Catherine Gillespie Paints

Marley

2012-02-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

This is Marley, and energetic little dog I see at the park, sweet natured and has a wonderful, bold personality.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard
$75

Avery

2012-02-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

This is my second painting of Avery, a Springer Spaniel in the creek where there is a wonderful dog walking park. It must have felt good on a summer day.

8x8" Oil on cotton panel

$95

Tia

2012-02-02T03:44:00.000-08:00

I saw Tia at the park the other day, and her winter coat is much darker that her summer coat as seen in this painting. Here she is swimming joyfully in Lake Ontario. She is a sweet dog who loves to dip her head into the water, and like most labs, is sure you have a treat for her.

6x6" Oil on gessoboard.

$75

Egret

2012-01-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

This is a painting I did for the the Reflections on Water Challenge at Daily Paintworks.
Because I haven't painted as much as I would like lately, I found myself struggling and being overly picky, which is what I would like to get away from.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard

Ruffled Feathers

2012-01-05T04:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

This little gull was basking in the sun in the Atlantic ocean about a year ago of Hilton Head, S.C. Birds are so appealing, and all the colours of nature are so harmonious. I guess that is why artists have been attracted to it since they depicted animals and their relationship to nature on cave walls millennia ago. I'm no exception.
I love the reflections in the water. I struggled with it for quite a while before I got was I was after.

6x6" Oil on cradled panel

$75 plus shipping

My Best Friend Jade

2011-12-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

I got Jade 7 years ago from another dog walker, who's client had brought her to Toronto from Mexico. She was 5 months old at the time. She was a street dog (puppy!) and already had battle scars from I would imagine was a rough environment - as you can see, part of her left ear is missing, although most people don't notice it., Despite this, she has a gentle nature (unless you are a squirrel!), and asks for cuddles from everyone she meets. She is a leaner.
I got her from April the dogwalker who had been fostering her. The woman who brought her back was unable to keep her, and April was charged with finding her a new home. She knew that I was "dogless"at the time having lost my previous dog Jessie about a year before. April told me she was special, and she certainly is. We are both lucky.
This is also a challenge from Daily Paintworks.

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

Not for Sale

Silver Coffee Pot

2011-12-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

This is an exercise in reflection, which I did for the Daily Paintworks Challenge. I love doing these challenges, and since I haven't painted as often as I would have liked this year, a good challenge is in order! This challenge was posted in July, so I am going to work my way through them, they all have merit.

It is a great artist's community, thank you Carol and David Marine.

8x8" oil on Raymar cotton panel

$125 + shipping

Antique Mug

2011-11-22T04:35:00.001-08:00

This is my contribution to a Daily Paintworks Challenge entitled Paint Your Mug. I actually don't drink out of this mug because it is from the late 1700's and it would cause me too much stress, but I have it in a cabinet and can see it any time I want.

I did this from a photo that I took using natural window light. I am going to do another version of it using a studio light and painting from "life", something I became more interested in when I took part in a Peggi Kroll Roberts workshop. (She is an amazing teacher!!)

6x6" Oil on gessoboard
NFS

Martini

2011-11-22T04:27:00.001-08:00

This is a commissioned (Thank you!) portrait of a beautiful spaniel named Martini.

8x10 Oil on canvas panel
Private collection

Ready to Go

2011-11-20T05:28:00.001-08:00

Really, it doesn't look like it is going to rush off any time soon! It was a placid, still morning, a great time to walk my dog Jade, and contemplate a nice little rowboat before having morning coffee.

5x7"
Oil on gessoboard
$75 & shipping

Sold

Sailing

2011-11-20T04:58:00.001-08:00

All summer I got to spend time at the dog park that backs onto Lake Ontario, where I walk dogs. I couldn't resist visually drinking in the lake and taking some photos. This is from one I took on my iphone! Love that thing!

There are several yacht and sailing clubs in the area, and they sail past the dog park all the time.

