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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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2019-12 - Check out my website 💓

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

It has been an incredibly busy time these last few months! I thank all of you who have taken the time to attend one or more of the art events I have been in. I had my last show on the weekend at studio888, 2359 Queen St E. It is up until Dec22, if you haven't had the chance to drop by yet. Now I can start to get ready for all the family and friends we see over the holidays.

My mother always made gingerbread men and women with us and I am continuing the tradition with my grandsons Fox and Theo. Last year we had a wedding with Mr and Mrs Gingerbread! What Christmas traditions do you have? 🎄

Many people ask me how I come up with my ideas and where do I start with a painting. I have attached a photo of the current painting I am working on. It will go through more changes until I feel it is completed. When I see this one, I know it needs some brightness and light. There are many layers here and much painting over and scraping back. I wait until I see the shapes that emerge. Sometimes the images appear easily and sometimes it takes a bit of contemplation. In any case, I'll just wait and see. Stay tuned for further developments.

I am also attaching some information about the tax benefits of buying original art for your home. You may not have thought of it, but I say anywhere you can get a tax break, you should take it. Especially if you want some of my art!:)💓

My Creativity tip for this letter🖌...Try some negative shape painting. Start with an underpainting of any bright colour.Let it dry. Paint on a watery layer of black paint. Before it dries completely, wipe off with a paper towel any shape that appeals to you. Use your fingers to pull some of the black back onto the shape. You can also use some isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel to remove some of the black. Play around with the amount of paint and different colours. I'll bet you will surprise yourself!

Rock on  🎄

Gail

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2019-11 - COASTERS..COASTERS..COASTERS!!🍹

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

Our Gifts for the Soul holiday market was a super success. We have found a wonderful new home in east end Toronto at the historic St Matthew's clubhouse at 450 Broadview Ave.It is also the home of East End Arts. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the fabulous creatives in our show this year. Dorothy Barrett, Melanie D'Silva, Janet Potter, Lorrie King, Nicole Salter, Joanna Williams, Nina Okens, Hilja Laasen,Scott and Sasha Wahlstrom . The charity beauty sale held by Ingrie Williams was a resounding success as usual. You can find Ingrie on her blog t.zonebeauty that she hosts with Emily MacCulloch.

Who can believe that another Christmas has rolled around? It just seems like yesterday that Fox and Theo, the adorable grandsons, were excitedly running circles around the tree. I know some people already have all their shopping done , but I must confess I still have a long list. How about you? Are you one of those who start planning at the beginning of the year?

My Creativity 🖌 tip today is to start a collection of images or words that inspire you. I am starting my art journalling workshops in January and if you are interested please let me know soon. I have a list started. I'm thinking of a 6week course on Sat mornings. Details to follow. No experience required!

The coasters 🍹have been flying out of the studio, but you can still order. Drop me a line and I will send you the choices. $35.00 for a set of 4.

NB DATES🎄📢

Sun Dec 8, gallery888, 2359 Queen St E..I have 6 pieces there.

The Labatt Studio Show, 7 Labatt Ave, Sun Dec 1, 12- 4..lots of new work, including the attachment of 'Venice is Sinking'

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2019-10 - New Product💡

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

It's SNOWING!!! Yahoo? We love it [from inside] and hate it when we have to drive in it. But...most of us have chosen to live here. And we are pretty fortunate to be living in this country where we have freedom and opportunity.

It's the time of year where we remember all those who fought for the freedom we have today. My father, Bill Pudas, lied about his age to join the navy with his best buddy. They were off to have an adventure, never knowing how bloody an adventure it would be. Luckily both of them would return to their families.

My creativity tip 🖌 this time is that I have decided to start some workshops. I will hold a series of art journaling workshops in the new year at my studio. I will be able to have 6 students, so please let me know if you are interested. We will focus on discovering how using an art journal can open the door to creativity. You might want to start noticing what catches your eye. I know I sound like a broken record when I say that, but it truly is the beginning to the artist life.

