"Red Drip on Black"

This piece was on view at the Awol Gallery's Square Foot Show this past August. Not sure how it was received as I was in Australia at that time. Also the Art Garage Sale that I held two Sundays ago was a huge success--I cleared out about 25 works that no longer represent my style and some neighbours and young people went home very happy with their affordable art.

Art Garage Sale

Tomorrow, Sun. Oct 23 I am trying something new. I am hosting an Art Garage Sale--selling some of my "work from an earlier period" to make some room in the studio and to enable collectors to buy art at very reasonable prices. Come over to 180 Timber Drive, London from noon to 4pm and lets bargain!

Watermelon

The first painting I ever had accepted in a juried show! It was at the London Arts Council Market Show held in the new Covent Garden Market.

A Tree in Australia

A strange tree in Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne

Open Concept Gallery, and Artprize

This is a nice view of Open Concept Gallery. Artprize runs until Oct 8 and you can vote until Oct 6 for your favourite art and artists. If you are in Michigan or thinking about a couple of days away, consider Artprize for some fantastic art.

Heffalump at Artprize

Here is a shot of my piece "Heffalump" on display in Open Concept Gallery, Grand Rapids, Mich. for the Artprize 2011 . the exhibits continue until Oct8 so if you are looking for a little road trip consider dropping by. Grand Rapids is a fabulous city and with all the Artprize exhibits there is lots to see and do.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne

This is a photo I took of an unusual tree in the Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne. What a great city! And the National gallery of Victoria is fabulous, both for collection and buildings.

Cliffs in Australia

Just back from a month in Australia--the ocean and cliffs down the coast between Adelaide and Melbourne were awesome and the art galleries were fascinating. Off this Wednesday Sept. 21 to Artprize in Grand Rapids Mich. for opening, etc. if you go to Artprize, look for my work at Open Concept Gallery.

Art Classes

Thinking about taking an art class? The Arts Project will be offering classes again this fall and winter. My "Acrylics for Beginners to Intermediate Artists" starts Sept 24-Nov 12, Sat, 10-1 pm. New this fall is "Large and Loose with Acrylics" Tues Oct. 4-Oct. 25, 6.30-9.30pm. The winter session starts mid Jan. on Sat. and will focus on Collage. Check out artsproject.ca or visit/call the Arts Project on Dundas Street, London

"Joy"

Here is one of the pieces I completed at Steve Rose's course at OCAD this June. What a great experience! The other big news is that I have been accepted for Artprize in Grand Rapids, Mich this Sept. 20-Oct10, 2011. Please go to www.artprize.org/artists/list to see all the artists and their art.

Night

This one of the paintings titled "Night" that is presently showing at Apocalypse on Talbot Street, London, On. I will be taking this show down on June 30, 2011 so if you haven't dropped by, please do so soon. The shop is open Mon-Sat 10-5pm. There are quite a few different and some brand new works to view.

New show in June

Here is one of the pieces I will be exhibiting at my June show at Apocalypse, 355 Talbot Street, London. The show runs from June 1- June 30, 2011, Mon-Sat 10-6. This gallery is located in a shop that sells goods for skate boarders and lovers of the sport. The exhibition will include some older works and some brand new things and thus is titled "A Little of Everything". June 2 from 6-8pm will be the Opening Night--hope everyone will come.

Johannesburg SA Art Gallery

In this photo, you can see a piece of political art from the Art Gallery in Johannesburg. It is a mixed media work by Willie Bester titled "1948" and completed in 1993. Again great use is made of the materials that are "found" but the purpose has changed from decoration to expression. The contemporary art in SA was raw, and explosive.

South Africa

Lesedi Cultural Village in South Africa an interesting introduction to five different tribes of SA. A good way to see a snipet of a way of life that is rapidly changing. For an artist the use of colour and materials was fascinating and inspiring, and for all a bit of "culture shock".

