2023-14 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Happy Victoria Day WE

Here we are again. Another lap around the sun as they say. Hopefully we will have sun for all the BBQ’s that are planned. Are you spending time with family, staying in the city or off to the cottage? I’ll be learning how to do gelli printing on Sat with Joanna. More fun stuff for adding collage to my mixed media pieces.

Did I mention that my recent painting “The Queen’ has found her forever home? As soon as Andrea met her, she knew she just had to have her and I am so happy that she feels the connection. I had tears of joy knowing that what I am creating resonates so deeply.

This week I did the happy dance when I was notified that I was accepted into the Rosedale Art Fair. It’s listed at the end of this email. Please mark your calendar.

This is my art in homes and available art newsletter. Hope you see something you relate to.

Don’t forget I can arrange a flexible layaway plan for you.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

The Queen , 30 x 40 acrylic on canvas

Ride the Blue Wave, 30 x 24 in, acrylic on canvas

super special price..$500.00, at The Art Show, 64A Queensbury Ave

Walking the Dog(s) 12x12, acrylic on canvas

$200.00 available the The Art Show at 64A Queensbury

commissions available

Doug is happy to have ‘The Court of Lucy’ and

‘She’s Got the Whole World in her Hands’ in his lovely home

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

Ongoing..my art is in the window

http://www.ahnisnabae-art.com

• Pretty Little Things (perfect for Mother’s Day)

Ongoing

Blossom and Tempest 928 Kingston Rd, Toronto

https://www.blossomandtempest.com

• Celebrating Women Artists

May 10-31, in gallery and online

Taren White Gallery. 13 Grand River St N, Paris, ON

https://tarenwhitegallery.com

• Riverdale Artwalk 25th Anniversary Celebration

  Leslie Grove Gallery

  1158 Queen St E, Toronto

  https://www.lesliegrovegallery.ca

• Central Connections 30th Annual Art Show

May 27/28..12-5

Withrow Park (Danforth and Logan)

• The Art Show-Sale

May 27/28..11-6

64A Queensbury Ave (Kingston Rd and Warden)

Coming Soon!

• RIVERDALE ARTWALK

  Jimmie Simpson Park, 872 Queen St E

  Sat/Sun June 2/3..11-6

• ROSEDALE ART FAIR

  Ramsden Park,Yonge St

  Sat/Sun June 10/11..11-6

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

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

2021-12 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

And Here We Go Again

Just read the news. today. oh no. third lockdown announced. I can't say I'm surprised and also disappointed just as you most likely are. It's like a not so fun roller coaster or like getting trapped in a revolving door.

Perhaps you've started listening to podcasts or watching youtubes, or perhaps you were already a fan. I think I'm late to the podcast party and been resisting getting sucked into the vortex. However, there is a ton of great stuff out there. One of the artists I'd like to recommend is Louise Fletcher. She has a relaxed, approachable presence while she talks about art and life. And she has some interesting guests too. If you'd like to check her out, she's at www.louisefletcherart.com

We are very lucky that we have a wonderful library here in Toronto. Thanks for all the suggestions, especially Judy, Patty, Darlene, Dorothy and Felicity. This week I read 'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernardine Evaristo. It is engaging right to the very last page. Please keep those suggestions coming.

If you follow my Instagram and Facebook you've probably seen a trend in my painting. You might have said to yourself.. 'There she goes again!' Maybe one day I'll have it figured out and know why the figures and now the animals keep making an appearance. The two-headed thing could just be a phase and I'll grow out of it.
Today I'm showing 'Don't Look Now' and a new one that is not finished yet. If you've got a title please send it along.

Til next time, thank you so much for giving me a purpose to keep showing up. Your support means a lot and I truly appreciate it.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

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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

2020-19 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover 

I get by with a little help from my friends

Here we are again! Back at it. How has your summer been? Besides HOT...at least that's how it was for quite a few weeks here in Toronto. Fall is my favourite season. Not only because it's cooler, but I love all those gorgeous fall colours..the oranges, the reds and the glorious yellows. I hope you had some time to enjoy a swim in a lake and take walks to enjoy nature. 

This will definitely be the summer to remember. Perhaps you've been reaching out to long lost friends and relatives, making the connections that were previously procrastinated on with the excuse of 'too busy'. It is  poignant to see families walking together, playing in the parks and cycling along.
My heart broke to hear of friends losing loved ones and the tragic condition of our senior's residences. Let's hope we learn some lessons from this unexpected turn of events.

My time was spent connecting with friends and family in a different way  and also by keeping up with the painting and the business of art. I've taken a few courses in online marketing and painting technique. I haven't decided what will be the focus on future Facebook live videos, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed doing them.

I have entered the upcoming ArtWalk in the Square online gallery show starting Sept 25- Oct 9.
Check out artwalksquare.ca . 100 artists with 2000 pieces of art. Something for everyone.

My sister , Bev sent me a link to a fun 'painting' video. My advice is to not try this at home 
[lol] I can just see I would have paint everywhere especially on myself.

https://www.facebook.com/johnnonnyofficial/videos/1974823056158577/?vh=e&extid=SDTeS5nfFUyBixnL&d=n

I love to discover all sorts of art making ideas, so please send  me some.

I'm attaching two recent paintings.Can you guess which is which? One is 30 x 24, acrylic on paper, entitled ' No, You Can't Come In!'. The other is ' The Eyes of the World', is 30 x 24, acrylic on canvas. Both will be in the ArtWalk in the Square online show. I hope you take the time to visit my virtual booth. It would be so lovely to visit in person. If you want a private screening please get in touch.

Til next week,

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail