Two New Naive Escapist Folk Art Paintings

I don't know why I have this need for pleasurable things outside my immediate experience right now. I keep picturing beaches, and secret city places, and good food and wine. Perhaps I have a real need for a holiday.

In any case, these are my two latest paintings. Both have some relationship to food, and definitely gave me a warm glow as I painted them.

No explanation for the missing diners in the park. I leave that entirely to your imagination. But it's certain the pigeon is in for a nice little snack.




"Perfect Plaza" New Urban Primitive Folk Painting



We all have our favorite places to unwind.  For me, it's always been al fresco meals, soaking up some sun and feeling part of nature as I eat my Bruschetta. Even coffee doesn't taste as good as it does when you're outside in the fresh air.

We were very excited when our local city planners  began construction of a walking plaza here.  They blocked off each end of the main thoroughfare - a small street of shops that had little attraction because we have a hugely popular indoor mall a block over - and new signs appeared diverting traffic to a linking road. We patiently lived through the constant sound of road-building -- the whole area was being resurfaced -- because we were going to have a little oasis at the end, a perfect pedestrian mall, outside.

The construction guys finished and moved out and we curiously wandered into the area. There were now lots of benches along the sides (although we were puzzled by the new sidewalks). There were some trees, planters filled with flowers, but then we saw that there were traffic lights at each end of the block, and that a very small amount of cars still used the road.

The Powers-That-Be had decided to allow vehicles through our pedestrian mall. Store owners and others with business in the area had made a fuss and were permitted access by car. The whole thing had been a huge mirage. We had been duped. The only things that changed were the addition of more plant life, and a reduction in the amount of traffic.

So my painting this week is my idea of a perfect plaza, one where you can sit in quiet contemplation, or have a snack, do a little shopping, and not be overpowered by noise and bad air quality.

These places are common in Britain. Almost every small town has turned its high street into a car-free zone. We don't seem able to get it right. Of course, I still have hope that Council will reconsider our re-vamped street. Obviously reducing traffic has some benefit, but we deserve more. We are not all genetically attached to the car.

See you next time.

"The Neighbourhood" Primitive Urban Folk Art

While I'm in busy little people mode, following my antique store painting last week, I've produced another one. This is really familiar territory for me. Toronto (and most cities) have  little enclaves like this one, and I was comfortable walking around at all hours, and I didn't have to don proper clothes or fuss with my hair before I stepped out.

I used to live in a neighborhood just like this. It was just one corner, but it had everything you could want, all within a few steps of home. It’s much quieter where I am now. I miss that old hustle and bustle. Guess I could always go to the local mall, but it isn’t the same…

Don't forget to support local art, wherever you find it. And never be afraid to buy something you love. If the artist is unknown, all the better. You could be the first on the bandwagon. Art shouldn't intimidate, or make you feel you don't know enough about technique or style. It should jump out at you the moment you see it - grab your attention. That way you know it will always give you pleasure, right there on your own wall. And you'll never regret that cash outlay as the years pass. (I spent my electricity bill money on a lovely landscape once. I don't have any memory of finding the cash to pay the bill, but I managed to keep the lights on. And I still have the wonderful painting.)

See you next time.

"Country Antique Store" - Latest Original Primitive Figurative Folk Art Painting

I had so much fun painting this. I love antiques, have far too many pieces, small and large,  to make my regular overseas travels practical (I take everything with me, each trip) but can't help myself.

The prospect of discovering a little country shop full of history and atmosphere is almost mouth-watering. When we spot one, my pulses quicken as we park the car, even faster as we reach the door. I know I'm doomed as soon as I cross the threshold. At least one more thing to add to my chattels... But what a way to go.

So this painting is my idea of the delights of the antique hunt. It's better than the garden center in spring (by a tad), better than a quilters' sale, a used book store, or discovering a courtyard cafe that few know about.