The colors of the lake change with the weather, and the blues seemed infinite.

5x7" Oil on Gessoboard
$75 & shipping

Rural Ohio Barn

2011-10-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

I recently drove to the town of Athens, Ohio to attend a fantastic Peggi Kroll Roberts workshop. I have such a love for the farming countryside, and it was a good thing that the road had very little traffic one early morning, as I screeched to sudden halts to photograph barns, and fields. Not a safe way to drive!!

Rural Ohio Barn

8x8" Oil on cradled birch panel

$135 & shipping

Best Day of Summer

2011-10-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

It was a spectacular summer. I walk dogs every day at an off leash park by Lake Ontario. There were a lot of lovely days when there was no rush to pile the dogs in the car and go home - we, dogs and people, were all happy to stay a little while longer and soak up the bliss of it all.

8x10" Oil on Cradled birch panel

$155 & shipping

Queen West Art Crawl

2011-09-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

I will be participating at the Queen West Art Crawl in Trinity Bellwoods Park on Queen St. W., Toronto this weekend Sept. 17&18.
I am in booth # E56.

Hope to see all my art friends there. Weather report is good!

Cheers,
Catherine

http://www.queenwestartcrawl.com/outdoor

Dufferin Continues

2011-09-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

This intersection in a busy Toronto thorough fair no longer exists; it was once a scenic, but time consuming jog in the road, which needed a sign to explain the direction to go. The whole construction job involved a lot of time, and I'm sure money, and it is now as straight as an arrow, and this sign is no longer necessary.

6x12" oil on cradled birch panel

$145

Those Eyes

2011-09-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

This is Picasso, I dog I see regularly when I am doing my dog walking gig. He is just gorgeous, and he has the most remarkable eyes. They are very dramatically outlined, but they have such a soft look. He was rescued from the streets in Costa Rica (I think!) and has a wonderful life with his Toronto family.

5x7" Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard

$75

Honey Harbour

2011-09-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

It's been such a long time since I posted, I barely remember how to do it! I have been on a forced hiatus, but I am pleased to finally have more time to paint. I meant this to be a much more productive summer, but you never know what is around the corner.
I did manage a visit to a friends cottage and had a relaxing time. Georgian Bay has been a favorite since my parents had a cottage there when I was a kid.
Honey Harbour is a lovely spot on the Bay, and you can't beat the Georgian Bay sunsets.

6x6" Oil on cradled birch panel

$80

Harley

2011-08-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is my dog walker friend Carolyn's best dog. He is an older boy, larger than your average black lab, and the sweetest natured dog, never does anything wrong, is always happy and has a warm greeting for everybody. I just love this guy.

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

$75 &shipping

Poppies

2011-08-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is my contribution for one of the Daily Paintworks Challenges. It had quite a few criteria including using only 3 colors plus white:Ultra Blue, Cad Yellow Med (or Lt), Cad Rd Lt, which I did, limiting painting time to one hour, I cheated on this, I think I took about an hour and a half, and use only three brush sizes (large, med and small), which I did. Also, the challenge calls for painting outside. Nope, didn't do that. Any gardener would know that poppies are a spring flower, so yes, this is from a photo. Also, the flowers around my neighbourhood are pretty sad and crispy looking. I went out with my camera to find some, but no success. At this point, I am just not a plein aire painter, and yes, it was too hot!!
I like the colors and the balance of light and dark values. I regard this as a useful exercise.

6x6"

Oil on gessoboard

NFS

Lawn Bowlers

2011-07-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I did for the annual Square Foot show at the AWOL Gallery in Toronto, which takes place August 5-21. Dashed down to the gallery today and made the deadline. Whew! I guess I am not the only last minute Nellie - the rules specify the painting must be dry!! All entries in the show are 12 x 12". Apparently it is very popular and I think there are about 500 paintings on display. I will be going to the opening on the 6th!

I really like the long shadows of the early summer evening, and the motion of the two bowlers. Quite a change from dogs!

12x12"

Oil on canvas
$225

At the Park

2011-07-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

I have seen this dog on several occasions at the park where I walk my dog and others, and I don't think I have seen her without the ball in her mouth. She was really game for posing for my camera too!

I am getting to be happy with my dog paintings - not fussing so much anymore (that's because I am always in a rush and have no patience!)

6x6"

Oil on cradled panel

$75

Old City Hall

2011-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is a view Toronto's Old City Hall framed by the modern buildings of the financial district.

The Old City Hall was built in 1899, and is currently used as a provincial court house. In the 1960's a new city hall was built, and there were plans to demolish the old building, but good sense prevailed, and it was preserved.

8x10" Oil on gessoboard

$110

Maple Leaf Over Lake Ontario

2011-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

6x6"
Oil on gessoboard

Sold

Simba

2011-06-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Simba is a handsome orange and white cat who belongs to a client of mine. He seemed to love posing!

5x7"

Oil on gessoboard
$75

Flower Arrangement

2011-06-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

I went to a Horse Expo last weekend, and this display was at the entrance to one of the show rings. I couldn't resist it! Made me want to move to the country!

5x10" oil on canvas
$125

Post Riverdale Art Walk

2011-06-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of my booth at the Riverdale Art Walk which took place June 4th & 5th.
I purposely included plenty of blue sky, because the first morning for about 3 hours there was a monumental storm taking place, with the most dramatic (and frightening!) thunder and lightening which was quite close I think given the noise level. I literally stood under the center of my tent, surrounded by unopened boxes of paintings, waiting for the rain to stop before I completed my arranging of paintings. There were drips here and there and I had to keep pushing out the pooled water at the corners of the tent roof to prevent it from collapsing. The sun came out in the afternoon, but the weather remained changeable on the Saturday, but Sunday was brilliantly sunny, and this photo was taken that day.

There are always improvements to be made, so at the next show I will have a new sign for my booth. Talk about the shoe makers (shoeless) kid, I was a professional sign maker, so I have no excuses!! I have some ideas though, so it will make it's debut at my next art show, the Queen West Art Crawl, which takes place September17th and 18th,

Despite the weather, it was a good show, and plenty of art fans came out. I had some good sales, and a lot of great feedback, and I made some very good contacts. This was my second year at this show, and I had a couple of people who made a point of seeing my new work! How wonderful, I have some collectors!! It is also great to see the creativity of so many wonderful artists. There were 116 artists displaying their work.
Very worth while, and a lot of fun!

Eggplant and Tomatos

2011-05-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the vegetable challenge in the Daily Paintworks challenge, and I will be bringing it to the art show this weekend, so it is doing double duty. So no, I haven't been goofing off! I quite like this one, fabric is a bit tricky. It is bigger than I normally paint, which is also a bit of an adjustment . You have to stand back further to see it.

10x 20" Oil on canvas
$385

Laughing Gull

2011-05-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what kind of gull this is, but I am told there are many kinds. This one I photographed on the beach in Hilton Head when I was at the wonderful Karin Jurick workshop last November. Just got around to painting it last week, and I will display it at my upcoming juried show, the Riverdale Art Walk in Toronto.

8x8" Oil on cradled birch panel

$110

Sunflowers

2011-05-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

I have been working to get ready for the Riverdale Art Walk which takes place this coming weekend, June 4th & 5th, and this is one of the paintings I will have on display. It is hot off the easel!

8x 10" Oil on canvas

$145

Good Mood

2011-05-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Boy it has been quite a while! I have been busy with a number of other non painting but necessary things. Some painting though, I am getting ready for my first outdoor art show of the year, the Riverdale Art Walk which takes place June 4th & 5th. Am I ready?? Yikes, no!!

I did this self portrait for the Daily Paintworks challenge. Really tough!! I wiped out my first version, and finally finished it.
I think the vegetable challenge will be easier!

My Best Side

2011-04-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the Daily Paintworks Chicken challenge. I love painting animals, and farm animals are among my favorites. I took a photo of this chicken on a farm out west. This critter seemed to be posing and showing me her best side. Really fun to paint!

6x6" Oil on gessoboard
$75 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Farm in August

2011-04-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

While I was painting this, I so wanted to be there. The hot sun, the chirping birds are still in my mind, and it seems like heaven to me.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard
$70 + shipping

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Countryside Late Afternoon

2011-04-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the Daily Paintworks challenge for last week. This is in Germany (thanks, Carol Marine!), but it looks like places I have seen in America and Canada.

This was fun to paint. I decided on giving it the late afternoon glow that I am so fond of. My inclination, too, when I am working from a photograph is to be too married to the photo image, and not take license with it. Here I tried to get away from that.

8x8" Oil on cradled birch panel

$110 plus shipping

catgillespie@gmail.com

Girl with Violin

2011-04-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

This is a study of a young woman at a Farmer's Market.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard
$65

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Riverdale Art Walk

2011-04-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased that I have been accepted again into the Riverdale Art Walk!

June 4 & 5 • 2011

The 13th Annual Riverdale Art Walk is a two day, juried fine art exhibition open to all. We showcase established and emerging artists in retail spaces, artists’ studios and in Jimmie Simpson Park. We select artists through an anonymous juried process that does not discriminate on any basis. The Riverdale Art Walk is the first outdoor show of the season and we continue to have the lowest participation fees in the outdoor arts festival circuit.

Saturday and Sunday
11am-6pm

This year I will buy my own tent!

Big Sky from a Small Back Yard

2011-04-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

This is the miraculous view on occasion when I am letting my dog out first thing on some summer mornings. I have painted this and a few other different morning images before, but I can't seem to get enough of them! I should live on the prairies where there is nothing but sky!

8x10" Oil on gessoboard
$125 + $15 shipping

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Still Morning

2011-03-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

A group of sailboats on a still summer morning.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

This painting is my contribution to the Daily Paintworks challenge to raise money for disaster relief in Japan. The starting bid is $50.

catgillespie@gmail.com

White Tureen

2011-03-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

This is for #7 of the Daily Paintworks Challenges. The idea was to paint a white object on a multicolored background using only primary and secondary colors, no black and no earth colors.

I chose this antique white tureen.

8x10 " Oil on gessoboard

catgillespie@gmail.com

Lincoln

2011-03-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is #6 of the Daily Paint Works Challenges. I am trying to incorporate everything that I have gleaned from this and others of these challenges, as well as the Peggi Kroll Roberts DVD's that I bought. Whew! It is like learning how to ride a horse: sit up straight, keep your heels down, knees on the saddle, don't flap your arms, don't lean forward. You get one thing right, and everything else is forgotten! To get everything into blissful harmony is my goal!

These challenges are invaluable, and I am so grateful for them.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Brass Teapot

2011-03-06T11:03:00.001-08:00

Challenge #4 from Daily Paintworks Challenge, and this one was hard and really took a lot of concentration, in that we were to mix new colors for each brush stroke. I cheated a bit, but I pretty much followed it, and used larger brushes, and I feel like I really accomplished something - to be quite a lot less fussy. It is so easy to over paint, and not know when to stop.
Also, I haven't done very many still lifes, and I have been meaning to paint this teapot for a long time!
I like this. I think it has vitality. This is such a valuable lesson, and it will become part of the way I paint. Thank you Carol Marine!

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

$75 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Sunny Side of the Street

2011-03-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

This is a little Scottish Terrier trotting along smartly with his owner on a beautiful Charleston S.C. autumn day.

I'm so pleased that my last little dog sold on Ebay, so much so that I am listing this one as well! It will be available for bidding at 8pm est. tonight.

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

Click Here to bid

Please contact me if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Zippo

2011-02-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

This week's Daily Paintworks Challenge is the classic Zippo lighter. The challenge was to use only burnt sienna, ultramarine blue and white. It really can create the illusion of more colors, even using only 2 plus white. A really nice stretching exercise for artists!

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

$70 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Waiting Game

2011-02-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

This little West Highland White terrier demonstrates her patience as she waits for her owner at a farmers market.

6x6" Oil on cradled panel

Sold

Please contact me if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Embracing Winter

2011-02-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

I gave up on being in denial about winter, so I went to a local skating rink or rather a skating trail that follows a path through woods. It was really beautiful. This young woman looked like she was born to it.

My pal Kathy Cousart introduced me to the art and teaching of Peggi Kroll Roberts, whose DVD's I have been watching. She believes that all artists can speak with their own voice if they learn and practice the fundamentals, starting with drawing skills. I was influenced by her mantra to mass in the large shapes, pay attention to the direction of the light, put the darks in first and then the rest of the values, and simplify. The fun and the joy of this art adventure is the learning and discovering of what your voice is.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard

$70 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Valentine Rose

2011-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is my contribution to the weekly Daily Paintworks Challenge. This is a great exercise not only in the painting itself, but painting subjects you would not normally tackle. I don't paint that many flowers, but this was fun.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard

Click to Bid

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Daily Painters Challenge

2011-02-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

This is a challenge which consisted of 8 - 10 minute paintings of some object (I chose an orange.) This is a very useful way for an artist to get to the basic shapes and tonal values of a subject.
You can see more of these challenges at Daily Paintworks.

Oil on 2 6x6" gessoboards

nfs

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Hay Bales

2011-02-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Summer in King Township, horse country north of Toronto.
5x7" Oil on gessoboard
nfs
Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.
catgillespie@gmail.com

Available on Ebay

2011-02-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

Flower Lady

Shore Birds

These two paintings were listed today on Ebay.
Click on the caption to check it out!
Thanks for looking!

Flower Lady

2011-02-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

Another of my denial of winter paintings. This lady sells flowers at a popular Toronto farmers market.

6x6" Oil on gessoboard
$75

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Old Car in Florida

2011-02-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

This is the first of a new painting challenge at Daily Paintworks. I was really missing Karin Jurick's challenge, so this is great, I love having a bit of a prodding. Have to come up with a better title next time!

5x7" Oil on gessoboard

$75 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Sunflower

2011-02-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is the winter of my discontent - so I decided to ignore it and paint something happy. Love this flower from my friend Barb's garden. It lives on in the seeds that are in the frozen ground just waiting for the warm soil to arrive.

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

SOLD

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

So Inviting

2011-01-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

I loved this doorway in Charleston, S.C. The terra cotta flower pots, the wrought iron, the stucco and the red door was so pleasant and inviting. I could have moved right in!

8x10" Oil on gessoboard

$145 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Treed!

2011-01-24T05:54:00.000-08:00

Kerry Blue Terrier Griffin is sure she will be able to entice the squirrel out of the tree!

8x10" Oil on gessoboard

Sold

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Moody Beach

2011-01-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

I am trying to do more figures, and children present more of a challenge since their proportions are so different than adults. This is from a photo taken by my father of me as a child at Moody Beach in Maine. The photo is black and white, so I had to imagine the colors.

8x10" Oil on gessoboard

Not for Sale

Please contact me you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Ebay Offerings January

2011-01-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

These paintings will be offered in an Ebay auction starting at 7:30 Friday January 21st. Click on the captions of each painting for more info. Thanks for looking!

Jade in High Park

2011-01-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

This is my dog Jade in Toronto's largest park, High Park. I edited out the fences that prevent her from chasing squirrels!

We are having a serious winter this year!

5x7" Oil on cradled panel

Not for sale

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Dark Bay Thoroughbred

2011-01-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

I love horses, and painting them. I find people more difficult, and it is my plan to focus on figures and faces. This took me ages to do, and I must have wiped the girl off the canvas half a dozen times before I was happy with her. Since attending the Karin Jurick workshop in November, I have been working on the lovely smooth surface of Ampersand Gessoboard, and transitioning back to canvas was tricky. I got used to it again after a while, but it is very different to work on in comparison to the gessoboard. There is a give to it, and it grabs the paint in a different way, and I had to use bristle brushes instead of softer brushes. It was definitely slower.

This is from the Royal Winter Fair 2010 in Toronto.

8x8" oil on canvas

$95 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catherinegillespie.blogspot.com

catgillespie@gmail.com

Shore Birds

2011-01-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

At last, back to some painting again. My flu is more or less gone, and I have some energy.

These little shore birds I saw at Hilton Head in November were fascinating to watch. They didn't keep still for a moment!

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

$70 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Ebay Offerings

2010-12-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

I have decided to sell paintings on ebay, so here goes. I just listed these paintings so if you would like to bid or have a look at the listing, click on the painting caption.

Bright Beginning

2010-12-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

This was from a photo taken at the 2010 Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Horse and handler were beautifully turned out (love that hat!), and they both seem so full of promise.

8x10" Oil on gessoboard
$125

Sold
Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet or horse portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Cooling Off

2010-12-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

This is Marshall, one of the dogs that I walk. In the summer time (nice memories) the dogs often take a dip in the creek.

I struggled with this one, but I'm happy with how it turned out.

6x6" Oil on gessoboard

$75 plus s&h
Sold

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Another Work Day

2010-11-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

I have been a horse lover all my life, and I noticed this one earning his keep shuttling tourists around in Charleston, S.C.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard

$85

catgillespie@gmail.com

Charleston Doorway

2010-11-25T05:34:00.000-08:00

A Yellow Lab waiting in the doorway of a Charleston, S.C. shop.

6x6" Oil on Gessoboard

$75 +s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Kind Eyes

2010-11-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

I saw this dog in a park in Charleston, S.C. and couldn't resist the sweet expression on her face. A lot of fun to paint. Sometimes the stars line up, and the paint flows out of my brush without much effort at all!

6x6"
Oil on gessoboard
$75

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.
catgillespie@gmail.com

Early Morning Creekside

2010-11-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

This was a lovely morning scene outside Charleston, S.C.

5x7" Oil on gessoboard

$75 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Lone Bird

2010-11-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

This is a painting I did before I went on my Karin Jurick workshop adventure. I finished it off yesterday.

6x6" Oil on cradled panel

$70 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Afternoon in Paradise

2010-11-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

This another painting from the Karin Jurick workshop. This little guy was having a blissful stroll with his owner.

6x6"

Oil on gessoboard

$75

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Back from Hilton Head

2010-11-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

I am back from the Karin Jurick workshop in Hilton Head, S.C, but my feet have not quite touched the ground.
It was truly an inspiring and exciting experience, and I met a fine bunch of creative people in my class. There were 17 of us all together.
Karin did demos, gave us lots of sage advice and critiqued our work. We worked from photos that we took ourselves.
The painting posted here was the exception - Karin supplied a photo to us all on the first day, and this is the result. All were so different, even though we were painting the same subject.

I think every experience such as this will change how I paint. That is the nature of growth. I will take away a bunch of things that I learned and incorporate them into the artist that I already am.
I used a totally different palette of exciting colours, and I will continue to work with them, and different brushes and supports. The journey continues...

Pink Lady
8x10 Oil on gessoboard
Not for sale

Workshop travel and Little Art Show

2010-10-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

There are two upcoming events about which I am very excited.

The first is a workshop being held by artist extrordinaire Karin Jurick.This is going to be amazing. It is taking place in Hilton Head, South Carolina for five days. I am so looking forward to meeting other artists. There will be nineteen of us, and we will be working in the studio for half the day, and photographing subjects for the rest of it. We will be attending an art gallery soiree at one of Karin's representing galleries. And of course socializing, bike riding and maybe even some swimming! I am planning to add a few days and visit Savannah, Georgia, and some more artsy stuff in Charleston, S.C.

The Little Art Show is a fund raiser for the Artist's Network, a group that I belong to. They help artist's career development, have shows such as the Riverdale Artwalk and business seminars. This will be it's ninth annual silent auction, and I have donated a "little" painting. There are over 100 small art pieces starting at $80 and none over 8X10".

Crazy Mouse II - my contribution

Linden Leaves

2010-10-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

6x6" Oil on cradled panel
$70 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Carousel Horse 2

2010-10-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Another old fashioned carousel horse seen at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto in August.

8x10" Oil on canvas
$145 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Sumac

2010-10-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

Some of the most spectacular fall colours come from sumac trees. I see them in the fields where I walk dogs, and they at their peak right now. I tried to bring some sumac leaves to my studio, but they didn't last, so I photographed some trees to paint instead.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Here is a photo of a sumac in full fall beauty.

Maple Leafs

2010-10-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

I though I would have a warmer background in this one.

6x8"

Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85 & s+h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.
catgillespie@gmail.com

Maple Leaf 2010

2010-10-05T03:43:00.000-07:00

This is the colourful season in southern Ontario. Various leaves make wonderful little still lifes. I see these as I walk dogs in fields, and I can't resist bringing them home. Imagine 6 dogs on leashes and a handful of delicate leaves!

6x8" Oil on cotton panel
$85 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Holiday

2010-09-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

I asked Holiday's owner how he named her. He said that it was after a character in an old western TV show (I believe it was in black and white, it is that old!) called Gunsmoke. There was a character called Doc Holiday. Anyway Holiday the dog is a very sweet natured and cute girl.

6"x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85 + s&h

Swing Tower

2010-09-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

This is another image from the 2010 Canadian National Exhibition or the "Ex". There is something kind of surreal about these people gliding through the air at twilight. I really love this time of day, and how this almost silhouette creates a graphic image.

8x16" Oil on canvas
$265+ s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Queen West Art Crawl

2010-09-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

This was my first year at the Queen West Art Crawl, a very popular Art Festival in Toronto.

I was in the weekend art show at Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto. It was a beautiful weekend, and the crowds were great. Toronto is truly a city that loves the arts and culture.

I was very happy to sell a number of paintings, and got a lot of positive comments.

I met a number of artists who were all very friendly and helpful, and I hope to see them again.
I look forward to participating next year!

Crazy Mouse II

2010-09-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

I went to the midway at the "Ex" again this year, and I couldn't resist photographing the "Crazy Mouse" ride. Of course I would never actually go on this or most of the rides being a class A chicken. I did sample the cuisine of course. This year it was a corn dog (foot long which I couldn't finish), Tiny Tom's donuts and an ice cream cone. Perfection!

I really love the graphic elements of the rides and how they can be isolated against the fabulous blue of the sky, and just a bit of cloud for some texture.

8x10" Oil on canvas

Sold

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Dog Walker

2010-09-11T04:54:00.000-07:00

A dog and his person walks through a park on a sunny fall day.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85 + S&H

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Two Small Boats

2010-08-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Two small boats in the early morning at my friends' cottage at a Muskoka lake.

6x6" Oil on cradled panel
$70 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Red and Green

2010-08-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Back lighting is one of my favorite light effects of the sun. I discovered it when I did a lot of photography in bygone years.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel
$85 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Spa Window

2010-08-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am working a bit more with figures, and I loved these two ladies looking into the window of this spa. I like their hats, and how they are positioned in the composition.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel
$85 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

At the Horse Show

2010-08-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

This dog seems happy to be at his owners side.

6x6" Oil on gessoed masonite
$70 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Gaia

2010-08-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

This is my neighbours cat, who I occasionally feed when her owners go on weekends away in the summer. She is very sweet natured, and has the most beautiful green eyes.

