Sandbanks #5... third pass...

I was a bit more cautious about this third pass "casting the dye" on certain pivotal details in an attempt to avoid late difficult corrections... The last brush strokes should bring more spontaneity... which seems to be an oxymoron at the end of a rather systematic step by step painting approach!


Still need to bring some of the sky into the sand and the figure (note to myself!)... and clip the left wing of that bird!

Sandbanks #5... establishing the mood of the scene...

I did a second pass quickly to establish a "viable" color scheme... somewhat in line with my initial plan.

The 3rd layer should bring everything together, figure included... if the gods are in my favour! This is a 22" X 28" canvas.

Beach painting series - Sandbanks #5, first pass...

Continuing my beach series experimentation, I decided to go with this scene with the intent of generating very high contrasts once again...and the torrid feel of a hot summer day. I am crossing my fingers as usual... never really knowing where I will eventually end up!

This is my first pass using my worst brush with the hope of retaining the most interesting brush strokes and patterns!

Fund raiser update... suitable for framing!

A few weeks ago, I offered one of my paintings at a fund raising event dedicated to young hockey players. It was touching to receive this thank you card last night... in my view, an ample reward for a few brush strokes in support of a good cause!

I took some time yesterday to do a 4th pass at Buddha IV (24" X 30 " canvas). I kept it "rough on the edges" as an experiment. I wanted to avoid the perfect statue look susceptible to attract only Buddhist monks or those interested in Zen buddhism as customers! I am not sure to what extent I have succeeded...

On the basis of that experiment though, I have the opportunity to be more spontaneous and deliberate in my brush strokes in the future... and sooner than later, I hope!

Third pass at Buddha IV...

I slapped a sloppy third layer on this Buddha in a (desperate?) attempt to find avenues to make it more interesting. I need to build up on some of the "happy accidents". In the meantime, while creative ideas are simmering, I can always start working on textures... the "no brainer" part, where I excel...

Second exhibition...the Buddha is going to a private collection...

This was quite a memorable evening owing to Angélique Duruisseau, a powerhouse of a singer from Montreal who most certainly gave justice to Piaf's challenging repertoire going from "tour de chant" to "tour de force" in front of an appreciative crowd. My last Buddha went to my Tai Chi instructor who had narrowly missed the Buddha I presented at my recent October exhibition (another buyer got it).

Again, a big "thank you" to those who stopped by to take a closer look at my art. Your uplifting comments are always appreciated!


In closing, I would not want to miss the opportunity to thank the staff from the cultural center for their unbelievable support during the two exhibitions I held under their expert tutelage!

Getting ready for my second exhibition - a mini one, that is...

Three paintings to "prep" and I am ready for tonight. I will present 3 of my previous works and 2 newer ones. My intent is to show some variety while providing a glimpse of where I am going in the future.


The beach painting series (the painting on top of the easel is an example) represents for me an artistic breakthrough that will lead me to a more in-depth exploration of light and contrast with opaque acrylics. As a watercolorist, it took me 50 acrylic paintings to really feel comfortable using opaque titanium white. Now I am using it by the jar... to paint "wall to wall" light... while still restricting its use in color mixes and leveraging the white canvas whenever I can. When my acrylics start to look like my best watercolors... I will be a happy camper!