Creative Monday

Lots happening today. I feel like I can give myself a bit of time today to experiment and be creative. I even got outside to take pictures (not all sitting in front of the computer) although it was my backyard. I thought I would experiment with my macro filter (it's great and so much cheaper than getting a macro lens) with the last of the cherry blossoms and other flowers. I think my neighbours thinks I'm crazy (crouched nearly on top of a hyacinth at one point). Off to work tomorrow!

I think I like the background of my painting. Now to remove all of the masking gunk. And there's a lot!

The fun continues

This time with a turquoise theme.

Got a lot of my chores done today so feeling pretty good.

More fun with Photoshop

I'm loving these actions and brushes that are out there. I have started a painting but it will involve several layers for the background. Until then, here's a photographic creation.

Getting things done on a cloudy Sunday

So, I'm accomplishing what I planned for this weekend so far and I feel a cup of tea coming on and maybe a read. I just started A.S. Byatt's The Children's Book and so far I haven't been able to get past page 10. You really have to persevere with her books at the beginning and then they are a really good read.

Got to see the Art of the Danforth yesterday, more parts of it than planned, but that's okay. Many of my photos made it into the murals at the Greenwood and Woodbine subway stations (I have to check Coxwell). I have to re-tack some of my mats down for my watercolours tomorrow but I have new adhesive for that, which will hopefully work. Had a good walk down to the Beaches area to get that for tomorrow.

The chairs are out of the shed and on the deck but today is not the day to enjoy them. A bit cold and blustery although not wet as promised.

Also worked on sorting out my closet. I feel a purchase may be needed for further organizing. I'm also tossing some stuff. I'll be able to drop it off at a charity box tomorrow on my way to look after my art pieces (I like when you can do many things in one trip).

And I'm getting my computer organized and figuring out some Photoshop things I've been meaning to sit down with for ages now. Above is a result of playing with some free "grunge" brushes (the frame is actually the brush). Fun! On to watercolour painting, hopefully, this evening.

To do list for this weekend including ART OF THE DANFORTH

So what to do this weekend? Well, first and foremost is participating in the Art of the Danforth show at 2035 Danforth Ave (see below for work). I plan to walk along the Danforth from Greenwood to Woodbine and take in the various installations and activities and then there's a media launch to attend.

But besides that... I need to get the deck set up for some serious lounging this summer so the chairs are coming out. I might even get ivy for the camouflaging of the ugly shed. I also have to work on my closet (I couldn't find a shoe yesterday but retrieved today). I must get back to painting (I have some ideas coming from my trip to High Park) and work on photos. Ambitious? Maybe but it sounds like fun too.

Have a great weekend.

*the photo above is one that seems to creep out everyone but it's my desktop photo and I like it. It was taken in Paris near Bastille. I believe the store front was for a dollmaker's or repair shop.

Our own blossoming tree

Every year since we planted this tree for my friend Sandra I look forward to seeing the first blossoms. I sat working by the back doors today and kept catching glimpses of its bright pink blossoms. We thought it was a cherry tree when we first got it but now we think it's peach. The local animals tend to go after the fruit before we can even recognize it. We're going with peach. Although it could also be pear.

Another Spring Walk - High Park

Treated myself to a half-day of picture taking. Worked my first day at the Watercolour Society yesterday and will be back there tomorrow. I should have been working on my website but I thought I could afford the morning. It's only one time a year and for a very short time that the Japanese cherry blossoms are out in bloom in High Park so off I went riding the 506 streetcar for its entire length. It was a beautiful day and there were crowds taking in the blossoms. Here's a digitally altered version just for something different.

Spring walk

I felt like I needed to get out today. I edited and worked on a book this morning and then printed out my watercolours onto larger paper (after getting no help with the new paper I bought - still waiting for Mitsubishi to get back to me about an ICC profile). Little more editing work and then I thought I would walk down to the beach and the post office to mail my friend's present. I was cold inside the house and didn't realize how warm it was outdoors. I'm so glad I brought my camera along with me. I know, I know, I should always carry a camera.

Here are some of the pics I took along the way that just say Spring!

Power!

Power Supermarket, that is. This is taken from an image of the grand opening of their store at Woodbine and Danforth. Torontonians from this area might remember the location as that of the lumber yard which had a bit of a fire on a Christmas Eve more than 7 years ago. Since then it's been a hole in the ground. There are now plans to build a condo with retail but because of the height proposed it is stalling a bit. None of the buildings in the area are more than 3 storeys high.

I still have a little bit of work to do on this one, though.

I meet next week to go over how to divide the space up with another artist and all the rest of the things that have to be sorted out. Not long now!

Streetcar

Yes, another streetcar but this one is older than the one I painted before. I might not even include both of them although I'm more pleased with them than some of the other works.

So, I've been absent from here yet again. But do not fear, I have been busy creating. I had to get a set of photographs ready for a gallery who took on 5 of them (Hurrah!). I had to mat and frame an etching and hand it in for the Stomping Grounds exhibit opening this Thursday at Alternative Grounds. Some editing (best if I don't get too creative there). Trying to grow my business. Making contacts etc. Setting up an art based website for my work with e-commerce (so if you've liked something here you might be able to buy it!). Planting flowers... Okay I'm reaching but I've been busy.

Excuses out of the way. On to the next picture.