2023-17 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

LOVE IN THE PARK

Well that was fun!!

Last WE I took my solo show “It’s All About Love” to the Riverdale Artwalk. I could not have asked for a better response! A young couple visiting from Sweden started a trend of spontaneous embracing, posing with my painting ‘The Long Embrace’ I didn’t have much trouble asking for more participants. Such fun. If you’d like the opportunity to save your embracing for posterity, please come on down to the Rosedale Artfair this WE, June 10/11, in Ramsden Park, 1020 Yonge St. from11-6. My camera will be waiting for you. And you’ll get a sticker this time.

This art fair will end my 3 weekends in a row shows. But that does not mean I’ll be slowing down. I’ve been in the studio working on new art that I am quite excited about. Attached you’ll see my latest finished piece. It is provisionally titled ‘Sunset Maiden’. Please send me your thoughts.

As usual I will be spending time up north this summer in Paradise AKA Thunder Bay. Luckily my daughter Joanna and the grandsons Fox and Theo will also be in the camp next door. We’ll all be able to visit Ingrie in her new home there. We’re looking forward to the laughs, the lake and the love.

I’ve got some exciting things happening that I am bursting to announce, but I have to keep the lid on it for just a bit longer. I hope you stay tuned for a reveal very shortly.

If your’e interested in learning more about Georgia O’Keefe check out the article about her in https://womensartblog.wordpress.com.

So many people ask how they can support the arts. Here’s my list.

BUY ART

GO TO ART SHOWS

BRING YOUR FRIENDS

BUY ART

You can take advantage of my layaway plan if something is calling your name.

Til next time..please know how much I appreciate your support and interest.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Earn an embracing sticker at Rosedale this WE

SUNSET MAIDEN (?) 24 x 36 in

Send you title suggestion!

SWEDISH KISSERS ..they were such good sports

You’re Invited

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

Ongoing..my art is in the window

• BLOSSOM AND TEMPEST

928 Kingston Rd, near Lawlor Ave

Pretty Little Things (a curated selection of 6x6’s)

• ROSEDALE ART FAIR…… BOOTH 19

Ramsden Park..1020 Yonge St. (Rosedale Subway Stn)

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

2023-16 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

SNEAK PEAK

We had a blast at The Art Show at Peg Graham’s last WE and quite a few of my doggies found new homes with excited owners. All of them were thrilled to be taking home some cheer with these brightly coloured fun artworks. There are a few left and if you’d like a commission, I can do that for you.

This WE, Sat/Sun June 3/4 is the Riverdale Artwalk in Jimmie Simpson park at 872 Queen St E, near Logan from 11-6. I’m taking my ‘It’s All About Love’ show to the walk this year, so if you missed my solo show here’s another chance to see it. I’m attaching a few pics of what will be there just to whet your appetite.

Many people ask how to support the arts and I have a few suggestions.

BUY ART

VISIT ART SHOWS

BRING YOUR FRIENDS WITH YOU

BUY ART

And if your budget needs it I have layaway plans. Let’s plan together.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Create a custom lay away plan

LOVE YOU FOREVER… an enchanting story of a forever love

4ft x 5 ft, acrylic on canvas

BE MINE 2….selfie

11 in x 17 in, acrylic on paper, framed with glass

You’re Invited

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

Ongoing..my art is in the window

• BLOSSOM AND TEMPEST

928 Kingston Rd, near Lawlor Ave

Pretty Little Things (a curated selection of 6x6’s)

• RIVERDALE ARTWALK….. BOOTH D3

Jimmie Simpson…872 Queen St E (@Booth Ave)

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

• ROSEDALE ART FAIR

Ramsden Park..1020 Yonge St. (Rosedale Subway Stn)

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

2022-12 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

Twirling round and round

My brain that is! That children's song by Raffi is going round and round with lists and lists of all the details that need to be attended to. You might know the feeling.

CONGRATULATIONS TO AURA!! You are the June winner of a free print. I hope you enjoy it.

Last WE the Central Connection 2022 art show at Withrow park clubhouse was such a success. Lots of wonderful guests supported the 19 amazing artists who worked hard to put their best foot forward. I was honoured to be part of such talent. This group has been putting an art show together for many years and they have it down pat. Plus I've made some new friends.

This show connected me with the famous Jane Smith. We have been trying to connect for a few years and finally had success. So great to meet those people you've only been able to 'see' online.

It will continue as the next shows will be thronged. I'm sure. We are all super excited to actually chat in person.

Here you will find attached, 2 posters for the next two shows I am in, the Rosedale Art Fair and the Riverdale Artwalk. They gave me booth C1 in Riverdale, a prime piece of real estate, right at the south west corner of the park. At this point I don't know where I'll be in Ramsden Park which is the setting of the Rosedale fair, so you'll have an adventure finding me. I will post on FB and IG when I know of course.

A wonderful book has come my way that you might also be interested in. The title is 'Ninth Street Women: 5 painters and the movement that changed modern art' by Mary Gabriel. I'm always on the lookout to broaden my art knowledge. Below is a summary of the book. Let me know what you think.

Five women revolutionize the modern art world in postwar America in this "gratifying, generous, and lush" true story from a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize finalist (Jennifer Szalai, New York Times).

While we're on the topic of books, please send me your recent favourite read.

Don't forget to join me live on Thursday at 1pm on IG LIVE. I do take requests if there is something you'd like to see me attempt. I'm a bit of a 'one-armed paper hanger' but I get the job done. How's your noticing coming along? Rob Walker's book 'The Art of Noticing' is still being featured. Lots of interesting ideas and adventures to be taken.

Please know I do appreciate your interest and support.

Rock on,

Gail


YOUR STYLE + YOUR HOME + MY ART

2022-11 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

What HAVE I done?!

Do you know the adage about being careful what you wish for? This is what happened to me. I applied to several shows and was rejected by several of course. And had a minute pity party too, I must admit.

Well the tables have turned and I now have 3 shows to get ready before the end of June. Not only is it exciting to be in shows I haven't been in before, it is such a pleasure to be able to engage with an enthusiastic art buying public. 

Recently I joined the Central Connection drawing group who meets weekly for life drawing class. They have a yearly show at Withrow Park Clubhouse near Pape and Danforth. It is on the north side of the park just a block south of the Danforth, where you can find many lovely cafes and shops. Or bring a picnic to the park. I guarantee sunshine! 

This is a group show of about 17 artists and I will have new work for purchase including my charming new series, 'Walking the Dog'. I'll also have some prints and coasters. Please drop by to check out some very accomplished artists. Sat. Mar 28, 3-6pm and Sun Mar 29, 12-5pm.

Next up will be the Rosedale Art Fair at Ramsden Park 1020 Yonge St (at Rosedale subway) on Sat June 11,11-6pm and Sun Jun12, 12-5pm. It will be a tent event  and again I guarantee sunshine! You can picnic in the park or try one of the many cafes near by.  I'd be delighted to see you at both events as I'll have larger pieces at Rosedale.

As well the fabulous Riverdale Artwalk is coming up soon, but I'll send out info on that soon. 

Just in case you missed my weekly IG Live this Thursday, I'll share here. In Rob Walker's book The Art of Noticing, pg 30, he talks about how to visit an art show or museum with a different agenda in mind. Instead of, or in addition to, looking at the featured exhibit, study something you might not necessarily think of. Seek out things that you might ignore. It could be paying attention to the comments of other viewers, studying the guards, or counting the dust bunnies on the floors. Create your own tour and you'll find some hidden treasures. I actually do easedrop  on other people, but this has kind of given me permission (LOL) 

Wouldn't it be fun to set up a new project of our own? Please send  me your cunning plans. I'm pretty sure you'll come up with some intriguing ideas.

Wishing you a wonderful first long WE of the summer. Let's pray for sunshine and good times with family and friends.

ROCK ON,

Gail



                 YOUR HOME  +  YOUR STYLE  +  MY ART

2021-23 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

At The Beach

That is my dream!! How about you? I hope you are able to relax this summer and enjoy friends and family once again. It seems like forever since I've been in Paradise (aka Thunder Bay). Swimming in the warmth of Lake Superior, hiking the magical woods, having sauna every day, and dancing on the table. Yes..we really do all those things and more. I hope you have a list of shenanigans to get up to.

But before I take off for the summer, I do have an art show on til July 2. The Riverdale Artwalk is in full swing online and in my studio at 7 Labatt Ave. I am offering a safe viewing experience by booking private appointments. The walls have been turned into a lovely gallery with the art of myself, Nancy and Roderik. This WE I am planning to be there Sat and Sun. Contact me by email gail@gailwilliamsartist.com or FB messenger or IG messenger. So many ways to stay in touch. The studio is at Dundas and River in the east end. You could book an appointment in the day or evening. I am at your disposal.

You can view my virtual booth at
https://www.eventeny.com/events/riverdale-artwalk-june-2021-936

Check out Nancy on Instagram @nancyb178 and roderick @roderikmayne

Don't forget you can also get prints of any of my paintings as well as the originals. I'll have some on hand so you can see the quality of the archival, acid free supports, either on paper or as a giclee. Biplane Graphics does a terrific job with the colours too.

Have you got any special projects lined up for the summer? I've offered to paint a chair for a dear friend. It's going to be pink..I think. Also,Foxand I are going to make some papier mache birds. Maybe some rock painting..who knows!

Do you ever wonder how I create the art I do? I often have no idea where they come from, but I know the subconscious mind stores all sorts of weird and wonderful data. What I think happens for me is that I can let my subconscious have full rein in the birth of the painting, and then I apply my conscious mind to complete the work. That's what gives it the emotional impact. You can try this with any creative endeavour. Like the amazing quilts that some people like Deb, Carol and Chris create. I'm sure they pick the colours that appeal to them without thinking about why they appeal. Then they use the expertise of their conscious minds to complete the beauties.

Here are two recent examples of my subconscious mind's creation. Where did this come from? Please let me know if you can figure them out. You've got "Mona Lisa's Bird' and 'My Dream'

Have a wonderful summer visiting with friends and family, and I'll see you in September.

Until then, once more I thank you for your continued support.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-22 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover                

It's About Time

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and poppas and uncles. It's been an honour to be entrusted with creating my mini portrait series, 30 Fathers in 30 Days. I still need 2 more models if you'd like to have one. Send me a photo. If you want the portrait, it is $99. FREE shipping in Canada and the BONUS of a print of an original painting.

It seems like a dream. Finally, I get to invite you to an art show. When I think about how long it's been since I've been able to chat with you in person, I can hardly believe it. It's almost as if we have accepted this past year's social vacuum as the norm. I'm so happy to be able to offer you a personal viewing opportunity. The Riverdale Artwalk is mostly online, but we are lucky enough to be able to have enough room here for our own display .

This week, Nancy and I added new art work to our lovely atrium at 7 Labatt Ave. It really does look wonderful. Even though the styles of the 3 of us who are in theRiverdale Artwalkare very different, we have created a cohesive display. You'll find landscape, floral, figurative and abstract paintings. Something for everyone. Check us out:

@nancyb178
@roderikmayne
@gailwilliamsartist

In order to provide a safe experience, we are setting up appointments for you to see the latest work we have produced. I will add my cell number at the end of this letter so you can text or call me to make a date. This Saturday I will be there 1-4 pm. The front door is locked so you'll need to text or call when you arrive.

Now that I have my own room, I have also set it up as a gallery. I do hope we can get together. If your'e looking for prints, you can get a print of any original piece you'd like, if that suits you better. I'll also have some smaller ones available already made up.

If you'd rather come over during the week, I am taking appointments now.

Please email at gail@gailwilliamsartist.com.
There's a link to my virtual booth at the online show @riverdaleartwalk.

I'm adding some photos of the gallery at 7 Labatt Ave.

Tile next time, thanks again for your awesome support.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-21 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Thrills, chills and excitement!

Of course that depends on your point of view. Would you love a list of the top 10 art documentaries? I was thrilled to find this list. You can find it on the Instagram account name local.traffic.ca. There's a link in their bio that will give you a very interesting collection of stories about artists you may or may not know, art thefts and art movements. If you'd like the list let me know and I'll send you the titles. The first one listed is about Basquiat, 'The Radiant Child' whom you might have guessed has been an influence on me. Also 'The Art of the Steal', just to name a few.

One of the things that is exciting and humbling is for my art to be chosen to live in someone's home. Thanks to Peggy and Cat who chose prints and then told me how much they love them. Here are 2 reviews of prints of my original paintings that I am delighted to offer to you The first one is from Peggy. She ordered a giclee, which is a print on canvas. She saw the original a few years ago and fell in love with it. I'm so happy that the print has fulfilled her expectations . She chose 'One Sweetly Warm Day Following Another'

'Gail, I am just delighted with the giclee of your gorgeous painting. The colours are as rich and beautiful as the original. What amazes me is the visual texture. It makes you want to reach out and touch the textured areas of the painting where the paint is thicker – and when you do, it is a surprise to discover that this is a smooth print! And it comes ready to hang – Bonus! I just love it. Thanks so much' . Peggy Feltmate, Orillia.

Cat chose a print on paper of one of my pieces from my Cosmic Landscape series. Here's what she wrote.. 'I'm so happy with my print from Gail Williams. The colours and textures are so vibrant they leap right off the page. I was really surprised to be able to see the detail of the canvas - it felt like I could step right into the original painting. The print felt luxurious, and the colours are so vibrant.- it's a gorgeous high quality addition to my art collection. It's seriously the nicest print I've ever purchased and the piece itself is one of my favourites. I love waking up to it.'

