2020-32 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

So...did you figure it out? Of course you did! Just thought I'd have a little fun with you. I'd love to hear you try to pronounce the Finnish though. It is an Uralic language connected to Hungarian. And if you know any of the Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania you would have no problem. I cannot speak Finnish very well at all, but I'm having fun using an app to exercise my grey cells.

It means the world to me that you support my second career as an artist by being interested in what I'm doing and buying my art. I've met so many great people along the way and have learned so much. I really cannot thank you enough.

My wish for you is to have a wonderful holiday this year, no matter what it looks like.

We are all hoping to get back to some sort of normality. Perhaps this situation has brought home the importance of personal connection and not taking so much for granted. I wish you good health, success and prosperity in 2021.

The COASTER GIVEAWAY this week is Susan. Congratulations Susan. I'll have those into the mail for you right away.

This newsletter would not be complete without a little grandma bragging. Fox and Theo decorated themselves up for the photo op. They are so excited of course.

This is the last newsletter for the this happy year 2020. Again I thank you for all your responses to me and I wish you and your family a great holiday.

Have a listen to this beautiful rendition of one of my favourite Christmas songs. Courtesy of my baby sister, Ellen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pggyHEiTls&feature=youtu.be

See you next year :)

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK YOUR JINGLE BELLS !!!

GAIL

2020-31 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Have You Ever Seen Those Chestnuts?

All kidding aside...I'd love to know if you have done it. If not that, then what is one Christmas tradition that you follow? Saying it's going to be different is the understatement of the year. This year, no matter what tradition you celebrate, it's probably going to be the one you remember for a very long time.

But no matter what, I'm still making and baking. Since we have a professional baker in the family...Joanna, and a chef, Vlad, we always have a tasty feast as I'm sure you have also. One of my favourite things to make is tourtière. My Mom used to make it every Christmas eve. I love it with homemade chilli sauce, which I might be lucky to get from my sister Ellen. She makes the best you've ever tasted!

For my craft this year, I made an accordion journal for my graphic novelist grandson Fox. He comes home from school every day and starts drawing and writing the captions. A new story every day. It's super easy to make one for yourself or your aspiring author.

You fold a long piece of paper back and forth into an accordion. If you need a longer piece of paper, just tape some pages together and fold until you have it the size you want. Super easy.

Since our Gifts For The Soul market is not happening this year. I'd like to showcase two creatives who have been in previous shows. Contact them directly for some beautiful gifts.

1. Beverly Allen makes gorgeous 100% silk scarves uniquely designed using dyes she lovingly extracts from local plants. Each is a treasure that is good for the planet and good for you. Approx 22" X 72", hand washable. Shipping is included. Contact her at BeverlyAllenArtist.com.

2. Lorrie King has been in several shows with her stunning pottery. Made of porcelain and stoneware, her pieces are functional and beautiful. Perfect for everyday use. Contact her on Instagram @lorriekingpottery.

The COASTER GIVEAWAY winner this week is Steve. Congratulations Steve, I'll send a set of coasters your way this week. Next week will be the last giveaway of the year. If you know someone who would like to receive my newsletter and be in the running for a giveaway , refer them to my website where they can sign up. www.gailwilliamsartist.com

If you've ever thought that you would like to give a gift of my art, I do gift certificates.

Til next week,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-30 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Coasters Coasters Coasters

You thought I was going to say 'My two front teeth' didn't you? That was such a popular holiday song when I was a kid, but I don't seem to hear it as much. We [my 5 sisters and 2 brothers] [yes I am the oldest of 8] thought it was so funny when we whistled 'teeth'.

Actually, Fox lost his two front teeth this year. I'll have to teach him that song.

So..back to Coasters...You might be wanting to add something to that hostess bottle of wine you aren't taking to all the holiday parties, and I have just the thing. See the attachments below for the sets I have available. Only $35.00 . My gift to you is I'm paying the shipping.

And....in the final 3 newsletters of this amazing year , I am doing a COASTER GIVEAWAY!!

The winner today is Paulette. Yeah for Paulette. She was my locker neighbour way back when I was at the Odette Centre, part of Sunnybrook Hospital. My sincere thanks to all healthcare workers.

In the spirit of giving, I am offering any of my 6x6 collages on wood panels for only $50.00. Some are funny and some are just gorgeous. One attachment shows my wall of collages form the olden days of Gifts For The Soul. Send me a message and I'll send you some photos. Some of those are still available.

Are you making a list of the holiday movies you watch every year? I know that Joanna's is "it's A Wonderful Life". That used to be mine also, but it has been replaced by 'Love Actually' I know that soundtrack by heart and so does my studio roomie.

I'd love to know what yours is. And your favourite Christmas carol or song.

Til next week,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-29 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

Everywhere you go

Honest I really did see a snowman! It was kind of tiny but it was a snowman. And now it's all gone again. I hope we get more and that it stays around for the holidays. Then it can melt away. Are you praying for that white stuff to cover up our world with some magic. We really do need some magic don't we?

In the past 4 years I have organized ourGifts For The SoulHoliday Market and was hoping that we would be celebrating our 5th anniversary in person. But of course, that's not to be the case this year. We will all miss seeing your face and wishing you a wonderful holiday season and prosperous new year. It means a lot that you have supported us through the years and we are very appreciative . We wouldn't be able to do this without you.

Instead, I will pass on to you several of the previous creators with their details so you support them again. Also, to see what new items they have made this year. I know they have all been busy with new designs and products.

Joanna Williams of Cave and Crown is a fibre artist making some fabulous new blankets and boho home accessories. She's got some awesome macrame hangings and also holiday decor. Check her Instagram@caveandcrownor her etsy shop: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/caveandcrown.

Melanie D'Silva of Wear a Little Sparkle is on Facebook as Wear a Little Sparkle and she has Instagram @wearalittlesparkle. Of course, she has some wonderful new designs all meticulously handcrafted. Order directly from her.

Nicole Salterwith her yummy bath and spa products has a website. www.saltzbaths.com. Place your order through the website and she'll get it right to you.

The debut of my SISU series of small works featuring my Grandma is Sat Nov 28. All the gals are listed on my website , by number for easy identification. www.gailwilliamsartist.com. I can ship one right out to you, so you have a reminder that your sisu, your courage, perseverance and strength of purpose is in you. We're all needing some sisu right about now.

Just so you know what I've been up to lately, I'm attaching a few pics of The Ladies who have appeared in the studio these days. Where are they coming from? Until recently, I only did landscapes. There wasn't a figure in sight. And now they just keep popping up. It reminds me that as a kid, I used to spend hours drawing fashions.


Til Next Week

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-28 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Nobody's Watching... or Are They?

So..how are you doing? What are you doing to keep your spirits up? I think we are all getting weary. If you have any good ideas for creative recreation, I'd love to hear them.

Today it is another very warm day in Toronto and I'm taking my boys to see a digital art show at the Power Plant. It's got ninjas and all sorts of moving parts so I think they will like it. We'll follow that with a hike in a ravine close to my house. I call it an adventure with GG. However, have I told you that Fox said his Dad takes him on adventures and I do activities.?

One of the things that is keeping me sane is my Zoom classes with my eccentrics instructor Sheri. http://www.sheriessentrics.com/classes.html She is an energetic ball of fire and has introduced me to a lot of great music as well. Hence the opening to this newsletter. Here is the link to the youtube should you want to move your booty.

Leon Bridges - If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) (Official Video)

#LeonBridges #IfItFeelsGood #OfficialVideo

Did you pick up a pencil this week? Try taking a photo and turn it upside down and draw what you see, not what you think you see. I'd love to see the results. I'm attaching a detail of what I'm working on at the moment. It grew out of one of the pours where I pour paint in the space between the cello covering and the canvas. It's so much fun to do this. You never know what shapes will result. If you check my Instagram you could see how I do the pours.

Gifts for the Soul, our annual holiday gift show is going online. We are setting up a Facebook group so you can check all the creatives' work. Stay tuned for details.


