Openings Necessary Evil?

The opening for the Square Foot Show at the Westland Gallery is tomorrow, Wednesday at 7:00pm.

It's one of those common knowledge things, that is  touted as being a truth, in the fine arts business; you have to attend openings to advance your art career. The assumption being that it's all about building a brand and having the 'right people' get to know you.

Is there any truth in that?

At most of the openings I've attended 70% of the crowd are artists, the rest are family, friends, and a few serious art patrons.
The artists talk to each other or their family/friends, the patrons talk to the gallery staff. Occasionally an artist and patron are introduced, but that is not the norm, at lest not at the openings I've attended. People like me hide in a corner and leave as soon as they decently can.

I hate crowds.
Even when I know some or most of the people in the room I feel like snakes are crawling under my skin in a crowded room, and the older I get, the worse it gets. If I have to go to an event I make sure I have a job to do, for example I'll volunteer to serve the refreshments. Being able to focus on a task makes it easier to ignore my discomfort, but it never goes away.
It's the reason I won't go to a mall, and I find every excuse possible to get out of social engagements including...openings.

 This is not a poor me moment intended to elicit a 'there-there' response. The confession is because I think that many artists are to varying degrees in the same boat.

So I ask, is it true, how important is it to attend these things?

Lets get a conversation going, I really want to know what you think.

Square Foot Show Opening

I can't beleive I forgot.

 I was supposed to meet my friend (Candy McManiman) and drive into town with her, but at 9:30 I was gabbing on the phone with youngest, and something he said reminded me. 

I'm afraid he thought the house was on fire from the wail of anguish I let out. 

However, it was a great opening and Candy took lots of photos, including this one of Dr Suess's Garden with a red dot :)  (sold)

This one is another one that passed the hubby test. He hated it, the more he dislikes a painting....the faster it sells lol. 

Mexican Hats: Honors Award

Lambeth Art Association is the biggest, and one of the longest running shows in the Greater London Area . 408 paintings were submitted for judging, plus another 252 submitted for sale, but not judging.

The participating artists are some of the very best the GLA has to offer. 

 Consequently while this is certainly not the first award I've earned, it is definatly the most prestigious!

Am I chuffed? Definatly LOL

What makes it even better.... two of my paintings made it to the final round, however each artist can only win one award. 

The  almost winner was Mom's Cuttings. 

Mom's Cuttings, 8x10, Glazed Acrylic SOLD

7 ft painting, 'the pond'

It was a whole lot cooler in Restoule,  where I completed this  little painting last week.  I think I'll call it habitat-home.  This tree was like a high rise apartment building, with all the units rented.  Chipmunks in the basement, at lest three species of birds, including a little screech owl, and in the penthouse, northern Ravens, who are HUGE when they sit on the other end of the table and watch you paint.  I didn't dare move to grab my camera, afraid I'd scare him away. I just sat and examined him, as he was examining me...very cool experience.
Since coming home I've been very hard at work, and I think  'The Pond' is done. If you've been in my garden, you'll recognize this scene....

It'll be going down to the Art Emporium on Sunday, I didn't get it done in time for our big opening tonight.  We're hosting the 'Journey to my Identity' show, in partnership with The Elgin Health Unit, and the Talbot Teen Centre in ST Thomas.  It's going to be a VERY busy weekend in Port Stanley, our show and the Port Stanley Proud events too!

 Big computer's still out of commission, and netbook, doesn't have photo editing, apologies the my photog friends, for the non cropped pics. 

Of Gardens and Art Shows

My 'perfect day' spend the morning in the garden, and the afternoon in the studio...
As soon as the good weather arrives I'm out there, May is pretty much devoted to the garden, not much art happens in May. Once upon a time,  before I became a full time artist, I would take at lest one week of holidays and spend it gardening. Self employed persons don't have that kind of luxury though, I have to maintain my teaching schedule, so all of my precious studio time is spent in the garden in May.  Since my garden is my source for reference material, I consider the time well spent.
Art Show season is at a fever pitch, for me the Port Stanley Artists' Guild show is next...this weekend in fact.
Hubby has the fever too, since he retired I've been keeping him busy, right now he's putting the finishing touches on new stands for the PSAG show.
This piece is called 'Hallelujah" and will be at the show.
Opening Friday night, June 7, 7-10pm
Show and sale continues Saturday June 8, 12-8, Sunday 12-5
Yes the parking is free- all the hullabaloo over the fees for beach parking aside-310 George St, Royal Canadian Legion by the King George Lift Bridge, and the L&PS train station.
See you there! and visit us at the Art Emporium too!

