Artist Ron Wilson - Canada

"Nicolas" iPad2 drawing

2012-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

'Still with the steep learning curve of "painting" with my finger on my iPad2 screen - this is Nicolas who sat for us at the Goward House Portrait Painters today.
I selected the "chalk" setting with the soft edge and had a ball choosing outrageous colors. This took about two hours and I was zonked afterwards - it was exhausting (I must be an artist)....
Click on the image to see a bigger version.
Thanks, your COMMENT will be helpful.

"Mount Tolmie" oil 11 x 14 plein air

2012-01-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Today I perched on the side of Mount Tolmie in Victoria BC and painted the suburb below. One-and-a-quarter hours in quite good weather. I was drawn by the leafless Garry Oak silhouetted against the shadow side of the rock.
One thing about painting versus photography is that I was able to put ME into the work - I mean HOW I personally felt about the scene - the strength, the light, the exhuberance.

Here is a pic I took after I had finished:

All in all, a good day to be painting outside.

Yes, the original IS for sale. Email me for details.

You know you can click on the images to see a bigger view.

Here's an iPad2 drawing I did of my plein air painting:

Cheers

Ron

"Ron Wilson" acrylic profile by Jim McFarland

2012-01-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

My buddy Jim McFarland painted this profile of me while we're on location in Saanich. (He was tempted to put a little stick tree on "my canvas" but thought better of it) - it would have been hilarious!

"Just a face" iPad2 sketch

2012-01-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

Amazing. I sketched this face on our new iPad2 - just a face, it was too snowy for this South Afrcan born artist to go driving all the way to the Goward House Portrait Painters session so I stayed at home and experimented with the iPad. I made up the face - it's no one in particular. Technology today is ammaaazzing doll! Click the image to see a bigger picture.

"Maria" portrait at Goward House

2012-01-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

My first portrait on an iPad2 -- the finger painting takes a bit of learning, I feel like a caveman already. Our sitter today is Maria:

My thanks to Ann Wheatcroft for 'pointing out' the controls to me. It is a steep learning curve. Exhausted after the effiort, I retreated to my good 'ol oil paints and I did a small 6 x 8 monochrome oil of Maria:

Maybe I'll give it another go again at Goward House some time. But what a lotta fun.

"The Legislature" in pencil 9 x 12

2012-01-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

I am planning an oil of this scene at some time in the winter so this morning I went down to the "Ledge" (as it's known by the locals in Victoria BC) and did this quick pencil study just to do a bit of prep work.

Bruce Stotesbury of the Times-Colonist was taking photographs at the Legislature in Victoria BC and he took this front page pic of Frank Mitchell and myself in action at the paint-out.

Thanks Bruce.

Ron

"Farm Shed - Saanich" oil 12 x 16

2012-01-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

A studio painting of the shed at the edge of the property, Hunt Valley Farm. The winding path and the thick leafy trees caught my attention, apart from the shed of course...
Yes, I simplified the scene somewhat - (artists are good at shifting trees around) but the painting IS true to the spirit of this farm.
I like colour, so I've used a variety of yellows and greens, subdued into submission!

NOTE: Click on any image to see a bigger picture...

"He-who-sees-far" oil 11 x 14

2011-12-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Portraits have been much on my mind and on my canvas lately - this chief in his ceremonial headdress was my Christmas day and Boxing Day project. I painted this using only WARM colours, mostly burnt sienna, raw sienna, orange, raw umber and white. I learnt a lot from it.

"Sea Stacks" oil 20 x 24

2011-12-10T11:32:00.001-08:00

We came across these amazing rocks off the Oregon coast - a search on the Internet revealed that sea stacks are formed through a process of eruption and erosion. Anyway, I like the greening of them all, like banners in the wind. I had fun with the impressionist pebbles on a realistic beach. Click the image to see the big picture.

"Kelsey" oil 11 x 14

2011-11-24T09:35:00.001-08:00

Kelsey sat for the portrait painters of Goward House recently. I was a bit rushed on this three-hour painting so I re-painted her left eye when I got it home. I reckoned it was a bit high during my first rendering of her.

Three portrait sketches at Goward House

2011-11-22T16:37:00.001-08:00

While were waiting for Fatality (our model) to arrive today we did a sketch of Ken, one of our portrait artists at Goward House today. Conte pencil and watercolour. We still had a couple of minutes:

So we did another quickie of ken. Charcoal on canvas. Then our designated model Faye (Fatality) arrived straight from her class at UVic. This is my two-and-a-half hour oil sketch of her:

She said afterwards that she liked my portrait 'cos it made her look like a witch but I thought this was her THOUGHTFUL mode - anyway, she DID like it after all, and y'know the rule - if you sit you get to choose which portrait to take home - no charge.

Our portrait session started at 1pm and ended with a Show 'n Tell at 4pm. I'm glad for the chance to have done three sketches in this time.

"Elk Lake Reeds" oil on stretched canvas 16 x 20

2011-11-19T07:45:00.001-08:00

First a small thumbnail sketch done in pencil on scrap paper (why waste) to work out the composition.

Something bothered me though. After breaking it down to the essential shapes I realised that I had to lose the boathouse because the composition was getting too busy and I was in danger of getting two subjects in one, if you know what I mean.

So I left out the rowing club and painted Elk Lake with the reed shapes alone.

Much better.

Click on the image to see an enlargement. Your opinion is welcome, is keeping it simple better? Click on the small white envelope below to email me direct. Or click on COMMENTS so that the others can see your thoughts too...the more diverse the opinions, the better.
Thanks

Ron

"Nefertiti" 8 x 10 oil on plywood

2011-11-15T18:20:00.001-08:00

What exquisite beauty. Hats off to the person who cast this ORIGINAL 3-D image, what good practice it is for a portrait painter!
I painted this on re-claimed wooden plywood.The cracks and fissures show, adding credibility to the rendering.
Click image to enlarge it.

Pencil practice - sketches of the art group

2011-11-12T16:38:00.001-08:00

I feel that the occasional doodle on paper is priceless - it not only sharpens your skills but your pencil aswell! Sketches bordering on caricature that I made at a weekly gathering of portrait painters at Goward House.

"Jim" 11 x 14 oil

2011-11-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

If it's Tuesday it must be Goward House. Our sitter today is Jim, ex-army, jovial, and at ease. You know the rule, if you sit for the dozen or so portrait artists for three hours at Goward House you get to take home the portrait of your choice free of charge. I was pleased when he chose mine, I lost a canvas but I gained much experience from the session. I was the winner here.

My thanks to Captain Bill McKechnie for the photograph.

"Classic Dinghy" oil sketch approx. 7x7 inches

2011-10-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

A clinker built dinghy is a classic. I saw this one at the Classic Boat Festival at the Inner Harbour in Victoria BC recently. Lots of brightwork on all sides.

"Fall, Beacon Hill Park's mayor's Grove" oil 8 x 10

2011-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain, rain but not a pain because the colours are soft and intense - ideal for painting. This is my favourite tree in the fall, I've painted it at least three times over the years. One can cope with the rain IF...

...if one can keep one's canvas from the wet drops. This sign board offered some protection and I erected my painting umbrella too. My blood is still too warm for the cold weather but I dressed in many layers! The oil sketch is available - please check Fine Art America http://ron-wilson.fineartamerica.com/ for the details.

"Superintendent Frank" oil 11 x 14

2011-10-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

Super Frank sat for about a dozen portrait painters at Goward House today. We spoke about how our respective families are blessed with what my folks called 'a Roman nose.' I think it's a sign of nobility but that's just an opinion... I can quite see this noble Caesar gazing out over his Legions of many soldiers!

"Bald Eagle" w/c pencil on gesso board 8 x 10

2011-10-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Franklin didn't think that the bald eagle was appropriate as an American national symbol.
Granted, although he thought the eagle was magnificent, he rather fancied the hard-working characteristics of the ... can you guess? Keith said the turkey. Thnx Keith, I also heard he liked the osprey: "Bald eagles are notorious for stealing fish from ospreys. In fact, this was one of the reasons why founding father Benjamin Franklin did not want the bald eagle to be America’s national symbol. Franklin thought the eagle was lazy because it would wait for the osprey to catch a fish, then harass the osprey in mid-air until the smaller raptor dropped its prize. "

But mostly the researchers agree that he fancied the turkey. Good one, buddy.

Fine Art America is now offering this original drawing and a number of prints for sale. Go to http://ron-wilson.fineartamerica.com/ for prices.

You can see a bigger version of the drawing if you click on the image above. Then press your BACK button to return, and it'll be great if you could leave me a response or ask a question - click on COMMENTS below. Or click on the tiny white envelope to send me an email.
Thanks

Ron

"Tom" Conte pencil on Robert Bateman paper

2011-10-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to be painting with the ALFS outdoors this morning but it rained cats and dogs, so I drew indoors instead.

A very patient Tom sat for me. We worked for forty minutes. Anyhow, I like this portrait not because it's good but because I see now that this jerky, rough way of drawing is unique - no one else I know draws like this. The style is mine, I have been doing it like this for thirty years or more - perhaps I'll post an earlier one some time - as a comparison.
I'm glad I have a STYLE - it's something one cannot force, it just comes with time.

Click Tom's image to see an enlargement, then (at the top right of the new window) click it off at the X to return here -- please drop me a line (click on "comments" below here) that'll be great!
Thanks,

Ron
Fortunately the pencil portrait kinda looks like Tom. Corry likes it.

When Sargent's sitters ever complained about their likenesses (it didn't often happen) he used to tease them by saying "you can always fix it when you get it home..."

"Pat Bay Berry Tree" oil 6 x 8

2011-10-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

I arrived late for the morning's paint-out with the Al Frescoes. Frank looked at his watch and said that I had 45 minutes to get my work done before Show 'n Tell time at noon!

So, liking a challenge, I went ahead and dashed off this lil' 6 x 8 in 42 minutes. Does it work? COMMENTS (see below) are invited.

"Alannah" oil 14 x11

2011-10-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

After a summer break I returned to the Goward House Portrait Painters to find the dozen or so artists in good form. Our sitter today sat very still yet I didn't think I got a good likeness after the three-hour session - you can't win 'em all, painting is a lot like golf, some times you miss, some times you are on par.
Anyhow, I was happy with my colors and brushwork even if I wasn't exactly accurate in my portrayal. So I went back after a couple weeks and re-painted her eyes. Still not an exact likeness but more pleasing than my first rendering ...

Click the painting for a bigger view. X it off your screen at rop right when you're done.

"High Wind at Cattle Point" oil 16 x 20

2011-09-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

I actually saw this bird (a female Brewer's Blackbird) clinging to a twig, facing into the wind just as a schooner was sailing by. I was struck by the scene and vowed to paint it just as it appeared on that windy wintery morning at Cattle Point, Victoria BC. According to Wikipedia, the Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) is a medium-sized New World blackbird, named after the ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer. (They like to be near water, feed on insects, and need not have to migrate).

If you click on the image you'll get a bigger view, then press your BACK button to return here.
Your COMMENT on the style and the mood of this piece is welcome (click the word COMMENTS below, or for a private and direct email to me, click on the tiny white envelope).

"Sunbeams Under the Sea" (Poster) acrylic

2011-09-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

My "Sunbeams" got third prize at the outdoor Gallery-by-the-Sea on the Fish Hut at the end of the Sidney Pier in BC. Nicceee....

"Dodge Truck" oils on canvas 8 x 10

2011-09-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

We came across this surviving Dodge truck on the quay at Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island. At a guess I would say that it dates back to the war years 1939-1945. If you know the actual year of manufacture, please let me know by clicking on COMMENT below and sending a message

. Thanks, Ron

"Sea Stacks" oils 20 x 24

2011-09-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

I learnt that the rocks of these vertical columns are firmer than the surrounding material, so, through the erosion process over thousands of years these sea stacks are formed. Anyway, they make excellent subjects for the artist. I found them on the coast of Washington State. I decided to render them with a looser approach than the style I usually employ.

If you click on the image you can see a larger view.

Your COMMENT is welcome

"Crows" acrylic 8 x 10

2011-09-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

"Crows" at Cridge Park in downtown Victoria BC. Plein air.

"Wild Sweetpeas" oil 11 x 14 plein air

2011-09-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wild sweetpeas paint the slopes of the Dallas Road Cliffs in Victoria.
It was a strange morning because fog rolled in and hid the horizon for at least forty minutes. Some artists packed up and left, others stood around and chatted until the weather cleared. And it did.
Click on the image for a bigger view then press your BACK button to return here, and leave a COMMENT if you will - feedback is welcome.

"Aubergine Specialty Foods" oil 8 x 10

2011-08-27T03:48:00.000-07:00

This painterly shop is in Fernwood, Victoria BC. Specialising in Canadian, South African and British fare, it sells fresh produce and coffees, biscuits, cereals, jams, and boerewors. It's in a trendy neighbourhood complete with a theatre, coffee shops and art galleries.

If you click on this image you'll see a bigger picture but afterwards use your BACK button to return here. COMMENTS are welcome.

Harpoon Rock photograph and painting

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is the actual photo I took after I had finished my two-hour painting. Next is the painting itself - "Harpoon Rock" at Harling Point in Victoria BC. Acrylic on canvas 8 x 10, painted en plein air.

I learnt that Harpoon Rock is an ERRATIC, dragged down to the seashore during the ice age some fifteen-thousand years ago! Not only that, the rock had religious significance to a local tribe.

This painting of mine suggests different things to different people. What do YOU see? I see a face or perhaps the rear of a bear:

Your COMMENT is encouraged.

"Cattle Point Revisted" oils 8 x 10

2011-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

"It's MY party and I'll cry if I wanna..." I was unhappy about my first rendering of this scene so I went back and changed it.

COMMENTS welcome...you can CLICK on the image to make it appear bigger.

2011-08-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Sketches from my BC tour.

If nothing else, grab whatever scene comes into view - whether it be something you see out of your window - like this scene while sailing on a BC ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert at the end of July 2011. I wasn't the only artist sketching on board, Laurie Collins from Australia was doing rapid watercolours from the stern. I can't show them here but they were very good.

You could try a shopping bag right before you.

Sometimes even an unsuspecting customer in the restaurant will do. (I DID show it to him upon completion but he pretended not to know who that gentleman was).

Lastly, copy a photograph from a magazine - remember to change it a lot so that you don't get accused of plagiarism.

I take a sketchbook just about everywhere I go - it's sometimes a relief from dragging a camera around.

"Wild Roses and Irises" acrylic, 6 x 8

2011-07-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

'Twas a dull morning at Government House in Victoria but I loved the complementary contrast between the irises and the yellow-green grass and I welcomed the chance of using my fast-drying acrylics again. The irises were dropped in by knife - they are taking longer to dry 'cos they're so thick!

Click the image to see a bigger picture then press your BACK button to return here.
COMMENTS encouraged.
Thanks, Ron

"Rhodos" oil 6 x 8

2011-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Rhodos

"McNeill Bay" (Trial Island) plein air oil 11 x 14

2011-07-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

Windy but good to be painting outdoors - a real bounty. That's the CanadianTrial Island lighthouse in the middle distance with the Olympic Mountains (a mile high) of the USA in the far distance. The Strait of Juan de Fuca lies between the two countries. Hi there, neighbours!

"Way to the Beach" oil 11 x 14

2011-07-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

These standing palms line the way to the beach at Kihei.

Sunlight, the sea and sand, they stand on guard for thee.

"Faye" 6 x 8 oil

2011-06-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Faye was our sitter at Goward House Portrait painters in Victoria BC today. First I did a face-on sketch in charcoal just to warm up (I won't show it here).

It is our last session before the Summer Break and everyone did very well ...

"Farm Fence - Saanich" oil 8 x 10

2011-06-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

I was drawn by the curving fence.

"Poppies and Wild Roses" (Saxe Point) oil on canvas board 6 x 8

2011-06-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Painting from my heart with no commercial agenda in mind, only deep respect for the medium and application. I love what I do, and hope you do too ...
First I sketched the scene on my blank white canvas using thinned Cadmium Red then applied the main colors with a broad brush, only hinting at detail, allowing some of the underpainting to show through.
I use water-soluble oils. Some call it water-mixable. I like the Grumbacher Max oils mostly but I also use COBRA from the Netherlands (watervermengbare olieverf) and ARTISAN by Winsor & Newton water-soluble oils too.

Click on the image to see a larger view then press your BACK button to return here. Your COMMENTS are always helpful to me.
Thanks
Ron

"Trish" pencil portrait 9 x 11

2011-06-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our sitter at Goward House this week was Trish. 2B graphite pencil on Robert Bateman bristol paper.

"Hillside Morning" oil on canvas mounted on Baltic plywood 6 x 8

2011-06-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Moss seems to gather on a remote stony outcrop, especially if the only passing traffic is the occasional deer. My friends always want to know where this is - well I'll give you a clue = Nanaimo on Vancouver island where I lived for a couple years.

"Saxe Point Musack" en plein air 11 x 14 oil on canvas board

2011-06-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Although the sun was shining on Vancouver Island this morning we were greeted by a chilly sea breeze - which was good 'cos it makes the tree bend al la Group of Seven and it was no problem to cheat the cold by throwing on a sweater. Following the sale of an earlier painting of mine which was done with juicy brushwork a little light went on in my mind - bing! So I went thick impasto today. 'Hope you like ...

"Marilyn" oil on watercolour paper 10 x 12

2011-06-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Firstly I sketched Marilyn's face with Conte pencil just to get the drawing done, then I wet the entire paper with ordinary kitchen cleaning spray. While the paper was wet I used a paper towel to wipe the whole paper down and started applying oils - (water-soluble oils).

I'd never done this before so beware if YOU try it.

Marilyn was our sitter at the Goward House Portrait Painters this week. The likeness isn't accurate - I was going for how I imagined Marilyn might FEEL inside ... so the painting is expressive rather than an accurate representation of who she really is. A different reality, if you like.

"Jess" 9 x 12 oil

2011-06-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Figure session at Goward House Portrait Painters last Tuesday.

"Japanese Lantern" 8 x 10 oil on canvas, Baltic ply

2011-06-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is my study in greys - a stone lantern about man-height at the bottom of the Glendale Gardens in Saanich, Vancouver Island. Painted en plein air, two-and-a-half hours in the wind and dust!

"Ken" 10 x 12 portrait with conte pencil and watercolor

2011-05-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today at Goward House one of our portrait painters (Ken) stood in for a sitter. Ken describes himself as a man who reaps what he sows ...

"Tranquil Twilight" oil on shellac'd Baltic Plywood 11 x 14

2011-05-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

As the sun goes down a peaceful twilight sets over the island shores. Colours become softer and warmer, a great time to paint if we're quick enough.

"Moonlight Over Astoria" oil 11 x 14 on Shellac Baltic Ply

2011-05-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

The bridge becomes the backdrop for the fishing vessel on chocks at Astoria USA, with the moon blazing through its superstructure. It is midnight.

Click on't for a bigger iamge, hit your BACK button to return here and leave me a COMMENT - thanks, Ron.

"John Curnow" oil sketch 11 x 14

2011-05-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

John Curnow (formerly of Cornwall) is our sitter at Goward House Portrait Painters today. Time allowed = three hours.

Click on his image to see a bigger picture then click your BACK button to return to this page.

Your COMMENT (see below) will be appreciated.

"Maurice" oil 6 x 8

2011-05-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

From a vast distance we can recognise a familiar person by his posture even before we're near enough to confirm that it IS he - the way he walks, stands or sits.

This is the attitudinal body language that painters of portraits seek. Here's Maurice, at ease with friends, sharing a bottle of wine on a Sunday evening.

"Ebb Tide, Cattle Point" oil 11 x 14 plein air

2011-05-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

A lot can happen in three hours - that's the time I had available to paint this oil at Cattle Point this morning. The tide was going out and at the end of the session this little bay was almost bereft of water. But when I got it home I saw that the composition was too cluttered so I simplified it and renamed it "Sails and Seagulls." Much better.

"Captain Dave" oil 11 x 14

2011-05-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

At Goward House our sitter is Captain David L. Myerscough - he sat extremely patient and still, which is most important to painters of portraits. Dave paid me the compliment of selecting my one from a host of wonderful paintings.
The rule - if you sit, you get to keep one to take home, no charge.
As usual, click on this image to see a bigger version then hit your BACK button to return here.

Also, your COMMENT (see the form below) is welcome.

"Caroline" portrait sketch 10 x 8

2011-05-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Our sitter today is Caroline - Ken had spotted her in a restaurant and told her about the Portrait Painters of Goward House - whoever sits patiently for the three hours is invited to select a portrait from the dozen or so painters to take home. Caroline chose Elfrida's painting - an excellent portrait. Above is mine.

Your COMMENT (click on't below) is welcome.

"Figurine" 8 x 10 oil

2011-04-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Still life for a change.

"Rusty Locomotive" oil 11 x 14

2011-04-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by old machines and wrecks, neglected and marooned. This sugarland train rusts away in Port Elizabeth - South Africa. That's the remains of a tender in front of the loco. What do you think of this alternative title "Sugarland Expess" - nice and ironic? COMMENTS are encouraged.

"Mallard - Beacon Hill Park" 11 x 14 oil on Raymar

2011-04-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Back to my beloved OILS again today - painting in Victoria's Beacon Hill Park en plein air alongside my buddy Ken Faulks. Glorious sunshine and chatting to passers-by such as Bart from Wisconson and several Al Frescoes painters. A wonderful morning. Click on this image to enlarge it then press your BACK button to return here. COMMENTS encouraged

"Sir James Douglas" pen and ink portrait

2011-03-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

The drawing reads better if you click on the image to enlarge it.
Then hit your BACK button to return here.

Old Cemeteries Society President Wilf Bruch (right) formally accepts the Douglas drawing from me

In March I donated this pen 'n ink portrait to the Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria. http://www.oldcem.bc.ca/about.htm
I did it in 1999 from a photograph of the one-time BC premier, the photograph was hanging in the BC Legislature in Victoria.
I have always wanted to draw faces of 'wanderers' - people who have been places, and their life-journeys are recorded like landscapes on their faces -- inner conflicts which have been met and mastered.
I sketch people just about anywhere - on a beach in Maui or at an airport; on a ferry, in the streets of the city. You're next!

"Molokini Crater from Ahihi Linau" acrylics 8 x 10

2011-03-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Th extinct volcano crater of Molokini lies at a distance - I was painting at Ahihi Linau in Maui with three other artists -- John Cosby, Jan Bushart and Jamie Roth. The sun caused diamonds on the water.

"Hawaiian Hibuscus" 6 x 8 acrylics

2011-03-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

This flambouyant beauty grows on the hedge of our rental cottage here in Maui, when I picked it and stuck it into a Polynesian ceramic bowl it said ALOHA to me!

"Palauea Beach, Maui" acrylic 9 x 12

2011-03-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

Today I painted out with a small group of plein air painters on Palauea Beach, Maui. I need to have my paintings dry enough to be packed in my suitcase so I worked in acrylics. With the warm temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit the painting dried instantly! I went for a nice long swim in the ocean afterwards.

"Molokini Crater, Maui" acrylics 9 x 12

2011-03-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

The Molokini crater of Maui is a sickle-moon shaped volcano crater sticking out of the ocean. Snorkelers sail there to marvel at the sea life. I am beach-bound and can only try to render the inherent strength and beauty of this region with simplicity and directness, my own personal echo to the vibe of the extinct force.

"Sunset, Makena Beach - Maui" 8 x 10 oil

2011-03-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Painted en plein air in Maui.
About an hour - I avoided looking directly at the sun setting over the ocean and I turned slightly to the right to paint this scene.

"Cane Field, Maui" 8 x 10 acrylics

2011-03-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

I'm laptopping you from a cottage a few miles away from this scene. As usual, please click on the painting to get a larger image, then use your BACK button to return here. COMMENTS are welcome!

"Lime Kiln Lighthouse, San Juan Island" acrylic 6 x 8

2011-02-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

I'm using my new acrylic paint - I find the paintings clean and almost graphic much like a poster illustration but I am still using the same definite swipe of brushstroke that I use in oils. There it is ... San Juan Island, USA.

"Island Wildflowers" acrylic 6 x 8

2011-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

California poppies make a great floral frontispiece for this rural tale here on the island. I like the tell-tale sign of an infrequently used roadway going between the posts - a farm path so little used that grass grows over its tracks! Nice - one has access but it's certainly no highway ... click on COMMENTS for your feedback.

"Kate" one-hour portrait sketch 6 x 8 oils

2011-02-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Tuesday afternoons is when a dozen or so portrait painters gather at Goward House to flex their likeness muscles! Today's model is simply "Kate."

"Cattle Point Pools" oils 6 x 8

2011-02-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

When the tide is out the foreshore is a tweendeck for exploration and wonder - revealing rocks, sand, marine and plant life. Twelve hours later the show is over until Nature's next performance.

"The Lavender Shed" oils 8 x 10

2011-02-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

Tucked away at the end of the lavender rows is the little shed where some of the prettier stalks are stored, pending buyers of the yet un-processed plants because most of the harvest goes for the making of a host of products ranging from soaps to essential oils. AHhhh...

I painted this in a swift broad brush style - click on't for a bigger view then hit your BACK button to return here - COMMENTS are encouraged. Thanks, Ron.

"Little Brown Pot" oil 11 x 14

2011-02-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

Artist Keith Campbell lent me the series of DVDs by Helen van Wyk who died in 1994 - in this still life from my kitchen I used many of the tips and principles from her TV series. I followed her classic European way of painting; using acrylic underpainting in greys, oil overpainting in colour, a composition of simple elements, soft edges, "whoop-si-doos" and a flourish of brushwork. I'd be interested in your COMMENTS please.

"Sunny Delight" oil 11 x 14

2011-02-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

A wee bit of sun does wonders for the soul. Blissful warmth finds its way into the cabin of the Washington State Ferry. Or MAYBE, she is thinking of Valentine's Day and the quiet joy it may bring ... you be the judge.

Click on't for a bigger image.
Please add a COMMENT.

"Wave watching at Holland Point" oil 11 x 14

2011-02-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

We have always had a fascination for the breaking wave. This is a gentle crash at Holland Point, Victoria BC.
Click on't for a bigger image.
Add your COMMENT please,
Thanks

Ron

"Inner Harbour Panorama" oil 14 x 24

2011-02-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

A Japanese visitor called the Morris Gallery in Victoria BC and asked for a painting that would show both the world-famous Empress Hotel AND the Legislature building in ONE painting.
Click on't for a BIGGER view.

"Urban Cup" Cafe - oil 12 x 12

2011-01-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

The Urban Cup Cafe is situated on Shelbourne Street, quite near to the Cedar Hill Cross Road in Victoria BC. The atmosphere is great - the cafe is frequented by seniors from the neighbourhood and students from UVic. The food is excellent and the prices are reasonable. The cafe is owned by Jeff whom I've painted here like a Manet figure behind the counter. I may have a little more to do on this rough sketch...your COMMENTS are invited. Click on the word COMMENTS below here.

Thanks,

Ron

"Metro Van" 8 x 10 oil on canvas mounted on Baltic plywood

2011-01-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

I saw this International Harvester Metro Van in the small vessel docks in Port Townsend USA while on a painting trip last year. It is probably a 1969 model but I'm not sure. Somebody help me out here.

Anyway the metro van was designed by Raymond Loewy who had also designed the Coke bottle, the aerodynamic Hupmobile and the Studebaker amongst other things - the van was used as a short haul multi-stop vehicle which could be used as a milk delivery van or even a mobile bar! I love it 'cos it's ugly/beautiful and I once owned a Hupp.

To start the New Year I am painting what I like, what's dear to me, and I'm painting this not for money but for me. Selfish but with great affection for the subject. My car friends tell me that's a 1959 Peugeot in the background...

"Little Falls" oil 6 x 8

2011-01-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

Painted with really thick impasto brush strokes, some little knife work, and a smudge with a deliberate finger!
This is an iconic view of the interior of British Columbia. Bold for 2011 ...

"Table Mountain" oil 24 x 30

2010-12-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

South Africa’s greatest icon. I can't explain the painting but I can talk about what it means to me:

The rocks of the foreground are the immediate issues facing the country but the tide, like life's ups and downs, ebbs and flows. Troubles come and go. The middle distance sea is calming, and the Cape Doctor spreads a mysterious futuristic cloth over the mountain. All highly symbolic for a dreamer like me, saying great things are possible now and in the future.

