Back In The Studio

Two Birches

Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

11"x14"

Two Birches....Detail.....

So now that my one moment of fame and fortune is but a distant memory....I am back in the studio.  I've got three new pieces painted up and am just getting ready to start the thread work.  All three are landscapes but I am itching to start a more urban piece.  I took some great photos when I was in Toronto last week and I have my eye on one that I may start within the next few days although with Christmas right around the corner we'll have to see how far I actually get.

This coming weekend we host our annual "Tree Hunt"  where many of our friends get together and we head out to our local tree farm to find the "perfect" tree.  Judging by some of the trees we've picked in past years "perfect" may be too strong a word.  Anyway, afterward everyone makes there way back here for chilli and lots of delicious food supplied by all.  Last year Kelly made samosas that were to die for.....if she's reading this ... no, I'm not being subtle at all.

Will post new work sometime this week when done.

Much Thanks

Thank you so much for all your calls and emails regarding the Cityline episode that aired today.

Many of you were looking for a way in which to watch..........

Cityline just put up the clip on their website.......Go to Cityline ...Scroll down to Other Clips and click onto Mixed  Media Art.....you'll have to sit through a 30 sec ad for a tv show but it will come on right after that...........

A Day at Cityline

                                                 A Row of Reds
                                       Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk
                                                     16"x 20"

                                               A Song In Silence

                                 Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

                                                       16"x20"

                                                               Passionate Ground

Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

16"x20"

Last Thursday morning started out early for us as I insisted we be in the car by 6 a.m. although Toronto is only about an hour and a bit from where we live and I didn't need to be at the studio until 9 a.m. I couldn't take the chance that we'd hit a traffic jam or run into a fender bender. John is such a good sport as he knows what a freak I can be but he also knows how to just go with the flow so to speak.

Grabbed a chai latte at Starbucks and then headed over to CityTv and although I was trying to look as if I'd just strolled on over I was terribly nervous. It all ended up being for nothing though as everyone at Cityline was absolutely wonderful. We stood in the lobby for a bit waiting for Fiona Clark who was the producer of the show and there, standing beside me was Mary Dobson who was just so lovely and easygoing she immediately put me at ease. I also ran into Meghan from the Village Gallery who was there with work from Alison Hodson one of the many talented artists they represent.

Meghan and I hit it off immediately and we spent time talking about art and the business of it. We chatted for a bit and then they called us into the studio to set up.  The work got hung (thanks to a very patience man) and 5 minutes before the show was to tape the producer told us there were three extra seats right in front so John and I and Meghan got to be in the audience afterall. I won't go into the details of the entire show except to say I was really pleased about my small bit.  It was overwhelming but so very exciting. Oh, and I did get a chance to meet Tracy Moore the host of Cityline and she was so down to earth, friendly and welcoming.  I really can't say enough about how everyone there made us feel at home and comfortable. Thanks Cityline for a great experience!

Here's where you can get a breakdown of the show which airs this Thursday December 3rd at 9 a.m.

Afterward John and I headed over to The King Eddie to meet my sister in law Carla for lunch.  The King Eddie just happens to be my favourite place to eat when I'm in Toronto. The lobby was beautifully decorated for Christmas............I could have sat there all day just feeling happy.....

Exciting, Amazing Day

Too busy today to write a long post about my experience yesterday at Cityline but it say it was surreal and far too exciting would be an understatement. I will post all the details on Monday. I've got work at two shows this weekend...check out my sidebar on this blog to find out where.

Have a wonderful weekend.

A Big Week

Passionate Ground

Work In Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

20"x16"

Tonight I heard from the producer of the Cityline segment in which my work will be featured with four other artists. She was just checking in to see if everything was on que for Thursday. I have to be there at 9 a.m. with the work and even though I won't actually be "on air" I'm still crazy nervous. They have asked me to bring 3 pieces but only 2 may make it to air. It was a tough decision but it will definitely be one of the three I've just completed minus the glass. Apparently Eric McClelland of Fleur-de-lis Interior Design will be introducing my work which is super exciting since he owns one of the most prestious interior design firms in Toronto.....ok now I'm feeling dizzy. John has a couple of appointments in the city on Thursday afternoon so he is going to drive me down... thankfully. Can't risk a fender bender with me behind the wheel.

I also found out today that I'm involved in a "smalls" show at Hartley Woodside's Gallery on Saturday which will run until Christmas. We had discussed the show back when the Images Tour was in full swing but I hadn't heard anything further until today when I received the flyer in which my art was front and center........uh ohh. Since I'm already involved in the Art Show in the Village all weekend I'll drive up to Hartley's on Friday with a couple pieces. He has a very loyal clientele and they buy art.

So yes, I'm excited with so much going on right now and just a touch overwhelmed. One of my friends, upon hearing this yesterday said "Enjoy this as you've worked hard and deserve it...just take the ride and see where it will take you...life is always stranger than fiction" I'm holding that close to my heart this week.

The Fine Art Department

Row of Reds

Work in Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

A year or so ago, painter extraordinaire Tracy Helgeson came up with up with the brilliant idea of starting a website aptly called " The Fine Art Department". She asked some artist friends if they were interested and also chose from a long list of submissions and voila......The Fine Art Department was born. This outstanding site features 27 fine artists working together to promote our art..........yes, I am proudly a member.

We also (thanks to Tracy) have a Facebook Page which 700 fans (note: just checked and we are up to 773) have joined since it was published just last Thursday night...... check out Tracy's blog to find out her take on it as she has a great post this a.m.

Me? I need to get back to the studio ............

New Work

I've been hard at work in the studio all week and just this a.m. picked up the four new pieces I had sent up to my framer Diane last week. Even though it's my work and I imagine I should stay neurtral.........they are simply beautiful. This last batch of work has definitely been my best to date. This piece was inspired by a walk I took with a friend of mine last summer along the waterfront. Hard to tell from a jpeg but the ground cover is done in wool and silk with touches of shimmer here and there. I've also laid in this gorgeous green wool that is interlaced with specks of purples & pinks. The sky is painted in acrylic and the tree is completed totally in thread. The next three posts will include the other three pieces, one of which I may already have sold to an interior decorator.