2021-14 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover             

It's a one man band here

Do you ever get an ear worm? (Try explaining that one to a kid!) I thought you might as well have this too.
”Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru
In llama-land there's a one-man band
And he'll toot his flute for you
Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue”

This is a favourite choice of my fabulous essentrics instructor, Sheri Burge. Every time she plays it I remember the first time I heard it in concert by the wonderful Canadian singer, Holly Coleat the Pantages Theatre. And then I imagine myself hanging onto a condor as it floats above the mountains in Peru. Isn't it amazing how quickly music can transport you? All those images in the first line. You can send me your next ear worm...I don't mind at all.

And just because I adore Sheri check her out at....
www.sheriessentrics.com

Thanks so much for the Netflix and book suggestions Bev and Ellen. If you like something seriously silly, try 'Thunder Force' on Netflix. The ending is worth the whole movie, in my opinion. Or is you'd like to be educated, look for 'This is a Robbery' about the famous 1990 art heist in Boston. The museum where the art was stolen is a work of art in itself.

In recent newsletters I've mentioned a few artists' youtube videos that I have found interesting. You may recall that I've often added collage to my work and one thing I've tried just this week is using household items as tools and stencils. I had to rely on my Macgyver skills as I've heard that fights are happening at the dollar store, so roaming the aisles in search of new things is off the table till whenever.(!) At least that's what Kim tells me. I have used plastic forks, chopsticks and cut up berry boxes as tools but never as stencils. If you have some other ideas, I'd love to hear about them. I'm posting on my Instagram the current canvas if you want to take a peek. Also, please don't hesitate to ask.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the honour of making a portrait of your Mom, your grandma or an aunt. This project, 30 Mothers in 30 Days, was designed to keep up my daily drawing, but I never expected that I would fall in love with all these women. I really wish I could speak with them. My portraits are not photographs. I'm trying to capture their spirit and there's something about really looking into another's eyes that is helping me to make the connection. If you would like to help me out, I welcome more photos to create these 7x7 in minis, with mixed media on paper. There is no cost to you, but if you wish, you may purchase your's for $99. I include shipping within Canada and a FREE small print of one of my large paintings.

Here you will see my gallery wall filling up. It will be quite exciting to see it full of
30 Mothers in 30 Days. Thanks so much for your help.

I truly appreciate your presence and your responses. Please keep them coming.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

GAIL

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2021-13 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover           

When are we going to get  there

Sorry about the whine...but I think there are a few people out there who would also like to know. It would be nice to start conversations with hugs and not 'Did you get your shot yet?' I'll try to change my attitude a bit. You didn't come here for ranting, did you?

So.... I'll tell you a Fox and Theo story. Fox insisted I got lost. Last week I took the boys on an adventure walk in the Leslie St. spit. It is so quiet down there, you can actually hear the chickadees. Climbing up and jumping off things, finding hidden paths, examining ant hills. But Theo was not amused when we ended up walking almost 3 hours in spite of seeing ducks and geese and several beaver chewed trees. It's kind of fun to 'get lost'.

One of the things I like to do is watch art videos, so I'm always looking for new artists to watch. This week I have become obsessed with Lewis Noble, a UK landscape painter. I've been going to bed with him every night this week. (don't tell) He has a lot of youtubes and approaches landscape painting in a non-traditional way. Check him out at lewisnoble_artist www.lewisnoble.co.

What are you watching these days? I'm looking for some good Netflix series. I love international, mystery, murder and silly things..surprise, surprise. Suggestions please.

This week I am sharing 3 of my artist buddies whose work I admire. Please give them a peek.

Felicity Somersetdoes stunning photography.
https://www.felicitysomersetphotography.com

Beverly Allenis a painter who makes art with plant dyes.
www.beverlyallenartist.com and nomadbev on Instagram.

Melanie D'Silvamakes wonderful jewelry with bespoke beads and silver.
Her Instagram is wearalittlesparkle.

For Mother's Day, I started a new series of mini portraits, 30 Mothers in 30 Days,
But I need yourhelp please. Send me a photo of a mom, grandma, or aunt and I will do my best to capture a likeness on a 7x7 in paper with mixed media. I had so much fun doing my last portrait challenge. If you would like to purchase the picture, it will be $99, but there is absolutely no obligation. I'll be posting the results on instagram.

I'm sharing Day 1 of my 30 Mothers in 30 Days, my Auntie Gertie who was a real glamour girl. One of her lines was 'You have to suffer to be beautiful ' as she gave me my first Toni home perm. ( a photo you will NOT see)

Til next time...Thanks so much for giving me a reason to be here. I truly appreciate your support. I hope this brings a smile to your face.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-12 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

And Here We Go Again

Just read the news. today. oh no. third lockdown announced. I can't say I'm surprised and also disappointed just as you most likely are. It's like a not so fun roller coaster or like getting trapped in a revolving door.

Perhaps you've started listening to podcasts or watching youtubes, or perhaps you were already a fan. I think I'm late to the podcast party and been resisting getting sucked into the vortex. However, there is a ton of great stuff out there. One of the artists I'd like to recommend is Louise Fletcher. She has a relaxed, approachable presence while she talks about art and life. And she has some interesting guests too. If you'd like to check her out, she's at www.louisefletcherart.com

We are very lucky that we have a wonderful library here in Toronto. Thanks for all the suggestions, especially Judy, Patty, Darlene, Dorothy and Felicity. This week I read 'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernardine Evaristo. It is engaging right to the very last page. Please keep those suggestions coming.

If you follow my Instagram and Facebook you've probably seen a trend in my painting. You might have said to yourself.. 'There she goes again!' Maybe one day I'll have it figured out and know why the figures and now the animals keep making an appearance. The two-headed thing could just be a phase and I'll grow out of it.
Today I'm showing 'Don't Look Now' and a new one that is not finished yet. If you've got a title please send it along.

Til next time, thank you so much for giving me a purpose to keep showing up. Your support means a lot and I truly appreciate it.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

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2021-11 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

And the WINNER is...

Congratulations to Neala. She is the winner of my first PRINT GIVEAWAY. Neala is someone I met online and lives in Victoria. She is a yoga therapist and enjoys snow boarding and mountain biking. And, she is a super supporter of my art. I'll be sending your print out right away.

Needless to say, I've had a bit of brain workout. My head was hurting real bad. If I didn't have Joanna to take photos and Lise to navigate the ins and outs of the tech side, I think I would really have lost the plot. I didn't detect much eye rolling with my questions either. You might be asking how someone who had operated extremely complicated and precise equipment such as a linear accelerator could not know the basics of computers, but it's true. I am proof positive that old dogs really can learn new tricks.

Don't forget that when you order your first print you get 15% off your order. Just a little thank you for being here and supporting my efforts.

How are you continuing to keep yourself going these days? There's a lot of talk about self care but one of the things I do is indulge in a regular cocktail hour with my buddy Dee. Every week we talk life and art and where our next travel adventure will take us, while imbibing a bevvie. One of the places we haven't been yet is the Frick Gallery in NYC. It was fun to discover that they have a great feature calledCocktails with a Curator. Check it out and enjoy a martini while learning about art. www.frick.org

Please send me your ideas on your attempts to 'Stay Calm and Carry On' This pandemic sitch is just going on way too long.

Would you be interested in learning how I do a lot of my underpainting? Sometimes the results of the underpainting are visible and sometimes they provide a foundation to build upon. Sometimes they turn out quite lovely right at the beginning. The one painting I show you here is a result of a 'pour' of paint that I've left as is. The other one in the 'room app' is 'The Night Was Brilliant With Stars' which has some of the underpainting peeking through. It is the one I made for my PRINT GIVEAWAY. Please do let me know if you would like to learn how to have fun and make art with a 'pour'.

Til next time, thanks for supporting my small business. I do appreciate it.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Rock on,

Gail

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2021-10 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

GIVEAWAY COMING SOON

First, I must thank all those who sent me some great suggestions for my next read.
So many books, so little time. Many thanks toMira, Felicity, KIm, Shila, DorothyandJoannafor all the suggestions. Right now my two favourites areMatthew DicksandAustin Kleon. Matthew's book 'The Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend' inspired my own 'The Adventures of GG and IFy' You can find theGG and IFyadventures on my Instagram account. Austin's books about creativity are right up my alley. They are full of fun and great ideas. If you like a good story check them out:

www.matthewdicks.com

www.austinkelon.com

Now for the announcement I am so excited to share with you. Drum roll please!!

