2023-34 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

LET THE BELLS RING OUT!

This is the final newsletter for this year and I want to express my deep appreciation.

Thank you so very much for all the support you’ve given me. For keeping in touch, for visiting my art shows, for reading this newsletter, as well buying my art. I love to hear how you how you’re are flexing your creative muscles and your suggestions about art related events and non-art ideas.

This year I’m sending you a photo of our annual gingerbread cookie making with my sister Patty and grandsons Fox and Theo. Just like so many others, our family has always made gingerbread people and decorated with all the icing they can hold.

So, from my family to yours’… I hope you are able to enjoy your holiday traditions with your loved ones.

Jingle on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hyvaa Joulua ja Onnellista Uutta Vuotta!

You’re Invited!

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

Ongoing..my art is in the window

EXCITING NEWS COMING IN 2024…

Can’t wait to share!

2023-28 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Gratitude is a Gift for the Soul

Not a lot of chat today. But definitely a whole lot of GRATITUDE.

It’s because of you and people like you who appreciate my art that I do what I do. Last week, I was invited to lunch with one of my SUPER collectors, Andrea. She spoiled me with homemade pasta and French pastry and lots of delightful conversation. Her last purchase from me was ‘The Queen’ which she has renamed ‘My Queen’. As soon as she saw it at my solo show in April, she felt a deep connection that swelled my heart with gratitude. As you can see she has made quite a collection of my art and graciously allowed me to photograph her lovely home with my art in place. I am honoured that so many people are drawn to my work. It is very humbling to know that my art resonates with so many.

Here is the invite to our 6th annual GIFTS FOR THE SOUL holiday market. It’s thanks to a former colleague where I worked that I started organizing this event. We have assembled a wonderful group of talented artists who create unique one of a kind items. There’s something for everyone on your list. SAT NOV 25, 9-4:30, 450 Broadview Ave.

If you’re looking to add to your Gail Williams collection or to find a wee gift for a friend I have created new cards and framed prints at a friendly price point. They look amazing, even if I say so myself. I’ll have some prints of your previously admired original paintings.

See you soon,

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

‘My Queen’ in Andrea’s home office with her favourite friends

The lovely Andrea and her Queen

The start of Andrea’s Gail Williams collection. I love this one. It is so powerful..just like it’s owner.

And now for something completely different.

The Long Embrace , an original acrylic on paper. The image that started the hugging booth at my summer shows. Art lovers love to have fun!

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Blossom and Tempest

928 Kingston Rd. E

www.blossomandtempest.com

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery,

  18 Court St, Thunder Bay

Ongoing..my art is in the window

• Taren White Gallery

13 Grand River St N, Paris, ON

She has some new work of mine in the store

• GIFTS FOR THE SOUL, 6th annual Holiday Market

St Matthews Clubhouse, 450 Broadview Ave

Sat Nov 25, 9-4:30

• KAREN FRANZEN AND FRIENDS HOLIDAY SHOW

3 Wembley Drive (Coxwell and Gerrard)

Friday Dec 8, 6-9pm

Sat, Dec 9, and Sun Dec 10, 10-5pm

2021-38 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover              

My Wish For You

As this eventful year ends, I am thinking of the many things I have to be grateful for. Of course it includes my passion for art and my family, but I'm also so very grateful for the support of you, my dear friend in art. Knowing that you’re out there reading my little blurbs here and looking and buying my art reinforces for me the importance of friendship. I try to rein in my perhaps, over the top mentions of those adorable grandsons. It's really difficult some times.

However, I don't think I can ever express how highly I value your support. I wish you a happy time with friends and family, good health and a positive outlook in this crazy life we are living.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and happy and healthy new year.

I'll check in with you again in 2022 and in the meantime,

ROCK ON,


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

LOVE,

GAIL

PS...just in case your've forgotten, 'Sisu' is the Finnish word for perseverance, strength of purpose and determination. I think we all need some of that just now.

2021-37 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover        

It's a chicken and egg thing

Has it been a super busy time for you too? I think I'm finally accepting that this holiday season is always crammed full of busyness. People to see, places to go, cookies to bake. If I was ever really prepared, I would have put aside a photo I have of our family cookie baking days. There's flour everywhere and I'll bet those cookies were just as unsanitary as the ones Fox and Theo help us create these days. It always seems to happen that someone has a runny nose and those little fingers are touching every smartie and sugar ball we use for decorating. It sure was fun though.

At this time of year I am focusing with gratitude on the abundance that surrounds me. That's why I say 'It's a chicken and egg thing'. What comes first ..the gratitude or the abundance. I believe it's the gratitude. Gratitude for however my life is, even if it's a time of struggle and challenge. I try to find the lesson in the dark times which then leads me to abundance and more gratitude. If you've gotten this far and know me at all, you know I'm the glass half full gal.

Create your own Bundle of Joy!

I am always honoured to be part of a gift that someone has chosen for a loved one. Perhaps it sparks a memory or celebrates a shared moment in time. In the spirit of giving, I've designed a promotion that you might want to take advantage of. When you purchase one of my original paintings, size 24 x 30, 24 x 36 or 30 x 40, you can create your own Bundle of Joy! Choose any 3 of the following selections to add to your package. Yours to gift or keep. Free delivery in the GTA.

1. a set of 4 coasters (value $40)
2. two small prints (value $60.00)
3. one medium print (value $75.00)
4. two hours of my time to help you create a 'gallery wall' with your own art (value $199.00)
5. a two hour private art lesson for you and a friend (value $99.00) all supplies included

To help you make that important decision book a private studio visit to make your choice or check out my website, Instagram or Facebook. Send me a message to see what I've got.

Today I'm attaching a few older paintings and some from this year.

That's it for this week. Thanks for always being there.

ROCK ON

GAIL


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2020-14 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover - Take Time To Smell the Roses

Hope you are continuing to keep well, washing your hands, and wearing your designer masks. Are you having street parties? Distanced coffees dates? Virtual cocktail hours? Are you over the novelty of Zoom? I must say yes to all of the above, especially the Zoom. 

Doesn't it seem like everything just suddenly starts popping out of the ground? We get a few days of warmth and a little rain and the earth releases it's glory that has been waiting. How quickly we can forget the long days of dark winter.

A dear friend of mine, Ruth, who now lives in Salt Spring Island sent me the most wondrous email. I am sure you will agree that is is stunning. Please click on the link to see what I mean The only downside is that this happens in New York, not Toronto or anywhere in Canada that I know of https://lewismillerdesign.com/flower-flash/

I love getting emails from friends who know how much I love art related events. Mira from Ottawa sent me this one. Although I am not fluent in French I get the gist. https://eipmh.com/joyful-as-painting-child-an-evening-with-arno-stern/  Wouldn't I have loved to have had an art teacher like that?!

Theresa sent this suggestion..check it out..you can do a free trial to watch it. https://watch.mhzchoice.com/the-art-of-crime...crime and art together sounds intriguing to me!

As I announced in last week's newsletter, I am participating in the #artistsupportpledgecanada . The pledge is a way to support artists at this time when we cannot show our art at art fairs and galleries. I have 12 pieces of art to sell for $200 each. When I have sold $1000 worth, I pledge to buy art from another artist. I am launching my 'Chrysallis Collection' on Monday June 1 to the general public, but I am offering it to my newsletter followers first . These paintings are regularly priced at $300. They are 14x17in, mixed media on paper, unframed. It is a great way to start or add to your original art collection at a lower price point. I attach 2 more of the collection . Let me know if you would like to see all of them and I will send them to you. First come, first serve. I have already pre sold 3 of them.  

Don't forget you can draw along with me on Tuesday on my Facebook page, Gail Williams. I'm doing Fun Monster Drawing for kids and adults at 12:30. Fox and Theo give me inspiration every week. 

And the winner of this weeks' draw is Emily..congratulations!

Rock on

            YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

---

2020-05 Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

Hello Dear Art Lover. Welcome to YOUR Creative Life 🍀🍀🍀

I’m not really sure how to start this newsletter. There's so much fear and panic surrounding us. It's like 9/11.

At first you can't believe it and then that's all you see in the news and all anyone is talking about. And it's over

and over and over again. 

So I think what I'll do is try and give you some ideas I have seen others doing that can help you get through this. Because this will pass and I truly believe if we take the high road, we can be better for this experience.

I'm going to paraphrase the advice given by an artist and his wife who is a psychologist that I posted on my FB. sergiogomezart if you are interested.

1. Get your information from reliable sources. That means not DR. INTERNET.

2.Try not to be constantly looking at the news.

3. Find ways to de-stress. It may be funny movies, music, learn a new skill, revisit a hobby, play with your kids, hug a tree. 

 I thought that watching the old Christmas movies could be fun. 🎄

Play your music LOUD. 🎤

Dance.💃

Exercise .

Travel virtually. Instantstreetview.com .Thanks Sandra😘

Finger paint or just any kind of painting. Paint like a kid..let yourself go.🖌

I would love to hear what ideas you have. Cleaning the house is not at the top of my list, but it is there.

Do your taxes...so fun!

Take an online course. 🎓

My art is on the walls of The Beacher Cafe, 2162 Queen St E for the month of March. But I do post online in FB and IG.

Our other shows are cancelled. Check my website for new art please. gailwilliamsartist.com The painting I have attached is 'Block Party' which is where we'll all be again.

Keep calm and rock on my friends,

Gail

---

2019-8 - 💓 GRATITUDE

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

Yesterday, after I used my freedom to vote in the advance polls, I went for a walk in my neighbourhood ravine. I am so fortunate to be able to access quiet in the middle of a busy city. Not only am I grateful for living in this country, at this time, I have a wonderful family and a tribe of amazing friends who celebrate me. I think the beautiful maple leaf I have attached is a reminder of our good fortune. I'm always looking up and down when I walk. You never know what will catch your eye.

I also have great news about the painting I currently have in the Salt Spring show.💃 It has sold! It will be going to it's new home in Salt Spring to a couple who completely connect with the power of the image and I couldn't be happier. I have attached the photo of me on the night of the opening gala. It was such an affirming experience for me and I wouldn't have been there without the support of so many people. Again, my heartfelt thanks.

My creativity tip🖌 for today is about overcoming the fear of the blank paper/canvas. Not an original idea, but a reminder to suspend judgement! Forget those monkeys on your shoulder. Put on music that moves you, take a few moments to really feel it and then start by allowing your whole body to put the paint on the canvas. Switch the brush to your non-dominant hand, hold it by the end, use different sizes of brushes or sponges or chopsticks or forks or rags. Anything at all to loosen up. And always remember, it's just some paint and paper/canvas. You can always paint over it.

Save the Dates:

• November 23, Gifts for the Soul, St Matthew's Clubhouse

• November 23 - December 22, Watercolour Exhibit at Gallery 888

• December 1 - Labatt Studio Holiday Show, 7 Labatt Ave

Details to follow.

Happy Thanksgiving,🦃

Gail

---