May Ramblings

Hi!

Spring is here, the warm weather surely makes us all feel better.
time to get out there in the great outdoors and do some plein air.

It won't be long before the iris and peonies are out in the Royal Botanical
Gardens here in Burlington.  It's something that you don't want to miss if
you paint florals.  It's a feast for the senses.  I'll be there as soon as I can confirm
the days the Japanese peonies and the iris are in bloom.  They are in the Laking Garden.
You can call the RBG for directions and parking.

This coming weekend "Mother's Day Weekend" I will be at the Pelham
Art Festival in the arena on Haist St. in Pelham.  It starts on Friday evening
with music, wine and nibbles and continues Saturday and Sunday.  A nice
drive in the country if you are considering taking your Mom out for lunch or
dinner.  There are 68 artists, a very accomplished lot.  It is good to get out
and see other peoples work.  It can be very inspiring and if you have been
having a bit of a "painters block"  it may very well open that door.

I've been taking a class with Wayne Moore , drawing and painting the figure
in watercolour at the Burlington Art Centre.  Wayne is a very good teacher.
If we stop learning , we get dull and predictable  Don't want that! 

Last Saturday was the AGM of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour.
It was a super day with seven new painters being elected to membership.  It is
a goal worth trying for.  Think about it.  Try an associate membership to get
your feet wet.

Busy, busy, framing and organizing for the weekend.  Sometimes it seems that
I need to be two people to get things done.  Will have watercolours unframed
and acrylics on the walls.  I share a booth with Kjell Orrling who is a wonder
with wood.  His cutting boards make wonderful gifts.

Remember, if you just keep painting something wonderful happens.  That's
the secret, practice, practice, practice.  It is too easy to give up!  Keep working
even when you are discouraged and one day you will have that great AHA!!
moment.

Still Winter?????????????

January 30, 2013

Here we are, January already.  A little strange being here in the
winter.  After twenty-one years I miss the Bonita Springs/Naples
art scene and all of my many artist friends.  Thanks goodness
for e-mails and Facebook.

On March 9th and 10th I will be giving a workshop at
the Oakville At Society.  Come and bring your large brushes,
lots of paint and your enthusiasm.  It is for intermediates and
advanced painters.  Learn how to control the water and the paint
and have a fun two days with like minded people.

As of this month I am now represented by Artspace in Oakville.
Chazz Balkwill has seen fit to include me in his stable of wonderful
artists.  The gallery is in a quaint old house on Reynolds St.
in Oakville.  When you are out for lunch downtown, drop in
to say hello to Chazz.   Of course, my paintings are also
at the Burlington Art Centre in Art Etc.  If you are looking for
something for your walls, talk to Anne Brownell there.  There is
no one so knowledgeable about art and as helpful as Anne.

Soon the Spring will be here and we can paint plein air.
I bought a bouquet of tulips today just because they reminded me
of Spring.  Also they make a great still life.

Get your big brushes, paint your heart out.  Spring will be here
before we know it.  At least that is what I keep telling myself.

As you can see it has been some time since I have written anything.

Too busy painting I guess.

Must get cracking and organize myself.  Seems to me I'm always
saying that and life just keeps moving on.

We had a wonderful day at the "Going National" a symposium put on by the
Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour in Cambridge.  There was a good crowd and by
the sounds of it everyone enjoyed themselves.  Joanne Warren did a superb job
of organizing it and couldn't have pulled it together without Tina Price's hard work.

I'm expecting to have some more workshops in the future.  If there is anyone
that would be interested in a workshop in Burlington, let me know.  If there
are enough people I would find a venue.

I'm giving a workshop in watercolour at the Oakville Art Society on
Bronte Rd. in Oakville on March 9th and 10th , 2013.  Give them a call
or e-mail Mary and let her know if you would like to participate.

These days I'm engrossed in painting in acrylic.  I love watercolour but
there are some things that just cry out for acrylic or oil.  I find it a challenge
which is what we all need.  Without a challenge we get stale and our work
becomes just a repetition of the one before.  Try something that you think
you can't do.  It just might surprise you.

I promise to be more faithful to this blog and keep it up.

Merry Christmas to everyone and don't forget to ask for art supplies.

p.s. http://oakvilleartsociety.com/workshops.html  to see what
they have lined up.

Spring Again

Hi!

The weather is getting warmer and I'm looking forward to doing some plein air. I was fortunate
to be able to work outside all winter in Florida. Now I'm back home and getting organized
for another season.

I painted at the Promenade Studios in Bonita Springs this winter again. What a lovely spot and
such great artists as neighbours. The arts are certainly vibrant there. We stopped in Charleston
on the way home to visit their many galleries, at least seventy of them. It was so inspiring and
that inspiration will be put to good use.

I am looking forward to taking part in the Pelham Art Festival on Mother's Day Weekend.
For all of you within driving distance, it is a lovely show with great art, good entertainment and
a cozy cafe. Looking forward to seeing you there.

On May 2nd I am giving a workshop for the Port Colborne Art Club at Bethel Community
Centre in Port Colborne. June Bond looks after the workshops there and her ph# is 905-
892-9227 if you are interested.

I am hoping to be doing Artistry by the Lake in Niagara on the Lake on the July 1st
long weekend.

If you are interested in any of my work, contact me or you can visit the Burlington Art
Centre where my paintings are in Art Etc.'s Art Sales and Rental. You can also browse
their wonderful gift shop while you are there.

I am now working in acrylics on large canvases for those people that have those great
tall ceilings and large spaces to fill. Original art is a great investment.

Must get back to work now!!!!