Havana Rain

Havana Rain, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

Based on a photograph taken by my talented friend Louise on her recent trip to Havana, Cuba. I normally look to one of my photographs as a source when painting but this month I wasn't feeling particularly inspired by anything on hand. I remembered some amazing images that Louise had captured on her trip to Havana and I particularly loved her photograph of an afternoon rain storm on a street in the city. This image became the basis for my monthly contribution in a year of painting. Thanks Louise. Check out Louise's full Havana collection on flickr, you'll want to book a flight to Cuba soon after. See you in April.

"Havana Rain"
Oil on Masonite
9" x 12"

OK OK Diner

OK OK Diner a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

Painted from a photograph I took at a local diner in Leslieville. This is the same location where I took my Brunch Butts shot previously blogged on my website. I love the retro red leather stools, the overall vibe, and the warm sunlight at this place. Oh yeah, the food is pretty good too. It's definitely a great place to start your weekend. Check it out.

"OK OK Diner"
Oil on Masonite
9" x 12"

East Meets West

 

New Year's Resolution: Paint.

How I spent part of the first day of the new year. After years of procrastination, I thought I'd start the year off with a resolution to paint. I always liked art classes as a kid in school but never seemed to get around to trying my hand at oil painting as a grown-up. It felt good and I think I'll try for one painting a month in 2011 and see how that goes. One down, eleven to go.

"East Meets West" Oil on Masonite 9" x 12"

Not Lighthouse Hill

Not Lighthouse Hill, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I've decided to revisit oil painting after completing less than a handful of paintings in my lifetime. I dragged out my paints tonight which haven't seen daylight for about 10 years and found this almost finished oil painting (my apologies to Edward Hopper) from a night school course I took. My instructor at the time kept saying, "Use more paint" and "Quit thinking so much" so my goal is to make this a regular hobby, use gallons of paint and of course, think less. This could go either way.

12" x 16"
Oil on canvas board