2012 - Year in Review

Well, 2012 is almost over. I reviewed my 2012 goals and the results are in Green Text. My 2013 goals are being developed and will be ready early in January. I think I will have fairly drastic changes in my approach to 2013, so stay tuned!

Artist Goals 2012: To continue to find avenues to learn, produce and display artwork.

Learn:

·Continue to increase my knowledge of various painting techniques and styles through online courses and/or local workshops. I've been participating in some webinar courses by Johannes Vloothuis, and will continue to do so throughout the year, as long as he keeps offering them... Johannes has been quiet lately for the summer, but I've got a few new things lined up that I'm going to try, including monotype printing. Still no further courses from Johannes, but I have tried, and really like, monotype printing. I have several original monotypes available and they are selling well. I've particiapted in a couple of webinars in coloured pencil and pastels. So not a bad year for learning.

·Start a monthly painting challenge where we will focus on a particular technique or subject to explore. I have posted 2 painting challenges so far this year, not quite monthly... Ok, perhaps quarterly would be better....another challenge to be posted soon. So this didn't go quite as planned...a few challenges were thrown out and completed. Determined to have a schedule for this in 2013.

·Start a “create together” day once a month for the members of Arts Northeast to learn from each other, and perhaps have guest participants to increase our knowledge. Attempted, but have not been able to meet due to changing work schedules, snowbirds, and weather. Should start in June. More delays....but we have a date set for August 18th! I participated in a couple of monotype create togethers which were great fun! A schedule has been developed for the first 6 months of 2013 for the "create together" opportunities. 

Produce:

·Create a defined body of work (10-20 pieces) using a theme. Have started this...a lot of research completed and 2 pieces painted. Distracted by painting for the Arts Northeast exhibition. I had anticipated if we had 2 shows this year with Arts Northeast, then this goal will span into 2013 as well. One more is sketched out and ready to go up on the easel to paint! Reviewed my list of ideas for next paintings....going to work on one when I finish this update. Currently have a canvas on the easel as part of this project. Need to plan further paintings for this project in 2013.

·Create up to 30 pieces of artwork for 2 exhibitions in 2012 with Arts Northeast. Created 14 new pieces for the May show. On target if we have 2 exhibitions.... Another exhibition scheduled for November 1st....stay tuned for more info as it becomes available....target of at least 6 new pieces for this.... A total of 49 peices created this year. Exceeded my goal!!!

·Spend more time sketching/drawing by completing one small piece per week. Not quite one a week, but art is moving forward. Ok, not so much, but have plans to pack my coloured pencils and sketchbook for vacation! Four pieces created while on vacation, and four pieces of Artsy Doodles.

·Complete more plein air paintings. It's Newfoundland....way to cold to venture out for this yet. This is strictly a summer/fall activity. Ok, so can you beleive its been TOO HOT? Yes, true.....so no plein aire yet.... Two pieces created while on vacation.

·Complete several winter/Christmas theme artwork. One completed and one sketched in ready to go.... Too hot to think about snow...lol One on the easel now, won't be finished until 2013.

Display:

·Increase my online presence through use of facebook, my website, my blog and online art stores, such as Kijiji, Fine Art America, Etsy, and Zazzle. Original artwork and photography online with Fine Art America, Etsy, and ImageKind. Prints listed on Kijiji. Now posting with Twitter. New blog set up for Arts Northeast. Completing free online tutorials on a variety of painting subjects for my website for student use. New tutorial almost ready to roll out on paint brushes. Keeping other online avenues up and running.... New tutorial on brushes is completed. New products on Zazzle. New website being designed and is launching January 1st, 2013. Sneak peak today!!!

·Explore venues for two exhibitions with Arts Northeast. One exhibition complete...decision on second one for this year tomorrow. Second exhibition and sale a go for November 1st. More details to come. Worked with Children's Wish Foundation - NL Chapter for an art auction to support the charity. Went well, some lessons learnt, and hopefully will be able to partner again next year and do even better!

·Explore venues for exhibitions outside of the Northeast Avalon. Contacted one gallery and working on a few others. Delaying until 2013. Actually went ahead and have several original paintings outside the Avalon in 2 galleries - Picture Frame in Gander and House of Diamonds Art Gallery in Glovertown.

·Submit artwork to juried and non-juried art competitions/exhibits locally and globally. Have passed on this so far this year...subjects of local exhibits have not struck my fancy at this time. Again, nothing has struck my fancy yet...tried to complete a painting for one local exhibition, but time was not on my side. Still nothing struck my fancy. Maybe next year, but not a focus for 2013.

Not a bad year overall....looking forward to 2013!

12 Days of Artwork - Day 6

Icebergs....living on an island in the middle of the North Atlantic means you see numerous icebergs every year. This is an up close view of one.

"Icy Blue"

8" x 10"

This painting is framed and is available at House of Diamonds Art Gallery, 1 Main Street, Glovertown, NL.

12 Days of Artwork - Day 5

While on vacation this year, I took some of my art supplies and actually found some hours to paint.

The itinerary had changed slightly due to unrest, so the Captain had some extra time and brought us to a small volcanic island in the middle of the Mediterranean off the north coast of Sicily Italy. Stromboli's population is between 400 and 850. The volcano has erupted many times, and is constantly active with minor eruptions, often visible from many points on the island and from the surrounding sea, giving rise to the island's nickname "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean".

So, Day 5 of my favourite artwork of 2012....

"Stromboli"

5.5" x 8.5"



This original artwork is done in oil pastel. Regular price is $45....on sale until January 6, 2013 for $30.

12 Days of Artwork - Day 4

I wanted to do something a little different for me....well, flowers ended up being in the painting, but the "vase" is not ordinary!

"Spring Showers Bring..."

10" x 8"

I painted this during April 2012....and we did get some May flowers this year!

This painting is framed and is available at House of Diamonds Art Gallery, 1 Main Street, Glovertown, NL. I have several other original paintings at the Gallery. Drop by and have a look if you are in the area!

12 Days of Artwork - Day 3

2012 saw me trying out a new form of artwork....monotype prints.

From Wikipedia:

Monotyping is a type of printmaking made by drawing or painting on a smooth, non-absorbent surface. The surface, was historically a copper etching plate, but in contemporary work it can vary from zinc or glass to acrylic glass. The image is then transferred onto a sheet of paper by pressing the two together. Monotypes can also be created by inking an entire surface and then removing ink to create a subtractive image, e.g. creating lights from a field of opaque colour.

Monotyping produces a unique print, or monotype; most of the ink is removed during the initial pressing. Although subsequent reprintings are sometimes possible and are called "ghost prints." Oil and acrylic paints can also be used in lieu of inks.

I absolutely love it! so, here's Day #3's favourite artwork....a monotype.

"Word Art"

6" x 6"

This unframed monotype print is regular price $25....until January 6th, 2013, you can have it for only $20.

Remember there is only 1!!!! So don't delay.



12 Days of Artwork - Day 2

Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas - My Favourite artworks in 2012.

Many of you know I love to paint monochromatic paintings....and that my favourite subject to paint is florals (see Day 1). So it isn't surprising that my fav #2 is a combo of these!

"Cattails"

12" x 6"

This painting is available at Picture Frame, 81 Elizabeth Drive, Gander, NL.

12 Days of Christmas - A Review of 2012 Artwork

I've seen a few artists do this, and I thought it was a fabulous idea. So for the 12 Days of Christmas I will pick my 12 favourite pieces of artwork that I completed in 2012. I'll be posting my favs over the next 12 days....come back each day to see what will be revealed!!! There may even be some special pricing!!!

In no particular order.....here is #1. Well, this one is my absolute favourite this year.....read on to find out why.

"Always Remember"

20" x 20"

One of my most recently completed paintings in 2012. I painted this on Remembrance Day weekend which was less than 2 months from our recent visit to the WW1 memorials in France - Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in remembrance of the 1^st Battalion of the Newfoundland Regiment who were all but wiped out on their first major engagement on July 1^st, 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. This is only one of 5 memorials in France and Belgium commemorating the Newfoundland Regiment's contribution to the Great War. The site is one of the few in France or Belgium where a visitor can see the trench lines of a Great War battlefield and the related terrain. Purchased in 1921 by the people of Newfoundland, the memorial site is still owned by the Province.

We also visited the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge, which was very moving as well.

My mother had a relative who fought in the area during the Great War - Gerald Kennedy. So this is for him and all of the other military and support people, who have fought throughout the years for freedom and peace.

This painting is going the framer the first thing in the new year and will be ready to purchase mid-January. I will offer this painting for purchase at the unframed price until December 31^st. After that, the price will increase based on the cost of the framing. Special price is now $800.

Happy Holidays!

Poppies....Step-by-Step

After a great vacation, a wonderful art show for charity, and a cleaning of my studio, I have produced a new painting! Keep reading for the story of these poppies.....

"Always Remember...."

Acrylic on Canvas 20" x 20"

Back to basics...flowers for me...my favourite subject to paint! Many have asked that I do a step-by-step account of a painting, and I took the opportunity to do exactly that while painting these oriental poppies from my garden.

Red is a pint that takes many coats to cover as the pigments used to make many red paints cause the paint to me more transparent than opaque. So I "cheated"....It probably would have taken 10+ coats of Cadmium Red to cover the white canvas, but by cheating and applying a basecoat of medium green to the canvas, I cut down the number of coats I needed of red.

This pix was taken after only 1 thin coat of Cad Red applied....you can now better see the patch of foliage that I did with a slip-slap wet-on-wet technique of Chromium Oxide Green, Hooker's Green, and Cadmium Yellow Deep.

I usually painting in thin layers, so I did 4 coats...I think I could have gotten away with only three, but they were pretty thin (almost glaze-like). Then I used chaulk to place the outlines of the flower petals and centres. The X's signify the dark black-purple blotches that appear on each of the 6 petals.

Shading and highlighting came next....I actually started with the highlights first...pure white paint using a thicker glaze. Then I mixed the Cad Red with a darker green (Hooker's Green...also one of my fav colours) for the shade. The first application of shading was done by dry brushing.

NOTE: Why do I keep speaking about green (other than the patch of green from the foliage in the background)? Green is the complement of Red, by adding some green to a red, you will deepen the red. The exact opposite works to darken a green, just add some red. It also helps when trying to "cheat" with the number of basecoats needed.

A second coat of highlighting and shading was needed. Again, another thin glaze of white for the highlights, and this time also a glaze of the shade mix to deepen the shadows.

I then added the first details to the flower centres with a mix of black, violet and a touch of white.

And then the multiple layers of washes start....to blend the shading and highlighting with the original basecoat colour, I applied several thin washed of Cad Red over top of everything (except the centres). There are still more washes after this step here....you will see the difference in the next two photos as more washes were applied.

I also added more details to the centres using various shadings of violet with a dry-brush stippling method. Outside the centre, the is a thick glaze of black.

More washes and more details in the centres....layers of everything. I have basecoated the violet-black blotches and then applied a dry-brush of lighter violet on top (sorry, can't quite see that in this pix, but you can in the final pix) to create depth and movement.

Final details....a bit more details in the shades with a glaze of the violet-black mix. Then the fun part for the obsessive compulsive that I am....thousands of small strokes in 3 shades of violet for ring of stamens surrounding the centre.

Many hours of drying time in-between layers over 2 days (November 11th and 12th) results in these lovely poppies....Lest we forget.....

Children's Wish Foundation Silent Auction

I am very pleased to announce that my art group Arts Northeast have partnered with the Children's Wish Foundation NL Chapter in one of their annual charity events - the CIBC Wood Gundy Wish Kids Concert (and Silent Art Auction added this year).

Even if you aren't able to attend the concert with Abbey Road (starts at 8:00pm), why not drop by at 7:00 to take part in the silent art auction. All proceeds from the auction and concert go to granting wishes to NL children. A wish will be granted live during the concert.

Come out to support this wonderful charity, see some fabulous artwork, and hear some Beatles tunes performed by Ennis, Sean McCann, Mick Davis of the Novaks, Sandy Morris, Larry Foley and Pamela Morgan and more!

See you Thursday, November 1st at 7:00pm at the St. John's Arts & Culture Centre!!!!

Afloat has sailed away....

To a new collector....thanks to Five Island Gallery in Tors Cove for giving Afloat a chance to find itself a permanent home!

I really enjoyed painting this one...and I'm kinda sad to see it leave.....but I'm happy that someone likes it as well as I do.

New Tutorial - Brushes

Ever wondered what size or type of brush you should be using? I know I've gotten many questions over the years from students....so I've created a tutorial on brushes.

All you ever wanted to know and more about brushes....well, maybe not everything, but an awful lot!

If you want a copy of the Brushes Tutorial, please send me an e-mail at brenda@brendarowe.ca with Brushes Tutorial as the Subject and I'll send you a copy.

Don't forget I also have a Colour Theory Tutorial available as well. If you want that one as well, just add Colour to the Subject line as well.

Enjoy!

Monotype Prints - Seashells

A few weeks ago, myself and fellow artist Jeanette Jobson took to my studio (affectionately named "The Shed") and had some fun with monotype prints. For a complete definition of a monotype print, please see below for the reference from Wikipedia.

I had ordered a couple of Gelli plates from Gelli Arts and wanted to try them out! I also ordered some printing papers from Curry's Art Supplies....several thicker printing papers (Stonehenge and Velin) and a variety of Japanese printing papers (Okawara, Gampi, Kawairi and Kozuke). So I was all set to print.

I had an idea in my head for a while...seashells....I love seashells...so I made several prints....I did some other designs as well that I really liked. Over the next couple of days I made some more prints as well. Below is a sample of some of the shell prints I did....all are using acrylic paints.

We have another printing session scheduled for August 18th with the entire Arts Northeast group....can't wait!!!

Let me know how you like them!

"Callidoscope" on Subi

"Sandy Shells" on Velin

"Stars of the Sea" on Stonehenge Grey



From Wikipedia:

Monotyping is a type of printmaking made by drawing or painting on a smooth, non-absorbent surface. The surface, was historically a copper etching plate, but in contemporary work it can vary from zinc or glass to acrylic glass. The image is then transferred onto a sheet of paper by pressing the two together. Monotypes can also be created by inking an entire surface and then removing ink to create a subtractive image, e.g. creating lights from a field of opaque colour.

Monotyping produces a unique print, or monotype; most of the ink is removed during the initial pressing. Although subsequent reprintings are sometimes possible and are called "ghost prints." Oil and acrylic paints can also be used in lieu of inks.

Historically, the terms Monotype and Monoprint were often used interchangeably. More recently, however, these are now used to refer to very similar types of printmaking which are somewhat different. In the case of monotypes, the plate is a featureless plate that contains no features that will impart any definition to successive prints. In the absence of any permanent features on the surface of the plate, all articulation of imagery is dependent on one unique inking, resulting in one unique print. Monoprints, on the other hand, now refers to the results of plates that have permanent features on them. Monoprints can be thought of as variations on a theme, with the theme resulting from some permanent features being found on the plate—lines, textures—that persist from print to print. Variations are confined to those resulting from how the plate is inked prior to each print. The variations are endless, but certain permanent features on the plate will tend to persist from one print to the next.

Christmas in July - Last week!

Week 4: July 24 - 31

Last week of Christmas in July, and I saved the best for last...On sale this week...original artwork!

50% - 75% OFF

"The Grass is Greener"

Wild West - Regular $120 SALE $60 (50%)
The Window - Regular $290 SALE $180 (50%)
Forest Floor - Regular $250 SALE $63 (75%)
Calla Lily - Regular $350 SALE $140 (60%)
Canada Lily - Regular $350 SALE $140 (60%)
Blue Flag Iris - Regular $400 SALE $160 (60%)
Newfoundland at Night - Regular $400 SALE $160 (60%)
Trio - Regular $375 SALE $94 (75%)
Ducks at Dusk - Regular $500 SALE $125 (75%)
Hills of Torbay - Regular $550 SALE $220 (60%)
Morning Glory - Regular $500 SALE $125 (75%)
One - Regular $500 SALE $200 (60%)
Rainbow Falls-Hopeall - Regular $450 SALE $113 (75%)
Red Sky at Night - Regular $450 SALE $113 (75%)
Tulips - Regular $425 SALE $170 (60%)
Wired - Regular $600 SALE $240 (60%)
Mom's Favourites - Regular $750 SALE $375 (50%)
Simply Susan - Regular $800 SALE $320 (60%)
Truly Canadian - Regular $1,000 SALE $250 (75%)
The Grass is Greener - Regular $1,150 SALE $460 (60%)

Contact me directly.....Merry Christmas in July!!!

Christmas in July - Week 3

Week 3 - July 16-23

On sale this week...gift ideas! Limited quantities available

Handpainted Glass Christmas Ornaments
Set of 4 Large or Set of 6 Small
Rosebuds or Gold Trees
Regular $15/set
SALE $5/set

Handpainted Sleds
Regular $10/each
SALE $5/each or 3 for $10

Note Cards
Flowers or Christmas Small cards (set of 5)
Landscape or Monochromatics Large cards (set of 4)
"The Window" or "Hint of Yellow" Small cards (set of 6)
Regular $12/set
SALE $5/set

Handpainted Suncatchers (size 8" x 10")
Sunflower, Lighthouse, Santa, or Snowman
Regular $125
SALE $50

2012 Update - Second Quarter

The second quarter of 2012 has also flown by quite quickly...Updates for the second quarter and in Red Text.

Artist Goals 2012: To continue to find avenues to learn, produce and display artwork.

Learn:

· Continue to increase my knowledge of various painting techniques and styles through online courses and/or local workshops. I've been participating in some webinar courses by Johannes Vloothuis, and will continue to do so throughout the year, as long as he keeps offering them...  Johannes has been quiet lately for the summer, but I've got a few new things lined up that I'm going to try, including monotype printing.

· Start a monthly painting challenge where we will focus on a particular technique or subject to explore. I have posted 2 painting challenges so far this year, not quite monthly... Ok, perhaps quarterly would be better....another challenge to be posted soon.

· Start a “create together” day once a month for the members of Arts Northeast to learn from each other, and perhaps have guest participants to increase our knowledge. Attempted, but have not been able to meet due to changing work schedules, snowbirds, and weather. Should start in June. More delays....but we have a date set for August 18th!

Produce:

· Create a defined body of work (10-20 pieces) using a theme. Have started this...a lot of research completed and 2 pieces painted. Distracted by painting for the Arts Northeast exhibition. I had anticipated if we had 2 shows this year with Arts Northeast, then this goal will span into 2013 as well. One more is sketched out and ready to go up on the easel to paint! Reviewed my list of ideas for next paintings....going to work on one when I finish this update.

· Create up to 30 pieces of artwork for 2 exhibitions in 2012 with Arts Northeast. Created 14 new pieces for the May show. On target if we have 2 exhibitions.... Another exhibition scheduled for November 1st....stay tuned for more info as it becomes available....target of at least 6 new pieces for this....

· Spend more time sketching/drawing by completing one small piece per week. Not quite one a week, but art is moving forward. Ok, not so much, but have plans to pack my coloured pencils and sketchbook for vacation!

· Complete more plein air paintings. It's Newfoundland....way to cold to venture out for this yet. This is strictly a summer/fall activity. Ok, so can you beleive its been TOO HOT? Yes, true.....so no plein aire yet....

· Complete several winter/Christmas theme artwork. One completed and one sketched in ready to go.... Too hot to think about snow...lol

Display:

· Increase my online presence through use of facebook, my website, my blog and online art stores, such as Kijiji, Fine Art America, Etsy, and Zazzle. Original artwork and photography online with Fine Art America, Etsy, and ImageKind. Prints listed on Kijiji. Now posting with Twitter. New blog set up for Arts Northeast. Completing free online tutorials on a variety of painting subjects for my website for student use. New tutorial almost ready to roll out on paint brushes. Keeping other online avenues up and running....

· Explore venues for two exhibitions with Arts Northeast. One exhibition complete...decision on second one for this year tomorrow. Second exhibition and sale a go for November 1st. More details to come.

· Explore venues for exhibitions outside of the Northeast Avalon. Contacted one gallery and working on a few others. Delaying until 2013.

· Submit artwork to juried and non-juried art competitions/exhibits locally and globally. Have passed on this so far this year...subjects of local exhibits have not struck my fancy at this time. Again, nothing has struck my fancy yet...tried to complete a painting for one local exhibition, but time was not on my side.

Progress in 2012 is still continuing....more to come.

Christmas in July SALE - Week 2

Week 2: July 7 - 13

This week's sale is on my matted original photography. Click on the Photography Gallery tab on my website and view the photos in the Christmas in July Galleries (there are 2 galleries). All photos are signed and named 5" x 7" in a mat that can fit into a frame that is 8" x 10". Regular price - $12/matted photo

SALE Pricing:
1 photo - $10
2 photos - $15
3 photos - $20
4 photos - $25
5th or higher photos - $5 each

WEEK 1: Christmas in JULY

Week 1 : July 1 - 6

PRINTS - UP TO 50% OFF - ONE WEEK ONLY

I am closing the printing on some of my open edition prints and there are only a few left....get them while they are still available:

Beckoning (large 18.5" x 9") - Regular $36, now only $25

Blue Flag Iris (8" x 10") - Regular $20, now only $10
Calla Lily (8" x 10") - Regular $20, now only $15
Canada Lily (8" x 10") - Regular $20, now only $10
Carbonear Homestead (10" x 8") - Regular $20, now only $15 (only 1 remaining)
Hills of Torbay (11" x 9") - Regular $25, now only $20
One (8" x 10") - Regular $20, now only $15 (only 2 remaining)
Sitting Pretty (8" x 10") - Regular $20, now only $10
Tomorrow's Promise (large 18.5" x 9") - Regular $36, now only $25 (only 2 remaining)
Tomorrow's Promise (small 8.5" x 4") - Regular $18, now only $10
Viking Vinland (large 12" x 10") - Regular $36, now only $25
Viking Vinland (small 6" x 5") - Regular $18, now only $10
Winter Tranquility (7" x 5") - Regular $15, now only $10

I also have some Artist Proofs (AP) available, in various sizes (mostly a different size than the print run, so it is ONE OF A KIND!). These Artist Proofs have never been offered for sale before! ONLY ONE OF EACH AVAILABLE!!!

 
Beckoning AP (7.5" x 15.5) - $25
Calla Lily AP (11" x 14") - $25
Canada Lily AP (11" x 14") - $25
Carbonear Homestead AP (11.5" x 15") - $30
Red Sky at Night AP (8" x 10") - $20
Sitting Pretty AP (11.5" x 15") - $30
Tomorrow's Promise AP (6" x 11.5") - $25
Viking Vinland AP (11.5" x 14.5") - $25
Winter Tranquility AP (8" x 10") - $20

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

You see it every year around this time....Sale Flyers for BOXING DAY and CHRISTMAS in JULY....so I thought I'd see what all of the fuss is about!

There are 4 weeks (and a half) in July and I'm going to have a different SALE each week...starting tomorrow, July 1st.

Check out my blog and/or website each week in July to see what is on sale!!! The first Week's sales will be posted later tonight.

Please place your orders directly through me by e-mail (brenda@brendarowe.ca) or by telephone (709-437-7693).

Merry Christmas in JULY!!!!

Exciting News for July

Life has been as busy as it always is.....but I've had an idea floating around in my head for a few years, but just never got around to it...So, this year I'm going to do it! Stay tuned for an exciting announcement in a few days about JULY!!! Check my blog, Facebook or Twitter for details on Saturday.....

More Galleries Carrying my Artwork

I'm excited to share that this past weekend I had more of my original artwork accepted into two more galleries!

My first stop was to visit with Viola at the Picture Frame at 81 Elizabeth Drive in Gander. We had a fine conversation about art and Viola picked out two of my absolute favourite originals to display - the award-winning Beckoning (lighthouse) and one of more recent paintings Cattails (monochromatic). She also took many of my prints as well, particularly some of my smaller prints which are affordable gifts and souvenirs. Among the prints available at Picture Frame includes the winter scene Winter Tranquility from a picture taken near Glenwood by my father-in-law and prints of Tomorrow's Promise, the original of which was purchased by Steele Hotels and hangs in Gander at the restaurant in the Albatross Hotel. If you are in Gander, pop in and visit with Viola - they do great custom framing.

My second stop was to visit with Kathy Sweetapple (a fellow artist and art educator) at House of Diamonds at 1 Main Street South in Glovertown, just a couple of minutes off the Trans Canada Highway. Kathy was busily painting away when we arrived with my original artwork. Originally we had discussed 4-5 pieces, but I brought extra so Kathy could choose....well, she took everything I had with me! Not everything will be displayed at once, but if you visit you may be able to find - Beauty (red tulip), Breaking Dawn (seascape), Floating Majesty (saltbox house and iceberg), Gros Morne Treasures (lighthouse and Gros Morne mountain), Icy Blue (iceberg), Nooks and Crannies (seascape), On Guard (lighthouse), Spring Showers Bring... (tulips in rubber boots), Wishes (fluffy dandelion), and a set of four flowers Delicate White, Fushia, Peachy and Yellow Shasta. House of Diamonds will have numerous pieces of local artwork for the season, drop by and also learn about the Diamond's beautiful home that has been transformed into a fabulous art gallery!

Galleries and Shops - Update

I've been busy after our May 6th exhibition and sale with some marketing ventures....I'm glad to say that I have original paintings on display in two locations locally and a few more to come soon.

Saturday I dropped off 4 pieces to Five Island Gallery in Tors Cove. They are located on 7 Cove Road in Tors Cove in the old schoohouse with a fabulous view of the bay and islands. I met with Owner/Operator Laura Coultas in the morning and left the following original paintings with her for the Gallery - Afloat, Aristotle's Lantern, Bog Dweller, and Off the Beaten Path. It is a lovely drive to Tors Cove (and beyond)....drop in to visit with Laura or her parents and take a look at some great artwork by many local artists.

The second stop was to The Bird House and Binocular Shop at 124 Duckworth Street in the heart of downtown St. John's. I had contacted the Bird House as I enjoy painting birds (and other wildlife) and thought my paintings would fit well with the store. I met with Babs Taylor and she was very excited by my original artwork and she even decided to take some paintings that didn't feature birds (a butterfly and dragonfly) as well as some prints, photography, and hand-painted glass suncatchers. She was very excited about my artwork and the birds I featured and I have a few more in mind to paint shortly. You can view my original artworks - Blue (blue jay), Keeping Watch (puffin), Wren & Cattails, Out of the Fog (loon), Swallowtail (butterfly), and Ready for Flight (darner dragonfly). She also has my prints of Viking Vinland (crow) and The Window (owl), my original photos of crows (3 different ones), and my hand-painted glass suncatchers (puffin and crow). Drop by to visit with Babs and see her wonderful store full of all things birds (and binoculars). She may even tell you a tale or sing a song for you!

I have a few more galleries and locations that will be updated and carrying my artwork by the end of May....stay tuned for further updates!

2012 Progress Update - 1st Quarter

So, the first quarter of 2012 has come and gone quickly (or so it seems) and with our Arts Northeast Exhibition & Sale in early May, I didn't have time to review the progress during the first quarter....so better late than never! Updates are in Blue Text.

 

Artist Goals 2012: To continue to find avenues to learn, produce and display artwork.

Learn:

·         Continue to increase my knowledge of various painting techniques and styles through online courses and/or local workshops. I've been participating in some webinar courses by Johannes Vloothuis, and will continue to do so throughout the year, as long as he keeps offering them...

·         Start a monthly painting challenge where we will focus on a particular technique or subject to explore. I have posted 2 painting challenges so far this year, not quite monthly...

·         Start a “create together” day once a month for the members of Arts Northeast to learn from each other, and perhaps have guest participants to increase our knowledge. Attempted, but have not been able to meet due to changing work schedules, snowbirds, and weather. Should start in June.

Produce:

·         Create a defined body of work (10-20 pieces) using a theme. Have started this...a lot of research completed and 2 pieces painted. Distracted by painting for the Arts Northeast exhibition. I had anticipated if we had 2 shows this year with Arts Northeast, then this goal will span into 2013 as well. One more is sketched out and ready to go up on the easel to paint!

·         Create up to 30 pieces of artwork for 2 exhibitions in 2012 with Arts Northeast. Created 14 new pieces for the May show. On target if we have 2 exhibitions....

·         Spend more time sketching/drawing by completing one small piece per week. Not quite one a week, but art is moving forward.

·         Complete more plein air paintings. It's Newfoundland....way to cold to venture out for this yet. This is strictly a summer/fall activity.

·         Complete several winter/Christmas theme artwork. One completed and one sketched in ready to go....

 

Display:

·         Increase my online presence through use of facebook, my website, my blog and online art stores, such as Kijiji, Fine Art America, Etsy, and Zazzle. Original artwork and photography online with Fine Art America, Etsy, and ImageKind. Prints listed on Kijiji. Now posting with Twitter. New blog set up for Arts Northeast. Completing free online tutorials on a variety of painting subjects for my website for student use.

·         Explore venues for two exhibitions with Arts Northeast. One exhibition complete...decision on second one for this year tomorrow.

·         Explore venues for exhibitions outside of the Northeast Avalon. Contacted one gallery and working on a few others.

·         Submit artwork to juried and non-juried art competitions/exhibits locally and globally. Have passed on this so far this year...subjects of local exhibits have not struck my fancy at this time.

Progress in 2012 seems to be on track...hopefully the momentum will continue.

Spring into Art - May 6th Exhibition and Sale of Art

Spring is ushered in with art

On May 6, 2012, the visual artists of Arts Northeast will exhibit new pieces of original art in a small works exhibition and sale.  Spring into Art is is open for one day from 11:00am to 5:00pm. at Admiralty House, 365 Old Placentia Road in Mount Pearl. Admission is free.

The collection for this exhibition consists of small pieces of original art, with a maximum image size of 80 square inches. This provides a perfect opportunity to invest in a small piece of art as the beginning to a collection or to add to an existing collection of original art.

Arts Northeast is a collaborative group of visual artists living on the Northeast coast of the Avalon Peninsula, created to provide inspiration, opportunities for learning, and support to its members. Dora Cooper, Joan Roberts, Michelle Whitten Lacour, Brenda Rowe and Jeanette Jobson are the exhibiting members of Arts Northeast.

The artists look forward to interacting with new buyers and connecting with existing collectors. The work has appeal to a wide range of art enthusiasts and investing in artwork in this setting is easy, enabling the public to explore a variety of fine art in one location that is priced to suit all budgets.  

The public is invited to join the artists during the day for visual taste of spring. Sunshine is guaranteed.

For interviews with participating artists or to view their work, please contact the group by e-mail artsnortheast@gmail.com or visit http://www.artsnortheastnl.com/

We look forward to seeing you there!

Challenge - The Luck 'O the Irish

So, it's the beginning of March....time sure flies when you have paintings to finish!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the first painting challenge last month of the apple on my kitchen table...I'm glad you took the time to try it.

I'm hoping for an even bigger response for this month's challenge....I think the subject is fitting for this month!

I took this picture on our trip back in July 2008 during our 30-day 25-state and 5-provinces with 4 adults in the car with a not-to-well doggie Cuddles. It was at Butchart Gardens just outside of Victoria, BC, about half-way through our driving tour....on my Mom's birthday in fact!

If you want a higher resolution pix of this photo, just pop me an e-mail and I will oblige.

And monochromatic, my fav type of painting!!!

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's work....dont' forget to send me your completed artwork on or before March 20th (the deadline for this challenge).

My the luck 'o the Irish be with you while you are painting!

Great Drawing Resource

Check out this great online drawing resource....Brenda Hoddinott is from Corner Brook, NL and is an acclaimed forensic artist.

Her online lessons are easy to follow and have great step-by-step pictures to help you learn.

As with painting, a good teacher and practice is the key!

http://www.drawspace.com/

A is for Apple - Challenge Results

I finished my challenge painting a few days ago but only got a chance to photograph it and post tonight.

I tried to paint it "loosy-goosy", but alas, that is quite a challenge for the obsessive compulsive painter....lol



I can see a few things I could have done differently, but challenges are to learn....so mission accomplished! It seems I like Red Delicious more than I like McIntosh! I will try another version before the deadline is up on February 20th.




Here is the original photo for reference....

I look forward to seeing everyone's painting challenge!!!

Here are another couple of my apple paintings....

This second one I decided to again try to be looser with the painting AND only give myself 10 minutes to complete the whole painting.

And then since I still had paint on my palette, I decided to revert back to my childhood and finger paint! This one is definitely looser! LOL

It seems that you can't post pix in comments of blogger, so I will post pictures for anyone who wishes to have their posted!

Some of my students have completed the challenge already.....

Here is Carol's version.....great job Carol! And nice addition of leaves!

And Ron decided to add some fun to his version....apparently Eve just shouldn't have taken that bite!

And some have asked me to post Jeanette's versions as well....here they are, just remember I have posted a link to each of these from her blog, where she explains her thoughts on each version.

Version #1 - in oils....

http://illustratedlife.blogspot.com/2012/02/red-reflection.html

And Cersion #2 in pastels....

http://illustratedlife.blogspot.com/2012/02/apple-part-ii.html

Don't forget to complete your challenge before the deadline February 20th!!! Send me your photo and I'll post it here!!!