2022-10 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Yes I did let them out!

CONGRATULATIONS to SIOBHAN MCARDLE !! You are this month's winner of a free print.

Are you as anxious as I am to feel some warmer weather? We say it every year, but I think because we've all been through an unprecedented experience that it feels more acute. We just want to get on with it.

Have you ever tried an audio art of noticing activity? Sit in a favourite place, outside or in your home, and just notice the sounds around you. Closing your eyes helps to block out the visual and focuses concentration on the audio. Within seconds you will feel yourself relaxing and tuning in to the ambient sounds around you. You'll be able to pick out the individual bird songs (if your'e outside) or the slap of a jogger's feet. Inside, perhaps it will be the hum of your refrigerator. In either case, I'd recommend it. I feel my heart rate going down just writing about it here.

I am very excited to announce the release of my new series, 'Walking the Dog' These charming 12 x 12 original acrylic paintings of 'Walkies with...(you fill in the blank)’ can be had for the discount price of only $200.00 (price after Mon. May 9 is $250.00) This low price is for my special supporters who follow along with me via this newsletter. It's been such fun to create these little vignettes. I've been stalking dog walkers for a while and taking surreptitious photos. Such fun! As you can see, the owners' faces have been masked for privacy. All you need to do is reply to this email and I'll arrange delivery. They are all ready to hang on the wall and would be an ideal Mothers' Day gift. Shipping not included.

I'm adding one of the 'Dog's to remind you of how adorable these are. I'll also do a commission if you'd like. You choose the dog shape and the main colour.

This month is the start of in person, off line, actual, real life with real people, art shows. You might want to mask still and not hug..your choice, but at least we'll be able to talk in person. I've been super busy creating new work. Some of it will be at the Central Connection 2022 Art Show, Sat.May 28, 3-6pm and Sun May 29, 12-5pm at Wtihrow Park Clubhouse Gallery at 725 Logan ave. This gallery is right in the park and very close to all the delightful restaurants and shops near Danforth and Pape. Please come down and say hello.
See the attached poster.

I'm also very happy to let you know that I have been accepted into the Riverdale Art walk in June. Please put me in your calendar for Sat June 18-Sun June 19 in Jimmie Simpson park.

More good news... we have yet another extension on our studio. End date is Aug 2022. Please pray for another one.

If your'e an Instagrammer, you could join me on Thursdays at 1pm where I'm doing IG Lives. A little chat, a little art, a little inspiration. Currently I'm using Rob Walker's book 'The Art of Noticing' to spark some joy into everyday life. Notice what you notice is my mantra, either visually or auditorally.

What have you done to spark your creativity recently? Please send me some suggestions or even better, a photo.

This past week, I've been on a bender. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with doing profiles so I thought I'd give in to the call and started a new series. There are two of them below. If you can think of a title for this series, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks for all your encouragement and support. It means so much.


Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

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

2022-05 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