Display shelf for art shows

The sitting area in my studio

Dave made me a wonderful selection of display shelves in various sizes to display small unframed works for art shows.  He had made one before in a large size which i used in my porch studio gallery, but these are more suitable to small sized works. That's two of them resting on the blue loveseat in my studio.  

I painted them all white so they will fit nicely into the decor of the Gallery at the Porch Door when i do open it up in the spring. I'm looking forward to doing a couple of shows this year.  I found out that i've been accepted into Art Among the Ruins which is a lovely 1 day outdoor event not far from where I live. Of course the weather could be a factor. Anyone have a canopy for sale or rent?

East Shore

East Shore - acrylic on wood - 8 x 8 inch

Back to the east coast shore of Nova Scotia...this one is from a stop near a fishing port of which i forget the name.
I'm beginning to get the hang of the acrylics, quite a different feeling than what i'm used to in oils...but I'm determined to keep with it.  I like how they dry fast.  I do not like how they wreck my brushes.

Happy Australia Day

Surf - watercolour - 30 x 22 inches - SOLD

Happy Australia Day!  This painting is a watercolour I did about 12 years ago when we were living in Australia.  We lived on the Surf Coast not far from Bells beach where the Rip Curl surf championships were held annually.  Watching surfing really excited me, and I painted a lot of surfing watercolours back then. I thought i'd post it incelebration of Australia Day, which is today January 26th. (thanks to Michael Perchard 's blogpost which reminded me of it today)

Cold outside is good for production

experimenting with acrylics in my studio

Artists sometimes wince at the word 'production' .  It can summon up all sorts of unpleasant connotations, none the least suggesting a mechanical method.  But the fact is, artists must produce to realize their hearts secrets; and producing requires production. Production results in a working out of the idea, as in a series of works.

I have been experimenting a bit more with acrylics.  I'm learning their abilities and limitations.  To do this I'm playing around with a small series of 'dreamscapes'.  They are fun and keep me free and loose to experiment.  My colours are rather limited, but that's probably good as I learn their properties.  I can always add to them one at a time as I feel more confident.  
It's been so darn cold outside, i haven't wanted to venture far.  My studio has been rather like a nest at the moment.

Painting intuitively

County Tour - 36" x 36" oil on canvas

This  painting i've been working on, kind of came together today.  Almost completely intuitively painted.  I really like working that way.  Sort of feeds my soul.  I'm working on a theme inspired from a  wine tour we went on in Prince Edward County in September; but this one also has threads of other recollections too. It's big for me, 36 x 36 inches.  Funny, when i'm working intuitively... usually what i plan on ends up having no resemblance to the end product at all.  Which is okay too.

Hydrangeas and Chanel

Saturdays are one of my most favourite days.  I love it in the spring and summer when i venture down to the market early on a Saturday morning while Dave is home still blissfully slumbering(he loves his sleep in...me, not so much).  However today was not one of those days.  

Instead today was spent in the studio...I have been working on a big landscape, many parts of it I'm feeling good about, but there is a large area that is confounding me, so i know i need to give it a little longer to perculate in my brain. For the time being, ignoring it is the best answer...I have faith in time to work it out.  

In the meantime I have been completely absorbed in the history of the woman and the icon, CHANEL.  The book is by Lisa Chaney.  I am listening to it on audio.  A good read for fashionistas(or old fashion students) and anyone interested in the power of determination.  Her rise from a very miserable childhood into one of the worlds most iconic and sought after designers, is riveting in my opinion.
And something about painting hydrangea's while I listened, just seemed right too.  A nice Saturday.

Italy at Gallery Perth

So on Tuesday I went to Ottawa, and on my way home I stopped in at Gallery Perth, in beautiful Perth Ontario.  It's a wonderful gallery, and situated in an old mill (Code's Mill) right next to Perth Picture Framing, and across from the picturesque river Tay.  The mill is occupied by a a restuarant; Fiddleheads,  a coffee shop; Coutts Coffee, a gift shop; Ground Waves, and a hairdressers; The Curly Redhead as well as some other business offices.  There is a large indoor limestone courtyard with flagstones and a fountain where you can relax with a cup of joe or order lunch. A delightful spot to spend a couple of hours.  The gallery is run by the owner of Perth Picture Framing.

It had been since last summer that I had taken new works to the gallery.  Veronica had sold, but I knew it was time to change things up a bit; so  I decided to take her a group of paintings that were on an Italian theme.  Some watercolours and some oils.  Veronica didn't mind the mix, and I think she was glad of some new things for her gallery. 

Here's the group of Italian paintings now on display at Gallery Perth.  Besides the Italian group there are also 3 of my large 'Wetland' series at the gallery as well.  If you're looking for an enjoyable day trip, consider a drive to Perth, Ontario and visit Codes Mill and Gallery Perth!

Kingston Arts and Letters Club

Coffee Break - oil on wood - 4x4"each

Every second Tuesday evening of the month is the meeting of Kingston Arts and Letters Club. This club sprang to life about 6 years ago, the idea of Kingston artist Pat Shea, who envisioned a club for artists to meet and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere to share interests.  Over the years the club met in several different venues, but the current one is by far the best in my opinion.  Meeting at the Kingston Yacht Club, 1 Maitland Street(south of King St and City Park) we mingle in a cozy atmosphere with a bar and lots of comfy chairs, sometimes there's a fire in the fireplace, and the view of the lake is spectacular.  It's a pretty diverse group of artists, writers, designers, poets, musicians...new members join each meeting, it's a very welcoming group.  So if you've been thinking about attending but not sure what to expect...I recommend it. 


Usually there is a speaker for part of the evening, with an informal presentation about an art project or one of the artists sharing their stories.  Last week the speaker was Julian Brown, chair of the Kingston Prize.  He was speaking about the Prize, it's past, present and it's future.  An enlightening and interesting presentation, where we learned about the logistics of creating and sustaining an art competition of this magnitude.

Next month the speaker is Carolyn Barnett, who will share her story and present a small fashion show of designs. I've been a huge fan of Carolyn's work for ages; it's full of whimsey and colour and style. So I'm looking forward to the Kingston A&L club meeting on Tues Feb 12.  Hope to see you there.

Artists stories

Espresso - oil on wood - 4 x 4"

I thought I'd share something i read over on Lori McNee's blog yesterday evening...it sort of hit a chord with me. Carolyn Edlund is the author of the article.  I've copied it below.  It was included in Lori's Top 2013 Art Business Tips From the Pros. Perhaps it hit a chord, because, ...believe it or not I am a little shy, and telling my story always seems a little too pompous, too grandiose. But thinking about it...I do find other people's stories really interesting.  So I believe she has a good point for us artists to remember when going about our art business.  You can read the article below:

 

Why Artists Must Tell Their Story

Carolyn Edlund spent twenty years running her own ceramic and jewelry studio, is currently the Executive Director of the Arts Business Institute, the author of the E-course titled “Marketing for Artists & Craftspeople,”  and the owner and author of Artsy Shark, a site devoted to the support of artists and creative entrepreneurs. She offers workshops and one on one consulting services as well. To find out more about Carolyn and to take your career to another level,  just click HERE.
One of the most effective ways that you as an artist can connect with your audience is to tell your story. Not just a recital of your resume, but the story of your inspiration, your struggles, your vision and your message.
Talking about yourself and your artwork builds a layer of emotional connection between you as the artist and your potential collectors. Yes, your work must be good, and must stand on its own, but you as an artist are intrinsically part of the end product of your studio work. When your client makes a purchase of your art, they are buying a part of your talent and your personality.
 Many art collectors are highly creative people themselves. They may not have ability as painters, photographers or sculptors, but they express themselves through buying the work of artists they appreciate. It’s no wonder that curation is a huge trend for the public, as each person can distinguish themselves and their tastes. They may have a boring job or an ordinary life, but they can stand out by showing their appreciation for the arts by becoming collectors. They crave a connection with artists and the perceived mystique and fantasy of being a full-time sought-after talent.
Your story helps make this connection, and can become an essential part of your presentation. Start by writing down everything that has affected or influenced you, and has led to your expressing your heart and soul in your artwork. Do you have an unusual technique? A story of overcoming hardship? Are your materials innovative?
When collectors buy your work, they will re-tell your story to others when showing your art. This can help you cultivate repeat buyers as well as earning referral business from your fans.
 Work on your story to distill down the parts that make those emotional connections with others. Practice telling your story. Record and listen to it, then make changes and hone it further. Your story should be compelling, full of important messages that you want to convey to your audience – and it should flow well.  You may want to have a longer and shorter version of your story which you can use as needed.
Where can you share your story?

•  On your website About page. One of the most visited pages on any website, this important page should also include your photograph, so that visitors feel they know you.
• In your artist statement and bio
• As part of the branding of your business
• When speaking about your work at a gallery show
• To present your work to visitors at an art fair
• In your brochure and other written promotional material
• To use when applying for an artist residency, or on grant applications
• For networking purposes, using a succinct version of your story tells others very clearly who you are.
•  On your blog. This is a powerful place to share your ongoing story. Jack White is a master storyteller who frequently uses his own story as an artist, as well as telling stories about others. His style has made him a top expert on selling art.
• In press releases
• In interviews with the press

Your story will evolve over time as your art career grows. Don’t forget to stay in touch with your audience and continue to share about yourself and your art. It will be appreciated!

google + ...a BIG disappointment

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what is wrong with my google+ profile...and why it doesn't seem to associate with my blog the way it should.  For example, when I leave comments on friends blogs, other people should be able to click my avatar and be taken to my blog, but instead it just goes to the google+ profile, which gives a message saying the blog has been removed. ???!!! I dont get that since I'm still here!!!  Certainly it is confounding. 

3 little tulip paintings - each are 4 x 4"

  The fun part about blogging is getting to interact with other artists through my blog, but with my link not working correctly, that's really NOT happening.  bummer.  I think i need a geek to help me figure it out, what I'm doing wrong, what to do to correct it,  fix it.  I've spent altogether WAY too much time reading through all the help articles, FAQ's and mountains of blogger information...but to no avail! 

I'm so glad painting is so darn un-complicated...when I screw up with painting it's just a fast wipe-off then on to the next one.  if only blogging was so easy to understand.

hello 2013

hydrangea in cream jug

New Years eve was so enjoyable and relaxing too, but here we are the first week in January and in the deep freeze. Painting flowers reminds me of warmer seasons.  And that feels good right now.
I'm just finishing a remarkable little book I got for Xmas; Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, MD.  
It gives lots of scope for the contemplation.

Still life with daisies, oil paintings

 

When it's snowing deeply outside on this winters day, I'm working on still life in my studio, and listening to an Agatha Christie novel.  Gotta love those who-dunnits. I also love white creamer jugs.  Here's two little ones modelling the daisies.  Each is painted on 6 x 6" wood panel.

Painting a present

Ginger - 8 x 10 - oil on canvas

It's an honour to paint a request for something specific for someone.  In doing so, the artist enters a contract with the client.  

There are always expectations.    Expectations of the client are to what the outcome might be.  Rightly so...a client should discuss with the artist their vision if they have one, before the work commences (sometimes there are design decisions, that  trump the clients expected vision). The expectations of the artist are to paint with integrity.  An artist must follow their own instincts making their own judgements and decisions as the painting progresses.  Personally I get quite delighted to work with clients on any ideas they might have, but design decisions must be mine.

'Ginger'  is a recent commission.  She is a beloved pet who passed away; the client wanted to give a portrait of Ginger to her parents for Christmas.  We discussed size, price and a special request was to paint in Ginger's name on the painting. Well, why not, I thought...and so Ginger's name was included in the design as the painting progressed. I used a stencil to keep letters tidy, and glazed over it all afterwards with raw sienna to harmonize it with the other tones of the painting.  After the glaze dried i painted in some lighter areas and tweaked a few highlights.  It was a real pleasure to paint her for such a sweet client.

There is another part of this story.  The client went in to labour on Dec 23, and was delivered of a first born son on Christmas eve!  I think her parents got two presents for Christmas.  And I think 'Ginger' just might be playing second fiddle.  ...heh heh...thats just fine by me.  Congratulations to the proud parents.

Snow Day today!

If you live in Canada, you will know the term SNOW DAY.  When you're a kid it can mean all kinds of wonderful things; not least among them, school is cancelled!  That's always cause for celebration.  My brothers and I would don our snow gear and trudge out into the wintery wonderland to play, building snow forts and snow men, sliding down any small slope in the neighbourhood and eating snow balls from our mittens...yep gross... i know, but all kids do it.  

It is SNOWING out here in the countryside near Elginburg today.  It snowed all night. We have not had a deep snowfall for a long time, so for me it was a treat to wake up to this morning.  "Snow day!" I thought, when i woke up and looked out my bedroom window.  Dave and i are both lucky that we dont have to be anywhere today. Because if you have to travel on snowy roads, it can be treacherous. The girls got home safely yesterday from Christmas when the roads were fine... all good.  Christmas for us is family time; games, food and sharing.  We certainly got that in spades.  Here's Dave and Jane and Holly engrossed in a board game.  I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous new year! 

Christmas 2012 - fun and games

 

 

Evening Light

Evening Light - oil on panel - 8 x 6 inches

Well so far so good...no end of the world in our neck of the woods as far as I can see!  We are gearing up for Christmas though.  The shops were kind of crazy today... good thing I only needed to make one stop. whoa!  the parking lot at the liquour store was nuts. I've never seen the place so busy, everybody getting their holiday cheer in various quantities. I bought rum, i love the Cuban sort, nothing quite like it with eggnog.  

After the shops,  i met the train; my daughter Jane arrived home from the big smoke in Toronto...lots to chat about...she works on CBC's Dragons Den.  January will see her  going on some audition tours, they do a lot of them, 40 cities in all, though she wont do them all. She'll be going on the one in Ottawa and one in St. Johns NFLD.  She's excited about it. I'm excited for her too.  I've never been to St. Johns, but I'd love to go sometime...but maybe not in January. heh heh.   

Above is tonights effort in the studio.

More from Rome Nights

Rome Nights II - oil on canvas - 24" x 18"

This one is all about mood, that feeling of strolling  glorious piazza's on sultry warm evenings. It brought back heaps of memories while I was painting it. You could nearly always hear accordian music drifting along in the night air. When dining at outdoor cafe's,  street vendors come right up to your table to try to sell their rose's.  It's a little intrusive, so we didn't buy any that way.  There were a lot of street vendors in the piazza's at night.  Dave bought some slingshot laser rockets from one guy. Back at home, they were a hit outside after Thanksgiving dinner around our campfire in the evening.  One thing I loved about Rome was trying different food, it seems every outdoor cafe is a gourmet's delight.  We didn't hit a bad one the whole time we were there.  Without a doubt, the pasta and the pizza is the MOST devine.  My favourite is the Napoli pizza, just tomatoes, cheese and anchovies on a super thin crust cooked in a wood fire oven. yum!

yuletide fun and Rome Nights painting

Rome Nights  - oil on canvas - 24" x 18"

Lots going on this weekend, but yesterday in the afternoon I worked on this painting in the sunshine in my studio.  It's a result of a trip to Rome this past September. I loved the evenings when it cooled off and we would wander through the old streets of antiquity.  Sampling the culinary delights was a big part of that experience.

Last night we attended a Christmas party with the group that my husband works for.  There must have been nearly 200 people dining, chatting and kicking up their heels in the spirit of the season.  Calian, (the company) put on a truly marvelous evening of festivity, in the style of good old fashioned Christmas cheer.  It's so good to see old friends and meet new ones too.  I wore my red dress, and had a great time...even got in a few dances with the old boy, which always makes my evening:)

Today we will drive to Ottawa and share a little Christmas with my dad and his partner Diana.  They are not able to get out much due to health issues.  We hope that an afternoon visit with them will brighten their holiday season a little.  My daughter Holly and Jeff will also meet us there. 

art shows

The Fine Tuners played at the SCA Halifax exhibition opening reception, I really enjoyed their lively music. I must confess nearly every time i hear fiddle music it makes me want to do a little clog, jig, or reel. ( in private of course, because i really dont know the steps!)  Nova Scotia is in my blood, I was born there. I think that leprachaun is in the blood of the fiddler from The Fine Tuners.  They were nice lads, and chatted to us after they played.

I will be starting off the new year showing some of my works at the Mill Street Gallery and Cafe in Sydenham. I'm looking forward to hanging the pieces Dec 29.  The show will run for a few months, I think until end of February.   I will be one of 3 artists showing work there for a few months.  The others are Frankie LeMonde-Meunier(fibre art) and Vera Donefer(abstract works).  The Mill Street Gallery Cafe is showing original works on a regular rotating basis.  I for one love to see original works on the walls of cafes and restaurants when I'm enjoying a meal.  Hooray!... for the Mill Street Gallery Cafe.

Sunday back and forth on the easle

I'm working on two paintings concurrently from my Rome experience.  I've been going back and forth between them a lot, changing compositions and restating passages.  I thought I'd post their progress, as it's a slow painting process.  My notion is to express a mood of delight in the city; I'm not at all interested in actually recording landmarks.  The cafe culture at night was especially fabulous.  That's what these two paintings are going to be about...the coffee,accordian and gelato, which make up the forgrounds, should get the idea across.  You can see the picture of the accordian (to the left of the easle) which I'm using as a painting resource. That's because, not being very musical, I dont actually know what an accordian really looks like.  I had a great photo I took of an accordian player one evening, that I initially used, but in the end, I didn't like the addition of the figure.  It seemed to take the focus off the main idea...so after repainting him twice, I decided to scrape him off. That's when I decided to add a giant accordian instead. I think it will work.  My gut feels happier about it, so that's usually a good sign. 

Bella Roma

I'm excited to finally get working on my Rome experience. It's been knocking about in my head every since I got back from my trip, over 2 months ago now. All good though, things often happen for a reason.  I've had all this time to savour it, and only today i began to extract  what my week in the eternal city meant to me..   My idea is to paint like I'm feeling the experience... the experiences that I loved most about it that have stayed with me.   Likely that will  translate into meandering the curvy backstreets, gelato tasting, capuccino sipping, antiquity loving, accordian playing, botanical adoring feelings.  Stay tuned and see what happens:)  You can see one painting I'm working on, on the easle, but it's only beginnings right now.  I'll post again when i get further with it.  

I also framed my little nochturn of the Grand in the snow.  What do you think?  I love the black floating frame choice this time...the drama of it.  You can also see my latest audio book choice, which so far is just luscious!  I'm loving "The Professor" by Charlotte Bronte.  I haven't read any of her books, just her sister Emily Bronte's works.  I've only just started this one, but already i know i'm going to LOVE it. woo hoo for audio books...i think i'm becoming a literary geek. ha ha.