Painting: Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna
22 x 34
Oil on Canvas

First painting during the artist residency at Alte Schule Hohenstein, Germany

Painting: Violet Bouquet

If anybody can help me think of a better title, do let me know...

36" x 36" January 2016

Based on the floral painting by Pancrace Bessa. 

Painting: Framework

Framework
32" x 38"
Oil on Canvas
2015

Painting: Long Ears

“Hallo, Rabbit,” he said, “is that you?”
"Let’s pretend it isn’t,” said Rabbit, “and see what happens.” 
― A.A. Milne

Long Ears, Oil on Canvas, 32"x32", May 2015

Painting: Fair or Fowl

Fair or Fowl

Oil on Canvas

28"x28"

Painting: Flowers, Flowers, Fruit

Here's one of the first paintings completed in the new studio,

Flowers, Flowers, Fruit, 36"x36" oil on canvas

For a bit of a description, this painting was started with an interest in Moorcroft pottery, thinking of art in terms of function and decoration. Moorcroft (British, 1900's) produced a variety of hand-painted tableware items with art nouveau influences. Moorcroft's son eventually took over the business and the company's pottery started leaning toward the more simpler style of his time. They became high-end gift ware and collectors items.  The overlapping fruit and flowers in the piece are based on classical still-lives in the Rijks Museum.

Fun fact: Moorcroft had a "Florian Ware" line, which happens to be my brother's name.  See image below.

Tulip Festival Fieldtrip

Took myself out for an afternoon to visit the Agassiz Tulip Festival in April. I'm certain there's no shortage of tulip pictures in the world, but here are a few more anyways...

Painting: Botanical

BOTANICAL

oil on canvas, December 2013

approx. 40"x34"

This piece, loosely inspired by a classical flora painting, features a traditional Rembrandt tulip. These tulips are characterized by their mottled colour and flaming streaks, with patterns unique to each flower. They were extremely popular int he 1600's (Tulipmania) and were sold for huge amounts of money.Unfortunately, we now know the feathered marks on "Rembrandts" are caused by a virus, which weakens the tulip bulbs before eventually killing them. Tragic!

Though Rembrandt himself isn't known for painting flowers, many Dutch masters are. Authentic Rembrandt tulips were banned but modern, virus-free look-a-like tulips are now on the market.

Painting: My Dear Master

Oil on Canvas, November 2013, Approx. 36"x28"

Painting: The Bud of the Bud

Oil on Canvas, 2013, 38"x34"

Painting: Portrait of Mrs Sandys

Portrait of Mrs Sandys, October 2013, Oil on Canvas

Based on a painting by William Hogarth on display in Montreal, from 1741. 

Painting: Flora

Flora, Oil on Canvas, October 2013, 30"x30"

New Work in Motion - Oil Paintings

Oil on Canvas, June 2013, 26"x36"

 Oil on Canvas, June 2013, 28"x36"

Recent Studies - Oil Paintings

Cashing in on the classical influences, starting to incorporate more 'washes' and abstractions. Also spending time on more studies, the importance of which I always undervalue and make fun of. 

Oil on Canvas, June 2013, 24"x24"

Oil on Canvas, June 2013, 24"x20"

Oil on Canvas, June 2013, 14"x20"

Painting: The Evolution of the Magpie

Oil on canvas, May 2013, 20"x30"

Painting: The French Still Life

Still Life I, Oil on canvas, 30"x25"

A break-through day in the studio. Making some big cultural comments with this totally unique vase-on-the-table still life.

What? Don't judge.