A painting a day #26 ” tulip with green’

  Well we had our first snow of the year yesterday which made me thought of the long months of winter ahead:  I thought it will be at least six more months before I see the tulips in bloom at …

My sold painting was returned and unclaimed

I sold an original painting through an art site just before Christmas. The next day I sent out the painting and later I checked the post office has tried to deliver but no one home to receive it, a notice was left. I thought the buyer might be away for the holiday then After the 15 day return period over I was paid so I didn’t think much about it Then last month, I got a notice from the post office a package was on hold for me: to my surprise it was my sold painting. Their explanation was, after holding it for more than a month no one has claim the package it was return to me. ( I paid for the return shipping charge).
Right away I sent out an email to the buyer but no reply and then I called and left a message still no respond. Another month gone by still no respond from this buyer,.
This is the first for me, make me wonder what ever happened to the buyer if he still alive?

watercolor painting

 

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Going home for Christmas

 

watercolor on Arches paper

“Going home for Christmas”

Watercolor on Arches paper, 14″x18″

Farewell to the SRT

watercolor on paper, 18″x22″

For twenty years, I travel from my east end home to my downtown studio daily. I first took the bus then the SRT (Scarborough rapid transit, an above ground train) and then the subway which take an hour and half. Every morning, I armed with newspapers, books to well use my travel time. Some days I even work on my drawings while on it.
Although the SRT is only little more than twenty years old, it has many problems with constant break- downs, delays and over crowed, especially during the winter. When it happens, a normal 20 minutes ride would turned into an hour or longer.

Just to avoid all those unforeseen problems, I would raise extra early in the winter when the sky was still dark to get there early.
However, my daily routine has been changed since I relocated my studio back home, no more getting up early, waiting in the frizzing cold the trains any more.
Here is my watercolor painting: “Farewell to the SRT”, 18”X22”

My Christmas Eve Incident

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I always think Toronto is a safe city and never encounter any troubles walking in downtown. On Christmas Eve, I enjoyed being alone in my building and painting. Winter in Toronto and darkness came early; even it was not 6pm it was very dark outside. I was heading to the subway to go home as usual, I use the same path every night which only a short walk to the subway. I was just a short distance before I reach the subway entrance.

All of sudden, I heard someone running fast behind me and before I knew I was being bear hug from behind. A man’s voice spoke, demanded I gave him my phone! Although I was in shock but still managed to told him I did not own a cell phone.

“I saw you” that was his reply, then I realized he must saw me taking photos a couple of street earlier and mistaken I had a camera phone. He has followed me and wanted to rob me. I had my camera in my coat’s left pocket. On my left shoulder I was carrying a heavy bag full with my art supplies and news paper for my trip home

. My camera is important to me and I use it daily so I was not given up so easily. My instinct was to call for help; I yell “help! Help!, help!, as loud as I could. He tried to cover my mouth with his hand which gave me the chance to bite into his finger as hard as I could.

With the pain on his finger he released his hand from my mouth and tried to slam me against the iron fence next to the walkway. However he was still bear hugging me which make it hard for him to do this. He lost his balance and both of us hit the ground, He was underneath me and because of the cold weather I had on layers of clothing and with him to cushion of my fall. I was not hurt and I kept yelling for help.

Within seconds two men appeared while both of us still on the ground and he still has his holds on me. I told the men to call 911 as I was being robbed.

However the thief claimed I took his phone and he was merely trying to get it back from me. The men seem confuse of who to believe at first. Finally the tall young man made the call and describe what he was seeing to the 911 dispatcher.

 Meanwhile, I was able to got up and stand closer to the tall young man and he hand me his phone. I was ask by a woman from 911 to describe the thief, his age, height and his clothing while he was still few feet away from me. As I was on the phone, the thief calmly first walked and then ran away and disappear from our view.

The woman from 911 instructed me to remain on the scene for the police arrival and stay in a safe area where I could see. I thanked the young man for his help and wish him a Merry Christmas he then left. Although I was only feet away from the subway entrance where usually is a busy spot. However being Christmas Eve with all the offices in the area was closed for the holiday and it was an extreme cold night, there were few on the street. After waiting for about 20 minutes I was cold and I feeling rather very unsafe. What if the thief returns? I would not be as lucky as the first time. I decided since I was not hurt and nothing was taken from me. I better leave that area and head home..

 

Winter Whites

I love a big snowfall, every winter I look forward for the snow. Yesterday, my wish came true we had the first big snowfall which turned the city into a winter wonderland.
As usual, I be out tried to capture it with my camera and as always ended up at the Allan Gardens.
One Christmas the greenhouses were full with big, beautiful blooming amaryllis. I particular love the white ones and it reminded me of the snow outside. Somehow they found its way into my painting.
“Winter Whites” watercolor on Arches 90lb rough paper, 20″x30″