Attention to Detail

Looking at Andrew Wyeth and Robert Batemen books on art always inspire me. To see their paintings up close is to see such attention to detail. And yet I long for the ability to rip one off like Van Gogh or Tom Thompson. Those artist make it look so easy.

I suspect it is somewhere in the middle for both styles of painting.

I once saw Robert Bateman mix up a cup of white acrylic paint and throw it on what I would have thought was a finished painting. It gave the raging elephant a look of kicking up dusty. It was perfect.

While painting with my friend S’ine and Diane at Waterworks Park in St Thomas on Thursday I felts the excitement of painting en plain air. Rushing the work, I forgot about detail and thought only about capturing the colour before the light changed. It was exhilarating

Here is the finish sketch and a photo of the place. How did I do?

Becoming an old fart

How to become an old fart

Tomorrow is my 65th birthday. It is a time to become a senior citizen. But what does that mean for my art. Will I suddenly start painting like Romance or Kincade. Old fashion paintings with sentimental themes.

My friend Sandy says she changed after 65, not taking any guff from people and standing up for herself in difficult situations. I think I will follow that path. no more excuses for my art. Love it of leave it, it is what it is.


I like dogs so I paint dogs. I like people for the most part so I paint people. I like realism and old masters and Harley Brown. I will do commissions my way from now on.

Tell me what you think of my art but don’t be surprised if I tell you what I think of your comments.

So move over Romance and Kincade here comes Cutting.

Becoming an old fart