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

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.

Winters Majesty

Six sleeps 'till we get the keys for the AE&BG, things are revving up, we're ready for take off. Once we get the keys we have a ton of work to do in a very short period of time. Like us on Facebook for updates on our progress.

I met today with Ted McLauchlin of Highlander Gallery/Studios. We were introduced by Philip Schmidt a week or so ago, at the brunch Phil hosted for his Connected Arts venture. Ted is an interesting guy, a non-practicing artist himself, he now works with other artists to help them develop a brand, and to fine tune their marketing and business skills. He had lots of suggestions, some not so comfy like less blog more facebook, and maybe even twitter-that's scary, me...twitter...but I intend to follow his lead.

This is the piece I did for Philip's Connected Arts vision. As I said landscape is not my forte, none the less I'm quite pleased with the result, and I will admit it was a lot of fun.

Don't forget Portside's mini show is on the Month of February, and the opening is Sunday Feb. 5th 1-4

Mini Shows, Mini Works

February is Mini Show time, and there are a bunch of them out there. The only one I'm planning on entering this year is the one at Portside. A gal could go nuts trying to do 'em all! This little piece is call 'Spring Dawn' and is only 2.5 inches by 3, on terra skin.
I have a connected arts piece to do asap too... I plan to do it before we get the gallery building on February 1, we're gonna be VERY busy getting everything ready so we can open on March 1st, which won't leave a lot of time for painting.
What's connected arts? Glad you asked!

Phillip Schmidt is an amazing explorer/photographer. His photographic work of out of the way, and largely unseen places is breathtaking. He has for several years been putting on a showcase that he calls the 'Connected Arts' where he challenges artists of several disciplines including visual, musical, and literary arts, to interpret one of his photos. His vision being that all of the arts spring from the same well, and are therefore gifts connected in ways most of us don't appreciate. He's working to correct that.

Landscape is not my Forte, and I hope I'm up to the challenge. It's an honor to be asked to participate and I'm certainly going to try.

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.

4 shows one week

Are you ready to party!?
Our gallery the Art Gallery of Lambeth just opened our 'Red Show', Tomorrow Saturday Feb 5, 2-4 is the opening (art speak for party) for the Amabile fund raiser Art Show at Masonville Library. Sunday is the opening at Portside in Port Stanley for their Miniature show, 1-4, and yesterday I hung my solo show at One London Place. All of these shows are hanging for the whole month. I've been crazy the last few weeks trying to get work ready for all of these, this painting didn't quite make it in. 'Technical difficulties' so to speak, all is well now though.
The butterflies in this work are Red Admirals, the bouquet includes their host plant nettles, yup the stinging kind, as well as horse nettles. We might hate them, but the Admirals literally can't live without them. If you have a corner of the yard where you can let the nettles grow, the Admirals will thank you, as will several other members of the brush foot family.

3 New paintings, cardinal, daisy, and sunrise

I hope your Holy day was wonderful, full of family and good times.
Looking forward, lets all pray for a 2011 that see's a healing of the world. I wish for all, peace, understanding, and freedom from want for the new year.
Last month, I set for myself a goal to complete 2 small works each week, and despite flues, snows and holy days I've accomplished that. So now I'm going to increase that goal to 1 small plus 1 medium sized painting each week, or 1 large.
February is going to be a nutty month, with shows galore, Portside and Art Exchange both have their Miniature Shows, Art Gallery of Lambeth has a Paint the Town Red Show, all of which I need work for, and I have a solo show at One London Place. So I have to meet or exceed my painting goals or I'm gonna be S.O.L.





I've got lots of paintings stacked up, the problem is that my style has been evolving at such a breakneck speed over the last year, that a lot of the older work is not relevant (to me) anymore. So, I would like to have all new work for all of these shows. Impossible? I choose to believe it's not, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.....

Friends of Portside show

Have you noticed how is seems that everyone you talk to is going crazy busy? How did life get so out of control.

