"Snow" watercolour class........

Last Saturday, February 1, was the first watercolour class of the winter for me and 4 participants.  It was a great day to be painting snow!  Just looking out the windows from our room gave us lots of motivation.  In fact, three people couldn't come because of the snow.........

Here are two paintings I started as demos, and finished when I got home.  "Mailboxes" is a theme I have enjoyed for two previous paintings as well.  

Next class is February 22, when I'll be challenging participants to observe and paint trees.  I will be paying attention to negative painting.  Trees are a great way to practise it!  I will post a couple of examples soon.

A New Painting-- "From Alligator Rock"

I couldn't help wanting to paint this scene from my Charlton Lake holiday last September.  It was an invigorating walk up to the top of the cliff, where we spent time just taking in the fabulous view.  While it was a cloudy, cold day at the time, to me the scene needed to be bathed in sunlight in the morning.  All the hopes of a day on the water are still in the air.  I would be sitting on the end of the long dock, with a cup of tea and a book, legs dangling over the edge.  In the middle of this brutal winter, it's a lovely thought!

"From Alligator Rock"
acrylic
12 X 36

An "Art and Soul" Show is up.........

at the Walkerton Library, on "The Wall", which is a lovely space available for artists to apply for a show.  A collection of my acrylics is on view from January 10 until February 22, 2014.  I was over to the library to hang it today.  It looked so colourful under the good track lighting!  A couple of the people working there with me said it was just what we need for this time of year when spring seems so far away........  

Here is what part of it looked like.  I'm looking forward to seeing those poppies bloom in my yard later on in 2014!

......but the Christmas Store is down...........

The Saugeen Artists were sad to see our Christmas Store close on December 24.  It's always a special time of getting to know the other artists and working closely together in a way we don't have the opportunity to do during the rest of the year.  I did sell many cards and two paintings, so it was definitely worthwhile for me, and for many other group members.  The talks and tours around the gallery with members of the community makes it worthwhile too, in a different but important way.  We feel very much supported by the Hanover and area residents!  Thanks to all who came in to look, to encourage, and even to purchase our work.

Trying out a new style..........

Three little 10 X 10 kitchen paintings are now part of the Saugeen Artists art store now open in Hanover.  I wanted to try something quite different from the usual, and came up with a kitchen theme.  I painted using obvious brushstrokes, and paid careful attention to values, working from dark to light, adding brushstrokes that would give each object its shape.  I love that challenge!  I'm working on three more, on a green underpainting. 

Photos of the Saugeen Artists Store in Hanover..............

.................to entice you inside!  I created a new window display yesterday.  New work is being added every day, with a big rehanging next week.  There are free artist demonstrations every Saturday afternoon, and a ballot box for tickets to win a gift basket on December 21. 

 Two floors of great art!

Here is the new window display........

with Teddy making up his Christmas list.

Besides paintings he can choose jewelry, knitted neck warmers,

....stained glass.......

.......and while he waits at the counter to pay, he can choose from lots of cards, and then put his name in the ballot box!

The Art Store is open!

Welcome to the Saugeen Artists Christmas Store!  It's finally ready, after weeks of planning and effort.  Here is a preview of what you will see when you come to visit.  We are on the main street of Hanover, beside Hanover Travel on the west end of town.  I'll be keeping you posted here......................

This shows some of the art you will see
when you come in the front door.

There is an upstairs gallery too,
full of wonderful art.

I have several paintings there, as well as many cards.
I have ideas for more paintings, which will arrive
as they are completed.
You will have to come around if you want to see the theme I've chosen for these small, affordable pieces!

Studio Tour Memories

What a beautiful weekend it was for my recent Studio Tour!  In spite of the forecast for rain, it held off until Sunday, and the temperature was pleasant.  At least 70 visitors ventured out to come and see my art and my Stanehaven Studio over the three days.  In fact, there was probably as much conversation about our home renovations as there was about my art..........  but that's the fun of studio tours!  I could have sold the house at least once............

 I sold 2 paintings and lots of cards, and met some wonderful artists and art lovers.  This is one of my paintings that went to a new home:

My next project is to work on items for the Christmas store my Art Group is organizing for November and December in Hanover. (And also to make a crib quilt for my new grandson Carson!)