2020-25 Living Artfully

Haallooooo.....Dear Art Lover                      

I Just Can't Help It

Have you figured out your Hallowe'en costume yet? Mine is in the planning stage. [see attachments] However, my favourite Hallowe'en song is Werewolves of London with David Lindley. My sister,Dianne, is the culprit for introducing me to this track and I start howling when I hear it. There doesn't even have to be a moon. Be careful when listening. You might start braying at the moon too.

David Lindley & El Rayo X - Werewolves of London - YouTube
 
You might have figured out that I like to have fun. It is one of three things I value in my art practise as well. The other two are courage and vulnerability. Having fun is easy but also a little scary. That's why I value courage. Sometimes I am called to just paint over some part of a painting that I like. Or I might feel that I need to spray the entire thing with water and then see what is revealed. It's never a straight line for me. It takes courage to do that. And it takes being able to show my work to others who just don't get it! That's when vulnerability shows up. I think of courage and vulnerability like the chicken and the egg statement. But as I say above...I just can't help it. It's what makes my painting a compulsion. And hopefully someone will get it. Actually, I have a loyal crew of support and I am extremely grateful.

Very soon I am releasing my SISU series. More on that later, but I wanted to share a part of my process that I use when I make my Grandma paintings [there's a clue for you] I developed the image while drawing with my eyes closed. I challenge you to think of an image. It could be anything. Something you know really well. An apple perhaps. Close your eyes and imagine you are holding it in your hand. Feel the shape of it. Maybe imagine how it smells and how it connects with you. Take a piece of paper and draw the shape with your eyes closed..slowly. Imagine your finger tracing the outline. I think you will be quite surprised at the outcome.

Here's another toe tapper for you. No howling..just some feel good music and a little eye candy.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/-iP27eatYxE

Till next week , I wish you well.

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-24 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

It's Gonna Be a Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day

Don't you wish it was a bright sunshiny day everyday? Especially when it's not, like it is today. However, I've been told it will be like that tomorrow. If you lived in Thunder Bay, the Sunshine Capital of Canada, you might actually get tired of all those blue skies [NOT] .

This week I've been inspired by an online mini course in rediscovering clarity and focus. If you want to check it out, you still can join. It's free and no pressure at all. It's about reminding yourself about what lights you up in any creative endeavour, like life for example. Remembering the things you got excited about when you were a kid. Perhaps some dream or idea you had that you abandoned when the responsibilities of life were calling. It's on Facebook on Nicholas Wilton's page in Art2Life. The breadcrumbs challenge. 

If you follow me on Instagram you can see a fun video of how I sometimes start a painting. It's on IGTV.  One of my priorities is to have fun and this process is definitely unpredictable. I've attached two photos of where I changed that canvas. More work is needed and I guarantee I'll be having fun.

I realize that not everyone likes abstract art, so I thought I would suggest a way to help you create something realistic. Take any photo you like. Turn it upside down and then draw it. Throw out the idea of what you think it should look like, just follow the lines. Then turn your paper right side up and I think you'll be surprised at how accurate your drawing is. My sister Patty [ I have 4 others, BTW] sent me a photo of one of her drawings she did that way and it is very good. I think she had fun too.

Til next time,  

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-23 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

You Can Light The World Up With Your Smile

Well....NOT a sunny day as I write this today. The leaves are blowing off the trees and it's cold, and rainy... BRRR. We had such a nice long stretch of sun and blue skies so I guess we need this. At least that's what I'm trying to convince myself of. However, it's not below zero here yet. My sister in Thunder Bay says she's sending that weather down here. 

Thank you to all the folks who responded to last week's letter. 'It's a Wonderful World' evokes emotion for so many. It is one of my favourites too. This week's 'tagline' has been running through my head since Ben commented on one of my Instagram stories. I thought it was an appropriate one for this gloomy day. It's all about attitude isn't it? I've been thinking about my attitude toward the restrictions. Like many, I really don't like them. I'll do it but do I have to like it? How would my experience change if I changed my attitude?  Helpful advice is appreciated.

A new series is coming out which I am very excited about. It's called the 'Sisu' Series. Sisu is a Finnish word that is not easily translatable to one word in English. It means determination, courage, and strength of purpose and my Grandma was the embodiment of it to me. I have created a series of Grandma paintings in the past, and this collection has been so much fun to make. I had an 'AHA' moment while painting last week. I was grinding the paintbrush and I mean really pushing the paint  onto the wood panel. It felt so pleasurable and reminded me of the time Fox was using a sparkly marker to do the same. He was just loving putting the colour on the paper. It made me think of how art is not about the end result at all. It is about the process. That is so easy to forget when I am trying to make a 'good' painting. 

Please take a chance on yourself and just make some squibbles on a piece of paper. Find the crayons and dig right in. There is no right or wrong way. 

Another avenue that I'm exploring now is with Nicholas Wilton in his Art2Life Breadcrumbs Challenge on Facebook. It's a FREE one week course about creativity..any discipline, no experience required. It starts on Monday, but he is already putting content in the group. There's always the opportunity to learn something new. The internet is s treasure trove. www.art2life.com


Attached you will find a photo of 'The Way is Clear' hanging on a wall in the studio,  and a size guide to help you visualize paintings, which I think is brilliant!


Until next week,

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-22 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

I See Skies of Blue, Red Roses Too

Hope this letter finds you well. We have been blessed with some pretty spectacular fall colour this season. This is my favourite time of the year. Yesterday we had a very windy but sunny day. I love a good wind! Those ones where the leaves are blown off the branches. I find it very exciting. Almost as good as a noisy thunderstorm by the lake.

Today just happens to be World Sight Day. Which made me think of the incomparable Louis and the song title I have referenced. One of my sisters ,[I am lucky to have 5!!!] had a cataract surgery yesterday.  And..with full disclosure, I am playing russian roulette with my blood glucose and therefore potential for diminishing eyesight. I've been an ostrich, ignoring my climbing BG. No worries at the moment, but I do know the effects of continuing on this path. I have had success in the recent past with lowering it, and have made the commitment to return to a program that works for me. So far so good this week.

This has been such a stressful time for all of us and I would encourage you to ask me anything about painting or techniques. I know that creating can reduce stress levels. As you have seen, I love to experiment. I'm all about the 'What If' approach. If you've watched my Instagram account you might see me using Wetwipes. What the heck! They're not only good for cleaning hands but great at creating texture. You can either lay them flat on the painting and press off part of the  last surface or you can scrub away.  Give them a try. I'd love to see what you come up with.

My entrepreneurial daughter Joanna @caveandcrown [she makes delightful items with a bohemian vibe BTW] alerted me to this article from the Guardian about a little known female abstract artist from the 1900's, who didn't get the recognition she deserved in her lifetime. The documentary will come out soon.
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/oct/06/hilma-af-klint-abstract-art-beyond-the-visible-film-documentary

I'm attaching 2 recent paintings. One is 'The Eyes of the World', and the other is 'Yakyakyak'  I'm sure you can guess which is which. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and friends.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Until next week,

Rock on,

GAIL

2020-21 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover                  

Done is Better Than Perfect

Hope this letter finds you well. Are you waiting for the other shoe to drop? By that I mean the announcement of a second wave of restrictions. I'm happy that Fox is continuing in school. He is in Grade One and just loves it. The other day he read a book from cover to cover and was over the moon. I am just thankful every day for some normalcy.

As I'm sure you know, I am challenged on the tech side, so I need a lot of help. And I get a lot of it from many different sources. Today I'm attaching an article that appeared in our local paper, the Beach Metro News. Hopefully you can read some of it. I wanted to attach as a PDF, but couldn't figure it out...oh well. I'm happy to be learning something new every day. Along with reacquainting myself with the mother tongue of Finnish on Duolingo. The synapses are firing somewhere in the brain at least.

One thing I would like to ask you, is about prints of my art. Please check out my website and give me some feedback about which pieces would appeal to you as a print. And also would you prefer a giclee, which is a print on canvas or one on paper that would need to be framed. Of course I can order smaller sizes and the price would reflect that. I am not asking you to purchase. This is for my information to help me make a decision about whether or not to go ahead. I really appreciate your input. www.gailwilliamsartist.com.

Today I'd like to share a few of my favourite contemporary buddies in the art world. You know my humour is a little warped sometimes so bear with me. I admire many different styles and artists for various reasons. Like my eclectic choice of music, my art loves are very different. I'll put their instagram titles so you can find them easily or check their websites if you're so inclined.

@stevenjamestunny...a UK artist who has an irreverent sensibility
@catstambolic.art... a Toronto artist who is really making a name for herself
@magdalena.morey.artist... a Spanish landscape [mostly] of swoon worthy paintings
@jenniferpazienza...a New Brunswick painter of dreamy landscapes

I'd love your reflections on where your interest in art lies and any questions too.

Wishing you a wonderful WE.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

ROCK ON

Gail

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2020-20 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

You Raise Me Up

Already another week has rolled around! Yesterday it was as if summer was back..30 degrees here in Toronto, which I can handle as the night cools. In the heat waves of July, I'm a total puddle..a bitchy one at that. How about you? Do you revel in the heat? 

This week I was fortunate to be able to host a distanced dinner party on my deck with good friends. This particular group, the Paint Chicks, go back quite a few years and I usually have a summer solstice in June out there. But you know what happened. So we had a smaller group and thankfully the weather cooperated. We reminisced about the first trip we took to France together and all the good times shared at the cottage. It started me thinking that good friends are what keep me going. They've helped me in countless ways. Check out #JoshGroban #YouRaiseMeUp #Vault to see his moving youtube of the song.

As well, I am surrounded with helpers on many levels. My niece Lise, an accomplished audio creator, helps me with my website and many other techie issues. She just updated my website and I had a lot of catching up to do. There's a new 'About' page too. I was almost cross eyed by the time I finished sending her all the new art. She might have been too.

This week I received two interesting emails. Mira suggested I look into Mandalas on the art-is-fun.com site. Mandalas are so meditative. Bev sent me a fascinating video from Facebook that will amaze you I'm sure. 
https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins/videos/322326368877763/?vh=e&extid=8SHnTx06NR5JBfBc&d=n


I'm including the ad for the Art Walk in the Square #artwalksquare.ca.so you can visit  my virtual booth and the other 99 artists. Lots of choice and you can do it from the comfort of home. Although nothing beats a real hug. Also there is a photo of the recent painting 'A Gathering of Friends', 40 x 30 . We can always arrange a distanced private viewing any time. Hope you like what you see.

Til next week,

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-19 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover 

I get by with a little help from my friends

Here we are again! Back at it. How has your summer been? Besides HOT...at least that's how it was for quite a few weeks here in Toronto. Fall is my favourite season. Not only because it's cooler, but I love all those gorgeous fall colours..the oranges, the reds and the glorious yellows. I hope you had some time to enjoy a swim in a lake and take walks to enjoy nature. 

This will definitely be the summer to remember. Perhaps you've been reaching out to long lost friends and relatives, making the connections that were previously procrastinated on with the excuse of 'too busy'. It is  poignant to see families walking together, playing in the parks and cycling along.
My heart broke to hear of friends losing loved ones and the tragic condition of our senior's residences. Let's hope we learn some lessons from this unexpected turn of events.

My time was spent connecting with friends and family in a different way  and also by keeping up with the painting and the business of art. I've taken a few courses in online marketing and painting technique. I haven't decided what will be the focus on future Facebook live videos, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed doing them.

I have entered the upcoming ArtWalk in the Square online gallery show starting Sept 25- Oct 9.
Check out artwalksquare.ca . 100 artists with 2000 pieces of art. Something for everyone.

My sister , Bev sent me a link to a fun 'painting' video. My advice is to not try this at home 
[lol] I can just see I would have paint everywhere especially on myself.

https://www.facebook.com/johnnonnyofficial/videos/1974823056158577/?vh=e&extid=SDTeS5nfFUyBixnL&d=n

I love to discover all sorts of art making ideas, so please send  me some.

I'm attaching two recent paintings.Can you guess which is which? One is 30 x 24, acrylic on paper, entitled ' No, You Can't Come In!'. The other is ' The Eyes of the World', is 30 x 24, acrylic on canvas. Both will be in the ArtWalk in the Square online show. I hope you take the time to visit my virtual booth. It would be so lovely to visit in person. If you want a private screening please get in touch.

Til next week,

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-18 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover     TRAVELS FROM MY DECK   GG TAKES A STAYCATION

Well..it was hot last week and I'm sure that lovely (?) weather is coming back as it always does here in this steamy city. Sorry, but I am not a fan. I know... I get told that's because I was brought up in the far north, but really, must we?! I'll just get my whinging done right now. I imagine that this summer is going to look a lot different for all of us.

Did you have plans you've had to cancel? This will be my first summer ever that I have not been in the beautifully sunny, but not so hot paradise, AKA Thunder Bay. Did you know that Thunder Bay is the sunshine capital of Canada?

If your'e looking for things to do where there are no crowds, look no further than the Riverdale Online Artwalk show.
https://www.eventeny.com/events/riverdale-artwalk-online-show-and-sale-601/
No masks, no distancing,no sunscreen required and no need to fight off the hordes visiting my virtual booth in this virtual show. Perhaps you will find that perfect painting that will transport you down memory lane every time you look at it. 

One such painting of mine is in 'The Woods' Series called 'Let's Go This Way' . It is a reminder of a hike I was taking with my daughter in northern Ontario. The previous winter, a violent ice storm had bent the trees so much that by the time summer came, they were still bowed over. Do you have a picture in your mind's eye that you can still see? A time with a loved one on a little adventure? In the woods or in the city? Cherished time is worth more than gold isn't it?

If you find something on my website you would like a closer look at, we can arrange a porch visit. I can even let you have it on loan to see how it works in your space.

Just for fun, I am sending a link for a street art site that has some amazing stuff. I have a not so secret ambition to be a graffiti grandma. I might not get the gig though as I go to bed so early.
www.brooklynstreetart.com

Attached today is the first painting I sold online called 'Memories of Birdsong' Since showing it on FB, it has received so much love I thought I would give it another chance to shine. It was part of my Ghost Series. There are still a few pieces left in that set.  Take a gander. One of them might be just what your'e looking for.

And..the winner is Barbara! Congratulations. You have won a momento of my art!


Best Wishes for a wonderful summer. I am taking a vacation or staycation as it happens.
And if you haven't guessed it yet, I'm GG (Grandma Gail) to Fox and Theo
See you in late August. Until then, keep washing those hands.

                                YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on

Gail

2020-17 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            The Expansion of Bubbles


Please excuse the philosophical heading today. I'm reading one of my favourite authors, Alexander McCall Smith and his language is creeping into my thoughts. That's not necessarily a bad thing. He is a very prolific writer. One of my loved characters of his, is Bertie, the 7 year old boy whose mother sends him to a psychoanalyst, yoga classes and trombone lessons, and makes him wear pink overalls. You may be familiar with his Ladie's #1 Detective series. However, once again I digress.

Do you have bubbles on your mind? Have you decided who will be let in? We had the family for BBQ last WE, and very tasty they were! Let's hope we can keep expanding.

I absolutely love getting suggestions from readers. Last week, my sister, Beverley, sent me 2 fun ideas. The first is 'Frisbee art', the second one is pendulum pouring.

https://www.facebook.com/justinflomofficial/videos/2933140173450453/?vh=e&d=n

https://youtu.be/2EakwlVrX_Q  Enjoy the shows.

Please join my FB live on Friday at 1pm for an artist talk on 'Where's The Party?'
It will be on my Gail Williams Artist page. This painting is in my virtual booth at the virtual art fair Riverdale Online Artwalk. Who knew that my art would connect with this locked down state and social justice. Global consciousness is being revealed through my art. The interesting thing to me is that it is not a conscious decision at the time of creation.

Here you will see another picture of Fox. He is holding the latest art I bought from Elke Trittel in France. It only took a week to get here. We should be so lucky with our postal service. You can see her delightful creations on her IG, elketrittel.

Weekly winner of a momento of my art is Andrea. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Keep on keeping on, best wishes for good health.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

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2020-16 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover               Dragons And Little Boys

So...how are you this week? There were so many responses to last week's newsletter. I can't thank you enough for the considered thoughts.

After the tumultuous events happening all around us and the calls to action that many people are pondering, I'm hoping that we can create a kinder, more just world. I've often thought that it was enough that I be a good person and that the way I lived my life was enough. However, it has become apparent that more is required of me. Speaking up instead of being afraid to rock the boat. Undoubtedly the opportunities will present themselves.

Things in the art world are starting to show up again. I am still participating in the #artistsupportpledgecanada. The remaining pieces will be on my website shortly. But of course I have already bought my pieces of art. One from my buddy Liz. See her posts at studio888art on IG.The other piece is from a French artist Elke Trittel (elketrittel on IG). Who knows how long it will take to come from France!

It is very exciting that the Riverdale Artwalk is online. This year you don't have to think of sunscreen or umbrellas. You can shop from your living room and take all the time you want in the many booths. Take a spin in my virtual booth in the virtual art fair. See 'real' art you can hang on your 'real' walls.
Riverdale ArtWalk. www.eventeny.com/company/?c

One of my purposes in doing this letter is to spread the artistic word. I was very moved  to receive a wonderful message from Roseanne thanking  me for  'opening the door to this form of human expression for her. It has been really a great experience for her to see how I build my work and the process I use.' Thanks again. RAP!

Here there be DRAGONS!!  And little boys who love them!! Attached you will find a photo of my Fox and his drawing from Fun Monster Drawing, a Facebook Live video I do every Tuesday on my Gail Williams Artist page. It has been a blast to do these videos. I break down the images to simple shapes so everyone can follow along. Thank goodness for the internet.

On Fridays at 1pm, I do a Facebook Live featuring my Painting of the Week. This week 'Block Party' is featured. I've heard of lots of cool street parties that have got neighbourhoods getting to know each other better. Michael organized a Trivial Pursuit game party for us and we had so much fun. I think he is cooking up another event soon. Thanks Mike!

I can't wait until we can all hug and kiss each other again. Party plans are expanding even if my bubble is not so much.

YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-15 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover - So this just happened..

Really not sure where to start, so I am just jumping in with it.

Many of you may know that I have been married for 50 years (to the same man) and that man is black. You may have figured it out from a photo or two I have posted of our daughters. But today I am sending a wedding picture from 1970. My husband has no family so we haven't had the experience of many mixed marriages. Of course we have been the targets of racism, but here in Canada, it is oh so subtle. But not less hurtful and wrong.

 This has been such a confusing and outrageous time of conflict for so many people. I would like to say for all people but I fear that is not the case.  I find it heartbreaking to witness. And I struggle in knowing what I should do and say.

My daughter Ingrie, has sent along a link which you might like to check out.

https://www.fridaythings.com/recent-posts/how-to-be-an-ally-george-floyd-black-lives-matte

How to Be A Good Ally To Your Black Friends — Friday Things This week’s news cycle has been heavy—especially for Black people. Here’s what non-Black POC, Indigenous and white people can do to help.
www.fridaythings.com

Another reader and former neighbour, Peggysent along a link that I think might also be helpful.
CNN and Sesame Street are doing a Town Hall for Kids and Families, Saturday morning June 6.   https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/us/cnn-sesame-street-standing-up-to-racism/index.html

I think that equality in all things has to happen, but I know that true equality might never happen. There will always be groups who think they are better than the rest and deserve to be in power.  Human decency and respect is the right of all.

In ongoing art biz, my paintings for #artistsupportpledgecanada have had a great response. I have 12 pieces that are all 14x17in.mixed media on heavy WC paper. The special price is $200 (regularly $300) unframed. I am calling this the Chrysallis Collection. When I have sold $1000 of  my art I pledge to buy another artists's work. It is a great way to start or add to your collection of original art at a lower price point. I have sold 4 already. You can see Lorrie with her new purchase. And I am adding two more for your viewing pleasure. The whole collection is on Instagram and Facebook, but I can send you photos of  the ones that are still available.

Rock on..in peace, love and respect.

          YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

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2020-14 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover - Take Time To Smell the Roses

Hope you are continuing to keep well, washing your hands, and wearing your designer masks. Are you having street parties? Distanced coffees dates? Virtual cocktail hours? Are you over the novelty of Zoom? I must say yes to all of the above, especially the Zoom. 

Doesn't it seem like everything just suddenly starts popping out of the ground? We get a few days of warmth and a little rain and the earth releases it's glory that has been waiting. How quickly we can forget the long days of dark winter.

A dear friend of mine, Ruth, who now lives in Salt Spring Island sent me the most wondrous email. I am sure you will agree that is is stunning. Please click on the link to see what I mean The only downside is that this happens in New York, not Toronto or anywhere in Canada that I know of https://lewismillerdesign.com/flower-flash/

I love getting emails from friends who know how much I love art related events. Mira from Ottawa sent me this one. Although I am not fluent in French I get the gist. https://eipmh.com/joyful-as-painting-child-an-evening-with-arno-stern/  Wouldn't I have loved to have had an art teacher like that?!

Theresa sent this suggestion..check it out..you can do a free trial to watch it. https://watch.mhzchoice.com/the-art-of-crime...crime and art together sounds intriguing to me!

As I announced in last week's newsletter, I am participating in the #artistsupportpledgecanada . The pledge is a way to support artists at this time when we cannot show our art at art fairs and galleries. I have 12 pieces of art to sell for $200 each. When I have sold $1000 worth, I pledge to buy art from another artist. I am launching my 'Chrysallis Collection' on Monday June 1 to the general public, but I am offering it to my newsletter followers first . These paintings are regularly priced at $300. They are 14x17in, mixed media on paper, unframed. It is a great way to start or add to your original art collection at a lower price point. I attach 2 more of the collection . Let me know if you would like to see all of them and I will send them to you. First come, first serve. I have already pre sold 3 of them.  

Don't forget you can draw along with me on Tuesday on my Facebook page, Gail Williams. I'm doing Fun Monster Drawing for kids and adults at 12:30. Fox and Theo give me inspiration every week. 

And the winner of this weeks' draw is Emily..congratulations!

Rock on

            YOUR HOME     YOUR STYLE     MY ART

Gail

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