Fall Art Festival at Camp Samac: Friday

Fall art festival, Camp Samac

I always plan ahead, but I often find myself balancing on knife-edge to meet all deadlines and to make all things happen. Generally speaking, I cannot avoid some rush with whatever I’m trying to do. Getting ready for art shows always involves some frantic adding of last brush strokes to earlier created paintings, a sudden new painting idea just the night before the show; and, yes, that’s me typing the art sales sheets and printing labels just half an hour before I leave to set up the show. This time, Fall Art Festival at Camp Samac.

Setting up show space

This is such a happy moment when the provided space is set up. It seems like nothing to it, and I really have to wonder, how could it take so incredibly much time and efforts? I decided to paint mostly trees this year, and when I stopped by, I found out that 3 paintings were already sold. Great news.

Sold tree paintings

Why trees? I find them extremely human, having so much of character which people are often lacking. I don’t think there can be ever painted too many trees or flowers, these silent guards of our living space.

Lovely white birch and maples

Birches are stubbornly maintaining their white coats regardless of seasons. It’s not surprising they have found reflection in so many poems, paintings and stories. How to stay white is the lesson they teach. We can respect maples for knowing how to lose their beauty in such a gracious and marvelous way, there are no regrets, just sadness for rapidly disappearing magnificence.

Maple road, sold

This maple road painting was done in my rich acrylic texture technique. Paintings of this type change colors as the surrounding light does, and depending on the viewing angle, foliage feels almost touchable at some moments. This painting was also sold straight after I put it out. These paintings exist only as single originals since no prints or similar reproductions can be made, and that’s what I like about them.

Finding inspiration in poppy fields

Poppies and other paintings

It is not a secret that some themes and subjects are easier to paint, and especially, if the artist is just starting out. Poppy fields or wildflower meadow definitely make great subject. After engaging for a few classes in two landscape paintings, we decided to paint poppies in a landscape, just for fun and for the love of color. So, we created background for poppy fields, then added flowers on top of that and finally adjusted some values.

This theme was liked a lot, and all students started their paintings without any complications, extreme difficulties or unpleasant surprises.

Everybody told, they really enjoyed this painting and subject.

The excitement was so great that these paintings got finished by students during the following class, which was the last class before I left for vacation.

Adult group painting poppies

Students are using artist grade acrylic paints, so, these paintings will last. We had a chance to check out paintings done with students grade paints, and colors had lost they brightness in just 3 years. We are referencing drawings, pictures, and sometimes real flowers to help our imagination with color choices and composition.

Students have freedom to choose whatever color or its shade they prefer, in order to create their paintings in a way they love it.

OAA Spring Studio Tour 2012

Garden anemones, spring time painting

Oshawa Art Association Spring Studio Tour

I hope you will be able to make time for the Oshawa Art Association Spring Studio Tour 2012 if you happen to be somewhere in Ajax, Whitby or Oshawa around the next weekend. Spring Studio Tour takes place on May 5th and 6th between 10 am and 4 pm. I have my own art studio where also my art classes take place.

Art tour is a worthy experience

I have no doubt that everyone will enjoy this art tour, there are lots of interesting paintings to look at and possibly buy in order to use as a gift for the upcoming Mother’s Day. What can be more valuable as the joy of giving? I have also numerous floral paintings. They serve as a great gift and are always much appreciated.

Art is timeless

Live flowers wither and cake gets eaten up, but a nice painting will always remind the gift receiver of you, your relationship or friendship. Art is a very delicate thing. We can live without it, but we shouldn’t.  No other decorations can ever compete with art.

Support for art is important

Artists don’t actually complain too much. We create, teach others how to draw and paint and work diligently every single day. However, times are tough, and it is so easy to make somebody’s day when buying their painting. That is a huge support. So, think about it, and support your local artists, because these are folks, who really need that. Artists appreciate your interest, and small investment in art can go long ways.

Get advice from trusted source

Such tour is absolutely free, and my art studio, for instance, will have more than exhibition of paintings. I will offer advice on art materials, explain differences between art classes and workshops, introduce new class schedule, new types of art classes. I will also give watercolor demonstration and challenge you to try watercolor washes or drawing on your own. Last year’s tour was well attended, and I think, benefits were mutual.