As a young upstart, I sought illustration work in the book trade. I sent out samples of my work, including my version of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.. As well as a gentle scene from the natural world. Here are three book illustrations from an early commission, describing: The good guys revealing themselves to … More Illustrating Books
This week we are presenting two oil sketches on the same theme, the painter and his model. I applaud the way this artists lines echo the curves of his model. Mostly done in black,orange and browns, this one is full of textures, as it was painted over an autumnal landscape, which you can still see … More Painter and Model
I made hundreds of charcoal drawings in the 1980’s. This is a favourite theme, allowing me to explore contrasts of various kinds. I am proud to have drawn expressive form from such minimal means. ‘Til next week, Barry
My actors are artists, facing uncertainty in an indifferent world with a stoic gaze. They make me think of Penelope and Odysseus. They were painted in acrylic over a photolithographic landscape which shows through faintly in parts of the image. I feel that the muted colours here allow the swift lines to play off one … More Actors
This week we are putting on a magic show! Give your ticket to the lovely magicians assistant and she will take you to your seat, the show is about to begin! Here we are on stage with the great magician himself, about to pull a rabbit out of his hat. Abra Cadabra and… Presto! To the … More Magic Show
One of the most difficult things I have experienced as an artist is to attempt to make a portrait of someone knowing that eventually they will walk around to your side of the easel and see what you have made of them. Here are some honest efforts from days gone by… A picture of someone … More Drawing People
There once was a drinking establishment at Dundas and Clarence that featured a lot of blues music on their stage. I painted two large canvases for their windows to advertise the fact. Here are three sketches I made in preparation. There’s a rockin’ little trio under the spotlight tonight. Here we’re onstage with the band, … More The Blues
The hazy heat of summer is behind us, giving way to shorter days and cooler nights. One of the consolations of the arrival of fall is the change in the colour of the leaves , which adds new tones of red, yellow and orange to the fresh greens of the landscape. Here are two autumnal … More Autumn
![Nada by Barry Trower (1989) [Cover for a magazine].](https://barrytrower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1989-nada-cover-for-a-magazine.jpg?w=365&h=365&crop=1)
Nada, which means “Nothing ” in Spanish, was the name of a student paper someone I knew long ago was editing. Here are two drawings I provided as cover illustrations. The first is an abstract collection of thlngs on a stage, the money-stuffed suit of the arms-salesman, the xyz dressmakers dummy, surmounted by the deaths-head … More Nada
My last two posts have been rather monochromatic, so it’s time to throw some colour and drama back into the mix. And what could be more colourful or dramatic than the story of Delilah, that sexy spy from biblical times? The temptress Delilah, about to disarm the mighty Samson by shearing his hair in his … More Delilah
Barry Trower 