I am attending a Karin Jurick workshop this November, and she recommended Ampersand Gessoboards, which I used for the first time with this piece. It has a smooth surface that has enough tooth to grab the the oil paint nicely. I also like the idea of not spending time prepping masonite myself. More time to paint!

5x7" Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard

$70 + S&H

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

High Park Early Fall 2

2010-08-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

This scene is in a from a Toronto park in early fall. It is easy to forget that you are in Canada's largest city while in High Park.

8x10" Oil on Raymar cotton panel $110 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Muskoka Canoe

2010-08-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

Another magical moment on a July morning at Lake Muskoka. A canoeist finishes her morning paddle.
I was really interested, as I always seem to be, in the sky.

6x12" Oil on cradled birch panel.

$149 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or if you would like to commission a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com

Afternoon Ride

2010-08-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

Cyclist enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the bicycle trail near Lake Ontario.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85

Two Swans

2010-07-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

Two swans feeding on Lake Ontario. Every once in a while they stretch their heads down to the lake floor, so all you can see is their bottoms in the air. So cute! They are lovely majestic animals.

6x6" Oil on cradled panel

$70
Sold

Muskoka Morning

2010-07-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is a quintessential cottage country early morning when the sun is just about to burst into the new day. It is peaceful and still, and full of promise.

6x6 Oil on cradled panel

$70
Sold

Maggie and Newman Go to the Park

2010-07-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

These are two little dogs that I walk daily. They love to ride shotgun in my car till we get to the dog park. Maggie is a West Highland White Terrier and Newman is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel
$85 + s&h

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting or if you would like info on commissioning a pet portrait.

catgillespie@gmail.com
catherinegillespie.com

Three Sailboats

2010-07-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

An early morning scene at a sailing club in on Lake Ontario. This is part of a series in which I was exploring brushstrokes and colours to depict reflections, and I continue to be fascinated with skies.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel
$85

Available at my Etsy store.

Stillness

2010-07-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Morning is my favorite time of day. I just loved playing with these brush strokes, and the reflections in the water.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85

Available at my Etsy store

Sailboats with Birds

2010-07-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

This was a very still morning in Toronto harbour, and birds sat on the breakwater.

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85

This painting is available at my Etsy store.

Compliments

2010-07-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Haven't done much in the way of still life, but these orange beauties inspired me. A theme, maybe...?

6x8" Oil on Raymar cotton panel

$85
Sold

Maya

2010-06-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Maya finished.

A friend of mine, Caroline, another dog walker, walks Maya every day.
Maya often sits before me, giving me her most appealing smile, in the hopes that I will give her a cookie!
Another story about Maya to come...

6x8" Oil on Raymar panel

$85
Sold

On the Easel Today

2010-06-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

This is a sequence of photos of how I often work.In the first photo, I have divided the reference photo into a grid of 4, and then sketched in onto the panel in charcoal.

In the second photo, you can see I have sketched in the image using thinned oil paint which is a combination of burnt sienna, and ultramarine blue.
The dog has started to take shape, and I will finish the painting off later today.

Avery

2010-06-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

Avery is a Springer Spaniel I see on my dog walks. She was chillin' in the creek. I'm told she has collections of things in a special spot in the basement of her people's house. You know, sticks, tennis balls, and various dog toys.

6x6" Oil on masonite
$70
Sold

Back Door Sunrise 2

2010-06-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Another brilliant sunrise that I saw as I let Jade out into the back yard.

16x16" Oil on canvas

Queen and Dufferin

2010-06-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is a corner of Toronto where a lot of construction is taking place (one of the areas of Toronto where a lot of construction is going on!). The road is being straightened out, and it will be much easier to go north and south on Dufferin.

4x8" Oil on canvas
Sold

On Deck

2010-06-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

I just love the curves of horses, especially the athletic dressage horse. This is at a dressage show in Palm Beach in Florida.

6x8" Oil on cotton panel