For those  following the earlier blog posts highlighting the development and progression of this piece, my sincere apologies for making you wait on the final product for soooo long!
While this is my first attempt at painting a multi image painting, it in fact epitomizes my goal of featuring the local landscape in my paintings, with an emphasis on showcasing the lesser heralded but equally captivating moods and qualities found in this region.  Here we see view looking towards Irish Mountain on the shore of Georgian Bay, with the light drifting away into the West, creating dramatic but subtle colours before being enveloped in the dark shroud of night.  On the many visits I made to this landscape, there was always a slight breeze pushing the wild grasses to and fro and this was my challenge, to pass along that combination of stillness and movement, with not a sound to disturb the scene, quite a task!
One other interesting note; while it is not unusual for me to move around, add or subtract details and features in a painting as I see fit, I did not alter much in this sprawling landscape.  That means there were no signs of human infrastructure disturbing the view, not a power line or rooftop in view, fairly remarkable for what is still Southern Ontario!
Each panel rests in a slim black frame and the distance between them is adjustable, allowing this piece to work in a number of different locations.

​With this newly finished painting receiving its hand made custom frame and then delivery, I will have completed 3 different dog portraits over the last year, making me a sort of dog whisperer, or more correctly to those that know me, a dog mumbler.
Regardless, I do possess a special fondness for our canine companions, illustrated by the fact that I am rarely found not in the company of my own sidekick, Brownie the Kilby Gallery greeter.
Happily, as with the other 2 commissioned dog paintings, we were able to move these paintings out of the sphere of 'merely' portraiture towards a compelling image that has reads more as a landscape, with a dog as part of the scene.
In this painting, we chose a view that showcased Fundy, a rambunctious 1 year old pup, perched on a sun kissed rock break wall, completely focused on retrieving a stick from the lively waters of Georgian bay.  In the background can be seen the shoreline east of Meaford and beyond the Georgian peaks.
This perspective allowed me to maintain my desire to showcase the stunning scenery I call home, without following the traditional expected views that are often featured in locally created artwork.
I look forward to the challenge of making the next commission piece into an equally memorable and rewarding piece of art!  

Right in the middle of the Christmas holiday break, the Kilby Gallery played host to an enthusiastic and cheery group for a 'Paint In' session one evening.   Along a glass of wine and assorted snacks, the group was supplied with all the necessary supplies and workspace to create their very own 'work of art!'  Instruction and guidance for the group was provided by Don Kilby, and each student worked away on their own version of a painting based on a famous Canadian artist's work.  
Although the majority of the participants had never attended an art class before, each student was able to follow the easy step by step approach and in the end, all had created something that they were proud of.   Throughout the evening, the mood was fun and collaborative, with the group comparing, aiding and encouraging each other.  
To learn more or arrange your own group 'Paint In' at the Kilby Gallery, please contact Don @ donk@rogers.com or 519 372 7971