Portrait of a Young Artist ll

Portrait of a Young Artist ll

oil on panel

16" x 12"

I just finished this painting of  a remarkable young woman named Camille. She participated in a youth art project I led in Toronto and I was struck by her maturity, kindness and strong sense of self. I plan to enter this into the Portrait Society of America's annual members only competition.

My school is moving!!

I am so excited to announce that my school, The Leslieville School of Art, is moving into the Centre of Gravity, East location Kids already come to this vibrant arts community for circus training, dance and music classes, birthday parties and yoga. Its is a great pairing for us and we are so thrilled. Check out our newly updated website for new class descriptions, new address and more fun stuff!

Waiting for the number 16

Waiting for the number 16, oil on panel. 43 x 33" 2011

detail of Waiting for the number 16

Here is my new painting, currently on display in the Ingram Gallery booth (#302), at the Toronto International Art Fair. The piece has been sold, but do go check it out if you are at the art fair!
I am moving into a more narrative direction with my work and I had a lot of fun with this one. The model is a brilliant, politically aware and grounded teen named Anya. I saw the house in the background in Huntsville last winter- while tripping around our favourite part of Ontario. I don't know yet exactly what this piece means- but it has something to do with stepping out of chaos, being unsure, but still strong and moving forward.

Figure painting workshop with Jeremy Lipking

I had the extreme good fortune of participating in a Jeremy Lipking figure painting workshop in LA this past weekend. I spent a day and a half watching him paint and another day and a half painting a few oil studies from life myself. Jeremy spoke quite a bit about his process while he painted and it was incredibly awe inspiring and humbling to watch him work. We painted a stunning Iranian/Swedish model named Malo, on the beach in Malibu on the last day- lucky me! Lipking was a generous host and a blast to be around. He completely blew my mind on the last evening by referencing Pantera's album Cowboys from Hell- warming the corners of my true skid soul!

My study of Ariella 16 x 20"

My study of Malo 4x6"

Jeremy's study of Ariella

Jeremy's study of Malo

Jeremy Lipking painting on the beach

Jeremy and I outside of his studio in Agoura Hills

Toronto International Art Fair 2011

I have a new painting, called "Waiting for the Number 16", that will be on display at this years TIAF. Just look for the Ingram Gallery Booth- you will find my painting, a stellar new piece by my husband, Peter Mitchell and some really nice people! The art fair is at the Metro Convention Centre and runs October 28th- 31st.
Here is a small teaser for the new one....

Some quick studies

watercolour

gouach

quick oil sketch from life

oil sketch from life

It was a ridiculously busy summer for my family. To keep my painting chops up I did a bunch of super quick studies- here are a few of the more successful ones- there are a bunch of real stinker too! Now I am working on a large painting for Ingram Gallery's booth in the Toronto International Art Fair in October- stay tuned....

Portrait commission

"Sue"

14x16"

oil on panel, 2011

I did this portrait commission last month for my goalie. Sue was a dear friend of hers, who passed away a few years ago. Sue was also a hockey player. I didn't know her, but I get the sense that I would have liked her very much- she looks kind, sharp and playful.