A Sense of Change The end of summer - and living half in- and half out-of-doors - doesn't happen until Hallowe'en. Well, at least not for me. Still, I cannot deny the effect that Labour Day has on me, especially when I begin to sense changes in my world - shifts in the light, cooler breezes, stars piercing a darker sky, and a trembling feeling that something fresh and exciting might be waiting for me on the horizon. Plus, I love a routine, and whether back at school or now retired, I feel that Labour Day will always be the bell that returns me to the steadying simplicity and discipline of the same-old-same-old. Some love it and some don't. Melissa Kirsch of the New York Times wrote: "I know there are people (many of them! and so vocal!) who enjoy the ramrod posture of fall, who find the post-Labor Day realignment invigorating. I’m not immune to the appeal of a unified buckling down... But let’s ease into it." I love her way with words, and look forward to reading her morning newsletter each Saturday. I hope that she, and many like her, have had more opportunities to enjoy summer fun and frolic well past the bell. Perhaps I am in the middle. With one eye dedicated on my task, and the other eye on the window just waiting for the next chance to dash outside, September is my favourite month of the year, when work and play seem to mix harmoniously. As for our little dog, Finley (who does not follow calendars)... he just wants to pass the days in his fort under the porch table, keeping one eye on the dapper kids marching back and forth to school, and the other eye firmly shut, catching some quiet time snoozing. All the while, the local art world keeps humming along with art shows and exhibits... |
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August was pretty busy this year, but I still found some time - on a perfectly sunny, warm, and mildly breezy day - to begin painting some of my garden statues. |
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This very large and heavy pelican got a first draft treatment. The feathers will become whiter, and his bill and eye still need more work. |
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He might be ready in time for Studio Tour at the end of September (see more below) - or at least for his winter migration. |
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A dear friend gave me this angel when she had to move, and I have cherished it ever since. However, the dark grey colouring kept it hidden among the foliage. |
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I have brightened the hair and wings, and spruced up the gown with a fresh coat of blue. An instant difference! Stay tuned for more to come. |
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Back to School Crayons The streets are busy again with kids streaming back to "Grade Next," and I can't help but wonder if they still get excited about new school supplies. A fresh box of crayons would send my sister and me to the moon and back. We would sit, side-by-side, colouring away in our jumbo colouring book, marvelling at the variety of colours, as well as the exotic names like magenta, turquoise, mahogany, and periwinkle. Without a doubt, this was the start of my life-long fascination with colour. Thank you, Crayola! |
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I continue to exhibit throughout Niagara, Hamilton, and Milton, alongside the many talented, local artists. If you are in the area, take a moment to stop by, and become inspired. |
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STUDIO TOUR on Friday, September 29th to Sunday, October 1st |
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When September arrives, the rays of the shifting sun stream through my studio window, beckoning me - and my paintbrushes - to join them. I've been busy! Good thing, too. The FASM (Milton Area) Studio Tour is fast approaching. This year, I am donating 50% of all sales to the Milton Hospital, and the tax receipt for the amount donated will go to each purchaser. Stop by on Friday after 5 for the preview or throughout the weekend. You'll be able to see how the paintings look framed or not, and hanging on a wall or even in the garden. I look forward to seeing you here! | | |
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Worth seeing in person... |
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| | In the Midst, a large painting, stirs the soul with a cool fire. Come see all of my large paintings... |
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| | The newest addition to the Sea and Sky Series is XXII. Surge, an imagining of Lake Erie during stormy the season. |
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| | Drowsy Days is small and framed. See what it looks like grouped with companion pieces. |
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Art in the Workplace Exhibit #36 runs until November 2, 2023, in The Atrium of McMaster Innovation Park, and can be viewed from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays. | | |
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Fonthill Library Exhibit Gratitude |
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Thank you to everyone who visited my exhibit at the Fonthill branch of the Lincoln Pelham Public Library in July, and for all of the kind comments about my work. Thank you, too, to Kelley Flynn, a gifted artist in her own right, who organizes the LPPL art exhibits, and to all of the library staff, who are always welcoming and willing to help me at every turn. |
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Flower My Path, a diptych of two 12"x12" canvases arranged vertically, was sold at this exhibit. |
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Anemone Days, a framed 14"x17" canvas, was also sold at this exhibit. |
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P.S. The answer to the question in the last newsletter (Which one of the rhythm paintings was not in the Fonthill Library Exhibit?): Code. |
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Thanksgiving, fall harvests, leaves turning, and family birthdays... |
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I will spend the rest of September preparing for Studio Tour, and painting away in the Artcave with "September" on in the background. Sept. 30th is National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a time to remember the many lives lost and destroyed by the residential school system. Pledge to make a difference yourself, by not being indifferent, so that their sacrifices will not have been in vain, and will restore to them the everlasting respect and peace they deserved. I wish you continued health and happiness ... Tina |
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