New Year, New Art!

And so another new year is here, loaded with lots of hope and promise!  
Me, I've been settling into the gallery routine somewhat, getting used to painting in front of an audience and generally meeting with lots of positive reviews and feedback regarding the space and the art that hangs on the walls.  

As well as painting and chatting with the people who wander in, the 'teaching' part of the equation is finally up and running with small groups meeting Thursday and Saturday mornings.  These 'classes' are informal in structure, catered to the level of the individuals in attendance, with a mix of hands on painting, bit of drawing, bit of art 'theory' such as colour mixing and composition thrown in.  There is room for a few more and other times of the week may also be accommodated, so get in touch if this might be an interest to you!

On to the 'new art' promised above.  Two paintings are included and discussed below, meanwhile new exciting paintings are currently underway and hopefully will show up here in not too long.
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Brownie

The above painting shows my sidekick and gallery greeter 'Brownie' as a young pup, getting a drink while visiting a favourite place of mine.  Some have questioned the legitimacy of a so called artist who named a dog clearly black in colour 'Brownie'. My defence and excuse has always been that early brown highlights, magnified by a bit of red wine, betrayed me and faded away in her growth into maturity.  But here eyes are still a lovely brown, so I have that to support her given name.
The location is a treasured hideaway of mine, a rustic and remarkable cottage owned by friends of mine located near Parry Sound and for many years, the summer retreat of famed Canadian artist Doris McCarthy.  Watch for many more paintings to come originating from that magical place!

Crovie, Scotland

Commissioned paintings are an excellent way to create unique and evocative paintings based on special memories or subjects, near and dear to the client.  The scene painted here depicts a remote fishing village along the northermost coast of Scotland.  A memorable holiday will now be relived each time the owners pause to look upon their newest piece of art!
I decided on this view for the painting for a number of reasons, foremost being the rich and vibrant colours that make up the scene depicted, from corner to corner.
In closely studying this place, I came to believe that a slight sense of unease would accompany visitors there, as one might look over their shoulder and wonder if the mighty North Sea might decide at any moment to rise up and sweep away the hardy little community nestled resolutely upon its' border.