The Artists in Montreal Summer Show 2023 is running simultaneously with the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair in which I'm participating exclusively online.
]]>This has been a very busy year for me, an exhibition, art event, and now the Artists in Montreal Summer Art Show 2023 runs simultaneously with the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair in which I'm participating exclusively online.
Artists in Montreal presents its Summer Art Show 2023 to benefit the St. Justine Foundation. 100 works created by AIM artists will be on display; also available, art prints, cards etc.
Here's a look at key process passages and quick mark making details that revealed these lovely painted peonies
The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 2023 takes place July 7-9 at Nathan Phillips Square and July 2-9 online at TOAF.ca; over 400 juried artists are participating in this art fair. We go live online July 2nd.
I'm participating exclusively online this year. Click HERE to visit my gallery page on the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 2023 website July 2nd. More info will be posted on July 2nd when online is active.
Click HERE to visit the TOAF website.
By the way, I'll be taking time off after mid July once these activities are concluded, to restore and reflect.
See you soon,
R.
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All the info is below. I've included a few links to our event, the posting on westmount.org and my latest Instagram posts where you can see what I've been preparing for the event.
This is a fun outing that art lovers as well as family and friends can enjoy. The weather promises to accommodate, and, hey, Mother's Day is May 14th!
Looking forward to seeing you there,
R. 😎
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“Iris 2, Blossom where you Grow”
The original oil painting above “Iris 2, Blossom where you Grow” was recently purchased by one of my personal friends, Yuko. We have known each other for many years. Originally neighbours, I listened in delight as the notes floated throughout our building whenever Yuko played her baby grand piano. I looked forward to intimate gatherings with friends and recitals at Yuko's home. Shortly after the restrictions were lifted, I visited Yuko in her new dwelling and she played a piece of music that I’d never heard. It was beautiful, "Fountain in the Rain" by William Gillock. I’d forgotten how live music “feels” and was moved by the experience. There will be concerts to attend in the future, for sure.
Yuko in turn enjoyed the artwork whenever she visited my tiny studio for coffee. I have a fabulous Barista machine and my speciality is somewhere between a cappuccino & a latte... and almost always delicious! Too many cakes. Anyway... a while back, Yuko became quite enamoured with a particular painting, “Iris 1"(pictured below), vivid blue and white irises wildly growing within a somewhat ephemeral but intensely saffron yellow space.
She expressed interest in a print and was patiently waiting for me to get my act together and produce the scan that could provide a deliciously detailed canvas print. Then she saw “Iris 2”. "I've changed my mind..." Yuko told me; she had decided to purchase "Iris 2", the original oil painting.
“Iris 2, Blossom Where You Grow” is the sister painting to “Iris 1”. While my attempts to describe purple irises against the freshness of lime will surely fall short, the visual offers a very different experience. Regarding colour, both purple and lime with variations and values of hue, in my estimation, have the most significant spiritual essence. I feel that, together, they are as close to heaven as an earthly being can imagine a colour. Subtly contrasted tones of crimson, ochre and ultramarine run like patches and veins throughout the piece. Wonderful to paint, the artwork also received many compliments while on exhibition at the EK Voland Gallery a few years ago.
Details of "Iris 2, Blosom Where You Grow"
I’d initially wrapped up both paintings and brought them to Yuko's home. We spent an afternoon positioning the artworks in various arrangements. After our conversation, I understood the significance of Yuko's preference for “Iris 2” and was honoured that she’d selected this original from my collection. We agreed on a most likely place for the artwork to live in her home where it was finally mounted and is enjoyed today. That the artwork I create has the ability to touch or inspire others in such a personal way means a great deal to me. It’s also really amazing to know that my creations have the ability to brighten a home or bring in a little freshness.
So, thank you, Yuko!
Finally, to all my collectors, thank you! Each one of your stories is unique and your interest in my work is valued more than you know. And to those who have been supportive and follow my creative adventures, I am so grateful; it is an honour to delight you.
This print on canvas "BUSTIER! No2" has been donated to Moose Knuckles for a charity event they are supporting, “Ellie’s Champions for Change”, Light the Night Fundraiser, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. My understanding is tickets for the drawing of this print are available specifically to employees at Moose Knuckles.
