Month: May 2018

Start to paint seriously the moment you pick up a brush. If you begin by painting carelessly, with slapdash strokes, you’ll find it difficult to move into more careful painting. Nothing delights a student more than to draw with a paintbrush — the more minute the detail, the better. Avoid doing this. Instead, paint with your brush; think in terms of dimension. Instead of drawing individual hairs, for example, paint their thickness or dimension; paint the light on the hair.
— David A. Leffel

Parc des ancres is situated in a small municipality named Pointe-des-Cascades where the St. Lawrence River cascades down several feet, thus giving it its name. There is a lighthouse and many huge vintage anchors lie along its path.

I have been reading a book named Oil painting secrets from a master by Linda Cateura and even though this is an oil painting book it has a tremendous amount of insights into painting for all mediums. Prominent artist/teacher David A. Leffel shares his secrets for making professional-quality paintings. I highly recommend this book…

Paper: Pentalic Aqua Journal 5″ x 8″
Colours: DS Q. Gold, DS B. Orange, W&N B. Sienna, DS Q. Rose, DS Chromium Blue
Location: Parc des Anches, Pointe-des-Cascades

Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean
And the pleasant land.
Thus the little minutes,
Humble though they be,
Make the mighty ages
Of eternity.
— by Julia Abigail Fletcher Carney

Today it is Mother’ Day and I wanted to paint a bouquet of wild flowers for my Mom, as I know that she loves flowers. At 93 years old, my Mom is quite extraordinary. You see, when I post this, she will go on the computer, get her emails and then find my post and she will comment on it. Do you know many 93 year olds that can do this? She also has a very good spirit, has a solid sense of humour, is able to relate and has tons of common sense. Oh no! She is not the type of woman to whine that her children do not come to see her enough, or that they do not care for her enough or that they should hold her hand all day long! Oh no! She does not do that. As she took care of her own father for most of her life, she is very much aware of the toll — however I must point out that when I go to see her, it makes me happy and not the reverse. When I meet with her she can talk about politics, world events and casualties and always always knows how to appease me. One of her famous quotes to me is: “Don’t worry Jane, things will take care of themselves… don’t push things around, everything falls into their proper order.” One day I asked her if she was satisfied with her life. And she said: “Absolutely! I have never desired more than I ever had — I was always happy with what I had and never asked for more.” Wow, wow, wow! I think that she needs to teach all of us some lessons in life. Have a good one Mom, hope that you sleep well and that you eat your proteins tomorrow, at least enough to sustain you for the day! Keep up your spirits, as they are fabulous!

Jane, Your Daughter

Paper: Travelogue Sketchbook 8″ x 8″
Colours: Pyrrol Crimson, Q. Rose, Q. Gold and Ultramarine
Location: Rigaud, Québec, Canada