Thursday, December 29, 2016

Travel Thursdays

The last two years have been hard to keep all the balls in the air at once...illness (my own and others), working (day job PLUS the art job) and an anniversary show for my art group Arts Northeast all played a factor in my blogging not being so regular. But we are about to change this for 2017!

I'll be sharing my stories (and photos of course) of my travels over the past 10 years or so. We've been fortunate enough to do either large driving trips and/or cruises the last several years, so I have a lot to share!

We've managed to cover 42 of the US States (including Hawaii and Alaska, but NOT Florida yet...I know, a Newfoundlander that does travel that hasn't been to Florida!). We've also been off the continent and covered 15 European countries and 1 African country! And we have big plans for the 2017 trip...stay tuned for more info on that as it develops!

So as part of #ThrowbackThursday (#TBT), I'll be doing #TravelThursday starting next week!

Below is a small teaser of some photos I've previously shared of my travels....just a flavour of what's to come!

Gondola in Venice Italy

Hee Haw set at Country Hall of Fame, Nashville TN

Colosseum in Rome Italy 

Austrian Alps

International Buddist Temple in Richmond BC

Root Cellars in Elliston NL


Sunday, May 29, 2016

Participating in Art Shows - What Art Buyers Expect

As an artist, I've participated in many group exhibitions and sales of art, and have organized and curated several as well. They are great ways to show your art and speak with potential buyers. Essentially, it can be the same as displaying your artwork in an Art Gallery. But what do the buyers expect of the artwork in an art show?

Original Art
Most buyers who go to an art show and sale are expecting original artwork - no reproductions. Most Art Galleries only show original artwork, so many art shows and sales are the same.

If you are participating in a community show or event that is not specifically billed as an art show/sale, buyers would perhaps expect that reproductions of all sorts (canvas, paper, gift items) may also be available. A mixture of original and reproductions would be acceptable in these cases.

Artist-Quality Supplies Used in Production
The supplies used in the production are of artist-quality. For example, when using acrylic paints, the artist would be expected to use artist-quality paints; therefore, craft paints in bottles from dollar stores or crafting shops are not acceptable. Neither are the lower priced student-grade paints. Most art supply stores clearly mark which paints are artist-quality. If they do not, you can certainly search the brands they sell online to determine if they are the student- or artist-quality versions.

An Art Gallery may ask you as the artist to certify you have used only artist-quality paints in the production of your artwork. The same should be applicable to an art show. buyers would expect your original artwork would be produced with high quality supplies. Art is an investment after all, and the value is expected to increase over time, not decrease as it would when inferior supplies are used (which can fade quickly or even crack).

Copyright of Artwork
Copyright of the final image of your original artwork is retained fully by the artist, unless express written consent is given. This means the buyer does not have the right to produce any sort of reproductions (for sale or give-aways) of your artwork.

Some buyers may also expect that the original artwork will not be available as reproductions. Although it is always nice to let purchasers know up front if you are currently selling reproductions of that image, or have intentions to do so in the future, you are not required to disclose this to the buyer.

So, if you are transitioning to selling your artwork and are participating in art shows and sales, you may want to keep the above points in mind before submitting any of your artwork in an art show.

Monday, February 1, 2016

"In Love With Art" SALE!

"In Love With Art" SALE!

My new online event "In Love With Art" is debuting today!

I have hand picked 20 of some of my favourite small original artworks, designer canvases and framed art reproductions and am offering them at a SPECIAL PRICE with up to 60% OFF Regular pricing.

There is, as always, free delivery or pick-up in the Northeast Avalon Region and shipping is available (at an extra minimal cost) for those not in the pick-up/delivery area. AND NO TAX!

The sale is only until FEBRUARY 14th.....so take a look at my website under the Gallery section, or click HERE.

This is an affordable way to start your own art collection, or add to your existing collection. It is also a great opportunity to purchase a gift for that special someone who may have a life event coming in the near future.

Feel free to share this Special Event with anyone you feel may be interested.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Online Studio Sale

My annual studio sale is going ONLINE this year!
Sale ends Nov 30th at 11:00pm, 2015. Shop early for best selection. Delivery before Christmas!
All purchases are TAX FREE. Sale pricing up to 60% OFF. All Original Paintings.
Free delivery or pick-up in the St. John's/Northeast Avalon region. Contact me for shipping costs.
Contact me directly to purchase.

CATTAILS. 6" x 12" Framed Original Acrylic painting. Monochromatic painting of cattails. REGULAR PRICE $225. NOW ONLY $175 NO TAX. 

BLACK AND WHITE. 12" x 12" Framed Original Acrylic painting. Zebras! REGULAR PRICE $300. NOW ONLY $195 NO TAX.

KITE FLYING. 8" x 10" Framed Original Oil painting. Memories of summer.....kite flying! REGULAR PRICE $230. NOW ONLY $110 NO TAX

CAVENDISH SHEDS. 6" x 12" Framed Original Acrylic painting. These colourful sheds are located on a shoal at the head of Cavendish Bay, Trinity Bay, NL. The placement and order of these sheds changes yearly. REGULAR PRICE $225. NOW ONLY $115 NO TAX.

SEA OF RED. 6" x 16" Framed Original Acrylic painting. A common sight around the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador are fishing stages. Traditionally, they are painted with a red paint, though colours other than red are sometimes seen. REGULAR PRICE $250. NOW ONLY $125 NO TAX. 

FERRYLAND LIGHTHOUSE. 9" x 12" Framed Original Acrylic painting. The Ferryland lighthouse can be found on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, just east of the village of Ferryland. It is situated at the end of a long peninsula that juts into the sea. The lighthouse was built in 1871. REGULAR PRICE $250. NOW ONLY $100 NO TAX.

GRAND BANK LIGHTHOUSE. 9" x 12" Framed Original Acrylic painting. Town of Grand Bank is situated on the western side of the Burin Peninsula where the most recently built version (1922) of the lighthouse stands on the end of the eastern pier. REGULAR PRICE $250. NOW ONLY $100 NO TAX.

SURF 'N TURF. 9" x 12" Framed Original Acrylic painting. Icebergs and lobster pots are a common sights in the spring and early summer along the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador. REGULAR PRICE $250. NOW ONLY $125 NO TAX. 

SEASIDE VISITOR. 9" x 12" Framed Original Acrylic painting. Icebergs are a common sight in the spring and early summer along the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador. REGULAR PRICE $250. NOW ONLY $125 NO TAX.

SPLASH. 8" x 10" Framed Original Acrylic painting. The most common glimpse of a humpback is its tail, also known as its fluke. This whale is descending in front of a large iceberg. REGULAR PRICE $220. NOW ONLY $100 NO TAX.

FLEXIBLE FLYER III. 11" x 14" Framed Original Acrylic painting. The Flexible Flyer III was one of the most popular and fast sleds made. This one is ready to take on another hill. REGULAR PRICE $280. NOW ONLY $185 NO TAX. 

HOLLOWAY STREET. 8" x 10" framed Original Watercolour painting. Iconic view of Holloway Street, one of the most photographed streets in St. John's. REGULAR PRICE $200. 50% OFF - NOW ONLY $100. NO TAX. 

Friday, October 23, 2015

Media Releases & Upcoming Events

MEDIA

Tuesday this week was a busy day for me...I had a blog article that featured a workshop that for Howard House staff as part of their professional development program and I was part of a video for the Town of Torbay that was released.

It was a very exciting day for me, and I wanted to share it with you.

You can read the Blog Article HERE.

And you can view the beautiful video HERE. I'm at 00:40 mins in and also later in the background of the pumpkin carving that I lead each year in Torbay.


EVENTS

Please note:
** - I will be present for a portion of the event
** - I will be present for entire event AND painting LIVE at the event

Friday through Sunday, October 23-25
Art Association of NL Fall Exhibition & Sale
Arts & Culture Centre
95 Allandale Road, St. John's
Friday Opening Reception 6-9pm *
Open Sat & Sun 11am-5pm each day

Saturday, October 31
Torbay Community Market
Jack Byrne Arena
7 Kennedy's Brook Drive, Torbay
10am-4pm **


Saturday, November 6-30
38th Annual Garden & Nature Art Exhibition

MUN Botanical Garden
306 Mt. Scio Road, St. John's
10am-3pm daily


Sunday, November 15
Deck the Halls
Holiday Inn
180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John's
10am-5pm **

Hope to see you at an event soon!

Monday, August 31, 2015

Oh no...my canvas has a dent!!! HELPFUL TIP

It will happen to most of us at some time, and sometimes it will happen to our clients....You've stored a canvas or painting and no matter how carefully you did that, a dent appears in the canvas. Luckily, it is quite easy to fix!

Turn the painting over, and if there is a paper backing on a framed canvas, remove the paper backing.

Take a mist spray bottle and fill it with warm water. Spray the back of the canvas (never spray the painted side) lightly with water and use your fingers or a sponge to lightly massage the water into the canvas. You do NOT want to spray too much water that it completely saturates the canvas and goes through to the painted side.

Place the canvas somewhere warm to dry, but not in direct sunlight or near a heat source as it may dry too quickly and cause further damage.

The process of the water drying will tighten the fibres of the canvas and the dent will disappear. If the dent is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process more than once.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Masonic Park Art Project

Very excited and honoured to be one of the artists who took on the challenge to bring some light and art to a local nursing home today. I will be giving one of my favourite original paintings, Newfoundland at Night, to my adopted resident. The evening clouds and the purple sky brings me peace and calm and brings a smile to my face. I'm hoping it will do the same for my new friend. The Masonic Park Art Project will be showcased at Masonic Park, 100 Mount Carson Avenue, Mount Pearl - TODAY Saturday, June 13th from 2pm to 5pm. I look forward to meeting my new friend and those who helped organize this excellent project!


Wednesday, February 4, 2015

It's My Birthday, So I'm Offering YOU a Present!

There is a saying...It is always better to give than receive, so I'm going to do just that!

I usually produce a one-page wall calendar each year.....they are not usually for sale. I have one still remaining this year! So I'm going to do a quick give-away.

All you have to do to enter is reply to this Blog with a comment telling me which one of my artwork is your favourite and why! That's all!

Reply before 9pm (NST) tomorrow evening (February 5) to be entered to win. I'm also looking forward to hearing which painting you enjoy most and why!


A quick link to my artwork gallery online..... http://brendaroweartwork.com/works




Friday, January 30, 2015

Are you a Winner? You could be!!!!

My "Everyone's a Winner" Contest has been going quite well....I have gotten many submissions and I even have a few paintings completed already! AND YOU could have your own original painting from one of your photos!

Deadline is tomorrow...check out the details below and submit your photo!

A couple of examples of completed paintings and their original photos are below:




     


The "Everyone's A Winner" CONTEST! Yes, I'm serious.....I need your help and you can win an original painting or sketch for helping me.

I'm looking for photos (they must be your own) of places in Newfoundland and Labrador. EVERYONE who submits a photo will receive a painting or sketch of their submission. You can submit more than one photo, but you may only receive ONE painting or sketch.

Also, several of the submitted photos will be chosen as subjects for larger artwork. The owners of these select chosen photos will also receive a reproduction of the completed artwork.

Deadline to enter is January 31st. You can submit the photos to me on Facebook, or by sending them in an e-mail to brenda@brendaroweartwork.com.

By submitting photo(s), you are agreeing that you own the copyright of the photo and give me permission to use it for artwork and/or art reproductions with no further compensation, other than what is listed above.

Thanks!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Everyone's A Winner CONTEST

The "Everyone's A Winner" CONTEST! Yes, I'm serious.....I need your help and you can win an original painting or sketch for helping me.

I'm looking for photos (they must be your own) of places in Newfoundland and Labrador. EVERYONE who submits a photo will receive a painting or sketch of their submission. You can submit more than one photo, but you may only receive ONE painting or sketch.

Also, several of the submitted photos will be chosen as subjects for larger artwork. The owners of these select chosen photos will also receive a reproduction of the completed artwork.

Deadline to enter is January 31st. You can submit the photos to me on Facebook, or by sending them in an e-mail to brenda@brendaroweartwork.com.

By submitting photo(s), you are agreeing that you own the copyright of the photo and give me permission to use it for artwork and/or art reproductions with no further compensation, other than what is listed above.

Thanks!

Monday, September 29, 2014

Arts Northeast - Exploring our Roots

Come visit me and my friends at the Hampton Inn on Stavanger Drive this SUNDAY, October 5th from 10am - 5pm for Arts Northeast's Exhibition and Sale of Original Artwork.

SPECIAL Pricing, FREE Admission, NO TAX, VISA/MasterCard Accepted. Come "Explore our Roots" together.

Save an EXTRA 10% when you mention this ad!!!

See you this Sunday!



Friday, June 27, 2014

Focus on...The Ark Cafe

Just this week I was contacted by the new owner of The Ark Cafe & Craft Shop at Noah's Motel and Resort on the Point in Glovertown and asked if I would like to partner with them and have my artwork, art reproductions and gift items at their establishment.

The grand opening of The Ark Cafe & Craft Shop is Saturday, June 28th. There will be free Hotdogs, Cookies, Cake, and Tea/Coffee, Iced Tea/Lemonade. And art and gift items of course!

To find out more about the accommodations at Noah's Motel or to find out more about The Ark Cafe, check out their new website:
http://www.noahsonthepoint.com/

"Bidin' My Time"
Framed Art Reproduction Available at The Ark Cafe

Focus on....By the Bay Craft Shop & Museum

By the Bay Craft Shop & Museum is located in Lewisporte and is one of my new venues!

From the Lewisporte website:

"By the Bay Museum is located on 235 Main Street Lewisporte beside the beautiful Notre Dame Bay. Originally constructed as a school house in 1945, the building has been a central part of the community throughout the years.

Today, By the Bay Museum is home to hundreds of local artifacts and stories of years gone by. The museum aims to tell the story of Lewisporte and surrounding area through the stories and experiences of those who have lived here.

The most unique item, 28 foot hooked rug depicting the first 100 years of the town from 1876-1976, is a great representation of the town. Much of the heritage shown in this beautiful rug is present throughout the museum. World War I and World War II, The Female Role, Fishing and Farming, Logging and Sawmills, etc. have been central in making Lewisporte what it is today.

Well stocked with beautiful jewelry, preserves, homemade crafts, art, souvenirs, quilts and much more, the By the Bay Museum and Craft Shop will not disappoint!"

While in Central Newfoundland, make sure you stop into this historic town and visit the By the Bay Craft Shop and Museum.

"Floating Majesty"
Art Reproductions Available at By the Bay

"Keeping Watch"
Art Reproductions Available at By the Bay

"Mom's Favourites - Coaster Set"
Available at By the Bay




Focus on....Water Street Gallery

The Water Street Gallery is newly re-named and owned by the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Gallery is located at 309 Water Street in St. John's on the second floor of the Heritage Shop.

The Gallery just opened its summer exhibition titled "Your St. John's, Our Story" and I am fortunate enough to have had 3 pieces accepted for this show. The show will remain open Tuesdays – Saturdays until August 29th.

From the Historical Sites Association website:

"The Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (HSA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization with a mandate to present the province’s history and heritage.
Support for the many projects of the HSA is provided by revenue generated from sales at the Heritage Shops. This retail operation also supports our mandate by presenting the Province’s culture thorough a wide variety of local art, craft, gifts, and books."

For more information about Historic Sites Association and the Water Street Gallery, you can visit their website:
http://www.historicsites.ca/

"Colourful St. John's"
Tryptic - Acrylic on Gallery Canvas
Available at the Water Street Gallery

Focus on...The Picture Frame

The Picture Frame in Gander has been carrying my original artworks and art reproductions for 3 years now.

This shop is your one-stop shop for local artwork, art reproductions and all of your framing needs.

It is located at 81 Elizabeth Drive in the Town Square. They have now added a new larger gallery to present and offer original art and artist instalments.

When you are in Central Newfoundland, drop in a take a look. You won't be disappointed.

"Beckoning"
Art Reproduction available at The Picture Frame

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Focus on...Xpression Hair Studio

I'm expanding into a different format....I am now going to be showcasing some of my framed art reproductions at Xpression Hair Studio in the Fall River Plaza (between Wendy's and Pipers) at 276 Torbay Road in St. John's.

Drop by and take a look and have a chat with Maggie and Rex and the rest of the gang!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Focus on....Ocean View Gallery

Ocean View Gallery in Carbonear is owned by Tammy Wrice and her dream was to open a Gallery and Studio in her hometown. I am very pleased that she has achieved that goal and that I can be a part of the dream. Again, I'm thrilled to be able to showcase my art in my Mom's hometown.

From the Ocean View website:

"Feast your eyes on some of the most inspiring art collections you’ll find anywhere. Our community's gallery represents local Newfoundland artists in just about every genre imaginable. Most of our artists even welcome you scheduling some one-on-one time with them for an intimate look into their creative process. Each artists brings with them a unique style and a unique perspective of what inspires them. Our beloved Newfoundland has so much to offer and there are so many ways to capture its beauty. Please come and visit to take witness to these many wonderful styles and creations."

Drop in to visit Tammy at her Gallery - 126 Valley Road in Carbonear (just a minute past the school). You won't be disappointed.

For more information on Ocean View Gallery and the artists represented by Tammy, visit their website:
http://www.tewstudio.com/welcome.html

"Mom's Favourites"
Acrylic on Canvas
Original Available at Ocean View

"Gros Morne Treasures"
Acrylic on Canvas
Original Available at Ocean View

Focus on...House of Diamonds Art Gallery

I've been with the House of Diamonds Art Gallery (HODA) now for 3 seasons. I have always done well with my original artwork here at this Gallery and this year I've also brought out some art reproductions and gift items (matted art reproductions, art coasters, and note cards).

A little about the history of HODA, from their website:

"The Facility exists to promote the area’s artists and artisans, to establish an artists cooperative, to invite members into it from around the province. It is hoped that by the year 2013 it may be a fully functional gallery, retail shop and art studios with the ability to promote and sell Nfld. and Lab. art nationally and internationally.

On a municipal level the facility operates as a public venue for artists and artisans, with studios and meeting rooms. As well as painting, drawing and photography, it is hoped that fabric art, rug and mat hooking, pottery, Glass mosaics, sculpture, woodcraft arts and other more broadly defined activities will develop. It is hoped this will increase the public use of the facility.

The first is the gallery. The Gallery consists of rooms on the ground level and upper story. It exhibits art from local, regional and provincial artists. It also displays student art from the annual Glovertown Academy "May is Art Month" exhibition. Not all work is for sale, and where art work is sold it is done on a consignment basis.

The second component is the studio. This is the renovated warehouse on the old Diamond property and is currently dedicated to painting, and photography as well as providing the Grinnin' and Pickin' group (local musicians who get together as members of GAAC) with a place to hold jam sessions. In the further there are plans to develop the basement and construct an outer building which would house among other things a Photographic dark room and Pottery Kilns.

The third component is the retail section. Here, the products of local artists and artisans are for sale. This section also contains the administrative office."

The House of Diamonds is located at the center of Glovertown, in the heart of beautiful Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland.

For more information on HODA, please visit their website:
http://houseofdiamondsart.com/index.php

"Icicle Shadows"
Acrylic on Canvas
Original Available at HODA

Purple Dreams
Acrylic on Canvas
Original Available at HODA


Focus on Five Island Art Gallery

I've had work at Five Island Art Gallery for 4 seasons now. More about the Gallery and it's history below from their website.

"Set in the scenic community of Tors Cove, just 45 minutes from St. John's, Five Island Art Gallery is but an extension of what the area has to offer in terms of creativity, culture and warmth. It is based in a restored two room schoolhouse that provides the perfect venue for the display of original local Newfoundland and Labrador art.

The rooms are spacious with ten foot ceilings and a minimal amount of furniture, giving the patron lots of room to view the unique artwork. The ambience of the old schoolhouse is still retained as the original chaulkboards, hardwood floors, architecture and 238 window panes in the front facade will attest to. It remains the only one of its kind still standing on the Irish Loop.

While Newfoundland and Labrador has attracted many artists from mainland Canada, the United States and Europe, provincial artists have often made their own mark on the international art scene. Many well known names have produced bodies of work that hang on corporate, commercial and private walls all over the world. But it is the oceanic sized art scene in this province that forms the raison d’ĂȘtre for this new gallery."

This time of year is a very good time to go visit Five Island Gallery as there are many icebergs, whales and even capelin rolling onto the beaches, to see. Tors Cove is a 45-minute drive from St. John's and is located on the Irish Loop. You will pass through the communities of Kilbride, the Goulds, Bay Bulls, Witless Bay and Mobile. When you reach Tors Cove, watch for Cove Road on your left. Turn here and just seconds away is Five Island Art Gallery.

For more information, you can visit their website:
http://www.fiveisland.ca/

"Cape Spear Lighthouse"
Acrylic on Canvas
Available at Five Island

"Duo"
Acrylic on Canvas
Available at Five Island

"Swallowtail"
Acrylic on Canvas
Available at Five Island