My hubby asked me if I wanted to go to the outdoor show in Toronto next weekend with him, and I heard myself say "I'm not sure I have time".....WHAT!

So I'm going to do my level best to clear the day next Saturday. It's not that I want to go (I don't) it's that the day when work is more important than loved ones is a very sad one indeed.

After all, the reason I'm doing all of this, besides the fact that I have to do Art, is him, hubby.

He turns 65 next year, and I want him to be able to retire if he wishes to do so. My best chance to earn enough to supplement his pension is with my talents. I could go back to work in retail, for minimum wage, and be totally miserable again...no thanks!

So, the crazy....

This weekend, Nov 21, I'll be at the Springfield/Whittaker Community Center Lioness Bazaar, 11-3, on Whittaker Rd.

Next week, Thursday Nov 25, 7-9pm, opening for Friends of Portside. Show and sale (Nov. 25-28, 11-5 at Portside, 187 1/2 Main St Port Stanley.

And, Nov 28th HBBA one stop shop, Grace United Church, 18 Balaclava St, St Thomas.

Then of course Dec 4th 7-10 GRAND OPENING of Art Gallery of Lambeth, WAHOO!!!!

2454 Main St Lambeth (London).

I'm working on one commission and have another in the wings too, PLUS, I'm trying to get some work done for AGL's and STEPAC's gift shops.

Ya see what I mean...crazy!

Pet Portraits in Charcoal

Life has been hectic around here. Since the beginning of the year every member of my immediate family has had a life changing experience. Between medical issues (hubby) career change (youngest) a second grand-baby on the way (eldest and his wife) (yeah!!) etc etc it's been an anxious/interesting/exciting/terrifying (no particular order) year so far! Oh and happy Valentines day :-)

My part time job has been going through some changes too, key people leaving, accounts changing. This week I had to work extra hours, which when you're not used to it, is tiring. I'm not sure how all of the changes there are going to affect me yet, I really like this job so I have my fingers crossed...

This week I painted my kitchen. Mindless and instantly gratifying was just what I needed. Of course, being moi, I had to do a technique. All of those years teaching faux painting at Home Depot bubbled to the surface, and my kitchen is now a warm apricot 'Venetian plaster', it's a very 'happy' kitchen now.

These charcoals are the way I amuse myself in the evening when I'm too tired to work in my studio, I can lose myself in the value patterns, as form of meditation, it works every time. Also just what a person needs in times of stress.

Drawing has always been a part of my life. Anywhere, any time, is a good time to draw. I carry charcoal in my purse, and whip it out anytime I have to sit and wait, which used to embarrass my kids to no end.

I now have more info on the Art Phart-Salon in the Saloon at Jim Bob Ray's

It's Thurs Feb 25th, the show starts at 3pm and closes at 11pm. It's designed to showcase local artists and to be a fundraiser for The ARTS Project

There will be a band. Whiplash, is a fine collection of local blues players:Dan Braatz on vocals and harp; Mike Breen on guitar; Kevin Denome on bass and Charlie Partridge on drums. They will play two sets between 9:00pm and 11:00pm.

Admission is $5 only to help pay for the band.

Don't forget the Salthaven benefit

A charity dinner on Wednesday February 24 at 6:00PM - 9:30PM at Waldo's on King in London. Enjoy a delicious dinner, wildlife presentation, silent auction, door prizes and musical entertainment.Tickets are $30 and seating is limited. Contact Jeve at 519-204-5383 to purchase tickets or donate auction items.

The mini show at Portside is going well, so if you haven't yet make sure you stop by.

Well my sweetie is taking me out for valentines brunch, so that's it until next week, have a fantastic week.

