So begins the journey - never really left! :)

Today, I begin working in grisaille. Grisaille is a term for painting executed entirely in the monochromatic, usually in shades of grey or brown from a colour like burnt umber (even black and white can be used), The grisaille is being used as the underpainting where I will glaze layers of oil over it.

I'm really excited to be using this process and will post the results of the "tester" piece! The photo above shows me "greying" out the canvas. I had gessoed the canvas and sanded, etc until quite smooth, however the white was a bit overwhelming, so I used cobalt blue, yellow ochre and small amount of ivory black mixed together, thinned out and washed over the white of the gesso to kill the harshness. I then took a rag to rub the colour in and smooth it out somewhat. Today I will apply the sketch in charcoal and pencil and once I feel comfortable with it, I will begin the grisaille.

Once all goes well with this "tester" piece, then I will move on to the next series of works - based entirely in this fashion of painting.

A special thank you to everyon who came out to the Sunnyside art show in Toronto. The weather held and we had great response for a first year event!

Always look on the sunnyside of life!!!! Art Show next weekend

I just got accepted to the Sunnyside Artshow happening the weekend of the 28, 29 and 30th of August (next weekend). Looking forward to going back to TO and catching up with a few fellow artists, hanging out by the beach and talking art for three days straight! If you live nearby, then stop over and give me a washroom break! :)

I Remember You - 6" X 8" - Oil on Masonite

For the longest time I have been a fan of Chet Baker. The first CD I bought had the image (that I just finished painting - here) on it. I was drawn to the image, to the singing, the trumpet, piano - as most fans of jazz were and still are. There is a haunting sound that comes from Chet and as I read about his life - I sort of drew my own conclusions as to the underlying melancholy emotions that seem to eminate from him. A short time on the Earth, but such impact...

If Six Was Nine - 6" X 8" - Oil on Masonite

It is back to work in the studio. First piece since the show. Thank you for looking!

August 1st hightlights

What a great night for the opening night on Saturday August 1st at the R@Gallery on Quuen Street in Niagara Falls. The gallery was packed and the works drew a lot of positive comments and response. Both Sarah and myself would like to thank everyone who came out to the event and also to those who could not attend but gave us well wishes. Here are some photos from the gallery. Remember the show runs until August 8th, 2009. If you missed opening night, you will still have time to see the works before they come down. Thank you!

Live on TV tonight! MOCtalk.ca!

Straight from the MOCtalk site: Hey MOCtalkers don't forget you have plans tonight! Come out and see the ninth episode of Niagara's Only Indie talk show! Great line-up, new set features, let's make it a great crowd! Don't forget to come out early and catch the taping, but DEFIANTLY stick around for the post taping party! We've all been working hard to try and make this the BEST episode Ever! Host & Co-host: blenderhead & Joel Van Vliet Musical Guests: Ramona, The Beth Moore Band, The WaxbillsIllusionist: Alex KAZAM Artists: Chris Pew & Sarah LacyHope to see you all there!Keep Streaming!
This is a live streaming event as well by clicking the above link!

MOCtalk.ca Live Streaming This Friday!!!

OK ... so here's the deal on watching the Talk show that I will be on. It will be filmed live at 4 triple 5 Cafe and Wine Bar on Queen Street in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It will be a stationary camera (or two) and it will capture the night's events and you will also get to see some of the behind the scenes taping that will occure due to the stationary camera(s). The requirements are a fast modem (dial-up probably won't cut it) and the connection may drop due to the crowd in the club, connectivity, wine being spilled on the computer and a host of other phenomena!!! However, for the most part, all should run smoothly.

Here is the link: http://www.fourtriplefive.com/moctalk/2009/07/moctalk-ix-live-stream/

The live streaming will begin at 7:00pm EST. Check your time zone so you can connect at the right time. Then sit back, grab a glass of wine and hopefully I will not make too much of a fool of myself!I will be the first guest as well, in case you were wondering. I'll embed the link here as a reminder on Friday.

Now .... back to the paint...:)

CP