26: Drawing Connections
Come see me at Scriptus & mini paintings
Hi friend,
It’s been a little bit since my last email. I have been quite busy working on a number of new pieces and planning for some events.
I have started removing the pages from a couple dedicated sketchbooks and will be making these original paintings and drawings available for purchase. I will share them via email with you first then posting on my store and social media. So, keep an eye on this space.
I have certainly missed the podcast. I really enjoyed my conversations with other artists and the introspective reflections on my journey. I haven’t ruled out releasing a few ad-hoc episodes so don’t unsubscribe or unfollow within your podcast player of choice.
One of the things I most excited about are the two events coming up in Toronto in the next few weeks. I will be attending a pen show know as Scriptus this Sunday. Then on November 30th, I will be at Gwartzman’s in an interactive event to showcase the Etchr line up of artist sketchbooks and tools, but more on that in a future email.
Scriptus 2024 in Toronto this weekend!
Canada’s Premiere Pen and Writing show know as Scriptus is coming around again in Toronto. I’m honoured to share that Leuchtturm Canada has invited me to be a special guest at their booth this coming Sunday. I will have my Leuchtturm sketchbooks with me and there will be some sketchbooks for you to try out their pencils and pens. I will also have my coloured pencils and my Stilform pencil and will show you what I am working on and maybe we can sketch together.
Drop in an say hi! Let’s chat, show me your sketchbook or ask a question. I will be there from 10 AM to 4 PM. Best of all, FREE ADMISSION!
Scriptus is happening on Sunday October 27th in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto.
If you are ordering online from Leuchtturm Canada, don’t forget to use the code MIKE20 for 20% off your next order. It also helps me out a little ;-)
Mini Oil Paintings
Recently, I’ve embarked on a creative exploration with mini paintings housed inside mint tins. This small-scale format invites viewers to lean in, look closer, and discover the intricate details I pack into just a few inches of space. I have found this to be a very gentle introduction to plein air painting having joined a local group with my tiny tins. Createing outdoors is not unfamiliar to me having spent much time nature journaling and urban sketching but managing oil paints requires a little more planning.
A major source of inspiration for this project has been Mini Plein Air Painting with Remington Robinson, a book that beautifully captures the possibilities of small-scale art. Robinson’s work has encouraged me to think outside the traditional canvas and embrace the charm of tiny paintings that can travel with you anywhere. His approach to plein air painting in miniature has made me appreciate how much emotion and atmosphere can be conveyed in just a few square inches.
These mint tins (Altoid), with their understated exteriors and surprising interiors, make for a perfect palette and frame. There’s something almost magical about opening one to reveal a hidden world, whether it’s a serene landscape, or a little wildlife scene. Working at this scale is a challenge, especially when capturing fine details, but it has helped me focus on the essentials and explore new oil painting techniques in a small, contained space. I ran out of Altoid tins early on but found a source for generic models on Amazon.
This project has also deepened my interest in working more with oils. The medium’s richness and texture lend themselves beautifully to miniatures, where every brushstroke matters. I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve with oils in these tiny frames, exploring new subjects and seeing where this journey takes me.
I have a pochade box arriving in November which will allow me to bring my plein air painting to the next level by supporting larger panels. The challenge will be that with winter arriving, I will need to learn about painting in a typical Canadian environment ;-)
Take care of yourself and each other, and keep drawing!
-Mike
I would love another podcast. I miss them so much! I'm relistening to older ones on the school run now!
I am secretly hoping for more podcasts.. very much enjoyed those! And Scriptus looks SO COOL. I'd love to go to a conference just about pens and writing?! Too bad it's in Toronto, but definitely something to keep an eye out for in the future. Congrats on all the cool stuff, and I think it's super wise of you to sell some art from your sketchbook. Each piece you make in there are such beautifully detailed masterpieces! I'm sure they will sell well.
All the best!