Art Show Commeth

Soon, Soon, Soon!

I'll be putting in: pods and corals

Tides out

Flower Face

Lotus #2

Red Hibiscus

And others

See you there!!

Port Stanley Moon Light

Finally finished the Port Stanley painting that was driving nuts last week.  I'm not really that motivated to do landscape, but the view out the window of the gallery was so inspiring,  I had to give it a try. It's small 8x10, now I'm wishing I did it bigger, lol.

I've entered my submissions for the Lambeth show -April 25-27 at Lambeth United Church, so now I'm working on paintings for the Port Stanley Show in June.  I also have to figure out what I'm putting in the Lexus show in June...always another show, that's my world!
It gives me a chance to keep stretching my wings, and evolving into hopefully, a better artist.

*Poof* and an art show appears

Well, not quite *poof* there actually was a lot of work involved. 

The 6th annual STEAG Art Show and Sale 'the Art Before Christmas' has fill the CASO Station (750 Talbot St., St Thomas) with art of every kind. Stupendous. Superlative. Sublime. Be there!

Opening tonight (Friday Nov 9th) 7-10, and continuing Saturday 11-5, and Sunday 12-5, 2012.

2012 St Thomas, Elgin Artists' Guild Show Coming Soon!

I hope you have Friday November 9th 2012 on your calendar! The opening gala is 7-10 pm, and features the art of  The STEAG artists and the music of David Jolley.
The show continues Saturday, Nov 10, 11-5, and Sunday Nov 11, 12-5.
It's at the wonderful CASO Station, 750 Talbot St, St Thomas.

This is one of my contributions, it's working title is '3', but it's whispered in my ear that it's 'real name' is 'on the other side of the fence'.   It's 3 staggered 5x15 panels, and a bit darker in the top right corner than the photo (I really suck at photography) also the 'waves' have gold leaf embedded in them, which barely shows here.

Elgin Studio Tour

Last night's Opening Gala for the Elgin Colours of Fall Studio Tour was wonderful. I hope the rain hasn't dampened (harhar) your enthusiasm for the tour, we have some new to the tour artists this year who's work you really really should see, actually, you  should really see them all!

1)Sharon and Daniel Brassard-Studio: Romantic Designs Celtic inspired design in water colour, ink, acrylic and sculpture of clay, paper, and fiber. 120 Wellington Street St. Thomas Ontario 519-860-6851 brassarddaniel@sympatico.ca
2)Judy Minor-Studio: Judy Minor Internationally acclaimed paintings: as the eye sees, but more-mood, time and place, an experience. 15 South St East, Aylmer Ontario 519-773-3358 info@judyminor.ca www.judyminor.ca
3)Brenda Smith-Studio: Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio Canada's oldest continuously run (multi-generational) pottery produces turned and slab earthenware and stoneware. 8122 Rogers Road South, Aylmer Ontario 519-773-3435 pinecroft@amtelecom.net
3a)Mary Rose Sanderson- Studio: Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio With work in Private and Corporate Collections internationally and over 40 original works published in limited edition. 8122 Rogers Road South, Aylmer Ontario 519-851-9347 maryrosesanderson@yahoo.com
4)Cheryl Garrett-Jenkins-Studio: Rubyeyes Kraftwerks Unique glass art. Windows, panels, and decorative 3D pieces, custom glass and jewelry. 235 Colborne Street, Port Stanley Ontario 519-782-7443 ruby@rubyeyes.com www.rubyeyes.com
 5)Port Side Gallery A collective of regional artists and artisans with a huge variety of work. 187 1/2 Main Street South, Port Stanley 519-782-7066 www.portside.cuttingpromotions.com
6)Robin Baratta-Studio: Art Emporium Textural reminiscent of fossils, rocks and the effects of age, most common subject matter species at risk. 177 Main Street South, Port Stanley Ontario 519-644-0546 robin@expressivebrush.ca www.robinbaratta.com www.artemporium.ca
6a)Sandra England-Studio: Art Emporium Representational leaning toward abstract with an emphasis on the figure, and colour. 177 Main Street South, Port Stanley Ontario 226-658-1888 sandra_england@rogers.com www.artemporium.ca
6b)Rose Klein-Studio: Art Emporium A passion for rich colours, textures and diverse materials, ranging from textile and beads to paint. 177 Main Street South, Port Stanley Ontario 226-658-1888 roseklein52@hotmail.com www.artemporium.ca
6c)Robert Reid-Studio: Art Emporium Working in various media and styles since 1950, Bob is both an accomplished artist and musician. 177 Main Street South, Port Stanley Ontario 226-658-1888 info@artemporium.ca www.artemporium.ca
6d)June-Anne Reid-Studio: Art Emporium Landscapes of the imagination abstract and visual double entendre 177 Main Street South, Port Stanley Ontario 226-658-1888 june-anne_reid@sympatico.ca

