2022-07 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

C'mon already

Hey there... I can almost hear you over here.... Where is Spring?! We're getting royally teased here in Ontario. Alternating days of sunny double digits and cold windy days of snow. Well actually , more days of cold than warm. I keep looking for those first signs of growth but I'm needing to look really hard.

If you've been watching me on Thursdays at 1pm on Instagram Live, you'll know I've been featuring 'The Art of Noticing' by Rob Walker. It's an inspiring little book full of ideas to spark creative thinking and noticing. Last week I focused on taking the less travelled route, be it on foot or in a vehicle. Things I've noticed just by even walking on the other side of the street.. a tent on a balcony, a maple leaf that somehow got imprinted into wet cement, the tiniest flowers already in my front garden. What have you seen that you've not actually noticed before that has been right under your nose?

The Art Venture that was held a few weeks ago on March 25 was so fabulous. Our group included the High Park walkers (my name for them) and other art enthusiasts who visited the stunning art of indigenous artist, educator and historian Philip Cotein the Roncesvalles United Church. Thanks to Reverend Anne for approving our tour.

The huge mural is in the sanctuary surrounding a beautiful stained glass window. We self taught ourselves about the significance of the many symbols and then walked down a block to see another mural by Philip.
It's on the south side of the building at the corner of Garden and Roncesvalles. What a treat to get acquainted with indigenous art and legends. Then of course, we enjoyed lunch and good times with delicious Polish food. Thanks to Gwen, Darlene, Eric, Diana, Mira, Patty, Patti, and my BFF Dorothy. I'm going to return to Roncesvalles for more adventuring.

If you have some ideas for the next Art Venture please send them along.

Thanks so much to Amanda, Bill, Neala and Angela for their contributions to my art education and photos of brothers and sisters. The 30 SISTAS & BRUDDAS gallery is growing. If you'd like to participate, please send me a photo of a brother and/or sister or a BFF and I will create an 8x8 in portrait on paper with mixed media. If you like it you can buy it. If not, no hard feelings. $99.00 includes taxes and shipping.

I'd really like your help in naming my newest large painting which I am attaching here. Thanks so far to Diane, Dorothy and Andres for their suggestions.

Hope you're keeping those toes and fingers crossed for the submissions I've made already. I appreciate alldivine interventions. I do know that I have wall space at the annual Central Connection Art Show Sat/ Sun May 28/29. It's an the first in-person, offline, actual, real life art show in years!! I hope you can make it. There will be some new smaller works and a few large pieces. The clubhouse is at the northern end of Withrow Park, close to the Danforth and all the delicious restaurants and shopping. Make a day of it! The poster is attached.

CONGRATULATIONS toLisa G. She is this month's free print winner.

Ruth who won a print this year has been inspired to create some art of her own. Living Artfully is catching on!

Thanks so much for all the love. I appreciate it.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2022-06 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

The grass is rizing

Not a typo...my kooky uncle introduced me to that silly line about the springing of spring. I just thought I'd make a verb of it. Have you seen the first signs of those green things popping up from the ground? I hope they weren't scared off by those winds! I literally almost got blown away while crossing the street. At least in Toronto we didn't get the 50cm of snow that blew into my hometown of Thunder Bay.

Exciting things are happening! We can not mask if we want. We can have in-person art shows...YAHOO!! I am submitting for several outdoor art fairs. Please cross all your fingers and toes for me.

The other day I was honoured with a visit from Amanda, a former co-worker who came all the way from Edmonton to see my current collection. (well...she might have had other places to see but I don't think they could be more colourful) It was such a pleasure to share with her my processes and get caught up on what she has been doing. Amanda is an advocate for patient rights in the cancer treatment field. She is doing so much good for LGBTQ2S awareness in health care. I applaud her dedication and expertise.

MORE SIR!

Thank you so much for all the photos of family for my 30 SISTAS & BRUDDAS project. The gallery wall is filling up but I would still like more! If you have any friends whom you think would like to participate, please tell them. I'm making small, 8x8in mini portraits on paper with mixed media. They may be purchased for $99.00 ( includes shipping and taxes) But there is no obligation.

Last year the AGO had an online show called Portraits of Resilience. I submitted a painting and this year they have created a digital tribute with all the paintings they accepted. If you can visit the gallery, you'll see my art in the AGO for the first time.

This Friday March 25, I will be taking a group to see the stunning art of Philip Cote, a renowned Indigenous artist who painted the inside of Roncesvalles United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Ave. This is the first Art Venture for my Living Artfully peeps.

