2020-09 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover… I Lost My Mind


Please accept my belated Happy Easter and Happy Passover greetings. I truly believe I lost my mind somewhere.

Not only did I lose track of the calendar, but I found myself doing some things I usually don't do. Like buying girl diapers for Theo [ Joanna just gave me the look when I suggested she could turn them around] And then I responded to a chain 'quarantine' recipe email. I never do those things. I apologize if I messed up your chain or sent you an email.

But I think I've found some of it..my mind that is. I have just figured out how much this pause has affected me.
Nancy and I were anticipating a joint show at the Lesliegrove Gallery and both of us were working hard to get new work done .We were really in the zone.

And then you know what happened. We came to a skidding halt.

Being a bit of a Pollyanna, I didn't run out and get some canvases in the sizes I like to work on. And only just now I realized that I had quite a few large pieces of paper that I could prepare for acrylic paint. I gessoed 7 pieces and started right in grooving to the tunes on Spotify and madly created a new Grandma painting. I attach an image of the first layer so you can see where I am starting this one.
I used gesso to make the paper sturdier, although you don't need to do that. I also used a wet wipe, but that is another story.

I sincerely hope you have been able to hang on to your mind but I'd love to hear some funny stories if you feel like sharing.

In the meantime, let's ROCK ON!

Gail

---

2020-08 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover               GIVEAWAY

Thank you to the many people who responded to my last message. It seems that most of you look forward to some lightness and humour, now more than ever. We can find more than enough information about our current crisis. I don't need to be a 'bad news' announcer.

People have created some wonderful 'socially distanced' activities. There seems to be lots of Zoom meetings going on and focused on a variety of activities. I've seen Friday night cocktail parties with the girls, soup making with family and friends, and even house cleaning 'parties' Although I think the last one might be overrated. I decided I would rather ration my cleaning time  than my reading time.

You could even have your expert neighbourhood gardener do a socially distanced bush pruning consultation. I don't know why I can't remember her instructions from year to year. But she helped me give mine a nice haircut. And then we've had a little rain...perfect timing.

As for the GIVEAWAY, I will be drawing at the end of the month so if you have a friend , whom you think would love some of my coasters, please let me know so I can add them to the mix. I've attached an image of one set.

In addition you will see the last completed painting in my studio. It is called 'Jammin at Babel'  It is 40 x 30, acrylic + collage. I had some help with the name but it fits perfectly with the message. It is on my website.

In the very near future, I am setting up the Williams Front Porch Gallery and the Williams Back Fence Gallery.  I plan to do Facebook live events  and talk about the new work that would have been available at our now cancelled shows this spring. Perhaps you can do a drive or walk by.

To give your creativity some inspiration, I recommend two websites to check out. www.artsy.net where you could find a great video entitled 'The Future of Art According To Billy Childish' . Also please check www.eastendarts.ca. They have a feature about creating art about mushrooms. I challenge you to join me in doing some 'shrooms!

Til next time,

Rock on

Gail

---

2020-07 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover                 GIVEAWAY

Before I announce my first GIVEAWAY, I would like to acknowledge that a few of you may have been offended by my seeming disregard for the current crisis that we are all in. Of course it is not my intention to appear to be uncaring or dismissive. I know that we all process things in our own time and own ways. The way I deal with stress is to get myself super busy, make lists and try to find any silver lining I can. I also find humour is helpful to me and to a lot of people. For many years I had the privilege of working with cancer patients, and I found that many people want a place to have some lightness and humour in addition to the compassion. Everyone was fearful just as they are now. Please look to me to help you shift the focus from fear to hope. And perhaps a laugh or two.

So..in the spirit of full disclosure, I will share what I am doing to get me through this new situation. I find trying to stick with a schedule, getting dressed, doing online exercises with my fabulous Sheri, and learning new things is what helps me. I must confess that Netflix also plays a role. I would love to know what you find helpful. Please share your coping strategies.

