Tiny Little Birds on Wires.

"Don't Get Your Wires Crossed"  

8x24 acrylic on canvas

available here at Art Interiors

I will never get tired of painting these little birds on wires. There is just something so soothing to me about the image. I've been told by so many that it conjures up memories of summer, carefree childhoods and warm breezy days.

It's fun to paint them in different formats. I've done them as single squares, and in multiple views both horizontally and vertically. This particular version is available for purchase here at Art Interiors.

Exciting Times.

Urban Center  36x48  acrylic on canvas

sold thank you

This painting 'Urban Center' is getting around and for that I'm thankful. I think it's one of my favorite urban landscapes that I've painted so far. Yes, artists do have favorite's. At least I do. It's been on HGTV's Income Property. In case you missed that post, you can read it here, and see it here.

Not too long ago it was rented once again and I was told that it was for the Bravo show Suits I'll definitely have to start watching now so I can spot my painting. How exciting!!! I wonder where it will be hanging. In someone's office? One of the character's trendy condos? If you watch the show and happen to catch a glimpse, please email me and let me know :-)

Thanks to Canvas Gallery for including me in their fabulous roster of artists and for getting my work out there. Urban Center is available for purchase at Canvas Gallery.

Signed Varnished and Delivered to Art Interiors.

I'm always super excited when I get to deliver new paintings to a gallery. It means that after days and sometimes weeks of working on them, they are done. Signed and varnished. Finished and out of here. Then they get to be seen by lots of people and hopefully go to happy homes. I delivered all of these paintings to Art Interiors last Saturday, so if you'd like one of them to brighten up your space please contact the gallery.

Afternoon Social  20x20  acrylic on canvas
available at Art Interiors

The Gathering 2  20x20  acrylic on canvas

available at Art Interiors

No Mis-communication  12x24  acrylic on canvas

available at Art Interiors

Don't Get Your Wires Crossed  8x24  acrylic on canvas

available at Art Interiors

Six Days  6x36  acrylic on canvas

available at Art Interiors

I'm on Cityline With My Art. Somebody Pinch Me!

Watch here

Here are just a few pics from the Cityline taping I attended last Thursday. So much fun to be in studio and see all that goes on behind the scenes.

Here's a birds eye view from the green room of Brian Gluckstein with his collection of one of a kind pieces for his segment.

Host extraordinaire Tracy Moore hams it up for my camera. She's so much fun and engages the studio audience. Everyone was having a great time.

Sharon Grech and stylist Diane Gallard setting up one of the display walls. How to hang art. That small 12x12 landscape behind the orange flower is one of mine.

Thanks Sharon, for making this adventure happen. It's been a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. My little corner of a studio is a joy to paint in and now the rest of the space is pulled together and inviting. I'm no longer embarrassed to have clients come in.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about paintings you saw on the show or purchasing info in general. Be sure to check out my website, the 'available in studio' section of my blog as well as the list of galleries that carry my work.

Dreaming of Spring.

There has been much going on in my little studio. Even on the days when the windows wouldn't open because of the freezing temps and I couldn't paint. There was paperwork, blog writing, banking, social media and marketing to be taken care of. So when I finally had some actual painting time today, I was thrilled.

As an artist, the inspiration, prep work and the actual painting are the favorite parts of my job. Today I'm working on a medium sized painting for a client and it needs to be done fast. Thankful that I work with acrylics and have my hair dryer handy.

I'm painting a quiet scene using yellows and greens and blues. Birch trees. A subject I've painted many times but never tire of. As I mix the colors on my palette I'm relaxed and happy. I've mixed up this pale shade of green blue with just a hint of gray so often that it just feels natural.

As I paint the blue onto the canvas and create the background I get into my 'zone'. I'm not bothered by the construction noise or traffic from the street, or the sirens off in the distance. In a way, I'm transported into the scene that I'm painting. Blue sky, leaves gently swaying in the warm breeze. Birds chirping. This zen moment has left me craving an early spring for sure. I hope mother nature complies.

