November Cumuli

There were more than one cumulus clouds in the western sky and this explains the title for this skyscape. As I painted some became vigourous enough to produce snow flurries. As the air mass became more unstable the winds aloft were brought to the surface and once again my hands got very cold. The wind also rippled the surface which was perfectly calm when I started. It was cloudy by the time I finished.
 

First Snow on New Ice

It was cloudy and cool with snow pellets showers and a few true snow flurries. This was the first snow of the season at Singleton Lake although nearby areas had measurable snow a few days before. I was interested in how the snow formed patterns on the new ice. As I painted I noticed that the patterns changed dramatically. I think the snow melted into the ice and as it did, the patches of white snow blended into the darker swirls in the new ice. The change is quite dramatic when one is looking at the images below separated by maybe an hour. When one is in "the zone" and busy painting this dramatic change was only noticed because I couldn't seem to get the drawing "right".

A flock of red polls came by as did an immature bald eagle.
 

First Ice, Nov 27

The sun was still low on the southeastern horizon and there was no wind - it was looking like a beautiful morning. I wanted to record how the first thin sheet of ice looked in the morning light. The current in Jim Day Rapids would always keep the central portion ice free. I will let you be the judge if the painting was successful.

Flocks of geese, mallards and mergansers kept me company. I had to put gloves on because a breeze developed and I just can't take the wind chill anymore! The temperature wasn't even that cold at minus 4 Celsius but my hands still got very cold. The wind chill was a real motivator not to overwork the painting.

Getting Organized - well sort of...

Before I head out to paint this morning I thought I should get at least a bit organized. Blogs are great but details on courses and presentations soon get buried deep in the list. I decided to make a page on my "Official Chadwick Art House" site devoted to "Courses Only" and "Coming Events". If one follows the new link  at the top of "Phil's Links" you will be directed to that new page which I will keep current - mainly so I can stay organized myself.

Here is a work in progress from sunset a few evenings ago...

1965-2015 Canada Celebrates 50 Years of Our Flag

I have been truly honoured with the commission to produce a 4x6 foot canvas to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Our Canadian Flag. There will be a minimum of 7500 prints reproduced, signed and numbered by me - wow. The talented organizers of the "Flag Project" really think big! I will leave it for them to identify themselves in the coming days and weeks. Corporate sponsors are being contacted as well. Brockville may become identified as the birthplace of the Canadian Flag - and rightfully so. John Matheson is well known to be the architect behind the successful committee that unanimously selected the design of the flag. Imagine what a challenge that would have been! I have met with John who has thrown his whole support behind the project. An official Flag Project Website will be launched soon.

John with his copy of my art book.

John with his Order of Canada holding his own book "Canada's Flag"

Wilson Street Studio Art Retreats 2013

I have just spent the weekend touring the wine country of "The County" - a blast! Prince Edward County have reinvented themselves as the destination for lovers of vino, vistas and food. Thus it is a perfect place for artists. I scouted some painting locations and found enough material for three weeks of painting - more than enough for 3 days. I didn't have to look very hard!

Keith and Helen of Wilson Street Studio are organizing the Art Retreat and I expect it will be more fun than we could dare to imagine. I am scheduling some fair weather so please give this Art Retreat some consideration. Here is the official invitation. Come to the County and let's paint!

Thursday May 16 to Sunday May 19, 2013
Join Phil at this three-day Art Retreat in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada.

Phil's Post Impressionist style is strongly suited to capturing the farms, fields, small towns and rivers of the County. Your three days in the resort begins Thursday evening, after check in, with an orientation session and a discussion about locations, style and the art of plein air painting.

We stay in a "country inn", a former schoolhouse in the south of the County. From there we move out each day to capture the blossoming of spring in the villages and countryside. For more information, click the following link to head to the Wilson Street Studio website.

http://www.wilsonstreetstudios.com/workshops-classes-and-retreats.html

Space is limited, so don't wait too long to book your spot.

Thousand Islands Fine Arts Association _ Workshop

I have been asked to conduct a presentation and workshop for the Thousand Islands Arts Association. It will be fun and I am quite looking forward to getting back to some art ... from the meteorology of Sandy and other storms... It has been opened to non TIFAA members. Please contact the President Belia Brandow through the above link or at  http://www.explorethearch.ca/arts-on-the-arch/galleriesvenues/thousand-islands-fine-art-association  
By the way the weather next Thursday looks spectacular under a northeast to southwest ridge of high pressure. Winds will be light westerly and skies should be mainly sunny. The temperatures will be up to plus 7 Celsius but the sun will make it feel warmer...

The details follow:

Hello TIFAA members. We have opened up the workshop to non TIFAA members for a cost of $15.00. There is no charge for members . Please let me know ASAP if you are bringing a guest. You do not need to bring painting supplies as the day will be presentations, demonstrations and discussions. You can however print a landscape painting if you wish ( preferably a plein air ) and Phil will attempt to apply his “CSI” knowledge . Hopefully we will have time for 2-3 paintings. This will be fun and a great learning experience .

Workshop : Presentation/ discussion and demonstration by Phil Chadwick the Weather Forecaster and Artist. Phil’s presentation will be of interest to all fine artists.

Date: Thursday November 22/ 2012

Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m.

Place: Mallorytown Community Centre

Agenda:

10:00 am -12 :00 – Tom Thomson presentation and discussion

12:00 - 1:00 – LUNCH - Please bring your own lunch * – coffee ,tea will be provided

1:00 – 3:00 Phil’s artist Journey and his new book “ The Passion of Phil the Forecaster “ recently published Sept. 24 /2012

You can get a preview of Phil’s work at http://www.blurb.ca/bookstore/detail/3574328

Phil has also written the “ Weather of Ontario” published by Lone Pine. It is found in many book stores and at Home Hardware in Brockville

How does Your painting “weather” the CSI critique. Hopefully we will have time for 2-3 paintings.

*P.S. The newly renovated restaurant in Mallorytown is now open and you can also get great subs at Purcell’s.