2020-20 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

You Raise Me Up

Already another week has rolled around! Yesterday it was as if summer was back..30 degrees here in Toronto, which I can handle as the night cools. In the heat waves of July, I'm a total puddle..a bitchy one at that. How about you? Do you revel in the heat? 

This week I was fortunate to be able to host a distanced dinner party on my deck with good friends. This particular group, the Paint Chicks, go back quite a few years and I usually have a summer solstice in June out there. But you know what happened. So we had a smaller group and thankfully the weather cooperated. We reminisced about the first trip we took to France together and all the good times shared at the cottage. It started me thinking that good friends are what keep me going. They've helped me in countless ways. Check out #JoshGroban #YouRaiseMeUp #Vault to see his moving youtube of the song.

As well, I am surrounded with helpers on many levels. My niece Lise, an accomplished audio creator, helps me with my website and many other techie issues. She just updated my website and I had a lot of catching up to do. There's a new 'About' page too. I was almost cross eyed by the time I finished sending her all the new art. She might have been too.

This week I received two interesting emails. Mira suggested I look into Mandalas on the art-is-fun.com site. Mandalas are so meditative. Bev sent me a fascinating video from Facebook that will amaze you I'm sure. 
https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins/videos/322326368877763/?vh=e&extid=8SHnTx06NR5JBfBc&d=n


I'm including the ad for the Art Walk in the Square #artwalksquare.ca.so you can visit  my virtual booth and the other 99 artists. Lots of choice and you can do it from the comfort of home. Although nothing beats a real hug. Also there is a photo of the recent painting 'A Gathering of Friends', 40 x 30 . We can always arrange a distanced private viewing any time. Hope you like what you see.

Til next week,

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

2020-18 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover     TRAVELS FROM MY DECK   GG TAKES A STAYCATION

Well..it was hot last week and I'm sure that lovely (?) weather is coming back as it always does here in this steamy city. Sorry, but I am not a fan. I know... I get told that's because I was brought up in the far north, but really, must we?! I'll just get my whinging done right now. I imagine that this summer is going to look a lot different for all of us.

Did you have plans you've had to cancel? This will be my first summer ever that I have not been in the beautifully sunny, but not so hot paradise, AKA Thunder Bay. Did you know that Thunder Bay is the sunshine capital of Canada?

If your'e looking for things to do where there are no crowds, look no further than the Riverdale Online Artwalk show.
https://www.eventeny.com/events/riverdale-artwalk-online-show-and-sale-601/
No masks, no distancing,no sunscreen required and no need to fight off the hordes visiting my virtual booth in this virtual show. Perhaps you will find that perfect painting that will transport you down memory lane every time you look at it. 

One such painting of mine is in 'The Woods' Series called 'Let's Go This Way' . It is a reminder of a hike I was taking with my daughter in northern Ontario. The previous winter, a violent ice storm had bent the trees so much that by the time summer came, they were still bowed over. Do you have a picture in your mind's eye that you can still see? A time with a loved one on a little adventure? In the woods or in the city? Cherished time is worth more than gold isn't it?

If you find something on my website you would like a closer look at, we can arrange a porch visit. I can even let you have it on loan to see how it works in your space.

Just for fun, I am sending a link for a street art site that has some amazing stuff. I have a not so secret ambition to be a graffiti grandma. I might not get the gig though as I go to bed so early.
www.brooklynstreetart.com

Attached today is the first painting I sold online called 'Memories of Birdsong' Since showing it on FB, it has received so much love I thought I would give it another chance to shine. It was part of my Ghost Series. There are still a few pieces left in that set.  Take a gander. One of them might be just what your'e looking for.

And..the winner is Barbara! Congratulations. You have won a momento of my art!


Best Wishes for a wonderful summer. I am taking a vacation or staycation as it happens.
And if you haven't guessed it yet, I'm GG (Grandma Gail) to Fox and Theo
See you in late August. Until then, keep washing those hands.

                                YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on

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

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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

2020-15 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover - So this just happened..

Really not sure where to start, so I am just jumping in with it.

Many of you may know that I have been married for 50 years (to the same man) and that man is black. You may have figured it out from a photo or two I have posted of our daughters. But today I am sending a wedding picture from 1970. My husband has no family so we haven't had the experience of many mixed marriages. Of course we have been the targets of racism, but here in Canada, it is oh so subtle. But not less hurtful and wrong.

 This has been such a confusing and outrageous time of conflict for so many people. I would like to say for all people but I fear that is not the case.  I find it heartbreaking to witness. And I struggle in knowing what I should do and say.

My daughter Ingrie, has sent along a link which you might like to check out.

https://www.fridaythings.com/recent-posts/how-to-be-an-ally-george-floyd-black-lives-matte

How to Be A Good Ally To Your Black Friends — Friday Things This week’s news cycle has been heavy—especially for Black people. Here’s what non-Black POC, Indigenous and white people can do to help.
www.fridaythings.com

Another reader and former neighbour, Peggysent along a link that I think might also be helpful.
CNN and Sesame Street are doing a Town Hall for Kids and Families, Saturday morning June 6.   https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/us/cnn-sesame-street-standing-up-to-racism/index.html

I think that equality in all things has to happen, but I know that true equality might never happen. There will always be groups who think they are better than the rest and deserve to be in power.  Human decency and respect is the right of all.

In ongoing art biz, my paintings for #artistsupportpledgecanada have had a great response. I have 12 pieces that are all 14x17in.mixed media on heavy WC paper. The special price is $200 (regularly $300) unframed. I am calling this the Chrysallis Collection. When I have sold $1000 of  my art I pledge to buy another artists's work. It is a great way to start or add to your collection of original art at a lower price point. I have sold 4 already. You can see Lorrie with her new purchase. And I am adding two more for your viewing pleasure. The whole collection is on Instagram and Facebook, but I can send you photos of  the ones that are still available.

Rock on..in peace, love and respect.

          YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

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2020-14 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover - Take Time To Smell the Roses

Hope you are continuing to keep well, washing your hands, and wearing your designer masks. Are you having street parties? Distanced coffees dates? Virtual cocktail hours? Are you over the novelty of Zoom? I must say yes to all of the above, especially the Zoom. 

Doesn't it seem like everything just suddenly starts popping out of the ground? We get a few days of warmth and a little rain and the earth releases it's glory that has been waiting. How quickly we can forget the long days of dark winter.

A dear friend of mine, Ruth, who now lives in Salt Spring Island sent me the most wondrous email. I am sure you will agree that is is stunning. Please click on the link to see what I mean The only downside is that this happens in New York, not Toronto or anywhere in Canada that I know of https://lewismillerdesign.com/flower-flash/

I love getting emails from friends who know how much I love art related events. Mira from Ottawa sent me this one. Although I am not fluent in French I get the gist. https://eipmh.com/joyful-as-painting-child-an-evening-with-arno-stern/  Wouldn't I have loved to have had an art teacher like that?!

Theresa sent this suggestion..check it out..you can do a free trial to watch it. https://watch.mhzchoice.com/the-art-of-crime...crime and art together sounds intriguing to me!

As I announced in last week's newsletter, I am participating in the #artistsupportpledgecanada . The pledge is a way to support artists at this time when we cannot show our art at art fairs and galleries. I have 12 pieces of art to sell for $200 each. When I have sold $1000 worth, I pledge to buy art from another artist. I am launching my 'Chrysallis Collection' on Monday June 1 to the general public, but I am offering it to my newsletter followers first . These paintings are regularly priced at $300. They are 14x17in, mixed media on paper, unframed. It is a great way to start or add to your original art collection at a lower price point. I attach 2 more of the collection . Let me know if you would like to see all of them and I will send them to you. First come, first serve. I have already pre sold 3 of them.  

Don't forget you can draw along with me on Tuesday on my Facebook page, Gail Williams. I'm doing Fun Monster Drawing for kids and adults at 12:30. Fox and Theo give me inspiration every week. 

And the winner of this weeks' draw is Emily..congratulations!

Rock on

            YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

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2020-13 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover     Curiosity Killed The Cat....Just Kidding

It is a long anticipated beautiful sunny day here in Toronto. I am lucky enough to be able to hit the trails with my daughter this afternoon. Checking the forecast in my hometown of Thunder Bay, I see it is even warmer there. Did you know it is the sunshine capital of Canada? Of course you did!

People always ask how I come up with my inspiration and I answer it is because of my curiosity. Some say 'Curiosity killed the cat' but I know that being curious (or nosy) feeds my imagination. Artists have inquiring minds. We notice things like the patterns of shadows and reflections in water. I'm sure you do also.

Speaking of curiosity, you are probably familiar with Rube Goldberg. I was reminded of his cartoons that feature convoluted gadgets that perform simple tasks when I was researching my weekly Tuesday Fun Monster Drawing on Facebook Live. Draw along with me as I create some fantastical being on my FB page Gail Williams. If you want to have a laugh, check out the Rube Goldberg machine in the youtube, OK Go-This Too Shall Pass.

The paintings I have attached are 2 of 12 pieces that I am making for #artistsupportpledgecanada. How this works is that I sell some work for less than $400 each,and when I have sold $2000 worth of art, I pledge to buy another artist's work. So it's a win-win for the art community .These are 14in x 17in works on heavy paper, unframed. I am offering them to you first before I release them to the general public. The price is $200 (regular price is $300). Send me an email to get your's.

If you want to see what I've been up to, please check my Facebook Live on Fridays at 1pm where I feature my PAINTING OF THE WEEK. A virtual artist talk every week.

And last but not least, the WINNER of my original art is Judith. Congratulations!!!

Rock on,

                         YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

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2020-13 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover                  My High School Crush

So...how are you?  Are you finding it a challenge to just keep doing this isolation thing? I'm usually a pretty upbeat person with lots of energy and I'm finding it not so easy to put a brave face on sometimes.
Especially when I hear of friends losing a parent due to this dreadful event that has rocked our world.
For all I have, I am so grateful. So many people do not have the resources we have. 

I love getting messages from you with questions about art products. And I love to share the exciting new toys I have recently started using. If you think you would like to dip your hand into creating, I would highly recommend the Derwent Inktense coloured pencils. They are just like the coloured pencils you used in school, but you can wet them with a damp brush to get paint. The colours are fabulously intense! They are much brighter than the regular watercolour pencils or crayons.

There is an online creative event called #artistsupportpledgecanada. Those Intense pencils will be used in the paintings on paper that I will be doing for the pledge. I will offer them first to my newsletter peeps with an extra special discount. Stay tuned for details.

My dear friend, Kim has collected quotes and writings about art for years.  She often sends them to me and I am passing one along to you in attachments. They are about the value of art to our lives.

My weekly giveaway goes to Cora and Bill Turnbull. Congratulations..I'll be sending you a little treat of my art.

At laaassssttttt....I can hear Etta singing that one as I anticipate 'meeting' my high school crush once again. Yes..my high school crush was the guy who cut his ear off.  My lovely daughter Ingrie, has ordered us tickets for the ImmersiveVan Gogh Exhibit. Check out vangoghexhibit.ca. to order your tickets.  He was my first love. I can't wait. It is a drive through art exhibit. That's a first for me.

Wishing you a safe and quick return to 'normal'

Rock on,

                          YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

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2020-12 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover                      Fun Monsters and Young Artists

Here we are again! I keep hoping we will be expanding our bubble soon. Are you planning your 'Double Bubble Party'? Besides who is on the guest list, what will you do? A whole lot of hugging and tears of joy I expect, and maybe some dancing and to be sure, eating. It can't be soon enough for me.

