Tag Archives: still life

At The Table, at DVSA, until June 12

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Oil Pastel on Wood Panel 18″ x 24″

I’m pleased that one of my paintings in oil pastel, ”Cezanne’s Jug,” is included in an exhibition of drawings, paintings, and pottery vessels  now at the Dundas Valley School of Art (DVSA) Gallery. 

Each of the artists represented has contributed one piece to “At The Table, ” a satisfying and varied exhibition, that explores the Still Life and its subjects.

The participants are: Scott Barnim, Rae Bates, Helen Beswick, Wayne Cardinalli, Barry Coombs, Christie Gruppe, Rae Hendershot, Monica Hess, Jody Joseph, Louise McCann, Katherine MacDonald, T.R, MacDonald, John Miecznikowski, Terry Osborne, Colleen O’Reilly, Marla Panko, Janet Parker, Patricia Peacock-Evans, Timothy Smith, Anne Sneath, Holly Sneath, Rosemary Van Bruggen, Ann Walsh and me! I’m proud to be included with this group of artists.

The gallery is located in DVSA at 21 Ogilvie Street in Dundas Ontario, and the show continues until June 12.

Watercolour with charcoal pencil

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I joined a Sustained Saturday watercolour class taught by my partner Barry Coombs for the afternoon, after a space opened up at the last minute.  These studio days run from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. several times each term.  The still life subject was predominantly brass and we were encouraged to compose our image by employing a very tight crop. I admire people who work in watercolour, and even though I’ve been working at it for about 18 months, my results are very unpredictable. That’s partly what makes it fun – and terrifying!

My original idea was to spend the afternoon drawing in black and white with pen and ink. Working on hot press paper, I sketched the subject lightly with pencil. Then, inspired by the work being done by others around me, I changed my mind and used watercolour to block  in the key shapes, adding some secondary washes to form the shine and shadows. Next, returning to my comfort zone, I  added value, structure and depth with charcoal pencil. (So much for planning!) I was surprised by how the charcoal seemed to melt when it touched the still-wet paper as I worked. I liked the effect, and for a while worked back and forth between the dry and wet mediums.  If you want to see more about the class, see Barry’s blog post about the day. 

Watercolour and Charcoal Pencil study 12" x 16"