2021-13 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover           

When are we going to get  there

Sorry about the whine...but I think there are a few people out there who would also like to know. It would be nice to start conversations with hugs and not 'Did you get your shot yet?' I'll try to change my attitude a bit. You didn't come here for ranting, did you?

So.... I'll tell you a Fox and Theo story. Fox insisted I got lost. Last week I took the boys on an adventure walk in the Leslie St. spit. It is so quiet down there, you can actually hear the chickadees. Climbing up and jumping off things, finding hidden paths, examining ant hills. But Theo was not amused when we ended up walking almost 3 hours in spite of seeing ducks and geese and several beaver chewed trees. It's kind of fun to 'get lost'.

One of the things I like to do is watch art videos, so I'm always looking for new artists to watch. This week I have become obsessed with Lewis Noble, a UK landscape painter. I've been going to bed with him every night this week. (don't tell) He has a lot of youtubes and approaches landscape painting in a non-traditional way. Check him out at lewisnoble_artist www.lewisnoble.co.

What are you watching these days? I'm looking for some good Netflix series. I love international, mystery, murder and silly things..surprise, surprise. Suggestions please.

This week I am sharing 3 of my artist buddies whose work I admire. Please give them a peek.

Felicity Somersetdoes stunning photography.
https://www.felicitysomersetphotography.com

Beverly Allenis a painter who makes art with plant dyes.
www.beverlyallenartist.com and nomadbev on Instagram.

Melanie D'Silvamakes wonderful jewelry with bespoke beads and silver.
Her Instagram is wearalittlesparkle.

For Mother's Day, I started a new series of mini portraits, 30 Mothers in 30 Days,
But I need yourhelp please. Send me a photo of a mom, grandma, or aunt and I will do my best to capture a likeness on a 7x7 in paper with mixed media. I had so much fun doing my last portrait challenge. If you would like to purchase the picture, it will be $99, but there is absolutely no obligation. I'll be posting the results on instagram.

I'm sharing Day 1 of my 30 Mothers in 30 Days, my Auntie Gertie who was a real glamour girl. One of her lines was 'You have to suffer to be beautiful ' as she gave me my first Toni home perm. ( a photo you will NOT see)

Til next time...Thanks so much for giving me a reason to be here. I truly appreciate your support. I hope this brings a smile to your face.

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

---

2021-03 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Be The Light

WOW !!!

She stole the show yesterday didn't she? Were you as impressed as I was with the amazing Amanda Gorman at the inauguration yesterday? Her glowing and inspiring performance, her heartfelt words, and her youthfulness has given me hope. I'm not a person who reads the news daily, but I'm glad I watched yesterday.

Even with the continued lockdown, I've been looking at a lot of art online and creating every day. One of my buddies, Zoey Zoric, www.zoeyzoric.com introduced me to a little challenge on Instagram #30headsin30days. I chose to do small 6x6 in. portraits using watercolour pencils and ink pens. What fun! Mine are not intended to be realistic but rather as fun pieces of exploration. Perhaps you would like to give it a try.

Last week I mentioned that I've put some of my art in Partial Gallery. I've since found out that they also support local initiatives such as SKETCH.

Partial Gallery is a proud member of SKETCH’s BFF Program, donating 1% from every art sale and rental to their organization’s mission to celebrate and engage young people as culture makers, perception changers and collaborators in building creative communities.

If you want to find me there, look up https://gailwilliams.partial.gallery/

Today, I'm adding a recent painting called 'The Court of Lucy'. Again I've put it in two different 'rooms' and I've also added a few detail shots. This painting is 40x30 in, gallery wrapped acrylic.

Til next time,

Rock on,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

GAIL

2021-02 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover      
With a lot of help from my friends

Well, here we go again! A state of emergency in Ontario. I'm really trying to stay positive but it's getting not only annoying but depressing as well. I hope you've got a crew to help you out when your'e not on top of your game. I am very grateful that I have a lot of friends that help me out and that I am able to help out.

I thought you might like to see some happy art so I've added 'A Gathering of Friends' into two different room settings. There is a 'room app' that I've become addicted to. It helps to visualize art in spaces. I wish it was as easy to change a room colour [just a click of a button] I'd love to know if you prefer traditional or contemporary settings.

When I was thinking of how we can get through this time, of course I thought of how valuable our friendships are, so I googled friend songs and found this old video from the Beatles. Hope you enjoy it. It's a trip down memory lane for me.
The Beatles - With A Little Help From My Friend LIVE ( Rare Color Ringo Starr Sing ) Laser Disk

Last week I mentioned that I have put some art in Partial Gallery. It is rent to own website. I have added the correct info so you can easily find me.
https://gailwilliams.partial.gallery
One day I will be sending out info for real gallery shows. Hopefully this year.

BTW I love when you send me replies and requests. Keep them coming.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON

GAIL