Barbara Chappelle

Philip Guston Over My Shoulder

2012-01-28T11:50:00.000-05:00

All it took was a brief video of Philip Guston talking about his meandering, pot-holed route from beginnings to near completion of his artworks to remind me that it is the journey I make with my art that is so satisfying. Frustrating, sometimes, but always something new and exciting eventually takes hold. After a week of layering cool over warm, warm over cool, scraping, scratching, dark over light, light over dark, more texturing, dissolving with mineral spirits, etc., and repeating the processes, I declared these three pieces done! The results are vastly different from where I began (landscapes?), but I think of torsos as human landscapes. I'll let them hang around for a few weeks before they can be deemed "done". Or are they ever completely "done"?

Three New Beginnings, after a week of transformation...

Three New Beginnings....

2012-01-24T14:26:00.001-05:00

Three 16" X 16" panels that are awaiting a "breakthrough". I've been moving them around the house, and in diffferent configurations, looking for something; don't know what yet, but it will come to me.

Some areas are developing with many layers of oil and wax, scraping back, more layers, and scratchmarks.

Other areas have similar layers of oil and wax, with powdered pastel used for some subtle colour shifts. I can get caught up with my nose centimeters from the panel, realizing that I need to take a step back.

More mark-making with my favourite tools through the wax/oil layers.

The oil paint is setting up quite nicely, so I think that by tomorrow I will go in with some oil sticks, charcoal, graphite and more pastel. I want to explore some relationships between line and the colour fields. Don't have any images in mind, but the lines should augment the colour and conflict with the shapes. Hmmm...sounds like a plan. By tomorrow though, the ideas will undoubtedly change, and something else will appear on the panels. The work always seems to surprise me.

Christmas Art Celebrations at Gallery 121

2011-12-14T21:45:00.000-05:00

Four small acrylic/mixed media works on canvas (Little Vista series) that are exhibiting at Gallery 121, Belleville in the annual Christmas show, hanging until Jan. 7, 2012. The popular Victorian Wall is full of smaller artwork of all the gallery members.

A mixed media work by Marie Timbers.

A portion of the Victorian Wall

Installation of 'Reclining Figure, Blue'.

Artists at Work in Florence

2011-12-05T20:33:00.001-05:00

Strolling along the narrow streets of Florence, we found an abundance of antique shops, fine art galleries, art workshops, print shops.

These art students were hard at work, focussed on their drawing boards. I had the urge to pull up a chair! Perhaps another time.....

The front window of Il Tamarino, a fine art print shop. There are many of these fine art ateliers in Florence, and we were lucky when we walked through these doors.

Sophia, co-owner of Il Tamarino, at work hand-watercolouring a fine art etching. The printing press, with stacks of fine art papers, are on the left.

Owners Sophia and Pier made us a cup of tea while we tried to decide which small pieces we would take home with us on our bikes. The walls, flat files and tables were filled with beautiful gems. Choosing was not an easy task.

What a special memory we will always have of Pier and Sophia at their fine art etching workshop/gallery! We learned so much about their processes, and our time there cemented the respect we've always had for printmaking of all kinds. A return visit in the future would be wonderful, and we hope that may happen.

Visit Sophia's and Pier's website:

Il Tamarino

New Work

2011-11-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

I was relieved that I had left several pieces unfinished before we left for Italy in October. It was easier to step into the studio and complete some work, gradually getting back into a routine.

Amusement - Oil/Cold Wax, on canvas, 11"x14"

"Amusement", above is hanging in the November Show at the Belleville Art Association Gallery, 392 Front Street, Belleville, ON.

"Joyful" and "Fragments", below, are two smaller pieces hanging in the Christmas Show at Gallery121, 48 Bridge Street E., Belleville, ON

These galleries are co-operative ventures that keep the art scene in Belleville lively, and I am so proud to be a member in both.

Joyful, Oil/Cold Wax, on panel, 16" X 16"

Fragments, Oil/Cold Wax on canvas, 11" X 14"

A Gallery Hop in Florence

2011-11-21T22:09:00.000-05:00

The artwork in small contemporary galleries is a contrast to the ancient, medieval and renaissance art that abounds in Florence. This is a small gallery that we enjoyed visiting regularly on our walks in the neighbourhood.

Heavy Metal, Italian Style

2011-11-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

I've thrown coins into fountains for good luck, or with a promise to return, but this is the first time I've come across locks attached to railings. We noticed this jumble of metal at the corner of the Ponte Vecchio - it was a tourist magnet (rivalling even the Duomo).

In the Uffizi's Courtyard

2011-11-12T22:29:00.002-05:00

October is still a busy time in Florence, and there is ample opportunity to hear some beautiful classical music performed by buskers. This fellow was part of a 3-person team that entertained visitors almost non-stop. Every day when we strolled by, either he or one of his team would be playing their instruments, with full orchestration - karaoke style.

Street performers attract the tourist crowds, dressed as angels, or...

...dressed as golden Pharaohs.

We met a charming artist, Carlo Piagentini, hard at work like many others, outside the Uffizi, in the shelter of the courtyard. The weather was showing signs, to him, that winter would soon be approaching , so by the end of the month he was planning to leave Florence to spend the winter in Argentina. We just smiled, and strolled away in the warm sunshine with two small artworks that he had wrapped up for us. You can visit his website at www.carlopiagentini.com to see his lovely watercolours and acrylics.

Looking across the galeria, I noticed a small, tawny-coloured, furry critter laying on the stone step, with a large sign propped against the nearby pillar. I feared the worst, but as we aproached, we couldn't help but smile.

This little guy was sound asleep, oblivious to the comings and goings of the tourist hordes.

A Tender, Thoughtful Moment

2011-11-11T12:05:00.000-05:00

Wherever we travel, we always encounter brief instants that demonstrate the spontaneous kindness of humans. Grand gestures may be important for media attention, but it's the small, gentle, thoughtful moments that happen daily that have the greatest impact. I love the slogan on this young woman's t-shirt, and she certainly lived up to the sentiment. This scene unfolds at the Galleria degli Uffizi.

Florence Morning, Day 2, Oct. 5

2011-11-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

Driving a car in Florence would be insane, but driving a scooter would be great fun! Bonus: parking spots for scooters and motor cycles are free. Parking for cars is restricted. Glad we have bikes, but for the next few days our mode of transport will be our feet.

Love and art: what a great combination!

Happy crowds on the Ponte Vecchio.

Time for lunch already? Caruso's Jazz Cafe was inviting, so we rested our feet, quaffed wine, and ate a hearty snack to fortify us for the afternoon. The glass floor over the river rocks was intriguing, and little sculptures of jazz musicians and singers were tucked everywhere.

Arriving in Italy-Oct.4

2011-11-07T23:10:00.001-05:00

Evening rowers on the Arno River.

We've been back from Italy for more than a week. Getting settled into our regular routine has been a challenge: I'm still mentally in Italy, and plan to remain in that delightful state of mind for quite some time. Several people have asked: Why Italy? The answers are many: amazing art, breath-taking architecture, welcoming, friendly people, delectable food, glorious wines, vast landscapes, and hopefully, weather that is kind to two older cyclists. We experienced all that we could ever have hoped for - and much more.

An example of original artwork adorning the walls of our Trattoria.

