It's a rainy day

And I'm dreaming about going canoeing and camping, so I think that's what I'll paint today.


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Faster, looser, scribblier!

I've been experimenting with some different painting styles, which you can see in the photos.








Instead of being focused on heavy paint, strong colour, and the quality of light, these pieces are much more spontaneous and focused on having fun with the drawing.








I've really enjoyed working this way, but the important question is whether or not people would like to buy them. I guess the only way to find out is to do a bunch and send them to the galleries!

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I'll be at Raw Sugar Cafe this afternoon

C'mon down and enjoy a coffee and some art and Chinatownremix!

Cheers,
Marcel


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Climate Calling

Here's a call for artists to get out in front of the movement to save a liveable climate. I agree with this in general, although part of me asks why is always artists who need to work for free. We have a hard enough time as it is trying to make enough money to get by. Most of us quit because it's just possible to have a decent life and be an artist.

Instead of asking people to sacrifice more, and donate more (which we all need to do anyway) maybe there's a better way. A win-win somewhere where artists can get paid something, even if it's not a lot, for their work, and help promote a cause at the same time. (The solar and wind power industries have transformed themselves into win-win situations, so it can be done.)

Yes, this is the most important cause that any alive today will have to grapple with, but still there must be a way to bring change without relying on pure volunteerism. In the age of the internet and crowd sourcing and kickstarter.com, there must be a way to do that.

The other thing about this call for artists is that it's really a call for propaganda. Art that's specific to a cause, whatever that cause, that's trying to influence people, is propaganda. Art that isn't propaganda, is simpler. It tells the truth. Commercially viable art tells truths that aren't terribly inconvenient and doesn't ask people to change. Propaganda does that. I'm all for saving the climate, but let's not call it art, let's call it what it is: propaganda. That's fine by me. Propaganda can still be great, and rewarding to do artistically.

Maybe I'll keep thinking about that win-win thing.

New canoe

I'm trying out a bit of a different style, more focused on the drawing rather than the painting.



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Sketchy doodle time

Experimenting with a new paintings styles, but I need to doodle my way through some ideas until I find some that fit...



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Winter spring hockey

Just finished these:







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