The Ontario Society of Artists 140th Anniversary Show at the Aurora Cultural Centre ended on July 14. Quite a few people I invited attended the Show and sent back rave reviews about the work and the venue. I am thrilled to have sold the oil I exhibited, “First Snow, The Annex, Toronto” as a result of an email invitation. All but one of my “Annex” oils have been sold.
I have forwarded an application to the Ontario Society of Artists to have a painting included in the Government of Ontario’s Art Collection. It would be displayed in Government buildings and would be owned and cared for in perpetuity by the Ontario Archives. The image submitted is “Spring Woodlands”, oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″, #1593.
In August, I should be hearing more about the Society of Canadian Artists Elected Members’ Show at the Halifax Club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It will run from September 30 to December 31, 2012. The Club was established in 1862. It will be very exciting to exhibit work in this prestigious building.
John is exhibiting a painting at the 140th anniversary show of the Ontario Society of Artists at the Aurora Cultural Centre. The show continues until July 14.
John offered the painting show below “Un étang, Auberge du Vieux Foyer” to the 20th annual Fuller-Keon Golf Tournament. This is a benefit for the Ottawa Heart Institute.
32 people braved the threat of a fierce winter storm on March 9, 2011, to attend my demonstration for the Kanata Art Club at March Central School near Dunrobin…a very good turnout indeed. After introductions, I gave the audience a choice between 2 pencil sketches on 24 x 30 stretched canvases…one of buildings based on some I’ve seen in Montreal and the Toronto Spadina Chinatown area backyards , the other of woods, rocks, snow and trees. They chose the buildings in Chinatown.
I proceeded to show how I go over my sketch with India Ink, how I clean my brushes, the various colours I use, the use of transparent paints, my disposable paper palette, my favouring of Windsor Newton oil paints, and my choice of technicolour fences. I mentioned preferring synthetic brushes for their strength as I find sable too soft for me. I use Barriere Art Guard on my hands before starting to paint. I told them about my final coat of Alkyd medium to make the reflectivity across the entire painting uniform.
Questions were asked as we went along. After a break, the group decided they wanted me to work on my other sketch of woods. It was said that I looked like Pope John with my flat black circular hat on. I also wore my haute couture home sewn painting apron. Everyone, including me, seemed to have a good time. Beth and I packed up, loaded the car, brushed a lot of snow off and very slowly, drove home in the heavy snow.
Photo credit: Yvan Delisle
Longer drive than usual to attend the grand opening of the Sienna Gallery in Rockland, Ontario, 7 to 10 pm. Curator Karen Charlebois and her husband Denis have done a superb job getting this new locale for art up and running. The lighting is great. The walls are on casters so they can be relocated. They have really made maximum use of the space without creating a cluttered appearance. A few comfortable chairs are scattered throughout. The refreshments were wonderful and beautifully arranged and served by many friends. I have my own wall with 7 oils presented as well as several smaller pieces on easels in other locations. In all, Sienna has 18 of my oils. The vivid colours I use show up well under the lights. The event was well attended in spite of a snow warning. Rockland is growing so let’s hope this brand new showcase for art will be a huge success. Visit Unit 2 at 2865 Chamberland St. Hey, there’s a new coffee shop right next door.