Keep your eyes open for the debut of my personal art tutorials on You tube. Another learning curve coming up.

And now....the GIVEAWAY....once a month, I am going to do a GIVEAWAY. This month it is  a set of my coasters made from photos of some of my creations. Retail value is $35.00!!  This month I will draw one person from my contact list. You don't have to lift a finger! If you do wish to purchase a set or two of coasters, check out my website. They are being added to the Gallery section of my website, so please check it out.

Because we can't go to any galleries, I thought I would share a link with you. This one is with David Hockney, the famous British artist. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52109901

The painting I attach is 'Grandma Goes on an Adventure' 30 x 24, acrylic on canvas. Man, would I ever like to go on one now!!! Especially with the two wonderful grandsons, Fox and Theo. We are missing the first signs of spring and mud in the ravine. 

The poster is from a dear artist friend Kim Atkins. She is an accomplished photographer and paints in oils and watercolour.

As always, I invite your response. If I can be of any assistance in any way, art wise or other, please do ask.

Rock on...we're going to beat this thing together!


                YOUR HOME       YOUR STYLE      MY ART

Gail

---

2020-06 Welcome to YOUR Creative Life.. New Look

Hello Dear Art Lover                    NEW LOOK

Well....these certainly are unusual times, aren't they? Lots of people are at home that usually are at work or just out and about.  I don't know how you could possibly be bored. I have two very long lists. One is for things at home that I finally cannot ignore. The other is for my art biz.

I do some from each list. As a result, I have several large bags of items to be put in the garbage or passed on to someone else who might be able to use them. I have clean floors. And I found some money!!

From my list of things to do for my business, you just might notice that I have a NEW LOOK for my newsletter. Thanks goes out to my support team with my niece Lise, who helps me with my website and all IT issues. 
For this stunning [ I think] new logo I must thank my daughter Joanna. She is a whiz with designing logos and putting newsletters together. She also has her own Etsy site where she sells her own handcrafted creations. Reach her @caveandcrown on IG and and caveandcrown@gmail.com to purchase her amazing products. Joanna can also help you with your newsletter setup.

As well, due to all the cancelled art shows, I am going to put together an online exhibition of the new paintings that have missed their debut in April. So look out for some fabulous new art on FB and IG. I do ask for your patience and understanding that I am not a professional videographer [yet] I'll be learning as I go along and doing the best I can.

I do have a request if you are willing to help me out. I am in the middle of creating a painting I may call 'Afterlife'. I am asking you to send me the 3 things you would take with you on your journey into the afterlife. Think of the Pharaohs and all their gear. 

As a fun exercise to do during this stressful time, why not try this? Use a photo or a picture from a magazine. Turn it upside down and draw the main shapes you see. When finished, turn it around. I guarantee you'll surprise yourself with how good you can draw.

I attach a photo of a group of fans who came out to the Beacher cafe to see my art on the walls there. It was a delight to have a customer appreciation day with so many lovely friends. As well I am attaching a detail of one of  my favourite paintings, called ' One Sweetly Warm Day Following Another'  Spring IS coming!!

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

---

2020-05 Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

Hello Dear Art Lover. Welcome to YOUR Creative Life 🍀🍀🍀

I’m not really sure how to start this newsletter. There's so much fear and panic surrounding us. It's like 9/11.

At first you can't believe it and then that's all you see in the news and all anyone is talking about. And it's over

and over and over again. 

So I think what I'll do is try and give you some ideas I have seen others doing that can help you get through this. Because this will pass and I truly believe if we take the high road, we can be better for this experience.

I'm going to paraphrase the advice given by an artist and his wife who is a psychologist that I posted on my FB. sergiogomezart if you are interested.

1. Get your information from reliable sources. That means not DR. INTERNET.

2.Try not to be constantly looking at the news.

3. Find ways to de-stress. It may be funny movies, music, learn a new skill, revisit a hobby, play with your kids, hug a tree. 

