Morning on the Moon

Oops I seem to have skipped a week, dang I hate it when that happens, time slips into a black hole, and just....disappears. Very Scary.
Of course it just means that we're all so very busy, teaching, making, and hopefully selling art.
The Elgin Colours of Fall Studio Tour was a rip roaring' success, and once it was all over I slept 12 hours straight!  So very unlike me, but I was bagged lol.
The advertising for the St Thomas Elgin Artists' Guild show and sale -Art Before Christmas- is just about done, mark your calendars, Nov, 9/10/11 will be here before you know it!
I've got art to make for it, and I've been trying to keep to my studio hours schedule, but the gotta earn a buck thang keeps getting in the road.  Luckily I do love teaching my Alzheimer's clients, it's all about joy, and with them, joy is a very pure thing.
My friend Philip took a much better photograph of this work ( morning on the moon-which moon? Io maybe ).  I saved it in 'my pictures', but like the last week, it's fallen into a black hole, so you'll have to make do with my poor photography.

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

Painting Challenge #4 Love

Crazy week, means I'm only now getting my painting of the week done. It's been a good crazy, with lots of good stuff happening.
The Art Emporium, Boathouse Gallery is now full, and has a waiting list.
We're still taking submissions for the Gift Boutique, we want to carry all kinds of quality, hand crafted goods by regional artisans there. We can hardly wait for February! You'll be getting regular updates, as time gets closer, and an invitation when we open, it's gonna be awesome!
I also went to an 'Arts Country' meeting, and found out that they used my art for the print ads, cool! AND my painting 'True to Type - Portrait of a Printers Daughter' was accepted in the STEPAC juried 'Identity Transfer' show, I haven't received my invitations to hand out yet, but my friend Candy tells me that they show her submission and mine, it's just amazing, how things all happen at once, just amazing!
Back to the painting... I haven't quite decided what to call it, but it's based on the double wedding ring quilt pattern, and has a free association poem running through it.
'Love is an old dog, young child, new bride, old couple, constant, enduring, rough or smooth, always changing. Love stands the test of time, forever, eternity, steadfast, handfasted, whole hearted, healing and heart rending. Love is holding a grand child for the first time, a parent for the last time, and a heart for all time, watching the years fly by, and the days trickle down, until we are all dust together, and start again. '

Have a Merry Christmas, one full of love.

Elgin studio tour, two sleeps away!

Did you have a good Thanksgiving? Mine was marvelous, I saw my grandbabies all three days, need I say more...

These pics are of my 2 1/2 yr old grandaughter making art, she's obsessed with paint and crayons. The adults were all in the 'other' room talking, she spotted my student's paints etc on the shelving dragged over the coffee table to climb up on, got paint, brush, paper, water pot, and apron... this is the result.





My dad said it was just like watching another little strawberry Blondie 50 + years ago...

The Elgin Studio Tour is just about here (maps). I think I've got it all covered, if not, too late! Make sure you come out and make the rounds, we have a wide variety of artists, and attractions. There is literally something for everyone.
We're hoping to raise funds for Goderich's recovery, so support your local artist and a good cause too.

Venus of the Waves, a nod to Botticelli

I'm having fun experimenting with terraskin, and if possible I'm even more in love with the stuff!
It cuts like a dream, it's possible to carve tiny slivers off of a sheet, or to cut intricate patterns. The possibilities are endless, I've long been fascinated by mosaic, stained glass, and quilts, all of these influences are appearing in my paintings, while I have fun with texture and colour. I feel like my muse has been unchained from the restraints of a conventional support, and I chafe at the 'real world' taking me out of the studio.

That said, the studio tour brochure and posters are out for their final vetting before they're printed, and some of the drama in my life has started to settle down...hopefully it's not just a storm eye, I don't like drama.

This painting owes a debt of gratitude to Sandro Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus', one of my all time favorite art pieces.
Way,way back I had an art teacher, Mary Redekop who was really big on art history. I owe her a debt of gratitude too. The wonders she introduced us to are in a large part, what motivated me to honor my inner artist.

additions to the studio tour

we're days away from printing, more artists and attractions have joined us, very exciting. To see whats going on, here's the link
http://elginstudiotour.blogspot.com/ to our tour web site

Butterflies everywhere butterflies

Many of you know that my property is registered with the Canadian Wildlife Federation's habitat program. This year has been our best year for 'critter spotting', and many of our visitors are of the flutter by sort, like this red spotted

purple butterfly, who kept me company as
I hung my laundry last week.

I've been spending a lot of time lately stalking butterflies with my camera, I've also been gifted with the opportunity to 'shoot' several of our birds eating the seed of some of my so called (by my crabby neighbour) weeds. All of which is food for the muses.

I've been very remiss with my newsletter this summer, partially because of a chaotic personal life, and partially because I'm still waiting for word from the Woodstock Gallery. The date to pick up rejected works has come and past... so does that mean both of my pieces got in? This is the third year I've submitted, third time the charm? or have I just missed an e:mail. I think I better contact them today and find out.

The Elgin Studio Tour is coming together nicely watch the blog/website I put together for it for developing details.

Elgin Studio Tour

I've spent a lot of my precious painting time this week working on the Elgin Studio Tour.
Things are steaming ahead, we have artists coming on board, and sponsors committing to ads on our map. As it says on the blog-website I started for it our intention is to showcase the artists, attractions and beauty of this area. We still have room for a couple of artists and a few more sponsors. Contact me if you want in.
I did manage to finish two paintings-one's a triptych, does that really make 4? Both had been started the week before, and both are still drying. As soon as I can put them up to be photographed I'll show them to you.
I have my fingers crossed, the acceptance/rejections should come out for the Woodstock show this coming week. I've submitted twice before, I'm hoping that this time is the charm. I took in the Oriole painting and Attila the Hum's portrait. Wish me luck.

London Studio Tour

It's studio tour weekend in London. Since Viv, like the rest of us, uses the studio space to work in we were able to get out our gallery, the Art Gallery of Lambeth as one of the stops. Most of us (the partners) don't live in London so can't participate. However Vivian Tserotas our curator, not only lives in London, but also lives just a few blocks from the gallery, she's also also a perennial favorite on the tour. I'm sure you'll understand why when you see her work, she'll be at the gallery tomorrow 12-5, 2454 Main St. Lambeth (London). Our next show at the Gallery is a 'tree' show, it's called 'Birch Trees, and More Trees'. This will be one of my contrabutions. We'll also be having an affordable art Mothers Day show May 6th, and 7th.

of plants and paint

The last few weeks, and the next few, have been totally nuts. Every week/weekend something has been happening and will be. The Appreciation Of the Arts, then the St Thomas Studio tour which-btw- was much better than last years studio tour for us, due to a better location and better weather.

This week and weekend is the Belmont Horticultural society's plant sale. We've become know for the quality of our plant sale, with lots of perennials, some annuals, and edibles it's not to be missed. If you or someone you know is a plant lover send them to Belmont, we're right on the main road, across from Westminster Mutual. Thursday, and Friday 3-6pm, and Saturday 9-12 or until the plants are gone... which ever comes first! Say Hi, I'll be there. Catherine calls me 'Queen of the Horts (soft 't'), which only means that when the elections came up last year I didn't know enough to say NO, and now I'll pres, 'cause I just needed another job... snarkcasim.

The Dorchester Artist Network show is coming up next weekend May 28-29-30, at the Dorchester On Thames Golf Club, Hamilton Rd just East of Dorchester mill pond.

There will be all kinds of great art, from sculpture, to painting, to jewelry, and pottery. There is bound to be something to please everyone.

These paintings are done by an amazing gentleman named Rod Fuller, whom I am privileged to know. Rod is an inspiration. Come to the gala Friday 6-9pm to meet him and you'll understand why I say that.

Humming bird painting with bee balm

Since my newsletter last week, a couple of things have either changed or come up.

The change is to the date of the Horticultural society plant sale, we've moved it ahead a week to Thursday May 20, 3-6pm, May 21, 3-6pm, and Saturday May 22 9 am-12pm. We had originally planned on avoiding the long weekend, linking with the fireman's breakfast, however, great news, we received word that we will be getting a huge donation of perennials, on the 17th, so we want to have the sale while the plants are fresh.

Catherine and I had not planned on being in the St Thomas Studio Tour. However an opportunity has come up for us to share studio space next door to friends of ours, Sharon and Daniel Brassard. I don't have the exact address yet, but their studio is in the old Alma Train Station on Wellington St west, St Thomas.

Finally, I've finished my latest painting, I think.... :)

It's called 'flight path', and it's part of my pollinators series.

Hummingbirds are everyones favorite pollinator. Sometimes the little guys, or as in the case of the bird in my painting, the little gals, cheeks and bibs are covered in yellow pollen from their lapping at nectar. Some flowers are designed so that only hummingbirds can pollinate them, and many more are pollinated by hummers as well as other pollinators.

So the next time you see one buzzing around enjoy, and say a silent thank you.

This is one of those weeks where I've logged lots studio hours, but have nothing to 'show' for it. I've got two projects in the very early planning stages, that I'm quite excited about. I find working on two at the same time means that as one is drying I can work on the other, rather than standing around watching paint dry. Of course since I'm not known for my patience... too often I try to work into it too early, and make a mess. So two at once just makes sense!

All of the prep work is important, but not glamorous. I find it easier to do several canvas's at once when I'm cradling/stretching/gessoing. However, I've broken a bunch of my clamps so I can't do as many at a time as I'd like, which means it all takes longer. Moral of the story, don't waste time and money on dollar store clamps!! And time to go shopping... I hate shopping.


I've refined the storage/work area in my studio to give me a bigger work space. That way I can work on bigger pieces without having to fight the space. It was making me crazy (short trip) when I had to tip things up to turn them, and no matter how careful I was I kept banging edges, no more! Also this means I can work bigger, which has been my tendency, bigger is better, when you have a lot to say with your art.

I've donated a portrait gift certificate to the silent auction for the re-vitalization of the library in St T. the gala is on November 28th, 7-8 at the library on Curtis St.

Santa Paws, the fundraiser for Therapy Dogs, and pet rescue is on Dec 5th 9:30 - 1:00, come get Fido or Mittens picture taken with Santa, I'm planning on having a booth to advertise my pet portraits ( and people too). Consequently I've been doing charcoal sketches of pets to have made into cards for this event. Cards are a blessing, so often that's how I pay my table space at these type of events. Well for a week when I thought I had nothing much to say, I've said a lot, have a great week!
Here's a 'studio tour' for you:

mother and child done

Done I hope.
After much fiddling around and about 10 hours of banging head against wall.... I'm finally happy with Mom's hand, mostly.
I have to wait for the paint to cure, before I'm sure, but...... here's hoping.
The studio tour was a success. Thank you, to all who helped make it so, and thank you to all of you who came out. I will be putting an accounting on the tour website, just as soon as all of the cheques clear, and the bills come in. It looks like we made approx $149.00 for cancer research. That is just what we collected in fees, after expenses, with the donations the artist's collected added in. The 'attractions' will I hope have put out their jars and I hope they've collected donations too, we'll soon know.
The Relish Elgin Magazine was here, during the tour, in the form of reporter Deborah Bagshaw, and her photographer, sorry I've forgotten his name. They've written a lovely article for their website.
We were blessed with wonderful weather, the only descent weather this fall. What a year it's been, weather wise.
'Twas the Art Before Christmas is fast approaching, just a couple of more weeks... the 'other piece' I'm working on has to be ready for that. I have 6 pieces going into that show, counting the one that's not done, so, back to work!

Studio Tour 09

Today and tomorrow, the studio tour is on.

We've been blessed with the only decent weather we've had all fall, and I hope you can come for a visit.

As you can see, I've been working on the Mother and Child commission, I worked on it at the Pinery show, and I think today I've finished it. I have to wait for it to dry (acrylic changes colour, the medium clarifies as it drys) but I do believe it is done. I have two other pieces done. I'll post them in a bit, and a third well under way. Thanks for your patience, I know I have been a bit lax in posting the last few weeks, but between self employment workshops, organizing the studio tour, Thanksgiving, and having the plague, life has been a tad hectic ;0

Sudio Tour progress

Tomorrow, is the first Friday event in Port Stanley, I'm not sure that I'm going as that is the day we have to deliver maps and signs for the studio tour, and I doubt I'll be back in time, but it's a fun event, so you should go anyway. Saturday is my show at the Pinery Provincial Park, I've got my fingers crossed for good weather, I'll be inside, so I'm not worried about rain, except from the stand point of, will people come if it's poopy?

No wonder nobody wanted to organize a studio tour. It's an incredible amount of work.
It's all I've been working on the last few weeks. Catherine and I have contacted artists and 'attractions'. In most cases that means driving out to talk to them, then driving back after they've thought about it, to drop off posters and pick up information forms.
I've spent hours sending press releases to various event calendars, thank goodness that's mostly on line now, I created a brochure and a map-time gobbler- driven the route, good thing I did, one road was closed, and another not where google maps said it was???
We've been making signs for the participants, and this afternoon we've got to go back to the printers (multiple trips) to get the map/brochures, and have signs laminated.....then we have to deliver signs and map/brochures.... pant pant, I'm exhausted lol.
Hope fully all of the running will be over this week and then other than a few more ads, I can get back to creating art.
This should be an awesome event, and next year we'll a) know better what we're doing, and b) not have to re-do some of this, since signs and map templates can be used year to year.
the map and brochure are here
Remember, this is a fund raiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Society. We can beat this dread disease