We landed in Florence in the early afternoon, and slowly found our way to our lodgings in a palazzo in the Oltrarno, south of the Arno River. We planned to stash our bikes for a few days, unwind, relax and enjoy this wonderful city on foot before heading south on our bikes. The early evening light on the river is truly mesmerizing, and we never got tired of photographing the bridges. More than one person we've spoken to had the same feeling: that the river views were constantly changing, and more beautiful at each turn. Whenever we got lost, we always headed for the river and inevitably found our bearings. I can't think of any other place where getting lost was such a joy.

A piece of artwork that has just sold to an American couple.

Nightfall arrives earlier in the autumn, so we found our way to a busy trattoria near the Ponte Vecchio, and sleepily devoured a pizza. We couldn't help notice the Tuscan artwork on the walls, and soon realized a young American couple seated next to us were in the process of selecting one of the paintings to purchase. It is quite common for artists to exhibit, and sell, their work in alternative venues in Italy, and it's encouraging to see an actual sale happen.

The happy art-buyers (foreground) after a satisfying dinner.

Strolling "home".

After eating the last crumbs of pizza, and drinking the last drops of Chianti, we walked the streets for another hour, unwilling to admit that we were completely jet-lagged, and that we should head for the comfort of our bed. But the evening was too beautiful and balmy for that. Besides, a gelato is mandatory on your first night in Italy, so we had to follow the good folks of Florence to the nearest outdoor gelateria to sample the creamy delight.

The decorative ceiling of our 400 year old palazzo, our home in Florence.

Yes, we got lost with our melting gelatos in the narrow streets of the Oltrarno, but we eventually found our home-away-from-home, near the Ponte alla Carraia. Tomorrow, our first full day in Florence. For now: restful sleep.

Installation of Reflections I and II

2011-08-15T17:20:00.000-04:00

Lynda and Tom from Toronto sent this photo of the installation of "Reflections I" and "Reflections II" in their beautiful condo bedroom. Seeing your artwork in its new setting is gratifying, but a little strange, almost to the point of not recognizing the work as your own. I hope they will love the work for a long time to come.

Belleville Art Association 1 X 1 Show and Sale

2011-07-25T16:36:00.000-04:00

Trickster, Oil/Cold Wax, 12"X12", $100, at BAA Gallery until Aug. 6.

Omen, Oil/Cold Wax, 12"X12", $100, at BAA Gallery until Aug.6.

We have had an amazing response to our One-By-One Art Show and Sale at the Belleville Art Association Gallery this month. Paintings have been flying off the walls! There are still over 150 works of art to choose from, and all at the reasonable price of $100. Incredible!

One-By-One Opening Reception

2011-07-21T21:57:00.001-04:00

Cool temperatures in the Belleville Art Association Gallery welcomed many visitors to our first 1 foot by 1 foot art show and sale opening reception. The walls, and floor area next to the walls, were covered with over 200 "HOT" paintings that all fit the criteria of 12" square, and all for sale at $100 each. The paintings have been flying off the walls! The exhibition will continue until Aug. 6, so there is still time to snag a beautiful art bargain.

Quinn's Fine Art Gallery - Grand Opening in Tweed

2011-06-23T21:49:00.004-04:00

I am very happy to be part of the celebrations happening this Canada Day weekend at Quinn's Fine Art Gallery in Tweed, Ontario. The beautiful interior of this historic building will be home to a wide spectrum of fine art, including Contemporary Painters, Sculptors, Photographers, and Glass, Wood, Textile, Mixed and Ceramics artists. Upstairs, the focus is on Historical Painters, including Jean Paul Lemieux, Jean McEwen, Doris McCarthy, Claude Pissarro, Goodridge Roberts and others.

Saturday evening, July 2, 7-9 pm, the celebrations continue with a reception, at which many of the artists will be present. Congratulations and best wishes to Paul and his staff.

Contact: (Gallery Hours: 10 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week)

Quinn's of Tweed Fine Art Gallery

PO Box 580

345 Victoria Street

Tweed, ON K0K 3J0

Tel: 613 478 0000

http://www.quinnsoftweed.ca/

Quinte Arts Council's Art in the Community Exhibition

2011-05-16T15:50:00.000-04:00

Installation photos of some of my work now showing at Dinkel's in Belleville, as part of the Quinte Arts Council's Art in the Community. The artwork will hang in the restaurant until the end of June. Stop in for lunch or dinner, enjoy the ambiance of the dining rooms, and perhaps find the perfect piece of artwork you have been searching for your home or office.

It's a Spring Exhibition at Gallery ArtPlus

2011-04-22T01:22:00.001-04:00

Gallery ArtPlus in Belleville has welcomed Spring with a colourful, eclectic show. Two of the featured artists are Tina Osborne and Valerie Kent.

Tina Osborne

As we huddle indoors by our fireplaces with warm cups of consoling liquids, Tina Osborne has done Mother Nature's job of announcing Spring with a dynamic exhibition of outdoor art panels that remind us of what it will soon look like in our gardens and countryside, once Spring and Summer actually arrive. Her large wooden panels have been meticulously prepared to receive her painted images, and they have been completely weatherproofed for our Canadian climate. In additon, Tina will brighten your day with her hand painted silk scarves and fine jewellery. A certified Reiki Master, all of Tina's work emanates with positive energy. Visit her website here.

Valerie Kent

I first met Valerie at an AFAC Conference in Toronto in 2008, where she was a workshop presenter. I am always struck by Valerie's ingenious use of found materials to enhance her artwork. The viewer is surprised when upon closer inspection, all kinds of found objects can be found in some of her work: eggshells, tiny glass beads, gold leaf from wrappers that would have otherwise been thrown away. These materials never overpower her work. In her understated way, Valerie makes a statement about her concerns for our environment, and at the same time creates images that are joyful yet peaceful. A dedicated teacher, artists will have opportunities to work with Valerie this summer under the Loyalist College Summer Arts Programme. Click here for more information about these workshops.

Try to make a point to drop in at Gallery ArtPlus, and experience an invigorating, lively art show.

ECOAA 53rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition

2011-04-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

Tender Sketch, Oil/Cold Wax
14 " X 11"

A small oil/cold wax piece was recognized at the recent ECOAA Annual Juried Show with the Jeanne-Marie McAdam Award for Innovative Work. The exhibit continues at the Shenkman Arts Cenre, 245 Centrum Blvd., Ottawa until April 22, 2011. Over 140 works of art were submitted, with 89 pieces juried into the show, representing 47 artists. The centre encompasses a large, modern building, with several gallery spaces, a clay studio, and dance/theatre studios. It appears to be well appreciated and used by the community, with very friendly hours.

Paintings displayed along the back wall and along the long side wall at the Shenkman.

Continuation of the exhibition, along the wall and under the grand staircase.

Thank you to Linda Sitler Howe for taking the photo. Tender Sketch (r), and Fugue With Confused Square (l)

Validation as an Artist

2011-04-07T17:29:00.002-04:00

Ode to Lover, 14" X 11"
Oil/Cold Wax on canvas

All artists, I believe, are appreciative when someone or some organization encourages them in what they do by actually purchasing a work of art. Emerging young artists, and emerging older artists (like myself!) must get the same thrill when such an event happens in their art-life. For me, a recent purchase by the John Parrott Gallery in Belleville, a nearby town, has given me a hearty boost. A small oil/cold wax piece, "Ode to Lover" is now in the gallery's Permanent Collection. I have to say that I am very appreciative of the recognition, and thrilled to bits.

Evelyn Glennie, Percussion Artist

2011-03-03T13:21:00.001-05:00

Five years ago, I saw the documentary film "Touch the Sound", which featured the Scottish percussion artist Evelyn Glennie. Shortly afterward, I attended a concert she gave at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. She inspired me to create a series of clay percussion pieces, using wire for plucking or bowing, glass for chiming, and wooden tuning forks. The clay inself can be struck for resonance. I loved the idea of producing these varied, unusual sounds.

In Wednesday's Toronto Globe and Mail newspaper, there was a front page feature article and photo of Evelyn in the GlobeArts section. Last night, at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, she performed "The Shaman", a new percussion concerto by Winnipeg-based composer Vincent Ho, to open the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's New Creations Festival. How I would have enjoyed being there!

These are some photos of a few of the pieces from that clay series - The Soundscape Sculptures. The wires stretch across the vessels. Their tones can be altered using the wooden tuning forks at the rims. Such fun!

A New Work

2010-11-23T20:07:00.003-05:00

River # 9, oil/cold wax on board, 10" X 8". This painting is a small work in the 'River' series. I've posted several 7" X 5" pieces in the series on my Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/elementalabstractart

A Chance Encounter

2010-11-16T21:16:00.005-05:00

Cliffside - Acrylic/Mixed Media

Today was my lucky day. Not just because I sold a painting, but because I met the purchaser. Let me back up. I belong to a co-op gallery and we take turns working there and greeting visitors. Almost at the last minute, I switched my day with another artist, and ended up at the gallery today, instead of tomorrow. By chance, a visitor from Toronto dropped in this morning, before my shift, saw one of my pieces, went for lunch, then returned to see the painting again, not knowing I would be there. It was meant to be, I guess, and I was very happy to meet the client who would be taking home a piece of my work. That makes the purchase extra special to me. Many thanks to a new art buyer. I hope my work cheers you every day.

Gustave Flaubert - A Dog's Life?

2010-11-05T22:34:00.008-04:00

Dance Tunes #4, Oil/Cold Wax

Apparently, the French writer Gustave Flaubert said: "Writing is a dog's life, but the only life worth living" An artist might make a similar statement about making art. I could agree in some respects, except to say that the dogs that I know lead a very sweet life, and not at all hard to take.

However, just for the fun of it, lets expand on Flaubert's notion, and think about the downside of being an artist.

First of all, it can be a solitary, sometimes tedious business. After long stretches of time at work, there is the occasional reward of a fairly decent passage on the canvas, or a particularly expressive section in the clay sculpture. But mostly it's only the artist who recognizes these tiny accomplishments, as there is no one else around in the studio to tell you one way or the other if you're onto something (except the cat, and he's asleep).

Then there can be those long periods of unproductive agony, when you seriously consider taking up some other form of useful employment, such as computer repair. The mere thought of which sends you into spasms of apoplexy, which further freeze your creative juices, sending you staggering to the nearest newspaper to frantically search the "Help Wanted" ads.

Your spirit sinks further, as you constantly doubt that anyone would actually want to trade cash for one of your creations. For weeks you have tingled with excitement as you moved paint around the canvas, or sculpted the finest nose you have ever sculpted. But will anyone else's breath catch with amazement, or their eyes cast a riveting gaze at your work? Will anyone even stop to look?

Worst of all is the panic that sets in when you wonder if you will meet your self-imposed deadlines. Ten months ago it all seemed possible, with plenty of time to spare. Now you are down to the last few days before your solo show and you're wondering if the paint will dry in time, or if the kiln will break down just before your final firing, and Lord knows it takes two weeks for replacement parts to arrive!

And all this couldn't matter less to the rest of the world - it only matters to you. That's the reality. And that's why we are artists.

Next post: I'll take the dog's life, or why it matters to me.

Harvest Moon

2010-10-23T18:35:00.002-04:00

To celebrate the beautiful full moon (or nearly) tonight: "Luna of the Lake", oil/cold wax, multiple wood panels, 24" X 22". We have been blessed with a spectacular autumn in Ontario!

Fear of Different Media

2010-10-18T19:31:00.008-04:00

Drawing 2 - Threads

Any fears I might have had in changing or adding to my approach to my artwork used to be dismissed as just a reluctance by me to take the time to change. I was too busy, too focussed, too whatever! I think I was perhaps too proud to admit fear. It sounded too much like defeat even before I had begun. It has been many years since I have spent time drawing, just for the joy of it. Not to mention the hope of improving skills, the visual fine tuning, and the many other goals that accompany the act of drawing. Paper and pencil: compact, convenient, lyrical in their use. What a lovely way to spend a half hour perched on a boulder in my woods on a cool, sunny autumn day. No "Fear". Just a full heart and a small smile.

Any other "Fears" e.g. subject matter, style, size, whatever - suddenly seem full of possibilities again. Are "Fears" our friends in disguise?

The Big Draw, 2010

2010-10-17T11:45:00.004-04:00

Drawing 1 (c)BarbaraChappelle

One of my "Saturday Gems" is a site that promotes drawing: Campaign for Drawing . October 1-31 is Big Draw Month, apparently around the world - something else I didn't know about! Here's a blurb from the site:

"October 2010 is Big Draw month in twenty countries and on five continents. Launched in 2000, this annual initiative has grown from 180 events in the UK to over 1500 worldwide. The Campaign aims to use drawing to connect visitors with museum and gallery collections, urban and rural spaces – and the wider community – in new and enjoyable ways.
Every Big Draw season offers unlimited scope for those who love to draw and those who think they can’t. "

What an inspiration!

Abstract Art at the Tweed Heritage Museum

2010-10-06T22:53:00.006-04:00

Mistral #2, Oil/Cold Wax, 11X14 (c) Barbara Chappelle

A new show will open at the Tweed Heritage Museum this Sat., featuring an eclectic group of abstract artists, and I am delighted to be a part of it. I'll be showing 2 larger works : "To The Beach" and "Misty Vineyard". The Heritage Museum is on the main street of Tweed. Artists will be present at the reception from 2 until 4 pm. You are invited to drop by to view the artworks, and visit and chat with the artists while sharing some treats. Look forward to seeing you there.

Getting Back to Normal?

2010-10-05T22:51:00.006-04:00

Our studio tour is over for another year. Wonderful weather and brilliant fall colours made for a perfect weekend for art lovers to tour the Centre and South Hastings County, visiting artists in their studios. We are so appreciative of those who found a special clay piece or painting to take home with them, or to present as a gift to someone else. You know who you are, and we thank you for your continued patronage. It was a joy to share time with you, and in many cases, gardening ideas were exchanged as visitors toured around our overgrown, casual gardens. See you all again next year.

This piece is "Crowsong" mixed media on heavy watercolour paper, 16" X 12".

Studio Tour

2010-09-22T11:06:00.004-04:00

In just under 2 weeks the 13th annual Tweed and Area Studio Tour will be here - Sat., Oct. 2 and Sun., Oct. 3. Yikes! We are working, working to get ready to welcome visitors to our studio. No market for Jim on the Sat., as we'll need to focus all our energy here. I will be making a quick visit to Gallery 121 on Sat. for the Opening Reception for the new show there (3-5 pm).

Miles To Go...

2010-09-12T19:09:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a fine day to work outside, so I spent a little time with one of the new pieces. Layers of colour are starting to build, and provide some depth:

Then I played with some of my beautiful Japanese Washi, using lots of wax and galkyd to apply the papers:

More colour/wax, and more papers:

Some mark making through the layers:

The process continues....