You may be wondering what this Monster thing is all about. If you are on Facebook you can see me do Live videos on my Gail Williams page. On Fridays I am featuring my ' Painting of the Week'  at 1pm where I explain my process of a painting that was scheduled to be in an art show this spring.

On Tuesdays at 12:30, I am having fun doing a live video called 'Fun Monster Drawing for Kids and Adults'. They are on my timeline on Gail Williams, not Gail Williams Artist. You can watch the replay anytime and I encourage you to send me photos of the drawing either with or without the artist. Mine has my adorableFox and the other one is Morgan's work. I also take requests. Next week we'll be doing a Robot Monster...how scary is that?!

It is great that some of you send me photos and ideas of what you are up to. This week I got a wonderful update from Deb, an ex-colleague from the 70's with whom I worked at Princess Margaret Hospital. And I was only a baby ...they started us early back then. She sent a link for a fabulous recipe site you may like ..https://www.bbcgoodfood.com. 

And the WINNER  of this week's giveaway is Bonney. Congratulations Bonney King, I will be in touch shortly.

Rock on , my friends.


                          YOUR HOME       YOUR STYLE       MY ART

Gail

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2020-11 Living Artfully

  Hello Dear Art Lover CONGRATULATIONS

The winner of my first GIVEAWAY is Athena, who is also one of my first art clients. She has won a set of my original art coasters. Congratulations Athena. 

Every week I will be doing a giveaway to one lucky reader. This week's winner will receive a piece of original art. 

As this time of isolation continues, I hope you are still washing your hands and not hugging each other. Although I do find the social distancing means I am talking to all sorts of strangers when I am standing in line or walking on the street. 

I am adding a photo of a lovely young woman who is a doula at my chiropractic office because she is making gowns for midwives from donated fabrics to help out in this isolating situation. She uses all sorts of fabrics so if you have anything you think she could use, please contact her at Oma Chiropractic or @lindsayfinniermt_doula. I have a place in my heart for midwives because one of my sisters was a midwife and I really believe they provide an amazing service.

Many of you know that I have 5 sisters and all of them are talented. My sister Patty, a seamstress and art lover, sent me this link which you might find as enchanting as I do.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n07q91euxty26x4/IMG_7395.mp4?dl=0


HOMELESS....YES ..we are losing our studio at the end of June. Please send  along any leads.


Attached also find a newly completed small painting 14x11, acrylic, 'This Sceptered Isle' .
First inquiry gets the quarantine deal! If in the GTA, I can deliver contactlessly...if that's a word.

Til next time. ROCK ON

                    YOUR HOME       YOUR STYLE       MY ART


Gail

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2020-10 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            FOUND IT!!

Last week I was really worried that I had lost the plot. In talking to some of my friends and neighbours, socially distanced of course, I found out that it is a side effect of this staying at home. When your'e looking for a misplaced item, you usually find it in the last place you look. Keeping that in mind, I figured out that doing my art practise is where my mind hangs out. Eh voila!! FOUND IT!!

For me, my art practise is not only creating paintings but also in how I view my world. What I see in my surroundings, the books I read, the conversations I have. That is why I renamed this newsletter to 'Living Artfully' . Creativity is universal and everyone is creative. 

I also discovered that watching movies with a friend can be done even in these circumstances. My BFF, Dorothy and I, found two documentaries of artful interest. One was 'Made You Look' about art fraud. It is available on CBC Gem..free. The other was 'Paris Was a Woman', also no charge on Kanopy, a free service of the Toronto Public Library. I felt like a real techie, having the computer and the phone on at the same time. 

This week I am attaching an image of a completed work on paper, that I named 'Rastapus' [Not original as google told me!!] It was started with fluid acrylics poured onto watercolour paper and further worked up with markers and watercolour pencils and crayons. Just a fun, bright piece to make you smile.

If you use Facebook, you will find me doing two live events. One will be a short video featuring my 'Painting of the Week' My thoughts on what was my inspiration and my techniques. The other will be a fun drawing exercise. I hope you can tune in.

Til next time, ROCK ON !

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail