2025-03 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

I’m a lumberjack..

And I don’t care…except I’m changing that to ‘ I’m Canadian and I do care!’ Of course I’m assuming you know that Monty Python sketch. Being snowed in and bombarded with all the world chaos is certainly uniting us somewhat less vocal Canadians to proudly wave our flag. I’m not buying anything made in that place south of our border. Yesterday I was trying to find out where some fruit came from in an online shopping platform and even phoned the head office for Metro grocers. I‘ll bet the guy who answered the phone was wishing he hadn’t after our 20 minute conversation. (LOL) Although he was very polite.

It’s been almost like a vacation as I haven’t been able to get to my studio this past week. We have street parking and that means being snowed in and not wanting to move the car from it’s spot for fear of losing the space. These are the joys of living in Toronto without a private driveway. Although I have been able to look after some long neglected projects. I’ve also decided to postpone my OPEN STUDIO event that was planned for Sun Feb 23. Not to worry though, because I’ve decided to make it even better. Stay tuned for the NEW DATE and some surprise bonuses.

In my recent newsletters, you’ve read that I’m a little obsessed with the Gelli Printing and have started workshops. Gelli printing is so accessible and easy. I supply everything you need. It requires no talent (honest) and you get to create something beautiful that seems to just magically happen. For me, art making gives me the opportunity to totally let go of whatever chaos and drama is happening and focus on play. If you need a space to forget your troubles, I encourage you to join a group of like minded people and come out for some fun. See the dates below for upcoming classes. I’m now calling my space GWA studio.

Email me at gail@gailwilliamsartist.com to enroll at GWA studio and on the Jackalope gallery website for classes there. No experience needed. All supplies included. $95.00

Thursday Feb 27, noon - 2:30 at GWA Studio, 7 Labatt Ave, Botanical 1

Wednesday Mar 5, 6-8:30 at the Jackalope, 1558 Queen St E, Botanical 1

Wednesday Mar 12, 6-8:30 at the Jackalope,1558 Queen St E, Botanical 2

Thursday Mar 20, noon-2:30 at GWA Studio, 7 Labatt Ave, Botanical 2

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Superstar Fox and I on Family Day. He beat me by over 100 points!

Just in case you didn’t get snow where you are.

‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ at the Jackalope. 30x40, mixed media on canvas

2025-02 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Support Canadian

I would guess that just by your support of Canadian art, mine in particular, that I’d be preaching to the choir about how much buying Canadian means. No one can escape the daily pressure of the never ending media that we are bombarded with. It feels to me that like the lead up to WW2 that we are all figuring out what we can do. I won’t be lying about my age like my Dad did to join the armed forces, but I’ve often felt that if I was alive at that time I would do the same. However I can promise to show up with something beautiful and meaningful.

This month until Feb 23 at the Jackalope gallery I have 2 paintings which both speak to our times, ‘We’re Not in Kansas Anymore’ and “Yak Yak Yak’. If you’d like to meet there and have a visit I am very happy to arrange a good time. The Jackalope is at 1558 Queen St E, just west of Coxwell Ave. After Feb 23, you can see 2 new paintings. I’ve put one of them here for you. It’s called ‘Set Me Free’.

Here are the dates for my series of gelli workshops. I’m doing them at the Jackalope Gallery and at my studio.

Sign up directly with me for the studio dates and on the Jackalope website for classes there.

Botanical #1 workshop at 7 Labatt Ave-Thursday Feb 27, 11-2:30

Botanical #2 workshop at 7 Labatt Ave-Thursday Mar 20, 11-2:30

I’d love to see your smiling face at my first Open Studio at 7 Labatt Ave. I’ll be showing new work and lots of small pieces too. Sun. Feb 23,12-4

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Set Me Free will be at the Jackalope Gallery on Feb 23.

You are invited to my first Open Studio at 7 Labatt Ave on Sun Feb 23, 12-4. I’ve got tons of new work to show you.

2025-01 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

New Year..New You..New Me

And just like that we’re off to the races! I always find a new year exciting and for me there are several pivotal new years in every year. Obviously we’re at the beginning of one right now. And since my birthday is in April, I also find it is a good point to reflect and make adjustments as necessary. As well, I can’t stop myself from seeing September as another time of checking in. What about you? What are your points of reference?

BTW I am really loving my new studio. Please consider this an open invitation until I announce my open studio event which is coming soon. I would love to have you visit. You’ll see what’s on the easel and we can chat about life and art.

I’ve also been totally enamoured with the gelli plate printing technique. The Jackalope Gallery has booked a workshop for me on Sat Jan 18, 9:30 - noon. We’ll be working on botanical prints. It’s super fun and easy. Again, for only $95.00 all supplies are included. You’ll go home with lots of papers you can use for collage or making your own unique greeting cards.

Since you’re reading this I think you might be interested in more art info. I consider my art education somewhat lacking as I didn’t go to art school or university. One of the wonderful things about this modern age is that there is a wealth of knowledge only a click away. May I suggest you check out Jackson’s Art. https//www.jacksonart.com or on IG, @jackson_art. You’ll discover all about paint, painting techniques, famous artists etc. It is fascinating if you want to know the why and how of painting.

Last year, just before Christmas I had a lovely surprise. A new collector wanted one of my paintings. She had found me on the Partial Gallery online shop. She purchased the painting but Partial also has a rent-to-own feature. I encourage you to go to https://www.partial.gallery/ and see what I have there. If you want to trial a painting in your home, I can bring it to you (if you live in the GTA). The rental fee you pay will offset the purchase price if you decide to keep it. If you are not in the GTA, I will arrange a delivery with you. It’s a great way to add some original art to your home. I am adding more pieces to their site but you can check my website for more work that hasn’t been added yet.

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Here’s a botanical gelli print. Isn’t it just luscious?! You can do it too...so easy. I promise. Workshop at the Jack, 1558 Queen St E

Jan 18, 9:30 - 12 noon. Register on the website. 

https://www.thejackalopegallery.ca/

‘What’s Up Doc’ was chosen by Karen in Georgia, USA . It’s a 12x12 acrylic on canvas. I just know she’ll be smiling every time she sees it. Karen found this little guy on the https://www.partial.gallery/ website.

Check it out please.

2024-18 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

You’ve still got time

At least that’s what I tell myself. (LOL) I’ve never been one to get all the shopping done far in advance and I used to panic about it. Now I know that it will all get done. No matter what the ‘all’ is. The gift buying, the food planning, the shopping for the fancy outfit. That last one is definitely off the list this year.

However…you’ve still got time to get that little painting from the Gail Williams collection. I’ve got a large selection of small artworks available and several places where you can find them. Just give me a call and we can chat or you can visit the galleries I’m in this year. There’s bound to be something to catch your eye.

We had a full house last week at the Jackalope Gallery with a gelli printing workshop creating Christmas cards. Peg and Marion brought their friends with them and we had a blast.

This Sat Dec 7,12-3, I’ll be doing a live gelli printing session using PLANTS. Come see the artists at work. My best buddy Dorothy will be using charcoal drawing with the gelli plate so you can see how versatile this printing can be. This is such a satisfying and simple technique that requires little room and supplies that you can easily do at home.You can see the Merry Minis show at the Jack at the same time and get some of those names crossed off your list.

The next gelli workshop is booked for Sat Jan 11, 1-3 at the Jackalope Gallery. All supplies are included for only $95.00. If you’d rather use your own gelli plate please bring it along. We’re going to be doing botanicals. Start your new year with some fun learning.

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Thank you Peg and Marion for introducing your friends.

Our gelli printing workshop was such fun with you.

The MERRY MINIS are here at the Jack. Come on down!

I’ve got quite a few little ones at the Melt in Prince Edward County. It’s worth the drive to Picton.

www.meltstudiogallery.com

@meltstudiogallery

Here’s the Local Art Wall at Yellow House Framing and Gallery

921 Kingston Rd. I let the dogs out in Christine’s place. You know what I mean. Walking the Dog. Commissions available.

www.yellowhousegallery.ca

@yellow_house _framing

Here’s a botanical gelli print. Isn’t it just luscious?! You can do it too...so easy. I promise. Workshop at the Jack Jan 11.

2024-17 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Gelli in the bowl, gelli in the bowl!

I know I’ve spelled it incorrectly but I was hoping to get your attention. And maybe create an earworm. (LOL) Have I succeeded? Finally I’ve booked my gel plate printing workshop and I hope you’ll be intrigued to learn the basics. Gelli printing is such a fun and easy printmaking technique that uses a gel like plate to create beautiful layered designs. My workshop is booked at the Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E, Toronto, on Thursday Nov 28, 6:30 - 8:30. You’ll learn the basics and take home 6 lovely ( I promise) Christmas cards to astound your nearest and dearest. Space is limited. Book via the Jackalope website.

www.thejackalopegallery.ca

Rock on my friend,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Have you been hoping that I’d have some affordable art? This season I have several opportunities for you to add to, or start your Gail Williams collection. First up is at the Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E, Toronto. Tracy has created a stunning holiday collection of smaller works in a show called ‘MERRY MINIS’. In this show I have more than a dozen original pieces all ready to hang on the wall for only $95.00. Join me at the opening party on Sat. Nov 16, 5-9 pm. The gallery will be open for longer hours for this show.

www.thejackalopegallery.ca

@thejackalopegallery

Did you miss my solo show at Melt Studio and Gallery in Prince Edward County? No worries…I’ve got you! Susan Wallis has put together a fabulous show full of price friendly littles and I’m thrilled to have 9 pieces for sale. All for $95.00 These are all original artworks and ready to hang on the wall. Melt Gallery is at 343 County Rd. 22 in PEC.

www.meltstudiogallery.com

@meltstudiogallery

Back here in Toronto at Yellow House Framing , 921 Kingston Rd (west of Victoria Park Ave), you can see my gorgeous ‘BLOCK PARTY’ in the window. It’s a mixed media painting that has a luxurious wax finish that really enhances the stained glass look. In addition, I’m debuting 3 of my newest series called ‘CROSSROADS’. My art will be in the window Nov 17-23. All these works are for sale.

www.yellowhousegallery.ca

@yellow_house _framing

Yellow House Framing

CROSSROADS

14x11 in, acrylic on canvas, $250

2024-16 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Still Summer?!

How lucky are we to be having such amazing weather in October! The colours of the trees here are stunning this year. I love the contrast of the bright yellow and the red/orange.

It seems like October has been going on forever. I’ve moved my studio into a new/old address, did a course on gelli printing, set up a solo show and have started new work that is exciting me. I get tired just telling you all that. My new knee is still not 100% but apparently that is the nature of a full replacement. Andy welcomes me with a sly grin and his famous phrase ‘Art is ANYTHING you can get away with’ . It’s a quote I live by and one of the few I remember. Thanks to Ingrie for the figure.

If your’e looking for a WE getaway look no further than Prince Edward County. While your’e there pop into Melt Studio and Gallery at 343 County Rd 22 and take in my solo show ‘Tell Me a Story’. It is on until Nov 3 and I plan to be there in the afternoon. I’d love to share the stories of my paintings and perhaps you will share some of your’s.

Don’t forget if your’e looking for awesome art closer to home here in Toronto, the Rust and Radiance show at the Jackalope gallery continues at 1558 Queen St E.

Fun with finger painting and gelli prints. I’ll be announcing my gelli printing workshop in the next email. It will be a beginner friendly class. Gelli printing uses a gelatin sheet to create prints using acrylic paints, inks, stencils and almost anything that can make a mark, including your fingers.

Rock on my friend,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

An example of what I’ve done with a gelli plate. It reminds me of my Mom. She loved pansies.

Hi Andy!

Melt Studio and Gallery

343 County Rd 22, Prince Edward County.
https://www.meltstudiogallery.com

2024-15 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Silly me!

After reading the previous message I just sent, you might be wondering if I was flying across the country to be able to actually attend all these events. This WE I will be at the MELT Gallery in Prince Edward county. Please tell all your county friends that the artist will be in attendance. Of course I love to see you if you are in the area. PEC is the perfect place to enjoy country roads, fine wines and awesome art.

With Gratitude,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

The Birth of Fragments..Zoey Zoric, Gail Williams, April Mackey

For a fundraiser for the Salt Spring National Art Prize.

saltspringartprize.ca/shop to bid online

Melt Studio and Gallery

Next we move to the east in Prince Edward County for the opening of my solo show ‘Tell Me a Story’ on Oct 12, 1-4. The show runs til Nov 3 at Melt Studio and Gallery

https://www.meltstudiogallery.com
343 County Rd 22, Prince Edward County

And then I have 3 pieces in the Rust and Radiance show at the Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E. here in Toronto.

I hope you take the opportunity to see my art work at one of these lovely galleries.

2024-14 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Happy Thanksgivng to you and your’s

Just a quickie today. I didn’t realize I have 3 events happening all at the same time until yesterday so I thought I’d send out everything altogether, so that at least you’ll know what I’m doing.

Starting way out on the west coast on Salt Spring Island. You may or may not know that I was a finalist in the prestigious Salt Spring National Art Prize competition in 2019. It’s actually the highlight of my career so far. I was asked if I would like to collaborate with 2 other Art Prize alumni to create an ‘Exquisite Corpse’ painting as a fundraiser. My art buddy Zoey Zoric here in Toronto painted the top 1/3 of the panel. I did the middle part and then we sent it to Salt Spring for artist April Mackey to complete the project. It was such a fun thing to do. Zoey’s part was covered when I did my part and then both of our’s was covered so April didn’t know what we’d done. You can check the entire collection and even make a bid on the online auction. Here is the completed artwork by Zoey, April and myself.

With Gratitude,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2024-13 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Tell me that story..again please.

You’ve probably said that yourself when you were younger or perhaps there’s a little person in your life who says that to you. In any case, our lives are made of the stories we tell ourselves, the ones we create and the ones that are told to us. There are the happy ones, the sad ones and the soulful ones. One of my collector friends commented that my paintings are all about the story.

It’s no coincidence that my next solo show is called ‘Tell Me A Story’. As you look at some of my artworks the story that appears might be so obvious and in others, it takes a little digging. It also happens that the story you see is not at all what I saw when I completed that painting. It always makes my heart swell when I see the light of recognition in the viewers’ eyes.

Next Sat Oct 12, 1-4pm at Melt Studio and Gallery, I introduce you to ‘TELL ME A STORY’. Susan Wallis, owner of Melt, has created a unique venue in a former air force barracks in Prince Edward County. I’d love to hear what stories are brought up for you when you see what I have displayed.

We had a lovely gathering last week at the Jackalope Gallery and it was a little teary for me, but I am excited to be returning to my first studio at 7 Labatt Ave. My brain has been whirring with ideas and I can’t wait to have the time to devote to new explorations into the ‘twilight zone’ (as I sometimes think of my subconscious mind).

As I mentioned last time, I will be teaching some workshops at the Jackalope Gallery very soon. I’m excited to share with you my adventures with gelli printing. Stay tuned for details. I’m also putting together a no pressure ‘learn to draw’ class. You will be amazed at what you can do when I share the tricks and tips I plan to teach. 

BTW..I’ve just finished such a suberb book by Jeanette Winterson, ‘Written on the Body’. The images that she has conjured up are just waiting for exploration on canvas. If you’ve read something you adore, please let me know. I’m addicted to reading

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Melt Studio and Gallery, 343 County Rd 22, Prince Edward County.


https://www.meltstudiogallery.com

Tell Me A Story..Oct 10 - Nov 3.

Join ‘A Gathering of Friends’ at the OPENING on Sat Oct 12, 1-4pm

Thanks Mishel for sharing this photo of where you have hung ‘Motherlove’. I was so happy to see the light in your eyes when you spotted her. The beautiful painting on the other wall is by the artist Mishel. mishelschwartzart.com

Here’s an example of a gelli print. Please join me in having fun playing with the gellis. You’ll create your unique vision easily.

2024-12 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Back in the saddle again!

I know…I know… it’s been a minute since I’ve said hello and I’ve missed you. I’ve missed creating as well. Since taking on the duties of a gallerist as well as an artist I’ve been just a little busy and overwhelmed. Running a gallery, even with such a dynamic partner as Tracy, has taken it’s toll. I’ve decided that I would rather expend my energy on painting rather than all the duties that are needed to run a successful gallery. It was quite a ride and very exciting and gratifying, but not really what I truly want to do.

As of Oct 1, I will no longer be a partner at the Jackalope Gallery, but I will still continue to be one of the artists displaying my artwork there on a regular basis. I’m also planning to teach workshops there so I hope I will see you there in a class someday or as a visitor.

Tracy has organized a farewell party on Sun Sept 29 from 1-4. Please join us for coffee, tea and treats. It would be great to say thank you for all the support you have given the gallery and Tracy and I since March. I hope you will continue to show the gallery some love going forward.

This past August I was fortunate to spend in Thunder Bay. The weather was incredibly glorious. That month there was a Blue Moon and I’ve included a photo that serendipitously captures the stunning moonlit lake perfectly beneath the iconic Sleeping Giant.

Next month, I invite you down to trendy Prince Edward County for my newest show, ‘Tell Me A Story’. It will be held at Melt Studio and Gallery which is housed in an historic air force barrack in the former Camp Picton. The Opening party is on Sat. Oct 12, 1-4pm. My latest painting ‘King’ will join my collection of original art. I look forward to welcoming you to this unique venue.

If you follow on instagram you’ll see that I’m experimenting with gelli printing. It is fascinating and so far, frustrating to create something I’m happy with, but the process is starting to make sense. Very soon I’ll be offering workshops and I’d love to be able to share what I’ve learned

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

King

mixed media, 30x40 in

You are welcome to my solo show in Prince Edward County

https://www.meltstudiogallery.com

343 County Rd. 22, Prince Edward County

Sometimes it’s a good thing to wake up in the middle of the night.

2024-11 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

HOT time in the city but COOL at the JACK

Tracy and I are so grateful for all the support we have received from the artist community, the local neighbourhood and friends and family near and far, that we just had to celebrate with a fun afternoon of treats for you.

It’s this Sun June 23, noon to 5 at 1558 Queen St E.

In addition to our beautifully curated gallery of original paintings, we have the stunning photography of Felicity Somerset and the wonderful ceramics of Lynne Bywater, Silvana Michetti, and Karen Neeson.

Please join us for:

Coffee. Generously sponsored by Black Pony @blackponycafebar

Sweet treats.

Free draw for an art class with the talented Caoline Lesley.

The iconic JACK mug at a special discount.

Free art cards with any purchase over $50.

20% discount on all original Gail Williams and Tracy Davies paintings.

Can’t wait to see you.

Love,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

A Gathering of Friends waiting for you!

2024-10 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Hot off the press! 

You are exclusively invited.

WHAT: Customer Appreciation Day

WHERE: The Jackalope Gallery , 1558 Queen St E

WHEN: Sun June 23, 1-5pm.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: 20% off any Gail Williams original artwork if you have previously purchased an original painting.

We will also be having other fun shopping incentives when you visit the gallery on June 23.

Tracy and I have curated such a lovely show with photography by Felicity Somerset and ceramics by Lynne Bywater, Silvana Michetti and Karen Neeson. All their work is stunning.

Refreshments will be served. This is a FREE event.

At last I’ve finally got my print shop open! So of course I’m having an opening special. My printer uses archival paper and premium canvas and supports. This special offer is good til the end of June.

There are two sizes at the moment, but larger sizes are available. You can have an 8x10 in for only $35 (reg price is $50, or an 11x14 for $75 (reg price is $95). That is for a high quality print on paper. Prints on canvas on supports are also available. See below for the current series. I can also order any of my artworks as a print on paper or canvas as you desire.

It’s been ages since I’ve asked what you’re reading. Please…gimme. Need to find some new favourite authors.

I came across a youtube by one of my favourite authors, Fredrik Backman. He wrote ‘A Man Called Ove’ and quite a few others. All of which I love. Hope his northern sense of humour resonates with you. Please look up Fredrik Backman on Creative Anxiety and Procrastination. On youtube. It’s only 4 mins long. 

If you’ve ever thought you’d like to try your hand at painting in a fun, no judgement setting, please consider the Jackalope’s Paint Your Partner night. Bring a friend, a date, a relative and try your hand at painting their portrait. It is such a relaxed way to spend some time together. And the results are sure to give you a laugh. The next pop-up PAINT YOUR PARTNER is Friday, June 21, 7-9 at the Jackalope gallery. Register on the website. Easy peasy. Bring some friends and make it a double date.

$95 per couple, snacks included. 1558 Queen St E.

Hope to see you June 23 for some fun too.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

The Wallflower ,original 40x30 in, print 14x11 in and 10 x8 in

Homage to the Red Dress, original 24 x36in, print 11x14, and 8 x10 in

Mona Lisa’s Bird original, 36x24 in, print 14x11 and 10 x 8 in

Prince, original 36x24in, print 14 x11, and 10x8 in

A Gathering of Friends, original 40x30 in, Print 14x11 or 10x8in

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

  Ongoing..my art is in the window

• The G & T with Friends Show

  The Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E. Thurs-Sun noon-5

  Or by appt.

  On til June 30