2026-03 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Well that was fun….NOT!!!

I’m referring to that bit of snow we got recently. Although I don’t mind the cold and the snow, but really sometimes it’s just too much. The main problem being that living where I do, parking the car can be a challenge. There’s no place for all that snow to go and so I find myself not wanting to abandon my cleared parking spot. Of course some dude will snatch it up the minute I pull out.

However, this forced stay at home time has meant I didn’t have any excuse to procrastinate on some projects I’ve got on the list.

THE AIR IS HUMMING….

Do you recognize this phrase as one of the tunes in ‘West Side Story’? I could probably sing every song in that iconic musical and reflecting on it, I can honestly say that that musical affected the trajectory of my life. Growing up in northern Ontario instilled in me a deep love for the dramatic waters of Lake Superior and it’s vast boreal landscape. However as a teenager, I could hardly wait to escape and start adventuring. Not getting into art school and falling into a career as a radiation therapist was, in hindsight, a blessing. But we won’t go down that road today.

Many times I have been asked if I will do an online workshop and I am very excited to let you know that I have some exciting projects planned. Very soon I will announce details, but to start off, I will let you know that I plan to feature an online auction once a month. You’ll be able to score original paintings from the vault at a fabulous low price.

Are you ready to come and play gel printing with me at my friend Karen Franzen’s studio? Mark your calendars for Sat April 4, 10-1 pm. I’ll have some new techniques to share with you to expand your practise and if you are a gel virgin, you’ll find it beginner friendly.

There will also be a 5 week course starting on Thursday Mar 5, 10-1 to Thursday April 2, at my studio at 7 Labatt Ave. We’ll explore more ways to use the beautiful papers that we create. The possibilities are endless.

As you are an art collector, you may be interested to know that according to artsy.net, paintings that celebrate flowers are one of the most popular trends at the moment. I do have quite a few floral mini paintings some of which incorporate my hand made gel printed papers. I’ll put a few here and perhaps you’ll have a place for a bright splash of spring. You can see many more at my studio to which you are invited any time.

A new painting has arisen in my studio. It evolved from a drawing I made at a life drawing session. It is collaged with fabric and gel printed papers and acrylic. My genius grandson Theo named it ‘The Questionable Conversation’. You may take it home for a trial run if you’d like.

And as ever, I appreciate your support.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Attached please find some of my ‘FLORA’ series

All are available to add some joy to your space.

Karen Franzen was thrilled with the gel printing process.

The next class is Sat April 4, 10-1 at 3 Wembley Rd

‘The Questionable Conversation’ 24 x 48 in, mixed media on wood panel. (the photo doesn’t do it justice) Come on into my studio for an in person experience. Or he can come to you.

Thanks to Karen T. for her review of my gel printing class

Gail's Geli Plate classes were so much fun and full of fresh, creative ideas.  I learned new techniques in a relaxed, playful way that sparked inspiration and made experimenting feel easy and exciting.  I always left classes with new skills and a big smile.  Thank you Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2026-02 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover …Are you ready for some fun?

This is a short and sweet reminder about my popular ‘Intro to Gel Printing’ workshop. It’s this Sat Jan 24, 10-1pm at the studio of my friend Karen Franzen, 3 Wembley Dr. (Coxwell/Gerrard) We have such a lot of fun creating monoprints with this easy technique. Plenty of street parking and easy access by TTC. All supplies included.

Email to gail@gailwilliamsartist.com or reply to this newsletter to register.

And as ever, I appreciate your support.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Karen’s studio is near Coxwell/Gerrard. Easy transit and parking is available.

Dee says….

Thank you Dee

‘The Conversation’, availalbe to view in my studio or your home

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2026-01 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

And…we’re off..the hooves hit the ground

WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE HORSE

I sincerely hope that your holidays were as wonderful as mine. Both Ingrie and Joanna, Fox and Theo were in town to spread their special cheer. Joanna gave me the priceless gift of completely taking over the Christmas day meal. She’s like a general planning it all down to the minute. And the food she made was divine. To top it all off, Ingrie was a storm trooper on clean up. I hope I’m finally learning how to let go of the reins. It’s not easy as I’ve had so many years of practise.(if you know what I mean)

This year is starting with a beginner friendly gel printing workshop that my friend Karen Franzen is hosting in her pottery studio. Gel printing is such a fun and easy way to make monoprints. There are many ways to use the papers or just keep them to amaze your friends. Small class sizes mean you’ll get all the help you need. I provide all supplies and you’ll take home some lovely work. I promise.

Next up, I’m planning a 5 week gel printing course starting on Thursday Jan 29- Thursday Feb 26 in my studio at 7 Labatt Ave. We’ll explore more ways of creating and using the amazing papers we make. Mark your calendars now as space is limited.

Fortuitously, I have many paintings featuring horses, both large and small. You can see ‘Eddies Horses’ at the Riverdale Hub gallery. If you’d like to see more in person, I invite you to my studio or check my website. Some are created using gel printed papers.

https://riverdalehub.ca
Riverdale Hub: Fostering Innovation and Community in Toronto
https://www.gailwilliamsartist.com

According to data from artsey.net, paintings about community will continue to be popular. There are quite a few in my website that celebrate social connection and the most recent and still available is ‘The Conversation’. I used my original hand printed papers using gel printing to embellish both the red bird and the background leaves. If you’d like a private viewing, let’s set it up.

BTW, I offer a home visit of any of my artworks in your home to see if it works. Let’s talk.

And as ever, I appreciate your support.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Karen’s studio is near Coxwell/Gerrard. Easy transit and parking is available.

‘Eddie’s Horses’ 1-5 at Riverdale Hub gallery

‘The Conversation’, availalbe to view in my studio or your home

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-16 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Merry Merry

Or as my Grandma would say Hauska Joulua ja Onnellista Uutta Vuotta. Which I’m sure you know by now is Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Finnish.

This year Fox and Theo wanted to make a gingerbread house. I have a new respect for those builders. Ours is a little wonky but we had a lot of fun. The boys were especially detailed oriented with the gingerbread boys and girls. Let your imaginations run freely.

As ever I thank you for your support in the past year and wish you the best holiday season with family and friends. We are blessed to have Ingrie and Joanna home with us.

Next year will start with some gel printing classes so keep your eyes open for a workshop on Jan 24.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Fox and Theo wish you a very happy Christmas.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-15 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Just a short gentle reminder

Fox and Theo have been busy making art for our Holiday Open Studio show on Sun Dec 7, noon to 5pm. They are super excited to share their art with you. I think you’ll be impressed. As well, the Labatt Studio artists will be open and the incomparable James Fowler will share his space.

I also have a new piece to debut. Theo named it ‘The Questionable Conversation’. Does that intrigue you? I hope so.

There will also be a little gift for you as well as sweet treats.

I hope you know how much I appreciate your support.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Come on out and meet the talent at 7 Labatt.

This is a free event and we’ll even have some cookies!

Fox is excited to show this one.

Theo drawings are fantastic!

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-14 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Short but sweet

This is a short reminder to make sure you’ve put the Holiday Open Studio on your calendar. We’re looking forward to showing off our latest creations. Fox and Theo are excited to share what they’ve been up to. Let’s celebrate the season with some sweet treats and fun times.

Til the next time, keep living artfully.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Come on out and meet the talent at 7 Labatt.

This is a free event and we’ll even have some cookies!

Don’t miss this one! So many cool gift ideas.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-13 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Tis the season.

Here we go! Tis the season to put on your running shoes and get ready for the marathon. I always find this time of year exciting and a little exhausting to be honest. The schedule gets packed with the dates of parties (who doesn’t like a party?) and get togethers. And making the decision of which holiday markets to go to and which can be missed (none, actually). So many people like online shopping and I’m not above browsing (AKA doom scrolling), but I’m the type of person who has to feel the fabric. I love meeting the makers and seeing what clever creatives have come up with. There’s always something new.

Here are a few of the events I’m going to. Of course I have to promote the Holiday Open Studio at 7 Labatt Ave on Sun Dec 7, noon to 5pm.

If you’ve been wanting to do a little creating yourself, I’m holding a FREEDROP IN ‘Make a card’ event in my studio on Friday Nov 28 and Sat Nov 29. There will be just a nominal charge for the supplies you use. I’ll be open 11 to 4. Please let me know your’e coming.

The creatives in my ‘Exploring Layers: Gel Prints and Collage’ are having a blast. You could gift certificate next year’s course for a loved one who longs to create but says they aren’t an ‘artist’ Gel printing is simple and so much fun. Let’s talk.

If you want to add to, or start, your Gail Williams collection, I’m working on getting my print shop open in time for the holidays.

Til the next time, keep living artfully.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Come on out and meet the talent at 7 Labatt.

This is a free event and we’ll even have some cookies!

https://riverdalehub.ca › riverdale-hub-gallery

While you’re there you can say hello to ‘Eddie’s Horses’ and ‘The Dawning of the Age of Aquarius’

You’ll always find something you just have to have! A very talented group of potters.

Don’t miss this one! So many cool gift ideas.

New faces in the studio. 10 x10 in mixed media on panel, $200.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-12 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Were you ready for this?!!

I sure wasn’t ready. The trees weren’t either. As I write this it is still snowing here in Toronto. Of course I hadn’t done any yard clean up or putting away the summer furniture. Let’s hope it all melts soon.

Last Thursday was Day One of my new course ‘Exploring Layers: GelPrints and Collage’ and we had such a fun time. I’ll be starting another course in the new year, so please keep it in mind. Perhaps as a gift for someone you know who loves to create.

If you’d like a fun time making your own holiday cards, I will teach gel printing on Fri Nov 28 and Sat Nov 29 in my studio. You’ll make 6 cards and learn the basics of this simple and fun way to share your creativity. Cost is $65.00 for 3 hours of play in my studio. Space is limited.

There are 5 horses galloping in the Riverdale Hub Gallery! David at the Hub has added ‘Eddie’s Horses’ to the cafe and my painting ‘TheDawning of the Age of Aquarius’ to the co-working space. This delightful gallery is full of light and innovation, located on Gerrard St E. near Greenwood Ave.
https://riverdalehub.ca › riverdale-hub-gallery

We’ve set the date for our Holiday Open Studio for Sun Dec 7, noon to 5pm. This year you’ll be able to visit the Labatt Studio Artists and the GWA studio artists. We are hoping that the other artists in the building will join too. There will also be artwork by the bros Fox and Theo.

You might know that I am a bibliomaniac as well as a logophile (not to be confused with a sesquipedalian). While I’m on this subject I also confess to pareidolia which is related to apophonia. I’m sure when you look up pareidolia you’ll get the connection to my art. I was very happy to learn that my ‘condition’ is incurable and will happily continue to create more weird art. All this to say that I read a wonderful book about Francis Picabia, an avant garde artist I’d never heard of who is associated with Dada. The book is ‘Gabriele’ written by Clare and Anne Berest. Let me know if you like it. And as usual, I’m always looking for your favourite new books.

Til the next time, keep living artfully.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Happy gel printers. Marion, Dorothy and Karen

Ready to start class.

Riverdale Hub Gallery, 1326 Gerrard St E.

‘Eddie’s Horses’, 10x10 mixed media on panel, $200 each

‘The Dawning of the Age of Aquarius’ 40 x 30 in, mixed media on canvas, $2500.00 at the Hub

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-11 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

BACK TO FUN!

It was bound to happen sooner or later. Almost 2 months of vacation had to end sometime. As usual, I spent almost all of August in Thunder Bay. Although I wouldn’t call it vacation really. We had a celebration of life for my dear sister Dianne who passed away in April. I miss her so much. We had a lot of wonderfully crazy times together as sisters and as families.

In Sept/Oct. I went on a lovely (and expensive) trip to London. This time we added a tour of Devon and Cornwall which was quite spectacular. I’ll send some photos of my concertina travel journal in the next newsletter.

Before I left, I had started a new series of small works which is called ‘Eddie’s Horses’, inspired by the iconic photographs of Eadweard Muybridge. He pioneered photographic studies of animals in motion. I first saw his horses at the Tate London years ago. I never know when past memories will surface. These are small (10x10 in) wood panels with papers collaged with my gel printed papers. I have so much fun doing the gel printing and as a result, I have a ton of papers. What to do with them? Collage with them of course.

Whenever I show my new collaged mixed media pieces, I get asked how to do it, so I created a course called ‘Exploring Layers : Gel Prints andCollage’. In this course you will have fun making spectacular gel print papers, learn how to prepare a wood panel and use your unique creations to collage a piece of art.

This will be a 5 week course. Each session will be from 10 am to 12:30pm, and we’ll start on Thursday, Nov. 6. The final class will be Thursday Dec 4. All supplies are included. Class size is limited to 4 participants in my studio at 7 Labatt Ave. Price is $240.00. No drawing skill is required (honest) First dibs to my loyal readers. That’s YOU

Below are 2 of ‘Eddie’s Horses’. In the course I will show you how you can create a lovely artwork to amaze your friends and family. Either respond to this email or send an email. Gail@gailwilliamsartist.com.

Til the next time, keep living artfully.

ROCK ON,

Gail

Eddie’s Horses, 30 x 24, mixed media on canvas

Eddie’s Horses - 1, 10 x 10, mixed media on wood panel

Eddie’s Horses - 2, 10 x 10 in, mixed media on wood panel

One of the many selfies Dorothy and I took. This was crossing the Waterloo Bridge after an Uber boat on the Thames. Almost got blown away, but at least the sky was blue.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-10 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

In the SUMMERTIME!!

In the summertime, when the weather is high.

You can stretch right up and touch the sky

I hope I’ve planted an earworm for you today. Summertime is probably the most anticipated season of the year. We’re a bit more relaxed. We make the time to get together with friends by the BBQ or on a patio. My summers have always been in northern Ontario with family but this year will be a poignant one. I recently lost a dear sister with whom I’d spent 75 summers. We sure had some crazy times together. I hope you create some crazy memories with your family too, this year.

In July I have one art show planned, having decided that the outdoor art events require more energy than I’m willing to expend. Please join me for the opening reception at the Neilson Park Creative Centre for IMPACT2025 on Thursday July 10, 7-9. RSVP to me as soon as you can if you are planning on attending.

Neilson Park Creative Centre
56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1V7
416-622-5294
www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com

Reception and Awards:
Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Art Space Connect Gallery

Here’s ‘Homage to the Red Dress’ on the cover of the Taren White Gallery online magazine. Please check out the rest of this exciting feature.

https://online.fliphtml5.com/ndwru/hgjh/

COMING IN JULY…I am so honoured to have one of my paintings in IMPACT 2025, the 32nd annual juried exhibition at the Neilson Park Creative Centre July 8-July 26. ‘Prince’, features a bubble gum pink dog and an adorable youngster, also a prince, done in my Fauvist inspired style, which embraces bold hues in unexpected surroundings.

Prince

36 x 24 in, mixed media on canvas

IMPACT 2025 ,July 8-July26, Neilson Park Creative Centre

Last week we had a very fun time in the studio with a gelli print workshop featuring botanicals. Let me know if you’d like to be on the waitlist and your time preference. Weekend/weekday/evening or daytime.

If you want to have an Outdoor Home Party, I can bring all supplies. It’s a super fun and easy way to create something beautiful. No experience or talent required.

Thanks Anne, Joanne, Jacqueline and Felicity. We had a blast.

This will be my last ‘official’ newsletter until Sept. Although if something super exciting is happening you’ll be the first to know.

I am so grateful for your support,

ROCK ON,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-09 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

I’m a COVER GIRL!

Well…my art is. I am thrilled that my art was chosen to be on the cover of the Taren White Gallery online magazine spring 2025 issue. Taren put ‘Homage to the Red Dress’ on the cover in a stunningly sophisticated setting. Inside you’ll find 3 more recent paintings. I’ve attached one of the pages of the magazine below. It features one of my new ‘Crossroads’ series pieces. If you want to see these artworks in the flesh, I invite you to my studio. Here is the link to the magazine. Viewing is more enjoyable on a larger screen.

https://online.fliphtml5.com/ndwru/hgjh/

WELL THAT WAS FUN !

What a great time we had at Peg’s annual ART SHOW in her lovely home and garden. Tons of visitors and so many loyal clients came out to support local artists and Indspire, a non-profit that encourages indigenous youth.

I don’t think I’ve ever shown you one of my darling portraits from the series ‘She, He, They Said’ This one is ‘She Said She Was Shy’. It was taken from one of my life drawings that I had done at Central Connection, at Withrow Park Community Centre. It’s a drop in, no instruction class with live model every Monday. It’s always open to new members. https://centralconnection.ca ›

She’s such a sweetie. 16x20, acrylic on wood panel

Here’s Karen (kitchen manager, Mel ( jeweller) and I having fun at Peg’s on the WE. Karen also repaints Peg’s home after the show. I can hook you up. Mel of course is @justsparkleca.

Peg Graham, hostess with the mostest and talented artist Dahlia, @peg.graham.75 and @splashofdahlia

COMING IN JULY…I am so honoured to have one of my paintings in IMPACT 2025, the 32nd annual juried exhibition at the Neilson Park Creative Centre July 8-July 26. ‘Prince’, features a bubble gum pink dog and an adorable youngster, also a prince, done in my Fauvist inspired style, which embraces bold hues in unexpected surroundings.

Prince

36 x 24 in, mixed media on canvas

IMPACT 2025 ,July 8-July26, Neilson Park Creative Centre

Always grateful for your support,

ROCK ON,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2025-08 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Flip Flop

And I wish I was referring to footwear! Our Ontario weather is keeping us guessing, moving from winter to spring and back again. Is it teasing your inner gardener? I don’t do a lot of planting but I do love a bit of colour of course. Do you have any reliable shade favourites? I need some suggestions please.

SAVE THE DATE

Only a few more sleeps til THE ART SHOW. 16 excited and talented artists will be together at the art event of the season at Peg’s lovely home and garden. Peg has been holding this wonderful party for 13 years to feature her many artist friends, clients and as a fundraiser for various causes. I hope you’ll come out to support us and Indspire too next WE.

You’ll be able to see ‘The Conversation’ in the flesh. I’ll show you how I used the gelli printed papers to create this unique artwork.

I am so honoured to have one of my paintings in IMPACT 2025, the 32nd annual juried exhibition at the Neilson Park Creative Centre July 8-July 26. ‘Prince’, features a bubble gum pink dog and an adorable youngster, also a prince, done in my Fauvist inspired style, which embraces bold hues in unexpected surroundings.

Have you seen the current Taren White Gallery Magazine? It’s online and I am thrilled to be a feature artist in this issue. Taren is a super talented curator and gallerist who has moved her gallery online. As well she is a talented artist in her own right. I am so proud to be associated with her. You can find her @tarenwhitegallery on IG. Look for the launch on June 1.

Do you pay attention to what you pay attention to? That is one way YOU can live artfully. I’ve mentioned the inspiring book ‘The Art of Noticing’ by Rob Walker, before, but it is worth repeating. Especially in these times in which we are living. What grabs your eye? Pay attention or perhaps seek out those small bursts of whatever brings joy to your heart. The more you are aware, the more you will see and know that there is beauty all around.

Always grateful for your support,

ROCK ON,

Gail

The Conversation

36 x 24 in mixed media on canvas

The Art Show, May 31-June 1, 64A Queensbury Ave, Warden/Kingston Rd. 11 am - 6 pm

Prince

36 x 24 in, mixed media on canvas

IMPACT 2025 ,July 8-July26, Neilson Park Creative Centre

MAY CALENDAR

Currently..Chasing Light, the Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART