Cerebral Smatterings

Trackside

2011-08-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Emotions are difficult to disguise when one bets on the horses.
This is my take on this week’s Illustration Friday theme “disguise”.

(Watercolour and ink – 18cm x 24cm. Referenced from a photo by J. Lehmann)

Die trying!

2011-08-20T15:11:00.001-07:00

Also hung on the wall over the fridge of the cabin was a model of a bush plane. It had lost a wing during an unfortunate landing and had been retired to the kitchen. The plane added even more intrigue to the already fascinating decor of the cabin.

Heads and tails.

2011-08-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

I recently stayed with friends at their log cabin in the Chilcotin district of central B.C. Hunting is very popular in this region. Hung between the front room windows of the cabin was a fine example of a caribou. He must have been a magnificent specimen when he was alive.

Des autres appartements sur la rue Racine est, Chicoutimi.

2011-08-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Rue Ste. Famille juste avant un orage.

2011-08-08T10:55:00.001-07:00

Des appartements sur la rue Racine est à Chicoutimi, Québec.

2011-08-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

St. Fulgence, en face de Chicoutimi, Québec.

2011-08-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

La vue de Québec juste avant le couche du soleil.

2011-08-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Les champs de bataille à Québec.

2011-08-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Rue Parent à Chicoutimi, Québec.

2011-08-07T18:13:00.001-07:00

L’hôtel des postes à Chicoutimi, Québec.

2011-08-07T18:09:00.001-07:00

La petite maison blanche à Chicoutimi, Québec.

2011-08-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

Chez nous.

2011-06-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

Une autre journée brillante dans le jardin. Je suis très contente que l’été arrive. L'hiver passé était trop long!

(L'aquarelle et encre sur carnet à croquis – 20 cm x 12 cm)

Merci à ma conjointe!

2011-06-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

As you may have guessed, I’m very much enjoying the potted plants this spring, merci à ma conjointe.

Also, I am testing out my new water brush. For those of you (including myself until recently) who are unfamiliar with this gadget - it’s a brush with a built-in water reservoir. Great for water colour sketching ‘in the field’. It eliminates the need for open containers of water. Just a squeeze of the handle wets the brush. Marvellous!

(Water colours on sketch book – 20cm x 14cm)

"June is a bustin' out all over!"

2011-06-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

At last, summer is here after weeks of cold wet weather. The garden is verdant and all the plants are lush and shining with new growth.

(Water colour and a dab of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel on sketch book - 20cm x 14cm)

It's a doozie!

2010-10-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Outrageously expensive and completely over the top in every aspect, the 1933 Duesenberg “Twenty Grand” was an extravagant mode of transportation during the Great Depression.

(Colour pencil on black illustration board – 20cm x 38cm)

Surf’s up on the Island of The Tortured Soul.

2010-09-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

(Oil pastel on paper - 20cm x 30cm)

Les Amants

2010-08-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

(Pastels d'huille sur papier - 23cm x 23cm)

Persuasion of the Takers

2010-08-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

(Oil pastels on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

Bell and keys.

2010-07-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

(Oil pastels on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

La Bénédiction

2010-07-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

(Pastels d'huille sur papier - 23cm x 30cm)

Nodal polychromal.

2010-07-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

(Oil pastel on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

Giant yield.

2010-07-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here we see Farmer Tom wondering whether he applied a little too much fertilizer to his tomato crop this year.
My contribution to this week’s Illustration Friday theme’ “Giant”.

(Oil pastels on paper – 23cm x 30cm)

Orbital brood.

2010-06-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here's my contribution to this week's Illustration Friday theme, "satellite".

I recently unearthed an old set of oil pastels. They were languishing at the back of a bottom drawer in my studio. I'm not sure why, but I hadn't used the pastels for years. For the past couple of weeks, I've been playing around with them and having piles of fun. I'm really enjoying their soft texture, intense colour, and painterly look.

(Oil pastels on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

Curve appeal.

2010-06-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a car guy, but I have always loved the lines of the very sexy XK-120. Built at a time when cars were designed by artists, not computers!
(Oil pastel on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

Ascent to glory.

2010-06-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

A rough impression of the climb up Skellig Michael, with Little Skellig and the Kerry coast in the background.
(Oil pastels on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

Kerry cows.

2010-06-18T16:30:00.001-07:00

A very good source for milk and double cream.
My submission to this week's Illustration Friday theme "Double".

(Oil pastels on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

Skellig interior.

2010-06-14T10:57:00.001-07:00

Drawn after a recent trip to the incredible island of Skellig Michael, off the coast of southwest Ireland.
(Oil pastels on paper – 23cm x 30cm)

Evening flight.

2010-06-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

(Oil pastels on paper - 23cm x 30cm)

Nuit inquiète.

2010-05-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

(Pastels d'huille sur papier - 23cm x 30cm)

Dans le jardin de l'Auberge du Mange Grenouille.

2010-05-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Voici un croquis du jardin de la fabuleuse Auberge du Mange Grenouille dans le village de Bic, Québec.
(Pastels d'huille sur papier d’Arches – 23cm x 31cm)

An afternoon in the backyard.

2010-04-29T16:40:00.001-07:00

Here’s a quick little sketch from the back porch.
(watercolour and pencil on watercolour pad – 20.5cm x 14cm)

T-rexcue.

2010-03-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I know - this is a really really bad pun! But dinosaurs need Baywatch too.
My effort for this week’s Illustration Friday theme “rescue”.
I hope you are all having a great week!

In a forgotten corner...

2010-03-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

...deep at the back of the fridge, lurks a long expired container of yogurt.
This is my take on this week’s Illustration Friday theme “expired”.
(acrylics, coloured pencils, ink on Arches HP paper – 21cm x 27cm)
Click on the image to get a better look.

Dance of the faery princess.

2010-03-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here’s a painting I’ve just finished. It’s of one of my nieces. Originally I painted the background with iridescent metallic colours in a quasi-Klimt style. Unfortunately, the background became too busy and completely overwhelmed the foreground. All the depth was lost. So, I decided to repaint the background and add a subtle reflection. I think the result is better this way.
(Acrylics on canvas – 40.5cm x 51cm)

Realm of the Quilter Queen.

2010-03-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

Let's see what's happening in the ol' sketchbook these days.

(pen and ink on Moleskine sketchbook - 21cm x 26cm)

Early spring evening at Saanich Inlet.

2010-03-04T15:57:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I would push a bit of paint around with a palette knife - something I haven't tried before.
This is my attempt to recreate the mood of a cloudscape I saw a few days ago during one of my walks. I think it turned out a little Turner-esque, don't you?

(acrylics on canvas - 30cm x 30cm)

The Portal

2010-03-01T12:38:00.001-08:00

Presently, I’m taking a course in figure drawing (gesture and structure). Our homework for this week is to create “a large scale figural/’antifigural’ composition using collage as a working method”. We were asked to cut and/or tear up the drawings we did in class. The pieces are then used to either “recreate a figure pose from memory, or invent something new that stretches the limits of a recognizable figure”.
So here’s the result. Mixing collage and drawing is soooo much fun! I’m really looking forward to my next class, yippee!

(charcoal, conte crayon, matte board, torn paper - 56cm x 76cm)

The evil eye.

2010-02-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

This week I started another figure drawing course. During the first session, we were asked to do several quick self-portraits. This is one of the results. I'm looking very serious. I would not want to meet me in a dark alley!
I had forgotten how much fun charcoal and conte crayon are to use. I find they are both very liberating mediums and exellent therapy for neat-freaks.
(charcoal and conte crayon on paper - 45cm x 45cm)

2 minute sketches.

2010-02-15T14:34:00.001-08:00

I recently participated in a life drawing class. Here’s a series of charcoal sketches I did during one of our drawing exercises. In this exercise the model changed her position every 2 minutes. This gave us just enough time to convey the most important information. Great for loosening up the hand and sharpening the eye!
(charcoal on 45cm x 61cm paper)

Adrift...

2010-02-14T17:37:00.001-08:00

...is how I felt occasionally while doing this painting. Sometimes it seemed to be going well and sometimes I would almost give up completely. But, I’m glad I persisted. It still looks a bit rough to me, so I may work on it a bit more.
I did the painting during a very interesting and entertaining life painting workshop with artist Judy McLaren this past weekend. Loads of fun was had by all involved.
(acrylics on canvas - 61cm x 76cm)
Note: At Judy's suggestion, I used a luminous metalic copper paint for the background. I think it really brought the painting to life!

Carmel.

