2022-05 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

I Ain't Fakin....

How are you doing out there in the world? There's a huge grey cloud hovering over our heads these days, isn't there? None of us can ignore it and I know it is creating a sense of urgency with me. Perhaps that is why that lyric by Jerry Lee Lewis popped into my head. There is an explosion of creativity in my studio. New art work and new ideas to share about Living Artfully.

The winner for this month's free print is ....Lorrie. Congratulations ! I'll be sending it out shortly.

With the help of my nephew Bill, we made two long supports that I imagine an 8 ft diptych of two 4 ft canvases to recreate my vision of the amazing landscape of Ney's Provincial Park. It's been on my mind since last August. I put a layer of modelling paste onto a prepared black gessoed base and carved out the shapes with my handy dandy chopstick. Please stay tuned to IG as it unfolds.

Today I am hoping that I'll change over to IGTV for my Living Artfully weekly chat on Thursdays at 1pm. It's all about The Art of Noticing (as per Rob Walker's book), chat about art and processes and exciting announcements.

I've been honoured with photos that are sent in for my 30 SISTAS & BRUDDAS series. Thanks to Mira, Patty, Nancy, Lisa and Jill. But I still need lots more. These are mini (8x8 in) portraits on paper. I love doing these faces and if you want to get your's, it's $99. But there is no obligation of course.

Due to the generosity of so many people, I have received all sorts of supplies and art books. Angela has contributed to my education with ideas for galleries and shows to visit, as well as numerous books. The latest one which I've found very inspirational is The Essential Willem de Kooning. There are a series of 'The Essential' titles, which I will be looking for. They are small but very informative. I could see that I share some similarities in process with de Kooning, although I haven't stowed away on a ship (yet).

Our first ART VENTURE is booked!! We will be visiting Roncesvalles United Church on Friday Mar 25 to view the newly painted interior by celebrated artist Philip Cote. Our visit is booked for 11:30 and will meet at the door off the parking lot. The address is 240 Roncesvalles Ave. Please be on time as the doors are locked. If you would like to join for a coffee or lunch, I will look for a nearby cafe. Here's Philip's IG so you can see some of his work. @philipcote_indigenous_artist

You can reserve your space by Thursday Mar 24. Have some fun, meet new friends, learn something.

CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES

I'm booking small classes to teach my UNIQUE PROCESS of starting a painting. Friday/Sat March 18/19 and Friday/Sat April1/2. It's a 2 hour session for $99 for 2 people. Come join the fun throwing paint around.
All supplies are included...as well as lots of fun. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY by sending me a reply here or IG or FB messenger.

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


ROCK ON,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2022-04 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lovers     

I've got all my sisters and brothers with me!

Can't you just smell the change in the air? It really does have that springy aroma. I can almost hear those little crocuses pushing up through the snow. Although they might need a scarf and hat.

It's been quite fun for me to do Facebook Live-s with you on Thursdays at 1pm. I do a little art, a little chat and a little inspiration. Recently I've been inspired by Rob Walker's book 'The Art of Noticing' and am using his ideas as conversation starters. Join me or watch later as it is saved to my feed. I may change to Instagram Live when I can figure that one out...my brain was starting to hurt again so it may be a week or two coming.

Have you been more aware of what you are seeing? Michele sent me a photo which tickled the cockles of my heart. As per Rob's suggestion I've been trying to find numbers in random places and decided to start with '1'. The closest I've come to is 'ONE' and now I'm stumped on finding a '2'. Maybe I'll change my personal challenge to one that has more chance of success. Perhaps looking for discarded masks as my neighbour Mike did for a while. What would be your finds?

Please send meyour notes or photos. I love getting them. Recently, my sister Patty sent me some stunning photos of the inside of a refurbished Toronto church. It is on my list to see in person. Would you like to go on an adventure there with me? That would be a fun thing to do. Here's the link. The #mural is complete.... - Roncesvalles United Church | Facebook

One of my projects this year is to visit more galleries. Lucky for me, I have several partners in crime to share the experiences with. Dorothy and Angela are often up for the experience, but recently Gerry and Najma joined me to visit The Canadian Women's Art Association home on Prince Arthur Street in Toronto. Our dear talented friend Janet Potter has a studio there. It is a fabulous historic building filled with treasures. Apparently, Emily Carr had a studio there way back in the day. Check out Janet's imagination on Instagram @janetfpotter Women's Art Association of Canada - Home | Facebook

If you've been seeing my posts, you know that my nephew Bill and I are collaborating on another art work. It is by no means finished, but we are quite far along the road. I'm adding some photos to show you where we're at and I'd like to introduce you to Marge Steinem Simpson. So named because of the glasses and the hair which will be extended significantly.

You'll also recognize those little darlings Fox and Theo, aged 7 and 4 years old respectively. They are part of the 30 SISTAS AND BRUDDAS project that I started last week. I'm looking for more siblings or good friends who are the family you choose. They are 8x8 in works on paper done with acrylic and watercolour pencils and crayons. If you want the portrait I've done, it's $99. If not, that's OK too. I'm having fun and learning lots.

CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES!

How would you like to have some fun with a friend and learn my unique process in how I start my paintings? No experience required. Everything is supplied. March dates are March 11 and 12, and March 25 and 26. Price is $50.00 for 2 1/2 hours experience.

Til next time, thanks once again for your support. I always appreciate it.
Keep those messages coming too!


ROCK ON

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2022-03 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover              

IT'S EASY....SING IT!!

The Beatles of course! Now I hope I've planted an ear worm. What better song to be singing when we've all been blasted with covid and convoy news. I'm here to put out good news and perhaps a smile on your face.

February's winner of a free print is Ruth. Congratulations!

It's so great to get some feedback. I love to hear how creative you are. Deb has responded to my Facebook Lives with comments about her talent, which is not only fabulous quilts but also how she's made cards with collaged items. Angela sends me all sorts of art news, but one made me laugh. It's in the BBC NEWS ... 'Graffiti art defaced by spectators at South Korea gallery' Caught again!! I have a not so secret desire to be a Graffiti Grandma, except I go to bed at 9pm.

Angela is my partner in crime in discovering the art shows in Toronto. Patel Brown on Munro St. is a hidden gem. And I mean hidden. The show on now features Laura Dawe. Check her and the gallery out..

Laura Dawe - Patel Brown Gallery

https://www.patelbrown.com › lauradawe

A great show featuring all Canadian women artists is at the Dignam Gallery in Toronto, called 'Weaving the Lines of Life'. See @womensartofcan to check times. Thanks to the incredibly talented Janet Potter @janetfpotter. She even let us peek into her cozy haven of creation.

February is Black Lives Matter month and I would be remiss if I didn't feature my two amazing entrepreneurial creative daughters. Ingrie is a writer, stylist and producer who partners with Emily Macculloch on thet.zonebeauty on Instagram. She also writes for several publications and has collaborated with me on art projects.

Joanna is not only the amazing mother of Fox and Theo, but also runs a home based business. She started with making luxe baby blankets and head gear, and is branching out into macrame and painted cushion covers. I'm excited to see where her talent is taking her. Her Instagram is caveandcrown. Here's some photos of Joanna with her creations.

Please support Black owned businesses, especially women owned.

On Monday, February 14 I am beginning a new challenge of portraits. The theme is 30 Sistas and Bruddas. Please send me a photo of a brother or sister, related or not, and I will do my best to create a mini portrait for you. If you like it you can buy it. No obligation. The price remains the same as for my last 2 series of 30 Mothers and 30 Fathers. $99.00.

The Plus One show at Leslie Grove Gallery, 1158 Queen St E ( at Jones) is open Wed - Sun, 12 pm - 5 pm. My friend Gerry Withey and I are buddies in art and life. She is a neighbour near me and also in the studio. If you want to plan a visit, email or message on FB or IG. You can see more of Gerry on Instagram @gerry_withey

Don't forget you can watch me everyThursday at 1p mon Facebook live as I share art and inspiration. I'm using 'The Art of Noticing' by Rob Walker for creative prompts.

As ever, I appreciate all your support.

Happy Valentine's Day

ROCK ON

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

GAIL

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2022-02 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover        

Not singing that song!!

Nope! Not going to do it!

Everyone always says I should be liking all this snow, being from northern Ontario. I do like it. Just not forever. And especially when I have to drive around my neighbourhood for ages just to find a space to park my car. Today I woke up from a nightmare where cement was being poured around me...I escaped just in time! What a mess. How do you get all that cement off?

On the good news though, we at Labatt Studio just got another extension til June of this year. Yeah for Covid?! To be honest, if I had a choice, I think I wouldn't pick a pandemic.

More GOOD NEWS. My artist friend Gerry Withey and I have joined up for the next group show at Leslie Grove Gallery, 1158 Queen St E (at Jones) Feb 2-20. The gallery hours are Wed - Sun, 12pm -5pm. As there's no opening reception at this time, I'd be happy to meet you there. Bring a friend. The show is called 'Plus One'

CLASSES for Feb 11/12 and Feb 25/26. These will be classes of two people in my studio. Two hours of instruction about my unique process that I use to start painting. No experience required. All supplies included. Safe covid precautions in place. FLEXIBLE TIMES. $50/ per person. Invite a friend and have some fun.

Have you booked your Klimt experience yet? Lucky for me, I'm getting it as a Christmas gift from Joanna. Time with daughters is time blessed. Thanks Joanna.

Do you do Facebook? Yesterday I did my first FB Live painting and chat. The idea has been percolating for a while, but when I discovered Rob Walker's book 'The Art of Noticing', I knew I had more to add to the mix. I realize that I have a few (lol) things to learn about the technical side of doing 'lives', but I figured better done than perfect, so I just jumped right in. My plan is to keep the length to about 15 mins, do a little painting and hopefully inspire you tokeep your peepers and your heart open wide.

Yesterday, on Holocaust Remembrance day, I was reminded of the power of listening and hearing. CBC featured the music of Antoni Smolinski, a musician and holocaust survivor, and Beth Anne Cole's poem 'Gone The Villages'. I opened Rob's book to page 76. It is about listening deeply. My painting on the easel that day is featured as a before and after. I worked on this while doing the FB Live. Enjoy.

Hope to see your smiling face this month. Thanks so much for your support.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON,

Gail

2022-01 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

And The Winner Is....

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Here we go again...round ...... of this pandemic sitch. And that's all I'm going to say about it. You're probably as bored and fed up as I am. Let's focus on brighter prospects and hopefully what I'm bringing adds some beauty and fun to your day.

This year I'm switching things up a bit. The newsletter is becoming a biweekly thing. On the alternate week I am planning to present some live video or a podcast. It's still in the works as I figure out what to do.

Once a month, I will do a draw for a free print, so let's start the year off with a gift to the winner for today. Congratulations to Marta! You'll be getting a print of one of my recent paintings. I'll send you an email to confirm your address .


Let's have some fun. I'm teaching Fox how to do 'blind contour' drawing. So I thought this would be a good exercise to share with you. You'll get better the more you do it. What is 'blind contour' drawing you ask? You'll need a pencil or pen or crayon and a piece of paper. Without looking at your paper, draw a simple object in front of you. DO NOT LOOK at your paper until you think you are finished. Go as slowly as you can and pretend your pencil is tracing the edge of the object.

You will surprise yourself and even if it is not perfect it will have the essence of the object you have drawn. That is how I first created my Grandma series paintings. I closed my eyes and drew her shape as I remembered it. Every time I draw a Grandma, I always do it with my eyes closed. And the figure that appears always looks like a short old woman who is limping along. (My Grandma had a bad hip and used a cane)

It will be fun and inspiring to see your results, so please send them to me..

Here are a few of my Grandma paintings to show you that I don't aim for perfection. They're from my SISU series. SISU is that unique Finnish word for perseverance, strength of mind, and determination.

At long last, I have decided to add classes to my schedule. I am able to offer a safe environment to teach 2 students at a time in my studio. I'll be sharing how to create an intuitive painting using my unique technique with fluid acrylics. I'd love to add you to my waiting list. No experience is required. This isplay time.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART


ROCK ON

Gail

2021-38 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover              

My Wish For You

As this eventful year ends, I am thinking of the many things I have to be grateful for. Of course it includes my passion for art and my family, but I'm also so very grateful for the support of you, my dear friend in art. Knowing that you’re out there reading my little blurbs here and looking and buying my art reinforces for me the importance of friendship. I try to rein in my perhaps, over the top mentions of those adorable grandsons. It's really difficult some times.

However, I don't think I can ever express how highly I value your support. I wish you a happy time with friends and family, good health and a positive outlook in this crazy life we are living.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and happy and healthy new year.

I'll check in with you again in 2022 and in the meantime,

ROCK ON,


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

LOVE,

GAIL

PS...just in case your've forgotten, 'Sisu' is the Finnish word for perseverance, strength of purpose and determination. I think we all need some of that just now.

2021-37 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover        

It's a chicken and egg thing

Has it been a super busy time for you too? I think I'm finally accepting that this holiday season is always crammed full of busyness. People to see, places to go, cookies to bake. If I was ever really prepared, I would have put aside a photo I have of our family cookie baking days. There's flour everywhere and I'll bet those cookies were just as unsanitary as the ones Fox and Theo help us create these days. It always seems to happen that someone has a runny nose and those little fingers are touching every smartie and sugar ball we use for decorating. It sure was fun though.

At this time of year I am focusing with gratitude on the abundance that surrounds me. That's why I say 'It's a chicken and egg thing'. What comes first ..the gratitude or the abundance. I believe it's the gratitude. Gratitude for however my life is, even if it's a time of struggle and challenge. I try to find the lesson in the dark times which then leads me to abundance and more gratitude. If you've gotten this far and know me at all, you know I'm the glass half full gal.

Create your own Bundle of Joy!

I am always honoured to be part of a gift that someone has chosen for a loved one. Perhaps it sparks a memory or celebrates a shared moment in time. In the spirit of giving, I've designed a promotion that you might want to take advantage of. When you purchase one of my original paintings, size 24 x 30, 24 x 36 or 30 x 40, you can create your own Bundle of Joy! Choose any 3 of the following selections to add to your package. Yours to gift or keep. Free delivery in the GTA.

1. a set of 4 coasters (value $40)
2. two small prints (value $60.00)
3. one medium print (value $75.00)
4. two hours of my time to help you create a 'gallery wall' with your own art (value $199.00)
5. a two hour private art lesson for you and a friend (value $99.00) all supplies included

To help you make that important decision book a private studio visit to make your choice or check out my website, Instagram or Facebook. Send me a message to see what I've got.

Today I'm attaching a few older paintings and some from this year.

That's it for this week. Thanks for always being there.

ROCK ON

GAIL


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2021-36 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover    

And In Here It's So Delightful

Did you build a snowman last weekend? And have a snowball fight? I can answer yes to both those questions. It was such a lot of fun to play in the snow with Fox and Theo. When your grandson says it's his 'favourite day ever', you just have to smile and perhaps remember those days long ago when you build snow forts and stacked up the snowballs for the neighbourhood battles. Now those snowmen have melted and I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.

A few weeks back I promised that I would give you a report on the art show at the McMichael called 'Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Moment' It's a show that delivers what it promises, an extensive look at the women artists who were overshadowed by the famous Group of Seven. In addition there is the stunning work of Margaux Williamson: 'Interiors'. We also had an enchanting conversation with Bonnie Devine, an installation artist who is creating a site-specific mural on the walls entitled 'From Water to Water : A Way Through the Trees' It's well worth the trip to Kleinburg. Thanks forDeb and Lorriefor reminding me of the show.

Follow Bonnie on Instagram at bonnie devine_art.

Don't forget about my buddies, The PORDS , who are having their show this WE, Sat and Sun. Say hi to Heidi, Kim, Maurice and Kat.

Then jump on over to 7 Labatt Ave on Sun Dec 5, 11-4, to feast your eyes on the beautiful handmade offerings of Cave and Crown, by Joanna and myself. We're on the second floor and hope to have the door opened for the occasion. Just in case it isn't please text or call 416-271-3934, and someone will run down to welcome you. Masking required of course.

How about your 'Mission Not Impossible'? Have you been flexing your powers of noticing? When I go for my walks, I try to take a different route and set my intention to notice certain things...like colours, shadows etc. Lately I've been focussing on studying how the branches grow on different trees. What has your mind been noticing recently?

Besides the large pieces of original art I will have on the walls, don't forget I have some prints ready to go home with you and some coasters that might also be a fun gift to add to those bottles of wine that you take to your many holiday parties. I can also have prints custom made in time for the holidays.No chain of supply issues here!

Once again, I must express my deep appreciation for your support.

Hope to see you on Sunday.

ROCK ON

Gail


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2021-35 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

Read All About It!!

This letter was practically complete when I got the exciting news.

I am delighted to let you know that Joanna Williams with her Cave and Crown line will be showing her wares at my Holiday Open House Art Show. Joanna is my lovely daughter and mother of Fox and Theo. 

She opened her business with the birth of her first son, and designs and creates everything in her home studio. All her items are lovingly handcrafted, from macrame to  luxurious blankets and accessories for your personal sanctuary.  Your'e sure to find something for that special person on your gift list. 

Please join us on Dec 5, 11am - 4pm at my studio at 7 Labatt Ave. I am so lucky to have the beautiful space of the atrium again this year. Nancy Bennett's art will be on the walls as well. She is having her party the day before on Dec 4. You'll also be able to see the gigantic painting that my nephew, Bill and I have completed. There will also be prints available and coasters to add to your gift list.

This past week Fox and Theo and I went down to the Leslie street spit to see what we could see. They hate walking on the path, so we always find a hidden trail. You'll never guess what happened! Our helicopter crashed and we went around collecting pieces to see if we could put it back together. Forget the bird watcher who introduced us to a mockingbird. We were on a secret mission.

I'm reminded of this because Ron Walker in his book 'The Art of Noticing' talks about how children can makes games of any situation. Even in a big box store. The next time you go to one, maybe you can go on a secret mission to discover the most absurd thing they sell or the most useless or the most beautiful. Make it up. It will surely make your errand a little more interesting. I'd love to hear what you discover on your own secret mission..not impossible.

Today I'm adding a work in progress. I was cleaning my basement and came across some old life drawings that are about 50 years old. When I was a student radiation therapist, I took life drawing at night school. I've decided to see how I can integrate these old life drawings into my current style. A new series is taking form.

Once again, I sincerely thank you for your support.

Rock on,

Gail

2021-34 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover              

Is it really?

Can YOU tell me how this happens? I swear that every year, the Christmas holidays are coming along faster and faster. Although, I can still remember being a kid and how slowly the days went by. You might imagine how challenging it must have been for my Mom and Dad to try to keep the excitement at a tolerable level with 8 ( yes..there were 8 of us) kids. There wasn't a lot of money in our home and I really don't know how they managed to make sure we all had something under the tree. The memory of sneakily trying to find the place where Mom hid the presents is still vivid. Now, I can't even remember where I've hidden gifts I've purchased.

Last week's newsletter elicited quite a few responses. It was gratifying to receive sightings from Patty from her walks. Birds right in her hand.

Ruth has commented that I could be the Imaginary Menagerie Manager. (say that fast!)

Lorrie reminded me about the 'Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Moment' show at the McMichael. We're going next week and I'll give you a report.

Kim sent her invite for her show which I attach here. Her group of artists, The PORD Shave painted together for years. In fact, when I decided to get back into this art gig, Kim was the teacher. That's how the Paint Chicks were born.

One of the fascinating activities in Rob Walker's book 'The Art of Noticing' that got my attention was on page 190. He's talking about a short film by John Smith, called 'The Girl Chewing Gum' It's 'an impressive display of considered observation' I was completely drawn in, but then I'm the kind of person who likes to look in people's windows. Just type the name into your search and you'll find it easily.

So....what have you been noticing this week? On a walk this week, I was so intent on looking for sticks lying on the ground (don't ask) that I almost stepped on a cardinal...honestly.

Today I'm attaching invites for 2 shows that I hope you can make. One is for the PORDS on Sat Dec 4, and the other is my open studio holiday art show the following day, Dec 5. Please come by for a visit. I hope I can recognize you under the mask.

Thanks so much for all the lovely comments. I appreciate your friendship.

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

ROCK ON

Gail

2021-33 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover          

From My Heart to Your's

You may not realize how much I truly appreciate your support. My Super Sale was such a success. Thanks for adding my art to your home. Thanks for telling your friends about my art. Thanks for bringing your friends and family to my art shows. Thanks for reading this letter and for keeping in touch. I value all of it...truly, madly, deeply.

Yesterday, I found some of my life drawing sketches that I had done back in 1967/8. That bundle of charcoal drawings brought up a load of memories. I'd come down from Port Arthur, as Thunder Bay was then called, to study radiation therapy at Princess Margaret Hospital. NOT my first choice of study. When I received the rejection from art school, my dad was relieved. Now I could find a 'real job' . But that did not deter me from taking art classes at night school. Of course that fork in the road has led to a rich life, not the least of which is the meeting of my future husband. Thanks toBarb Jappfor talking me into joining a choir.

However, I digress. As usual. Or maybe not. I did discover that I love physics and that curiosity about how things work has taken over in my art work. I love to experiment and see what happens . For example, this week I painted over a canvas with black paint and then wiped it off and sanded it down with steel wool. That one is still in progress and may never be shown, but it taught me a few things. If you'd like details, please ask. Or try it yourself.

You know I think you are a creative being. Maybe not in the traditional sense, but creative nonetheless. This week I'm recommending a darling book by Ron Walker called 'The Art of Noticing'. It's all about paying attention to what you pay attention to. Yesterday, on my walk, I was looking for orange things. Today it's about finding the spaces around objects. Or maybe, finding security cameras. My neighbour was looking for discarded masks. I'd be interested in knowing what you might focus on. Please send me your ideas.

Last week, I finished a painting that combines several of my influences. Klimt, Rousseau, Marimekko. I've called it 'The Imaginary Menagerie' which is the painting on the top left of the attached images. As a result, I realized that I have created a Menagerie series already. I'm adding some paintings that fit the category. They are all for sale and could be in your home tomorrow. Please share them with a friend. You could take one home for a trial. Visit my studio or ask me to send an image you may have missed.

SAVE THE DATE !!

HOLIDAY ART SHOW

SUNDAY, DEC 5, 11-4, 7 Labatt Ave.

Who knows if I will be allowed to have a holiday show, but I have decided that I will set the date anyway. Stay tuned for updates.

Thanks again, stay real.

ROCK ON

Gail


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

PLEASE SHARE WITH A FRIEND

2021-32 Living Artfully

Hello Dear Art Lover            

My Apologies 

Please accept my apologies as I rescind my offer of doing pet portraits in a 30 Pets in 30 Days challenge. I realized that although I love animals and I know how important they are to their humans, my heart is just not in it. It would be doing an injustice to not be able to give my best to you and your beloved friend. Perhaps in the future I would try again. In the meantime, I apologize to those who have sent me some photos.

And now for some good news. Our studio lease has been extended til March 2022. We've had a long run, especially when we were told about 5 years ago that the hammer would be dropped at any time. We are all doing the happy dance at 7 Labatt.

More good news. My painting ' A Horse With No Name' will be featured at the Leslie Grove gallery's newest show ' Inspired By The Arts' Nov 10-28. The opening is next Thursday, Nov 11, 6pm -8pm. I invite you to be my guest. The gallery is at 1158 Queen St E, just east of Jones Ave on the north side. ww.lesliegrovegallery.ca

Thanks so much for the book recommendations. Chris told me about 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' which is so fascinating. I actually read that one a few years ago. She also recommended 'The Widows' by Jess Montgomery. I just finished an excellent read myself 'We Begin at the End' by Chris Whitaker.

The following excerpt is from Austin Kleon's newsletter. I started reading the Twitter thread too and found it very interesting. Perhaps you've come across something similar. I'd love to hear about it.

Bewilderingly, I have been totally sucked into the Dune hype. I loved Helen Macdonald’s profile of director Denis Villeneuve, which led me to watching David Lynch’s Dune (and this interview) and even picking up the novel. (We’ll see how far I get.) Perhaps the best thing I’ve read is this twitter thread about author Frank Herbert’s real-life inspiration.

You've often heard me talk about my fabulous Essentrics instructor Sheri. This week she sent me a link to a wonderful video that features drumming. Take a peek and see if your'e not tapping and clapping along like I was. You can check out Sheri. www.sheriessentrics.com

MOVE WELL, GET STRONG and FEEL FABULOUS!

This musical production was part of the special opening to the UN General Assembly meeting in September 2021 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration, which is considered a milestone in the global fight against racism.

I loved this video and I hope you will enjoy it. Here's the link: https://bit.ly/3k4vHY

The SUPER SALE continues til Nov 7. Please call for a private studio visit to choose your favourite at a bargain price. I've added a few of the Ghost series here that are still up for grabs. My 'Ghost' series paintings were inspired by a cross Canada trip a few years ago. We saw much evidence of forest fires, but the thing that really inspired me was the knowledge that in the aftermath, the ash regenerates the soil. So there is actually a sign of hope. Perhaps also a metaphor for other 'fires' in our culture. I've also been reminded that those delicious morels grow well in the soil of the destroyed trees. Thanks Hilja.

The paintings I'm showing here are 'Ghosts in the Mist', on the left and 'Spectral Orchestra' on the right. Please schedule a studio visit to see these beauties in all their glory.

Once again, I thank you for your continued support. You rock!


YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

PRIVATE STUDIO VISITS

ROCK ON,

Gail