first stab at oil painting…

i’ve been threatening to try oil painting for a while now, and have secretly been experimenting in my basement over the last few months.   the thing with oils is, well they’re a lot messier than pastels, believe it or not, and as such require a whole lot more cleanup time.  add to that the fact that i have two inquisitive children, one a 2 1/2 year old artist who would love nothing more than to squish oil paint and varnish between her toes, and you can see my need to keep things on the down-low.

so i thought i should post some results,  if for no other reason than to force myself headlong into the deep end.   there’s no turning back now.

– gordon

ps.  besides the cleanup time,  there’s an abundance of smell involved (some of it ain’t good).  anyone with an old stove vent to give away?

Camper, by Gordon Leverton

untitled, by Gordon Leverton 2009

untitled, by Gordon Leverton 2009

untitled, by Gordon Leverton 2009

untitled, by Gordon Leverton 2009

May news

Thanks to all who came out to my open house during the Southwest Hamilton Artists 10th annual studio tour. Despite the pouring rain and nasty winds, the turnout was amazing and the outpouring of positive vibes was fantastic! I hope to see you all throughout the summer and look forward to my next open house in December.

Thanks also to the person who donated 125 volunteer hours for my painting, “Rising High” at the first annual Hamilton Timeraiser. From all angles it looked like a great success and best of all many Hamilton and area charities will benefit.

June is a heavy month, kicking off the outdoor season with the Riverdale Art Walk in Jimmie Simpson Park, Toronto on June 6 and 7. This rain or shine event features close to one hundred juried fine artists and many local galleries throughout the Queen Street East district. And it’s free!

Art-2009 makes its debut at the Toronto Convention Centre on June 12, 13 and 14. This charity event, benefiting the Toronto Sick Kids Foundation will feature a plethora of cultural events, including live music, demonstrations and 300 visual artists from around the world! For more info check their website and look for me in Booth #1513.

The beautiful lakeside village of Bayfield, Ontario celebrates its annual Sail & Canvas weekend on June 20 & 21, 2009, kicking off the summer season with festival of artists, food, music and fun for all ages. Join me at Marten Arts Gallery on Main Street for the opening of my latest solo show “Paper Thin City” – Sat. June 20 from noon – 5pm.