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

2021-18 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

HALLELUJAH !!

Hoping this newsletter finds you well. To be honest, I don't do well in the heat. I know you've probably been waiting for this time, so I won't whine too much. I just find that my energy is depleted and the old brain slows down too. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. But, I have been busy.

Introducingmy next series....30 FATHERS IN 30 DAYS.It would be so wonderful to have your help again. The deal is the same. Send me a photo of a father, grandfather or uncle you want to honour. I will create a 7x7 in mini portrait on paper. There is no obligation to purchase, but if you want the portrait it will be $99. FREE shipping in Canada and a FREE print of a larger original painting. I learned so much by doing the 30 Mothers and I have no doubt this experience will be just as rewarding. The story you send along makes my heart swell. I feature them on Facebook and Instagram if you want to follow along. Thanks to Bonney, Deb, Shelli, Jennifer, Sheree, Sheri, Kofi, and Siobhanfor sending me some models and for the stories. I love them all. I look forward to filling the wall of the Gail Williams Gallery.

Thanks very much for all the suggestions around titles for the paintings I featured last week. The one with the powerful female figure is called 'She's Got the Whole World in Her Hands' However, the other one is still unnamed. Thanks Shila, Diana, and Laila.

Some very interesting thoughts were sent about dreams, the forest, and the movie Inception, which I vaguely remember. Perhaps something has come to you since last week. If you check out the AGO website and click on the online show called 'Resilience', you will see two paintings I have in there. https://ago.ca

You may recall that I am a self educated artist. I thought I would go to art school, but it didn't happen. So I spent my time outside of my day job taking night classes and workshops. When I saw that retirement was looming on the horizon, I prepared by digging deeper into creating another career in art. I took a week long workshop and started painting seriously. I started showing my work in shows and art fairs. When I retired, I was fortunate enough to get a studio which I never believed that I would be able to do.But I had always had the dream. Is there a dream that you have sheltered in your heart that you would like to shine some light on? I'm here to help. If it wasn't for the help I've received from so many people I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now.

There are a ton of online classes now and I am exploring one about mono printing from Jesse Reno. It is so much fun..not just finger-painting! How about hand painting?! Just like a kid again except there's no-one to tell me not to get dirty. I'm exploring this as another way to create an underpainting. It's always surprising what shows up. If you want to dig into painting, check Jesse out. He's a lot of fun to watch. Like me, he is not precious about his art. He just wants to have fun. https://jessereno.podia.com

Today I'm including the two pieces I have in the AGO. You'll find 'She's Got the Whole World in Her Hands' and 'No, You Can't Come In'. I'm sure you can figure out which is which.

Til next time, thanks once again for all your support. I truly appreciate it.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail