2021-30 Living Artfully
Hello Dear Art Lover
Did you see it?
Hey there!!! Did you see that moon? It was amazingly awesome and ginormous ( it's a word..honest ) I'm not usually out after 6 these days, but I was taking my boys home just in time for bed and was lucky enough to be able to catch that beauty while it was low on the horizon. Fox informed me that it was the Hunter Moon. He's right of course. The sky was so clear that apparently if I'd gone out later, I could have seen more stars as well. Thanks to Len, here are more wonderful moon images.
Canada Playing with The Moon - YouTube
If you've looked on my Instagram and Facebook account, you've seen that my nephew, Bill, and I have finished a collaboration that we've been working on for a while. He added the final touch with a poem that eloquently completes the picture. If you would like to see it in person, I invite you for a private studio tour. Bill and I really get each other and it is evident that we are evolved from the same warped mind set. I hope I see more of this kind of working together in the future.
The following quote is from the author Ann Patchett talking about writing. Insert 'artist' and you'll see why I include it today.
'You will take bits from books you’ve read and movies you’ve seen and conversations you’ve had and stories friends have told you, and half the time you won’t even realize you’re doing it. I am a compost heap, and everything I interact with, every experience I’ve had, gets shoveled onto the heap where it eventually mulches down, is digested and excreted by worms, and rots. It’s from that rich, dark humus, the combination of what you encountered, what you know and what you’ve forgotten, that ideas start to grow.'
What appears on my canvas is exactly that..a combination of so much input that is buried under layers upon layers upon layers. Most of the time, I have no conscious idea of where my ideas come from. I am learning to honour them when they show up.
The Super Sale continues. Today I've attached some photos from my $100.00 sale bin. The lovely landscapes are mixed media and acrylic, 30 x 15 in and ready to hang on your wall. 'Mask' is also $100.00, mixed media and acrylic, 12 x 12in, ready to hang. You are invited to see these pieces either at my studio, or I can bring them to you. Studio tours are my specialty.
As ever, I truly appreciate your support of my small business. Thank you.
YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART
PRIVATE STUDIO TOURS CUSTOM PAYMENT PLANS
SUPER SALE
ROCK ON,
Gail
2021-29 Living Artfully
Hello Dear Art Lover
IT'S ART OF COURSE
This quote is from Leonard Shlain's book 'Art and Physics' I take no credit for it at all except to say that this is where my head is at this week.
'Serendipitously, I discovered a way to heighten my creativity. My habit was to read a popular physics book late at night until the snooze gremlin nudged me with the signal that it was time to call it a day. Prior to falling asleep the following night, my mind relatively empty, I leafed through art books. The next morning, I would often connect images I had seen the night before with concepts in physics contained in my previous night’s reading. Something mysterious happens in the creative process during dreamtime, and I am an avid proponent of the school that advocates, “sleeping on it.”'
Now I'm not saying I'm going to read physics books before I nod off, but it was only as an adult that I discovered that I love physics. I'm basically a very nosy person. Being curious and willing to experiment has led me to have so much fun in the studio. I also love to read and I often have several books on the go at the same time. Mostly a non-fiction and fiction, now that I think about it.
Perhaps you can share an interesting scientific fact with me. I'm probably not the only one who didn't know what a non-Newtonian fluid is. Thanks to my 7 year old grandson Fox, I do now.
Thanks to Deb for sending me art news this week. I went down rabbit hole at the McMichael collection. www.mcmichael.com to investigate their current exhibition Canadian Women Artists and then totally lost it in their talk about Denyse Thomas is, a Trinidadian Canadian artist who blew my mind with her vision. I'm going to book my visit right away.
Have you ever seen the Winsor and Newton site? They make all sorts of wonderful paints etc. Theresa sends me their newsletter and it's full of fascinating information. This week, I was drooling about their participation with the Chelsea Flower Show in London. How have Dorothy and I missed putting this on the list?! Check it out www.winsornewton.com.
The Super Sale continues. Book your private studio tour to find the piece of art you've been looking for. Great bargains!
Today I've got a few paintings from my Super Sale to share. The beauty on the left is 'Long Ago and Far Away'. I had a feeling of hot air balloons as it was finished. Does it give you that vibe? The other one is 'Light Within Shadows', which I created with my unique process of pouring paint within the space between the canvas and it's cello wrapping. BTW, I'll be announcing my teaching of this technique very shortly.
Also please check out the current show at the Leslie Grove Gallery that is run by the Artist Network. Beautiful landscapes of Lisa, Donna and Galit are hanging on the walls. Follow them on Instagram @donna.chudnow, @galit_painter and @lisalitowitzart
That's it for now. Please know that I truly appreciate your support of my small business.
ROCK ON,
Gail
PRIVATE STUDIO TOURS CUSTOM PAYMENT PLANS
SUPER SALE ON NOW
YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART
2021-28 Living Artfully
Hello Dear Art Lover
My Heart is Full
Can you believe we have once again arrived at another Thanksgiving? I've been thinking of what a blessed life I've led and I hope you feel the same. Our lives may not have been totally free of hardships and mistakes, but I know mine could have been much worse. My family is an abundance of laughter and crazy stories. I come by the wackiness honestly.
Last week was one of the most fun weeks this year.
My friend Lisa came by for her studio visit because she'd seen a painting that she thought would look good over her fireplace. However, it was not the right one and she chose 2 others. Two of my favourites. 'One Sweetly Warm Day Following Another' is above her bed to brighten up her morning and 'Beethoven Contemplates iPhone' ended up over the fireplace. Lisa graciously invited me to her home to help with her extensive Canadian art collection. I think she might need to get a bigger house. Quel probleme!
Dorothy (my partner in crimes) and I spent a lovely time at Bau_Xi gallery (across from the AGO) in conversation with one of my art heroes, Casey McGlynn. Years ago, I took a workshop with Casey and he set me on the path to let my quirkiness shine through. When you take a look at his work, you'll see why. He and his friend Bobby Lawn have a painting they worked on together. Check out Bobby's Instagram @bobby__lawn and Casey is here. That's a photo of Casey and I posing in front of one of his paintings. We coordinated our stripes of course.
Casey McGlynn | Painting | Artwork Available at Bau-Xi Gallery
https://bau-xi.com › collections › casey-mcglynn
Thanks so much to Mira and Angela (whom I often refer to as my agent) for sending me art news!
Mirasent me the bright images of Robbie Craig. His work is Canadian focussed and I knew it was familiar. Take a look at www.rcraig.org and it might just be what your'e looking for.
Angela sent me an article of the mesmerizing art of James Jean and a youtube of Sun Tarot Tapestry Behind The Scenes. It is one of those videos that draw you right in. So meticulously and precisely done work.
Have a look at my Super Sale and get your dibs in before I start posting on Facebook. I'm offering private studio tours so you can touch the merchandise. I have some $100.00 bargains and larger pieces for $500.00, regularly up to $1800.00. The sale items are in last week's newsletter and I've included a shot here. You can find it the archived section on my website. www.gailwilliamsartist.com
Wishing you a fabulous Thanksgiving.
STUDIO TOURS CUSTOM PAYMENT PLANS
SUPER SALE ON NOW
YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART
ROCK ON
Gail
2021-27 Living Artfully
Hello Dear Art Lover
It's Time To Let Go
Hope you've had a wonderful week. I'm always energized by cooler days. Who doesn't like blue skies?
Last week I announced the winners of my free print draw during Artwalk Square. One person did not claim her prize so I did a re draw and chose Viola. Congratulations Viola!
If you remember from last week, I announced a giant sale. I'm letting go of some work that is now in the past for me. I used to paint only landscapes with no figures at all in them, having been hugely influenced by the immense northern woods of Ontario, the waters of Lake Superior and the endless blue skies.
Now, figures, faces and otherworldly creatures keep popping up from my subconscious. I've yet to figure out the why of them, but I have decided not to deny them. Stay tuned for more weird and wonderful work.
In order to make space, I'm having a Super Sale. I've created a gallery wall in my studio devoted to the beloved landscapes, some imagined and some reinvented. I have a set of $100.00 bargains and $500.00 pieces. They are all ready to hang on your wall and are gallery wrapped (edged painted). Would you prefer a private studio tour or a trial run in your own home?
If your'e interested in learning more about art, you might enjoy the writing of Blake Gopnik of the New York Times. I especially enjoyed reading his article about Vermeer from Aug 24. He also wrote 'Warhol' if you are intrigued by Andy.
Blake Gopnik - The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com › blake-gopnik
Please send me the art news you discover so I can share them here.
Below you will see my gallery wall in my studio. The painting names are listed top to bottom.
Photo 1. Long Ago and Far Away
Ride the Blue Wave
Photo 2. Places Never Seen Before
First Hint of Light
The Surreptitious Sky
Dreaming of Chesil Beach
Photo 3. A River Runs Through It
Spectral Orchestra
Ghosts in the Mist
Photo 4. Light Within Shadow
Wish You Were Here With Me
One Sweetly Warm Day Following Another
Paintings in Photo 2 are Super Sale priced at $100.
Paintings in Photos 1, 3 and 4 are Super Sale priced at $500
Thanks toPatfor giving my painting 'Thinking of You' a home in her lovely art covered home. She moved a painting so mine has the perfect spot.
Let me know which one you'd like to try in your space.
STUDIO TOURS CUSTOM PAYMENT PLANS
YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART
ROCK ON
Gail
2021-26 Living Artfully
Hello Dear Art Lover
Going Out For Business
Greetings from the other side of an art show. How enjoyable it was to spend the whole WE talking about art and meeting so many interested art lovers. Thank goodness everyone has an opinion. Whether they like it or not. There's always so much to learn, not only about others but about oneself as well. I believe that everything in my life informs my expression in my art, but had never thought about how my years of being a radiation therapist and looking at scans and xrays impacts the creation of the many layers and shapes that find their way onto my canvases.
Often I have struggled to find words to describe the kind of art I do. One visitor offered me the term 'mentally divergent'. That does indeed express pretty accurately what I'm about. I do see things that some people just don't. Call me crazy, but I accept the term.
Thanks to everyone who dropped into Booth 19 at Art Walk Square. The weather was perfect all WE and I had time to meet new friends and see new art myself. My prints were debuted and quite a few found homes as well as other works.
Each day of the show, I held a 'free print draw' I am so happy that my art has found it's way to
Shazrati, the FRIDAY WINNER,
Gail, the SATURDAY WINNER,
Saara the SUNDAY WINNER.
You have seen my art change over the years and I am now ready to let some go at BARGAIN prices.
Because you read my newsletter, you get first dibs. I'll attach a few images here, but if you go to my website gailwilliamsartist.com, you can see more. To start off, I'm offering the FACES collection at $100.00 per painting except for 'Three Faces of Eve'. All of theCONTEMPALTIONS'are also $100. 'GHOST'series are $500. (only 2 left)
I'm attaching a few of my loved ones here, but there are more available.
Or, MAKE ME AN OFFER...let me know if the one you've had your eye on, is up for grabs.
My friend Michele is a member of the Woodlawn Pottery Studio. They are having a driveway sale on Sun Oct 3, 11-4 at 157 Hillsdale Ave E. You might have seen some of the members' wonderful work at the Artscape shows in the past. If you love pottery, like I do, drop by early to get the best selection.
A lot of people are fascinated in the unique process I use to start my paintings. Therefore, I have decided it's time to start teaching. Class size will be limited to 4 people. I will supply everything you need. Please let me know if you would like to be put on the wait list as the first class is already full.
Come join the fun and let your inner child out again.
PRIVATE STUDIO TOURS AVAILABLE
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YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART
ROCK ON,
Gail
2021-25 Living Artfully
Hello Dear Art Lover
I'm So Excited !!!
Hope this finds you well.
This last quarter of the year has blasted me right back into the biz and I can hardly wait til Friday. It's been too many years to remember the last time I was in an outdoor Riverdale Artwalk and too long to think about how long this lockdown has slowed things for the artists who love to interact with people. That would be me BTW. There are over 50 fabulously talented artists champing at the bit to share their joy with you.
My booth is number 19 (my lucky day) on Aggie Hogg Gardens. See the map for location. You'll be able to see 'Don't Look Now' in the flesh plus a selection of works that haven't had an airing yet. I'm also showing some new work that hasn't even made the website. As well, one of my SISU paintings will be in the 'I Gave Art' giveaway AND I'm doing a daily free draw AND I'm offering you an additional10% discount on any purchase. The secret password is ROCK ON.
As well, I'll have some of my new exquisite print collection for sale.
Thank you so much for all the support you've given me and for introducing your friends to me. The weather promises to cooperate too. artwalksquare.ca at Shops at Don Mills, 1090 Don Mills Rd.
Friday, Sept 17, 3-8
Saturday, Sept 18, 10-7
Sunday, Sept 19, 11-5
See you at the party! You can visit my website any time and also ask for a studio visit. My studio is near River St and Dundas E. I practise safe studio tours at your convenience.
ROCK ON
Gail
YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART
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
