'Autumn Field, Ariss, Ontario' (2011-12) by Jamie Kapitain. Oil on canvas, 10x14 inches.

In this autumn landscape, I was interested in the movement of the viewer’s eye along the line of the foreground shadow, transitioning into the sweeping edge of the field and ultimately traveling along the distant horizon line. The practical geometry of the Ontario rural landscape has always appealed to my love of design. You can see the study sketch for this painting here.

'Near Hilton Falls, Ontario' by Jamie Kapitain. Ink and watercolor in Moleskine sketchbook.

This sketch was the product of a recent late night session working from a autumn photograph I took in Hilton Falls Conservation Area on the Niagara Escarpment. I visited the falls last week and the ice formations are beautiful, the chickadees are happy to take seed right out of your hand and there is a healthy wood pile by the fire pit.

The annual Shirley Dilworth Jaychuk Painting Competition opening night reception is next Thursday, November 10 and I’m excited to have a painting in the show. The theme of the show is representational work reflecting the small town character of Elora, Fergus and rural environs within the boundaries of Centre Wellington. The reception starts at 7pm (awards at 8pm) at the Elora Centre for the Arts and you can view the exhibition until December 4.

Jamie Kapitain's studio, April 2011.

It sits on top of my 100-year old, red brick home in downtown Guelph. There is great light coming in through skylights and two large oaks filter the sunlight. Two easels move around as I work on multiple paintings. Guitars and dumbbells are on hand when I need to take a break. Sketchbooks and small study paintings clutter my desks and sketches hang on cork boards. I play in my studio – design, sketch, paint, play music, think, explore – so it really is my playground.

'Autumn Field Near Ariss, Ontario' by Jamie Kapitain. Ink and watercolor in Moleskine sketchbook.

2011 Guelph Studio Tour

Thanks to everyone who came out to the 26th Annual Guelph Studio this past weekend. As always, the tour was a great opportunity to connect with art lovers, receive feedback and discover which paintings attract the most attention. In case you couldn’t attend, I’ve included some photos (below) of the paintings I exhibited. See you at the 2012 tour!

2011 Guelph Studio Tour

2011 Guelph Studio Tour

'Autumn Cottage Drive, Salmon Lake 1 - Study' (2005) by Jamie Kapitain. Oil on canvas, 8x8 inches.

I am showing my recent paintings this weekend (October 14-16) in the 26th Guelph Studio Tour. I will be working on a painting throughout the weekend and for the first time, many of my small study paintings will be for sale to free up some space in the studio. My Autumn Lake Series and New Mexico Series will be on display as well as several of my first paintings with wildlife. For tour details, check out the Guelph Studio Tour website.

'Near Guelph, Ontario' by Jamie Kapitain. Ink and watercolor.

Just minutes outside of Guelph, Ontario in any direction and my sketching instincts start to tingle. Here’s a recent sketch that was done from a photograph I took this past summer.

'Pond Near Orton, Ontario - Study' (2011) by Jamie Kapitain. Oil on canvas board, 8x10 inches.

Painting this study while on the farm this summer, there was an odd Fellini moment (see photo below) when I lunged to apply the finishing touch and a pony quietly walked past. I admit the lunge was a bit odd in itself but add the roaming four-legged and this experience makes it on my ‘top five most memorable painting moments’ list.

Fellini moment while painting 'Pond Near Orton, Ontario - Study'.

'Farmhouse Near Orton, Ontario' (2011) by Jamie Kapitain. Oil on canvas, 11x14 inches.

During an idyllic week looking after a friend’s farm this summer, I started this painting but was forced inside by rain. I have finally completed the painting in the studio and am now looking forward to visiting and maybe painting the landscape this autumn. You can see some sketches from the week here.