This is the view from Blaauwberg, similar to what Mr. Nelson must have seen on Robben Island. The mountain speaks not of politics, not of the Koi inhabitants, not of Van Riebeeck nor of Parliament – it speaks of all these and yet not of any one of them in particular. Like wisps of Time, we have spread our various cultures before it.

I first painted Table Mountain nearly fifty years ago, and several weeks ago Yvonne Katzin sent me her photo, making it possible for me to paint an up-to-date version in oil as regards the foreshore as it is now, and the ship approaching harbour. We are still arriving.

My Table Mountain is on stretched canvas, 24 x 30 inches, unframed. Basic price 1440 Canadian dollars, shipping is extra. I'd be grateful if you would forward the link below to anyone who may be interested in buying the painting. Home from home.

See Table Mountain at http://artist-ron-wilson.blogspot.com (You may have to cut and paste the link).

Tip: click on the image above to see an enlargement of the painting but afterwards do click your BACK button to return here.

Ronnie

"Salmon Creek" oil 11 x 14 on RayMar

2010-12-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

Small streams such as these can bring about the miracle of existence, not only for the salmon but for all.
This is on the Columbia Gorge in Oregon but it could be anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. The painting is as a result of my week-long painting trip down to Portland, back up the coast to Port Angeles and home to Victoria BC.

"Freighters off Port Angeles" 11 x 14

2010-12-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

Looking across the strait we can see the smoke of Port Angeles USA in the distance, over an hour away by ferry. The Strait of Juan de Fuca divides the US from Canada at this corner of the Pacific Northwest.

I liked this scene because of the mood, the mountains, and the way that the windlines in the sea emulate the clouds above the Olympics. Here's my prelim charcoal sketch:

If I do a preparatory sketch like this beforehand it helps me to decide whether the scene might make a reasonable painting or not. So it's worth it I think ...

"Centre for Plant Health" 8 x 10

2010-12-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

Quaint but true, it's where the Department of Agriculture takes care of plants here on Vancouver Island. I parked the car on a hill corner of East Saanich Road and Lowe Road. (That's the town of Sidney in the far distance).

First I did a quickie with medium- and dark felt pens, grouping the darks together.

This helps me to work things out before committing to canvas. It also saves time, I managed to paint the actual oil in little over an hour.

The nice thing about ART is that we may simplify - for instance, look at the photo below and see how an artist can exclude the wire fence -- if you compare my photo against my oil painting you'll see that I have taken a little artistic license!

The Centre for plant health, Saanichton, Vancouver island, Canada.

Thanks, Ron

"The Lookout" oils 11 x 14 en plein air

2010-12-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

Yowser! I forgot to pack brushes this morning, so when I got to Beacon Hill Park - I opened my pochade box to find nothing but tubes! Nudda. I decide to "paint" anyway - so I improvised with a cleaning rag and my palette knife! When I got it home I softened some of the hard edges with a finger and a broad brush. Cheating.

Once again the clouds were wonderful here on the Pacific Coast of Canada complete with sunny breaks over the Olympic mountains of Washington State in the distance. After 45 minutes of "painting" the rain came down but I was done by then.

I learnt two things: Bring brushes; you can cope with anything (and nothing) in art!

"Downtown Victoria" from Gonzales Observatory

2010-11-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

Seen from Gonzales Observatory, this is downtown Victoria in inclement weather - a narrow break in the clouds illuminates the taller buildings of this wonderful capital city of British Columbia.

Oils, 11 x 14 on RayMar canvas panel complete with a Melamine backing to avoid warping - soft hair brushes were used - five of 'em! (Different sizes).

"Boats at Seaside, USA" oil 11 x 14

2010-11-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

Boats coming in to berth at Seaside. In the background, random pilings of tidal buildings long since abandoned in this cute seaside hamlet on the Pacific Coast of America

"Gonzales Sideloader" oil 11 x 14

2010-11-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

It was really COLD up on Gonzales Hill this morning, but a Sideloader vessel passed by while we were painting obligingly giving us a focal point. Those are the Olympic mountains of the USA in the background - the dip in the mountains is where Hurricane Ridge is located, it's a mile above sea-level, so I'm told.

"Restful and Fragrant" oil 11 x 14

2010-11-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

The lavender farm in Sequim, Washington State. A place to meander and rest among the fragrant lavender rows.

"High Tide, MtDoug Beach" 8 x 10 oil

2010-11-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

Painted en plein air this morning, there's a bit of shine-back on this painting because of the amount of linseed oil that my Langnickels demand in order to get the strokes on the canvas. While a soft mongoose brush is a pleasure with which to work, one has to change one's way of applying paint! Dry-brush technique is out of the window ...

