2021-24 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Happy New Year

Happy New Year may seem a bit out of place today, but actually don't you feel it in the air? The first crisp days of September have always felt more like a new beginning for me than the first day of January. School would start after such a long time off and we'd get to see the old gang again. This September is particularly poignant with most of us so anxious to get back to some sort of normality.

This year, I was again inParadise...aka...Thunder Bay. As usual, it was family time. Lots of hiking, eating, sauna, eating, scrabble, eating, swimming, eating, bocce, eating, dancing, eating, kayaking, eating. Of course it was topped off with lots of laughter. I sincerely hope you did those things you especially enjoy.

Get ready to jump back into the party circuit. You are cordially invited to join me for Art walk in the Square at Shops at Don Mills. (Don Mills and Lawrence) I can't wait to be able to see you again and get caught up. It has been too long. I really do hope you can make it. As a thank you for being part of my support system, I would like to offer you the gift of a discount. I will give you 10% off your purchase during the show. That could be a whopping $250.00. The password is 'ROCK ON'

Friday, Sept 17 3pm - 8pm
Saturday, Sept 18 10am - 7pm
Sunday, Sept 19 11am - 5pm

SEE YOU THERE !! Here's the link to the show.. Art Walk in the Square: https://bit.ly/3CamAN5

ROCK ON,

Gail


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2021-23 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

At The Beach

That is my dream!! How about you? I hope you are able to relax this summer and enjoy friends and family once again. It seems like forever since I've been in Paradise (aka Thunder Bay). Swimming in the warmth of Lake Superior, hiking the magical woods, having sauna every day, and dancing on the table. Yes..we really do all those things and more. I hope you have a list of shenanigans to get up to.

But before I take off for the summer, I do have an art show on til July 2. The Riverdale Artwalk is in full swing online and in my studio at 7 Labatt Ave. I am offering a safe viewing experience by booking private appointments. The walls have been turned into a lovely gallery with the art of myself, Nancy and Roderik. This WE I am planning to be there Sat and Sun. Contact me by email gail@gailwilliamsartist.com or FB messenger or IG messenger. So many ways to stay in touch. The studio is at Dundas and River in the east end. You could book an appointment in the day or evening. I am at your disposal.

You can view my virtual booth at
https://www.eventeny.com/events/riverdale-artwalk-june-2021-936

Check out Nancy on Instagram @nancyb178 and roderick @roderikmayne

Don't forget you can also get prints of any of my paintings as well as the originals. I'll have some on hand so you can see the quality of the archival, acid free supports, either on paper or as a giclee. Biplane Graphics does a terrific job with the colours too.

Have you got any special projects lined up for the summer? I've offered to paint a chair for a dear friend. It's going to be pink..I think. Also,Foxand I are going to make some papier mache birds. Maybe some rock painting..who knows!

Do you ever wonder how I create the art I do? I often have no idea where they come from, but I know the subconscious mind stores all sorts of weird and wonderful data. What I think happens for me is that I can let my subconscious have full rein in the birth of the painting, and then I apply my conscious mind to complete the work. That's what gives it the emotional impact. You can try this with any creative endeavour. Like the amazing quilts that some people like Deb, Carol and Chris create. I'm sure they pick the colours that appeal to them without thinking about why they appeal. Then they use the expertise of their conscious minds to complete the beauties.

Here are two recent examples of my subconscious mind's creation. Where did this come from? Please let me know if you can figure them out. You've got "Mona Lisa's Bird' and 'My Dream'

Have a wonderful summer visiting with friends and family, and I'll see you in September.

Until then, once more I thank you for your continued support.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-22 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover                

It's About Time

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and poppas and uncles. It's been an honour to be entrusted with creating my mini portrait series, 30 Fathers in 30 Days. I still need 2 more models if you'd like to have one. Send me a photo. If you want the portrait, it is $99. FREE shipping in Canada and the BONUS of a print of an original painting.

It seems like a dream. Finally, I get to invite you to an art show. When I think about how long it's been since I've been able to chat with you in person, I can hardly believe it. It's almost as if we have accepted this past year's social vacuum as the norm. I'm so happy to be able to offer you a personal viewing opportunity. The Riverdale Artwalk is mostly online, but we are lucky enough to be able to have enough room here for our own display .

This week, Nancy and I added new art work to our lovely atrium at 7 Labatt Ave. It really does look wonderful. Even though the styles of the 3 of us who are in theRiverdale Artwalkare very different, we have created a cohesive display. You'll find landscape, floral, figurative and abstract paintings. Something for everyone. Check us out:

@nancyb178
@roderikmayne
@gailwilliamsartist

In order to provide a safe experience, we are setting up appointments for you to see the latest work we have produced. I will add my cell number at the end of this letter so you can text or call me to make a date. This Saturday I will be there 1-4 pm. The front door is locked so you'll need to text or call when you arrive.

Now that I have my own room, I have also set it up as a gallery. I do hope we can get together. If your'e looking for prints, you can get a print of any original piece you'd like, if that suits you better. I'll also have some smaller ones available already made up.

If you'd rather come over during the week, I am taking appointments now.

Please email at gail@gailwilliamsartist.com.
There's a link to my virtual booth at the online show @riverdaleartwalk.

I'm adding some photos of the gallery at 7 Labatt Ave.

Tile next time, thanks again for your awesome support.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-21 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Thrills, chills and excitement!

Of course that depends on your point of view. Would you love a list of the top 10 art documentaries? I was thrilled to find this list. You can find it on the Instagram account name local.traffic.ca. There's a link in their bio that will give you a very interesting collection of stories about artists you may or may not know, art thefts and art movements. If you'd like the list let me know and I'll send you the titles. The first one listed is about Basquiat, 'The Radiant Child' whom you might have guessed has been an influence on me. Also 'The Art of the Steal', just to name a few.

One of the things that is exciting and humbling is for my art to be chosen to live in someone's home. Thanks to Peggy and Cat who chose prints and then told me how much they love them. Here are 2 reviews of prints of my original paintings that I am delighted to offer to you The first one is from Peggy. She ordered a giclee, which is a print on canvas. She saw the original a few years ago and fell in love with it. I'm so happy that the print has fulfilled her expectations . She chose 'One Sweetly Warm Day Following Another'

'Gail, I am just delighted with the giclee of your gorgeous painting. The colours are as rich and beautiful as the original. What amazes me is the visual texture. It makes you want to reach out and touch the textured areas of the painting where the paint is thicker – and when you do, it is a surprise to discover that this is a smooth print! And it comes ready to hang – Bonus! I just love it. Thanks so much' . Peggy Feltmate, Orillia.

Cat chose a print on paper of one of my pieces from my Cosmic Landscape series. Here's what she wrote.. 'I'm so happy with my print from Gail Williams. The colours and textures are so vibrant they leap right off the page. I was really surprised to be able to see the detail of the canvas - it felt like I could step right into the original painting. The print felt luxurious, and the colours are so vibrant.- it's a gorgeous high quality addition to my art collection. It's seriously the nicest print I've ever purchased and the piece itself is one of my favourites. I love waking up to it.'

The Riverdale Artwalkis happening online again this year...June 18 - July 2, but I'm such a lucky duck. I have a 'room of my own' so I can offer private viewings at my studio. We'll do the masking and distancing...no kissing this time! It will be so wonderful to have you stand and ponder my creations from the same vantage point where I made them. I'd even let you touch them. As they say ' It's worth the trip to Dundas and River'
I'll be sending you the links to the show with next week's letter, but you can check the website too for current work.

And I can't forget the dads!! 30 Fathers in 30 Days has been another learning experience. I still have room for a few more. If you'd like a mini portrait of a dad or grandad (or Poppa) send me a photo. I'll do a 7x7 in art work on paper. There is no obligation to purchase of course, but if you'd like to, you can have it for $99. FREE shipping in Canada and a BONUS FREE print of an original painting.

Once again, I thank you for your support.

Til next time,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

GAIL

2021-20 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Take a DEEP breath

Hey there! How ya doin? I almost hesitate to say that we might be seeing some light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. But I'll take it for sure. With numbers of new cases going down and numbers of people vaccinated going up, that's got to be moving in the right direction. This interim phase is still going to be challenging though .

You know how I believe that everyone is a creative. It may not be in the visual arts, but we are all creative in many areas. Some in financial solutions, some in gardening, some in how they fix things. Personally, I'm all about McGyvering. Maybe that's your outlet. However, as this is an art newsletter, what I like to promote is all forms of visual art. One artist whose philosophy matches mine and who has created lots of easy, approachable ways to get your fingers dipping into the paint is Louise Fletcher. She has lots of free youtubes to watch and at this moment has a FREE online course. She's easy to listen to and you can use whatever you have on hand. The free course ends mid June, so if you think you'd like to have some fun, check her out. You can watch it when it fits in your schedule.

For Artists — Louise Fletcher Art

https://www.louisefletcherart.com › for-artists.

It's that time again to gear up for the Riverdale Artwalk online show. The dates are June 18- July 2, 2021. In addition to having original art, I am allowed to have 6 prints in the show. Our group of artists at our studio who are in the show are myself, Nancy Bennett and Roderick Mayne. We will be offering private viewings at our studio at 7 Labatt Ave. If you've not been there I think you'll be surprised at the beautiful atrium we are lucky enough to have as a shared space as well as our own rooms. Grab your time early as we are creating a schedule for individual bookings. I will be happy to accommodate myself to your needs. It'll be such a wonderful thing to be able to show you my latest paintings. If you follow my Facebook or Instagram, you'll know I have been making lots of art in the past year.

http://nancybennett.ca/

www.roderikmayne.com

And...how about the30 Fathers in 30 Days? The project is about 1/2 way through, but I'm still looking for some fathers and grandfathers. Remember that there is absolutely no obligation to purchase. I am looking for the experience of creating likenesses. What I'm finding is how, even with just a photograph, I can make an emotional connection with the model. I see the strength, the pride and the love of being a dad in each of these men. Even if we didn't have the perfect relationship, hopefully we can see that, like all of us, they were doing the best they knew how. Having said that, I invite you to send me a photo of a father. I'm making mini portraits, 7x7 in on paper with mixed media. If you want to buy the portrait, it is $99.00. You get FREE shipping in Canada and a FREE print of one of my original paintings. I'm attaching the one I did of myRonnie the dad of our two wonderful daughters. I'm also including my son-in-law,Vlad, the dad of the adorableFox and Theo, my grandsons.

Til next time, thanks so much for your support.


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-19 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

The Pords..that's who!

How are you doing these days? We finally have some warm weather and now we're asking for rain.
Well, I am anyway. I love it when we can finally pack away the boots and gloves and exchange them for sandals and sun hats.

OK then who are these PORDS I'm talking about? None other than the Painters Of Riveting Distinction as they so eloquently named themselves. Obviously they don't take themselves so seriously, but they really should. They are a group of accomplished Canadian painters, one of whom I am honoured to call a dear friend. I metKim Atkinsat the gym and she agreed to teach a group of us amateurs some art lessons. She inspired me to reignite my dream of becoming an artist.

Recently they set up a website to showcase their many adventures with art around the world. Please take a look and check out each artist whose website I have also attached. I think you'll be impressed

The PORDS - https://thepordsca.wordpress.com/

Kim Atkins - Images for kim atkins artist toronto

Artist Heidi R. Burkhardt - https://heidiburkhardt.com

Maurice Snelgrove | Artist | Artfacts - https://artfacts.net › artist › maurice-snelgrov

artist Anthony J. Batten -https://anthonybatten.com

Kat Palmer, visual artist. - https://katpalmer.ca

Recently I've been taking an online course with Jesse Reno that I told you about last time. What interests me is his way of embracing the unexpected. I made some faces with lino blocks to use in mono printing and I'm sure they will make their appearance in the most unusual places in my canvases. I'll attach a photo of them to show you what they look like. Perhaps they will inspire you to make some thing to use in printing. Remember how we made blocks with potatoes in school. Just another way to have fun with finger painting.

You may finally have a chance to see some art in person in June. The Riverdale Artwalk is online and may have a tent show too. Updates coming very soon.

My clients who have received prints have raved about the quality of them, both the paper and the ones on canvas. If you've had your eye on one of my large paintings and would like a smaller size please check my website. I can get almost anything printed either on paper or as a giclee, which is on canvas with the gallery wrap.Alanat Biplane Graphics does an exquisite job. Thanks also to Theresa for her expertise and patience. And to Cat and Peggy for their faith.

Til next time, thanks so much for your support.

Rock on,

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Gail

2021-18 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

HALLELUJAH !!

Hoping this newsletter finds you well. To be honest, I don't do well in the heat. I know you've probably been waiting for this time, so I won't whine too much. I just find that my energy is depleted and the old brain slows down too. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. But, I have been busy.

Introducingmy next series....30 FATHERS IN 30 DAYS.It would be so wonderful to have your help again. The deal is the same. Send me a photo of a father, grandfather or uncle you want to honour. I will create a 7x7 in mini portrait on paper. There is no obligation to purchase, but if you want the portrait it will be $99. FREE shipping in Canada and a FREE print of a larger original painting. I learned so much by doing the 30 Mothers and I have no doubt this experience will be just as rewarding. The story you send along makes my heart swell. I feature them on Facebook and Instagram if you want to follow along. Thanks to Bonney, Deb, Shelli, Jennifer, Sheree, Sheri, Kofi, and Siobhanfor sending me some models and for the stories. I love them all. I look forward to filling the wall of the Gail Williams Gallery.

Thanks very much for all the suggestions around titles for the paintings I featured last week. The one with the powerful female figure is called 'She's Got the Whole World in Her Hands' However, the other one is still unnamed. Thanks Shila, Diana, and Laila.

Some very interesting thoughts were sent about dreams, the forest, and the movie Inception, which I vaguely remember. Perhaps something has come to you since last week. If you check out the AGO website and click on the online show called 'Resilience', you will see two paintings I have in there. https://ago.ca

You may recall that I am a self educated artist. I thought I would go to art school, but it didn't happen. So I spent my time outside of my day job taking night classes and workshops. When I saw that retirement was looming on the horizon, I prepared by digging deeper into creating another career in art. I took a week long workshop and started painting seriously. I started showing my work in shows and art fairs. When I retired, I was fortunate enough to get a studio which I never believed that I would be able to do.But I had always had the dream. Is there a dream that you have sheltered in your heart that you would like to shine some light on? I'm here to help. If it wasn't for the help I've received from so many people I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now.

There are a ton of online classes now and I am exploring one about mono printing from Jesse Reno. It is so much fun..not just finger-painting! How about hand painting?! Just like a kid again except there's no-one to tell me not to get dirty. I'm exploring this as another way to create an underpainting. It's always surprising what shows up. If you want to dig into painting, check Jesse out. He's a lot of fun to watch. Like me, he is not precious about his art. He just wants to have fun. https://jessereno.podia.com

Today I'm including the two pieces I have in the AGO. You'll find 'She's Got the Whole World in Her Hands' and 'No, You Can't Come In'. I'm sure you can figure out which is which.

Til next time, thanks once again for all your support. I truly appreciate it.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2021-17 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmas and aunties out there. Where would we be without you :) !! I am forever grateful to everyone who sent me their photos for the '30 Mothers in 30 Days' project. It was quite a honour for me to be entrusted with capturing the essence of all these strong women. Such light, courage and brilliance shone from each of them. The skills I learned in executing these portraits I will add to my tool kit. But the value of connecting with these spirits outweighs by far, my personal technical growth. Many of them have been sent to their forever homes. Thanks again for the belief.

Can you believe it is May already? No matter what happens, the sun keeps rising, the grass grows and it's been a year of craziness. A year of loss for many of us and a year also of learning and growing. What has been evident for me this week is how much more clear I am getting about what my voice is and how I express myself. And also paying attention to how others are expressing themselves.

One artist I follow is Louise Fletcher. What she wrote this week reminded me that you, as the viewer of my art, are standing (if your'e at an art show) where I was standing as I created the painting. Watching where the brush strokes went and seeing the result of all the decisions I made during the creation. There is a visceral contact between you and me. Very often I am not making my decisions consciously. You may agree with me or not. The painting may induce a memory or may not excite you at all. But it is a conversation that we engage in. I've added two paintings today and I'm inviting you to perhaps send me a word of what the work says to you. I'm not asking for compliments or criticism. In fact, please fo NOT say if you like, love or hate it. I don't have names for either of these pieces yet. But what you say might trigger my imagination as to a title. I really do appreciate your feedback.

Here's the contact for Louise Fletcher.
https://www.louisefletcherart.com/contact/#jump

Til the next time, please accept my appreciation for giving me a place to express myself.
I truly appreciate your support.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

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2021-16 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

Her Name is Dianne

Last week all I was hearing was 'Let's fly away' which is a wonderful thought but totally improbable at this moment of our current stay-home situation. And now it's Jimmy Cliff's 'I can see clearly now'. Mind you the video is very fun and brought back memories of the movie 'Cool Runnings' and John Candy. What's not to love. Just the earworm..that's all. Thanks Dianne! #JimmyCliff #ICanSeeClearlyNow#Vevo

The responses I'm getting from people are so heart warming. The movie and book suggestions keep coming and the ideas of artful living. Thanks to Len, Chris, Mira, Diana, Dianne, Deb, Kim and Angela for sharing. Please don't stop.

Today you'll see some work from two of my dear friends who are both super creative. Deb sent me a photo of just one of the many quilts she has made. I think the colours are soothing and she is so meticulous. It seems that quilters often are. I know there are more of you out there, please send me an example and I'll brag on you too.

Then Angela sent me a birthday card that she made. Look closely at the book titles. I love her quiet, wacky sense of humour. She also up on the art scene and sent me this read about David Hockney.
David Hockney, 83, says working has given him a 'new lease of life' as he prepares to unveil mammoth 288-ft long Bayeux tapestry inspired picture in Paris

Yorkshire artist David Hockney says his new work has given him a new lease of life. A show at the Royal Academy of Arts in London will capture the season with 116 of Hockney's iPad prints.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9509699/David-Hockney-83-prepares-unveil-mammoth-288-ft-long-Bayeux-tapestry-inspired-picture-Paris.html?ito=email_share_article-top

Both of these friends are former co-workers. Science and the arts rule! Thanks so much.

The '30 Mothers in 30 Days' project is in the final stretch and as I've said before, it is an honour to be doing these mini portraits. I still have room for a few more, so please send me a photo of your Mom, grandma or aunt and I will do my best to create a 7X7 in portrait in mixed media on paper. There is no obligation to purchase, but if you want yours it is $99. Shipping is FREE and as a BONUS, I'm including a 5x7in print of one of my larger paintings. I have already shipped out several to their new homes. Thanks to Diana, Megan and Diana. All across the country!

Til next time, thanks so much for your support. I do appreciate it.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

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2021-15 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover              

My birthday gift to you

It was my birthday this week and I've decided that a GIVEAWAY of a set of my COASTERS would be a great way to say thank you for your support. It's my party and I can do what I want.

So, at random, I am sending a set to Andrea. I hope you'll enjoy a set of these coasters every time you use them to perch your glass of champers on when it is your birthday.

I'm going to brag on my super talented niece, Lise this week. She has won her second MPSE Golden Reel Award!! She's a music editor for sound and tv, and worked on the Vikings series. How cool is that ‽ Congratulations Lise.

And while I'm bragging I just have to give a big shout out to my daughter Ingrie, who with her partner, Emily have a great Instagram account called t.zonebeauty. Give them a watch and learn the latest in beauty and skin care. The last one on hair care was spot on.

A big thanks to several people who sent their book and Netflix choices. I now have a great list to keep me busy. Thanks Deb, Mira, Hilja, and Darlene.

As well, several people have sent me mother photos. I'm blown away with the honour of creating a portrait of these fabulous faces. I still need a few more, so please if you've been thinking of it, send me pic of your mother, grandma or aunt. I will do my best to give them some love. 30 Mothers in 30 Days is the name of my series.

This week I've finished 'Prince', a 36x24 mixed media piece on canvas. I've also added 'The Night Was Brilliant With Stars'. It is 40x30. You know I like to experiment and while doing 'Prince' , I used unlikely things to make stencils with. A cut up berry box, a piece of mesh, some bubble wrap. It was starting to look like a dog's breakfast (pun intended), so I mixed together the translucent colours neon pink and orange. I wanted the background to recede instead of taking over as it was doing. It works brilliantly. I'd love to see how you would use those colours together. I had a dress with pink and orange mushrooms on it in the 60's. Orange does seem to be a theme for me. I'd love to know what your favourite colour is.

Til next week, thanks again for giving me a reason to show up here. I do appreciate it.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

GAIL

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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