Phil Irish

Back from an amazing week in Killarney, paddling with family and friends. This view is from the campsite on the south shore of Ontario Society of Artists Lake! I love that legacy of artist-activism that resulted in the unique terrain of Killarney being set aside for conservation and camping. Way to go, artists!!! So much wind, tho! @ontariosocietyofartists #killarneyprovincialpark #pleinairpainting #sketching #watercolourpainting (at O.S.A. Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgxG3w-pj9v/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Here’s part 2 of that commission. Titled “Force of Nature.” I went paddling with a friend beneath the falls in Elora, in early morning light, to get photographic inspiration for this one! #commisionart #corporateartconsulting #landscapepainting #canadianart #eloraontario #solarenergy (at Elora Gorge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgZea1AAQB7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

“Connected Currents” Thinking back to a commission I did for an environmental design company. A pair of paintings — this is the first. Really reminds me of one of the lakes we paddled through a few weeks ago! Got a commission project that fits my ethos? We should talk! #canadianart #landscapepaintingnow #commissionedart #diagrams #waterlilies #ecosystems https://www.instagram.com/p/CgYQTlFN--f/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Watercolour 4 of 4. We had very strong winds many of the days — the bugs could not compete! This sparkling lake-surface tells the story of wind and sun. Had to dive in periodically — a great way to keep connected to my subject! Love the lily pads, too! #pleinair #watercolour #sketching #landscapepainting #canoetrip #temagami #upperkukagami #canadianart (at Kukagami Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf_qz_uAz8_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Enjoyed the opening energy at Renann’s gallery in Guelph yesterday. It was great to see the work in the flesh, and let conversations flow! #artopening #guelphart #contemporaryart #canadianart #artistsoninstagram (at renann isaacs contemporary art) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfR4346p1fD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Feeling a little stuck, even with questions of what format these things should take. Working with paper collage again — and found this piece from some years back! — totally relates to what I’m up to! Funny how that happens. The second image is the studio where this collage piece was made —- from my month at Vermont Studio Centre. I need that kind of focus right now, but alas am torn in many directions. Help me, oh Spirit, to move through this slough. May you red wings lift my eyes. #redwing #vermontstudiocenter #collage #oilpainting #prayer #contemporarypainting #worksonpaper #residency #studio (at Vermont Studio Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CemMc7xpS2g/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Keep swiping to see highlights from last nights figure session. Enjoyed my #carbothello pencils on #tonedpaper . #drawing #figuredrawing #lifedrawing #malemodel (at Guelph Figure Drawing) https://www.instagram.com/p/CejVokNL1qC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Back from a wonderful camping/paddling weekend. Just Ravenna, the dog, and I. 90 minute paddle into Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay. #watercolour #landscapepainting #canadianart #georgianbay #sketching (at Beausoleil Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeeYuz0JKFB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Back at figure drawing crew! So nice to be together again, moving past the Covid vibe. #figuredrawing #drawing #sketching #bodies #nude #model (at Guelph Figure Drawing) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeUtO8itT54/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Had a blast at the Insights exhibition opening! So good to see so many (mostly masked) people! Here are a few highlights! #exhibitions #canadianart #elora #fergus (at Wellington County Museum and Archives) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcNz8XFLM_n/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Opening Thursdau night! Will be fun to see lots of artists and folk from this region! The portraits from “Crushed my beloved” are composed under a new title — “Witnesses.” @insightsarts #exhibitions #canadianart #ferguselora #localculture #crossingstoronto (at Wellington County Museum and Archives) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcB_s4tNN5U/?utm_medium=tumblr

Sketch from one of the best painting shows around — Margaux Williamson’s “Interiors” at the McMichael. Intuitive, sensitive, bits of narrative, wonderful shifts in perspective where the obscurities are as important as the detailed vignettes. My mind was buzzing with painterly connections, but also human empathy. I could have spent much longer with each piece. @margauxwilliamson @mcmichaelgallery #canadianart #contemporaryart #oilpainting #interiors #sketchbook #museum #galleryart (at McMichael Canadian Art Collection) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbRI-Y-NVdC/?utm_medium=tumblr

Pub drawing night with Anna! What a fun valentines way to play! #drawing organized by @otherwisestudios #romance #pub #figuredrawing @brothersbrewingcompany (at Brothers Brewing Company) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaBYKcSNVNE/?utm_medium=tumblr

On the streets near U of T — this is what I’m prepping these figures for! I’m excited to be stretching my work for this context! #contemporaryart #artandfaith #torontoart (at University of Toronto) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZnMyWdP51j/?utm_medium=tumblr

Sitting at Tom’s feet, trying to get his legs right. And looking up — his full stature. #contemporarypainting #figurativeart #canadianart #crossingsTO #stationsofthecross https://www.instagram.com/p/CZk5o5GN4IL/?utm_medium=tumblr

Making progress on the second figure today. Facing the fears and digging in! #canadianart #figurepainting #oilpainting #crossingstoronto @imago_arts #figurativeart @mason_fetch https://www.instagram.com/p/CZC8hm5PoZR/?utm_medium=tumblr

No earthtones — it’s all orange and blue, baby! Had a great time painting this while listening to The Two Towers. #nike #runningshoes #nikeair #figurepainting #palette #complimentarycolors #orangeblue #crossingstoronto @imago_arts @kyra_nank https://www.instagram.com/phil.irish_artist/p/CY2dfhbtXxR/?utm_medium=tumblr

Making progress on a figure project. This will involve several characters, strong people who also find their weakness. The final project will actually be video, collaborating with @mason_fetch . Shown here, in process, is @kyra_nank . This will be part of #crossingstoronto with @imago_arts . #contemporaryart #figurativeart #oilpainting #portraitpainting #blm #blmtoronto #stationsofthecross #torontoart https://www.instagram.com/phil.irish_artist/p/CYxDsA7vJP2/?utm_medium=tumblr

New year! New Work! #artistinstudio #newprojects #wip #contemporaryart #oilpainting #creativeprocess (at Elora, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/phil.irish_artist/p/CYXLSMiP4tP/?utm_medium=tumblr

Had to wait for someone today, but the time was not lost. Experience it all! #sketchbook #drawing #lamysafari #trees #bepresent (at University of St. Michael's College) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXC6P2dNY8C/?utm_medium=tumblr