Contact David Mceown

Many thanks for visiting my web site. We are often on assignment  or on a painting trip but will try to reply to your messages as soon as possible!

Studio visits also  may be arranged in Vancouver and Richmond Hill - Ontario,  Canada through out the year. I  look forward to hear from you.

 

 

         

123 Street Avenue, City Town, 99999

(123) 555-6789

email@address.com

 

You can set your address, phone number, email and site description in the settings tab.
Link to read me page with more information.

Recent/Blog

News and blog posts about recent works, workshops, events, presentations, expeditions and exhibitions by Canadian artist David McEown.

Filtering by Category: watercolor

Tropical Impressions from Costa Rica

David McEown

Painting on location in the tropical rainforest , Corcovado Park, Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica.

In December 2019, I returned to Costa Rica to revisit sites i painted many years ago when I began a series of large watercolours involving some of this earth's rare and rapidly changing ecosystems. After painting polar subjects over the last 16 years it was refreshing to change the pallet and bring along new camera and video technologies to record these special places.

“ Rainforest Encounters”, 22 x 15 inches watercolour

“ Rainforest Encounters”, 22 x 15 inches watercolour

Most of this trip focused on painting on location in the tropical rainforest , Corcovado Park, Osa Peninsula. This is one of most bio diverse parts of the planet and the senses are just wonderfully overwhelmed. Polar painting in the cold seems more challenging but the tropics has its own adjustments. Besides dripping sweat on to the paper , the humidity was so saturated overtime it dissolved the papers surface sizing thus causing some funky things on the paper . In this case i worked shape by shape (instead of soaking the whole sheet) and followed the quickly changing interior rainforest shadows. Such is paradise but one has to be mindful of snakes, as we saw earlier in the day a young highly venomous fur de lance. The flanged buttresses of these massive trees are decorated with lichen and moss patchwork. Sleeping bats were nestled in the cracks while butterfly’s would sometime stop and have a taste of the wash in my pallet. On a perfect day one can loose track of the time, which should be noted that once the sun sets it quickly gets incredibly dark and lots of the “fun” stuff comes out to play. So grateful to be back and learn from this place. 

Night walks in the tropical rainforest was a real highlight. Having excellent guides also made possible unique sitings of several frog species. I did attempt a few night sketches in the light rain by flashlight, but we focused on photography for reference. I have been working on a series of paintings celebrating these delicate creatures to add to a body of work on rainforests.

“Red -Eyed Tree Frog” 11 x 15 inches, watercolour- Costa Rica

During this painting and reference gathering trip in Costa Rica last month we had a wonderful 2 day visit at the Toucan Rescue Ranch in San Jose. 
We were so impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the people that work at the clinic and rehab centre. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica wildlife while focusing on conservation, education, and research. 

Sketching wildlife at the Toucan Rescue Ranch.

“Two-Toed Sloth”, 16 x 16 inches , watercolour. This painting was inspired while sketching a curious young two-toed sloth that was out for exercise with a few others. It won’t be long before she gets stronger and bigger before being released on her …

“Two-Toed Sloth”, 16 x 16 inches , watercolour. This painting was inspired while sketching a curious young two-toed sloth that was out for exercise with a few others. It won’t be long before she gets stronger and bigger before being released on her own in the wild. Rescue centres are of great importance in highly populated areas where animals get injured because of human activity. In 2019 the Toucan Rescue Ranch rescued and released more than 120 animals, including 15 sloths

“Rainforest Edge”, 72 x 132 inches watercolour triptych

“Rainforest Edge”, 72 x 132 inches watercolour triptych

During a recent visit to Toronto i was able to revisit a large painting that was commissioned a few years ago. This painting was inspired by a trip to the pacific coast of Costa Rica. From the many studies done on location, i worked out this design and painted on 3 pieces of A’rches, 140 Lb cold press cotton rag paper cut  off the roll. 

“All the elements participate in the dance of life in the tropics where this planet's life force reaches its utmost expression. From transpiration the water gathers in pools from the dripping lianas and bromeliads and starts to flow among living sculptures, the flanged buttresses of ancient trees. Water then carves its way through clay and volcanic rock downward to the ocean. The water then arrives again to the forest from the rain clouds. The music continues through the symbiosis between flora and fauna. Decay is quickly transformed in the forest floor shadows into nutrients that are then resurrected to the light of the forest canopy.”

The process of painting starts by immersing into the landscape and painting many on site sketches of the area. Then back in the studio the experience is recollected and a synthesis of the various interactions of forms and species experienced are envisioned into a organic whole. The large scale of the painting combines the complex microcosm with the distant macrocosm to celebrate in colour the relationships and patterns;  ocean to forest, forest to light.

Visiting the home where “Rainforest Edge”, commission is installed.

Visiting the home where “Rainforest Edge”, commission is installed.

2 Comments
categories Landscape painting, Travel, Watercolour, watercolor, Wildlife, Costa Rica
tags costa Rica, Rainforest, en plein air, landscape painting, landscape painting, sloth, tree

In Svalbard Ice

David McEown

While recently painting studies of the sea ice north of Svalbard on an ice strengthened research vessel we encountered Minke and Blue whales as well as Polar Bears hunting for seals. Here are   recent videos from the voyage as well as paintings completed on location. More paintings from Svalbard and other dynamic locations in the arctic  are posted on my the Arctic page. 

Many thanks to the team at One Ocean Expeditions for guiding us there. I look forward to  be on the team next summer as part of the "Art in the Arctic" trips" . There is still availabilty for those that may want to paint or draw in the arctic plus brush up on photographic skills!

Comment
categories Arctic, en plein air, watercolor, Watercolour
tags Svalbard, spitsbergen, Arctic, Polar Bear

Northwest Passage, Canada and Greenland's Arctic in Watercolour

David McEown

Greenland

Overlooking the Ilulissat  Ice fjord. Greenland , There is not paper big enough! (photo by C.S Ling)

In August 2016 I returned to the arctic and continued to  work on the  long term study and documentation of the arctic's incredibly beautiful yet fragile changing landscape. Also i am hoping to soon publish a book of arctic paintings and have some fine reference to work from and thus add to the large collection of studio paintings and plein-air works completed. A selection can be viewed in the arctic wonders galleries  and its links .

Ilulissat Ice  fjord - Jacobsharvn glacier, 15 x 44in watercolour, diptych  - Greenland (available for sale)

Northwest Passage

"Arctic Poppy, 15 x22 inches, watercolor

"Arctic Poppy, 15 x22 inches, watercolor

Many thanks to One Ocean expeditions for navigating us through the arctic's waterways,  and to view its wildlife. Always special  to visit  the wonderful folks that have lived on this land long before the age of exploration. History and stories are written and preserved across the tundra and beneath the surface of  water and ice. It is my hope that  i can bring a few of them to light on paper.

Baffin Island

1 Comment
categories Arctic, Baffin island, Beechey Island, Devon island, en plein air, extreme painting, Landscape painting, Northern Landscapes, Northwest Passage, Nunavut, Watercolour, watercolor
tags Arctic Paintings, Greenland Paintings, Watercolours, Northwest Passage artwork

Svalbard 2016

David McEown

"Surfacing Ice", 20in x 30in watercolour Svalbard - Norway (available for sale)

These painting were Inspired by a recent trip to Svalbard, Norway. We witnessed massive glaciers calving and ancient ice revealed from shattered icebergs. More paintings from Svalbard can be viewed in the arctic Svalbard  web gallery.

Comment
categories Uncategorized, Arctic, Northern Landscapes, watercolor, Watercolour
tags Svalbard, Sptizbergen, Svalbard paintings

Upcoming Expeditions to South Georgia , Antarctica

David McEown

Painting at Gold Harbour, South Georgia.

Painting at Gold Harbour, South Georgia.

We are excited to be joining One Ocean Expeditions for the following  2015 trips and programs to Antarctica/ South Georgia. 

“Painting and Photography in  the sub antarctic island of South Georgia is truly incomparable. Its  stark remoteness and vast glaciated peaks rising out of an unforgiving icy ocean is home to unbelievably  numerous and curious species of  wildlife that makes one  feel like a visitor to a whole new planet. The overwhelming scale, patterns ,color and texture of this place   provides endless  creative inspiration yet can challenge  and “reset” old preconceptions of composition and field work habits while awakening feelings of beauty, reverence and interconnectedness.”

• "SOUTH GEORGIA IN DEPTH" Oct. 17- 30,

 

• "ANTARCTICA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK" NOV. 10- 22

• "FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA, ANTARCTICA PHOTOGRAPHIC SYMPOSIUM", NOV. 22 to DEC. 10, 
with watercolorist David McEown and photographer Daisy Gilardini


To find out more details on the program, itinerary , and cabin availability  see one ocean expeditions.

This video clip  is from a 2011 expedition to South Georgia.

