2025-07 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

The Urgency of Spring

Do you feel the same way? As soon as the calendar says it’s Spring, I think we should see the buds popping and the daffs nodding their bright yellow heads. I do know that’s not how it works here, but my Pollyanna keeps showing up. And I do actually like winter.

The busy spring/summer art season is gearing up but I have decided that the outdoor artfairs are no longer for me. I’ll be showing my work in less physically demanding venues. My studio door is always open for visitors and I love to share my current obsession with the gelli printing process. I also hope to be teaching at a local arts centre and my work will also be featured in an upcoming online gallery magazine. Details will be out soon.

Please save May 31 and/or June 1 to visit The Art Show at Peg’s home and garden gallery for her annual art show and fund raiser. Peg has collected an eclectic group of artists and loyal followers. We always have a great time.

One of my interests is following other artists on IG and recently I’ve discovered the delightful Anthony Eyton who is featured on his daughter’s posts. He is still painting at over 100 years old and seems to have all his marbles too. If your’e curious, check out Sarah Eyton on IG. I think I want to be him when I grow up.

This week I’ve attached the completed bird painting where I’ve incorporated some gelli printed papers. Look closely and you can see the delicate leaves that were used, as well as the vibrant feathers on the top bird. A good friend suggested the title. Reply to this letter if you’d like to see it in the flesh.

MAY CALENDAR

Currently..Chasing Light, the Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E

May 31/June 1..The Art Show, 64A Queensbury Ave

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

The Conversation. 40x30 in mixed media on canvas

The Moon Shone Brightly That Night

24 x 36 in, acrylic on canvas, see it at the Jackalope Gallery

2025-06 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Feeling Grateful

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

The weather report last Sunday was dreadful…the prediction was for freezing rain and ice, but that didn’t stop my faithful supporters. It was absolutely brilliant that we had a full house. I can’t thank my constant cheerleaders enough, and some new friends who came by to see what was happening in GWA’s studio. Dorothy helped to create a lovely jewel box of a gallery. The place was glowing. The free swag bags and additional discount was a hit too.

My door is always open to visitors. Just send me a message and I’ll make it work for you.

Lately I’ve been changing things up on my website and my IG presence. This has required a deep dive into some soul searching and has resulted in discovering more about why and how I achieve my unorthodox art works. You might think that artists just create but there is much more to it than that. Especially as I do not do realism. One result has been that I see how I connect to the Fauvism movement and to the works of Henri Matisse. I’m also paying attention to why I choose certain colours and how the images that I think just pop up don’t really do that. There is a chain reaction that I’m noticing. For example, my favourite blue is a direct reflection of the clear blue skies and deep waters of my childhood growing up in Northern Ontario beside the immense Lake Superior.

On that note…on my easel these days are some works where birds are appearing. Who isn’t fascinated with birds? The gelli printed papers are collaged onto the canvas and then I’m glazing over them. This is where play comes into the act. I’d love to share this fun and simple mono printing technique with you in one of my classes. See below for details of the next workshop. No talent or experience is required. If you prefer a different day or time I’m open to suggestions.

You know I am addicted to reading and I’ve just discovered another Finnish writer who celebrates our shared heritage of dark humour. Check out Antii Tuomainen for some hilarious craziness. Somewhat like my art. Please share your current reading obsessions.

APRIL CALENDAR

Currently..Chasing Light, the Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E

Thurs April 24..noon-2:30..Gelli print workshop at GWA studio…7 Labatt Ave, $95.00, all supplies included, no experience requ’d email to register. gail@gailwilliamsartist.com

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Joseph, All Dressed Up

This is what’s on the easel right now.

2025-05 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

SUNDAY SUNDAY

It’s party time for the first OPEN STUDIO show at GWA studio on Sunday Mar 30, noon to 4 at 7 Labatt Ave. (Labatt runs east off River St, between Queen and Dundas) I’ve got special deals and free swag for everyone as well as my signature unconventional artwork. There will be a trail of breadcrumbs to help you find your way. I’m on the second floor. If the door is locked please call me 416-271-3934 and I will come down. I’ll leave a note on the door too.

If you’re already a Gail Williams collector ( have bought an original) you get an additional 10% off your purchase of original artwork which means 20% for you. There will also be some of the atrium artists in their studios whom you might be able to visit.

