The Naked Silo

20" x 26", watercolour on Yupo, 2009, private collection Even though I finished this painting back in September --just before my exhibition of classic cars at The Pilot tavern in Yorkville-- I've only just now gotten around to taking a good photo of it for my records (and my Etsy shop (link below)...and this here blog). I guess that's in keeping with the spirit of this particular car: I spotted the vehicle on the south side of Queen Street, across from Trinity Bellwoods Park this summer, but only just had enough time to get off my bike, get my camera out, and snap a quick one before its driver got in and pulled away, heading east. Then, the exact year of this model eluded me in my online search (and still does, hence the simplified title). I think it's from the 1940s or 50s, but the design of the damn turn signals over the front wheels doesn't match the other parts chronologically, so I think it's a bit of a hybrid, kitbash, mélange of MG eras...

14" x 17", ink and wash on bristol board, 2006, private collection From last to first. This was the first streetcar painting I did --and where I realized how damn challenging it was going to be to paint window after window, (in painting after painting ) on these things. But they're integral to the design and I like them, so I forged ahead --but only until #14 in inks (I'll meet the challenge again when I eventually get around to making colour paintings of these streetcars). I chose to render most parts of the backgrounds using only light washes (of ink diluted in water) rather than using the dark washes and ink straight from the pot as I did in the trolleys. This helps to create contrast between the background and the streetcars and, interestingly, simulates a sort of nifty depth of field, making the streetcars seem to pop out. I prefer to work from my own photographs, but, not being able to find these old streetcars anymore, I resorted to using the...

17" x 14", ink and wash on bristol board, 2006,  private collection I feel strongly that these older, "streamlined" designs of Toronto's streetcars are much more appealing than the current, boring and boxy ones. Also, though not shown here of course, are the equally more appraling red and yellow colours of the older models (compared to the red, black, and white of today). I plan to eventually paint some full colour pictures featuring these same streetcars but wanted first to get the hang of all the wonderful and complex details in simple black and white. I prefer to work from my own photographs, but, not being able to find these old streetcars anymore, I resorted to using the Internet, so step forward and claim your  image, photographers.