2021-05 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

It's a New Dawn

What is it about a few sunny days? Just a few in a row and I'm already feeling good. Just like that Nina Simone song. Has it been shining where you are, despite the annoyance of this f___ng lockdown?

Of course, I have been blessed with a new and larger studio space to work in. I've also been challenging myself with a '30 heads in 30 days' project. If you see the Instagram posts you will see what I have been doing. My intention is not to create a realistic likeness, but I have been surprising myself with some of the results.  
Even if I get just one feature nailed, it seems to do the trick. It's also keeping me honest.

Doing this every day reminds me of the Chuck Close quote... ' Amateurs look for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and do the work'. I met him at his show at the Buffalo art gallery years ago when my buddies, Dorothy and Angela and I went on a road trip. It was just after an extremely heavy snow storm. There were streets littered with downed trees. It was a spectacular sight. You would recognize Chuck's work I'm sure. He did huge photorealistic portraits. But the amazing thing about him is that he had a stroke in 1988 and worked from a wheelchair . He had this awesome rig built to lift his chair up so he could paint portraits 50 times life-size.

I tried to upload a youtube of Chuck entitled 'Chuck, Up Close ' but just couldn't figure out how to do it. It's worth a watch and only a few minutes long.

I would also guess that he would have some assistants. And do I ever know the value of helpers! My niece, Lise, has helped me with so much instruction about computer related issues that I'm sure she must be banging her head against the wall after some of our calls. She has the patience of a saint.

You may have heard that I am going to be making prints of some of my larger paintings. I'm hoping to open the shop on March 1. If you have any suggestions about the size of a print or a particular painting you'd like in a print, please let me know. They will be limited editions and considerably lower in price. I have my favourites, but I am always surprised by what others choose.

Today I'm adding two of the portraits I've done. They are only 6x6 in on paper, done with a mix of media..watercolour pencils and crayon, and acrylic markers.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON

GAIL

2021-04 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          
Doing the Happy Dance

Today the sun is shining and we have had some snow. Which is nice for a while. It looks so sparkly and bright. But here in the city it really doesn't stay that way too long.

However, I am doing the happy dance because I have just acquired a room of my own. An empty studio became available in our building and I grabbed it. We have been told that we will have our space til June of this year. So I am going to enjoy this experience to the max. I'm planning on getting prints made of some of my paintings very soon. So stay tuned for some new things coming out of the Gail Williams Gallery.

Some of you might be as big fans of the National Geographic magazine as I am. Thanks to friends such as Darlene, I have an almost inexhaustible supply. I use them in my collaging and often get carried away reading the articles. Long story, short, an article on colour, led me down the rabbit hole. Somewhat like Facebook. Apparently blue is the most popular colour historically. Blue dye is made synthetically most often now, but long ago, it was made from hermaphroditic snails. Bet you didn't know that !! But again, I digress. It comes as no surprise to me that one of my faves, cerulean blue, is predicted as a top favourite this year. A clear blue with a hint of grey to remind us of bright skies.

Let's hope that this is what 2021 will be.

Have you been checking my Instagram feed? I'm making fun portraits in a 30 headsin 30 days challenge. The common denominator is that they are portraits and 6x6 in on paper. I use a variety of media. It would be fun to have you join me. Just a fun project to do for yourself or maybe the grandkids.

Today I'm adding 2 photos of the same painting 'The Way is Clear', 40x30 in, acrylic on canvas, gallery wrapped, ready to hang on the wall. Available for purchase. One is with a room app, the other hanging in the atrium of the studio. If your'e interested in a live, distanced, viewing just let me know.


Til next time,

ROCK ON,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART


GAIL

2021-03 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Be The Light

WOW !!!

She stole the show yesterday didn't she? Were you as impressed as I was with the amazing Amanda Gorman at the inauguration yesterday? Her glowing and inspiring performance, her heartfelt words, and her youthfulness has given me hope. I'm not a person who reads the news daily, but I'm glad I watched yesterday.

Even with the continued lockdown, I've been looking at a lot of art online and creating every day. One of my buddies, Zoey Zoric, www.zoeyzoric.com introduced me to a little challenge on Instagram #30headsin30days. I chose to do small 6x6 in. portraits using watercolour pencils and ink pens. What fun! Mine are not intended to be realistic but rather as fun pieces of exploration. Perhaps you would like to give it a try.

Last week I mentioned that I've put some of my art in Partial Gallery. I've since found out that they also support local initiatives such as SKETCH.

Partial Gallery is a proud member of SKETCH’s BFF Program, donating 1% from every art sale and rental to their organization’s mission to celebrate and engage young people as culture makers, perception changers and collaborators in building creative communities.

If you want to find me there, look up https://gailwilliams.partial.gallery/

Today, I'm adding a recent painting called 'The Court of Lucy'. Again I've put it in two different 'rooms' and I've also added a few detail shots. This painting is 40x30 in, gallery wrapped acrylic.

Til next time,

Rock on,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

GAIL

2021-02 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover      
With a lot of help from my friends

Well, here we go again! A state of emergency in Ontario. I'm really trying to stay positive but it's getting not only annoying but depressing as well. I hope you've got a crew to help you out when your'e not on top of your game. I am very grateful that I have a lot of friends that help me out and that I am able to help out.

I thought you might like to see some happy art so I've added 'A Gathering of Friends' into two different room settings. There is a 'room app' that I've become addicted to. It helps to visualize art in spaces. I wish it was as easy to change a room colour [just a click of a button] I'd love to know if you prefer traditional or contemporary settings.

When I was thinking of how we can get through this time, of course I thought of how valuable our friendships are, so I googled friend songs and found this old video from the Beatles. Hope you enjoy it. It's a trip down memory lane for me.
The Beatles - With A Little Help From My Friend LIVE ( Rare Color Ringo Starr Sing ) Laser Disk

Last week I mentioned that I have put some art in Partial Gallery. It is rent to own website. I have added the correct info so you can easily find me.
https://gailwilliams.partial.gallery
One day I will be sending out info for real gallery shows. Hopefully this year.

BTW I love when you send me replies and requests. Keep them coming.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON

GAIL

2021-01 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover        
No words

It's the day after the incredible events of what happened in Washington. I'm at a loss to express how very sad I'm feeling about what went on. The whole thing was surreal. Now I know that all the hatred is very real. Is this the bottom of the pit or are we going to see more evil behaviour?

This was intended to be celebratory welcome to 2021, but I'm sorry I just can't seem to get those images out of my head. It's like 9/11again or visions of waving Nazi flags.

Who knows how this will appear in my artwork? But I have the confidence that it will.

But for today, I'll just get on with it.

Some good news is that we have an extension to our studio lease til June 2021. A cherished space to create is a gift for which I am very grateful.

I've also added my artwork in the Partial Gallery. It's a rent to own online gallery. You can rent my art for up to 3 months at a time and have the rental deducted from your purchase if you wish to buy the art. Or you can return it and get another one. https://www.partial.gallery

Today I'm adding the first completed painting for 2021. It's called 'Stirring Up Ghosts' and is 20 x 16 in, acrylic on wood panel. If you can see this in your space or want to see it for real just let me know. We can do a distanced viewing or even a FaceTime.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON

Gail

2020-32 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

So...did you figure it out? Of course you did! Just thought I'd have a little fun with you. I'd love to hear you try to pronounce the Finnish though. It is an Uralic language connected to Hungarian. And if you know any of the Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania you would have no problem. I cannot speak Finnish very well at all, but I'm having fun using an app to exercise my grey cells.

It means the world to me that you support my second career as an artist by being interested in what I'm doing and buying my art. I've met so many great people along the way and have learned so much. I really cannot thank you enough.

My wish for you is to have a wonderful holiday this year, no matter what it looks like.

We are all hoping to get back to some sort of normality. Perhaps this situation has brought home the importance of personal connection and not taking so much for granted. I wish you good health, success and prosperity in 2021.

The COASTER GIVEAWAY this week is Susan. Congratulations Susan. I'll have those into the mail for you right away.

This newsletter would not be complete without a little grandma bragging. Fox and Theo decorated themselves up for the photo op. They are so excited of course.

This is the last newsletter for the this happy year 2020. Again I thank you for all your responses to me and I wish you and your family a great holiday.

Have a listen to this beautiful rendition of one of my favourite Christmas songs. Courtesy of my baby sister, Ellen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pggyHEiTls&feature=youtu.be

See you next year :)

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK YOUR JINGLE BELLS !!!

GAIL

2020-31 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Have You Ever Seen Those Chestnuts?

All kidding aside...I'd love to know if you have done it. If not that, then what is one Christmas tradition that you follow? Saying it's going to be different is the understatement of the year. This year, no matter what tradition you celebrate, it's probably going to be the one you remember for a very long time.

But no matter what, I'm still making and baking. Since we have a professional baker in the family...Joanna, and a chef, Vlad, we always have a tasty feast as I'm sure you have also. One of my favourite things to make is tourtière. My Mom used to make it every Christmas eve. I love it with homemade chilli sauce, which I might be lucky to get from my sister Ellen. She makes the best you've ever tasted!

For my craft this year, I made an accordion journal for my graphic novelist grandson Fox. He comes home from school every day and starts drawing and writing the captions. A new story every day. It's super easy to make one for yourself or your aspiring author.

You fold a long piece of paper back and forth into an accordion. If you need a longer piece of paper, just tape some pages together and fold until you have it the size you want. Super easy.

Since our Gifts For The Soul market is not happening this year. I'd like to showcase two creatives who have been in previous shows. Contact them directly for some beautiful gifts.

1. Beverly Allen makes gorgeous 100% silk scarves uniquely designed using dyes she lovingly extracts from local plants. Each is a treasure that is good for the planet and good for you. Approx 22" X 72", hand washable. Shipping is included. Contact her at BeverlyAllenArtist.com.

2. Lorrie King has been in several shows with her stunning pottery. Made of porcelain and stoneware, her pieces are functional and beautiful. Perfect for everyday use. Contact her on Instagram @lorriekingpottery.

The COASTER GIVEAWAY winner this week is Steve. Congratulations Steve, I'll send a set of coasters your way this week. Next week will be the last giveaway of the year. If you know someone who would like to receive my newsletter and be in the running for a giveaway , refer them to my website where they can sign up. www.gailwilliamsartist.com

If you've ever thought that you would like to give a gift of my art, I do gift certificates.

Til next week,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-30 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

Coasters Coasters Coasters

You thought I was going to say 'My two front teeth' didn't you? That was such a popular holiday song when I was a kid, but I don't seem to hear it as much. We [my 5 sisters and 2 brothers] [yes I am the oldest of 8] thought it was so funny when we whistled 'teeth'.

Actually, Fox lost his two front teeth this year. I'll have to teach him that song.

So..back to Coasters...You might be wanting to add something to that hostess bottle of wine you aren't taking to all the holiday parties, and I have just the thing. See the attachments below for the sets I have available. Only $35.00 . My gift to you is I'm paying the shipping.

And....in the final 3 newsletters of this amazing year , I am doing a COASTER GIVEAWAY!!

The winner today is Paulette. Yeah for Paulette. She was my locker neighbour way back when I was at the Odette Centre, part of Sunnybrook Hospital. My sincere thanks to all healthcare workers.

In the spirit of giving, I am offering any of my 6x6 collages on wood panels for only $50.00. Some are funny and some are just gorgeous. One attachment shows my wall of collages form the olden days of Gifts For The Soul. Send me a message and I'll send you some photos. Some of those are still available.

Are you making a list of the holiday movies you watch every year? I know that Joanna's is "it's A Wonderful Life". That used to be mine also, but it has been replaced by 'Love Actually' I know that soundtrack by heart and so does my studio roomie.

I'd love to know what yours is. And your favourite Christmas carol or song.

Til next week,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-29 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

Everywhere you go

Honest I really did see a snowman! It was kind of tiny but it was a snowman. And now it's all gone again. I hope we get more and that it stays around for the holidays. Then it can melt away. Are you praying for that white stuff to cover up our world with some magic. We really do need some magic don't we?

In the past 4 years I have organized ourGifts For The SoulHoliday Market and was hoping that we would be celebrating our 5th anniversary in person. But of course, that's not to be the case this year. We will all miss seeing your face and wishing you a wonderful holiday season and prosperous new year. It means a lot that you have supported us through the years and we are very appreciative . We wouldn't be able to do this without you.

Instead, I will pass on to you several of the previous creators with their details so you support them again. Also, to see what new items they have made this year. I know they have all been busy with new designs and products.

Joanna Williams of Cave and Crown is a fibre artist making some fabulous new blankets and boho home accessories. She's got some awesome macrame hangings and also holiday decor. Check her Instagram@caveandcrownor her etsy shop: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/caveandcrown.

Melanie D'Silva of Wear a Little Sparkle is on Facebook as Wear a Little Sparkle and she has Instagram @wearalittlesparkle. Of course, she has some wonderful new designs all meticulously handcrafted. Order directly from her.

Nicole Salterwith her yummy bath and spa products has a website. www.saltzbaths.com. Place your order through the website and she'll get it right to you.

The debut of my SISU series of small works featuring my Grandma is Sat Nov 28. All the gals are listed on my website , by number for easy identification. www.gailwilliamsartist.com. I can ship one right out to you, so you have a reminder that your sisu, your courage, perseverance and strength of purpose is in you. We're all needing some sisu right about now.