My new products 💡 are the four sets of coasters I have created from my original artwork. I still have some of the originals available. The collage works are 6x6in wood panels and the others are details of larger paintings at larger prices. These coasters will be at our Gifts For The Soul holiday market for only $35.00, but I can reserve for you as well.

Please check my website. I have added a 'Testimonials' section with some lovely comments from eloquent clients.

SAVE THE DATES 🌲

1. Momentum show ongoing til Nov 24, 1158 Queen St E

2. Gifts For The Soul..one day..Sat Nov 23, 450 Broadview Ave

3. Galley888 group watercolour show, Nov 23-Dec 22 2359 Queen St E, [I will be at the gallery on Sun Dec 8 to receive guests]

4. Labatt Studio show, Sun Dec 1, 12-4, 7 Labatt Ave

Love to share holiday wishes at any or all of these events💓
Rock on
Gail

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2019-9 - 🔔 SAVE THE DATES

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

I have so much to share in this newsletter I almost feel like my head could pop off.😱 Then I remember to breathe and just let the dusting go. I've got more important things to do. Like painting and sending out a newsletter and getting things ready for upcoming shows and learning how to stretch canvas and send in bios and photos and applications for more shows.

I've put a 'Save the Dates' at the bottom for easy reference.

First up though, I must tell you about my recent process painting workshop in Grand Marais, Minnesota. I did the same workshop last year and it completely changed my approach to painting. It is wonderful to spend focussed time on your craft. I think the painting I created is super good. See it in the attachment please. This is the first time I have used unstretched gessoed canvas. It felt so luxurious to really massage the paint onto the canvas. Now I need to learn how to do the stretching.

That leads me to my creativity tip 🖌. I used 10 ounce weight canvas that you get at the art supply store, just like buying fabric. I applied 3 coats of gesso and sanded lightly with fine sandpaper between coats. Wipe off the excess sanded gesso with a damp cloth. When you do your painting, you can attach it with pins to a surface. Allow at least 5 inches beyond the edge of the painting for the depth of the stretcher bars and to staple firmly at the back. You can get the stretching done at the art supply store or do it yourself. I am learning how to make neat corners. I love the way the paint went on. It seems to have more substance. I could really work the paint into the canvas. However, I did just find out that I should have stretched the canvas on the stretchers and gesso afterwards. Live and learn🎓

I also got an amazing letter of appreciation from Elsa, who bought my painting at the Salt Spring National Art Prize competition. It is very gratifying to know that people 'get' my art. I know I don't just paint pretty pictures and they seem to end up in homes where the buyer gets the message. Even if it is not the message I thought it was at first. That is the beauty of art. The eye of the beholder...YOU!👁

A quick guide to where and what I've got coming up. Please SAVE the DATES

1. Artist Network show..Momentum..group show..Oct 30-Nov24, Opening reception Nov 6, 6pm-9pm, see attached .

2 .Gifts For the Soul..Holiday market..Nov 23..see attached details

3. Gallery 888..group show..Nov 23-Dec 22, 2359 Queen St E.

4. Labatt Studio group show .. Sun Dec 1, 1-4pm, 7 Labatt Ave,

Rock on,

Gail

View fullsize

View fullsize

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2019-8 - 💓 GRATITUDE

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

Yesterday, after I used my freedom to vote in the advance polls, I went for a walk in my neighbourhood ravine. I am so fortunate to be able to access quiet in the middle of a busy city. Not only am I grateful for living in this country, at this time, I have a wonderful family and a tribe of amazing friends who celebrate me. I think the beautiful maple leaf I have attached is a reminder of our good fortune. I'm always looking up and down when I walk. You never know what will catch your eye.

I also have great news about the painting I currently have in the Salt Spring show.💃 It has sold! It will be going to it's new home in Salt Spring to a couple who completely connect with the power of the image and I couldn't be happier. I have attached the photo of me on the night of the opening gala. It was such an affirming experience for me and I wouldn't have been there without the support of so many people. Again, my heartfelt thanks.

My creativity tip🖌 for today is about overcoming the fear of the blank paper/canvas. Not an original idea, but a reminder to suspend judgement! Forget those monkeys on your shoulder. Put on music that moves you, take a few moments to really feel it and then start by allowing your whole body to put the paint on the canvas. Switch the brush to your non-dominant hand, hold it by the end, use different sizes of brushes or sponges or chopsticks or forks or rags. Anything at all to loosen up. And always remember, it's just some paint and paper/canvas. You can always paint over it.

Save the Dates:

• November 23, Gifts for the Soul, St Matthew's Clubhouse

• November 23 - December 22, Watercolour Exhibit at Gallery 888

• December 1 - Labatt Studio Holiday Show, 7 Labatt Ave

Details to follow.

Happy Thanksgiving,🦃

Gail

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2019-7 - WORKSHOP 🔨

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life

Where do I start?!💃

It is with overwhelming gratitude that I can announce that my fundraiser for my travel fund to the Opening Gala in Salt Spring Island was very successful. With the help of many people I will be there. Just because I'm so excited, I have to share, again, that I am one of 50 finalists chosen from 2000 entries!📢 And it was a win win, in that a lot of paintings went to new homes. It is humbling for me to have my art chosen to be part of peoples' lives.I have attached the bio that will be in the catalogue and a picture of me with my entry. Here is the website ssartprize.ca.

What did you do on your summer vacation? Hope you had a blissful time wherever you were. I spent 3 weeks in Thunder Bay visiting family and had a wonderful time. The weather was spectacular and I understand it was for a lot of people this year. The blueberries were abundant, the hikes were outstanding and Lake Superior was cold [but that doesn't stop us]😱

🖌 I took some art work to finish while I was there. Working 'en plein air' is so relaxing and rewarding. I have attached two photos of what I was doing. The first layer was acrylic paint poured onto watercolour paper with a sprinkling of powdered charcoal . Then I found shapes and added colour with acrylic markers and watercolour pencils. This one is unfinished, but gives you an idea of what you could do.

With the fall season, I am organizing another round of shows and will announce them later. I am being encouraged to start doing workshops and would like your feedback on what you might like to learn🔨.In October, I am going to the Grand Marais art colony in Minnesota for the second year. It is about 1 hour south of Thunder Bay. I will be taking a 'process painting' course that turned out to be a game changer for me. You can access my Instagram and Facebook posts on my website. gailwilliamsartist.com.

And lastly, PLEASE , if you know anyone who might visit the Salt Spring gallery Sept 21- Oct 20, ask them to vote for my painting.

Thanks as always

Rock on

Gail

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2019-6 - MORE new products💡

Hello dear art lover Welcome to YOUR Creative Life MORE new products💡

Very exciting news😁

I am just too excited that I can't wait to share that I have been chosen for the Salt Spring National Art Prize competition. One of 49 paintings chosen from a field of almost 2000 entries. 📢📢📢 'All Dressed Up For The Party' [30x40 acrylic and mixed media], joins this prestigious crowd of artists from across Canada. The show runs Sept 21-Oct 21 in Salt Spring Island. The image is attached. Please visit the site for more info www.saltspringartprize.ca..

One thing I have been working on is my vision book.🔍 I believe seeing is believing. I am creating a book that is full of words and pictures focusing on what I want in my life..my art work, my health, my family, travel and financial goals. You can do a page or poster to look at and remind you of your personal desires. It is vey fun to do... a work in progress, as is life. I'd love to know if you are interested in doing this also. It is a powerful thing.🖌

You are invited to view and purchase my art at several locations this summer. Or by email. Currently, I have 4 pieces at the beautiful gallery and frame shop XC art restoration, at 596 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Visit www.artrestoration.ca for details.

On Friday July 26 and Sat July 27, 6pm- 10pm, I am displaying my work with the fabulous Marlene Pape and Felicity Somerset at studio888.💡 I will have more coasters and some new stickers. As well, I have some art work in the group show inside the gallery. Come on down to the Beach for the Jazzfest to enjoy lively music and original, affordable art.www.studio888.ca

Finally, I want to let you know how much I appreciate your support. I am taking vacation til the end of Aug, so there won't be any newsletters til the fall. I wish you a wonderful summer of fun and relaxation.🔆

Gail

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