If you are interested, I am doing Live videos on Thursdays at 1pm on Instagram. A little art, a little chat, a little inspiration. Usually about 15 mins to check in om what's going on with Living Artfully.

One little project I'm having fun with is making mini books out of pieces of paper. I use paper to clean my brushes of paint so I thought I'd fold them into little books. They are super easy to make and the kids enjoy doing it too. Follow along with my post on Instagram. Or my latest live on IG.

I've attached my latest work, 'Grandmas March For Peace', 36 x 24. All art is available for purchase.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Til next time, I hope you know that I truly appreciate your support.


Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2022-05 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

I Ain't Fakin....

How are you doing out there in the world? There's a huge grey cloud hovering over our heads these days, isn't there? None of us can ignore it and I know it is creating a sense of urgency with me. Perhaps that is why that lyric by Jerry Lee Lewis popped into my head. There is an explosion of creativity in my studio. New art work and new ideas to share about Living Artfully.

The winner for this month's free print is ....Lorrie. Congratulations ! I'll be sending it out shortly.

With the help of my nephew Bill, we made two long supports that I imagine an 8 ft diptych of two 4 ft canvases to recreate my vision of the amazing landscape of Ney's Provincial Park. It's been on my mind since last August. I put a layer of modelling paste onto a prepared black gessoed base and carved out the shapes with my handy dandy chopstick. Please stay tuned to IG as it unfolds.

Today I am hoping that I'll change over to IGTV for my Living Artfully weekly chat on Thursdays at 1pm. It's all about The Art of Noticing (as per Rob Walker's book), chat about art and processes and exciting announcements.

I've been honoured with photos that are sent in for my 30 SISTAS & BRUDDAS series. Thanks to Mira, Patty, Nancy, Lisa and Jill. But I still need lots more. These are mini (8x8 in) portraits on paper. I love doing these faces and if you want to get your's, it's $99. But there is no obligation of course.

Due to the generosity of so many people, I have received all sorts of supplies and art books. Angela has contributed to my education with ideas for galleries and shows to visit, as well as numerous books. The latest one which I've found very inspirational is The Essential Willem de Kooning. There are a series of 'The Essential' titles, which I will be looking for. They are small but very informative. I could see that I share some similarities in process with de Kooning, although I haven't stowed away on a ship (yet).

Our first ART VENTURE is booked!! We will be visiting Roncesvalles United Church on Friday Mar 25 to view the newly painted interior by celebrated artist Philip Cote. Our visit is booked for 11:30 and will meet at the door off the parking lot. The address is 240 Roncesvalles Ave. Please be on time as the doors are locked. If you would like to join for a coffee or lunch, I will look for a nearby cafe. Here's Philip's IG so you can see some of his work. @philipcote_indigenous_artist

You can reserve your space by Thursday Mar 24. Have some fun, meet new friends, learn something.

CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES

I'm booking small classes to teach my UNIQUE PROCESS of starting a painting. Friday/Sat March 18/19 and Friday/Sat April1/2. It's a 2 hour session for $99 for 2 people. Come join the fun throwing paint around.
All supplies are included...as well as lots of fun. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY by sending me a reply here or IG or FB messenger.

Til next time, thanks so much for your support. I truly appreciate it.


ROCK ON,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2022-04 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lovers     

I've got all my sisters and brothers with me!

Can't you just smell the change in the air? It really does have that springy aroma. I can almost hear those little crocuses pushing up through the snow. Although they might need a scarf and hat.

It's been quite fun for me to do Facebook Live-s with you on Thursdays at 1pm. I do a little art, a little chat and a little inspiration. Recently I've been inspired by Rob Walker's book 'The Art of Noticing' and am using his ideas as conversation starters. Join me or watch later as it is saved to my feed. I may change to Instagram Live when I can figure that one out...my brain was starting to hurt again so it may be a week or two coming.

Have you been more aware of what you are seeing? Michele sent me a photo which tickled the cockles of my heart. As per Rob's suggestion I've been trying to find numbers in random places and decided to start with '1'. The closest I've come to is 'ONE' and now I'm stumped on finding a '2'. Maybe I'll change my personal challenge to one that has more chance of success. Perhaps looking for discarded masks as my neighbour Mike did for a while. What would be your finds?

Please send meyour notes or photos. I love getting them. Recently, my sister Patty sent me some stunning photos of the inside of a refurbished Toronto church. It is on my list to see in person. Would you like to go on an adventure there with me? That would be a fun thing to do. Here's the link. The #mural is complete.... - Roncesvalles United Church | Facebook

One of my projects this year is to visit more galleries. Lucky for me, I have several partners in crime to share the experiences with. Dorothy and Angela are often up for the experience, but recently Gerry and Najma joined me to visit The Canadian Women's Art Association home on Prince Arthur Street in Toronto. Our dear talented friend Janet Potter has a studio there. It is a fabulous historic building filled with treasures. Apparently, Emily Carr had a studio there way back in the day. Check out Janet's imagination on Instagram @janetfpotter Women's Art Association of Canada - Home | Facebook

If you've been seeing my posts, you know that my nephew Bill and I are collaborating on another art work. It is by no means finished, but we are quite far along the road. I'm adding some photos to show you where we're at and I'd like to introduce you to Marge Steinem Simpson. So named because of the glasses and the hair which will be extended significantly.

You'll also recognize those little darlings Fox and Theo, aged 7 and 4 years old respectively. They are part of the 30 SISTAS AND BRUDDAS project that I started last week. I'm looking for more siblings or good friends who are the family you choose. They are 8x8 in works on paper done with acrylic and watercolour pencils and crayons. If you want the portrait I've done, it's $99. If not, that's OK too. I'm having fun and learning lots.

CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES!

How would you like to have some fun with a friend and learn my unique process in how I start my paintings? No experience required. Everything is supplied. March dates are March 11 and 12, and March 25 and 26. Price is $50.00 for 2 1/2 hours experience.

Til next time, thanks once again for your support. I always appreciate it.
Keep those messages coming too!


ROCK ON

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2022-03 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover              

IT'S EASY....SING IT!!

The Beatles of course! Now I hope I've planted an ear worm. What better song to be singing when we've all been blasted with covid and convoy news. I'm here to put out good news and perhaps a smile on your face.

February's winner of a free print is Ruth. Congratulations!

It's so great to get some feedback. I love to hear how creative you are. Deb has responded to my Facebook Lives with comments about her talent, which is not only fabulous quilts but also how she's made cards with collaged items. Angela sends me all sorts of art news, but one made me laugh. It's in the BBC NEWS ... 'Graffiti art defaced by spectators at South Korea gallery' Caught again!! I have a not so secret desire to be a Graffiti Grandma, except I go to bed at 9pm.

Angela is my partner in crime in discovering the art shows in Toronto. Patel Brown on Munro St. is a hidden gem. And I mean hidden. The show on now features Laura Dawe. Check her and the gallery out..

Laura Dawe - Patel Brown Gallery

https://www.patelbrown.com › lauradawe

A great show featuring all Canadian women artists is at the Dignam Gallery in Toronto, called 'Weaving the Lines of Life'. See @womensartofcan to check times. Thanks to the incredibly talented Janet Potter @janetfpotter. She even let us peek into her cozy haven of creation.

February is Black Lives Matter month and I would be remiss if I didn't feature my two amazing entrepreneurial creative daughters. Ingrie is a writer, stylist and producer who partners with Emily Macculloch on thet.zonebeauty on Instagram. She also writes for several publications and has collaborated with me on art projects.

Joanna is not only the amazing mother of Fox and Theo, but also runs a home based business. She started with making luxe baby blankets and head gear, and is branching out into macrame and painted cushion covers. I'm excited to see where her talent is taking her. Her Instagram is caveandcrown. Here's some photos of Joanna with her creations.

Please support Black owned businesses, especially women owned.

On Monday, February 14 I am beginning a new challenge of portraits. The theme is 30 Sistas and Bruddas. Please send me a photo of a brother or sister, related or not, and I will do my best to create a mini portrait for you. If you like it you can buy it. No obligation. The price remains the same as for my last 2 series of 30 Mothers and 30 Fathers. $99.00.

The Plus One show at Leslie Grove Gallery, 1158 Queen St E ( at Jones) is open Wed - Sun, 12 pm - 5 pm. My friend Gerry Withey and I are buddies in art and life. She is a neighbour near me and also in the studio. If you want to plan a visit, email or message on FB or IG. You can see more of Gerry on Instagram @gerry_withey

Don't forget you can watch me everyThursday at 1p mon Facebook live as I share art and inspiration. I'm using 'The Art of Noticing' by Rob Walker for creative prompts.

As ever, I appreciate all your support.

Happy Valentine's Day

ROCK ON

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

GAIL

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