Gotta go............Rockin' with Randy Bachman on CBC Radio 2's "Vinyl Tap". It's Guitar 101 tonight - Live!

Gallery 121 - ArtWalk - Belleville

2010-09-10T13:07:00.004-04:00

Last night was an amazing evening in downtown Belleville. Dare I say it felt almost European, with some of the atmosphere of an Italian "La Passeggiata" ? Art galleries and businesses opened their doors until 9 pm to welcome visitors to the annual Art Walk. It was a pleasant evening for folks to stroll Front St. and Bridge St., meeting artists, sharing snacks, and viewing an eclectic mix of art works.

"Fugue With Confused Square" ( 30"X40", oil/cold wax on canvas, (c) Barbara Chappelle) in situ at Gallery 121, with a few of my clay pieces.

Many new visitors came to the gallery, all expressing their enjoyment in participating in the event. Our current show will hang until Sept. 25 at 48 Bridge St. E, Belleville. Hours are Tues. - Sat. 11 am to 5 pm.

New Work in Progress

2010-09-01T19:24:00.003-04:00

Manoeuvring a 48" X 36" canvas into my teeny workspace is a challenge, but I like creating large, so I just make it work as best as possible. At some point, I'll take it outside (weather permitting), or lay it on the dining table and work flat, then bring it back horizontal. Maybe I'll turn it clockwise or counterclockwise a few times.....

Close-ups of some areas, but they will be gone tomorrow. I have no fear of 'slaying the children' - metaphorically speaking, of course.

These thin layers of oil paint with cold wax medium will be completely covered with the next layers. The wax aids the paint in setting up, so I'm less likely to get mud with the next go at it, I hope. Everything is at the intuitive stage at this point - just playing with colour and loose shapes and relationships. Is that a figure emerging in the upper right? Mmmm.....

Artists' Reception at Gallery 121

2010-08-27T19:44:00.007-04:00

"Trafalgar", oil/cold wax on canvas, 20" X 16"

Join us tomorrow, Sat., Aug 28, from 3 to 5 pm, for the opening reception of the new show at Gallery 121 in Belleville. We are presenting a Retrospective of the work of Leslie King (1941-2009), and Gertrud Sorensen is our guest artist. Gallery members will be exhibiting new work. The show continues until Sept. 25.

Have a wonderful, art-filled weekend.

Testimonial for Rebecca Crowell's Workshop

2010-08-19T17:03:00.012-04:00

Today I received an email enquiry from my website about Rebecca Crowell's workshops. Unfortunately, the email address bounced back as undeliverable, so I'm hoping that Pat C. will find my blog. Here is the email I sent Pat:

Hello Pat,
I can't say enough good things about Rebecca's workshop. For me it was like a brand new beginning in my artwork, but not at all scary. After decades of experimenting in various media, with a variety of techniques, I felt I was making progress, but always had that nagging feeling that something was missing. I had just returned to oil paint after 30 years when I attended Rebecca's workshop. The experience was as if a door opened and a whole new world of art-making was before me. I know, it sounds weird, but it is so true. Finally I was painting with the results I had envisioned for many years, but had been unable to achieve.
Rebecca is a remarkable teacher, friend, mentor. Any time spent with her will be amazing. You will come away with your own vision; somehow, there is so much going on that you never worry about being a 'Rebecca Clone'.
I joined Rebecca for the first of her recent workshops in April of 2009 in Rochester NY. I was able to drive there the day before, so that was convenient for transporting materials. Looking forward to participating again in the future sometime. So much to learn and try.
So enjoy your time with her and the other participants, and keep in touch. I'd love to hear about your experiences.
Best regards,
Barbara
PS Check out some earlier Rochester posts on my blog.

Above is a recent work, 'Fugue With Confused Square' , 30" X 40", oil/cold wax.

Scent of a Crayon

2010-08-14T23:45:00.004-04:00

Found a box of dozens of crayons when I was rummaging around my workspace today. Instantly, I was a 10 year old, and played with the juicy colours for an hour or so in my sketchbook. What is it about the intoxicating smell of crayolas? And the colours - a kid's delight! That hour spent with the waxy hues was almost as invigorating as a 5 km run, and I hope to make a habit of it, too. A stimulating way to work out some ideas for larger works, I spent the rest of the day happily painting.

The painting above is a parody of Schroedinger's cat experiment. My version is 'Schroedinger's Chair'(16" X 20", oil/cold wax on canvas). Not that I understand the physics behind it (I'll leave that to the Einsteins of this world!), but the history of the experiment is fascinating. I'm a cat lover, so rest assured I'm happy that Schroedinger's and Einstein's little game was only a 'mind' experiment, so the kitty was never harmed.

Hazy, Crazy August

2010-08-12T20:32:00.008-04:00

Three art/craft shows (the economy is recovering :-)), family/friend visits (so much fun!), and gallery duties have kept me hopping for almost a month. Time to get down to some serious work in my painting studio, create all the ideas I have for some clay sculptural pieces, and help restock our clay inventory in the pottery studio. Very happy to be so busy - I'd be worried if we weren't.

I'm building a new website for my cooperative gallery, Gallery 121, in Belleville. It's been another learning curve, and things are coming together slowly, but surely. It will be "Under Construction" for awhile, but there are some artists' works displayed and other information, so take a look, and come back for a visit often:

www.gallery121artists.com

In the back of my mind, I would love to be cycling along the Loire River in France, watching the bâteau, as in the painting above, "Bâteau sur Loire", oil/cold wax on cradled wood panel.

ECOAA Juried Show - 2

2010-07-19T13:28:00.003-04:00

The second of the two pieces that will be exhibited at the East Central Ontario Arts Association juried show. Sometimes an artist can become discouraged when 'trusting the process'. Then, suddenly, something happens and you get that feeling inside that says, "Yes!". I think this painting has to be one of those rare works that spoke to me the whole time I was developing it. It began as many layers of colour and texture; then after awhile, it began to take "shape". As I worked further into the work, forms began to be built, then altered, then destroyed, hence the title: Idea Deconstructed. Great fun to work in some gold leaf, but I made myself knock it back some - just needed a few hints of richnes.

ECOAA Juried Show

2010-07-18T22:40:00.003-04:00

Very happy to have 2 pieces juried into the East Central Ontario Arts Association's annual show. The opening reception and awards presentation will be this Sat., July 24, 2-4 pm, at the John M. Parrott Art Gallery, 254 Pinnacle St., Belleville, Ontario. The show hangs until Aug. 26.
I will be exhibiting at Bon Echo Provincial Park that weekend, so will miss the opening, and will have to wait until the next week to see the show. One of my pieces in the exhibition is "Conversation With Joy". I've been wanting to incorporate some of my Japanese papers with ink designs into my oil and cold wax work, so I did a little experimenting, and was happily surprised with the result.

Opening Reception

2010-06-10T21:19:00.003-04:00

The opening reception tonight for the juried show at the John Parrott Art Gallery in Belleville showcased a wonderful variety of interpretations of the theme "Music as Muse". Although many artists claim to feel constrained by a required theme, it seems they all rise to the occasion and push themselves creatively. I'll be returning to revisit the many works at a quieter time.My small woman sculpture "Singing the Blues" won one of 4 Honourable Mention awards. A beautiful glass piece by Vanessa Pandos won the Jurors' Choice award, well deserving.
Dona Knudsen and I touching base, with Barb Whalen enjoying David Alexander's large canvas in the background.

My oil/cold wax canvas "Hallelujah(L.Cohen)" held its own in the "red" zone of the gallery.

Music as Muse

2010-06-08T20:18:00.003-04:00

An uncropped image of "Hallelujah(L.Cohen)", an oil/cold wax painting that was accepted into the John Parrott Gallery's juried show, along with my little woman sculpture "Singing the Blues". The opening reception is Thurs., June 10, 6-7:30. You are invited to join us for an exciting exhibit. I'm anticipating seeing a wide variety of interesting work relating to music as a source of inspiration. Leonard Cohen was playing in my studio at the time I was working on this piece, and I think his lyrics influenced where I was going, and where I ended. It was one of those rare times when I entered the 'zone' and didn't come out until many days later. I was on a high for several days as I worked through the process, trusting that eventually I would get to where I felt I should be with the painting. So hard to explain without sounding trite, but it really was a strange week or so, as I was working. I don't think I could ever plan that event again, so I'll just keep working, and maybe I'll get lucky again. Trust the Process.

Gallery 121 Opening Reception

2010-06-03T11:17:00.005-04:00

The opening for the new show at Gallery 121, 48 Bridge St. E, Belleville is this Sat., June 5, from 3 to 5 pm. Andrew Innes is our guest artist (County Landscapes), and I will be the featured artist for this show (Elemental Colour). We are also exhibiting the works of 2 new artists, Michael Amar and Barney Goldberg, along with new works by the gallery membership. It's a bright, eclectic show, not to be missed! The painting above is "Genus", a multi-panel piece in oil with cold wax on wood panels. It is one of the first group of oil/cold wax paintings that I completed when I first took a new direction with this medium. The journey continues with a renewed commitment to oil paint.

Oak Hills Studio Tour

2010-06-02T21:16:00.004-04:00

This weekend is the second half of the springtime Oak Hills Studio Tour. There are 14 artists at 8 studio settings in the beautiful Oak Hills area near Stirling, in Hastings County. I'm a guest artist at painter Donna Bonin's studio - a beautiful location on the shores of Oak Lake. I'm exhibiting some of my clay sculptural pieces along with our functional claywork from Deer Creek Pottery. More information and a map can be found at www.oakhillsstudiotour.ca. Look forward to seeing you on the tour this weekend (June 5 and 6).

The First Newsletter

2010-05-28T14:58:00.003-04:00

Nothing, IMHO, is more daunting than writing and publishing your first artist newsletter. In my previous life as a teacher, writing classroom newsletters was relatively easy - one had the students to rely on for subject matter/content, and it was all about them. How different it is to write a newsletter about oneself! Now it is completed, and sent to my client lists, and I feel a little bit empowered. I'm also relieved that the hurdle has been cleared, for better or worse. The next one should be a little easier.
The painting above is 'Hallelujah(L.Cohen)' 40" X 30", oil/cold wax on canvas. I'll be submitting it to the John M Parrott Art Gallery's 8th juried exhibition next week. The theme is 'Music as Muse'. I hope Leonard will approve. I often listen to his CD's while I'm painting. My photo editing programme Picassa has gone rogue, so I was unable to crop this photo. It's going to take some time to get it under control again.

ELEMENTAL ABSTRCT ART NEWS Vol 1 No. 1 June 2010
from artist BARBARA CHAPPELLE

Website: www.barbarachappelle.com Blog: http://catsartravel.blogspot.com
Email: b_citta@yahoo.ca Facebook Fan Page

Welcome Art-Lovers,
With this monthly newsletter, I plan to let you know of upcoming events in my art world, and share art ideas, techniques, and connections with other artists. You are invited to comment/reply to any article, and if at any time you do not wish to receive the newsletter, just click ‘reply’ and let me know - I will completely understand and respect your wishes.

Gallery 121
June begins with my first solo member exhibition at Gallery 121 in Belleville. The Gallery is located at 48 Bridge St. E (613 962 4609), next door to Dinkle’s Restaurant and Courtyard. The exhibition will run from June 1 to July 10, and the Opening Reception is June 5th from 3 to 5 pm.
I have returned to working in oil paint, after a long hiatus. And, I have discovered a new medium: cold wax, which allows me to use oil paint in a layered, translucent way. I look forward to seeing you at the opening on Sat., June 5 to share thoughts about my new work.

Oak Hills Studio Tour
I am excited to be part of the Oak Hills Studio Tour this spring, at the studio of painter Donna Bonin. Dates are Sat. and Sun., May 29 & 30, and June 5 & 6 from 10 am to 5 pm. Donna invited me to show my clay work at her beautiful property, and I am delighted with the space she has for me. In addition to my clay sculptural pieces, I will be showing some of our functional pottery(from Deer Creek Pottery). For more information and a map, visit www.oakhillsstudiotour.ca . It will be a beautiful tour of artists and artisans working in Hastings County.

Friends of Bon Echo Park, 15th Art Exhibition and Sale
Once again, I will be happy to be part of the annual show and sale of original Canadian art, with paintings, clay sculpture and pottery, all on a theme of Canadian nature, and “dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Bon Echo Provincial Park”(from the mission statement of the Friends of Bon Echo Park). The Exhibition is for 3 days, July 23, 24, 25 and is always a glorious event in a beautiful park glade, with majestic shade trees. Come see the art and spend the day. For more information, visit
www.mazinaw.on.ca/fobecho and click on Art Exhibit and Sale. Here is the latest news release from the Friends of Bon Echo:

News Release
May 12, 2010

BON ECHO LAUNCHES NEW ART SEASON

The Friends of Bon Echo Park will host the 15th Bon Echo Art Exhibition and Sale on July 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Mazinaw Lake and the Rock at Bon Echo have captivated artists for hundreds of years. Aboriginal Peoples left many pictographs on the Mazinaw Rock which are still visible today. The rugged Canadian Shield and the magnificent white pines captured on canvas by the Group of Seven brought attention to the area as an inspiring destination. Today artists using a variety of media are creating interpretations of our uniquely beautiful Canadian landscapes.

West Wings, Stirling
Currently, I have 11 smaller paintings in oil/cold wax, mixed media, and acrylic hanging at West Wings, 14 West Front Street, Stirling, ON. (Phone: 613 395 0990). This funky bookshop/coffee shop has expanded, and carries a variety of gift items and a clothing shop. Well worth a visit - and the coffee is heavenly.

Juried Show - Belleville Public Library - “Music as Muse”
The John M Parrott Art Gallery, Belleville will be holding their juried show “Music as Muse” from June 10 to July 15, 2010. The jurying is open to all Quinte area artists and all forms of media, so it is always an exciting show. I’ll be submitting 2 pieces, with fingers crossed. Juried shows are an important part of any artist’s schedule, not just for the recognition, but for the critique after the jurying. Curator Susan Holland and her team always design an exciting show. I hope to be part of it again this year.

…and this just in…
Yesterday, I had a pleasant visit with Andrew Innes and his partner Don at our studio. They are owners of Round the Bend Gallery just outside Picton in Prince Edward County. Andrew will be the guest artist at Gallery 121 in June/July. Deer Creek Pottery has been invited to exhibit some of our clay pieces and functional pottery in their gallery, to be delivered by June 10.
A busy month ahead - how lucky we are! Please drop by for a visit at the studio if you are traveling in Centre Hastings. It’s sometimes a good idea to call ahead at 613 473 2200, in case we’re digging in the gardens, and for directions, just north of Belleville, Ontario. Or by chance, anytime.

Best regards,
Barbara

Featured Artist, Gallery 121

2010-05-07T14:14:00.002-04:00

June 1 st is fast approaching, and there is much work to finish for my solo exhibit at Gallery 121 in Belleville. Gallery artists take turns as Featured Artist, and this exhibit will include some of my new oil/cold wax paintings, perhaps some sculptural clay work if the kiln gods are on my side, work by guest artist Andrew Innes, and new work by the other members of the gallery. We all extend an invitation to the opening reception on June 5, 3pm to 5pm, 48 Bridge Street East, Belleville, next to Dinkle's Restaurant. I'd love to see you there.

Earth Day Collage

2010-04-08T13:30:00.003-04:00

In two weeks we once again celebrate Earth Day. Here's a small mixed media collage to help remind us to celebrate our earth every day of the year. Several more are available on my ETSY shop. Can you find the word EARTH somewhere in each collage?

Musical Chairs

2010-03-24T21:15:00.005-04:00

Quinte Symphony will be celebrating 50 years in 2010, and 20 Quinte area artists were invited to create a painting on a garden chair to be auctioned at their gala on May 14. I invite you to click on Quinte Symphony for more information, and to see all the completed art chairs. It was a fun project for me to complete my abstract "Moonlight Sonata" chair, and an honour to be one of the artists asked to assist with the Symphony's fund raiser.

Washi

2010-03-18T17:25:00.003-04:00

Three years ago, I visited The Paper Place in downtown Toronto. It's chock full of wonderful papers for artists to use in their work, along with beautiful decorative sheets for use in scrapbooking, invitations, etc. At the AFAC conference this March I had the good fortune to meet Nancy Jacobi, the owner of The Paper Place. Her presentation included a slideshow of the history of handmade Japanese paper, and the story of how she became involved with bringing these gorgeous papers, and their makers, to Toronto. The retail store has now been sold, and is called the Japanese Paper Place, while Nancy and her husband run the warehouse, supplying their former store and other art supply stores with handmade Japanese papers, or Washi, as I believe they are called. We learned about Gampi and Kozo, and the careful, labour-intensive process of producing them. I can't wait to work with some of the samples that Nancy generously gave to us. Some of the artwork on Japanese paper is shown below in the photos.

AFAC Conference-One Week Later

2010-03-15T20:27:00.005-04:00

This past week has gone by so quickly - unpacking art supplies from the Toronto conference demo, cleaning up, and getting refocussed for the work that lies ahead. A solo exhibition is on the horizon for July, and although I've done some preparation for it, I need to get my thoughts together and start the process that will bring the project to a more tangible state. Right now it's ideas, text and rough sketches. The journey begins...

The weekend in Toronto was motivating and exciting, as most trips/workshops/conferences are for me. I had a chance to spend the day at the AGO and absorb some of that renewed space - it is gorgeous, and I'll need many more visits to satisfy me.

The rest of the weekend (Sat. and Sun.) was spent at the Art for All Canada Conference. I had planned to give my camera to someone in the audience to take photos for me, but totally forgot. I'm hoping to make contact with someone who was taking photos, so I may be able to add some later. Meanwhile, I was so happy to reconnect with Katherine Bevier from Rochester, NY. We met last April at Rebecca Crowell's workshop. She is the rep. for Enkaustikos Wax Supplies, and was demonstrating their products for hot wax use (encaustic). I'm getting interested in using the hot wax also, but that will have to wait till the future. I've so many ideas for using the cold wax at the moment. Also, space to work and funding will keep me focussed on where I'm presently going (for the time being, anyway). Here are some photos of Katherine at work at the conference:

Name That Artist

2010-02-04T15:57:00.003-05:00

At my Co-Op gallery, Gallery 121 in Belleville, we kicked off the New Year with a fun 'contest' for visitors to the gallery. Many of the gallery artists were persuaded to do small 14" X 11" self-portraits to hang on one wall in the main gallery. In the smaller gallery room, we invited elementary students from Prince of Wales PS, working with artist Maya Jagger, to do some self-portraits also. Some of the gallery artists were a bit nervous at first, but everyone did a spectacular job, and the 'Name That Artist' wall is a real focal point when visitors arrive. We now have a box bursting with ballots (visitors are asked to try and match a portrait to a photo of the artist). No one really cares if the answers are all correct (a challenging task), but clients are spending a good half hour trying to match everyone up, having a lot of fun, and spending more time viewing all the other art in the gallery. The 'game' is free, and 9 of the participating artists have agreed to donate their portrait for the upcoming draw at our next reception on Feb.28. The student work, of course, is outstanding. As artists, we've learned that it's not only actors who can be upstaged by youngsters! All in all, it's been an exciting event, and there's still lots of time to take part. The local photo-journal Quinte Snap published a few photos. I'll post a few of my own later next week.
Photo courtesy of Quinte Snap.

AFAC Conference, Toronto, Canada

2010-01-25T16:38:00.002-05:00

Mistral # 1 Oil with cold wax

Last year in March, I was lucky to find some promotional material online about a conference in Toronto, Ontario called Art For All Canada. As a first year event, the conference was for one day. And what a jammed-packed, exciting day it was! Artists from across the country, (and maybe even across the continent - there were so many sessions, I couldn't attend them all!) presented their ideas on a myriad of topics of concern and interest to anyone in the art world. This year, the conference will be a two day event. I am looking forward to being one of the presenters this time, and will demonstrate some abstract techniques that I use with oil paint and cold wax. Click here for more information, and a listing of all the sessions. I highly recommend attending, if you can - the networking alone is worth the registraton fee.

The painting above is from my "Somewhere South of Paris" exhibition, on view in Ottawa until this Sun., Jan. 31.

Art at Francesco's

2010-01-23T15:44:00.007-05:00

A couple of photos of "Somewhere South of Paris", installed at Francesco's Coffee Company in Ottawa for the month of January. The shop - serving great coffee and yummy treats - is located at 857 Bank Street in our nation's capital.

Red Tango in Cahors and Vin Rouge. Also, three small cradled wood panels from the "Field" series.

Misty Vineyard in the window area. Coffee and brioche, anyone?

The Dream of Studio Space

2010-01-22T20:46:00.005-05:00

When an artist doesn't have what one would consider a 'studio' space, it's necessary to make good use of what one has. I have read about artists who create in a 'closet studio', or in a tiny nook under the stairs. Because we have a small pottery/clay sculpture studio in the basement area of our wee cottage, painting/drawing/matting/framing has to be done somewhere in the upstairs part of the house. In many ways, I'm lucky that I don't have to work on a really small scale in cramped quarters, but I have always had to set up and take down after each painting session. I am limited to size, but in the last couple of years, I've been able to manage 30" X 40" canvases. I'd like to work bigger, but right now, I know storage would be a problem, so I will limit my size desires. Recently, I analysed my situation and realized I needed to be more organized and eliminate some of the clutter - a tricky task for someone like me. In the fall, I decided I would try not to move out to other parts of the house to work. Now that I'm painting more in oil/cold wax, it's not pleasant to have the odours throughout the house, as windows can't be flung open in winter in Canada.
This is a typical setup before I made some changes in my workspace.

Take a look at the mess in our daughter's former room. It is a smallish space, and there was hardly room to walk in, because I kept dumping things, let alone room to actually set up to paint.

So I spent about 2 or 3 days sifting through all the stuff, separating the 'wheat from the chaff', recycling as much as I could. And I ended up with a little corner and 2 medium-sized painting walls. It's not gorgeous, but it will do, and has made a big difference in the amount of time I am spending doing my artwork. For my larger pieces, I find I still need to take them out to another part of the house so I can stand back a distance to evaluate them. All in all, I'm feeling more focussed and creative by just making this small change in my environment.

These pieces are some of the oil/cold wax work from the "Somewhere South of Paris" show in Ottawa. The grouping on the right are fixed together as a multiple canvas work; the ones on the left are hanging as singles.

The last couple of days have been spent setting up my Etsy Shop - Elemental Abstract Art. Another learning curve for me, but it just takes working through the process to become accustomed to the workings of Etsy. I've listed a few smaller oil/cold wax pieces, and some collage work. Please click here to visit my new shop.
Have a creative, satisfying art weekend.

A New Year

2010-01-02T21:38:00.008-05:00

The Christmas/New Year's festivities are my favourite celebrations, and they come and go so quickly. I wish peace, health, and prosperity to all in this new decade. Collectively, we have the means to take positive action - just small acts of kindness every day - to make a better world.

This is an invitation to an exhibition of some of my new oil and cold wax paintings, taking place in Ottawa from Jan. 4 to Feb. 1 at Francesco's Coffee Company. All the pieces have dried in time, thank goodness. Today I finished the labels and wiring, and we will load up my wagon on Mon. morning for the 3 hour trip to Ottawa. A few more last minute tasks to do tomorrow, and I should be ready. There is a lot of work to mounting an art exhibiton, even a small one. I appreciate the help and advice I've gotten from Donna Randall, an Ottawa artist, who coordinates the shows at Francesco's. She will help me hang the show on Mon., also. More photos later.

Two New Paintings Underway

2009-12-08T22:25:00.003-05:00

There are two new oil and cold wax paintings on my new painting walls in my tiny painting studio. I recently reorganized and threw out a lot of junk to make some space so I could fling my arms about. The oil paint does have a lingering odour as it dries, so now that winter is here and the windows are closed, I notice the smell more when I work in part of the living room (we have a very small house), making it not too healthy. So I moved most of my stuff into our daughter's former bedroom, cleared a path and made some space around the painting wall area, and I'm having a lot of fun. I can also open the window a crack, flip the heating vent closed, and close the door when I finish for the day. It is amazing how getting reorganized and making space (no matter how small) can motivate and get the creative juices going.

There's a lot more work to be done on these two pieces. Many more layers of thin colour and wax, and of course lines and texturing to bring it all together. I'm looking forward to Thurs. and Fri. when I will be able to work on them again. Tomorrow, Wed., I'm on duty at both of my galleries, one in the am, the other in the pm. Although I won't be able to paint all day, I'll be "seeing" possibilities in my mind throughout the day, and will file them away in my brain for another time.

Switching Media

2009-11-19T14:59:00.004-05:00

Just for a change from cradled wood panels and canvas, it's fun to work on paper again. Heavy watercolour paper is perfect for a mixed media treatment. I like to start out with some thumbnail sketches to work out an idea, then it's open territory on the surface of the paper. Starting with loose watercolour washes, they flow and blend on the paper. After drying, I dig in with various papers to add texture, acrylics and printing techniques until my inner muse says, "Whoa, girl". I like the 'lighter' feel of these pieces. And of course, crows and ravens are favourite creatures that visit us all year long.

Crowsong#1 Mixed Media on Paper
16" X 12"

Ravenspeak, Mixed Media on Paper
16" X 12"

Recent Painting

2009-11-18T12:09:00.006-05:00

Space in my 'studio' (daughter's former bedroom, spilling over to what was once the living room) is limited, so the largest work I have attempted is on 40" X 30" gallery wrapped canvas. I think I would enjoy letting loose on 4, 5, or 6 foot panels or canvas, but that will have to wait til I have more space. In the meantime, I can do somewhat larger pieces made up of multiple panels, and use up all my smaller canvases. Cradled wood panels are a joy to work on with the oil/wax techniques that I learned from Rebecca Crowell . They are more expensive, but well worth it.

This recent painting is called "Oasis", oil with cold wax (and galkyd added to the mixture to give the paint some flexibility on the canvas). Happily, it has a new home with a collector in the Ottawa area.

New Painting, New Friend

2009-11-17T15:28:00.008-05:00

At Coloris sur la baie, a premier art show in Clarence-Rockland just outside Ottawa, I was visited by a young artist. Jordan was eager to share his sketchbook and one of his small oil paintings with many of the exhibiting artists at the show. A grade 8 student, Jordan was comfortable sharing his work, discussing the artwork around him with many of the artists, and listening attentively to other's comments. He was amazingly articulate when talking about his art and his goals. The more Jordans we have in this world, a better place it will be. Thank you Jordan, it was a delight meeting you.

Dreamers 30" X 40"
Oil/Cold Wax on 2" gallery wrapped canvas,
ready to hang.

This work is a new oil and cold wax painting, presently at Gallery 121 in Belleville. I remember turning the canvas upside down and around many times during the painting process. Suddenly, when I walked by it during a break, three figures appeared under the translucent layers, and I decided they were meant to stay.

Bancroft - Most Talented Town in Ontario

2009-08-03T18:42:00.004-04:00

A few years ago, TV Ontario voted Bancroft the "Most Talented Town in Ontario" and it continues to retain the qualities of a talented town. This past weekend was the Bancroft Art and Craft Show and Sale, held at the beautiful Millenium Park. Beautiful art and a variety of quality handmade items were available for shoppers. Our friend, Jim Eadie, was there to entertain everyone with his folksongs.

We exhibit our pottery and my artwork. We have always felt the local folks and the summer residents appreciate our work - and they show it in tangible ways. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and support. Enjoy your treasured pieces that are now finding their way to new homes.

Portals

2009-06-09T13:42:00.005-04:00

Here are a few photos from the opening reception of the annual juried show, "Portals" at the Belleville Library. The artworks, juried by Michael Amar and Stephen Snider, were beautifully hung and displayed by curator Susan Holland. For a small town, Belleville is developing a vibrant artscene.

Some of the very young took the opportunity to 'dress up', complete with feather and sparkly shawl.

The Belleville Art Association members were well represented, with 31 artists represented out of a total of 56 artists. All 4 awards went to BAA members also. Congratulations! This organization of 117 members is growing in numbers and in the quality of work produced.

Prince Edward County metalworker, Bruce Milan is showing his metal sculptures, some with mixed media, in gallery 1.

The show will hang from June 4 to July 16, 2009.

New Painting

2009-05-31T22:29:00.005-04:00

"Passages", acrylic on gallery canvas, 40" X 30".

Comparing acrylic and oil paints is like comparing your children - you love them both for their unique qualities.

Having recently gotten back to working with oil paint, using cold wax on cradled panels, I thought I would use similar techniques using acrylic paint and gel medium on a large canvas. The biggest difference I found was that the acrylic was more 'slippery' than the oil and wax. Also, I was a little more gentle working on the canvas than I would have on a cradled panel. All in all, though, I was fairly pleased with the result.

This piece will be showing in the 7th annual juried exhibition "Portals" at the John M Parrott Art Gallery in Belleville from June 4 to July 16. Opening Reception is June 4, 6 - 7:30.

Opening Show

2009-05-19T11:38:00.008-04:00

Here are a few photos from the opening of the new show at Gallery 121 in Belleville:

Maureen Swann and Ann Fales in the gallery welcoming visitors.

Maureen's very clever and balanced "Swan Totem".

Some of Ann Fales' beautiful fabric works of art.

Visitors admiring guest artist Molly McClung's sculptures.

Gallery 121

2009-05-07T15:01:00.002-04:00

Last month I was invited to be a member of Gallery 121, a co-operative gallery in the city of Belleville. May is the first opportunity for me to show in this space. Don Pinder and his show design team have done a fine job of hanging the diverse artwork of 20 members. Each month the exhibition changes, with a new featured artist, drawn from the membership, and a guest artist. This month's featured gallery artist is Ann Fales, a fibre artist from Thomasburg. The guest artist is sculptor Molly McClung.

Above are two of my new oil works, along with three smoke-fired sculptures from my "Soundscape" series. Tonight is a Belleville "Gallery Hop", so we are looking forward to visitors coming to see the show. The official opening reception is on Sun., May 10 from 2 to 4 pm.

Also on tonight is the opening for the Quinte Arts Council's juried show Expressions 2009 at the John Parrot Gallery in the Belleville Public Library, from 6 to 7:30. I have another of the new oils showing. It will be interesting to get feedback on my new work.

The Belleville Art Association Gallery and Gallery ArtPlus are also open tonight for the Gallery Hop, so it will be a busy night for art lovers, and many opportunities to see stimulating artwork. I will post photos later of all the events.

Slay the Children (paintings, that is)

2009-04-29T10:00:00.007-04:00

At last the panels are finished that I started at Rebecca Crowell's workshop. In addition to developing the original panels, several additional smaller panels were worked on once I returned home, and now everything is drying. The next step is to experiment in putting the panels together. Unlike Rebecca's deep cradles, mine are only 1" deep, and they have a slight curve on the inside where they join the panel. This makes bolting tricky, so I'm looking at other ideas, or how I can adapt. It's all about being flexible, right? A trip to my nearby building centre for some advice may help. I keep saying to myself, "Don't be afraid to slay the children", but at this point, it's a little nerve-wracking. I will post photos when done.

These are the last of the photos from the workshop. How I wish I had taken more; I guess I needed an extra pair of hands.

In this photo, Rebecca is applying solvent to a panel and carefully wiping back layers of paint.

Here, she has just drawn an image with a paint stick, ( a new material for me, and they are so interesting to work with), and she will further embed and manipulate the marks into her image.
I am fascinated with the intuitiveness of the oil/cold wax methods that Rebecca uses, without ever sacrificing the intellectual side of the process.

Three Artists from Rochester Area

2009-04-23T20:10:00.010-04:00

Still working on finishing some mixed media collage works on old 78 vinyl records for an exhibit at APW Gallery in NYC - myself and about 400 other artists. The idea is to hang 2000 vinyl records in their gallery. I've seen photos of a previous show, but it would be quite a sight to see in person. Hope to get mine finished and sent out on time.

Back to the Oil/Wax Workshop in Rochester:

This is Jim M. creating beautiful floating layers on his panels.

Wendy M. combines human figures and animal forms in her fantastical, whimsical figurative and landscape work.

Kathryn produces subtle spring-like paintings that reflect her experience with encaustic.

And Rebecca's demos had all of us with our noses close to the surface, looking into the depths of her work.

Inspiring people - inspiring art.

More From Rochester Workshop

2009-04-22T17:50:00.003-04:00

Progress is being made on the pieces that were begun at Rebecca Crowell's Oil/Wax workshop. Lots of ideas floating through my head, and several panels have been added. Hope to have them completed and photographed by the weekend.

Here are photos of some of the techniques that Rebecca demonstrated. Just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. She came well-prepared with many materials and boundless ideas, coupled with a strong ability to articulate her processes and her philosophical ideas of abstract art. I appreciated her teaching techniques, and her engaging human qualities as well. An excellent instructor, Rebecca inspired us to aim high. Even though we may not have achieved those goals immediately, we have the tools and inspiration to continue to grow and develop.

In this photo, Rebecca is applying pigment from a paint stick onto her brayer.

She carefully rolls the design onto her painting.

By applying solvent to a dried painting, she demonstrates how to carefully scrape back pigment to reveal layers of colour below.

These are a few of the techniques that Rebecca shared with us.

What a Weekend.

2009-04-20T22:48:00.003-04:00

I always feel fortunate when I've experience something extra-special. This past weekend ranks very high on my list of memorable events in my life, and I will often reflect on the abstract painting workshop with Rebecca Crowell at Rochester Art Supply/Cascade Art Centre in Rochester, NY.

People make the difference in one's life, and the folks I met in Rochester this past weekend were all remarkable. Thank you to all. There was such a spirit of giving, sharing, connecting and positive feedback throughout the weekend, that I believe we all went our separate ways a little reluctantly, albeit anxious to return to our studios to see how our work will change. And change it will, I'm sure.

More photos and text in future posts; there's lots to share. The photo above is Rebecca Crowell, our workshop facilitator, and Jim Mott, one of the participating artists: we deserved a great meal and art-talk time after a hard day's work on Sat. at the Cascade Art Centre.

An Incentive to Work on Sculpture

2009-04-13T15:17:00.007-04:00

The United Way celebrated their 50th year Gala a while ago, and Belleville Arts Association members were asked to donate 50 pieces of artwork for their fundraising draw. It was quite a night, and although I was not able to attend (at another art show in Napanee), reports indicate that everyone had a great time, and significant funds were raised through the draw. My submission was a smoke-fired sculpture, the first this year. I really need to get more sculpture work done, as I am constantly asked for this kind of art. Hopefully the flooding in our basement studio will be cleared up this week and we can get back to our clay work. My partner in clay-crime is chomping at the bit, and sweeping out water, so we're almost ready to get back to production. Needless to say, our studio conditions for the pottery are, shall we say, primitive. Onward and upward...Spring is here.

The sculpture, "Sanctuary", is comprised of 2 figures that sit on a piece of granite that I got from my friend Steve Smith who is a sculptor for Campbell Monuments. He was kind enough to take me through their "rubble" yard and I scrounged a few good hunks.

I smoked the figures in my small bin, as there were only 2 parts - and the weather was still cold outside so I wasn't into digging the snow out of the meter and a half deep pit. Brr. I'm getting to be a real wimp.

Computer-wise, I've be fooling around with document size, etc. to see if I can get photos to load faster. We live rurally, and are on dialup, still. No end of technical frustration sometimes. I can see that I need to work on my computer skills. I have some computer workshops coming up in the near future, so I'm looking forward to some real improvement in my knowledge of things technical.

Long Time Away

2009-04-10T14:56:00.007-04:00

Happy to have returned to blogging after a long absence. Life happens.
Working on a variety of projects: a sculpture piece for donation to the United Way 50th Gala in Belleville last week, and new work to get ready for exhibiting at Expressions '09, the BAA Gallery and Gallery 121. In addition, we've booked many art shows for the season within 200 km or so of home. It's been very busy, and will only get busier. That's good.

Next weekend I will be lucky enough to be attending an oil/wax workshop in Rochester, NY, led by Rebecca Crowell . It will mean getting back to oils, something I've been interested in doing for a while. The focus will be abstract work. So there's lots to prepare, and the topping up of oil supplies; then I'm off next Friday.

Had a fun time working on some 5" X 7" mixed media collages themed to Earth Hour in March, and the upcoming Earth Day in April.