Drawing From Life in Heliconian Hall is all about figure drawing. A guest “I was surprised at the nudes. Then I decided I could look at the works not the pictures”. This tiny work has definitely got a figure. It also SOLD. That was a real surprise. Thank You.
I've Got My Eye On You & I've Got Your Back
Pictures came before words. Depicting animals in art is nothing new, in fact it dates back over 17,000 years to the Lascaux caves. So what keeps artists returning to this inspiring subject? Find out in the Federation Gallery’s Animalis! The pieces show our close relationships with those animals that are part of the family and reflect on the many ways we can care for wildlife and the environment.
“I’ve Got My Eye On You” His portrait was awarded 3rd Place. An honour to be sure for Mr Sneerfulness and his smirk.
I’ve Got My Eye On You 14” x 11” Watercolour
Last fall there were many critters wandering about at Breadalbane Lane Farm. The Muscovy Duck, Mr. Sneerfulness was quite clear, “I’ve Got My Eye On You” I did not need to speak Duck. 14” x 10” watercolour on 140lb Arches Hot Press.
The RAWF has lots of subjects. The original graphite sketch of "I've Got Your Back, RAWF Poultry Show" is several years old. I redid “I’ve Got Your Back” on a left over, but still black, scrap sheet, 9.75 x 7.5 inches in Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils.
See both at the Federation of Canadian Artists’ “Federation Gallery” Granville Island Vancouver, March 7, 2023-March 19, 2023 after that on line at the Federation Gallery
Benno's Fancy or Lily of the Blue Eye
Lily, aka Benno’s Fancy, has a blue eye. Her owner loves this distinctive feature.
I first saw Benno’s Fancy, in the junior division in the mid teens at a CornerStone Farms Dressage at Palgrave Event. She was a lovely pony, with a distinct identity, a blue eye and a very determined junior rider. She did not return. Instead she went on to a number of different careers, including western dressage and barrel racing, and the undignified moniker Bubbles. Now at a mature 17 years, with the name Lily which better suits her personality and maturity, she is back at Dressage. This time with a very determined senior citizen A/O rider who is finally getting her first experiences in the Big Rings of Palgrave and Angelstone. Good for you Lily doing what you do best with an owner who waited a long time to realize her childhood goals of horse ownership for herself.
Lily is actually a very dark bay, seen in the very subtle area around her muzzle and a warm tone to her “black” coat. Lily was a fun challenge!
Betsy and Whimsy
Betsy 6” x 8” watercolour detail
Betsy is a rescue. She came to live at Absolute Equestrian’s Gracefield as part of the family. She is enthusiastic about her duties as alarm dog.
Betsy was shown the CanAM All Breed Equine Expo April 5, 6 & 7 at the Markham Fair Grounds.
Whimsy 6” x 8” watercolor detail
Whimsy is a city dog who alternately strolls in the heart of downtown Toronto or country life adventures in the mud with the horses
Betsy & Whimsy are painted in classic transparent watercolour. They come alive using strokes that follow the textures and contours of their coats.