So with summer around the corner, the art has been taking a bit of a rest as Dagmar Pinney is creating new art styles in her gardens. Gardening is an art form itself and she looks forward to sharing it with others throughout the summer and fall months. Of course, she will be busy in her studio as well, painting and getting ready for the fall Kawartha Lakes Studio Art Tour taking place in late September and early October.

Dagmar is often working on a piece of art while she sits at the gallery. Most often she is working in acrylic while there and doesn’t mind others watching, commenting, learning or share.

Here Terry Sullivan demonstrates the stages of this painting.

Stage 1. Basic pencil set up and the first rough washes, sky, house and foreground. Composition is the key, showing the subject in a balanced way that allows shadows to make the building 3 dimensional.

Stage 2. Blocking in the background trees and adding some of the foreground tree washes.

Stage 3. Adding the big tree in the left foreground which acts as a stop end for the side of the picture. A little more detail on the house, including windows and shutters.

Stage 4. Adding the shadows. This is where it really begins to come to life as the shadows give the image a 3 dimensional form.

Stage 5. Adding the detail. Shadows on the foreground trees give depth to the picture. Details of flowers and benches give the eye a selection of things to focus on.

Unusually, this was done from a photograph. Terry generally paints a Plein Air sketch as he finds this gives him a better sense of the subject composition. This picture was painted direct onto salvaged birch faced ply.

Stage 1

Stage 1. I make an outline pencil sketch and then fill in the basic blocks of colour to give the general composition shape. At this stage I use the cheapest paints scavenged from my daughters arts degree leftovers!

Stage 2

Stage 2. Having gotten the rough composition I then put a little more detail into the water and start to add some shadows to give a sense of depth.

Stage 3

Stage 3. Looking again at the water I have obviously gotten some of the middle ground wrong I correct the error.

Stage 4

Stage 4. More water detail in the middle ground and I start to look at the leaf strewn banks to the right. By this stage I have begun to use Professional grade paints which give a more lively feel.

Stage 5

Stage 5. More detail in the water generally and in the pool reflections in the foreground. I also lighten the background to increase the sense of distance. Hanging foliage (top right) increases the feeling of depth.

Stage 6 – Complete

Stage 6. The final product including better reflections, clear glazed.

My art projects began by doing bulletin boards, stage scenery and art classes with children, when I worked as an educational assistant at an inner city school in Toronto. It was great fun and I loved every minute of it.

But now, retired, I get to paint whatever and whenever I want and that is wonderful too. I love the old buildings, lakes and the natural beauty of trees and plants in the Kawarthas and try to include them in many of my paintings. My other favourite subject is the scenery in the rest of Canada.

Marilyn will be in the gallery next on July 31st. (tomorrow)

Soon after moving back to the Kawartha Lakes area, specifically to Lindsay, I was amazed to discover the depth of artistic talent in the area.  As a new member of the Station Gallery  of Fenelon Falls, along with participating in local art events in the Fenelon area, this further supports the notion that the area is rich with local artisans.

Inspiration comes from my love of nature, especially trees and water.  Lately I am best known for my landscape painting depicting vibrant colours, both in watercolour and acrylic mediums.  At my previous home in Orangeville I painted 2 murals, one 20 metres the other 3 metres, of my favourite topic and recent paintings.

All my works are unique, most depicting the plethora of lake lands in the area and the bounty of nature in those lands.

Commissions are welcome.  Private or group lessons can be arranged at my home studio by appointment.

Dagmar will be in the gallery next on June 9th.

Many times as an artist I get stuck on subject matter to paint – and since I like to inspire , I in turn need  that one idea that jump starts my creative juices.

I can’t say I am a single minded person who only does certain material, but I always like to incorporate an inspirational overtone – I never do buildings – they are blah to me.

Since I paint on different mediums – canvas, wood, slate – actually any surface – I try to match the subject matter to the size of surface I have – this last while it has been slate – pieces off old barns – that was given to me by fellow artist Morris Young – and being that it is Canada’s 150th birthday celebration I have been concentrating on Canadian beauty. Repeats I do – because people love our birds, love our Maple Leaf, love our wildlife and natural beauty –  and in general feel the warmth of our country whether they live here or are visiting. That’s what inspires me .

Janet will be in the gallery next on August 25th!