I just wish I was a better photographer. I rarely get all my pictures unfuzzed. Out of four or five shots, only one or two will be truly crisp. On my original, that little sign in front of the dog is totally readable! At least buyers aren't disappointed when they receive my work. It seems they look so much better in the flesh, so to speak. Any tips?

Winter and Summer Folk Art Paintings



"Storm Home"
From a story by Garrison Keillor
Acrylic on 10 x 8 Stretched Canvas

 Until this week, I can't recall hearing the name Garrison Keillor, when someone commissioned a small painting based on one of his stories from his radio program "A Prairie Home Companion". The picture is my interpretation of "Storm Home", one of his delightfully-recounted memories of life in Minnesota when he was a kid. I had no trouble with the winter scene, of course, having lived through enough of them in Canada.

I haven't listened to radio in decades, so it figures I couldn't have heard his show, but I'm surprised I haven't heard of him, the man. He's a prolific writer, often controversial, but listening to his "down comforter" voice is better than any meditational practice I can think of.

"Provencal Morning"
Acrylic on 8 x 10 Stretched Canvas

I was feeling particularly clear-headed and positive when I painted "Provencal Morning". Minimalism, Spartanism -  neither is appealing to me most days (I am always surrounded by my own and others' art along with irresistable bric-a-brac) - but living in an abbey with a view like this, just for a little while, I could easily tolerate those bare, stone walls. (Hard to get a nail into them anyway, right?)

So this is my imaginary "Provencal Morning". I've been to Paris, but not to this beautiful area, and all my fantasies about it are based on Peter Mayle's book, "A Year in Provence", and his follow-up work. But I lived and breathed it for a while, researching the property market, looking for the perfect restorable gite, boring my friends with the subject, until life caught up with me and I bought yet another house locally.

I have a thing about houses...did I say?

More Than a Little Craziness in Most Artists

Most artists are a bit strange. I mean, why are we compelled to create when there is just a slim chance of selling our work, and almost no chance of being paid for the hours we spend on each project? This applies to painting, and to writing...and acting, dancing, singing, stand-up, and all the other wonderful things that the creative world offers.

So this week's production is definitely a bit odd. Gran rushed into my head for a few days, and then I needed my favorite view of the sea. When Gran comes a-calling, you know I'm in the nuts zone.

Hope you like them.



"Shabby Shutters III"
Acrylic on 10 x 8 Stretched Canvas

(Yes, it's the third one I've done of this approximate image. I just love shutters.)

"Gran's Dude Ranch"
Acrylic on 10 x 8 Flat Panel



"Gran on a Wire"
Acrylic on 8 x 10 Flat Panel



"Gran and the Van"
Acrylic on 10 x 8 Stretched Canvas

As my beloved Seal once sang, "And we're never gonna' survive...unless...we get a little Crazy
Open the  link. It says it all.


Valentine's Day Offering - Urban Folk Art

I finished "Courtyard Cafe" last night.

Looking at my work, you might conclude I'm a romantic. I don't think of myself this way; I'm pragmatic and analytical about love. Yet these images still come to me.

I guess there's just no hiding the inner self when you paint...




Acrylic on 10 x 8 Stretched Canvas (unframed)



Painting during a heat wave. Water, water, everywhere...

"Nearly Home"
Acrylic on 8 x 10 Stretched Canvas

Here are my latest offerings. As usual, subject matter is all over the place, although I did feel the need to include water in four of them. I wonder why? Maybe because of a couple of days when it was over 46 Celsius here in Sydney? (115 Fahrenheit!)

Let me know what you think.




"Beach Picnic"
Acrylic on 8 x 10 Stretched Canvas



"Sydney Harbour Sunset"
Acrylic on 10 x 8 Stretched Box Canvas

"Let It Rain"
Acrylic on 8 x 10 Stretched Canvas



"Old Red Boat II"
Acrylic on 10 x 8 Stretched Canvas

 Just finishing a courtyard cafe scene. That means the weather is just right again.