"Oranges Wedges" 6 x 8 oil sketch

2010-11-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

With my soft mongoose hair brush (no.8 again) I painted this small study using thick and juicy brush strokes.

Should you click on the image you'll see an enlargement, but press your BACK button to return here.

Thanks, Ron.

"Captain Bill McKechnie" oil 6 x 8

2010-11-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

Today as a guest I painted with the group of seven portrait painters at Goward House in Victoria BC. Captain McKechnie was once the master of the "Queen of the North" many years before it met its end. Nice, chatty fellow with a wonderful Scottish accent. Afterwards group leader Jim McFarland invited our sitter to choose a portrait to take home, much like the "Star Portraits" on television. Captain Bill chose mine which is great.

I used four brushes, two of them Langnickels - the smallest of which was a No.8 so the session was quite a challenge for me, trying to get the finicky detail in.

"Mount Baker from Cattle Point" oil 11 x 14 en plein air

2010-11-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Mount Baker looks great with side lighting and the challenge was to separate the snow-from-the-clouds-from-the-sky tones. Shaun Cunningham, a photographer with a good lens happened to be passing by and later he sent me his JPG of my scene as it is actually.

Shaun Cunningham's JPG of me painting in the wind at Cattle Point. the wind won, I had to stop play!

"Maple Bay Gem tree" 11 x 14 oil on RayMar board

2010-10-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

An Arbutus (Madrona) tree in Maple Bay, Vancouver Island. I was drawn by the gem-like appearance of the foliage and the boathouse tucked-around-the-corner .

"Seagull at Holland Point" oil 6 x 8 canvas on board

2010-10-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

Painted en plein air at Holland Point just a few feet to the left of the previous painting location (see below). I used my new Langnickel series 5590 brush again - it's extremely soft (made from Mongoose hair) but it gives a silky effect - I like to see brush marks in my work - I want to show confidence and even bravado!

And yes, the seagull was really there, I worked quickly to get him down on canvas. He stayed for at least ten minutes...

"Holland Point Cove" oils 11 x 14 plein air

2010-10-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

We are lucky to live in such a paradise, the sun came out, the sea was calm, so were we - sunny and calm. My lady love read a book whilst I painted - it took me an hour and twenty minutes to sketch this scene and I'm happy with it. I hope you are too ...

"Oak Bay Icon" oil 6 x 8

2010-10-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Painted at the re-opening of the United Church, Mitchell Street, Oak Bay.

"Stream, Michell's Farm" oils 11 x 14

2010-10-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

I saw this from a narrow road with no place to park, so I drove around to another field, parked, and began to paint from memory. The result is a simple composition with few distracting elements - lending some impact to the work I think.

"Rubin and Bo Sweep Clean" oils

2010-09-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Rubin is the name of Bo's horse. Bo has an immaculate farm called Hunt Valley Farm and I mean it is CLEAN. This is Bo sweeping Rubin's stable. I liked the halo on Rubin's head with light from the window.

Oil on stretched canvas 11 x 14. Click on the image for a close up look and hit your BACK button when you're done. Thanks for looking, Ron.

"Hunt Valley" oils 8 x 10

2010-09-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

From the stables at the Hunt Valley Farm in Central Saanich (Vancouver Island) one can look across the field to this white house with its steep-pitched upper roof line. Fog rolled in during this rainy morning, creating atmospheric perspective to the far trees.

"Expediter" study in greys 8 x 10

2010-09-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

It was a grey day at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club today. The Expediter was hauled out by the owner for power washing - decks and hull. The drapes are to prevent overspray during blustery conditions. The club had spent money on extra concrete and drainage to prevent the grunge from falling back into the water. Good one.

For me it is a challenge trying to separate the greys. I enjoyed it.

"Classic Refit, Port Townsend" 11 x 14 oil

2010-09-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

This Ship's carpenter (Chippie) is busy restoring the planking of the classic wooden boat hauled out in Port Townsend.

Times-Colonist September 14, 2010

2010-09-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

"Beaver Lake Reflections" oil 11 x 14

2010-09-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

I could tell (even before I had stopped the car) that this was going to be my scene to paint.

In spite of the overcast and drizzly conditions, many artists turned up here this morning.
The benefit of having other artists around is that you may get some advice - and Keith Hiscock was very kind in his appraisal - I took his hint and avoided the "soldiers-in-a-row" scoops in the left-hand water's edge by limiting them to one instead of three little bays. He told me that it often happens to him when he paints poles and trees - spaced apart at regular intervals - I didn't spot my fault until he was gracious enough to mention it to me in the most tactful means possible. Thanks Keith.

"Astoria haul Out" oil 11 x 14

2010-09-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Astoria is a quaint village on the border between Oregon and Washington, with an iconic steel bridge between the two states. There it is in the background.
I was stopped by the man who is dwarfed by the extremely heavy hull and of course the reflection in the water. The seagull shape repeats the V slings. This is the good vessel "Mary" hauled out.