Just so you know what I've been up to lately, I'm attaching a few pics of The Ladies who have appeared in the studio these days. Where are they coming from? Until recently, I only did landscapes. There wasn't a figure in sight. And now they just keep popping up. It reminds me that as a kid, I used to spend hours drawing fashions.


Til Next Week

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

2020-28 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Nobody's Watching... or Are They?

So..how are you doing? What are you doing to keep your spirits up? I think we are all getting weary. If you have any good ideas for creative recreation, I'd love to hear them.

Today it is another very warm day in Toronto and I'm taking my boys to see a digital art show at the Power Plant. It's got ninjas and all sorts of moving parts so I think they will like it. We'll follow that with a hike in a ravine close to my house. I call it an adventure with GG. However, have I told you that Fox said his Dad takes him on adventures and I do activities.?

One of the things that is keeping me sane is my Zoom classes with my eccentrics instructor Sheri. http://www.sheriessentrics.com/classes.html She is an energetic ball of fire and has introduced me to a lot of great music as well. Hence the opening to this newsletter. Here is the link to the youtube should you want to move your booty.

Leon Bridges - If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) (Official Video)

#LeonBridges #IfItFeelsGood #OfficialVideo

Did you pick up a pencil this week? Try taking a photo and turn it upside down and draw what you see, not what you think you see. I'd love to see the results. I'm attaching a detail of what I'm working on at the moment. It grew out of one of the pours where I pour paint in the space between the cello covering and the canvas. It's so much fun to do this. You never know what shapes will result. If you check my Instagram you could see how I do the pours.

Gifts for the Soul, our annual holiday gift show is going online. We are setting up a Facebook group so you can check all the creatives' work. Stay tuned for details.


Til next week, I wish you well.

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON

Gail

2020-27 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Take a Deep Breath..shoulders down

What a week!! Did your shoulders come down a notch or two? Now all we have to do is resolve this Covid situation. I finally put on my 'I love New York' cap and feel OK about visiting south of the border..when we can. And throw in Remembrance Day and you have the full range of emotions. When the fly past happened yesterday, my heart was so full of gratitude. My dad lied about his age to enlist in the navy. I can't even imagine those times!

If you follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook you'll know I am launching a new series, which I call SISU in honour of the perseverance and courage of my Grandma. I'm attaching one of the original pieces below. The series will be released to the public on Nov 28, but until then, if you want one, you'll get it for a reduced price of $200 [instead of $250] It's a great way to begin your Gail collection of original art or to get your holiday shopping started. Check out theSISUseries in the gallery of my website. www.gailwillliamsartist.com. Shipping is included.

There will also be pop up of SISU in Kat Molnar's gift shop, Blossom and Tempest, 928 Kingston Rd. on Sat. Nov 28, 10 - 6, www.blossomandtempest.com. Kat has an amazing selection of gifts, jewlelry, clothing and other goodies. There will be giveaways. I'm really looking forward to seeing you. Of course, Covid restrictions are in place.

Next week I'll be announcing how you can visit 'Gifts for the Soul' annual holiday gift show. All your favourites will be there with their special creations for this year. They've all been super busy with new work and your favourites. Please put them on your list to start your gifting.

Til next week, I wish you well

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2020-26 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover

BREAKING NEWS

How are you doing? Do you feel like you've been holding your breath for months? I can't be the only one who feels it's been a little surreal lately. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Trying to get on with business and still procrastinating.

The BREAKING NEWS I refer to has nothing to do with politics. My crystal ball is in the shop [again!]

I have sad, but not unexpected news about our annual Gifts For The Soul, holiday gift show. Just when we had found the perfect venue for it too. Instead of a live event, we will showcase our wares on social media. So please check us out on Facebook and Instagram in the near future. We will do a post with links to all our fabulous creators. I know that even with the Covid, they have all been super busy making all sorts of new items for your holiday gift giving list.

Have you ever thought of art journalling? You can use a new book or even a found one. Cover the writing or some of it with a wash of cheap paint, use markers, crayons, pencils or collage other paper on top. There are a heap of ideas online. It could be a place to just keep all the ephemera you might collect, pictures of interesting places, words that catch your eye. A place to vent or a place to explore ideas to share or not. I would love to hear your ideas on what your'e doing or thinking of doing.

This week's attachments are photos of where I began with a painting and the result. I have posted on IG some of the process videos. Some are time lapsed so you won't be watching paint dry [lol] This one is called 'The Wallflower'. It's 40x30 in, acrylic on canvas, gallery wrapped, ready to hang. Free delivery in the GTA. Contactless of course. Click on the image to see it larger in all it's glory!

Till next time,

YOUR HOME YOUR STYLE MY ART

Rock on,

Gail