Febuary Newsletter

　
Well here we are at winters half way point.
The days are getting longer, and the wild things are starting to think of love.
Recently I’ve been noticing hawk pairs sitting together surveying their territories, and I’ve watched the rabbits ‘frolicking’ in my garden. How appropriate that Valentines Day is just around the corner.
The Belmont Horticultural Society recently hosted Brian Salt of Salthaven Wild life refuge. With him came Chaukar a hawk they had rescued. Brian is a dynamic and informative speaker, who’s mission of wild life conservation and rescue alines with my own mission of environmental education. We found much to talk about after the meeting and as a result, I’m working on a painting of one of their bald eagles. With luck it will be ready for their silent auction fund-raiser at the end of February. We are both hoping this will be the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship, resident artist... how cool would that be!
February is also the month for Miniature shows. I, and several other artists are in the Portside Gallery show, which runs Feb. 1-28, gallery hours 11-5 pm daily, the opening is Sun Feb 7, 1-4pm.
Several of my chums are in the Art Exchange show, how ever, after a run in with H1N1 over New Years, I was only able to get work ready for one show. C’est le vive.
Betty Burell-Beaudry and I are sharing wall space at the Port Stanley Library,( next to the lift bridge) for the month. Betty does lovely water colours of local scenery. You really must check it out.
The recipe for this month is a fast and hearty bean soup, as I’m sure you know the soluble fibre in legumes is a natural reducer of ‘bad’ cholesterol, so here’s to happy hearts in February!
　
Ham and Bean Soup
In a large pot combine:
1/4 pound of diced ham
3 medium onions chopped
3 medium carrots chopped
2-3 bay leaves
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon savory
1 can of rinsed chickpeas
enough water to cover by two inches
Boil for two minutes, turn down heat and simmer for ½ hour.
Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Remove bay leaves and puree, stir in another 1/4 pound of diced ham.
Serves 8.
　
Remember to look for the beautiful in everyday,
Links: Salthaven
Portside Gallery ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Portside Miniature show

It's time for the February Miniature shows again!

This year I've only entered the Portside Gallery show in Port Stanley, 195 Main St. (the street that goes to 'little beach').

The opening is 1-4 p.m. Sunday Feb 7th.

Come by, see the art, and meet the artist's.

The show runs Feb 1-28, 11-5 p.m. daily.

The concept of mini's is a very old one. Before photography wealthy families would have mini's painted of marriageable daughters to send to prospective husbands. Men would have mini's of their mistress painted, and one would hope of their wives and family. Artist's would paint mini's to give to prospective customers to look at, rather like artists today have a photo portfolio of their work to show.

ACEO's or artist trading cards are a modern take on the latter, early on they, as the name implied, were for artists to trade among themselves. Trading cards evolved into ACEO's or art cards-editions and originals which are for sale by artists. Most of the participants in the painting-a-day phenomenon are painting ACEO's.

Miniatures don't necessarily comply to the 3x4 inch size that is the ACEO's standard, and unlike ACEO's are framed.

Whether ACEO, or Mini, this small art is very collectible, both the size and the price making them easy to live with.

February Miniature shows

I'm finally back up to speed and working like mad to make up for lost time.
I think this is the longest I've ever gone without posting. Between THE flue, which was absolutely horrible, and the after Christmas doldrums, I've let two weeks slip by... not like me at all!
The February Mini shows are fast approaching, at Portside and the Art Exchange.
I've been experimenting with some rather different stuff (for me). 'Wall jewelry' is the concept I'm working on. Not all of the mini's in this picture are done, but this will give you an idea of where I'm going with this.
I'm using my beloved metallics, and incorporating beading and found objects. We'll see if I like it enough to put in the shows.
I also did caricatures at a party last week, the mom picked up my card when I was doing caricatures at one of the street festivals last year. It was like old, old times, once upon a long time ago I was a clown, and was booked for kids parties just about every weekend, sometimes several. Caricatures are much more dignified, and certainly less energy draining, then clowning, although I was feeling it by the time I was done LOL!

Port Stanley Display

'Thank a Pollinator' is steaming along, I've decided on a layout, and am working on the back board. The effect I'm after for the back board is very subtle, I'm not sure that you'll be able to see it on the Internet, but once I'm happy with it I will post it, and we'll see.
I hung 7 pieces in the Port Stanley Library on Monday, one of them is 'In Praise of Weeds', along with 'Emergence', 'Stitching The Moon To The Sky', 'Small Frog-Big Noise', 'Gran's garden', 'Dancer in Green', and 'Trance Dancer'.

A couple of friends, Joe and Moe are having a show April 4th and 5th, 12 noon to 7 pm each day at 225 Gray St. London. contact joe_pruim@yahoo.ca for details. These young men are very talented, rising stars, go check 'em out! Also
The Art of Collage – is opening Sunday March 1st to March 22nd at the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre featuring the art of Pat Gibson, Anne Hamilton, Heather MacIntosh, Linda Rapai, and Susan Shurish.
Meet me at the Station – is opening Friday March 13th and running through until April 10th a Station Arts Centre in Tillsonburg – solo show by Richard Hodges.

Joe Preston’s Office (M.P. for Elgin)– is currently displaying the art of Diane Dobson – the office is open weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

There is a Workshop put on by the Port Stanley Guild:
Hilda Markson Gray – watercolour/collage techniques: May 16th. Please contact Mary Louise White to sign up for this workshop! mary_louise_white@yahoo.ca

And a workshop by Diane Dobson 6-week painting workshop (medium of your choice) at Portside Gallery on Wednesday afternoons (1:30 am – 3:30 am) from March 25th – April 29th. The cost is $80.00.

Watercolour Workshop – Heather Keating is offering a one-day watercolour workshop March 28th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at STEPAC. The fee is $30.00 and there is a limit of 12 people

Whew!!! lots going on!

Catherine and I are also getting the Belmont Art In The Park set up, it looks like Sunday June 28th is the day to mark on your calendar, Dorchester and Area Artist Network will also, hopefully be adding a spring show and sale to our yearly agenda, more details to follow.

Art Exchange & Portside miniature shows

Belated Happy New Year. The holidays were extremely busy, with all the usual craziness and a bit more besides.

To top it off my poor computer 'got sick'. If a window comes up on your screen that says 'antivirus 2009' with the Microsoft symbol in the corner, and if it implies it's from Microsoft, and that your anti virus is 'not found'.... turn off your computer, immediately! don't X it out, don't go through the shut down procedure, turn it off. X'ing it out will install it, clicking on anything will install it, and it's a really nasty bug. My computer guy ~Phil Hudson~ is a miracle worker and it took him hours to get rid of it. If you need Phil click the comments bar below, and send me an e:mail, I'll forward it to him.

Let's talk art.

The February Miniature Shows are around the corner. This year I think I'm going to try the Art Exchange show as well as the Portside show. I've done Portside, successfully in the past, and I know I'll be accepted there again. So time to up the anty, The Art Exchange is a prestigious gallery in the Wortley Village area of London, I've never attempted acceptance in one of their shows, I think it's time.

Therefore, as well as working on the 'secret commission' I've been working on some Minis.

The piece above is a miniature (3X5) and is called Manitoulin Gold. These tiny daisies are found in only a few places, one of which is just across the lake from where we spent every summer for over 15 years. They are classed as 'at risk', and so are part of my series. Here's their 'blurb"

MANITOULIN GOLD
HYMENOXYS ACAULIS
Manitoulin Gold or Lakeside Daisy, is a native of the rocky windswept limestone cliffs and rocky expanse of Manitoulin Island, the Sudbury area, and occasionally Northern Michigan.
It’s sunny yellow flowers bloom in May through July on short thick stems 4-7 inches high. It is classified as a threatened species in Ontario and Michigan.
This remarkable plant grows in cracks and crevasses in almost no soil, and very little water. It’s existence is threatened by both mankind’s activity and climate change.

Bees are next. I've been in an exciting dialog with the Ontario Bee Keepers Association. I contacted them regarding permission to use images in their members photo gallery. (Bee's being at risk) and they not only gave me permission, but have offered to contact their membership to help me find more photo's. Very exciting.

Time to go paint,