Participating in the 2012 VIP Trail Contest was a no brainer for me.  This challenge presented itself and I find it exciting because it encompasses several great aspects of this Art Group.  This includes the hunt for a great painting subject.  The ability to help a great cause, Erin Oak Kids.  And the opportunity to find a new place to paint, the David Culham Trail.  Who knew this awesome Trail existed so close by.  After painting at Visual Arts Mississauga for years, I am ashamed to say, I've never been for a walk in the Trail.  What a surprise to find such a treasure.  I was amazed at the magic this trail possessed.  It seemed to me when I walked the trail that the animals were very tame.  The birds and squirels didnt seem to be bothered by my presence.  I stumbled across a beautiful old home at the top of the hill, behind VAM.  I understand this is the Conservatory Offices and the original home.  I loved this big old wooden door that opened up to reveal the top of the Trail hill.  This was the photo I chose to paint. 

It's probably not the time to try something new, but I loved the roughness of the brick so much that I decided to do it with moulding paste and try to capture the feel of the brick on my 24x30 canvas.  I started with the drawing using the grid method.  I applied the moulding paste with liquid acrylic paint mixed into it.  I wrapped the paste around to the sides of the canvas so that the entire canvas is wrapped with the brick work.  The heavy wooden door was also created the same way with palet knife.  Almost like sculpting. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome of this technique and the 3D appearance of my painting.  I will be using this method for future paintings and that is the joy of learning something new.  The finished painting includes three crows sitting on the ledge enjoying the sun.  I added the crows to draw the eye through the door.  The finished painting to be revealed at the show. Come and see how it turned out!!