My Creative Mess

One of the tables in my creative mess.

March 1 from 10-2 at Communtity Care in Brighton I will be teaching a multi-media workshop using this painting as inspiration.  This is a wonderful workshop for all skill levels to explore creativity.  Using texture, acrylics and oil glazes, your painting can move in many directions, impressionistic, abstract or more realistic.

A sample of a technique workshop I taught February 11 at the BAC Gallery.  We focused on blending techniques, how to paint a realistic waterdrop and brush choices.

Unexpected Nap.

Yikes!  J's unexpected nap caught me off guard.  Do I paint, felt, come up with teaching ideas or work on more promotion for the event I am organizing this Saturday, June 23 downtown Trenton for Arts Quinte West called Arts UpFront.  Not on the list but a quick blog update wins.

Every week there is a distraction for me from painting, felting or class development.  Often, it is volunteering with Arts Quinte West or the Brighton Arts Council.  Both arts groups have recently opened art galleries.  Last weeks distraction was husband's Change of Command complete with military tradition, marching and ceremony.  Plus the after reception and the after BBQ with family and friends, which really is the whole weekend.  And the week before prepping 'meat for many', coming up with creative salad ideas and my favourite, hat shopping!

Stuck in there was a quick painting that had to be taught in three hours.  Here it is, a 9 x 12" oil painting.  I will be teaching my quick background, colour mixing and developing form through values and my blending technique.

June has been a great month of opportunity for me to promote my art work.  Here is the beginning of my display at the Interpretive Centre at Presqu'ile Provincial Park in Brighton where I will be the Artist in the Park for July and August.  I am also displaying at the Arts Quinte West Gallery 84 Dundas St, Trenton, at the 'Gates' to Presqu'ile, Brighton Arts Council's newly opened Gallery and at the Trenton Medical Centre.  I am also the featured artist this month at Lola's Coffee House in Brighton http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/events/135214.

BAC art at Tobey Developments in Brighton

The Basswood is Tobey Developments featured home in the Quinte Parade of Homes this weekend, October 1 and 2. Located at 25 Forest Drive in Brighton, this award winning home
is an opportunity to showcase the talents of Brighton Arts Council members, Bill Murtha, Darryl Stutt, Vernon Cavanaugh, Henry Mitchell and Lisa Farrell.

Fall activites and art shows

6 P.M. and CrazyJ is sleeping. It doesn't look promising for me to achieve the elusive full nights sleep. Ahhh...oh well. The blog I've slacked off and ignored in favour of fall art show prep and spending time with my small child gets a new post.
My participation in the local fall art shows is now complete. I managed to complete one new painting this fall. Plus, I have a good start on a few more. Now it time to enjoy the upcoming festivities and come up with a plan for next years show.

Volunteering as the Brighton Arts Council's Curator is keeping me very busy. Luckily, the BAC has a wonderful variety of artists who humour me when I need art right now to fill spaces. And while promoting fellow artists, including myself, I have sold a couple of my paintings. Worthwhile venues to visit in the Brighton area include; the Kingsley Korner Gallery at the Chamber of Commerce and the Library, Lola's Coffee House, Vito's Restaurant, The Independent, the Brighton Inn and the Beauty Reservoir.

Then I started cold felting scarves. For fun and because the boy can help, he likes to spray the wool, the dog and whatever else catches his eye. At least he isn't running around with a paint brush loaded in oil paint. Actually, I felt the need (no pun intended) to create something elegant and original for an upcoming gala at the Four Seasons. Photos of that with dress to follow when the event happens. Now I have a selection of scarves for Christmas gifts as well.