Robyn

  10x12" on masonite, oil.

I'm calling this done. I'll experiment with my next portrait. This one needs to be dried and framed in time for her birthday.
As a side note, what I like best about this portrait is that it is a total contrast to what my niece is usually like. She's a chatter box and has a constant smile on her face. This one moment is one of those rare times she's not that.

Figure drawing at the TSA

Another sketching session at the Toronto School of Art. I thought I'd continue doing the three hour pose as I did last week. However, tonight's model was a fidgeter and it was quite frustrating trying to get her down on paper. I actually found sketching one of my fellow sketchers to be more productive (the top page).

Fortunately, in the short pose room, there was an awesome model and she salvaged the night for me. I did this 20 min. sketch as the last one for the night. Apparently she'll be the long model pose next week.... I'm there!

sketching at Venezia Bakery

It's been a while since I've been to Venezia Bakery on Ossington. The last sketch of the Bakery can be seen here (WOW! that was 6 years ago!). It's one of the last few hold outs on this strip where posh, hipster cafes, bars and galleries have taken over. It's run by an older Portuguese couple and they have definitely made their presence known in the shop. The lady of the business is loud, shrill and friendly and talks to her Portuguese clientele without paying heed to how long the line up is… that's what her daughter is for. I loved it and actually got a pat on the back from her when I was drawing this. I'll be sure to visit again.

sketchbook

I saw the gentleman on the left and he had a great nose. A nose with a lot of character. I had to put that down on paper.