Enjoying the local icebergs

My latest cartoon for the Northeast Avalon Times.

Python paintings

I posted these three Monty Python character portraits in the shop this evening.  These were posted last year but I realized the photos I took were terrible so I re-shot them tonight. Much better but they still seem a little bright.

They’ve been hanging in our TV room for a year-and-a-half. I’ll miss them if they sell (I’m a life-long Python fan), but I’d rather have the cash to buy more art supplies.

Then I can paint more Python portraits. :)

Sergeant Major
Oil on panel (framed)
8” x 8”


Mr. Creosote
Oil on panel (framed)
8” x 8”

Headmaster

Oil on panel (framed)

8” x 8”

Prop production line

Prop production is moving forward for the Nurse Jane show. Nearly 20 pieces so far... 15 or so to go.

When this is finished there will definitely be sculpting in my future... mucho fun.

Don’t forget your tickets!

Nurse Jane Goes To Hawaii

This is the show poster I designed for the next Nothing On Productions play opening at the end of the month. I don’t normally post design work on the blog but the director is my wife -- I think I’m contractually obligated.

As you might be able to tell from the poster design, I really wanted to make silkscreen posters for the show. Sadly, due to my complete lack of silkscreening equipment, training, experience and knowledge, I could not. Pixels it is.

Nurse Jane is a farce comedy and, if their previous shows are any indication, it will be a two-hour belly laugh. If you’re in St. John’s, check it out.

Here’s the blurb from the Arts and Culture Centre website (where, by chance, you can also purchase tickets):

"When Vivian Bliss, writer of Harlequin Romance novels, comes to spend a romantic weekend with respectably married school teacher Edgar Chisholm, she starts a train of events which involves all the classic elements of farce; confused identities, disguise, long lost relatives, ambushes, chases, and glorious mayhem. This entertaining farce in two acts by Allan Stratton, where every time the doorbell rings disaster walks in, is full of bright characters and situations that will keep you guessing and laughing till the curtain falls. 

"Nothing On Productions second project features Janet McDonald, Sharon King-Campbell, Glenn Gaulton, Chris Panting, Diana Jones, Rob Kean and Janet Edmonds. Directed by Janet O'Reilly and produced by Katherine Elliott, the show runs from May 31st to June 2nd."

Spring sun

Another dabbling in heavy textures and runny acrylics. Many layers of plaster, gesso, medium and paint.

Spring Sun 
Acrylic on canvas
20” x 16”

Thin air

I wanted to do some oil painting tonight but had no plan.

This is the end result.

More mad props

Some wonky bowls made of Das. Easy and fun to make.

Mad props

So I’m making props for my wife’s upcoming theatre production. There will be 30+ items including this figure.

They are supposed to be “amateurish”.

I believe I’ve met that standard.

Peter MacKay’s first job

My latest cartoon for the Northeast Avalon Times here in Newfoundland. If you’re in the neighbourhood, pick one up!

Shoals Squared in progress

I haven’t been painting much these past few weeks but I’ve been picking at this one. An extension, I suppose, of the Copper Shoals plaster painting a did a few months ago. No plaster here. Seems I’m currently obsessed with acrylics and masking tape.

I’ve been busy with a few graphic design jobs lately but when my plate clears a little I’ll be back at the paints.

Sky Squared

Messing around with acrylics and masking tape this afternoon. Spent more time taping than painting. This photo was taken outdoors and looks quite different than it looks indoors due to the metallic (silver) paint. Looks better outdoors. Maybe I’ll hang it on a tree in my front yard.

Sky Squared
Acrylic on canvas
12" x 12"

#twitterartexhibit Starts This Week

The 2nd annual Twitter Art Exhibit is taking place this week in Moss, Norway. Organized by David Sandum (@DavidSandum), the show has 328 participants from around the world (including myself). Looking forward to checking it out virtually, though I’d love to be there in person. Details and a complete list of participants can be found at David’s site.

Knuckleheads

Blue blasts

I had a yen to do more paint pouring and dripping like the Abstract Diversion piece I did last year.

Blue Blast, above, is 32” x 40”. Blue Blast 2, left, is 16” x 20”.

New favourite thing: string gel.

Will varnish these this afternoon and post them in the shop.

Paintings have left the building

Thank you to Vanessa and her sister Angie for their recent painting purchases! My walls are a bit more bare but my studio supplies are about to get a great boost. Celebrating with delivered pizza followed by paint and canvas shopping. And, given the holiday tomorrow, probably some late-night painting punctuated by beer.