Apple Blossoms

Apple Blossoms, 10 x 14", watercolour, May 2009

Already the spring bulbs are fading and the apple blossoms are out.  This is such a beautiful time of year.  This is when I start wandering around with a camera trying to capture as much of the lovely flowers and landscapes as I can.  There is always so much more subject matter for painting than there is time for me to paint.  To complicate matters, I find it hard to paint things out of season.  It would feel very awkward for me to do a snow-filled winter scene right now.  So keep watching for more spring inspired scenes coming soon.  In fact I went on this year's first plein aire painting session last week.  I shall post the results soon.

Chamcook Harbour Series

Here is a short series of paintings based on the coastline where I grew up.  They are all watercolour.  These are quick little sketches, intended to give me practice in capturing different lighting and weather conditions.  Practice for Hospice by the Sea (St Andrews) and Paint the Town (Annapolos Royal).

  

Chamcook Harbour I, 7 x 10", May 2009 

Chamcook Harbour II (skyline) , 7 x 10", May 2009

Chamcook Harbour III (Minister's Island) , 10 x 14", May 2009

Chamcook Harbour IV (Sailboats) , 7 x 10", May 2009

You will see that numbers one and four are the same view.  I found the near tree in number one very bright, not in keeping with the foggy conditions that I was trying to portray.   I decided to do it over with a darkened foreground. 

I would still like to take another stab at the sillouette of the trees against the sky that I showed above in number two.  I will post it when I get the chance to do it.

Now Showing at the Apple Blossom Festival...

I am showing three paintings at the Apple Blossom Art Show in the Greenwood Mall in Greenwood, NS. The art show is open from 9:30 am to 9 pm (12-5 pm on Sundays) from May 23 to May 31. Please stop by if you can and view the great variety of works from Southwestern Nova Scotia artists. Click the titles to view the paintings that I have at the show (you might have to scroll down a bit) Red, Red Rose, 16 x 20", $450 Rowing, 10 x 14" $325 Annapolis River, 10 x 14" $325

Rain Clearing

Rain Clearing, 7 x 10", watercolour, May 2009

This is a quick sketch based on a view of the Annapolis River, just outside of Annapolis Royal. It was too wet and I was running behind so did not feel I could stop to take pictures.  I did my best to capture my recollection of the scene when I got home.  

Morning Wharf II

Morning Wharf II, 20 x 30", watercolour, April 2009, $990

One morning earlier this spring I was driving through downtown and as always had half an eye on the boats at the wharf. There were heavy clouds breaking up with bright sunshine sneaking in under them and spotlighting one white fishing boat. I have done my best to do justice to the scene.