The Walkerton Juried Art Show is coming up!

For artists in the area, here is some info about submitting your work to this show.   Get working on your submission!

Acrylic Classes coming up.......

Spring is coming, and so are lots of creative opportunities!  I have set some dates for my acrylic classes, for those who are interested: 

At Chesley Community Church, the second Tuesday of the month-  April 14, May 12, and June 9.

The same class will be offered at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Hanover on the second Thursday of the month- April 16, May 14, and June 11.  

Check my blog page "Classes" for more details, as spring approaches.   That makes me think of painting flowers for the first class!  Maybe tulips??  Wildflowers??

A Backward Look.......

Every year I wonder what I have achieved in my painting efforts, and each year I surprise myself!  This year was no exception, as I looked back at 2019 to see a whole year's work at once.  I actually completed 30 paintings, from an 8 x 8 inch nuthatch to a 20 x 40 inch farm scene!  Here is the last painting of 2019, a view of Lake Kagawong from the front of the cottage where I stayed with family last summer, on Manitoulin Island.  This painting brings back many terrific memories.  

"Lake Kagawong"
acrylic
20 x 30

I also found out that I sold a total of 14 paintings throughout the year, 5 of them at the Saugeen Artists Christmas Store.  I'm encouraged to keep painting, and learn more about my craft.  My latest study has been about colour, the pigments of paint, and the skill of mixing them.  I'm using the reference book called "Blue and Yellow Don't Make Green", by Michael Wilcox.  The title alone piqued my interest.  Here are some of my trusty colour charts I've recently made, which will help me in my 2020 efforts ahead.  It's amazing how many colours can be mixed from 2 pigments plus white!

Announcing a new addition to the Saugeen Artists Christmas Store!

This "Alluring Alpaca" has joined the animal family at the Hanover store.   She does have an attitude..............

"Alluring Alpaca"
acrylic
12 x 12

 I also added a piece I started at my latest class on skies........ called "With Apologies to Vincent".  If you have a chance, take a look in the store for many more pieces of original art!  It's at 275 10th Street, Hanover.

"With Apologies to Vincent"
acrylic
12 x 12

November Painting Classes

November 19th and 21st will be my last painting classes for the fall.  I have some fun ideas for them!  We will create two paintings that include skies, trees, sunflowers, and....... palette knives.  You will go home with two paintings started, knowing how to complete them.  The day goes fast, with lots of laughter and stories and art talk and coffee!  

If you need inspiration, just look up Vincent Van Gogh. I will bring other artists' samples to give us more ideas.  

Here are small "pieces" taken from our samples:

 Can you tell which are from a Van Gogh painting?

Dates: Tuesday, November 19th 
            at Chesley Community Church, and                                                   Thursday, November 21st 
             at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Hanover.
             (I repeat the same paintings both days.)

Time:   9:30 to 4:00

   Cost:   $30 suggested donation
              Canvases are extra, but all other materials are                                     supplied if you don't have them.

Space is limited.  If you want to sign up, or need more information, email me at kathiewright.artist@gmail.com

The Saugeen Artists Guild's annual Christmas Gallery and gift shop is up and running!

The store is in a new location this year, but still downtown Hanover.  We are right beside Bruton's Blind Shop, at 275 10th Street.  There are 15 artists involved, bringing you jewelry, mosaic glass, woodworking, pottery, cards, and of course paintings!  Here is my latest large piece, which is on display there.  You will also see my little menagerie of animal faces.  An alpaca will soon be joining them.  

Beaver Valley Farm
acrylic
20 x 40

This farm is one I see regularly when I drive on the Beaver Valley road to Thornbury.  I have multiple photo references of it!  I took artistic liberties with the colours and some other details.  But there really were cows there!

Me? Animal Portraits? Fun!

I have long believed that painting animals was beyond me.  Artists who do pet portraits intimidate me.  But I decided to rise to the challenge during a recent paint class I was leading.  The same process applies to animals as it does to all subjects--  reducing the image to the large shapes.  Then it becomes fun!  Every animal has a unique personality, and can express emotion.  In a painting, even moving the eyebrows, or making the mouth turn, or adding eyelashes can change the whole impression!  Here are five adorable faces ready for my Studio Tour this weekend.  Each one is 12 x 12, ready to frame. Come and see them for yourself!   

Curious Cat
12 x 12

Cautious Cow
12x12

Devoted Dog
12x12

Gentle Giraffe
12x12

Playful Pig
12x12