You can order prints of any of my available paintings. The section on my website is called of course,The Print Shop. My printer uses high quality archival, acid free paper and canvas. Prints on canvas are called giclees. I am having them gallery wrapped and attached to stretcher bars. They will be hand signed, limited editions and come with a certificate of authenticity. You won't find these on the wall of you-know-where. I'll be giving away one print in my next newsletter. But because your'e on my list already, you get 15% off your first order. If you recommend a friend and she/he signs up for my newsletter, I'll give you an extra gift. So much free stuff. You can't lose.

And there's more good news. We have our studio space extended til Sept 2021. You can bet I did the happy dance when I got the news. I'm hoping to have a show there when we can open up to visitors. In the meantime, however, because I have my own room, I can arrange a safe mutual private show just for you. Let's talk soon.

Just to give you an idea of the size of my favourite large size which is 30 x 40 in, I'm attaching 'The Court of Lucy' and 'The Tall Trees Are Listening' They are acrylic with gallery wrapped edges, ready to hang on your wall. You could order a paper print or giclee in a smaller size or the same size or just get the original.

Immense gratitude goes out to my super duper niece, Lise for buildingThe Print Shop and adding all my latest pieces. It's all up to date now.

Thanks once more for hanging out with me and supporting my small business. I truly appreciate it.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

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2021-09 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

It's Never Boring

Hey there...can you believe that spring is only a few weeks away! Not only excited for that blessed day but also my oldest daughterIngriewas born on the first day of spring. What a joyful spring day that was! We're hoping we can celebrate in person by then. Do you have plans of what you'll do when you get your get-out-of-jail card?

Are you a reader? I'm addicted to reading! If I haven't got a book to read I feel like I'm missing an arm. Recently I read a fabulous little book called 'Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend' written by Matthew Dicks. It's a poignant story of a little boy and his special friend. It has inspired me to create a series of small paintings which I call 'The Adventures of GG and IFy' GG being myself, Grandma Gail and IFy my imaginary friend. I think even adults need an imaginary friend when they need to put their big girl pants on. Fox helped me with one of the drawings which I am sharing here. Check out Matthew Dicks at www.matthewdicks.com My 'Adventures' are posted on my Insta @gailwillliamsartist.

BTW, I would love to know what is on your reading list at the moment. I'm always on the hunt for new favourites. Also want to know what your'e watching on Netflix, but that's another rabbit hole we can go down in the future.

The Print Shop section of my website is almost ready for its grand opening. Next week I'll announce aGIVEAWAY. I've found a great printer who uses the latest technology and has a quick turnaround time. In my hood which is so convenient. It's very exciting to be able to say 'YES..I do prints!' Almost everyone asks.

Below you will see 'The Night Was Brilliant With Stars', my most recent painting. It's mixed media, 40x30. gallery wrapped, and YES..I will offer a print of this one.

Til next time, thanks for being here. I truly appreciate you supporting my small business.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

GAIL

2021-08 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Let's Ride That Highway

Are we being fooled here in southern Ontario that Spring is on it's way? Give me a few nice days and even though I know we're going to get more snow (after all, we do live in Canada), I just can't help feeling more optimistic. The days are getting longer and brighter. And we might be getting the vaccine this year! But let's not get onto that topic.

My studio has become a portal to new adventures and I can't wait to share new work. The 30 heads in 30 days challenge helped me to clarify a new project. I will be introducing you to 'The Adventures of GG and IFy'. AKA Grandma Gail and her Imaginary Friend. I will create a new page 5 days a week. Who knows where they are going to go. What I'd like to do is add you into my stories, so please let me know where we should go and what we could do...sky diving, travel to Bali, go to outer space? And maybe just around the block to see what we discover. I've already posted Day 1 on the IG.

As well I've had the honour of 'teaching' one of my techniques to another artist and am helping a budding artist with her exciting obsession with her art. Thanks Kim and Danielle for reaching out. I always learn something too. One of my beliefs is that we are all creative. Just give yourself a break. Take a chance and most of all, have FUN! Look up Kim on Instagram @kimatkins16.

I am delighted to announce that Skye Boyle won my Giveaway. She chose the portrait of Day 18, which you can see below. She is a talented artist who lives in Australia. It is exciting to have my art all the way around the world. Check her out @theart_of_greenskye on Instagram.

Also attached, you can see a photo of a new collector, Kit. She found 'Bear Head' on my website and fell in love with the image and bright colours. Not only is she an artist herself, but her husband is a photographer and will be framing it. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Thanks Kit, for finding my entry from the 2019 Salt Spring Art Prize and following the bread crumbs to my website. Kit Cutting is with artwithpanachelondon.weebly.com. and portsidegallery.ca.

Thank you for being here with me. I truly appreciate it.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON

Gail

2021-07 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

Is it a train? Is it a plane?

No...it's YOU! See the paragraph below all about 'seeing'

Last week I mentioned that I've discovered this great little book by Austin Kleon. He writes about creativity which I am so passionate about. He talks about really seeing, not just looking. One of his illustrations shows a face with the words 'Close your eyes to hear and 'Close your ears to see'. You have probably experienced the same thing. When you really want to feel the music you might close your eyes. Another story he tells is of an art teacher who made 'finders' for her students to help them to see' Just a piece of paper with a square cut out. Hold it at arm's length or closer and your field of vision changes. Or check out your surroundings and see what shows up in the square. Just for a bit of fun. Try paying attention to the things that grab your attention.

A few weeks ago, I said I was in the process of getting prints made of some of my original paintings. I am happy to say that I have found a great printer who prints both on paper and canvas. The ones on canvas are called giclees. I plan on having smaller sizes as well. I will announce the roll out very soon. I am quite excited!

Also, I'm having a contest and I don't want you to miss out. It's on Instagram, but don't worry if that is something you don't necessarily do. You can access the feed from my website. Just click on the square Instagram icon in the bottom left of the home page. You could win one of the 30 heads in 30 days portraits that I just completed. They are all original 6x6in mini paintings on paper. No purchase necessary. However, if you do want to get one please send me a reply.

Attached you'll see Day 20 and Day 28 of the portraits.

I hope that you are well and feeling a little more energized with the increase in our daylight hours. The weather is crazy everywhere, isn't it‽ Snow in Texas???

Thanks so much for being here. I truly appreciate it.

Rock on,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Gail

2021-06 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Coaster Giveaway Time

Can you believe that Valentine Day is already here? Do you participate in this celebration of love? I hope so. We need love more than ever to get us beyond this mess we find ourselves in. Even after 52 years together, my 'peach' (he told me he was) plays Cupid to all the women (well, not ALL of them) in his life and delivers chocolate. It really is kind of sweet isn't it? Pun intended.

I'd like to send some love to Tonya as the winner of the Coaster Giveaway. Congratulations Tonya. I'll get them in the mail this week. You can use them when you celebrate with a glass of bubbly! BTW Tonya is a friend, a former studio mate and an amazing artist who creates wonderful 'paintings' with lint. Check her out at www.tonyacorkey.com. She has received a residency in Iceland this year for her original genius.

This week I was introduced to a clever author and artist, Austin Kleon. He writes witty little books like 'Steal Like an Artist' and 'Keep Going' which I am reading at the moment. It follows on what I wrote about last week with the Chuck Close quote. Austin says 'The Muse is ready to surprise me if I show up every day and say "Wanna hang out?" I've been told I am prolific in my art making, and I know that not everything I create is a winner, but I know that I just need to keep showing up and occasionally I will create something good. What about you? Is there some practise that you just need to keep showing up to? That is what I would encourage..just keep showing up. Check him out at www.austinkleon.com

Here are two little portraits in the '30 heads in 30 days' challenge I am doing. They are not perfect, but they were labours of love. I introduce you to my talented daughters,Ingrie and Joanna. Happy Valentine's Day my lovelies. I am so proud of both of you. Check them out at on Instagram@t.zonebeauty and @caveandcrown.

Til next time,

Rock on,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Gail

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