2010-02-02T15:03:00.001-08:00

Focused and reflective – ma conjointe as I often see her.
(Acrylics on canvas - 30.5cm x 40.5cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

A box...

2010-01-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

...that sometimes confines and suffocates my creativity.
My take on this week’s Illustration Friday theme “Confined”.
Apparently, my creativity is also confined to dancing badly! Can you spot my silly mistake? (the revised version is below)
I hope you're all having a great start to the new year!
(Acrylics on Arches 140lb. hot pressed paper - 24cm x 24cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

...et voilà!
A little photoshopping has solved the problem.

D'amour et fureur.

2010-01-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

Greetings to everyone, et salutations à tous mes amis à ville de Québec!
Finally, I'm back after a long absence from the web and from Illustration Fridays.
I don't normally do abstracts, so this painting is a renewal of sorts. It's a renewal of endeavour and focus, and was a great way to spend some of the Xmas holidays.
(Acrylics on canvas - 122cm x 92cm)

Signs of wear and wisdom.

2008-04-25T08:47:00.001-07:00

Here’s a drawing I did a while back. I thought it fit in well with this week’s Illustration Friday theme “wrinkles”. Unfortunately, I never met this lovely looking woman, as I referenced the drawing from a photo in a book. I’m sure she would have had more than a few words of wisdom to pass on.
(Coloured pencil on Arches hot pressed - 19cm x 24cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Easy to please.

2008-04-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Being a primitive woman of simple needs, Big Pamela wanted only two things in life; some help around the cave, and a bit of fun.
So naturally, she was completely thrilled with her acquisitions, after a day of hunting and gathering.
My take on this week’s Illustration Friday’s theme “primitive”.
I hope you are all having a great week.
(Acrylic on Arches hot pressed – 19.5cm x 26cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Proverbs of the porcelain bowl.

2008-04-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Words to live by, from the throne of wisdom.
My take on this week’s Illustration Friday theme “fail”.
Finally, I had a bit of time to do a brand new painting - and it feels good.
Hope you’re all having a great week.
(Acrylic on Arches hot pressed – 26cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Sampling the delicacies!

2008-03-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Bad dental work, ill-fitting support, and a lack of time to create something brand-new for Illustration Friday are some of my pet peeves.
Originally, I did this drawing as a tribute to the talents of Jim Woodring, with my sincere apologies to Frank and the pups.
(Pen and ink on illustration board – 20cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

From the pulpit.

2008-03-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

After bearing the load of his consumerism, Ron decided it was better to tread lighter on the Earth.
My take on this week’s Illustration Friday theme “heavy”.
(Acrylic on Arches hot pressed paper – 20cm x 23cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Cabbage patch peloton.

2008-03-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Here we find our garden variety duo out for some fresh air, and a little friendly competition.
My take on this week’s Illustration Friday theme “garden”.
(Pen and ink, digitally coloured)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Leap of Faith's

2008-03-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Andy and the kids are alarmed by a giant leap of Faith's, as she celebrates an afternoon of domestic freedom.
My take on this week's Illustration Friday's theme "leap".
(Acrylics on Arches hot pressed paper - 17.5cm x 27cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Blown cover...

2008-02-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

…or the Big Bang Theory: A head full of multiple personalities will have an occasional tendency to burst open.
I decided to combine this week's Illustration Friday theme "multiple" with last week's "theory" theme.
(Acrylics on Arches hot pressed paper – 20cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Sure, God luv 'em.

2008-02-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

Let’s see what sort of mischief has occurred inside the ‘ol sketch book recently.
(ink and coloured pencil on 13cm x 21cm Moleskine sketch book)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Rock and roll.

2008-02-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

As I approach my dotage, the term "rock and roll" takes on a whole new meaning.
My submission to this week's Illustration Friday theme "blanket".
(watercolour on Arches cp - 20cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Gone astray?

2008-01-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

Whilst window shopping, our storybook trio come across some very familiar 'merchandise'.
My take on this week's Illustration Friday theme, "Tales and Legends".
(Watercolour and gouache on Arches hp - 20cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Plain desire.

2008-01-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

My somewhat sentimental submission to this week's Illustration Friday theme, "plain".

The Iron Granny

2008-01-14T17:10:00.000-08:00

Highway marking was in it's infancy during the 1920's. Various methods were used to apply center lines to the road surface, including stitching. This was accomplished with the use of machines, such as the Iron Granny.
My take on this week's Illustration Friday theme "stitch".
(Watercolour on Strathmore hp - 23cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

What are the chances of...

2008-01-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

...death and taxes?
This week's submission for Illustration Friday's theme "100%".
Friends, my apologies for the morbid nature of this cartoon, but our old companion Monsieur Mort has been playing a large part in my thoughts lately.
(Watercolour on Arches cp - 26cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Surfin' through summer.

2007-08-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I last posted an image, so here's a work in progress. It's missing some sun and waves, which I guess fits in well with this week's Illustration Friday theme "missing".
(Coloured pencil on Arches hp - 18cm x 18cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Our tinny trio…

2007-06-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

…employ somewhat dubious canouflage to cover their escape from recycle row, via the bottle exchange.
This week's entry to the Illustration Friday theme "camouflage", and number three in the Blue Bin Series.
(Acrylics on aluminum beverage cans)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Vernazza, Italy

2007-06-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

Memories of a wonderful holiday in northern Italy last spring.
I'm testing out a new painting method inspired by Janice Ykema's (www.janiceykema.blogspot.com) paint-ink-then wash method. Thanks Janice!
(Acrylics and india ink wash on Arches cp – 26cm x 18.5cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Rejection...

2007-06-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

…turns to surrender, as the Don’s persistent advances toward Donna Candida eventually pay off. However, all is not well in the Recycle Box of Love. The Don’s intentions are not entirely honourable, as the Donna will soon discover. Don Tincano has an unfortunate preference for the large variety pack. Eventually, the inevitable confrontation ensues, with tragic results.
My entry to this week’s Illustration Friday theme “rejection”, and number two in my Blue Bin poster series.
(Acrylics on aluminum beverage cans)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Dressed to kill?

2007-06-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Early use of the business suit as a hunting blind met with limited success.
My entry to this week's Illustration Friday theme "suit".
(Acrylics on illustration board - 21.5cm x 25cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Paradise realized (in ink and red wine)!

2007-06-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Anchored in a secluded bay with good friends, good food, and good wine. This week’s entry to Illustration Friday on the theme “your paradise”.
(Red wine, dark rum, and ink on Strathmore hp – 27cm x 21.5cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Just hold your horses!!

2007-05-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

My second Illustration Friday entry on the theme "cars".
(Watercolour and coloured pencil on Arches cp - 27cm x 17cm)
Click on image to enlarge.

Is everybody happy?!!

2007-05-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

My trusty Happy Mask for those occasional, and oh-so difficult 'moments'.
(Acrylics, polymer clay, and gold leaf on cardboard construction – 28cm x 27cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

This'll put the wind in yer willows!

2007-05-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

A 1931 Cadilac V16 roadster that Mr. Toad would be mighty proud of.
One nifty feature of this car was the lower headlights that turned in the direction the car was steered.
This drawing was originally done as a self-inflicted challenge - to create a black on black image.
I find it interesting how the eye tends to fill in the blanks.
(Coloured pencil on black illustration board - 30cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

"I said re-sign, not resign!!"

2007-05-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

A small misunderstanding between Tony and the press.
This week's entry to Illustration Friday, on the theme of "signs".
(Watercolour and colour pencil on illustration board - 16cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Caught in the act!

2007-05-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

Poor Candice’s heart was crushed like a tin can when she caught Ken doing the can-can with that vending machine floozy.
But, hell hath no fury like a women scorned. Candice’s honour was avenged when Ken got his can severely kicked around the divorce court. He took a big dent in the settlement.
Candice is now married to a rich tea biscuit tin. They reside in a small curio shop in Canmore, Alberta.
Ken never recycled. He still works as a chorus line stand-in at the local tin can alley.
(Acrylics on aluminum beverage cans)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Lemons for sale!

2007-05-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

This rather unsprupulous salesman will sell you this car in any colour, as long as it's yellow. Buyer beware!
This week's entry to Illustration Friday, based on the theme "citrus".
(Watercolour and acrylics on Arches cp - 22cm x 18.5cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Neighbours

2007-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

We all have different ways of coping with noisy neighbours.
My take on this week's Illustration Friday theme "neighbour".
Please click on the image for a better look at the detail.
(Ink and watercolour on illustration board - 17cm x 35cm)

Tulips

2007-05-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

(Acrylics on canvas - 30cm x 60cm)

St. Mary's Church

2007-05-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

St. Mary's Church, Cottingham, East Yorkshire. This church has a special place in the hearts of my parents.
This week's second entry to Illustration Friday's "remember" theme.
(Watercolour and gouache on Arches cp - 23cm x 33cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

In memory of Sara's stepmum.

2007-04-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

To Sara, with my sincere condolences.
(Colour pencil on Arches hp, digitally modified).

Forgot to remember!

2007-04-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

Eleh couldn't remember if she turned the oven off before she left the house. This week's Illustration Friday entry on the theme "remember".
(Ink and watercolour on Arches cp - 18cm x 20cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Tomb of the unknown artist.

2007-04-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

I created this self-portrait by scanning myself, various tools of my trade, and hints of my interests. The scanned images were then digitally pieced together to form this collage. No cameras were used, or abused during this process, although my scanner is sulking.
Click on the image to enlarge.

Polar Ice Cap

2007-04-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

A polar ice cap can ease the pain on those mornings after. My take on this week's Illustration Friday theme; polar.
(Ink and watercolour on Arches cp - 20cm x 23cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Fortune, or four tunes?

2007-04-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Four tunes it is! This little four piece jazz band plays for your listening pleasure. My second submission for this week's Illustration Friday "fortune" theme.
(Ink and watercolour on illustration board - 25cm x 25cm)

Tapestry of Fortune and Fate

2007-04-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was intrigued and inspired by the Norse myth of the three Wyrd sisters, who weave the fates of humans, and gods alike.
Some of you may have already seen this drawing on my blog, but I thought it fit in well with this week's Illustration Friday theme. For those who like lots of detail, please click on the image to enlarge.
(Graphite on illustration board cp - 42cm x 42cm)

Green Canopy

2007-04-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Something I always look forward to this time of year is the appearance of the rhubarb.
(Watercolour on d'Arches cold press - 20cm x 27cm)

Nuttz 'n' Boltz

2007-04-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

The boys go for a stroll. For more background on this story, go to: http://jimwoodring.blogspot.com/2007/03/save-your-fork.html
(Ink on sketch paper, digital colour)
Click on the image to enlarge.

A flower by any other name...

2007-03-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

...Snap Dragon. OK, this one is stretching the envelope of this week's Illustration Friday subject, just a bit. But after I saw the mass of entries already submitted by Saturday morning, I felt I had to post something right away.
(Digital airbrush, using Corel Photopaint)
Click on the image to enlarge.

An unfortunate anatomy

2007-03-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sober, broke, and badly drawn, the Visible Man ponders his misfortunes.
(Ink on sketch pad paper - 13cm x 27cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

I spy...

2007-03-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

...with my little eyes, a watery morsel; or, why I gave up deep-sea diving and became an artist. This being my first submission to Illustration Friday.
(Ink and watercolour on illustration board hp - 16cm x 19cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Spiral chime pool.

2007-03-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ruminations of cause and effect, and the sounds of bells.
(Graphite on illustration board cp - 35.5cm diameter)
Click on the image to enlarge.
Detail below.

The devil you say!

2007-03-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Our Prince of Darkness debunks a few earthly notions.
(Ink on illustration board hp - 12.5cm x 17.5cm)
Click on the image to enlarge.

Zoned out on plainsong

2007-03-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

There's somethin bout that there sound that gets ma spine all atingley.
(Ink sketch on bond - 15cm x 12cm)
Click on image to enlarge.

Pa

2007-03-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

My wife's father as I remember him; reading his paper and solving the world's problems.
(Acrylic on canvas - 41cm x 51cm)
Click on image to enlarge.

Hex

2007-03-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Contemplations of ordered chaos.
(Graphite on illustration board cp - 15cm x 31.5cm)
Click on image to enlarge.

Ripple Effect

2007-03-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Watchin' them raindrops got me to thinkin'...
(Graphite on d'Arches hp - 15cm x 24cm)
Click on image to enlarge.

Summer Session

2007-03-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

Fond memories of conversations about art and music with an old friend, on a glorious August afternoon, in and around a small highland lake on Vancouver Island.
(Gouache and watercolour on d’Arches cold press - 41cm x 31cm)
Click on image to enlarge.