9/25/2022 6:49:28 PM
I find it very stimulating to paint subjects that I'm familiar with. The best subjects are often more intimate close-up scenes. The more I paint those subjects the more I learn about them. I also look for strong light/dark contrasts.
When we go canoe camping, I never tire of looking at the life on lily pads. After painting waterdrops on hostas, I thought why not lily pads.
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| Heavy Rain - 12"X12" |
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| with other recent painting |
I can't believe how time flies. It's already time that I start planning my next workshops. There are a few subjects that are on my mind and I just need some time to work it through.
Have you purchased your ticket to Wall Candy NOIR. This will be an upscale, two-day fine art exhibition featuring 50 professional artists from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and regions in between. Don't hesitate too much because you may lose out on the early bird prices:
https://www.wallcandyartexpo.com/. To anyone purchasing a full size framed painting of mine, I will reimburse you the admission fee. I do hope that you seriously consider attending this exciting event.
Have a great week
Danielle
9/19/2022 9:13:59 AM
When most people think of artists, they probably imagine them sitting in their studio painting all day long.
Well, there are many other things to do to get ready for exhibits and shows. Lately, here are just a few things that I've been doing to get ready for upcoming small artworks shows.
- I need to find photos that would look appropriate to paint for 12"X12" wood panels. Then I have to start painting and painting and painting.
- Purchasing 12"X12" wall panels isn't so easy because there is a shortage in most art stores around in this area. I had to find art stores in remote areas and order six here and six there. Strangely I ordered a brand I had never heard of from Amazon and they were of amazing quality.
- Once I have the wall panels, and I purchased too many in the end, I have to sand them then prepare them which includes putting a sealer then applying a few coats of black on the sides.
- After gluing the painting, I have to apply up to 5 coats of varnish spray. After the varnishing, I paint the sides of the paper to give it a professional look.
- Then I take photos form y records and to post some of them on social media and update my website.
- As the time gets closer, I need to complete inventory documentation for each gallery.
- For paintings coming to shows with me, I prepare labels and attend shows.
- Then I have to replace paintings sold. This is the most enjoyable part of the experience.
Where am I so far? I need to varnish the first few paintings for this season.
Here are a few small paintings completed recently. I like these water lilies and will paint at least one more.
There is one small lake where we occasionally go canoe camping that is almost entirely covered with lily pads and their beautiful blooms. Of course there are also many frogs.
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| Raindrops on Lily Pads - 12" X 12" |
One of the pleasures of going canoe camping is watching blue herons. These two paintings are 10"X12".
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| Note that the one on the right has sold already. |
Have a wonderful creative week,
Danielle
9/12/2022 7:44:32 AM
I grew up with few traditions. However, my son and I have created a number of traditions since he was born. With the arrival of my grand-daughter Alice, I hope to start a new string of traditions and that can be passed on from generations to generations.
I believe that traditions contribute a sense of comfort and belonging. It brings families together and enables people to reconnect with friends. They also provide a forum to showcase role models and celebrate the things that really matter in life.
Lastly, tradition serves as an avenue for creating lasting memories for our families and friends.
That’s why I want my kids to embrace traditions and keep it them alive for their kids and grandkids.
Some of the traditions I hope to pass on to my son and Alice are related to the love of nature and appreciation of art.
Lately, I've been getting ready for some "small artwork" exhibits. I'm working on a short series of stones. Here are a couple of them.
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| 12"X12" - Untitled |
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| 12"X12" untitled |
I'm not sure how to name these when they are all stones. Any ideas. Stay tuned for more stones.
Lots of 12"X12" artworks will be coming up at Da Artisti Studio & Gallery, Cline House Gallery and Arts Carleton Place small show. There will even be a few at Wall Candy - Noir.
Have a creative week
Danielle
9/4/2022 8:18:59 PM
I'm so grateful for the wonderful friendships that I have been fortunate to form with a number of my class participants, many of which are kilometers away. I feel so blessed to have met a number of kindred spirits who have planted themselves in my heart.
My free open studio during the summer has been a great opportunity to foster those friendships. Often times, when things were difficult, I could forget my problems for two heavenly hours with them. It’s actually hard to describe what these connections feel like or what they mean for me. I am fortunate to have this experience.
This past week has been a good painting week. I was able to save my large painting. I look forward to framing it without glass.
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| Romance - 24"X 20" |
Some of you might have seen the following painting of one of my hostas.
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| Rainbow End - 12" X 12" |
There is another hosta on the way and lots more other small paintings most of which will be 12"X12". I'm working on one with stones. Stay tuned.
I will be participating in three small artwork shows in the fall and need quite a few small artworks. This past week I was invited to participate in the small artwork show at Cline Gallery in Cornwall. In addition I'll have a number of small artworks at Da Artisti Gallery in Cumberland for the month of November and December. The last small artwork show will be in Carleton Place Itsy Bitsy Show. More on dates later.
I'm also participating "Noir". Come and experience an exclusive Fine Art Vernissage with a masquerade theme! As a VIP ticket holder for this exclusive, Opening Night soiree, you can expect a truly remarkable selection of art by 50+ professional artists from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and regions in between.
In addition to getting first viewing opportunity to this exceptional art exhibition, you will also receive a swag bag, welcome cocktail and canapés, as well as a live performance by one of Ottawa's highly celebrated musical creators, Rebecca Noelle.
The evening will also include a Silent Auction and Door Prizes, which is being hosted in partnership with Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, for which all proceeds will go directly to their "Building Space Between the Walls" Campaign to help build a comfortable, modern, fully-equipped space for 15 bed bays at QCH.
Join us in this special evening soiree, and be among the first few who get to view the art, and select your favourite pieces before the exhibit opens to general admission the next day.
Get your early bird ticket at
here.
I hope you are having a creative week,
Danielle