Til next week, I wish you well.

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON

Gail

2020-27 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Take a Deep Breath..shoulders down

What a week!! Did your shoulders come down a notch or two? Now all we have to do is resolve this Covid situation. I finally put on my 'I love New York' cap and feel OK about visiting south of the border..when we can. And throw in Remembrance Day and you have the full range of emotions. When the fly past happened yesterday, my heart was so full of gratitude. My dad lied about his age to enlist in the navy. I can't even imagine those times!

If you follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook you'll know I am launching a new series, which I call SISU in honour of the perseverance and courage of my Grandma. I'm attaching one of the original pieces below. The series will be released to the public on Nov 28, but until then, if you want one, you'll get it for a reduced price of $200 [instead of $250] It's a great way to begin your Gail collection of original art or to get your holiday shopping started. Check out theSISUseries in the gallery of my website. www.gailwillliamsartist.com. Shipping is included.

There will also be pop up of SISU in Kat Molnar's gift shop, Blossom and Tempest, 928 Kingston Rd. on Sat. Nov 28, 10 - 6, www.blossomandtempest.com. Kat has an amazing selection of gifts, jewlelry, clothing and other goodies. There will be giveaways. I'm really looking forward to seeing you. Of course, Covid restrictions are in place.

Next week I'll be announcing how you can visit 'Gifts for the Soul' annual holiday gift show. All your favourites will be there with their special creations for this year. They've all been super busy with new work and your favourites. Please put them on your list to start your gifting.

Til next week, I wish you well

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-26 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

BREAKING NEWS

How are you doing? Do you feel like you've been holding your breath for months? I can't be the only one who feels it's been a little surreal lately. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Trying to get on with business and still procrastinating.

The BREAKING NEWS I refer to has nothing to do with politics. My crystal ball is in the shop [again!]

I have sad, but not unexpected news about our annual Gifts For The Soul, holiday gift show. Just when we had found the perfect venue for it too. Instead of a live event, we will showcase our wares on social media. So please check us out on Facebook and Instagram in the near future. We will do a post with links to all our fabulous creators. I know that even with the Covid, they have all been super busy making all sorts of new items for your holiday gift giving list.

Have you ever thought of art journalling? You can use a new book or even a found one. Cover the writing or some of it with a wash of cheap paint, use markers, crayons, pencils or collage other paper on top. There are a heap of ideas online. It could be a place to just keep all the ephemera you might collect, pictures of interesting places, words that catch your eye. A place to vent or a place to explore ideas to share or not. I would love to hear your ideas on what your'e doing or thinking of doing.

This week's attachments are photos of where I began with a painting and the result. I have posted on IG some of the process videos. Some are time lapsed so you won't be watching paint dry [lol] This one is called 'The Wallflower'. It's 40x30 in, acrylic on canvas, gallery wrapped, ready to hang. Free delivery in the GTA. Contactless of course. Click on the image to see it larger in all it's glory!

Till next time,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-25 Living Artfully

Haallooooo.....Dear Art Lover                      

I Just Can't Help It

Have you figured out your Hallowe'en costume yet? Mine is in the planning stage. [see attachments] However, my favourite Hallowe'en song is Werewolves of London with David Lindley. My sister,Dianne, is the culprit for introducing me to this track and I start howling when I hear it. There doesn't even have to be a moon. Be careful when listening. You might start braying at the moon too.

David Lindley & El Rayo X - Werewolves of London - YouTube
 
You might have figured out that I like to have fun. It is one of three things I value in my art practise as well. The other two are courage and vulnerability. Having fun is easy but also a little scary. That's why I value courage. Sometimes I am called to just paint over some part of a painting that I like. Or I might feel that I need to spray the entire thing with water and then see what is revealed. It's never a straight line for me. It takes courage to do that. And it takes being able to show my work to others who just don't get it! That's when vulnerability shows up. I think of courage and vulnerability like the chicken and the egg statement. But as I say above...I just can't help it. It's what makes my painting a compulsion. And hopefully someone will get it. Actually, I have a loyal crew of support and I am extremely grateful.

Very soon I am releasing my SISU series. More on that later, but I wanted to share a part of my process that I use when I make my Grandma paintings [there's a clue for you] I developed the image while drawing with my eyes closed. I challenge you to think of an image. It could be anything. Something you know really well. An apple perhaps. Close your eyes and imagine you are holding it in your hand. Feel the shape of it. Maybe imagine how it smells and how it connects with you. Take a piece of paper and draw the shape with your eyes closed..slowly. Imagine your finger tracing the outline. I think you will be quite surprised at the outcome.

Here's another toe tapper for you. No howling..just some feel good music and a little eye candy.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/-iP27eatYxE

Till next week , I wish you well.

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-24 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

It's Gonna Be a Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day

Don't you wish it was a bright sunshiny day everyday? Especially when it's not, like it is today. However, I've been told it will be like that tomorrow. If you lived in Thunder Bay, the Sunshine Capital of Canada, you might actually get tired of all those blue skies [NOT] .

This week I've been inspired by an online mini course in rediscovering clarity and focus. If you want to check it out, you still can join. It's free and no pressure at all. It's about reminding yourself about what lights you up in any creative endeavour, like life for example. Remembering the things you got excited about when you were a kid. Perhaps some dream or idea you had that you abandoned when the responsibilities of life were calling. It's on Facebook on Nicholas Wilton's page in Art2Life. The breadcrumbs challenge. 

If you follow me on Instagram you can see a fun video of how I sometimes start a painting. It's on IGTV.  One of my priorities is to have fun and this process is definitely unpredictable. I've attached two photos of where I changed that canvas. More work is needed and I guarantee I'll be having fun.

I realize that not everyone likes abstract art, so I thought I would suggest a way to help you create something realistic. Take any photo you like. Turn it upside down and then draw it. Throw out the idea of what you think it should look like, just follow the lines. Then turn your paper right side up and I think you'll be surprised at how accurate your drawing is. My sister Patty [ I have 4 others, BTW] sent me a photo of one of her drawings she did that way and it is very good. I think she had fun too.

Til next time,  

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-23 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

You Can Light The World Up With Your Smile

Well....NOT a sunny day as I write this today. The leaves are blowing off the trees and it's cold, and rainy... BRRR. We had such a nice long stretch of sun and blue skies so I guess we need this. At least that's what I'm trying to convince myself of. However, it's not below zero here yet. My sister in Thunder Bay says she's sending that weather down here. 

Thank you to all the folks who responded to last week's letter. 'It's a Wonderful World' evokes emotion for so many. It is one of my favourites too. This week's 'tagline' has been running through my head since Ben commented on one of my Instagram stories. I thought it was an appropriate one for this gloomy day. It's all about attitude isn't it? I've been thinking about my attitude toward the restrictions. Like many, I really don't like them. I'll do it but do I have to like it? How would my experience change if I changed my attitude?  Helpful advice is appreciated.

A new series is coming out which I am very excited about. It's called the 'Sisu' Series. Sisu is a Finnish word that is not easily translatable to one word in English. It means determination, courage, and strength of purpose and my Grandma was the embodiment of it to me. I have created a series of Grandma paintings in the past, and this collection has been so much fun to make. I had an 'AHA' moment while painting last week. I was grinding the paintbrush and I mean really pushing the paint  onto the wood panel. It felt so pleasurable and reminded me of the time Fox was using a sparkly marker to do the same. He was just loving putting the colour on the paper. It made me think of how art is not about the end result at all. It is about the process. That is so easy to forget when I am trying to make a 'good' painting. 

Please take a chance on yourself and just make some squibbles on a piece of paper. Find the crayons and dig right in. There is no right or wrong way. 

Another avenue that I'm exploring now is with Nicholas Wilton in his Art2Life Breadcrumbs Challenge on Facebook. It's a FREE one week course about creativity..any discipline, no experience required. It starts on Monday, but he is already putting content in the group. There's always the opportunity to learn something new. The internet is s treasure trove. www.art2life.com


Attached you will find a photo of 'The Way is Clear' hanging on a wall in the studio,  and a size guide to help you visualize paintings, which I think is brilliant!


Until next week,

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-22 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

I See Skies of Blue, Red Roses Too

Hope this letter finds you well. We have been blessed with some pretty spectacular fall colour this season. This is my favourite time of the year. Yesterday we had a very windy but sunny day. I love a good wind! Those ones where the leaves are blown off the branches. I find it very exciting. Almost as good as a noisy thunderstorm by the lake.

Today just happens to be World Sight Day. Which made me think of the incomparable Louis and the song title I have referenced. One of my sisters ,[I am lucky to have 5!!!] had a cataract surgery yesterday.  And..with full disclosure, I am playing russian roulette with my blood glucose and therefore potential for diminishing eyesight. I've been an ostrich, ignoring my climbing BG. No worries at the moment, but I do know the effects of continuing on this path. I have had success in the recent past with lowering it, and have made the commitment to return to a program that works for me. So far so good this week.

This has been such a stressful time for all of us and I would encourage you to ask me anything about painting or techniques. I know that creating can reduce stress levels. As you have seen, I love to experiment. I'm all about the 'What If' approach. If you've watched my Instagram account you might see me using Wetwipes. What the heck! They're not only good for cleaning hands but great at creating texture. You can either lay them flat on the painting and press off part of the  last surface or you can scrub away.  Give them a try. I'd love to see what you come up with.

My entrepreneurial daughter Joanna @caveandcrown [she makes delightful items with a bohemian vibe BTW] alerted me to this article from the Guardian about a little known female abstract artist from the 1900's, who didn't get the recognition she deserved in her lifetime. The documentary will come out soon.
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/oct/06/hilma-af-klint-abstract-art-beyond-the-visible-film-documentary

I'm attaching 2 recent paintings. One is 'The Eyes of the World', and the other is 'Yakyakyak'  I'm sure you can guess which is which. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and friends.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Until next week,

Rock on,

GAIL

2020-21 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover                  

Done is Better Than Perfect

Hope this letter finds you well. Are you waiting for the other shoe to drop? By that I mean the announcement of a second wave of restrictions. I'm happy that Fox is continuing in school. He is in Grade One and just loves it. The other day he read a book from cover to cover and was over the moon. I am just thankful every day for some normalcy.

As I'm sure you know, I am challenged on the tech side, so I need a lot of help. And I get a lot of it from many different sources. Today I'm attaching an article that appeared in our local paper, the Beach Metro News. Hopefully you can read some of it. I wanted to attach as a PDF, but couldn't figure it out...oh well. I'm happy to be learning something new every day. Along with reacquainting myself with the mother tongue of Finnish on Duolingo. The synapses are firing somewhere in the brain at least.

One thing I would like to ask you, is about prints of my art. Please check out my website and give me some feedback about which pieces would appeal to you as a print. And also would you prefer a giclee, which is a print on canvas or one on paper that would need to be framed. Of course I can order smaller sizes and the price would reflect that. I am not asking you to purchase. This is for my information to help me make a decision about whether or not to go ahead. I really appreciate your input. www.gailwilliamsartist.com.

Today I'd like to share a few of my favourite contemporary buddies in the art world. You know my humour is a little warped sometimes so bear with me. I admire many different styles and artists for various reasons. Like my eclectic choice of music, my art loves are very different. I'll put their instagram titles so you can find them easily or check their websites if you're so inclined.

@stevenjamestunny...a UK artist who has an irreverent sensibility
@catstambolic.art... a Toronto artist who is really making a name for herself
@magdalena.morey.artist... a Spanish landscape [mostly] of swoon worthy paintings
@jenniferpazienza...a New Brunswick painter of dreamy landscapes

I'd love your reflections on where your interest in art lies and any questions too.

Wishing you a wonderful WE.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

ROCK ON

Gail

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