The Riverdale Artwalkis happening online again this year...June 18 - July 2, but I'm such a lucky duck. I have a 'room of my own' so I can offer private viewings at my studio. We'll do the masking and distancing...no kissing this time! It will be so wonderful to have you stand and ponder my creations from the same vantage point where I made them. I'd even let you touch them. As they say ' It's worth the trip to Dundas and River'
I'll be sending you the links to the show with next week's letter, but you can check the website too for current work.

And I can't forget the dads!! 30 Fathers in 30 Days has been another learning experience. I still have room for a few more. If you'd like a mini portrait of a dad or grandad (or Poppa) send me a photo. I'll do a 7x7 in art work on paper. There is no obligation to purchase of course, but if you'd like to, you can have it for $99. FREE shipping in Canada and a BONUS FREE print of an original painting.

Once again, I thank you for your support.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

GAIL

2021-20 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Take a DEEP breath

Hey there! How ya doin? I almost hesitate to say that we might be seeing some light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. But I'll take it for sure. With numbers of new cases going down and numbers of people vaccinated going up, that's got to be moving in the right direction. This interim phase is still going to be challenging though .

You know how I believe that everyone is a creative. It may not be in the visual arts, but we are all creative in many areas. Some in financial solutions, some in gardening, some in how they fix things. Personally, I'm all about McGyvering. Maybe that's your outlet. However, as this is an art newsletter, what I like to promote is all forms of visual art. One artist whose philosophy matches mine and who has created lots of easy, approachable ways to get your fingers dipping into the paint is Louise Fletcher. She has lots of free youtubes to watch and at this moment has a FREE online course. She's easy to listen to and you can use whatever you have on hand. The free course ends mid June, so if you think you'd like to have some fun, check her out. You can watch it when it fits in your schedule.

For Artists — Louise Fletcher Art

https://www.louisefletcherart.com › for-artists.

It's that time again to gear up for the Riverdale Artwalk online show. The dates are June 18- July 2, 2021. In addition to having original art, I am allowed to have 6 prints in the show. Our group of artists at our studio who are in the show are myself, Nancy Bennett and Roderick Mayne. We will be offering private viewings at our studio at 7 Labatt Ave. If you've not been there I think you'll be surprised at the beautiful atrium we are lucky enough to have as a shared space as well as our own rooms. Grab your time early as we are creating a schedule for individual bookings. I will be happy to accommodate myself to your needs. It'll be such a wonderful thing to be able to show you my latest paintings. If you follow my Facebook or Instagram, you'll know I have been making lots of art in the past year.

http://nancybennett.ca/

www.roderikmayne.com

And...how about the30 Fathers in 30 Days? The project is about 1/2 way through, but I'm still looking for some fathers and grandfathers. Remember that there is absolutely no obligation to purchase. I am looking for the experience of creating likenesses. What I'm finding is how, even with just a photograph, I can make an emotional connection with the model. I see the strength, the pride and the love of being a dad in each of these men. Even if we didn't have the perfect relationship, hopefully we can see that, like all of us, they were doing the best they knew how. Having said that, I invite you to send me a photo of a father. I'm making mini portraits, 7x7 in on paper with mixed media. If you want to buy the portrait, it is $99.00. You get FREE shipping in Canada and a FREE print of one of my original paintings. I'm attaching the one I did of myRonnie the dad of our two wonderful daughters. I'm also including my son-in-law,Vlad, the dad of the adorableFox and Theo, my grandsons.

Til next time, thanks so much for your support.


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-19 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

The Pords..that's who!

How are you doing these days? We finally have some warm weather and now we're asking for rain.
Well, I am anyway. I love it when we can finally pack away the boots and gloves and exchange them for sandals and sun hats.

OK then who are these PORDS I'm talking about? None other than the Painters Of Riveting Distinction as they so eloquently named themselves. Obviously they don't take themselves so seriously, but they really should. They are a group of accomplished Canadian painters, one of whom I am honoured to call a dear friend. I metKim Atkinsat the gym and she agreed to teach a group of us amateurs some art lessons. She inspired me to reignite my dream of becoming an artist.

Recently they set up a website to showcase their many adventures with art around the world. Please take a look and check out each artist whose website I have also attached. I think you'll be impressed

The PORDS - https://thepordsca.wordpress.com/

Kim Atkins - Images for kim atkins artist toronto

Artist Heidi R. Burkhardt - https://heidiburkhardt.com

Maurice Snelgrove | Artist | Artfacts - https://artfacts.net › artist › maurice-snelgrov

artist Anthony J. Batten -https://anthonybatten.com

Kat Palmer, visual artist. - https://katpalmer.ca

Recently I've been taking an online course with Jesse Reno that I told you about last time. What interests me is his way of embracing the unexpected. I made some faces with lino blocks to use in mono printing and I'm sure they will make their appearance in the most unusual places in my canvases. I'll attach a photo of them to show you what they look like. Perhaps they will inspire you to make some thing to use in printing. Remember how we made blocks with potatoes in school. Just another way to have fun with finger painting.