6th Annual Miniature show at The Art Exchange

The 6th Annual Miniature Show at the Art Exchange in Wortley Village opened last Friday with a full house attending. I had submitted 2 pieces and discovered upon arriving at the Opening that one had already sold. You can check out beatmagazine.ca for a nice review and google the Art Exchange in London, Ontario for pictures of all the miniatures on display. If you can, plan a visit to the gallery as it is a fine show.

New Show!!

Be sure to check out this new show and do try to drop in on Feb 27th, 3-5pm for a viewing and for refreshments.

New Venue

You've seen "The Horse" before on my blog but now you can see it in "real life" at a gallery called Unique on Central Ave. just west of Richmond. This is a great new gallery carrying original art, jewelry, and art designed clothing. Also on view are 4 other works of mine including the piece I identified in my last post as "Push me Pull you" but is actually titled "Seeing Double".

Ooops! Do try to visit, its a great new spot, with a Starbucks close by if you require a hot chocolate on these cold January days.

Push Me, Pull You

Here is an image of a recent work that was in my show at the Arts Project in September. I call it the "Push Me, Pull You" after the Dr. Doolittle story about the animal with a head at either end that can't decide which way to go---hmmmm sounds kind of like how sometimes life can be! I have a couple of new collages on view at the Christmas Show at the Art Exchange on Wortly Road, on view until Dec 24. Also the Arts Project is now taking registrations for the Winter classes---I am concentrating on Collage this session and have many great new ideas. Visit the Arts Project or check their web site for information.

Summer!

Try to keep days like this in mind as we head into the midst of winter.

The Confrontation

As promised here is a photo of the painting I had entered into the Gallery Painting Group Show--this won a ribbon!! "This is an evocative and atmospheric image, with a unique composition that includes both intruding and partly obscured industrial shapes" (Charles Vincent, juror)

Interlude 1

This is one of my new Interlude Series. It can be viewed, purchased or rented at Museum London Art Rental in London, Ontario. The Gallery Painting Show was a successful weekend and I received a ribbon from juror Charles Vincent for my piece titled "Confrontation". I will try to take a photo soon and put it on the blog. Upcoming are classes at the Arts Project for Collage starting in Jan. 2011 and running for 8 weeks. Please check the Arts Project web site for more information.

Gallery Painting Group Show

The Gallery Painting Group Show opened this evening--looks great and there is lots of art to view. Hope everyone gets a chance to attend. One of my pieces was juried "out' but another won a Juror's Choice ribbon. Juror Charles Vincent did a great job and topped it off with interesting comments about the show and the artists.

Erin and Kyle are Engaged!!

The Show

Here is a shot of visitors to my show at the Arts Project. We have been away the last ten days, enjoying the art museums in New York and Washington and also a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water as well as the Pitsburgh Penguins opening night.

Show's over--what's next?

My show came down at the Arts Project on Monday. One piece was sold and there seems to have been a number of visitors and good comments so I think it was a success. Next week on Friday Sept. 24 I will have the work titled "Tree House of Dreams" on view at the Reforest London Celebration at Museum London from 4-6pm. This is a silent auction so if something from the Amazing Tree Quest caught your eye, this is your opportunity to purchase ! There will also be hors d'oeuvres and an awards presentation. Go to http://www.reforestlondon.ca/celebrate-trees for more information

Prairie Storm

Here is a sample of what I am showing in my exhibit at the Arts Project on Dundas Street in London. The show continues until 5pm on Sat. Sept 11 so you have a few more days to get down town to see 25 exciting works of art. Hope you can come and that you will enjoy what you see.

Opening Night!!

Well tomorrow is opening night for my exhibit at the Arts Project. We hung the show today and it looks great. Hope everyone can come to see it. Many thanks to Bruce, Sandra and Vanessa at the Arts Project for all their help today and to Caitlin, my daughter, for carrying stuff and climbing ladders, etc. Also thanks to Patrick, my Mother and the rest of the family for all the support over the last year--couldn't have done it without them.

motherof3alsopaints, part 2

This is the image I am using on invites to my upcoming show opening August 31, 7-9pm at the Arts Project on Dundas Street in London, Ontario. This will be a solo show with about 25 works of art, all but 6 will be new and on view for the first time. All are welcome-Hope you can come down for the opening or visit later--they are open Tues to Sat from noon to 5pm. The show closes on Sept11, 2010.

If you are in Montreal in the next few weeks try to visit Gallery Gora--I have 2 works on exhibit there until August 14 as part of a group show.

Tree House of Dreams

This painting titled Tree House of Dreams has been submitted to the Reforest London project called London's Amazing Tree Quest. If you like the painting, you can google the site and vote for me --and with enough votes my picture will be selected as the top tree painting in London!

Turbulence

This is one of the works that will be at Gallery Gora in Montreal from July 27 to August14. The opening is on July 28 in the evening so if you are in Montreal perhaps you can come. Gallery Gora is located at 279 Sherbrooke Ouest, espace 205. I have been recieving comments on this blog from many places and my only regret is that I am unable to speak the languages and understand the comments.

Collage Classes

The lower picture is one of my collages. I will be teaching collage classes at the Arts Project on August 7 and 14 this summer. please go to artsproject.ca for more information

Here is another example of one of my new style collages. Hope you enjoy looking at this and thinking of summer by the lake.

Lambeth Art Show and Sale

The 38th Annual Lambeth Art Show and Sale finished late yesterday afternoon. At first glance I think it was a successful event, although that will be confirmed when the final facts and figures are in. Many thanks to all who helped, I had the best of convenors, reliable and hard working--that is what makes for a great show. Everything ran smoothly and hopefully stress free for all. Many visitors commented on what a great show it was and how much they enjoyed viewing the art. See you all at the dinner in May.

New Collage

Something new in Collage that I am trying out. Any comments?

Car Free Sunday on Dundas Street in London, Ontario

Today was the first car free sunday in London and it was a tremendous success. Crowds of people out walking with kids and dogs, music, information and food. Also perfect sunny day, cool in the shade, lovely in the sun. My fellow instructors and I were out in front of the Arts Project talking about and demonstrating what we teach at the Arts Project. Met many new people --hope they are interested in learning more about making art.

Tip from my computer tutor

I have just heard from my computor tutor that if you click on the posting I put up a day ago about the classes at Museum London--it will then become large enough to read--hope this helps and many thanks to the computor tutor.

One of those Bog pictures again

I may have posted this picture before but wanted to do it again because it reminds me so much of this time of year--its still cold, perhaps a little snow but the sun is beginning to glow more and the land is just starting to warm up. I have been thinking a lot these days about the way we experience joy as children. You know how you wake up and the day is perfect and your heart sings and the whole world glows. There may be nothing especially new or good happening but you are joyful, bubbling over with good will. And then we get a little older with things we have to do or take care of and that unexplainable joy gets shoved aside and ignored as too silly or unimportant. It must be possible to return to that way of being.

Upcoming Classes

I don't know how easy this is to read, but it refers to my next series of classes at Museum London. The class starts on Mon April12 from 1-3pm. It will focus on using acrylics with lots of texture added and sculpting into the texture. Check with Museum London for more information.

The Goose at Museum London

This goose has been hanging around Museum London for the last couple of weeks. He paces up and down in front of the gift shop window for hours. Is he window shopping, admiring himself (or herself), or has he/she fallen in love? I guess I will never know for sure. Upon arriving this morning I discovered the goose is gone and has been for several days. Did he/she find another more interesting friend? It will remain a mystery, shrouded in the mists of the Thames River.

Tampa Art Gallery

Just back from trip to Florida. Pretty cold so spent time shopping and visiting art galleries--of note the Tampa Art Gallery, newly re-opened with a great show of Matisse prints. Also enjoyed South Florida College with architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, the town of Lakeland and the Polk Museum as well as the Henry B. Plant Museum and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art( one of the best education rooms I have seen) at St. Petersburg College.

Upcoming Shows

The Brush and Palette Club will be celebrating their 38th annual Show and Sale at the Byron Library from April 8, 6-9pm, April 9 , 10-9pm and April 9, 10-4pm. Come to the library and see great art-watercolours, oils, acrylics, pastels and more. More thatn 400 works will be on display and for sale. I hope to see you there.

Just because its February

And this photo I took at a summer paint out with the Gallery Painting Group in London, On. I post this to remind us that we do have warm weather in London and that the snow will melt sometime. Right now its the Winter Doldrums.

Valentines Day

In honour of Valentines Day I am posting this photo done by my husband in Montreal last November. I think it says it all!

Art Classes Up Date

Classes are up and running well, enjoying the students and hope they are enjoying the painting exercises. I have seen some really nice work happening which is very gratifying. Looking forward to next week to see what is produced next. And now I need to get to work and make some art!

The Photo of Brighton Beach

Here is one of the photos I used to develope the image for Beach Cabanas at Brighton. Thought people would enjoy the comparison of photo and collage.

Beach Cabanas at Brighton

Here's one I don't think I have posted before-it is acrylic and collage done from a photo I took at Brighton Beach. As with most of my collages it is a bit quirky.

Mid January Thoughts

Well so far not bad for January--temperatures are on the mild side(hovering a little above or below freezing). I have been working away at new paintings for the upcoming shows in the summer at Gallery Gora in Montreal and Sept at the Arts Project in London, Ont. Also looking forward to the Minature Show at the Art Exchange, London--opening on Feb 5, 7.30pm, I have a couple of pieces on the wall there and the whole show is really good. Come on down for a great, fun opening and some well priced art for sale!

Art Exchange Minature Show

The Art Excghange Annual Minature Show opens on Feb 5, hope to see friends there. If you want to submit, there's still time until the 23 of Jan.

If you think you would like to learn some of my techniques with acrylics please check the sites for the Arts Project and Museum London. There is still room in the classes and I look forward to teaching at both venues.

New Work with lots of texture

Winter Sunset

One of those just below freezing, sloppy, half melted days that can happen here in the south of Canada.  I think the sun is just setting, late afternoon about 4.30pm.

Heffalump!

Here's a new one and surprizingly it became a Heffalump!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

A little late but we have been busy around here-all the family around and several Christmas dinners to consume.  Should get back to painting tomorrow-- Minature Show at the Art Exchange is coming up in Feb 2010 and need to work on pieces for the solo show at the Arts Project, slated for Sept 2010 as well as work for the Gallery Gora Summer Group Exhibition in Montreal in late July-early August.

Happy New Year!!

Classes at the Arts Project, 2010

For more information about this and other classes at the Arts Project go to artsproject.ca.

Classes at the Arts Project, 2010

Aleid Uhl

 

Introduction to Model Sculpting

The students will learn basic sculpting techniques and get acquainted with the principles and practices of anatomy and the proportions of several separate parts of the human figure. By the end of the course, each student will be in a position to proudly lay claim to a number of original works of art.

 

Saturday mornings 10:00am – 1:00pm

January 23 – March 13, 2010

Cost $250

 

Sculpting the Human Figure

The students will learn a variety of sculpting techniques and get acquainted with the principles and practices of anatomy and the classical proportions of the human figure. The student will work on three assignments focusing on the male and female figure and torso. By the end of the course, each student will be in a position to proudly lay claim to a number of original works of art

 

Tuesday evenings 6:00pm – 9:00pm

January 26 – March 16, 2010

Cost $250

 

Aleid Uhl was educated as a sculptor and stone mason in Europe: The Netherlands, France and Italy. As a mason, she was involved in the restoration of gothic cathedrals, royal palaces and other majestic structures working in a variety of stone. Since her arrival in Canada, she has dedicated herself to sculpting full time. Her works are executed in bronze, stone, plaster, and polyurethane.

 

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Hida Bezahdi

 

Beginners Figure Drawing

Gesture and Shape, figure drawing basics. This course is designed for students with no previous background or minimal background in figure drawing. Students will get familiar with the setting of a life drawing studio, basic materials for drawing and they will experience drawing with charcoal, charcoal pencil and Lead pencil in large and small formats.

 

Using a life model, students will develop the ability to create gesture drawings that reflect a basic understanding of the body impulse, movement, weight, balance and proportion. There will be class demonstrations and series of take home assignments. This course everything will be the foundation for intermediate figure drawing.

Hida Behzadi has extensive professional experience in figure drawing, painting and graphic design. She holds a B.A. in Visual communication and a M.A. in Graphic design. She has exhibited her artworks in various group and solo shows. She has studied the human form and anatomy extensively with top ranked fine art masters in Tehran and has gained considerable insight in depicting the human body. She can't wait to pass on her secrets to her students.

Course materials list

 

Saturday mornings 2:00pm – 5:00pm

January 23 – March 13, 2010

Cost $175

 

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Paul Abeleira

 

Oils

This course will focus on realistic painting techniques in traditional oils.  Students will explore both direct “alla prima” and indirect approaches to painting as we create two still life paintings entirely from life.  Other areas of focus will include composition, lighting, color mixing, use of mediums and preparation of different grounds.

 

Paul Abeleira is a graduate of Western's Visual Arts program. He has studied portraiture in private studies in New York and Wisconsin and has instructed artists in many facets of visual arts. Although relatively new to the game, he has received positive responses from his students who characterize him as a sensitive coach with a broad range of skills and knowledge. He is committed to make the learning experience worthwhile.

 

Thursday evenings 6:00pm – 9:00pm

January 28 – March 18, 2010

Cost $175

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Sarah Cowling

 

Acrylics

 

Acrylics, Textures and Techniques

This class is about learning different techniques with acrylics, using colour and texture to create collages and abstract paintings. Drawing skills are not required

 

Sarah Cowling has been an active participant in the local art scene for ten years. After achieving her BA and Bachelor of Education from Brock University she studied a variety of art classes at Western and Fanshawe and is currently a member of four art associations. Her works typically comment on history and the quirks of the human spirit. She may use acrylics as a primary medium but nothing is off limits in her creations. She will be teaching from personal experience while encouraging students to explore media and subjects of their own choosing

 

Saturday afternoons 10:00am – 1:00pm

January 30 – March 20, 2010

Cost $175

Art Classes at Museum London

New Art Classes in the New Year

I am teaching art again in the New Year. I will be back at the Arts Project on Saturdays this time from Jan 23 for 8 sessions. We will be concentrating on collage( making our own stained papers and more) and painting abstracts (large and colourful). Please go to www.artsproject.ca for more information.   I will also be at Museum London on Mondays for "Artful Afternoons".  The class is called  "Alternative Tools for Drawing with Acrylics" and will start  on Jan 25 and run from 1-3pm. For more information go to  www.museumlondon.ca

Both classes are meant to be fun, non-stressful aproaches to using acrylics. Hope to see friends and new faces at both!

"Musical Interlude"

I meant to inculde this picture with the previous image but seems there was a clitch. However here it is now, a little affected by the lights in the gallery space. The other image posted just before this is titled " Wavecatcher" Hope they are interesting and thought-provoking.

View of Shutter and Brush Gallery, Nov. 2009

Here is a nice view of my show at the Shutter and Brush Gallery in Port Stanley. Many thanks to Mary Louise and David from being so easy to work with and welcoming.

Images from the Shutter and Brush Show

Art Classes for 2010

I will be offering classes in the New Year through the Arts Project and Museum London. More information is upcoming as curriculum and class times are just being worked out. You can also contact each venue to ask questions by phone or email.  The Arts Project is 519-642-2767 or www.artsproject.ca and Museum London is 519-661-0333 or www.museumlondon.ca. Look forward to seeing past students and new ones interested in "adventures in acrylics" at either site. 

Meet the Artist

I thought it was time for my visitors to meet the artist. This is a nice picture my husband, Patrick, took of me at the McCord Museum in Montreal. We were there for a week end in November and had a great time visiting galleries and going to the hockey game( Canadiens and Detroit).

First picture I have added to the blog on my own!! Hope its a new one to the blog, it was done working on site last fall at the Sifton Bog in London Ontartio.

Trip to Montreal

Had a great weekend in Montreal, visited some galleries, ate way too much, and took in a Canadiens-Detroit game (which the Canadiens lost!). Visited Gallery Gora and I think I will send a piece or two to their summer group show--very exciting and a big step out of London.   Lots of nice comments coming in for the shows in Port Stanley( at the Shutter and Brush until early dec) and at the London Fine Art Centre( until this Sun, Nov 29). 

Shutter and Brush--features Sarah Cowling

Today was the opening for my newest work at the Shutter and Brush Galllery in Port Stanley (check portstanleynews.com). Went really well with a nice crowd out on a beautiful sunny day. If you couldn't make it today, the work will be up all of Nov. The Gallery is open usually Wed-Sat noon -5pm.  If you can't get out of London I also have a body of work at The London Fine Arts Centre, 124 Dundas St. They are generally open week days from10-5 and also offer musical events like Jass at lunch times on Fridays--$6 entry and bring your lunch.

The Arts Project

Classes start next Wed. Oct 21 in Acrylic techniques--there is still room if you are interested in fun and exciting new  ways to work with acrylics, contact www. artsproject.ca or 519-642-2767 for information. Just did a workshop for the Brush and Palette Club--very successful and well attended. Also looking forward to an exhibition at Shutter and Brush in Port Stanley, opening Nov 7th, noon to 5pm. Please come and see in person my latest works titled "Life Forms".

Classes at the Arts Project

Come down to the Arts Project for two open houses and meet the artists who will be teaching there. Sat Sept 26 and Sat. Oct.3 from 2-4pm. We are looking forward to teaching and are offering acrylic painting, sculpture, drawing and oil painting. Also check out www. artsproject.ca for more information about the classes and registration.

New Places

Going up to Lions Head to paint in early Oct with a few friends--should be great. Not much of a plien aire painter but do enjoy being out side and near the water. I expect to have a show in Mary Louise White's gallery, The Shutter and Brush in Port Stanley in Nov. More information will be posted later.

New Job

It looks like I have a new job--teaching acrylic painting techniques ( as I use them) at the Arts Project, in London, Ontario. Starts in Oct and runs for eight weeks--I am delighted, this is I think my dream job. If you are interested check it out with the Arts Project on Dundas Street in London, Ontario.

A Sale!

Had a good day at St.Paul's Catherdral Cloister Artists --finally had a sale! Funny how every sale big or small just makes you feel good and happy about what you do. Also met some nice people and made some good connections so the next few months look promising. I will say more when I have confirmation of a future project. Almost Sept and that new school year feeling is beginning to grow on me. Am I the only one who thinks of Sept as the beginning of the New Year?

New Non Objective Work

Here are some new efforts in the non objective mode. This one above is called" Icebound" and I leave it up to you what you think is there.


This one is titled "Out of the Depths" and has been proclaimed as creepy and morbid by those who have seen it. What do you think?  I am enjoying this kind of painting a lot and hope to do more soon.

August Already

Seems like only a few days ago that I was adding to the blog but it was really a month. Well its summer I suppose is my excuse. Have been busy with small trips and paint outs, and a fair amount of work inside as this summer has been very wet and cool. Still participating in St. Pauls Cloister Artists Show on Sun from 10 to 3 when its not raining!! Perhaps we will see you there.

St.Pauls Cloister Artists

It looks like it has finally stopped raining, so I should be down at St. Paul's tomorrow on Richmond Street, displaying and selling art. There are about 12 artists involved so there is a nice selection of art to view and purchase. Hope to see you there.