 I thought that watching the old Christmas movies could be fun. 🎄

Play your music LOUD. 🎤

Dance.💃

Exercise .

Travel virtually. Instantstreetview.com .Thanks Sandra😘

Finger paint or just any kind of painting. Paint like a kid..let yourself go.🖌

I would love to hear what ideas you have. Cleaning the house is not at the top of my list, but it is there.

Do your taxes...so fun!

Take an online course. 🎓

My art is on the walls of The Beacher Cafe, 2162 Queen St E for the month of March. But I do post online in FB and IG.

Our other shows are cancelled. Check my website for new art please. gailwilliamsartist.com The painting I have attached is 'Block Party' which is where we'll all be again.

Keep calm and rock on my friends,

Gail

---

2020-04 Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

Hello Dear Art Lover. Welcome to YOUR Creative Life 📢

Spring is almost here. You can feel it in the air. Personally, except for getting my car snowed in, I think this has been a very easy winter. I figure once March has arrived, you can say that winter is basically over. So bring on the sunshine and the crocuses. And goodbye to boots and winter coats.

I have quite a few shows lined up for the coming season, but right now,  📢 this month, I have 12 paintings displayed in the Beacher cafe, 2162 Queen St E. It is a Beaches landmark and to thank you for coming out to my shows or for purchasing my art, I am treating you to coffee on Friday March 13, 10am -12pm. All art is for sale, and I will have some coasters there as well if you need a little gift for someone.

Many of you know that I find learning new technology a challenge, but I never give up. I'll find a way to get it done, even if I have to call a friend.😈. At present I am about to use an email service provider and hope to have it up by my next newsletter, so it will look a little different. Please be assured, I will NEVER give out your info to anyone.

On a personal note, my husband and I will celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss this month. I know..how can that be? when I am only 39! Time certainly does fly and I am feeling grateful for our good health and wonderful daughters and grandchildren. Here's to 50 more??

The creativity tip 🖌 for this time is about 'grisaille' It is basically a painting done in many shades of grey. It is a great way to learn shading and depth of field. One way to start, is to do a black and white photocopy of a simple still life. Using shades of grey, paint the image. Once it is dry, start adding layers of colour. If you are using acrylics, add to acrylic medium [matte] a very small amount of colour. Let each layer dry and add another layer on top with a tiny amount more of colour mixed with medium. If you want to invest in Open acrylics you can blend them more easily without letting them dry completely. If you have questions, please ask.

I am attaching a photo of a recently completed painting called...'We're Not in Kansas Anymore' . You can see I'm letting my child out to play. I had so much fun doing this one. It will be in the spring shows.

YOUR HOME. YOUR STYLE. MY ART

Til next time, ROCK ON💃

Gail

---

2020-03 Your Home..Your Style..My Art

Hello Dear Art Lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life🖌 

Hope this February finds you in good health. So many people have succumbed to various bugs that have been making the rounds. 😷 Thankfully I have avoided the dreaded lurgy. And it's not because I've been hibernating. It's almost been as busy as the pre-Christmas party season.

We had a wonderful opening at the Artist Network gallery on Jan 23 at 1158 Queen St E. The show runs til Feb 23, so there is still time for you to check it out. There are a lot of very talented artists in the show.🖌

In building my art business, as well as showing my work in art shows, I keep my website updated. gailwilliamsartist.com Please check out my latest series entitled 'Stories'.📢 As you probably have noticed, most of my paintings evolve around a story. Sometimes I know what the story is before I start, but very often the story is not revealed until the painting is finished. Often the story unfolds much later. And the viewer also engages with the painting adding her/his own insights. Another thing I am asked, is how I name my paintings. What I do is make notes of phrases in the books I read or the music I hear. When I finish the work, I go through my notebook to find the title that resonates with what I have created. The most recently finished painting, which I have attached was called 'Looking for the next gig' while I was working on it. But when it was finished it just had to be called 'It's A Whole New World' 

I attach a photo of one almost done work and am puzzled about a name. Please help me with your suggestions.🤔

Many of you know that travel is one of my passions. Two years ago was a trip to Prague, Berlin and the Czech Republic. My BFF Dorothy and I are perfectly paired travel partners. She's shown enjoying the gift shop at Prague castle.

