Author Archive
Impression of parc Médéric-Martin
By Jack Ruttan in montreal, paintings, parks, sketches, watercolor, watercolourhttp://parcmedericmartin.com/
1940s Canadian Gas Ration Coupons
By Jack Ruttan in ruttan's placeSomething interesting I found, going through my files looking at old cartoons the other night. An envelope full of old gas ration coupons from my Great Grandpa’s business in Hardisty, Alberta. I don’t think I have the stickers that were supposed to go in the windshield, but all the other items, plus the old stamps, […]
Fritz the Hobbit
By Jack Ruttan in black and white, comics, old comicsA twitter exchange with a University of Calgary alumnus reminded me of this comic I did way back in 1979, for the University of Calgary GAUNTLET. Unhappily, I couldn’t find the first episode in my files, so this is all I’ve got. The narrative is already a little shakey, because I think installments came out […]
Lachine Canal
By Jack Ruttan in montreal, paintings, watercolor, watercolourThis wasn’t working as a painting, so I decided to see if I could put little people along the front of it. That didn’t work perfectly, either: some “pentimenti” here — that’s because it’s transparent watercolour, except for the white. Still, fun to try, and I’m not so annoyed with it anymore.
Nora the Tuxling
By Jack Ruttan in cats, color, Nora the cat, paintings, sketches, watercolor, watercolourInspired by George Stubbs
By Jack Ruttan in dogs, horses, sketches, watercolorGeorge Stubbs is one of my favourite painters. Not just because of his horses and dogs, (though those are great, too), but his wonderful, very sober, 18th-century people.
Computer-Painted Characters
By Jack Ruttan in color, digital, heads, men, paintings, womenMy computer-painted characters are quicker and more satisfying to draw. I had to reach back into my experience mixing acrylic paints to think of the right kinds of shadows. Still, I feel more confident that I can paint in a pleasant way any subject that occurs to me. Backgrounds and bodies soon to come.
It’s Everyone’s Prehistoric Pal
By Jack Ruttan in dinosaurs, watercolor, watercolourThis is eryops. He’s everyone’s prehistoric pal.
Morning Paintings
By Jack Ruttan in color, paintings, sketches, watercolor, watercolourMorning paintings, on my deck. I’m aware that one of the cars is on the sidewalk, but I didn’t plan this one very well. Still, I like it.
Cool Colours
By Jack Ruttan in color, digital, headsTrying to do shadows, contrasts, in a different colour palette. Still a ways to go, but I’m happier with some aspects. Seems to take a lot of practice.
Backyard Sketches
By Jack Ruttan in black and white, brush pen, color, sketches, watercolor, watercolourThese are sketches from the backyard garden of my cherished friend. Above is a gingko tree, though it’s hard to tell. Below, a hair in the scanner, darn it. But I’m too lazy to erase it. The spindly-looking thing is a catalpa tree, which apparently takes a while to “leaf out.” I was using Asian […]
More Paintings in Parks
By Jack Ruttan in montreal, paintings, parks, watercolor, watercolourParc des Faubourgs. I painted this from the steps of the Latin American Church across the street (rue Ontario). That’s my bike on the right. Square Viger. Called “Square” in both English and French (not “Carré”) This is an odd little place, full of sculpture, but which has a bed reputation, because it’s isolated and […]
Intense faces and others
By Jack Ruttan in digital, heads, paintingsOne nice thing about drawing on the computer is that you can rework things infinitely. Squish ’em up, stretch them, repaint seamlessly, etc. These two drawings were absolute messes, but I’m sort of happy with them now. Still a ways to go in technique.