Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life
I have so much to share in this newsletter I almost feel like my head could pop off.😱 Then I remember to breathe and just let the dusting go. I've got more important things to do. Like painting and sending out a newsletter and getting things ready for upcoming shows and learning how to stretch canvas and send in bios and photos and applications for more shows.
I've put a 'Save the Dates' at the bottom for easy reference.
First up though, I must tell you about my recent process painting workshop in Grand Marais, Minnesota. I did the same workshop last year and it completely changed my approach to painting. It is wonderful to spend focussed time on your craft. I think the painting I created is super good. See it in the attachment please. This is the first time I have used unstretched gessoed canvas. It felt so luxurious to really massage the paint onto the canvas. Now I need to learn how to do the stretching.
That leads me to my creativity tip 🖌. I used 10 ounce weight canvas that you get at the art supply store, just like buying fabric. I applied 3 coats of gesso and sanded lightly with fine sandpaper between coats. Wipe off the excess sanded gesso with a damp cloth. When you do your painting, you can attach it with pins to a surface. Allow at least 5 inches beyond the edge of the painting for the depth of the stretcher bars and to staple firmly at the back. You can get the stretching done at the art supply store or do it yourself. I am learning how to make neat corners. I love the way the paint went on. It seems to have more substance. I could really work the paint into the canvas. However, I did just find out that I should have stretched the canvas on the stretchers and gesso afterwards. Live and learn🎓
I also got an amazing letter of appreciation from Elsa, who bought my painting at the Salt Spring National Art Prize competition. It is very gratifying to know that people 'get' my art. I know I don't just paint pretty pictures and they seem to end up in homes where the buyer gets the message. Even if it is not the message I thought it was at first. That is the beauty of art. The eye of the beholder...YOU!👁
A quick guide to where and what I've got coming up. Please SAVE the DATES
1. Artist Network show..Momentum..group show..Oct 30-Nov24, Opening reception Nov 6, 6pm-9pm, see attached .
2 .Gifts For the Soul..Holiday market..Nov 23..see attached details
3. Gallery 888..group show..Nov 23-Dec 22, 2359 Queen St E.
4. Labatt Studio group show .. Sun Dec 1, 1-4pm, 7 Labatt Ave,
Rock on,
Gail