3 Artists Studio Clearance Sale.

3 Artist's Studio Clearance Sale

401 Richmond St West

#216

Friday November 15

11am-7pm

Saturday November 16

11am-5pm

All art is original.

paintings in acrylic and oils

watercolours

silkscreens
etchings
monoprints

pastels

mixed media

some works are framed

With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is an excellent time to stock up on original art for gift giving. Or get a gift for yourself. Get a few! All the art is priced to move. Please feel free to tell your friends and share this post.

We look forward to seeing you

A New Series of Cityscapes.

I posted this photo on Facebook a short while ago. It's the under painting for a new cityscape. I finished this painting on Friday and although I wanted to post a photo of the finished piece, in the end I decided against it. I'm going to wait until all six paintings in the series are finished and then I'll post all of them together. I think it will make a bigger impact when they are all viewed at once. I'll include a bit of a statement and maybe a glimpse into my process as well.

Enjoying a beautiful weekend. The weather has been a little cooler than normal but it's just right for me. Blue skies with big white puffy clouds and cool breezes. Hope you're enjoying your day.

Checking In.

Gusto 30x30 Acrylic on canvas

Available at Art Interiors

Hi and happy Monday. Don't you just love Mondays?? A brand new day at the start of a brand new week. So many possibilities. 

Just a quick pop in today. Lots going on here but I did want to say 'thank you' for all the emails and inquiries I've received lately. The new site is still in the process of getting revamped and will be unveiled in the fall. It will definitely be up by the time my design segment airs. 

You can see many examples of available paintings here (just click around the different headings). Galleries that represent me are listed with links in the Galleries section. They will have images of my available work listed on their sites. I've been getting many inquiries about 'Gusto' and it is available at Art Interiors. I haven't had a chance to check it out in person yet but it's on my list of restaurants to try this summer.

So that's it for now. Back to my easel. Six new cityscapes are in progress and I'm aiming to get at least three finished by Friday (fingers crossed). Have a great week!!

In Progress.

In progress. There are so many paintings and projects in progress at the moment. Three large canvases are started, the backgrounds almost complete. Four larger brand new canvases sit all bright and white awaiting their turn in the spare room. Finished paintings have been taken to get photographed. I've purchased paints for another DIY and I've been selecting pieces for my art wall in the making.

I have a special collaboration in the works but its much too soon for any real details yet. This is going to be BIG and I'm over the moon when I think about it. It's something that has been on my mind for a few years now, and a few months ago I decided to get off the fence and just go for it. Special things do happen when you step out of your comfort zone. So grateful for all the new and exciting opportunities lately.

It's Treasure Time over on Seth Apter's blog the Altered Page next week and I've signed on to participate.  I agree with Seth in that "there are so many blogs and so little time". So next Wednesday, June 12th, artists will re post one or more of their best blog posts and Seth will have links to each artist on his blog. You can get full details on Buried Treasure here.

Kingsway-Lambton Art Show and Sale 2013

I've been very busy in the studio for the past few weeks getting ready for the Kingsway-Lambton 2013 art show and sale. This is the third year that I've been invited to participate and I'm looking forward to another wonderful day.

 On the easel.

I have plenty of new paintings fresh off the easel and this year I'll have some 'studio sale' specials as well.

Two new cityscapes in progress.

This is Kingsway-Lambton's 16th annual art show and sale fundraiser for Toronto charities. You can get more information here and see the list of participating artists.

Saturday April 6 2013

10am-4pm

Admission $10. which supports local charities

Kingsway Lambton United Church

85 the Kingsway

(at Prince Edward Drive in Etobicoke)

Hope to see you there.

One DIY Project Completed.

Last week my studio was a little crazy. While working on my summer DIY from my previous post, in a burst of creative energy I started on two more projects. I even grabbed my camera (yes, I was fearless!) and started filming my progress as I worked. I held the camera in my left hand as I painted with my right hand all the while describing my technique. I don't think any of it is good enough to share, at least not without a lot of editing, but with the right set up I could definitely get into it. Is Youtube in my future? Perhaps. Maybe a few segments on Cityline? now that would be fun. But enough daydreaming...

Here is the inspiration that started this whole project. These gorgeous carpets from Modern Weave. They are sooooo beautiful but not in my budget at the moment, so I decided to make my own.

I had an old abstract landscape painting that I painted a few years ago, on a stretched canvas. A good size for a carpet at 48" x 60". The idea was that I'd paint it and then remove it from the stretcher to use as a carpet.

The look/feel I was going for is from the Modern Vintage collection. I used my fave Benjamin Moore paints and instead of a brush I used my trusty brayer to apply all the paint. By using the brayer all the textures and even some of the original painting show through giving it that vintage look.

From the Benjamin Moore Colour Trends 2012, Earth & Sky I used Wythe Blue, Sharkskin, Fresh Olive, and Battenburg. I also used Crown Point Sand and Lemon Chiffon. There are only hints of the old colors (cobalt blue and unbleached titanium) of the painting showing through in spots. By using the Benjamin Moore paints it will hold up to the wear and tear that a carpet would get.

I could have started with a large piece of new canvas but it made more sense to me (and my wallet) to recycle and re-use the  painting that I didn't want anymore. In this detail you can see how painting with a brayer picks up on the texture from the previous painting on the canvas.

Here is the finished canvas. At this point I could remove it from the stretcher and fold the ends under and use it as a carpet as I had planned, but I decided to put a wire on it and hang it in the bedroom just to see how it looked.

Well, you guessed it. I think it looks great here and works well in the bedroom. I like it so much that I'm having second thoughts now about using it as a carpet at all.

I think I'll live with it for awhile and perhaps it will stay on the wall for good. Then I'm back to square one and will have to paint another canvas to use as a carpet in the living room. Stay tuned.

*Please note you can see the colors I used as well as all the colors in the many Benjamin Moore collections here in the color gallery.

Link Love TOAE 2012

It took me a full day to recuperate from the art show. Three long days in the heat and humidity did me in. Friday was the worst with temps in the 40C's (or the mid 100's F) Luckily Nandor had a great spot and we were able to spend much of the time in the shade. Never the less, this circus life is not for me. Although I did decide that I will apply for my own booth next year.

The 51st Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is now history. I realized just now that I didn't take one photo to share here. I will share links to the artists (mostly painters) whose work really appealed to me. Congratulations to Laura Culic for winning Best in Painting!!

Please check out their sites and enjoy some wonderfully creative talent.

Laura Culic

Adrienne Dagg

Anya Droug

Dominique Prevost

Dorion Scott

Eric Cator

Laurie Skantzos

Su Sheedy

Michael Toole

Harry Enchin

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2012.

Backyards at Bleeker St. by artist Nandor Horthy

16x20

Acrylic on canvas

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition takes place this weekend, July 6-8 in Nathan Philips Square. This is Toronto's longest running and most well known art show. I will be working the show this year but not with my paintings. 

I'll be helping out fellow artist, my father Nandor Horthy. At 84 years of age my dad is still going strong doing what he loves-putting paint to canvas. Although he's slowed down in the number of shows and events he participates in he still paints daily, sees clients at his home/studio and is an active member of  HUVAC, the Hungarian Visual Artists of Canada.

If you are planning to attend the show be sure to stop by. You can't miss Nandor's booth as he is right out at the front of the show on Queen Street West. Booth # 325

Road Trip.

Road Trip!!!

Out of the studio for an extra long weekend. 

On the open road to soak up some inspiration and to take some time to enjoy life. 

Off to see the Windy city.

Chi Town.

Chicago.

Kingsway-Lambton Art Show and Sale this Saturday.

Here's a sneak peek at the paintings I'll have available for purchase at this years Kingsway-Lambton United Church Art Show and Sale. I wanted to provide a wide selection of my work so I have a little bit of everything available. Some still life, some landscape, a few florals. Many of the smaller paintings are framed and I've kept my prices very affordable.

A great selection of floral and abstract original art. Each is 8"x10" and wired on the back. Ready to hang. Perfect to give as a gift for Mother's Day or perhaps a gift for yourself.

$65. each

An assortment of landscape and still life each 6"x6" original painting in acrylic on board or canvas and framed in a silver tone distressed finish frame.

$125. each

 "Shell"  6"x6" acrylic on canvas, framed.

$125.

 16"x20" Original Painting in Acrylic on Board, framed.

$375.

16"x20" Original painting in Acrylic on Board, framed.

$375.

"Tranquility" 20"x24" Original painting on stretched canvas, unframed.

$400.

Hope to see you there.

Kingsway-Lambton United Church Art Show and Sale

Saturday April 14th  10am to 4 pm

85 the Kingsway (at Prince Edward)

Etobicoke, Ontario.

Moody Cityscapes.

 Quiet City Street  30x40x2  Acrylic on Canvas

$1500.

Available at Art Interiors

King West Early Evening   36x48x2   Acrylic on Canvas

$2500.

Available at Art Interiors

Here are the finished cityscapes from a previous post. Yes they are quite dark. There is something about the dark/light that I find fascinating these days. I apologize for the images here, the warmth of the skies is not evident. And the details are hard to see. The red traffic lights and warm glow of the streetlights are lost. I'll definitely be working on my skills here to fix this problem. I do think that original art is best viewed in person. It really makes a difference in your experience of it. These paintings are both available at Art Interiors, Toronto.

In Progress.

I've been busy in the studio painting new cityscapes. I find I'm rather slow when it comes to painting this "King West" series-more details than I'm used to. Here's my progression.

I must admit I've started using a projector to get the main shapes and perspective right. I know I could go completely old school and do this by hand but right now that would take way too long.

My studio assistant for the day. For some reason the bottom corner of this canvas is very fascinating to her.

I've blocked in large areas and have started to bring out some of the details in the vehicles. Hard to see and you're probably thinking it's just shades of gray. You're right. This series is very limited in color. Mostly neutrals with small details of color added at the finish. 

Last weeks distress in the studio caused me to empty out all of my storage baskets and drawers. I purged a few unused and broken items but mainly I organised the contents. It's odd how that chaos and clutter can stress me so. Other problems with layout will have to wait as I must concentrate on finishing up the new cityscapes and start preparing for upcoming shows. April will be a very busy month.

A Breath of Spring.

It's beginning to look like spring. I tend to use blues and greens in much of my painting. I find them to be calming and soothing, especially when lightened up with a warm white. Here's a selection of spring themed paintings available at Arts on Queen and Arts on King, Toronto. 

 Breath of Spring  12x36x2

Acrylic on canvas

$750.

Spring Magnolia 20x20

Acrylic on canvas

$700.

 Blossom Melody  20x20

Acrylic on canvas

$700.

 Birds on a Wire Six Views  6x36

Acrylic on canvas

$350.

Untitled  12x36x2

Acrylic on canvas

$750

Studio Update.

Gossip  8x10  Acrylic on Canvas

Available at Art Interiors

As seen on Cityline.

Is it too early to experience spring fever? It's certainly been an easy winter here in Toronto this year. No mounds of snow to shovel or slush to trudge through. Sure there have been very gray days and rain, but that's ok by me. The sunny days are especially nice and I welcome a little spring fever. 

There are lots of projects on the go here in my studio which equals less blog posting. I'm currently painting a new series of cityscapes, as well as a new series of smaller bird paintings. Getting ready for an upcoming show in April (details to come soon) and plans are in the works for a special 'artisan' event, and I do mean 'event'. This will be BIG-details will be unveiled shortly.

The old masters oil painting class is coming along nicely and the Thursday night class has evolved into Tuesday afternoons also, as a couple of students have decided to do another different still life painting for practice. And of course I'm doing a third on my own, in acrylics but using the same technique. Could we have a few more hours in a day please!

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it's a great one. Enjoy.