The Oxtongue river in winter

Oxtongue river in winter, 6 x 9.75, oil on panel, 2012 © Mark Reeder.

I feel pretty lucky living in 'cottage country'. I have the privilege of a different perspective living here, something that I notice even more in the off season. The silence that can be found on even the shortest walks here in the winter months can be very meditative and strikingly beautiful.

This particular spot had no trail to it, aside from the deer trails I found along the way. 

Happy New Year!

Water: An Art Show in Algonquin Park 2012 - Teaser

This is a short trailer for an art show called "Water" to be held at the Algonquin Art Centre in Algonquin Provincial Park in Summer, 2012. Participating in the filming of this was a lot of fun!

Music: Hanz Zimmer, "Journey to the Line"
Artists: Matt Coles, Mark Reeder, and Taryn Hobman.
Film Footage by Andrew Sheppard and Kate Heming
Produced and edited by Joel Irwin
Please note: This video is for entertainment purposes only

Algonquin Art Centre interview

I was recently interviewed by the Algonquin Art Centre. I really enjoyed answering some of these questions. It's pretty amazing how inspired and motivated one can get by talking about something you love to do.

If you would like to read the full article you can follow this link to visit the Algonquin Art Centre blog.

Studio in the woods

Studio in the woods, 7 x 7, oil on panel, 2011 © Mark Reeder.

This painting is of the front door of my studio and gallery Spring Lake Studios. I painted most of this outside and finished it up indoors. I have painted this building a few times but this is the first one that I feel accomplished what I was looking to capture. 

I love plein air painting but I am also very much a studio painter. It's an interesting process and journey discovering all the different ways to paint and  be inspired. I find that much of my plein air works  are the beginnings of  paintings that I end up finishing in the studio. Starting a painting on location or working from studies or sketches done from life gives you invaluable information.  Photos alone always seem to be lacking some vitality, not to mention accuracy in tone and colour.

My studio and gallery is a special place for me, it was once the studio and gallery of my grandfather William Kratzer who was a landscape painter here for more than 30 years. Although we rarely painted together he showed me it was possible to make a living as a painter and that it was a viable occupation. That is a really big deal when you are in the early stages developing yourself as an artist in a world that doesn't always consider it a 'real' job. I will always thank him for that.

Renovating this studio space over the last few years has been a labour of love and I am working to have it ready to open for spring 2012. Stay tuned for announcements of upcoming workshops at the studio and at some great locations in the neighbourhood for some painting en plein air.

What's new in the studio.

Sexy Rexy in a jam jar, 6 x 8, oil on panel, 2011 © Mark Reeder.

"Sexy Rexy" is a type of rose. Not too many roses do that well this far north but this species, now in it's second year in my garden, seems to be growing very nicely. I think part of the reason why I love gardening so much is that opportunity to use freshly cut flowers as a subject for painting.

"Sexy Rexy in a jam jar" is one of many smaller works I have near completion so I will be posting some more very soon.

Another Day at the Office

I love where I live. I love the Canadian landscape and as much as my first love has always been portraiture I have come to the realization that I am being seduced by painting en plein air. The seduction has been quite voluntary and makes perfect sense considering it has been part of the plan all along.

When I made the move north to Muskoka from Toronto a few years ago part of the plan was to explore landscape painting. Specifically painting en plein air. I have always wanted to live here and now it is quite a regular thing for me to journey out to some of my favourite locations with my homemade plein air easel and some paints to see what I can learn about painting. I think the key to growing as an artist is to keep challenging yourself and I'm pretty sure any plein air painter would agree, painting on location is always challenging.

My studio is of course one of my favourite places to be. I love the academic and creative energy in the space, the smell of oil paint and having some great music on while I am working. I am sure every artist loves their work space and probably feels most at home in front of their favourite easel.

When I think of  "the office", however,  for me the office is always outside. My outside studio. It can be an awesome adventure if you like the outdoors. Painting en plein air does take a little more effort. Also, your time painting is limited. You only have 2 maybe 3 hours of working time before the light changes. This can be very challenging, especially if you have become accustomed to the luxury of working in the consistent and reliable light of your studio.

The other day I spent participating in the filming of some footage for an up coming promotional video to promote the Algonquin Art Centre and Algonquin Park. Myself, Matt Coles, the Art Directer of the gallery who is also a painter, along with Andrew Sheppard and  his assistant Ryan Perry who were filming the project spent the day hiking, painting and filming. We began before sunrise and wrapped up after sunset so it was a long but amazing day. Beautiful weather, clear skies, great locations and although the sun was a little bright while we were painting in the late afternoon it was an amazing experience. 

I wish now looking back that I had taken more pictures but here are a few to share. Hopefully this post will inspire some of you to get out on a little adventure of your own and try out some painting at the office.

 

 

 

 

all images copyright © Mark Reeder 2011.

Website launch

markreeder.ca

My website is up and running! It has been a busy last few years and I am glad to finally have this up. It is still a work in process so stay tuned for more work.

Have a great day!