The Keyhole Sessions 'Sneak Peek' Show 2010

This year has been a whirlwind in so many ways. I wasn't even thinking of getting involved with any shows because I'm working on a new series and REALLY wanted to focus. However, when The Keyhole Sessions sent out word about this upcoming group show, I was very interested. I've very much enjoyed their Tues night Life Drawing sessions the past year, and I had a few pieces that were finished....so I submitted 4, and 2 were accepted. 1 of those 2 was unfortunately already sold, but it was beautiful and I wanted to show it in a gallery space.
The owner agreed.

The other was very recent, and so tickled me pink to have the chance to show it off. It was titled 'Space Girl' and the support was this amazing copper panel from Duho (I've posted my love for them before)! Duho Panels are premium, exquisitely crafted works of art on their own. The panel was only 8"x8" but weighed a substantial amount. So why would anyone use an expensive metal panel only to cover it with paint? The metallic surface is reflective, and many painters are interested in the light that reflects through all the layers of paint, creating a very unique luminosity. It's more common for (portrait) oil painters to use metal panels as the adhesion is very good. Using acrylic paint means you have to use thin layers, and/or roughen the surface with a sand paper or abrasive marks for the paint to have something to grab onto. With this piece, I had a lot of fun experimenting with Tri-Art's most expensive acrylic paint, Liquid Mirror. It's exactly like painting with liquid metal! It's highly reflective, used alone or as a base (for the same reason you might use a metal panel) or mixed with other colours. I used it as a main colour which sorta took over, so in the end it might seem a bit odd that I changed a copper surface into a silver one, but that's just how it worked out with the materials I had and what I felt suited the subject best. And no doubt it worked out perfectly... 'Space Girl' sold by the end of the show. ♥

Cityscape mixed media paintings

My cityscape series was in a group show last October, and recently featured on the Empty Easel Blog with a fabulous review. These works explore offbeat urban environments, created by abstracting the architectural and natural design elements of our beautiful and yet edgy cityscape.

From my love of drawing, I have developed a process of charcoal worked into layers of paint. I begin by drawing the basic and most important shapes, then layering dramatic values with minimal, harmonious colours. I draw into the paint with a charcoal stick, and use large Escoda Bristle brushes to blend the dry media to create rhythm in the line. I live for the final stages of adding textured and dark energetic marks.

Working with charcoal reminds how simple line is pure and beautiful, and some lines are so wonderful that instead of working with them, I work around them. It is an intuitive process working in harmony with the properties of the materials. There are beautiful collisions of media that become the forefront of my work and I hope it allows viewers to be curious and imaginative about the artistic process and result. 

Please visit my website to see the whole series, and for prices and availability.

Artistic Versatility

I used to think my versatility was a bad thing. Traditionally, if you can't capture and maintain a recognizable style, series or body of work, collectors and galleries weren't interested. I guess as soon as I realized that I wasn't going to be following any traditional paths in my career, I let go of those old and inhibiting notions and adopted a mentality that my versatility was one of my strengths. So now that I'm creating my own path, I'm amazed that this is the truth - my versatility truly is an asset and has brought many wonderful opportunities into my life.

• My curious, silly, alien and comic art adoration allows me to connect with the kids I teach
• My passion for art materials and self-expression makes me an inspirational art teacher for all ages
  
• My traditional landscape and urban cityscape artwork is noticed by the majority of seasoned artists
• My sexy life drawings get me out into the night with alll the freaks and geeks
• My love and respect of life drawing introduced a chance to be in the model's seat to inspire other artists
• My mac, and computer savvy life gets me into all sorts of little graphic design gigs
  
• And allll this versatility created Shared Palette, interactive art for Corporate events!

All this and I am still growing as an artist..as a person. I have so much yet to discover just about me....and then there's a whole world and universe out there!!! Some people think the world is a vast and scary place to be, especially if you are a freelance artist. I understand that, and yet I do find it constantly so exciting, so inspiring.....I am proud that I have the artistic versatility and courage to be living it and out there finding my own unique way.

Martys 2009 interview

In August 2009 I was interviewed by the Mississauga Arts Council. I was nominated for Emerging Visual Artist for the 2009 Martys, and all nominees were interviewed. I adore MAC and they made me feel very comfortable in the AGM where they set up the camera...I was def more nervous the awards night. Maybe one day I'll hire them to set up another interview, which could be the start of my young autobiography...there are too many twists and magical moments to my life that may just have to be told. Someday.

Here's the video with the best parts from the footage that I made with iMovie.

Feature ARTIST: David Lidbetter

I found myself in awe today, revisiting an old friends gallery : David Lidbetter. I worked with David at Wallack’s Artist Materials in Ottawa. It was there that I met two David’s that I will never forget..Lidbetter was one. He taught me a lot about art materials, but really it was a lesson in finding your passion. This artist inspires me like few others do, I’m so glad he has continued his artistic journey! Check out his work. I signed up to get updates of his work as seeing it again after years has made my day:
http://www.dlidbetter.com