🖌My creativity tip for this week is to indulge your appetite for eye candy. Spend time perusing those expensive art books in Chapters or the library. Or perhaps, treat yourself to a book that makes you swoon. There are so many. I could spend hours and lots of dollars feasting my eyes on some of them.

I'd love to hear what artists speak to you.

Til next time, ROCK ON.💃

Gail

---

2020-02 YOUR HOME..YOUR STYLE..MY ART

Hello dear Art Lover. Welcome to YOUR Creative Life🌋 🖌🌋 

Hope your new year has started with an explosion of happy encounters like mine has.Thanks to Mira and Sheree for adding some of  my art to their homes. Now I have my art in some new places in this country. How exciting is that! My latest creation ' Raise Your Voice' flew out of the studio as predicted by several of you. As well as many other pieces. My gratitude to you both.

The Artist Network's current show, called 'Home' is on now, with the opening party on Thursday Jan 23,6-9pm, 1158 Queen St E , Toronto. Please come down to share some beautiful paintings and a glassof wine. It runs until Feb 22 [ not Feb 5 as the card says] My painting 'Guardian Angel' shares a corner with 2 of the Labatt Studio artists, Nancy Bennett and Connie Gorsline, both talented artists.

You may get a laugh out of my one attachments. Too many people suffer from EWS..Empty Wall Syndrome.🤕I am doing my best to remedy the condition. I would love to invite you for a studio visit at 7 Labatt Ave,on the second floor of a soon- to- be -demolished- for -condos building. 😈 Message to make an appt.The doctor is in!😂

🖌ART JOURNALLING FOR JOY classes start Feb 1,8,15 and 22. Tap into your creativity, have fun and break the rules! From 10 am - 1pm, $180.00, $10.00 supply fee. No experience required. Message for more info.

I don't think I would have the energy I am blessed with if it wasn't for my love of essentrics and my instructor Sheri. Her dynamic personality keeps me going with 3 classes a week as well asmy yoga class. A good balance for me. I attached her pic and you can see her vibrancy jump off the page.Check out www.sheriessentrics.com.💃

Rock on

Gail

---

2020-01 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

What can I say but WOW!!😁 Last year was the best for me in my art career so far and I have all of you to thank for supporting it.

Looking back I realize that it really does take a village. Some people buy my art, some donate to my fundraiser, some come to my shows and enjoy the work, and some respond to this newsletter and do the exercises I suggest. But what I get is the cheering on that keeps me creating more. I can never adequately say 'Thank You' enough for your kind thoughts and words.

I thought I would send a few family pics this time as I'm sure you want to see how the gingerbread progressed. And I wanted to brag on my beautiful daughters too. I am lucky that they want to hang out with me sometime. That was a pedicure and lunch date.

I've also attached a photo of my last completed painting. It is mixed media, 31 x 24, and is called 'Raise Your Voice' As usual, you see some disparate images...birds, buildings and the mysterious stranger in the bottom right. I stole the idea of wrapping the side colour onto the front to create a frame,  from one of my talented studio mates and I think it works! 

And now....I am announcing📢 the creation of an art journalling course. Come out and play with us.🖌 Tap into your creativity and record all those good ideas.

Dates: Feb 1, 8, 15 and 22

Time: 10 am to 1pm

Location: 7 Labatt Ave, second floor

Cost: $180.00 

Supply fee : $10.00 

You will be given a book to transform and I will supply everything else.

Space is limited but your creativity is not. Be prepared to break rules and have fun. I have a list of students already.

So don't be disappointed, get your name in now.

Rock on in 2020!🐣

Gail

---