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Joseph is waiting to say ‘Hi’

2025-04 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Spring has sprung

Yes it has! Last newsletter was all about our mammoth snowfall and now here we are just a few weeks later, basking in the longer daylight and turning our faces toward the sun. My garden obsessed neighbours have already been out tidying things up but I have managed to hold myself back. Not that I don’t enjoy the garden. I love the green but the actual work of it does not fire me up. Now creating art is another thing. I’ve been in the studio having a wonderful time learning more about gelli printing and collage. I can hardly wait to show you the results.

What do I do with all those gelli printed papers? They are finding their way into my unconventional art work of course. There’s a photo here of my latest painting that started with the pouring of paint and ended up with many layers of the printed paper I created with the gelli plate. If you’d like to learn how to gelli, I have more classes booked at GWA Studio. See below for details. Either reply to this message or send me an email. I’m open to adjusting the time if that works better for you.

Have you checked the Instagram of Jackson’s Art Supplies? If you are curious about COLOUR visit jacksons_art and see amazing short videos that you might find as fascinating as I do.

On my first OPEN STUDIO date on Sun. Mar 30 at 7 Labatt Ave noon-4pm, I’ll have loads of little surprises for you. Everyone who attends get a swag bag and there will be lots of smaller works as well as cards and budget friendly items. If you’re already a Gail Williams collector ( have bought an original) you get an additional 10% off your purchase of original artwork which means 20% for you. There will also be some of the atrium artists in their studios whom you might be able to visit. Nancy Bennett will have her work up too. Check her IG nancyb178.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Thurs. Mar 27, noon - 2:30 at GWA Studio, 7 Labatt Ave, Botanical 1. GELLI PRINT WORKSHOP. All supplies included.$95.00

Sun. Mar. 30, noon - 4 pm. SPRING OPEN STUDIO, 7 Labatt Ave. Free swag and in studio deals.

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

.

HELP PLEASE !!

I’m still looking for a name for this recently completed painting. It’s composed of many layers of my gelli printed papers.

When I made the decision not to continue with the gallery, one of the reasons was because I didn’t have the time or energy to spend with my grandsons. Now I take them to the studio almost every week and we do all sorts of fun projects together. Sometimes we each teach a lesson which is very enlightening for me. This week I’d made accordion books for them to make some graphic novels. Theo won’t let me see the whole thing til he’s done but he let me take a pic of his cover page. He’s talking about getting it published. Fox didn’t want any photos taken and he’s in the process of creating his own website which he has figured out all by himself. (He’s 10) If you’d like to make an accordion journal for yourself just look on youtube for ‘accordion books made from one sheet of paper’ You can make any size.

‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ at the Jackalope. 30x40, mixed media on canvas

Did you see my ‘inukshuks’ on Instagram or FB? I was in the mood for just throwing some paint around and ended up creating those iconic rock formations. It was so much fun, I’d love to do a workshop. No talent required I promise. Let me know if you’d be interested.

2025-03 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

I’m a lumberjack..

And I don’t care…except I’m changing that to ‘ I’m Canadian and I do care!’ Of course I’m assuming you know that Monty Python sketch. Being snowed in and bombarded with all the world chaos is certainly uniting us somewhat less vocal Canadians to proudly wave our flag. I’m not buying anything made in that place south of our border. Yesterday I was trying to find out where some fruit came from in an online shopping platform and even phoned the head office for Metro grocers. I‘ll bet the guy who answered the phone was wishing he hadn’t after our 20 minute conversation. (LOL) Although he was very polite.

It’s been almost like a vacation as I haven’t been able to get to my studio this past week. We have street parking and that means being snowed in and not wanting to move the car from it’s spot for fear of losing the space. These are the joys of living in Toronto without a private driveway. Although I have been able to look after some long neglected projects. I’ve also decided to postpone my OPEN STUDIO event that was planned for Sun Feb 23. Not to worry though, because I’ve decided to make it even better. Stay tuned for the NEW DATE and some surprise bonuses.

In my recent newsletters, you’ve read that I’m a little obsessed with the Gelli Printing and have started workshops. Gelli printing is so accessible and easy. I supply everything you need. It requires no talent (honest) and you get to create something beautiful that seems to just magically happen. For me, art making gives me the opportunity to totally let go of whatever chaos and drama is happening and focus on play. If you need a space to forget your troubles, I encourage you to join a group of like minded people and come out for some fun. See the dates below for upcoming classes. I’m now calling my space GWA studio.

Email me at gail@gailwilliamsartist.com to enroll at GWA studio and on the Jackalope gallery website for classes there. No experience needed. All supplies included. $95.00

Thursday Feb 27, noon - 2:30 at GWA Studio, 7 Labatt Ave, Botanical 1

Wednesday Mar 5, 6-8:30 at the Jackalope, 1558 Queen St E, Botanical 1

Wednesday Mar 12, 6-8:30 at the Jackalope,1558 Queen St E, Botanical 2

Thursday Mar 20, noon-2:30 at GWA Studio, 7 Labatt Ave, Botanical 2

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Superstar Fox and I on Family Day. He beat me by over 100 points!

Just in case you didn’t get snow where you are.

‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ at the Jackalope. 30x40, mixed media on canvas

2025-02 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Support Canadian

I would guess that just by your support of Canadian art, mine in particular, that I’d be preaching to the choir about how much buying Canadian means. No one can escape the daily pressure of the never ending media that we are bombarded with. It feels to me that like the lead up to WW2 that we are all figuring out what we can do. I won’t be lying about my age like my Dad did to join the armed forces, but I’ve often felt that if I was alive at that time I would do the same. However I can promise to show up with something beautiful and meaningful.

This month until Feb 23 at the Jackalope gallery I have 2 paintings which both speak to our times, ‘We’re Not in Kansas Anymore’ and “Yak Yak Yak’. If you’d like to meet there and have a visit I am very happy to arrange a good time. The Jackalope is at 1558 Queen St E, just west of Coxwell Ave. After Feb 23, you can see 2 new paintings. I’ve put one of them here for you. It’s called ‘Set Me Free’.

Here are the dates for my series of gelli workshops. I’m doing them at the Jackalope Gallery and at my studio.

Sign up directly with me for the studio dates and on the Jackalope website for classes there.

Botanical #1 workshop at 7 Labatt Ave-Thursday Feb 27, 11-2:30

Botanical #2 workshop at 7 Labatt Ave-Thursday Mar 20, 11-2:30

I’d love to see your smiling face at my first Open Studio at 7 Labatt Ave. I’ll be showing new work and lots of small pieces too. Sun. Feb 23,12-4

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Set Me Free will be at the Jackalope Gallery on Feb 23.

You are invited to my first Open Studio at 7 Labatt Ave on Sun Feb 23, 12-4. I’ve got tons of new work to show you.

2025-01 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

New Year..New You..New Me

And just like that we’re off to the races! I always find a new year exciting and for me there are several pivotal new years in every year. Obviously we’re at the beginning of one right now. And since my birthday is in April, I also find it is a good point to reflect and make adjustments as necessary. As well, I can’t stop myself from seeing September as another time of checking in. What about you? What are your points of reference?

BTW I am really loving my new studio. Please consider this an open invitation until I announce my open studio event which is coming soon. I would love to have you visit. You’ll see what’s on the easel and we can chat about life and art.

I’ve also been totally enamoured with the gelli plate printing technique. The Jackalope Gallery has booked a workshop for me on Sat Jan 18, 9:30 - noon. We’ll be working on botanical prints. It’s super fun and easy. Again, for only $95.00 all supplies are included. You’ll go home with lots of papers you can use for collage or making your own unique greeting cards.

Since you’re reading this I think you might be interested in more art info. I consider my art education somewhat lacking as I didn’t go to art school or university. One of the wonderful things about this modern age is that there is a wealth of knowledge only a click away. May I suggest you check out Jackson’s Art. https//www.jacksonart.com or on IG, @jackson_art. You’ll discover all about paint, painting techniques, famous artists etc. It is fascinating if you want to know the why and how of painting.

Last year, just before Christmas I had a lovely surprise. A new collector wanted one of my paintings. She had found me on the Partial Gallery online shop. She purchased the painting but Partial also has a rent-to-own feature. I encourage you to go to https://www.partial.gallery/ and see what I have there. If you want to trial a painting in your home, I can bring it to you (if you live in the GTA). The rental fee you pay will offset the purchase price if you decide to keep it. If you are not in the GTA, I will arrange a delivery with you. It’s a great way to add some original art to your home. I am adding more pieces to their site but you can check my website for more work that hasn’t been added yet.

As always, I appreciate your support.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Here’s a botanical gelli print. Isn’t it just luscious?! You can do it too...so easy. I promise. Workshop at the Jack, 1558 Queen St E

Jan 18, 9:30 - 12 noon. Register on the website. 

https://www.thejackalopegallery.ca/

‘What’s Up Doc’ was chosen by Karen in Georgia, USA . It’s a 12x12 acrylic on canvas. I just know she’ll be smiling every time she sees it. Karen found this little guy on the https://www.partial.gallery/ website.

Check it out please.