Artsy Bloggers

Zony's show (continued)

2011-12-26T23:46:00.014-05:00

Jack sent some pictures, showing off our industrious committee. I think we should double their pay...

Do I see a speck of dust?
Whew, we're done!

The show is ready!

Zony, happy with the first show at his new gallery

Opening night!

Lots of goodies!

Our first show at Zony's gallery

2011-12-22T23:41:00.011-05:00

Our hard-working committee set up a beautiful show.

Paintings brought in, ready for hanging. Getting organized!

Andrew, our youngest art-lover!

"The Way We See It" show at Gallery in the Grove

2011-04-07T23:48:00.011-04:00

Here are some pictures (thanks, Beth S.!) from the Opening Reception for our most recent art show...

2011-03-21T10:03:00.000-04:00

2011-03-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

2011-03-19T14:16:00.000-04:00

2011-03-19T14:13:00.000-04:00

More Paddy Pictures - January 27 2011

2011-01-28T15:54:00.002-05:00

Lunch at Paddy's Jan27th

2011-01-28T15:48:00.003-05:00

2010-12-13T13:59:00.001-05:00

2010-12-13T13:57:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2010

2010-12-13T13:46:00.001-05:00

Christmas dinner at Olive's

2010-12-11T16:58:00.019-05:00

Sharon is distributing cards, while Wayne sends signals (maybe: "where's my dessert?)

A lovely meal with good friends.
Shirley, Vivian, Julie, Sharon and Kathy getting ready to sing.

We had an enjoyable dinner and evening at Olive's last night, with 32 Group members, spouses

and friends present. After dinner we opened each other's original Christmas cards, and passed them around so all could admire the great variety of styles and design. The Serious Sixplusone Singers sang a silly song. For those who were unfortunate enough (or maybe that should be "fortunate enough"?) to miss it, the lyrics are:

6+1 SONG (tune of Jingle Bells)

Dashing from the car to the Kinsmen Centre door,

It's really not too far, with our palettes, paints and more.

Coffee's just the thing and some friendships strong and tight,

What fun it is to laugh and sing an artsy song tonight!

Chorus

OH...6+1, 6+1, 6+1 we are,

Oh what fun it is to paint some landscapes, or a car;

Portraits, mountains, animals, flowers, abstracts new,

In watercolour, pastels, oil, acrylics, graphite too.

Critique time is here; we're waiting for our turn.

The comments we all fear will make our ears burn.

"The shadow's not quite right!"

"That value's much too dark!"

"From which side do you see the light?"

Makes us better in our art!

Repeat chorus.

6+1 Show and Sale: Lawton Gallery

2010-11-08T12:35:00.005-05:00

Vivian and Gretchen hanging the show...

Opening night! The show will be on display until the end of November.

GALLERY LAMBTON in MAY

2010-05-14T09:37:00.007-04:00

After the Lunch and Information session, we moved into the Gallery where Lisa talked about the Collection, some of which were hanging on the walls, and about selection of pieces, the time, cost and research that is ongoing to bring in new collections from other Galleries and about putting a show together. Particularly this one..... painting, selecting, framing and hanging in so little time. Bravo!

So much to learn!

SHADES OF 6+1 SHOW: May 2010

2010-05-08T14:41:00.056-04:00

Vivian gives some final touches to our show at the Lawrence House

We're almost ready to go!

Happy 10th Anniversary to us!

Kathy and Shirley are ready with lots of food to greet the hardy First Friday visitors on this rainy evening.

Jerry and his guitar entertained in the Turret Room. George gave the piano a real workout with his amazing performance!

Artists Abound

2010-02-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

Art at the Lake Florida Style

Tuesday afternoon I drove out to Naples Pier. Many artists have painted this scene.

After leaving the pier I headed to Third Street downtown Naples. There were people everywhere. Forty artists were set up at different spots downtown. Here are a few shots.

I could be out to art shows everyday in this area!!!! I have now registed for five classes in a Watercolour 201 course. It covers impressionistic landscapes. Quite a change from the Abstract Course I've just completed. Painting is a hobby that even goes on vacation with me. Happy Painting!

Monday Afternoon Art Group

2010-02-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of photos taken at the Monday afternoon art group in Ft. Myers. The guy leading the critique is from London, Ontario. Yes I do have a painting up for critique - painted from a friend's photo taken while she was in Belgium.

Harry with his painting.

Magic Product

2010-02-11T11:07:00.001-05:00

Yesterday at an art class I saw a demo of a product I didn't even know existed. It's magic for a watercolourist. It allows you to white out an area if used without diluting it or use with water to tone down an area. It can be painted over. Sure beats scrubbing the heck out of the paper.

The product is Aqua Cover Up. On the bottle it says "liquid watercolour paper" and "gives the appearance of Arches natural white colour" when used full strength. It worked on toning down an area on my painting. The instructor got hers online. It's definitely going to be a must have for me.

Keeping in Touch

2010-01-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

Oranges froze on the trees, strawberry plants killed with the frost, animals at the zoo needed help to withstand the cold and hundreds of dead fish washed up on the shore as a result of cold weather. Does this sound like the Florida you know? However the cold has passed. Yesterday it was 27C and we were sun drenched.

I’m staying in a condo on Hickory Bay in Bonita Shores. Here are a few photos taken of the grounds at the condo and of the area around the bay.

I'm renting in the building on the left which is on Hickory Bay

Condo pool and bay

Condo tennis court (you won't find me there)

Across the street

Down the street where I walk

A busy bee

Birds of a feather flock together

The main reason I love this area is that it has a very large arts community. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I am out painting. I’m taking abstract painting at the Bonita Art League (I am now a member there), a watercolour class at continuing education at a high school, and I’m painting with a group of artists who have recently rented a hall at a church. There are around twenty of us and it is a fun group. At the end of each session we display our art and there is time for a critique. There are a few Canadians in the group.

As for the abstract class – well I haven’t produced anything I like as yet however the classes are fun and messy! The goal for the first two classes was to loosen up. Put paint on the paper and generally “create chaos”. Future classes will concentrate on simplifying the chaos (refine and enhance) by applying the elements and principles of design to these warm up exercises. Michael Domina is the instructor and he does have a couple of art web sites. Michael says to be spontaneous – let go, no rules, no judging, and experiment – don’t try to make a recognizable shape, LET CHAOS HAPPEN. I have no problem making the chaos – it’s the refining part that throws me.

The watercolour class is one where the instructor does not demo. She goes around the class providing individual help. We can copy one of her paintings or do our own. I did try copying one of her beautiful paintings (a butterfly) but did not have any luck so I decided to do a Tibetan lady. Here is a photo of my efforts so far. I know one eye is larger than the other – so what else is new?

Other activities include attending art shows, line dancing, walking around the bay, and playing Mah Jong. I hope to get in the pool soon. So much to do and so little time!

OUR BRING IN AN OLD PAINTING DAY

2010-01-10T12:29:00.020-05:00

Greetings from Florida

2010-01-03T19:12:00.001-05:00

Hello and a Happy New Year. I made it safely to Florida thanks to my GPS. While we've had a couple of days at 24C today it's 11C - too cool!!!

I've quickly gotten into the art scene here. Attended an art show in Naples yesterday and tomorrow I'm starting art lessons in Ft. Myers. Today I went to the Art League here and there was a demo by Robert Burridge a California artist. Both Sue Galos and Regina have attended his workshop. The week long workshop was sold out with a waiting list. I enjoyed meeting him if only for the demo and if you want to check out his web site just Google his name. What a guy! I purchased two of his DVDs.

I enjoy checking into the group's web site to see what's new. I'll post photos later if I catch anything interesting.

Happy Painting
Dolores

Olympic Torch Relay 2009

2009-12-29T12:20:00.017-05:00

On December 23rd, my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a Vancouver2010 Olympic Torchbearer came true in Leamington, Ontario. Here are a few pictures along the way, so that you can feel part of the experience too, as did everyone watching and cheering along the route!

Group photo before the Leamington torchbearers got on the shuttle bus, to take each of us to our starting point. One lady in our group was an Olympic swimmer in Sydney, so she was seeing a different perspective this time!

Getting off the shuttle bus at my stop.

We're all ready to start here!

Receiving the Olympic Flame from the previous Torchbearer.

Media photo of our little sidestep dance, which they must have liked because it was printed in newspapers, and a video was in the evening news!

Jogging along with the Flame, and I was surrounded by 4 RCMP officers. The one on the left carries an extra torch, "just in case".

The "kiss of the torches" to pass along the Olympic Flame.

Twitter feed that accompanies the live webcam on ctvolympics.ca

Meanwhile, the cauldron is alight and the Celebration continues at the Leamington Recreation Complex.

Leamington is the "Tomato Capital of Canada", with a large Heinz plant and acres of greenhouses. It's the most southern city in Canada.

I'm surrounded by giant mascots while Kaitlyn looks after my torch.

CRITIQUES and NEW YEAR WISHES

2009-12-27T21:16:00.005-05:00

Do you remember this critique?

A very attentive group and they appear to like what they see.

Oops! Some one (or two) are distracted. lol

Getting serious!

Smiles!

Ready for Framing.

Successful Critique!

Happy Painting and Critiquing throughout 2010!

Lorna

6+1 anniversary

2009-12-17T16:11:00.002-05:00

Hi all , A mile stone has been reached by 6+1!!!!!! this coming year will be our 10th year, as of January the 17. Plans are now in the works for a celebration Jack

CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009 AT OLIVE'S

2009-12-15T20:56:00.005-05:00

Challenge 2009

2009-11-07T12:01:00.022-05:00

Here are Jack's photos of the 2009 challenge. Each member had to tell a bit about why they painted what they did. Diane and Josee had entered their paintings in the Floyd Gibson Colours Show. Jack caught Diane at the Lawrence House last evening, at the reception, and Josee had her original drawing, of the painting, and talked about it at Thursday group.

Lorna's Non-Objective Acrylic Demo

2009-11-06T20:50:00.009-05:00

We arrived, ready to try something new, and had been advised to wear old clothes. Here Linda is taking the advice to "cover up" very seriously!

After Lorna's demo, we practised pouring paint onto our paper or canvas, and moving it around with large brushes and spray bottles. Sometimes shapes were covered up by other shapes. No-one really knew how it would all turn out!

A few words of advice.

Rita's lovely painting, which she had finished later at home.

Metal Statues in Calgary Parks

2009-10-19T12:58:00.008-04:00

We just returned from a trip to wintery Calgary. I'm not used to record-breaking -16 temp. and snow in October! I don't think the Calgarians were ready for it either.

My daughter's subdivision has several lovely parks with playgrounds and metal statues. Here is one of them (that wagon-pulling girl needs a coat on today!).

Here are two other statue views from another visit two years earlier.

2009-10-05T12:17:00.001-04:00

Studio Tour 2009 at DeGroot's had another successful year !

Teaching Jack to Pole Dance and we thought they were just showing their art

2009-10-05T12:07:00.001-04:00

Our quiet little group is Pole Dancing

2009-10-05T11:36:00.007-04:00

Jack after the rain drips and Shirley with very helpful Maureen

2009-10-05T11:34:00.006-04:00

Lorna tending shop - Smile Gretchen you are on camera

2009-10-05T11:33:00.005-04:00

Shirley explaining her pottery to very interested customers / Whoops I dropped them

2009-10-05T11:32:00.005-04:00

Shirley giving lessons /Diane and her Elves

2009-10-05T11:31:00.004-04:00

Drawing for a winner / Julie visiting

2009-10-05T11:24:00.005-04:00

Sarnia Lambton 18th Annual Artists' Studio Tour

2009-09-24T22:45:00.003-04:00

Over twenty local artists will have their work available for viewing October 3, 10 am to 5 pm, and October 4, 12 pm to 5 pm. Take one day; take two days. Visit the artists' studios at your own pace. Meet the artists and view their work - or take art home. Vivian Kolotylo, a 6+1 member , is opening her studio for viewing at 1936 Avenue Road, Brights Grove. The following members from the 6+1 Art Group are displaying their art work at DeGroot's Nurseries, 1840 London Road - Jack Keefe, Diane Nelles, Gretchen Knapp, and Shirley McFarlane.

Sneak Preview - Artists pose for a publicity photo.

Front row, from the left, Vivian Kolotylo, Shirley McFarlane, Gretchen Knapp, and Jack Keefe

Back row, from the left, Judy Brady, Mary Hislop, and Diane Nelles

Art in the Park

2009-09-12T15:49:00.005-04:00

Art in the Park - sun, fun, artsy people, and over 100 exhibitors including two 6+1 members. Below is Shirley McFarlane. Under her blue canopy Shirley featured her paintings and pottery. Shirley barely had time to pose for this photo - a customer was waiting to purchase a piece of pottery. Way to go Shirley!

Below we see Josee VanDeguchte. Josee is a multi faceted artist. At this show Josee featured her book, baskets, pottery, and paintings including her self-portrait.

Featured in the main gallery at Gallery in the Grove is Mondy Stevenson, a Toronto artist. Mondy's work is creative with a unique style. To visit Mondy's web site ...... http://web.mac.com/mondystevenson

I had to remind myself that in my home there is no available wall space for further artwork. Walking away from a print by artist Charles Sucsan was difficult. I fell in love with the colours and the design. Charles was born in Paris, France and studied in Paris and Budapest. He now lives in Montreal.

Another successful Art in the Park draws to a close.

Beth's Sketch

2009-09-03T20:02:00.003-04:00

If you check out the Self-Portrait page on the group's web site, you will find that our members have been busy painting self-portraits. At the group's meeting today, Jack told us that he "didn't have time" to paint his self-portrait - "just too busy". Beth, another member, decided to take things into her own hands - "too busy indeed?". Within minutes, Beth produced this sketch of Jack, complete with horns!!!

Museum of Civilization in Ottawa

2009-09-02T20:46:00.002-04:00

Pictured above is a photo of 6+1 member Diane Nelles at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa.

The large painting is by Norval Morrisseau, a native artist from Beardmore, Ontario which is near Diane's home town of Nakina.

The two small paintings are by Roy Thomas, another native artist from Longlac, Ontario which is also near Nakina.

Both artists have recently passed away.

Linda here....paddling the same waters as Tom Thompson....

2009-08-31T13:16:00.004-04:00

In our summer travels, Noel and I spent 5 days at Lake of Two Rivers Campground in Algonquin Park. The Park's Art Centre was awesome and not to be missed if you are going that way. As we paddled Lake of Two Rivers and the Madawaska River, it was impossible not to think that Tom Thompson as well as Fred Varley, A.Y. Jackson, and Arthur Lismer spent time together there in 1914. Tom Thompson died while canoeing on Canoe Lake in 1917, just a few miles north west of Lake of Two Rivers.

Trip to the Playhouse

2009-08-03T16:08:00.006-04:00

On the 31st of July six of us went to Grand Bend for lunch, art galleries, shopping and the playhouse. Phyllis and I got into Grand Bend an hour before we were supposed to meet the others. If you want to park and shop on the main street of Grand Bend, arrive around 10 a.m. The shops are open, but I think most people are still sleeping. Phyllis and I spent the hour checking out the shops ( yes - we each had a package or two) and then met the rest of the group at the River Road Gallery at 11am. From there we stopped in to visit with Barry Richmond for a few minutes and then headed to the School House Restaurant. We even had time to check into a framing shop across the street from the restaurant. The play "See How They Run" was very well done and for a couple of hours we were able to laugh and forget any worries we may have had. Thanks Dolores for planning this outing. When you look at the picture above just imagine me in it someplace (smile)

Sharon

P.S. That good looking fellow in the back row is Don McFarlane, for those of you who don't know him. He is a good sport when it comes to being with a bunch of women for the day.

Luncheon at Paddys

2009-08-03T15:42:00.020-04:00

On July 30th Tony and Eileen joined us at our monthly lunch at Paddy's. It felt like old times having the two of them with us. Hopefully we will see them again next month same time same place.

An Art Filled Day - Maximum Entertainium

2009-07-12T15:45:00.030-04:00

Day Tripping to Petrolia

Saturday found the town of Petrolia featuring a feverish embrace of extreme individuality and free market pursuit with the arts as the center. I first took in the art show at the Victoria Theatre. Below are wall shots from that show.

Next I find myself walking through the labyrinthine alleys(not really) that snake between the canopies and stalls at Petrolia's "Art in the Park". Live music from the stage enlivens the art scene here. Have you heard of "Kat-Spat Art"? It's Karen Benusik's art business. Karen won Honourable Mention at a recent art competition held by the Sarnia Artists' Workshop. Karen is pictured above with a selection of her art.

Lindsay Peterson, shown to the left and below, is into art in a huge way. Her canvas for this exciting acrylic towers above her in height.

My last stop in Petrolia was at Tim Hortons. I couldn't have timed my visit there any better. In walked the town celebrity artist Diane Nelles!

The Heart of Broadway - Downtown Sarnia

Evening fell and the performing arts beckoned. The Heart of Broadway is part of Imperial Theatre's Starbright Summer Festival. Prior to the show I enjoyed the art of Aron Tager which is featured in the lobby area at the theatre. While chatting with this Toronto Artist, I learn that he is an actor who took a 25-year hiatus to focus solely on art. He has now returned to the stage and may be seen in "Tuesdays with Morrie" another performance in the summer festival. Aron explained to me his technique of collageing corrugated cardboard to small areas of his canvas and then painting on it. His art is unique and interesting. Then it was show time! A wonderful musical performance played to a packed house. "Arthur in the Afternoon" and "I Feel Pretty" were high hilarity. David Rogers did not disappoint the audience with his "Music of the Night". The performers energy even permeated my mind, however, after an Almond Joy martini at On the Front Restaurant I was ready to head home.

My weekend did not go by without actually painting. From one of Jack Reid's art classes, I remembered his statement that one must use the proper brush for the subject being painted. He also said that as a general rule of thumb to use a big brush as long as you can to paint broad areas like backgrounds.

I wanted to paint my friend sitting on a bench in Wawanosh Wetlands park. So -ooooo what would be the proper brush? I went looking in my handmade brush bag (pictured above) and found a number 20 round.

Even the name on the brush suggests it is the "proper" brush to paint the wetlands - the name being "Wet Willie"! I kid you not. How could I fail? I could be a real painter that was derailed in life by circumstance. I do hope you realize that this is all very "tongue in cheek".
I stand at my paper with Wet Willie in my hand, and hope for a mystical dimension that would be filled with visionary moments in which images would appear uninvited onto the paper. I am having fun with this - I mean this blog, as winged words flow from my fingers on the keyboard.
And here is "Helen of Wawanosh". I feel it does capture a sense of solitude and silence. It's a watercolour approximately 24" x 13". I could subject my efforts here to the whims and perfectionist attitude however I prefer to think of my painting as an "unclaimed treasure". You may have an opportunity to critique this painting at our Thursday meeting.

Believe it or not, chicken breasts are now calling my name - using smoke signals that are billowing from the BBQ on my balcony. Hmmmmmmmm blackened chicken on tonight's menu! Happy Painting!

Talented Thursday

2009-07-12T12:08:00.014-04:00

The day - Thursday, of course. To be precise, July 9, 2009 at the Kinsmen Center in Sarnia. The magical morning when creators gather to socialize, paint, and critique each others works of art. Artistry rules the morning and masterpieces appear with the stroke of a brush (oh, how we wish). There is no single optimal path to producing a successful painting. Coping with the uncertainties of a blank canvas, members approach their labour of love using different methods. For some of us, expectations do not conform to what we actually produce, however there are those happy accidents and being involved in a creative act is its own reward. When we put our brush to paper, the power that makes the grass grow, colour glow, and fruit ripen, is alive within each of us. This Thursday, Josee, one of the group's members shared this page from her sketchbook. The drawing to the right is a scene Josee sketched while on location.

To the left is one of Josee's completed paintings.

Painting can become obsessive. It can also provide a sanctuary. We toil for hours developing imagery gleamed from our minds. Someone once said that no art that isn't personal has any vitality. Well, 6+1 members are now working on a self portrait project so it can't get any more personal than that. Our Gallery of Self Portraits will be a tribute to vitality!

Our art group is not composed of introverts who seek refuge in the thicket of our lush imaginations. We also avail of every opportunity to exhibit our work. Currently you will see artwork by our group hung at On the Front Restaurant, Olive's Fine Dining, and at Young's Jewellers. To the right and below are two of Phyllis' paintings that are now hanging at Young's Jewellers. Cicero said "Constant practice devoted to one subject often out does both intelligence and skill. " In our group, we do practice constantly and it has paid off. Passion is always in fashion and our art shows scream passion - we cherish and celebrate our artistic endeavours. Check out our members' galleries on the group's web site.

SUMMER SUMMARY

2009-07-11T13:15:00.017-04:00

Keeping my brush in the 6+1 painter’s pot…
and brushing up on the art of painting, here at St Lawrence College, Brockville Campus. (They have a Summer Arts School and a full time arts course as well. Paint me Green!)
I have been able to take two full weeks of instruction this summer and in each course, I ran the gamut of anticipation, challenge, intensity and exhaustion, finally ‘getting it” some time midweek. Whew! Though both courses were different by description, instruction, and medium, they both emphasized and re-emphasized, design and value.

In the non-objective course, Abstraction in Acrylic, (actually Non-Objective in Acrylic), we began the week by filling 36 boxes with 3-7 shapes, using the whole sheet of watercolour paper. That was followed by value exercises of 36 boxes of 3-7 shapes in 3 values – white, black and grey and then, 36 boxes of 3-7 shapes, applying colour (and value!). From boxes to quarter sheets, to half sheets and finally to the full sheet. Everything, even the boxes, every one's work, was critiqued. The last critique, our 'masterpieces', 3 of each of the 22 participants, ran from 1 pm to 4 pm on the last day! As you know, a great learning tool.
What I also learned: Though one might think these paintings look like a child had painted them, ( maybe a child could), it is not that easy for an adult to do so.
Instructor’s Quote:
- Non-Objective Painting does not have an object, there is no subject, there is no image, ever.

The Revelations from the Renaissance course, (oil painting), included Art History, a visit to the National Art Gallery to see the exhibition, “From Raphael to Carracci The Art of Papal Rome” 1503-1605, Michelangelo, Raphael, Vasari, Caracci; and a live model for a day. It was an emphasis on Space Rules and included Value Sketches. Movement. Telling a Story. Planning. Underpainting.

Layering. And much more.
What I also learned: Renaissance Paintings have underlying mathematics and Layers of Meaning.
Instructor’s Quotes:
-Beware the Visual Artist, they are the only ones who survived the Inquisition.
-Every square inch of the canvas is important
-Art Should ask questions, be open for exploration

Looking forward to the posting of 6+1 Self Portraits!!!

Creative Self-portraits

2009-07-10T14:42:00.031-04:00

The challenge of doing a self-portrait is a bit intimidating, I think. Should it be mirror-image or photographic?(because we know that the two sides of our faces are different from each other) Realistic or fantastic? Dolores had some creative interpretations of a few photographs at Group yesterday, to get us thinking!

Anyway, I thought I would get my pretty friend Phoebe to help me play around on the computer and see what I would come up with. There are a couple of distortion tools that could change just one area if desired, or the whole picture. Yes, this is fun! I'm not so sure I would paint myself green, though...and Phoebe didn't tell me which portrait she liked the best (if any!).

It will be interesting to see what ideas we all come up with for our own self-portraits; I think it will be liberating in a way, because we will be free to choose any treatment of the subject that we wish. Is it still a self-portrait if it doesn't resemble the original? Maybe we would have to ask Picasso for the answer to that!

Northern Alberta with Jack

2009-06-26T16:18:00.007-04:00

Jack teaching art at grandson's grade three class. he is the one holding up his paper,in front of bulletin boardThe School is in Whitecourt Alberta

Here Jack is being intoduced by grandson Tyler,in his grade 4 class

Here we are on Lesser Slave Lake,at Fault Alberta This is a Walleye of 20 " in length.You were allowed to keep only one fish over 17". the rest had to be released,and since we used barbless hooks it was easy , My tally for 3 days was 198.We had 14 family members in our group ,and we ate 45 fish in the three days,fried baked & deep fried. On Sat., night there was a huge steak fry,all you could eat at 4:30 pm, followed by a huge fish fry Sunday at 8:30 pm.a breakfast buffet the next morning all for $ 35.00. We were stuffed never had to eat untill late Sunday

This is at one am., in the land of midnight sun, by 4 am the sun was up at about the 10 am., position here. We only had rain just out side of Whitecourt on the way home ,the average temp up there was 23in the day and 11 at night. After the fishing and Art class we spent a day with Tylers class at Fort Edmonton in Edmonton. then left for home at 5:oo am the next day, tired but very happy.

And the Winner Is!

2009-06-25T19:58:00.004-04:00

Recently one of our members, Shirley McFarlene, took first prize in a juried art show. Congratulations Shirley! A wonderful artist and person.

Welcome Back Diane

2009-06-25T19:52:00.003-04:00

It was great to have Diane back at our weekly meeting today. Diane has been absent for several weeks and was certainly missed. She had been back to her home in northern Ontario for an extended visit with her mother who is recovering from surgery. Diane exhibited three paintings today - all three were great, however this is my favourite. During our luncheon, Diane had a story to relate. Ask Diane about her evening out for a glass of wine while she was up north!

Josee Rocks!

2009-06-25T19:43:00.003-04:00

Josee returned to the group today after vacationing in Luxembourg. Prior to Josee's vacation, Sharon snapped candid photos of Josee as she virtually pranced around with a guitar. Dolores then did a quick painting to capture the moment. Imagine Josee's surprise as the painting was unveiled during our morning critique. The group also met today at Paddy's for our monthly luncheon where we heard Josee relate the story of her voyage to Canada on a freighter when she was just 21 years old. We heard how she was the only female on the ship!! Long moon lit nights crossing the ocean - I wonder what stories we did not hear.

Views of Niagara Falls

2009-06-21T22:59:00.010-04:00

Recently we returned from four days in Niagara Falls, where we enjoyed sightseeing on both sides of the river. The American views are not as well-known as our familiar Canadian side, but it's still a thrill to get so close to the rushing water. Here are just a few of the many pictures that I took on the trip. If any of these inspire you to pick up a paint brush, please feel free to use them as reference material!

Here is part of the spectacular view from our 21st floor balcony.

This is the American Falls, looking towards Canada, with the Horseshoe Falls at the back.
American Falls: we could walk right up close, and feel the spray.

The Falls are illuminated at night, and this night there were also great fireworks.

This lovely park is across the road from our hotel, with the Falls there at the back.

A type of peony flower, perhaps?

We saw three wedding parties in a couple of hours at the park, on the Saturday in this "Honeymoon Capital of the World". This shot just shows more of the lovely flowers there.

First Friday

2009-06-06T11:57:00.050-04:00

A beautiful summer evening, Sarnia's downtown sidewalks filled with patrons of First Friday, galleries alive with so many people - that was the scene last night for Sarnia's First Friday Artwalk.

With a friend, I first stopped at the Imperial Theatre to view "Public Displays of Affection". Photography by Hailey McHarg captures souls and lets us into what her subjects love. A showcase to help others recognize the passion of these individuals.

Hailey on the left chatting with a viewer.

Next stop - Gallery Lambton to view this year's Student Art Exhibition - very lively with a sense of fun. Working in cooperation with nine of Lambton County's secondary schools, this art exhibition features art work by students from grade nine through twelve. A wide range of media is represented, including work in painting, drawing, print-making, design, sculpture, mixed media, photography and computer art. Through this exhibition Gallery Lambton encourages the idea that art is for everyone and that learning is both knowledge based and experiential.

Left - Band outside Gallery Lambton.
Below - art by students.

Pierre Houle along with live music from "Operation Hot Mother" appeared at the Cheeky Monkey. Pierre Houle has had a life long passion for the beauty of the natural world and captures this vision with his camera. Pierre captures breath taking panoramic images of Sarnia and Western Canada.

Mary Louise White showed her acrylic paintings and glass at Bear Creek Studio. Mary Louise operates a gallery/studio in Port Stanley and her work was also featured as a part of the Grand Bend Studio Tour.

It was a tight squeeze to get into Artopia Gallery - people wall to wall! Ian McLean was the featured artist with his latest series of paintings exploring imagined private residential exteriors. An established local artist, Ian McLean has exhibited extensively in Ontario and teaches art at Northern Collegiate.

An inhabited home built on the roof of a tall building downtown is shown below. High in the sky!

This is high living!

The Lawrence House featured Wolf Mendritzki demonstrating printmaking in the FROG Studio. Wolf is pictured to the left.

Barbara Klunder's "Deep Papercuts" and book signing took place in the main gallery.

Upstairs in the Turret Room multimedia artist Cat Cabajar displayed her art. Cat demonstrated the delicate and ornate art of henna in the form of tattoos.

Below are photos of the band at the Lawrence House and Cat drawing a tattoo along with a finished tattoo - interesting canvases.

At First Sarnia Place, Peg Kivi's art enhanced the model suite. The condo came alive with the addition of Peg's acrylics so rich and textural. Her style has developed from realism to abstraction and most recently to conceptualism. Peg invites her viewers to allow themselves to be taken into her painting and to derive personal meaning through the rich layers of colour and texture.

On The Front Restuarant featured the unique and lively art of Judy Brady. Beautifully framed, jewel like acrylics on canvas filled the round room on the fourteenth floor of the First Sarnia Place building . Above, Judy poses with one of her paintings.

The evening ended with drinks at On The Front Restaurant.

The band plays on the balcony. What a great view.

Below are photos taken from the balcony
on the 14th floor restaurant.

Harmonious Triangle

2009-06-04T20:55:00.005-04:00

While surfing the Wet Canvas site tonight I came across this diagram for placing the center of interest in a painting or photograph. It's called the Harmonious Triangle in Composition and is yet another method to achieve a pleasing composition. Depending on your subject and the orientation of your scene, you would place your center of interest on either of the intersections.

Rule of Thirds, Golden Mean, or Harmonious Triangle - sometimes breaking the "rules" works as well.

Art for a B/B Brochure

2009-05-31T14:00:00.006-04:00

I have just had a painting published for the Grey-Bruce Bed and Breakfast Assoc. The painting is of the Sauble Falls B/B, located just outside the Sauble Falls Provincial Park. It is a watercolour painting 81/2" x 10". This is the second year in that they have asked me to create the cover. To the far left is the painting, and then the centre fold. The brochures are available at the Ontario Tourist Bureau.

2009-05-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

Josee was looking for a free guitar lesson at our May 28th group get together.

2009-05-29T07:52:00.004-04:00

Lunch - May 28, 2009
A good time was had by all at our monthly luncheon at Patty Flaherty's Irish Pub.

Members Post Your New Work!

2009-05-10T15:48:00.004-04:00

So far we haven't seen any of your latest work appearing on this blog. I'll start it off with my most recent.

This one is pure abstract - no subject. The brush did its thing. Now what to call it! This is an acrylic on a 24 inch square canvas. I am using paints made by Chroma Australia Ltd. - Atelier Interactive Artists' Acrylic. I love this paint. Atelier Interactive is a paint that can be adjusted and blended longer than conventional acrylics. Colours are intense without a plastic look or feel.

Today I'm working on a much smaller acrylic on watercolour paper. This is my subject photo. I took this photo at a native Pow Wow last year. Just hope I can capture this child. The sketch was done using computer software (I may love to paint but definitely not to draw) - now not to lose the "young look" as I paint it.

Keeping an ART JOURNAL?

2009-05-08T11:00:00.019-04:00

Why keep an art journal?

The following introduction to keeping an art journal is from painting.about.com
.

"A painting creativity journal is a collection of the ideas you have and things that inspire you. It's a place to record ideas that you can't use immediately -- you may think you'll remember them, but one can't remember everything, so it's better to make a quick note and put it into your painting creativity journal. Don't think it's for only finished ideas or well-planned projects, it's definitely not! It's the place to record those quick thoughts before you get distracted, those images lurking in your brain, and for building up a personal image library "

.
If you are interested in reading more, visit this website....
http://painting.about.com/cs/inspiration/a/paintingjournal.htm g.about.com/cs/inspiration/a/paintingjournal.htm
.

A collection of free printable pages for starting an art journal are available if you prefer this style. http://painting.about.com/od/keepinganartjournal/ig/Art-Journal-Pages/

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My journal/sketchbooks contain rough sketches, some painted with watercolours, others inked. Usually there are words scribbled on the pages too to draw attention to the concept that has caught my eye. I have a variety of books and have to confess that I get bored with one book and try another for a while. Sometimes it is a matter of size of the book that accounts for its use too. Eventually, they will all get filled up I suppose. Having stumbled upon this subject, I now see the value and will be more intentional in my entries and their frequency.

Keeping an art journal? Please share what you are using, what you are putting into your journal, how frequently you add information to your pages, and it would also be great if you could post a photo or two as well.

If you are not currently keeping an art journal, do you think, after reading the above article at about.com, that you might begin?

Please share your thoughts.
Lorna

Grand Bend Studio & Gallery Tour

2009-05-02T21:14:00.019-04:00

A "Road Trip" - all the way to Grand Bend! Shirley, Dorothy, Edna, and I hit the road on this beautiful sunny day to "do" the Grand Bend Studio & Gallery Tour. Our first stop was at Gallery Algo, 9941 Nipigon Street, Port Franks. Proprietors, Darrell and Nancy Densmore utilize their residence as a showplace for a very amazing, eclectic collection by international artists and sculptors. This "at home" gallery is a combination of many mediums and specializes in original Mexican art. They have chosen work that they feel is representative of life, spirit, and joy. The setting is beautifully decorated. Their living room and main display area is shown above.

To the left, owners Darrell and Nancy pose in front of one of the large original paintings. Our visit to their gallery was most enjoyable. Thank you Darrell and Nancy.

We also visited the Grand Hideaway Bed & Breakfast where Sarnia artist, Judy Brady, was exhibiting her work. Judy's acrylics are bright, lively and unique. Below the four "road trippers" are shown with Judy.

We were able to view the work of approximately 17 artists in the time allotted. The original digital images by Bill Ellson were stunning. Teresa Marie served us wine and chatted openly about her techniques while we admired her art. We visited Barry Richman's studio and viewed his pastel exhibits. Mary Lynn Fluter discussed her photography as we admired her art shot around the world. Our last stop was at Jack Winn's studio at 18 Eilber Street. Jack wowed us with his large paintings. He has an abstract series based on a UFO sighting as related to him by one of his friends. Jack's work has twice been a winner in the Look Show at Gallery Lambton. Huge art and huge stories - our visit to Jack Winn's was out of the ordinary.

This day was very special, not only for the art, but also for the beautiful settings. Artists who open their studios add such a personal touch to the tour. It was not a day of "same old, same old". There was such variety in the art. The artists were so passionate about their art and were willing to share. Finally, what day is better than a day spent with good friends.

2009-05-01T00:54:00.003-04:00

Twelve group members met for lunch at Paddy's, after our usual Thursday morning get-together. We had a hilarious time, so for the sake of the other diners it was a good thing that we had a room to ourselves. Ask us sometime why the table was so clean during our visit! What a great group of people; in spite of the pouring rain outside we enjoyed a good meal and some warm companionship.

From South Carolina

2009-04-30T07:57:00.003-04:00

Here in South Carolina, there have been few artsy opportunities, though yesterday I pulled out a pencil and tried to sketch a few of the people on the other side of the pool. The results were not too impressive and you will not see those scribbles posted here.

As for sketching, I was pleased to see noted in the Sarnia Observer [electronic version] that Marian Bart's Collection of Drawings from 2001 to 2008 - a book of over 100 drawings - is now in the National Gallery of Canada's rare book collection.

The photo to the right was taken from our balcony on the day we arrived. I used my telephoto lens and filled the screen with the reflections from the other shore of our lagoon. Would this be a painting of reflections or would it become an abstract painting as it is? Suggestions?

Evening Flight

2009-04-29T23:12:00.005-04:00

Photography is another one of my hobbies. Last fall I took the Sunset Cruise between Tobermory and South Baymouth, Manitoulin Island on the MS Chi-Cheemanun. MS Chi-Cheemaun is the largest passenger/car vessel on the Great Lakes. This cruise provided the perfect photo opt for sunset scenes. A bird accompanied us as we made our way across the water. A photo taken on that trip became the background for our group's logo. Above is another one of my photos from that evening along with the bird who for the most part flew directly by the boat. I've titled the photo "Evening Flight". I now plan on painting this scene using watercolours. I'll post my progress on the painting effort. Any tips (Comments) on painting the sky would be appreciated.

Inviting Members to Post

2009-04-29T12:45:00.003-04:00

Hello 6+1 Members

This blog has been created to replace the Web Log page on our web site. So far, four members, Lorna, Linda, Janeen, and Dolores have agreed to blog. The goal is to encourage more members to particpate and contribute to our group's web presence. This page should prove to be more interesting than the previous Web Log page simply because there will be more authors. Invitations to blog have been sent to Lorna, Janeen, and Linda. This could become your fun place on the internet and an extension of our group time. You may add a comment simply by clicking on the Comment link, type in your comment and choose Anonymous from the ID list, then click on Post a Comment.

Anyone can comment on a posting however in order to post, that is to start a new post, you need to become a team member of this blog. If there are other 6+1 members who would like to join as team members of this blog, please email me and I'll send you the electronic invitation. The invitation will include the steps required for you to set up your sign in and password to become an author.

Happy painting (and blogging)