05:00

I tried pastel pencils and off-white Wallis archival sandpaper at our last art club get-together. The pencils are very high quality and the pastel goes on like butter....but does it ever go on!!! It could be a very expensive piece of art if I only used pencils because the tip gets used up within minutes.

I'm changing to the stick pastels to finish it off.

Bowl of Cherries

Step 2:

Step 1:

Pam

Fight Back against upcoming Internet fees!

2011-02-03T09:18:00.002-05:00

The CRTC has given the green light to Internet Companies to charge usage fees instead of giving unlimited internet packages.

If you, or your children, or grandchildren, intend on using the internet, FIGHT BACK and sign the petition.

As a webmaster for non-profit art and community organizations, this would seriously limit the amount of work I could do on the computer. They would charge my for any data downloaded or uploaded over the monthly limit they set.

Pass on this information to everyone you know that uses the internet in Canada.

Pam

Great Aunt Lillian

2011-01-06T12:42:00.008-05:00

I decided to draw my Great Aunt Lillian Passmore.

Great Aunt Lillian: Where I am at right now.

Step 8:

Step 6:

Step 5:

Step 1: The grid and drawing placement before starting charcoal. I had to do it dark enough to show on the photo but I will erase almost all the lines before I add any charcoal. (The paper is ivory white but the lines wouldn't show unless the image was darkened.)

She is in a white winter coat and standing on a wicker chair. There will be many shades of gray in this drawing as an example for tonal drawing.

Pam

P.S. If you want to keep up with Snowflake the cat's story, visit the Smooth Rock Falls Animal Rescue website.

Lily & Hope's Live Den Cam

2011-01-02T21:08:00.002-05:00

Last winter I watched Lily the wild Black Bear and her cub Hope in their winter den.

You can keep an eye on them this winter and the web cam is up and running!

Visit the Lily and Hope Den cam.

Pam

New Paint

2011-01-01T20:00:00.004-05:00

The weather outside is wild with wind and freezing rain so I've stayed inside and tried my new paint I received for xmas.

It's called Acryla Gouache by Holbein. Kind of a cross between watercolour and acrylic.

I'm NOT a watercolour artist because I like to change things as I go along. This paint allows me to paint in semi-transparent washes or use it straight like acrylic where it is opaque. What is really neat is it doesn't dry 30 percent darker like acrylic. On my own tests, it dries up to 10 % darker depending on the colour, and that isn't enough to worry about. Now I can pre-mix my colours without worrying about colour shifting.

Some people don't like the chalkiness of gouache but I haven't found that a problem. The colours are intense and clean. You can keep them wet on a wet palette made for acrylics. If you make a mistake while painting, you just add water and scrub off like watercolour. The colour will eventually set so it doesn't move once the layer is dry.

Cozy step 4:
Another neat thing about the paint is that I have added it over watercolour on the kitten painting and over acrylic on the kayak painting.

Kayaks: Step 4

It works well over both mediums and when making a mixed media, I don't want to worry about paint not taking to the paper.

For me, it seems that this is a great medium. Now I just have to find a regular supplier. :(

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pam

o

Snowflake the rescued cat.

2010-12-05T12:57:00.005-05:00

Here........is Snowflake.

Snowflake has been rescued from my outdoor garage and the thanks goes to the Smooth Rock Falls Animal Rescue.

You can donate to the rescue effort to help pay for Snowflake's vet bill or keep up with the story on the Rescue Stories section of the website, please visit the website.

Pam

Moose Too Close

2010-11-23T21:49:00.007-05:00

This picture is interesting because I was actually holding the left antler so it didn't stab me while my sister fed it out of a bucket. :) If you ever visit Cedar Meadows in Timmins you should take the animal tour.

Moose Too Close step 2:

I started laying darks with a pencil and changed the shape of the antler.

Moose Too Close step 1:

Charcoal lay in with vine charcoal.

Pam

Cozy

2010-11-17T11:07:00.007-05:00

I'm waiting for the snow to paint outside. In the meantime I have work to do in the studio.

With the holiday season upon us... I'm into cute and cuddly things. :)

I'll put all the steps for a quick mixed media on this post.

Here is "Cozy".

Thursday the 18th: Finally it is snowing and it's supposed to stay. :) I'll continue on with this painting and hopefully get it finished before the end of the day to put in tomorrows sale.

Step 2: Finished with watercolour and starting on colour pencil.

Step 1: Watercolour stage. No... the cat won't be orange when finished.

Pam

Poinsettias

2010-11-15T10:46:00.005-05:00

Each of these small paintings/ drawings are only 2" square. I have 3 small frames that are connected together with ribbons and I needed a holiday theme for them.

Step 3: Finished with some acrylic washes. Still very loose paintings.

Step 2: Finished the watercolour step and moving on to colour pencils.

Step 1: The first step is watercolour and then I will change to colour pencils.

Pam

Santa? (all steps in one post)

2010-11-10T14:22:00.008-05:00

"Santa?" is finished. Here is where I will be showing it.

I had to do a quick charcoal to log the steps as I go. I'm giving a charcoal workshop in a couple of weeks.

Santa? and the final surprise...

Step 7: FINISHED I added the hat in pastel. :)

Step 6: Finished the charcoal.

Step 5: Almost done and then a surprise finish. :)

Step 4:

Step 3:

Step 2:

Step 1:

(More to come shortly...)

Pam

Arthur finished.

2010-11-05T12:36:00.003-04:00

Here is Arthur finished and in it's frame.

I'll be moving on to oil painting now. Now that there is snow is on the ground I want to get out plein air landscape painting. Also, I have to prepare a charcoal course to give later this month.

Pam

Arthur step 6

2010-11-03T19:25:00.002-04:00

Almost done... Arthur step 6.

More putting on and taking off charcoal until everything looks right.

Pam

The Twilight Zone

2010-11-01T21:14:00.005-04:00

Halloween isn't very busy in a town with less than 1500 people. But I love the scenery.

Here is what it looked like at twilight on Halloween in Smooth Rock Falls.

Next...it's time for me to finish the portrait, Arthur. I'll add the finishing steps shortly.

AND...

RIDE EM COWBOY
The Horse Gift Continues to make its impact! The Canadian Finals Rodeo will be featuring the Horse Gift mural in all its 22 foot high splendour from November 5th-14th in Edmonton Alberta. A perfect setting for this majestic project.

"Le Cadeau Du Cheval -The Horse Gift"
See the original artwork on display 23' high

Touring Exhibit info click here

My square is number 163.

Pam

Arthur step 5

2010-10-26T21:46:00.003-04:00

What do you do when you want confirmation that the drawing is going to turn out looking like the person? You ask a relative, and if they say it doesn't look right? You do what I do and super-impose it onto the original photo. WHEW, thank goodness everything is EXACTLY in the right place. (Sometimes you can't rely on relatives when the drawing isn't finished.)

Anyhoo... here is Arthur step 5, and it will look like the photo when it's finished. If the photo isn't a good one to start with, it's not MY fault. :)

I've started adding pencil charcoal covering the background and laying in the beginnings of the dark details. Still using vine charcoal for the overall shading.

He has a kinky hair do, I'll have to do something with that. Lots more shading to come.
Pam

Arthur step 3

2010-10-24T14:08:00.004-04:00

Here is step 3 of Arthur in charcoal.

I have switched from using vine charcoal to using charcoal DUST and a Q-Tip to apply it for shading. I then use a kneadable eraser, rubber eraser and electric eraser to remove charcoal where highlights are needed. I have also started using charcoal pencils to darken the really dark areas without creating a lot of loose dust that will fall off the drawing.

Much more to do but it has to be finished in a few days.

Pam

No Exit is Done

2010-10-19T23:49:00.002-04:00

I'm not happy with this creation, but it's done.

No Exit: finished. The fixative did weird things to the pastel on the top layer, so I won't use that again in my mixed medias.

Pam

No Exit step 4

2010-10-19T10:44:00.004-04:00

Let is SNOW, let it snow, let is snow. :)

It's not xmas yet but I was so happy to see the snow stay that I put my xmas music on the CD player. :)

Back to the painting:

I'm at the point where I don't like this one anymore. That usually means I'm close to being finished and moving on to something else. I enjoyed experimenting with different mediums on this one and wrote a list of what works on top of what.

Bottom Layer: graphite and india ink
Middle Layer: watercolour and colour pencils
Top Layer: pastels and colour pencils

I'm going to finish the angels, back chains and left headstones, and spray sealant on the piece.

Step 4:

Pam

Arthur

2010-10-12T09:21:00.004-04:00

Now, this is a secret so SHHHH if you know who this is. :) It will be a gift.

Step 1:
Just drawing in the basic layout of the picture and deciding how dark to go.

Step 2:
Starting on the facial details. Trying to position the eyes, ears, and nose correctly. The eyes are different than in the original photo. It looks flat until I get all the shadows and highlights in.

Pam

Step 2 & 3 No Exit

2010-10-10T10:51:00.004-04:00

Last night I worked on No Exit. I hope to have it finished quickly so I can get on to more important work.

The center details were put in with india ink and a small brush. I started the side angels in watercolour washes and laid more washes of colour on the stone itself.

This morning I am working on the background in coloured pencils and washing it with odorless varsol to blend the layers.

Step 2:

So I did some more work on the stone and grass, a little on the background but it was still damp.

Just washes of watercolour to darken the stone. It needs many more.

Step 3:

Pam

No Exit step 1

2010-10-06T19:52:00.003-04:00

This painting is being done for a themed exhibition, "Signs & Symbols" for the Porcupine Art Club.

I don't want to have the theme seem overbearing in the painting so the sign is understated. You will see it in the background, soon to read "No Exit". I've been wanting to paint this theme since seeing the sign in the cemetery 2 years ago, although this is not the same cemetery.

All I want the viewer to see is a beautiful headstone and then as the viewer's eye travels around the painting they will see the No Exit sign and interpret it on their own.

Step 1:

I gridded out the picture, after many changes in composition, and drew the outline of the stone. There will be an marble angel on each side of the stone when finished.

I painted all the darkest areas with waterproof India Ink. After drying, I started painting with watercolours over top of the ink. When all the painting is done in watercolours I will do the touch up's in coloured pencils. I have already started putting coloured pencil work over the India Ink in the trees.

The most difficult painting will be the intricate work on the front/ top of the stone.

Pam

2010-10-01T21:39:00.003-04:00

I attended a weekend watercolour course taught by my sister, Ellen Catherwood CSPWC PSC NOAA, last weekend. Check out her website.

NO... I am not a watercolourist, or a still life painter, but I do want to use watercolour in my mixed media paintings.

I won't bother showing you the watercolour at the state it came out of the workshop but I have since attached it to a board, added colour pencils to the mix and started to varnish the work. I'll frame it in a few days after many coats of protective varnish.

Reflections

Next, on to another charcoal portrait.

Pam

Finished Lianne :)

2010-08-25T21:05:00.004-04:00

Here is the finished charcoal portrait of Lianne:

Pam

Lianne step 5

2010-08-24T23:36:00.002-04:00

Almost done now,

step 5 of Lianne:

I used my fingertips quite a bit tonight, I couldn't get enough of the charcoal to stick without the technique. I'm happy so far.

Pam

Lianne step 4

2010-08-13T23:16:00.001-04:00

Getting closer:

Starting to use white compressed charcoal in areas and more of the same with the black.

Pam

Lianne step 3

2010-08-12T22:59:00.003-04:00

This is step 3 of Lianne (corrected spelling):

After correcting the left eye, I used a kneadable eraser to pull charcoal around and off the background to simulate the hair. Much more to do.

Pam

Leann step 2

2010-08-10T18:46:00.002-04:00

This is as far as I have gotten with the charcoal drawing.

Step 2:

I've taken a lot of time laying down one layer of soft charcoal for the background and then adding a second layer (cross hatching) with harder charcoal and finally using my fingers to rub the background smooth and dark, using the oil in my skin as a fixative to help hold the charcoal down.

I'm starting to block in the shadows around the face before smudging them into the graduated tones.

Pam

Charcoal Portrait step 1

2010-08-06T14:06:00.003-04:00

I have been working on my oil painting deadlines but the difference is hard to see. I'll just post the finished versions of those two.

Here is step 1 of my charcoal portrait for the Northern Ontario Artist Association.

It's a little blurry but not much to look at yet anyway. It is approximately 18 x 24" on 140 lb. Strathmore watercolour paper.

Pam

Photowalk and loss of a friend.

2010-07-25T10:46:00.004-04:00

For the last week I've been sitting with my dying cat, Dipstick, until she passed away last night. She died of old age and was my constant companion for almost 16 years.

On a lighter note:

The 3rd Annual Photowalk in Smooth Rock Falls was great. The weather started out drizzling but it let up to let us photograph and then rained for the rest of the day. We had 8 people participate, 3 of which were children with their own cameras. It's great to see kids having fun with photography.

Here are some of my shots:

You can view all the photos from our photowalking on our Flikr site.

Pam

Finishing Hope Springs Eternal

2010-07-07T09:48:00.003-04:00

After finishing up a double wedding portrait (that I can't show) I can get back to finishing the painting "Hope Springs Eternal".

Yes, it doesn't look much different than the last step, even less detail because I corrected some values and added more blue to the oil paint layer. It should go fast now, adding finishing details.

And I worked on the large painting for The Owl Foundation.

Keep watching, and watch Hope on the North American Bear Center website.

Pam

Worldwide Photowalk

2010-07-04T20:33:00.002-04:00

On July 24th, the whole world will be walking in the 5th Annual Worldwide Photowalk.

I'll be a leader of a walk here in Smooth Rock Falls.

Join in the fun and photograph the sites in your own city.

http://worldwidephotowalk.com/

Pam

My Smooth Rock Falls

2010-06-19T17:45:00.002-04:00

I've been working on something that I can't show on the internet, but I'll start working again on Hope's painting tonight.

In the meantime, I've been uploading images from my camera excursions throughout Smooth Rock Falls and hope to have them placed on Google Earth. Now, they haven't been looked at yet but if you go to

Panoramio

type in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario, Canada and then click on "Also show photos not selected for Google Earth " above the photos. You can see the photos I have uploaded.

I am on a mission to photograph every business and interesting site in Smooth Rock. It's a good way for me to get accustomed to the new town and get some exercise.

Pam

Hope, bunnies and fish.

2010-06-07T23:39:00.003-04:00

Here is step 5 of "Hope Springs Eternal":
The under layers only had turpentine added to the paint. This is the first layer with some Linseed oil mixed in.

I've adopted 2 fantail goldfish and a bottom feeder. They came with their own aquarium, food, filters, etc.

And we have bunnies across the street every morning. :) They like the clover growing in the grass.

More to come tomorrow.

Pam

Step 4 of Hope Springs Eternal

2010-05-31T13:09:00.003-04:00

Here is step 4 of "Hope Springs Eternal".

I started working on her mother's foot and the left side of her face. Many more layers to go.

Pam

Step 3 of Hope

2010-05-30T16:37:00.001-04:00

I painted with a friend this afternoon and got less done than I wanted. (We talked more than I painted. :)

Here is step 3 of Hope Springs Eternal.

It's still in the ugly stage but just starting to come to life.

Pam

Step 2 of Hope Springs Eternal

2010-05-29T22:58:00.003-04:00

Just a quick step today as my mother took a fall and I had to care for her. I need some extra sleep tonight!

Step 2: of Hope Springs Eternal

Blocked in the area for Lily's nose in the background. Darkened Lily's fur with violet and black. Laid in some yellow ochre in the foreground for the dry pine needles and started shadows on Hope's face.

The underlaying of shadows will look strange until I get more detail added in the top layers.

See you tomorrow.

Pam

Hope Springs Eternal

2010-05-27T19:53:00.003-04:00

Last night I drew out the beginning of a painting to be called, "Hope Springs Eternal". It would either be a memorial to a beautiful black bear cub named Hope or a reminder of what she looked like as a cub.

Hope and her mother Lily were separated for 5 days. I didn't want to check the internet today in case the search for Hope turned out badly so I started painting. The researchers at The North American Bear Center stepped in to reunite the pair! Congratulations to all the people that searched for the cub.

Step 1: This is the underpainting or first step in the oil painting. It is 5 x 7" on board. Hope is tucked into the leg of her mother Lily.

There will be many adjustments to the face as I work the painting.

Pam

Heat Wave

2010-05-24T18:09:00.003-04:00

We're having a heat wave...

that's Celcius folks. Between that and a sore wrist today, no painting for me. I'm staying inside for a change.

Before I got too hot this morning, I took a look around the neighbourhood. There are more dandelions than grass today!

So that means I get free flowers for a bouquet. :)

I am waiting for news about Lily the Bear and her cub Hope. I am supposed to do a painting of them for the North American Bear Center and Lily left her cub up a tree 3 days ago and didn't return. I'll check their site tonight to see what has happened to them.

To cheer me up while waiting for news I watched a video from Corvid Ranch on feeding crows. :)

Pam

Plein Air & Bears

2010-05-19T19:50:00.004-04:00

It's been awhile since I last posted, but I've been getting my studio and plein air painting set-up ready, as well as meeting other artists in Smooth Rock Falls.

I did a quick plein air in the back yard yesterday while explaining to a friend how plein air is done. It's hard to concentrate painting and talk at the same time.

The swallows have been fighting over the bird house in the back yard and a pair is setting up house if they can be left in peace long enough by the other swallows looking for a home.

A trip up the river gave me a chance to photograph the rapids with some good shots for reference photos.

A bear attack was in the news tonight. Bears in the spring are on edge because of hunger and the drive to mate. It's an unfortunate incident, because I have been watching a mother and cub all winter on-line with a webcam and learning their habits. The North American Bear Center

The organization contacted me this week asking if I was still interested in doing a painting for them. (I had offered a donation of a painting during the winter.) So, after The Owl Foundation painting is finished, I guess I have a painting to do of Lily the bear and her cub Hope. :)

So, I guess it's back to painting and blogging again.

Pam

The New studio is ready to work in.

2010-04-24T17:20:00.004-04:00

It may not be much, but having a place to paint is on my high priority list. Just the basics; a place to paint, draw and stash the art supplies. :)

I took a few interesting pictures of Smooth Rock Falls, the catholic church and the mill from the river.

The train bridge is fun to drive under, by boat, on the Mattagami River.

Time to start a painting.

Pam

Pictures from my house.

2010-04-11T17:36:00.004-04:00

A last blast of winter hit town but it started to melt away today.

This morning I listened to the church bells call Catholic's to mass. I took a walk in my backyard, listened to the train whistle and photographed the tower and mill that shut down. I don't have to go far for inspiration here. Smooth Rock Falls reminds me of the area I grew up in. It's like coming home.

It's too cold to sit on my deck today but as soon as the air warms up, I'll be out here all summer. :)

I can't wait to get the oil paints out and start working!

Pam

Hello from Smooth Rock Falls!

2010-04-07T21:21:00.003-04:00

Well...I made it to Smooth Rock Falls. Not a smooth move at all but I'm here.

I seem to have moved to crow heaven. Crows fly the skies, walk the grass and generally make all kinds of noise. I'll miss Blackie but have many wild crows to watch now.

I didn't expect it to be so windy here. I don't know if it's just because it's spring or because of the flat terrain. I should have anticipated it.

I haven't taken any pictures yet, my camera isn't even charged. I hope this weekend my whole schedule gets back to normal. I plan to unpack all my art supplies. :)

I feel like I am on a very tiring vacation where every minute of the day is busy, busy, busy. My brain doesn't even register that I'm moved yet. The two cats have adapted faster than me.

Now to find the camera charger so I can take pictures to post. :)

Pam

Return of the Crows

2010-03-16T22:30:00.002-04:00

Today I was greeted by an aerial display by at least 10 crows. That is about 1/4 of our normal returning group in this area. I'm sure there are more around.

Blackie's family have been anticipating the return for the last few weeks, staking out claims for nesting and stashing food but today they had to force other crows from the claim. The aerial display looks like a circling party in the sky with no fighting, just a friendly hello before they disperse to find nesting sites. Once the crows fly at tree level, things get serious. Blackie and his family call and chase any crow that strays too close. By noon, crows were calling from across the river, across the farm fields, down the road, and in our trees. Music to my ears. :)

On another note... a neighbour spotted a pair of Ring Necked pheasants a few houses from mine. Does that mean they are staying in the area and will they breed?

Pam

The Crows are coming. :)

2010-03-11T17:27:00.002-05:00

It's almost the middle of March...which means the crows will be returning to Timmins. This is big news for the people that put up with them all winter in the US. See this site which keeps track of all crow news.

Blackie and his parents are fully vocal now, telling all ravens (and potential other crows) that this is their territory and to stay away. I am gradually weaning him from being fed, just once every 2 days. They are probably scouting garbage containers, visiting the dump and finding road kill. They don't seem too concerned but when I move at the end of the month they need to be able to find their own food.

All the winter birds have moved on and only the squirrel is eating the leftover seed on the deck. This winter is really weird, so warm, hardly any snow, and now early break up and spring.

As soon as the crows hit Timmins, I'll get pictures of the roost that congregates every year at the end of the driveway.

Pam

IT'S SPRING!

2010-03-10T09:05:00.002-05:00

Most people use robins as an indication of spring. In my neck of the woods, we use the Mattagami River.

The river is wide open in front of the house and my husband saw a fish duck this morning! We are a month early. Everyone says, "Oh, it will get cold again.", but it's been getting gradually warmer every day and it really feels like spring. So I am officially announcing SPRING IS HERE.

Pam

Watch a Black Bear in Hibernation with her Cub.

2010-02-28T15:01:00.001-05:00

I just saw a link to a Live Streaming video of Lily the Black Bear. She is in hibernation with her cub.

It's really an interesting site. Check it out HERE.

Pam

Website Changing to Blog

2010-02-19T22:56:00.003-05:00

My website will be changing.

My main website will be shutting down soon and this blog will be my main webpage. I will have links to my older paintings, but I will be focusing on keeping this blog up to date with my paintings, sketches and news. It will be an informal way to let my followers see what I've been up to.

Live Sketching night at the Porcupine Art Club:

Last night was live sketching at the art club and I came home with a few passable drawings.

I really enjoy doing live drawing now and hope to continue it until I can do oil painting from a live model.

Pam

A list of wildlife.

2010-02-01T09:15:00.006-05:00

I've been remembering all the wildlife encounters I've had during the last ten years on this road.

I've made friends with the foxes, tried to stay away from the bears, watched as moose meandered down my driveway, enjoyed the otters playing on the river ice, saw beavers and muskrats swim by, watched a hungry lynx look for pigeons at my deck and listened to their eerie calls during mating season, had a groundhog look at my cat through the door screen, avoided the porcupines at the compost, chased countless toads from my basement and had one pet toad (Toadie), listened to the calls of the Northern Peeper Frogs in the early spring, watched the squirrels and chipmunks on my deck (and the feral cats that hunt them), checked the tracks of rabbits at the bird feeder, and then there are the birds!

Canada Geese use the river to rest on their migrations, north and south. Partridge stay all winter and I fed them at the end of the road. Blue Herons fly over calling with their legs dangling in the wind. Seagulls, Turns, Mallard Ducks, Loons; they are always around in the summer.

The bird predators: Red tail hawks have eyed my cat, Northern Goshawks, Great Horned Owls, and Bald Eagles roam the area looking for likely candidates to grab. I count Ravens as a predator because they have killed some of my crows and fly away with them.

I've chased Pigeons from the bird feeders and fed all the song birds. Blue and Grey Jays, Dark eyed Juncos, Redpolls, Sparrows, Finches, Chickadees, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, and a host of others. I love the imitation calls of the Starlings as they sit above my bedroom window. One minute they scream like a jay, the next they tinkle like a music box. They only eat from the compost taking choice tidbits of meat, catfood, dogfood, fat and other goodies. They never come to the regular bird feeder.

I've enjoyed the noise made by the woodpeckers; Downy, Hairy and the great Pileated that nest nearby. I've even watch a Ring Necked Pheasant walk through my yard.

And then there are my crows. :)

"The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued. "

by Robert Frost

My crows are very quiet in the winter. Probably to escape notice from predators. They don't answer my calls and only come to the feeding area after sitting in the tallest tree to make sure there are no threats from other wildlife. Only one bird goes down while the others watch.
If I do happen to go outside when the crows are in the tree, they seem content to let me talk to them as they contemplate their next move. In the summer months they would vocalize between themselves and answer me. (The -30 deg.C. temps probably freeze their mouth.)

The ravens seem to be invading the area more than usual, although only 2 actually attempt to get food from the feeding area. They are wary of the dogs next door. If the crows are around, they dive bomb the ravens to chase them away until they tire of trying. The ravens have great stamina and are built for the cold weather.

Pam

On the move again.

2010-01-23T11:08:00.004-05:00

Update: Jan 27th, I'm moving to Smooth Rock Falls!!

At a population of 1473, I guess we just changed it to 1476! ;)

______________________

I've only been in this house for 3 months and I have to move again! Oh no! :(

Forget the painting a week challenge, I have to pack AGAIN. I was just finishing the curtains for this living room. I will be continuing my drawings as regular art practice but I don't think I will be painting.

This time, I'll be moving outside of Timmins. I don't even know where I'm going so I will look at it as an adventure.

Update: late evening.

The whole day was slow; from getting up to cooking supper and so I was late putting out the compost to feed the fox. Funny...it was the fox that cheered me up. :)

When I went out the door, my fox was waiting at the bottom of the steps for me. I stopped, showed him the bag of compost and he happily followed me down the road to the bin. After a few seconds of indecision, he daintily ate his supper and I walked back onto the road. When he saw that I was leaving him he ran ahead of me right up onto the deck, like a dog asking to go inside. I told him he wasn't allowed in and so he headed off for a drink at the river.

I will miss the foxes and Blackie's family when I move. They have had a great start to life and they will have to get on without me.

I'm sure I will meet other interesting animals, wherever I wind up. The adventure begins...

Pam

Almost done the charcoal sketch.

2010-01-18T23:46:00.004-05:00

Another workshop is almost complete. It's too dark to finish the details tonight.

Step 6:
A day of only painting tomorrow, yeah. (I'm tired of running around town, it seems like the day goes by and nothing gets accomplished.)

Jan 20th udate: I'm done the fabric workshop sketch. :)

Pam

Finishing the Charcoal Sketch

2010-01-16T23:46:00.004-05:00

After a turkey supper, I worked some more on the charcoal sketch for my fabric sketching workshop. I figure I better get this done before going back to painting or I won't have the workshop ready.

Step 5:

Tomorrow, Sunday, I get to go across the road and groom Tigger and Tuesday.
Here's Tigger:

Better stuff my pockets with carrots and sugar cubes. :) That's more fun than walking for exercise.

Then painting to finish the goose, *$#@% I'm a week late in my challenge! :(

Pam

White and Black Charcoal Studies

2010-01-15T17:14:00.008-05:00

I found out that my drawing workshop was moved up a week and so I had to do a step-by-step charcoal.

I got the first 4 steps done for the workshop on drawing draped fabric.

I have to put this aside and continue painting tonight.
Pam

Challenge week 1.

2010-01-10T08:52:00.002-05:00

I had to decide whether to finish my "Copy a Master - Bouguereau" or the "Canada Goose" for the first week of "A Painting a Week" challenge.

I decided that the goose didn't need the detail the master work would so I have the Canada Goose painting on my easel to finish this weekend.

Step 6:

Watch for more.

Pam

Nature Watch

2010-01-08T23:59:00.003-05:00

I found another website to be involved with. I already participate in the Christmas Bird Count, which should be the January bird count because all the birds wait until after xmas to hit my house. :( I have so many now that I have to feed them twice a day.

Nature Watch: it has 4 sections, Frog Watch, Ice Watch, Plant Watch and Worm Watch. I'm always outside and interested in all these aspects of nature so my observations might as well be put to use. :)

It is run by Environment Canada and individuals contribute their findings to the website.

I have also found a Nest Watch bird cam site to browse although I won't be actively helping.

I didn't paint tonight because I had to cut out the curtains to sew for my new house. These -30 deg.C. and -40 deg.C. wind chills are just too much. I need heavy curtains to cover my big windows. Saturday, much later today because it's after midnight, is painting day and I have to finish one painting this weekend.

I have a few minutes to check out the Nature Watch website before turning in for the night.
YAWN

Pam

Another exhibition opening to attend.

2010-01-07T09:39:00.003-05:00

I did a quick session on the "Copy a Master - Bouguereau" last night because tonight I have to attend the opening of the 53rd Annual Northern Ontario Artist Association Juried Exhibition at La Galeruche, in the La Ronde Building, Timmins. I'll see my polar bear painting again and it won't be finished touring until September.

Step 7: Corrected the placement of the facial features and started shading with burnt umber. I also added a glazed layer of burnt umber, alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue to the background.

Pam

The Pink Stage

2010-01-06T09:28:00.003-05:00

My "Copy a Master- Bouguereau" challenge went to the pink stage last night. The nose and mouth have been shifted and the left cheek has to move right even more. The ear had to be bigger so I threw some pink on there too. I haven't tried to fix the eyes yet, that will come closer to the end.

I couldn't work very long on it due to lack of sleep because of an acute sore throat the night before. Between the throat and a general malaise of the body, I decided I needed to rest.

I was really enjoying myself while I worked, the oils gave me the ability to change what I didn't like and rework areas that needed correcting. I haven't had this much fun painting in a long time! I can't wait to get back to it.

Pam

It's a New Year!

2010-01-02T08:56:00.004-05:00

Well, the New Year's challenge begins today. Jan 2nd and the wind chill was -40 deg.C. last night.

I spent New Year's day pouring over instructional art videos on Oil Painting and learned a few tips that I can put into practice. You will see me switching between paintings as one painting becomes wet and has to dry for a couple of days. Oil paint doesn't dry fast like acrylics so I'll have to plan all my paintings ahead of deadlines now. :( I'm so used to pushing an upcoming deadline. Oh well, I LOVE the look of oil paints so there is no turning back.

Let's see, which one to work on first.

Hmmm.... I'll go and look and the prospects.

OK, so I put the first layer of oil onto a previously started "Copy a Master Challenge" acrylic painting. I am copying William Adolphe Bouguereau's painting of Gabrielle Cot.

Step 4 in acrylic to

Step 5: First Layer of oil paints. The nose, mouth, and eyes still need a little repositioning. I was using a 1" hogs hair flat brush for the whole time tonight.

A long way to go. Off to read a book. :) More tomorrow.

Pam

A New Year Painting Challenge

2009-12-30T11:22:00.005-05:00

My sister is an accomplished Watercolourist and has a deadline to finish 10 paintings in 10 weeks. YIKES

I am a supportive sister so I decided on a Challenge to paint along with her and finish 10 of my own paintings, one a week.

The challenge starts Jan 1st, 2010.

Watch both of us while we paint.

My sister's blog
http://www.ellenseasel.blogspot.com/

and her website
http://www.ellenspalette.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Summer Tananger in November??

2009-12-27T23:54:00.004-05:00

The birds this year are really screwed up! While my brother, the birding enthusiast was up for xmas, he pushed me to look at the photos I took of a bird I hadn't identified.

It was a Summer Tananger! What was it doing in Timmins in November? Maybe doing some early xmas shopping?

I can't wait to see what stops by my front yard next.

Pam

Christmas Day on the Rivers Edge

2009-12-25T18:29:00.005-05:00

A walk Christmas afternoon supplied me with some reference photos for painting later in the winter. It was a mild day and the horses wanted to be petted at the farm across the road.

My driveway always gives me something to photograph. The blue jays were arguing and stealing each others tree caches. Lichen growing on the trees are good things to photograph with snow on them.

And Blackie welcomed me back home from my walk. All he wanted to know was whether I had anything new to feed him. When he saw that I was just taking photos, he flew back to his parents to bask in the sun.

I hope your Christmas was a happy one. Drive safe, the weather looks bleak for Boxing Day!

Pam

NORAD tracks Santa :)

2009-12-24T10:10:00.003-05:00

Well, it's Christmas Eve tonight and NORAD is already tracking Santa as he works his way across the world.

Official NORAD tracking site.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas!

Pam

The Christmas Bird Count

2009-12-19T12:06:00.004-05:00

I just finished doing my 4 hour feeder watch for the Christmas Bird Count in Timmins. I have to send in the results today.

Here is my bird list that visited my house this morning.

(Now sing this to "The Twelve Days of Christmas" music :)

On the 19th of December I saw at my bird feeder:

10 Pine Grosbeaks (as seen in photo)
7 Black-capped Chickadees
5 Blue Jays
3 American Crows
3 Canada Grey Jays (Whiskey jacks)
2 Common Ravens
2 Hairy Woodpeckers (one male, one female)
2 Pigeons (sing this one like 5 Golden Rings :)
1 Downy Woodpecker (male)
1 Red-breasted Nuthatch
1 Dark-eyed Junco (see photo below)
and 1 unidentified Sparrow

Merry Christmas Bird Count!

Pam

The transition to OILS.

2009-12-12T10:38:00.003-05:00

Last night I put away my acrylic palette and set up a new palette for oil painting. I will finish all the works-in-progress with oil paints.

You might wonder why the change. Yes, oil paints may take longer to dry, they are smellier in the original formula and I have to learn to use them properly, but I love the look, the sheen, and the transparency of oils. Used properly, oil paints can look like they glow on the canvas. My acrylic paintings are starting to look flat, boring and dull. I want luster, excitement and depth in my paintings. A tall order for a beginner in the medium.

I started with "Canada Goose" a half finished painting started in acrylics.
I then added the first layer of oil paint. The shoulder and tail section of the bird haven't been touched yet.
(The photo reads a little yellow due to photographing it at night.)

I love the way the oil paint stays wet and I can mix paint right on the canvas. Acrylics dry in seconds unless you use a retarder and then they take forever to dry. Acrylics also dry 30 percent darker, which means you must guess what colour they will be when they dry. Oil paints retain there original mixing colour allowing me to mix the exact colour I want.

I already feel completely comfortable using the oils. Sometimes, something just clicks when you are creating. I think that I am going in the right direction and I will give myself an adjustment period before deciding on a complete switch over to oils.

The xmas tree goes up tonight! :) I'm getting in the christmas spirit.

Pam

Live sketching night at the Timmins Symphony.

2009-12-07T23:28:00.004-05:00

The Timmins Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, and Conductor, invited The Porcupine Art Club to sketch live at their Christmas rehearsal.

I have 2 sketches from the evening and many photos to use as references.

I'll be trying something new in January. Although I have been using acrylics, due to the odour while painting in the house, I'll be trying Water Mixable Oils that are low odour. I like oils better than acrylics and the tranisition should be interesting.

Pam

Anyone loose a Pheasant??

2009-12-04T10:05:00.003-05:00

Now these guys aren't supposed to be up here but one is pecking around my front lawn this morning. It's a good opportunity for photos but my windows are covered in freezing rain.

I'm sure that this pheasant escaped a local farm that is breeding them. He has wandered off for now but I'm sure the bird seed will entice him to return for something to eat.

Pam

Xmas Art Sale

2009-11-29T11:08:00.003-05:00

My sister, Ellen Catherwood, and I had our table at the Timmins Museum 21st Annual Arts & Crafts Sale. It was held at the Shania Twain Center over the weekend.

A lot of people attended the sale, which included pottery, sewing, jewellry, artwork, chocolate and xmas decor from local artisans.

Here is what our table looked like.

Now I can get in the Christmas spirit, do my xmas shopping and get back to my regular painting schedule.

The Porcupine Art Club's "Bare Arts II" show is being hung at the Timmins Museum and will open this week to the public. I have my 2 charcoal figurative nudes hanging in the show.

It's off to shop for xmas and a new computer monitor!

Pam

Escape the Light

2009-11-23T23:34:00.004-05:00

Another charcoal, this time a quick one.

Nude Male: Step 1
Cover the paper with charcoal and smudge out the figure bits.

Nude Male: Step 2
Finish taking out charcoal and adding until I'm happy with it.

I'm done.

Pam

Get in the Xmas Spirit

2009-11-21T09:51:00.005-05:00

To get into the spirit of Christmas I've started listening to holiday music.

I hope you enjoy this one.

I'll post the final stages of my female nude this weekend.

Step 5: I'm finished!
"Out of the Dark" Charcoal on paper.

Step 4 Nude Woman:

I may call this "Out of the dark" or something like that. I'm getting closer to being finished.

Pam

Back to Artwork

2009-11-14T21:02:00.006-05:00

I have a charcoal nude to finish before next Thursday, and if possible a second nude to go with it. So it's crunch time as usual. Then I can get back to painting.

Nude Woman: step 3
Using Q-Tips worked well to smudge and slightly lift the charcoal without removing it. I will pop the highlights at the end with the eraser.

Nude Woman: step 2
I'm fighting with how to lift the charcoal and not lift it completely off the paper. I'll try using cotton balls instead of a kneadable eraser.

Nude Woman: step 1

More to come tomorrow...

Pam

I'VE MOVED!

2009-11-09T11:29:00.002-05:00

Well...it's done. I'm officially moved! I'll be sending out change of address notifications shortly.

I hooked up my computer but couldn't access it for regular activity until this morning. I'll be starting a nude drawing that will go in our "Bare Arts II" show later this month and I will finish the donation of the owl painting for the Owl Foundation. I hope to reach through boxes to get to my easel tonight. My easel is now situated beside a north window for the best light and beside the fireplace. A better view than I used to have.

Just to let you know, Blackie the crow and his family moved over a couple of days after the move but my feral cat hid in the basement for 8 days before I grabbed her and locked her upstairs. She howled and paced all night (2 nights ago) and didn't let me sleep a wink. Thank goodness she was pretty quiet last night, just coming to cuddle every hour or so. At least I got a full night of sleep.

So, it's back to normal. Maybe I can sit down and drink a cup of tea while I get used to the look of my new house. :)

Updates will come soon.

Pam

Moving Update

2009-10-07T08:16:00.002-04:00

Please bear with me...I'm in the middle of a house move.

UPDATE:

I'm getting all the boxes ready to go and I'll be starting to haul everything over to the new house soon. The cats are getting worried and want to hide when they see my packing.

I've been feeding Blackie the crow and his family, still 3 times a day. They really look healthy and have their full waterproof feathers for the winter. It's a good thing because it has been snowing the last few days and it was 5 below this morning, Oct. 15th.

I had a Porcupine walking down my driveway yesterday, was he ever cute and fat! The fox must be roaming around again, he left another present beside the compost pile. He and the crows will have to move over 2 houses with me. At least it isn't far.

I am anxiously waiting for the keys to move, in the meantime I am doing figure drawing practice. I have to create 2 figurative nude paintings or charcoal drawings (haven't decided yet) for our Bare Arts II show at the end of November.

I'll post when I can, the move will be over by the end of the month.

Pam