To get involved or donate to the cause, visit the “Light the Night Fundraiser” website and donate through Moose Knuckles. Tax receipts are available for donations over $25.
"BUSTIER! No 2" Print on Canvas
PIXELS, Fine Art America prepared and shipped this canvas print to me in less than 10 days. In this 1 minute reel on InstaGram (below) I’m unboxing the print on canvas & comparing it to the original artwork. I’m very pleased with the canvas print; it came ready to hang, but upside down 🙃😄; took me 10 minutes to re-position the wire. All good!
Below is a selection of the lovely work I purchased last weekend at the Sept. 11th Event with many other artists in attendance. A terrific range of prices and wonderful opportunity for early holiday shopping. The items below ranged between $2. for a postcard to $30. for artwork. Come & meet the artists!
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“A Bunch of Roses” has been awarded FINALIST status and included with the wonderful creations from artists all around the world in the Engage Art '22 contest.
A few weeks ago I was notified of the Semi-Finalist status of “A Bunch of Roses” artwork submission to the Engage Art ’22 contest. And on July 13th the Engage Art Team sent an email that my original oil painting had made it to the “Finalist” selection.
I'm delighted!
Here’s what Engage Art wrote…
“Congratulations! Your entry A Bunch of Roses has been named a FINALIST in the Engage Art Contest.
This was a rigorous selection process. Out of nearly 800 artworks accepted into the contest, only 50 are Finalists. We congratulate you for your notable artistic and creative strength, as well as the especially effective message and impact of your artwork. Well done!”
About my entry…
“A Bunch of Roses” was entered as a dedication to the concept of the "Spiritual Battle". Presenting in the entry, I outline how my artwork, specifically the painted rose, and the creative process, illuminate the Spiritual Battle, and relate to Ephesians 6:10-20. In essence, when in the process of creating art, I'm in alignment with, and putting on “The Full Armour of God".
Click here to visit my entry on Engage Art.
A request…
There's an option on this Engage Art gallery page to "up-vote" my entry. Your support would be greatly appreciated...click on this link to see more. Thank you!
A little about the contest…
There are 2 categories; the contest was open to artists all around the world.
Visual arts: all 2-D and 3-D artwork, Including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, etc.
Video Arts: any work presented in a video format, including music videos, film, animation, performing arts, spoken word, dance, etc.
There's more information at this link: https://engageart.org/contest/
Click this Link to see all the Finalists
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/engageartcontest/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/engageartcontest
Instagram: @engageartcontest
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To say I'm delighted is an understatement!
In October 2021, I presented a solo exhibition of painted peonies titled "Beauty for Ashes" at Galerie Erga, Montreal. The concept addressed the notion of "emotional healing" and the colour "pink" provided a visual thread throughout. It took 2 years.... the challenges during 2020 to 21 provided the tension necessary to crystallize my idea as I painted these works. You can read more about the 2021 exhibition by clicking this link.
A selection of works from the 2021 exhibition were submitted in my application on April 11th, 2022. These paintings will provide the basis for my part of the Duo Exhibition in 2023 at Gallery at Victoria Hall. New artwork will extend the collection and foster an evolution of the concept. I'll present details as they materialize. It's thrilling to get back to this project and have the opportunity so soon.
Along with the required number of artwork jpegs, a brief bio was submitted for consideration in the 2022-2023 season lineup of art exhibitions at the Gallery at Victoria Hall. There are many talented artists living in our community and to be offered an exhibition in this gallery, is an honour for me. Previously, I've had solo, duo and group exhibitions in this venue.
The gallery is lovely and connects to Westmount's newly restored conservatory. Originally built in 1927, this heritage structure is a great joy. Many times over the years I visited the conservatory and later painted the tulips and the azaleas that were so cared for and creatively arranged within. I found much inspiration in this beautiful environment. Click this link for more information on the conservatory restoration project.
More news coming soon...
]]>This artwork was entered as a dedication to the concept of the "Spiritual Battle". Presenting in the entry, I outline how my artwork, specifically the painted rose, and the creative process, illuminate the Spiritual Battle, and relate to Ephesians 6:10-20. In essence, I would consider the creation of art in alignment with putting on “The Full Armour of God".
There's an option on this Engage Art gallery page to "up-vote" my entry. Your support would be greatly appreciated... click on this link to see more. Thank you!
Here's a closer look at the artwork on Instagram...
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Many of us, especially those who paint, know it is not easy, its a dedication...
“A Bunch of Roses” oil painting was completed on April 8, 2022. Each new year I begin with an artistic project, typically a Valentine Project, making the rose this year's main focus. This artwork begins Stage 2 within the "Beauty for Ashes" Collection inspired by scripture, on which I have been working for the past few years. “A Bunch of Roses” signifies a turning point, the pursuit of, hopefully, greater depth within this context. To begin, my content, the rose, is illuminated and exemplifies the idea of simplicity and grace. This will develop as I continue to paint throughout 2022. As these ideas and the tenents established in the scripture are foundational to my artistic efforts I have dedicated this particular artwork, “A Bunch of Roses”, to Ephesians 6:10-20, and am entering the painting in the Engage Art 2022 contest which is based on the illumination of this scripture. Information on artwork specific to the "Beauty for Ashes" Collection can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Scroll down to watch the videos.
I hope you enjoy this series of videos that chronicle my progress while painting "A Bunch of Roses." There are currently 17 of the 18 videos presented below. The final video should be available by the end of the month, where I discuss the "idea" of the artwork as well as the process and final dedication. A landing page for this body of artwork will also be available shortly on this website.
Painting Impasto, Part 13/18
Painting Impasto, Part 14/18
Painting Impasto, Part 15/18
Painting Impasto, Part 16/18
Painting Impasto, Part 17/18
Coming soon...
Overview of the Painting & Process, Part 18/18
The artwork "A Bunch of Roses" was painted mainly throughout February and March 2022. The final video will be posted soon. Stay tuned.
(shipped from the US)
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I begin each new year with a creative project that inspires me. This year I decided on a painting. Here's a look into my Valentine Project '22 and how it evolved.
Discovery.... Blanched daylight evaporated at the sight of these exquisite roses. Winter is not easy here, alternating grey or sunny days, and always too short. A brisk walk to the market suspends the biting temperatures especially in anticipation of such a discovery. The plan was to complete a dozen works throughout 2022 with ROSES as the central theme. Resolved to paint from still life setupsas opposed to selections from my photo library, I was ready to begin.
It's easy to paint from photos, very convenient; everything is nicely set up in my small studio, the lighting is good and I can work anytime, night or day. And it's a very meditative experience. But... I remember long ago, while at university, we always painted from life. There is no question, in my opinion, artwork is most "alive" when we paint from life.
So, how does that work with such delicate objects?
So, what's the solution? The setup for this painting took 2 days to prepare. When I'm knocking bits and pieces around to create "the perfect tableau" they need to be resilient. And since fresh roses cost a fortune, I succumbed to the charms and convenience of lovely but fake silk roses, at least to get the ball rolling with this collection of artworks.
I researched the works of great painters, my favourites, both classic and modern, Fantin-Latour, Monet, Renoir, Dennis Perrin, Margaretha Haverman, Jaqueline Kamin...
Study of a black & white silhouette and "effects of light" on a single bloom in its environment.
Roses vignette. Two days work... then I used another setup
Image of the final setup for "A bunch of Roses".
A simple notion, these look tumbled out of a vase onto the table. The idea helps create a subtle imagined movement within the boundaries of the canvas. I like that. Roses move forward into the light and the space into which they are held grounds the idea. The background is articulated with blurred reflections and subtle illumination off a pair of receding candlesticks.
For this painting I begin with an oil sketch to outline the elements on the canvas, establish the values and express the highlights. This type of method can be a very relaxing way to "get into" or begin an artwork when approaching a blank canvas feels daunting.
The SKETCH, Part 1/18
The SKETCH, Part 2/18
The SKETCH, Part 3/18
The SKETCH, Part 4/18
The Still Life Set Up, Part 5/18
The Palette, Part 6/18
The Underpainting, Part 7/18
Painting Impasto, Part 8/18
Painting Impasto, Part 9/18
Painting Impasto, Part 10/18
Painting Impasto, Part 11/18
Painting Impasto, Part 12/18
Painting Impasto, Part 13/18
Painting Impasto, Part 14/18
Painting Impasto, Part 15/18
Painting Impasto, Part 16/18
Painting Impasto, Part 17/18
Coming soon, video 18 of 18.
Go to this link "A Bunch of Roses" Blog Post to see the entire video series presenting the creative phases of this original oil painting.
The artwork "A Bunch of Roses" was painted throughout February and March 2022; videos will be posted as they become available. Stay tuned.
]]>Clementines with Leaves (detail) 11" x 14" oil on linen
I recently presented a solo exhibition, "Beauty for Ashes", October 12th to 18th, 2021, at Galerie Erga in Montreal. It was wonderful, and I'll write more about it soon. But what I want to write now pertains to how I followed up, or I should say, refreshed, after the exhibition. It's wonderful to have something very special to look forward to after I've completed a demanding project. So while still at the gallery I booked an online workshop with a group of my, especially, favourite, artists, The Artists Guild.
The image I've used here, these animated and juicy clementines with scrolling leaves, reflects the opportunity I embraced to paint after a previous and lovely workshop I attended in March of 2018, in person, with the same group of masters.
The online workshop, October 28th to 31st, 2021, was with the Artist's Guild Fine Art masters, David A. Leffel, Sherrie McGraw and Jacqueline and Stacy Kamin. Preoccupied with my next artistic steps I wanted to conclude my year with this delightful opportunity.
I re-edited this "Clementines with Leaves" video as it's contents demonstrate several of the techniques I learned with the Artist's Guild Fine Art in Santa Fe, 2018. The return to this exploration in the development of my work will be part 2 of the "Beauty for Ashes" concept. News about the exhibition will be posted on this blog.
A series of videos emerged as I painted "Clementines with Leaves" (aka Clementine Trio) in my home studio back in 2018. The video links will be posted below. The trailer, about 1 minute, is followed by a 6 minute video featuring the main moves.
Now, God willing, I'll have the pleasure to focus, 2022, exploring the techniques I learned nearly 4 years ago and just refreshed in my 4 day online workshop.
I confess, ... it's taken me a month to regain energy. Focused on concept, palette and format I planned then painted for the peony exhibition over 24 months. I did a lot of thinking. Clear headed and relaxed I'm pleased with the results of my project. It was a lovely experience; meeting new collectors and catching up with friends made it especially meaningful.
Here's the trailer "Clementines" 2018
Here's the demo: This video features the setup, sketch, palette and painting of the "Clementines" oil painting which I created in 2018 after returning home from an art workshop with the Artist's Guild Fine Art in Santa Fe.
I hope you enjoy this video; and I look forward to seeing you at my next exhibition.
With warm regards,
Roxanne
Notes:
The original oil painting Clementines with Leaves (aka Clementine Trio) 11" x 14" oil on linen is not for sale, prints are available, visit: PIXELS, Fine Art America
The videos are published on VIMEO.
Licensed track: After the Silence, Vicki Hansen, StockMusic.net
I painted this artwork over a week. The sound was very inconsistent for the most part in the video clips, so I removed it and put in the above music track. There is also much more, but I edited the demo to the best bits. The finishing was however not videotaped, for example, the edges around the clementines. Hopefully in my next works I'll have the time to capture such important detail. Videotaping while I paint is very difficult, very distracting, disruptive to the momentum when creating a piece of art... I'm trying to sort out a way to do it in a less intrusive manner as I create. Any suggestions?
Visit The Artist Guild: https://brightlightfineart.com
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Click on the arrow to watch the video. (7.35 min.)
“Young Woman in a White Shirt” was on exhibition at:
WOMEN'S ART SOCIETY OF MONTREAL
2016 Juried Exhibition,
May 28th & 29th
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, GREY NUNS PAV.
1190 GUY ST, Montreal Quebec
womensartsociety.com
David Jon Kassan's portrait workshop
took place in Civita Castellana at the
JSS in Civita
the summer of 2013
davidkassan.com
Photos of Naples: Elizabeth Reed,
elizabethreed.net
Libby's "Skull" photos were taken at the Fontanel cemetery, Sanità quarter Naples
Relais Falisco hotel: relaisfalisco.it
Video & images: Roxanne Dyer
Painting “Young Woman in a White Shirt”: Roxanne Dyer
roxannedyer.com
Music: stockmusic.net
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