2 Comments
categories Antarctica, Elephant Island, en plein air, Landscape painting, Point Wild, South Georgia, St-Andrews Bay, Watercolour, watercolor
tags Antarctic paintings, Elephant island, South Georgia, Antarctica, Gold Harbour, watercolour

Polar Wonders at the McMichael Canadian art Collection

David McEown

Comment
categories Antarctica, Arctic, Baffin island, Devon island, en plein air, Greenland, Landscape painting, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, North Pole, Northern Landscapes, South Georgia, Watercolour, watercolor
tags McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Arctic, Greenland, polar exploration

Hollyhock Watercolour Workshop

David McEown

Sunrise from Cortes Island
Sunrise from Cortes Island

It was a real pleasure to provide a watercolour workshop atHollyhock , "Canada's lifelong learning centre", on Cortes Island , BC, a few weeks ago and paint with a fine group of artists. The contemplative ambiance, facility , lodging and food was excellent as well as the variety of subjects to paint.  After an early sunrise, participants had the opportunity to join in a yoga/ body work sessions before breakfast. Then we startedwithsome demos and paintedon the beach in the morning, following the tide lines. After lunchthe artist's had the opportunity to continue working or go explore the island . By 3pm sessions resumed to capture the afternoon light . Then again after another healthy buffet dinner we would have another painting session that would continueinto dusk.

Along with the stunning beach, the gardens and forest trails were also a fine source of inspiration. The only problem was that the 4 night workshop went to fast! So we are happy to announce another watercolour workshop again next yearwith and extra day.

"Artist's Journey with Watercolour"

May 31th – June 5, 2015

Explore the magical flowing spontaneity and essential techniques of this travel friendly medium. Discover painting as a form of meditation and “seeing”, allowing you to capture the moment with paper and brush.   All levels welcome.

Tuition: $525 CDN / 5 nights

All inclusive accommodations and meals charged separately.

Cortes Island & Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

800-933-6339 x 232 hollyhock.ca

Registration should start by mid November 2014 , please feel free to contact us to be notified when registration begins.

"Painting on the beach at Hollyhock"
"Painting on the beach at Hollyhock"
"David giving a demo on the beach at Hollyhock"
"David giving a demo on the beach at Hollyhock"
"Working into the underpainting and learning to control the hard and soft edges of the mountain and cloud shapes."
"Working into the underpainting and learning to control the hard and soft edges of the mountain and cloud shapes."
"Painting the shoreline grasses, an excersise in negative shape reading, and staying cool in the shade!"
"Painting the shoreline grasses, an excersise in negative shape reading, and staying cool in the shade!"
"Some of the fine watercolourists!"
"Some of the fine watercolourists!"
"Sunrise painting from Cortes Island"
"Sunrise painting from Cortes Island"
2 Comments
categories Art Workshops, Coast Mountains, Cortes island, en plein air, Landscape painting, Northern Landscapes, Uncategorized, Vancouver, watercolor, Watercolour, West Coast Rainforest
tags art workshops, Cortes Island, en plein air, great bear rainforest, Gulf Islands, Hollyhock, McEown, rainforest, Watercolor, watercolour

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands 2013 painting highlights.

David McEown

I am just unpacking paintings and backing up terabytes of reference materialfromthe recent expeditions to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.  The two videos in thispost share some of the painting highlights and wildlife encounters which Daisy  and I filmed. We were fortunate to go back in February 2013 at the end of the Antarctic summer and visited again this November through December in the austral spring to continue our long-term projectstudying this wilderness area.

The trips were not only successful in the wonders we saw but also for the charity auctions that raised much-needed funds to supportimportant conservation projects such as the South Georgia Heritage Trust and Oceanites. Thank you again to the generous fellow travellers that put forth a bid on my illustrated marine charts and Daisy's books. Also a big thank you again the the One Ocean Team for making it happen!

"Enter the Drake", 6 x 15 inchers, watercolour
"Enter the Drake", 6 x 15 inchers, watercolour
From Petermann Island, 12 x 22 inches, watercolour
From Petermann Island, 12 x 22 inches, watercolour
Painting From Petermann Island.
Painting From Petermann Island.
6 Comments
categories Antarctica, Elephant Island, en plein air, Paradise Bay, Peninsula, Point Wild, South Georgia, South Georgia Heritage Trust, watercolor, Watercolour
tags Antarctic paintings, Antarctica, en plein air, Frank Wild, Icebergs, Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia Island, Watercolor, watercolour