You may finally have a chance to see some art in person in June. The Riverdale Artwalk is online and may have a tent show too. Updates coming very soon.

My clients who have received prints have raved about the quality of them, both the paper and the ones on canvas. If you've had your eye on one of my large paintings and would like a smaller size please check my website. I can get almost anything printed either on paper or as a giclee, which is on canvas with the gallery wrap.Alanat Biplane Graphics does an exquisite job. Thanks also to Theresa for her expertise and patience. And to Cat and Peggy for their faith.

Til next time, thanks so much for your support.

Rock on,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Gail

2020-17 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            The Expansion of Bubbles


Please excuse the philosophical heading today. I'm reading one of my favourite authors, Alexander McCall Smith and his language is creeping into my thoughts. That's not necessarily a bad thing. He is a very prolific writer. One of my loved characters of his, is Bertie, the 7 year old boy whose mother sends him to a psychoanalyst, yoga classes and trombone lessons, and makes him wear pink overalls. You may be familiar with his Ladie's #1 Detective series. However, once again I digress.

Do you have bubbles on your mind? Have you decided who will be let in? We had the family for BBQ last WE, and very tasty they were! Let's hope we can keep expanding.

I absolutely love getting suggestions from readers. Last week, my sister, Beverley, sent me 2 fun ideas. The first is 'Frisbee art', the second one is pendulum pouring.

https://www.facebook.com/justinflomofficial/videos/2933140173450453/?vh=e&d=n

https://youtu.be/2EakwlVrX_Q  Enjoy the shows.

Please join my FB live on Friday at 1pm for an artist talk on 'Where's The Party?'
It will be on my Gail Williams Artist page. This painting is in my virtual booth at the virtual art fair Riverdale Online Artwalk. Who knew that my art would connect with this locked down state and social justice. Global consciousness is being revealed through my art. The interesting thing to me is that it is not a conscious decision at the time of creation.

Here you will see another picture of Fox. He is holding the latest art I bought from Elke Trittel in France. It only took a week to get here. We should be so lucky with our postal service. You can see her delightful creations on her IG, elketrittel.

Weekly winner of a momento of my art is Andrea. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Keep on keeping on, best wishes for good health.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

---

2020-16 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover               Dragons And Little Boys

So...how are you this week? There were so many responses to last week's newsletter. I can't thank you enough for the considered thoughts.

After the tumultuous events happening all around us and the calls to action that many people are pondering, I'm hoping that we can create a kinder, more just world. I've often thought that it was enough that I be a good person and that the way I lived my life was enough. However, it has become apparent that more is required of me. Speaking up instead of being afraid to rock the boat. Undoubtedly the opportunities will present themselves.

Things in the art world are starting to show up again. I am still participating in the #artistsupportpledgecanada. The remaining pieces will be on my website shortly. But of course I have already bought my pieces of art. One from my buddy Liz. See her posts at studio888art on IG.The other piece is from a French artist Elke Trittel (elketrittel on IG). Who knows how long it will take to come from France!

It is very exciting that the Riverdale Artwalk is online. This year you don't have to think of sunscreen or umbrellas. You can shop from your living room and take all the time you want in the many booths. Take a spin in my virtual booth in the virtual art fair. See 'real' art you can hang on your 'real' walls.
Riverdale ArtWalk. www.eventeny.com/company/?c

One of my purposes in doing this letter is to spread the artistic word. I was very moved  to receive a wonderful message from Roseanne thanking  me for  'opening the door to this form of human expression for her. It has been really a great experience for her to see how I build my work and the process I use.' Thanks again. RAP!

Here there be DRAGONS!!  And little boys who love them!! Attached you will find a photo of my Fox and his drawing from Fun Monster Drawing, a Facebook Live video I do every Tuesday on my Gail Williams Artist page. It has been a blast to do these videos. I break down the images to simple shapes so everyone can follow along. Thank goodness for the internet.

On Fridays at 1pm, I do a Facebook Live featuring my Painting of the Week. This week 'Block Party' is featured. I've heard of lots of cool street parties that have got neighbourhoods getting to know each other better. Michael organized a Trivial Pursuit game party for us and we had so much fun. I think he is cooking up another event soon. Thanks Mike!

I can't wait until we can all hug and kiss each other again. Party plans are expanding even if my bubble is not so much.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail