Recently finished commissioned work.  This large painting 40"x60", is a scene that while familiar looking, doesn't really exist.  The clients had a list of features they wanted to see in their 'custom made' painting, and this is how it turned out.  I have to admit that painting flowers wasn't so bad and probably more wildflowers will show up in future gallery works.  


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Happy to report that this new painting has already found a home with a Killarney enthusiast who knows the very spot this piece showcases very well.  Scrambling over this ancient rock to the top rewards ones' efforts with a spectacular view in all directions!  I can confidently predict more Killarney paintings ahead for me! ​

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I am paticularily satisfied with a painting when I see the type of day it depicts on a regular basis.  At the tail end of this winter, it seems there have been countless days where the landscape was very much in keeping with those painted in this piece.  
​Coyotes are often heard, and their tracks are abundent where I walk, but they are rarily seen, so I decided to slip one into this work.  My plan was to keep it from dominating the view, and infact this one is about to pass beyond the frame of the painting.


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Composition in regards to painting involves colour, shapes and values (darks and lights) arranged in a pleasing fashion within the format of the canvas.  It is always my first priority the balance of the elements in this one just seem to work nicely, in my opinion!

'This piece is all about a careful combination of three major elements, namely; the car, the people, and the setting or scene, and how they fit and interact together.  The elegant ladies' look over her shoulder back toward the sleek, striking automobile offers lots of possibilites as to her thoughts.  I leave it open to interpretation by each viewer,  what is yours? 


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How long has this quiet scene sat undisturbed, weathering many seasons of sun, snow, wind and rain, gradually settling into the surroundings as to almost appear as conceived by nature itself.   Disturbing this stoic solitude are two ravens; maybe they are only here for the briefest of moments, or perhaps they drop by on a daily visit, like two old timers that meet  and converse in the park daily without fail?  


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The area I call home is dominated by the river that winds through it on its way to the southern coast of Georgian Bay.  I witness it  every day, throughout the four seasons, and marvel at the endless virtual 'paintings' I am presented with.  Can't image a time where the next dozen paintings I might consider not revealing themselves along this waterway.

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Been adding to the collection of my art that has found its' way into many homes throughout the country.  Here are a few new additions.  Check 'Artwork/Art at Home' to see more of this growing collection!

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Here is the famous Funday miracoulously poised infront of her Portrait, Good dog!


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Commissioned paintings continue to be a staple at the Kilby Gallery.  Two new pieces shown below are completed and delivered to happy and satisfied clients.  Currently at the early stages of a large new piece that both the clients and myself are very excited about, stay tuned!

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The day is very close, lots of last minute touch ups and running around going on in preparation for my first showing at the Concours de Elegance auto Exhibit this coming Sunday.  Things are coming together and the weather is showing signs of co operating so I look forward to being a part of this amazing celebration of the automobile as art!  Besides displaying my automotive themed artwork, this will be an excellent opportunity to scout the multitude of breathtaking automotive jewels on display, and line up some models for future paintings to come.  Looking forward to meeting with enthusiasts and sharing our appreciation and love for the featured machines; drop in to say hello at the Artist's section on the 18th green.

Hope to see you there!

​Don

Here is a few of the paintings sold from the Kilby Gallery in their respective homes.  Its always a pleasure to see how the art works with and enhances the lovely homes and offices of my clients!  This work will also be seen under the 'Gallerys' section of my website.  Watch for many more additions to this collection.

Along the southern shore of Georgian Bay, there are countless miles of waterfront that look much like the scene painted here.  The water tends to move to a slightly different collour palette as the seasons change, and this painting is based on a late fall period, before the cool greys of winter return.
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I like to believe that my painting efforts are all about revealing a thing of beauty to whomever my see the work.  Often the term 'beauty' would seem a leap for some of the eclectic subject matter I delve into, but in this case it seems beyond obvious to proclaim this Italian racing stallion as beautiful.  The combination of shapes, curves and edges, coloured in rich arresting reds and golds is, to me, mesmerizing and enchanting, even a t rest. Now when this magnificent beast is fired up , well . . . that is another thing altogether!
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On a calm sunlit day as the one depicted here, the colours and setting are pleasing and friendly, which is not the type of day, or night, a lighthouse like this would have been erected for.  This one is located off the harbour town of Tobemory, where the waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron meet and mix.

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As a certified car 'nut' I probably have far to many 'favourites' to count, but the Ford A.C. Cobra has to been situated near the pinnacle of my personal list.  An iconic design to be sure, and even a glimpse of the machine, such as this front corner view, makes the car immediately identifiable.  It was hard to pick just one view to highlight, so I expect other angles of this beast to show up here eventually. 

Happy to show this new large format (38" square x2) piece based on a local scene. Ive never been a fan of square format artwork but when doubled up, it creates a nice landscape with the added element of being in 2 pieces!  When choosing what to paint here, I realized I really hadn't done anything that reflects the big beautiful sky that is always a part of any view around here.  With no real foreground detail, the middle and background are able to step up and become the key to the painting. A drive, walk or pedal in the nearby countryside on a good day will offer up something quite similar to what I have depicted and that is what I was going for. 


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Second of 2 pieces created this year based on views from a favourite destination of mine, a wonderful old style cottage near Kilbear Provincial Park on Georgian Bay.  Often the day there begins with a heavy, clouded sky as was the case on this morning, but already the sun was finding places to peak through and make its warmth known.  Looking forward to the next visit to this magical place and the next painting that will come from it!



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At first glance, it is hard to tell clearly what you are seeing in this piece, the dark field with snow scattered through it, appears almost like dark water with ice floating in it.  The drama of first light is at times intense, and I didn't hold back in the colour choices to maximize that effect with this painting.

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Another painting based on one of my visits to the summer retreat of the late iconic Canadian Painter Doris McCarthy.  The  property consists mainly of fingerlike formations of rock that reach out and slide into the clear blue waters of Georgian Bay.  I am forever fascinated by the patterns, shapes and textures of the rock under my feet when visiting here, and I designed this painting to showcase the wonderous complexity and beauty that exists there, while including a view off across the Sound to place everything in proper context.  
As soon as I leave this special place, I begin the countdown to when I will be returning, and then seek out another special painting to begin!

An iconic Landrover, of course!
​After aquiring one of these legendary trucks myself, I have come to truly love and appreciate the unmistakable lines that define this unique automotive offering.  While working up this painting, I tried to image the vehicle emerging from a dense, humid jungle setting, far from the comforts and security of civilization, slightly muddied, but nonetheless ready for more action!
I finished this painting  with a simple yet elegant hand made wooden frame and it is currently available for purchase at the Kilby Gallery.