Hello, 2024! Normally, January is my wind-down time from the busy holiday season, but this year, it's been full of activity. I'm helping the local art group, the Fine Arts Society of Milton, launch a new art show in February, and I've managed to squeeze in some weekly painting at the Arts Centre, too, which is always fun and productive. All the while, my husband and I continue to shower our little dog with cuddles, walks, and car rides (his favourite!), which keeps us VERY busy indeed. I made a few (pint-sized) resolutions for 2024, and so far, I've stuck with them, although I won't fret if I slip now and again, knowing I can restart them anytime. As Melissa Kirsch said in the NYT's Morning Newsletter (Broken Promises, January 7, 2023): "Resolve to always be resolving...there's always a clean slate. You can resolve to reward yourself more. You can resolve to take more naps. And the resolution doesn’t need to be big. It can be small and boring and meaningful only to you....There’s the blank canvas of next Tuesday. How will you fill it?" Well, I'd like to fill MINE with paint, thank you! Meanwhile, the local art world keeps humming along with art shows and exhibitions... |
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A big hello to the first blue jay of 2024! They love the berries on the white angel crabapple, their cocktail of choice. |
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Raise a glass to the New Year, in whichever way pleases you. |
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In our neck of the woods, the Christmas season was rather soggy, but still somewhat white - in a foggy sort of way. Although nothing can replace the fairy-tale brilliance of a fresh snowfall, I adore the dreaminess that a misty veil can bring to a scene: snow squalls, sea spray, drizzle and rain, settled fog, and milky skies, all of which can create a confusion of lighting and blur the edges. Horizons disappear, images appear out of nowhere, and pockets of light can become disorienting, leaving the view shadowless, ghostly, and mysterious. |
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In Mist in the Harbour, the sun reaches down with fine fingers to play with the pillows of mist below. Is there a promise of good weather ahead? Or has the sun shower just begun? |
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In Caught by Surprise, who is surprised? The predator with the eagle-eye? Or the prey below, unable to see through the sudden, pelting snow, that its capture is near? |
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Need some ideas for Family Day activities? Click on the image for quick and easy art-making ideas. Affordable, too - all of the supplies are available at any dollar store or craft store near you. I was amazed at how clever these were, and will likely use some of these tips for some of my own painting in future. |
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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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The New Year has brought with it a healthy offering of art exhibitions throughout the Milton - Hamilton - Niagara area - some longstanding, and some new. Treat yourself and take a peek... |
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Colour Me Red Art Show and Sale 2024 |
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The Fine Arts Society of Milton will be hosting the Colour Me Red Art Show and Sale, where you will find the walls covered with the big talent of local artists tucked into small scale art. Suitable as a gift, or a special treat for yourself to pull you out of the winter blahs. Plus, there will be a children's Valentine's card-making activity on the Saturday morning. It's all too special to miss! When: Fri. Feb. 9 to Sun. Feb. 11 (Mall Hours) Where: The SPOT in the Milton Mall Cost: Free Admission | | |
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Mann Gallery Square Foot 2024 |
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The John Mann Gallery officially opened its doors (as 13th Street Gallery) on November 2nd, 2019, offering guests the opportunity to view and purchase original artwork. The John Mann Gallery specializes in Canadian historical and contemporary fine art. |
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One of my submissions, called "Traffic", was fun to create and even more fun to name. The exhibition will run from February 10th (Meet the Artist) to March 9th - hope to see you at the reception! |
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Friends of Roselawn Art Auction 2024 |
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Every year, the Friends of Roselawn curate a magnificent collection of art and artful things by local creatives for this highly anticipated fundraising auction. The bidders now number in the thousands, buying for their homes or offices, for family or friends, or as special gifts for Valentine’s Day. The bidding opens on Sat. Feb. 3rd, and closes at noon, Sat. Feb. 10th. Please follow Friends of Roselawn Art Auction on Facebook. [For those not on Facebook, there will be an opportunity to see the work, and bid by phone.] Mind your bids! Check back often, especially on closing day. Have fun, bid often! | | |
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Art in the Workplace Exhibit #37 |
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Escarpment Country near Milton, Ontario is full of wildlife, history, mystery, and ethereal beauty. The early Natives knew these lands were special and decided to settle here, where the forests were old and abundant. They built their longhouses under soaring eagles and near the deep and magical lake, now known as Crawford Lake. “… Soon it would be nightfall. After a brief and blustery snowfall, they made their way through the pines to the lone totem at the lake.” |
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These two framed paintings, in my Native Pines Set, will be on display until Feb. 28, 2024 in The Atrium of McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton. Viewing hours are from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays. | | |
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A new exhibition, family birthdays, Easter, and hopefully the pot at the end of the rainbow ... :) |
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Where we live, El Niño's grip on winter has treated us with drippy days that frown with endless rain and fog... ...so I bought some tulips to brighten our home. Why not? Everyone could use more smiles in their life. May your days be filled with hope, brightness, and kindness, because everyone, and everything, is worth it. I wish you and yours continued health, happiness, peace, and love. Tina |
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