Elgin Studio Tour Blast Off

It's been a crazy few weeks, aren't they all though lol. I've been putting the finishing touches on the Elgin Studio Tour, and teaching workshops, so between the two I'm afraid I've neglected you, poor reader.

I don't normally book so much for such a short period of time, but as more than one person has lamented-especially lately- everything always happens at once!
Our Culture Days Workshop at the Art Emporium was good, in retrospect we should have had people register so I had a better idea of how many to buy supplies for...I seriously over bought. Oh well, live and learn, and the goodies won't go to waste, I'll be taking them to my nursing homes for my clients to use.
The Studio Tour kick off coincides with the Art Emporium's 'For Art Sake' show and sale, so we're having one big combined Gala Opening Oct 12th (Friday) 7-10 pm.
David Jolly and his acoustic jazz guitar will be playing, and of course there will be all of the usual opening refreshments.  The focus though will be on the Art and Artists. 
We have over 100 Artists and Artisans work in the Emporium, all of whom have been invited to show one 'never before seen, spectacular work'. You know it's going to be amazing!
The Show and Sale and Studio Tour both continue all weekend long, 11-5pm.
Maps for the tour
The Art Emporium of Port Stanley

Opening night Port Stanley Guild show

Beautiful show, over and over, that's what we've been hearing, just beautiful.

It's our 22nd annual show and there is some astonishing art. Since so many of us have 'been around', and therefore have had time to grow our art skills, the show just keeps getting better, as we do.

This is a very bad photo (forgot to take it until the painting was in a crystal clear bag) of a (if I may say so) magical piece, that is at the show.

I've gotten several compliments on it from my peers. This is the direction I'm going, less representational, more atmospheric. I've wanted to take this step the last couple of paintings, but leaping from the ledge is a bit scary, however as I was completely dis satisfied with my work, I had to take the step. I learned years ago, when nothing I'm doing seems to be 'right' it usually means I'm about to 'grow', so leap, I did.

Grand Opening Cometh

The totally insane week of the Lambeth Art Association Show is over, and now the wonderfully crazy week of our Grand Opening at the Art Emporium in Port Stanley is about to start!

Life is so exciting I can barely stand it LOL.

I really hope you can come. We're so proud of all of our artists/artisans. We have over 60 showing their work. We have everything from knitted slippers to art quilts, painted glassware to delicate stained glass sculpture, funky floral jewelry to elegant jewels in semi precious stone, paintings in every media, textile, mosaic, and photography to... just about everything you can imagine.

It's all housed in an historic building, right at the end of Main St in Port Stanley -any farther south and you'd be on berm then in the lake.

There are several galleries, and interesting shops close by, and of course Port is well known for its restaurants, where fresh caught fish is always on the menu.

Port is a mecca for affectionado's of art, theater and good food.

See you there!

count down

My apologies to everyone who follows my blog, facebook and newsletter. I only appear to be MIA, or as one friend asked dead. Like the famous duck I'm paddling like hell to keep up.

I'm in full count down mode for 4 major events, all of which I'm heavily involved in, all come to fruit in the next 3 weeks. I keep doing this to my self, and every time I vow I won't do it again...must be a slow learner :)

First Day at the Art Emporium and Boathouse Gallery

All our hard work has finally come to fruition, and the Art Emporium is open. Our first day was amazing, very busy, sales, and lots of goodwill from our neighbours in the Arts community.

It continues to blow me-us away how busy Port Stanley is even at this time of the year, and the events that are planned... well more about them later!

Monoprinting Workshops

Candy and I had a wonderful time today doing a Monoprinting workshop at a corrections facility.

The youth were so receptive and enthusiastic that I was almost superfluous to their process.

The work they developed was amazing. I'll be doing this workshop again twice next week, and I can hardly wait.

I think I'm going through Art Emporium withdrawal I haven't been to our gallery since Monday...I love my job in horticulture, but I love the AE&BG more!

The last day I was there was Monday, which was an incredibly busy day in Port Stanley. We had 1/2 dozen artists in to hang/arrange their art, and over 30 'lookers' who saw the sign and came in. We gave the 'lookers' tours and invariably when they rounded the corner and stepped into the gallery they stopped and said "WOW" it never gets old.

We'll be in the Art Emporium straight through now until our official open date, the 1st of March, so if you have work to bring down, or would like a tour, come on by.

first week in the AE&BG

The AE&BG is starting to take shape. Since Wednesday when we got the keys we've taken down lattice and strapping, patched holes, cleaned, and cleaned some more. Tomorrow we start painting the walls. It's looking more and more like a gallery, and far quicker than we thought it would, though it's been a ton of hard work.

We've had people stop in each day we've been there, wondering if we're open, mid-week, in February none the less!

Our goal is to start intake of work by the 15th, and open the 1st of March, which at the rate we're going, will be no problem at all.

Don't forget the mini show is on at our neighbouring gallery Portside, the opening is on Sunday afternoon, I hope to see you there.

Identity Transfer and Newsletters

I must be having too much fun, time seems to be going faster and faster. The identity transfer show opening is here already...how did that happen??
Actually the show is already up, and hangs until March 3rd, the opening reception is Saturday 2-4. There's a pretty stellar cast of artist's showing...and me lol.

I've been migrating my newsletter to mailchimp and apparently I confused many people with my request for a confirmation of permission. One of the problems with the old newsletter template is that you can't reply to it, which several people tried to do and of course it bounced. I put please reply in the subject line, and then the e:mail address with the instructions and explanation in the body, which caused all kinds of confusion. I'm very sorry. If you got one of those annoying 'no response' responses please either use this form:








Subscribe to our mailing list

Or if your reading this on facebook it probably won't work, in which case, e:mail me at robin@expressivebrush.ca

and I can put you on the new list. Again sorry about the confusion.

On with the show! 5th annual St Thomas Guild show

The St Thomas Elgin Artists Guild's 5th annual 'twas the art before Christmas show opened last night, with the 'Black Birds' , beverages and goodies, and most of all Glorious ART!

The show continues Saturday Nov 19, 11-5pm and Sunday Nov 20, 12-5pm.

Our artists are exhibiting every manner and style of paintings, photographs, sculpture, stained glass and Rose Klein's art jewlery and textiles.

Everyone has worked very hard to make our annual show spectacular.

See you there!

Openings and...

The Opening for Portside's Friends of- show was the 23rd, it was of course a great show. The comment 'it just keeps getting better and better' was heard several times. It's not just the quality of the work(if it can ever be 'just' quality) the diversity of the work also keeps growing. Today is the last day of that show so if you haven't already you best run down to 'Port' and see it.
I was flattered to have my work hung next to Candy McManiman's, and to have it favourably compared to it. Not only is Candy a great artist, she possesses one of the purest souls I've ever encountered. We tend to paint similar subjects with a similar motivation, and we're talking about doing a joint show, I'll give details as things gel.
This week was also the opening of Artfusion, if you're on facebook here is the Artfusion page.
The brain child of Ryan Mahy, Artfusion has been a popup gallery for a couple of years, and now finally has a permanent home in Citi Plaza 355 Wellington St London. There is a fascinating blend of street art a la Banksy and more traditional art. I first heard of Ryan and his popup galleries from one of the kitchen staff at Mount Hope where I teach art. Since then he's become quite a force and a refreshing breath of fresh air in the London art scene. I wish his endeavour all the best, I think it's going to be monster!
I've a favorite quote on the front of my day timer, "live is a river, always moving, some times rocky and rough, other times smooth as silk, but always moving."
Sadly I and 4 of the other partners of the Art Gallery of Lambeth have terminated our relationship with the gallery. The gallery itself is doing well and we wish the remaining 3 (another partner gave notice a couple of months ago) all the best.
The 6 of us who left, intend to continue to work together as we all have solid work ethics, complementary skill sets and values, this is just a rock in the river.