September

Ahh yessss, September.  The month when almost everyone goes back to school, hit the books and life settles to a routine.  Somehow this is the time when not only those in the school system goes back to work, but also a time when galleries offer new courses and exhibits, community centres offer new programs and reopen existing ones and fall art shows line up every weekend!!  Such is a busy time and a creative time!!

My classes will start this month, with new contracts with  Oshawa Northview Centre and Whitby Recreation seniors centre, not to mention the come back of my classes at Visual Arts Centre in Clarington and workshops at my own SweetArt Studio.

I am pleased to invite you to attend a few group events I will be participating with. The first is SPACE INVADERS  in Oshawa http://www.oshawaspaceinvaders.com/ from Sept. 19-27.  My work is included with selected Oshawa art association artists' and will be at Cocoa & Joes, located at Simcoe Street.  Come out on the 19th when most downtown streets in Oshawa will be closed to allow people to visit spaces we have invaded! Bands, Street Art, Tapas with participating eateries and a wide variety of Contemporary Art work will surround the city!

The second event, is with Cultural Expressions Art Gallery presenting their 2nd annual Black and White show at Pickering Village, Ajax on Sept. 21st and will run until October 18.  Will participate in this show, where only black and white colours where used to create stunning works of art. http://www.culturalexpressions.ca/

Hope to see you around!
Marissa

Opportunities

Happy to report that I have two new teaching contracts this fall, The Town of Whitby Seniors Centre and at Northview Oshawa Seniors Centre.  I totally believe that when one door closes, another one much greater opens!

It is going to be busy for me this fall, since these teaching positions add on to my busy schedule and I am welcoming them with open arms and spirit!

I recall reading an article on Betty White (Comedian/Actress) on how she stays young and busy at 90 years of age and she replied; she never says no to any opportunity.  So...I know there will be more opportunities around the corner... I just have to pray that # 1) I notice them and #2)  I have the wisdom to say YES!!!

Hugs!
Marissa

En Plein Air

Painted last week with Artist/Sculptor friend Erika Takacs at the Bowmanville Creek.  It was such a nice day, no bugs, cool breeze and sunshine.  I am still conquering my "greens" and finding the best combination/mix to brighten them up !!!  I feel every time I go out and paint,  I feel I am improving.

I got a bit distracted as I was painting near the bridge where a family of three came by and started throwing stones on to the creek.  The son, possibly about 4 years old was having so much fun, laughing, screaming then laughing again. The mother and father were supportive and kept him from being too loud, but even though they were not technically disturbing me, they were!

This taught me to zone into my painting and FOCUS on my paint.... talk about painting -in-the-zone!!!  This is what is challenging from not being in the comforts of your own studio.

By the end of 1.5 hours, this is what I have to show!  Painting outdoors is such a humbling experience.

Whoo hoo!!!

So honoured and proud to have been accepted to the ECOAA ( East Central Ontario Art Association) 56th Annual Juried Show at the Art Gallery of Bancroft!  What was special was that I won The Jeanne-Marie McAdam Award - Most Innovative, for my piece "Ebulient" !!!!!  That was a big surprise and a big Whoo Hoo!!!

This group has the most amazing artists, all working towards their passion and conquering painting outdoors!  It is a humbling feeling to be among all these recognized and respected artists in East Ontario!  Congratulations to all!!!

Lot's happening

Today was a day I needed to sit down with my calendar and sort out my fall schedule!  A full schedule coming soon with workshops and classes about town and future projects!  So stay tuned!

Funny how I so look forward to summer... having such a long icy winter this year,  just couldn't wait!  But now it is the beginning of August and already I am feeling summer about to slip away all too soon!

My husband and I got to spend some time away in Algonquin North and unwind with nature.  Camping for us is the best way to experience being away from technology, white noise, busy schedules and reconnect with that which is important - each other.  I did try to paint one evening just before supper, but the bugs where terrific in getting their presence known!

Needless to say... I have enough material to add on to my Up North Series......

Time spent with a Painting

Over the years, I have encountered the question; " How long does it take you to finish a painting?"  Most of the time, I replied with; " I honestly do not know?"  This is because of several factors, a) I work on several pieces at a time because I need time waiting for paint to dry, b) the painting has to speak to me c) lost the inspiration and the painting may be abandoned for years! d) busy with life, work and other responsibilities and lastly, e) I never took the time to count the minutes!

So with a 24" x 48" piece, I started to take note of the hours spent working on the painting.  I jotted the time I started and noted every hour spent on it.  Upon completion it took 24 hours! Then, I painted another piece 24" x 24" and it took me 10 hours!  So is there a correlation with size, subject matter, areas of difficulty or technicality? Yes for sure, so therefore, it would not be safe to give a time frame to each painting.

I think, should I get asked the same question again, I should continue to say; " I honestly, I do not know?"

For really, a painting starts from the idea, planning stage, execution, evaluation, final stages, varnish and framing.  All these take time and art should not be rushed.

Till the next adventure!
Marissa

To Consolidate or Not!

Gee, I found my old blog, by using Google Chrome.  Somehow, I just couldn't find the old blog anywhere, so I started a new one this spring. (2014)  But now that i FOUND it again, should I consolidate all my new blogs since spring to that old one which I started 4 years ago?

I think it is time to move on.  I have started fresh and going with the intention of a blog every week. So I will keep this new blog and for those following me on the old one, I hope you can make the transition too.

Hugs!!
Marissa

Happy Surprises

As an artist, I encounter alot of people who love my work, perhaps admire my work,  pretend to like my work and do not say anything about my work.  There are alot of factors that come into play when selling work either through a formal art show such as juried shows, local art group shows, art fairs, private galleries, on-line and through word-of-mouth.  Being in the industry now for 12 years, I have come to realize that art is such an emotional investment.  Most people have to be touched by the piece for them to invest in it.  When a painting has spoken to them, they just should not let it go.

Just in the last month, I have had many people telling me that they were touched by my paintings.  I have sold more this month compared to some years of 'drought' and several art shows.  I am glad my paintings are speaking to people and making them happy.  These are happy surprises!!

Feel blessed,
Marissa

Fragile Nature 24" x 36" Mixed Media  (SOLD)

Just a bit of News

It's been rather busy since I got back from Bridgewater retreat.  I had to take down my paintings from Rawlicious in Whitby, http://rawlicious.ca/canada/locations/whitby/  and make way to another amazing artist from Toronto, Laura Heaney. http://www.lauraheaney.com/

Then had to get ready for mom-in-law's 70th birthday.  Then prepare for Father's Day!

Sold 2 paintings to an old friend who I have not seen in 5 years!  What a delight - for her to look me up and purchase 2 paintings from me.  This is one of them, entitled Sunbeam!

Last June 14 drove to Sunnybrook Hospital to display 4 paintings for the month of June-July.  I am honoured to be able to display my art and bring some smiles to all who come across it.

Today, I finalised the newsletter for release on the SCA website its Spring and Summer newsletter!  It is a huge task of collating news from amazing artists from all over the country!  I am honoured and humbled to be amongst them all.  http://www.societyofcanadianartists.com/content/splash/splash.aspx

Of course, with all these are the day to day updates in social media, work, private classes and open studio's, and finish off a commissioned piece!!

Meanwhile today, I finally got to see the little tidbit on my workshop I taught in Meta4 in Port Perry.

http://www.durhamregion.com/photogallery/4518750/#.U592sZwPc4c.facebook

Now how cool is that??
Hugs!
Marissa

Bridgewater Retreat

Spent 2 1/2 days at the Bridgewater Art Retreat at Tweed, Ontario with the East Central Art Association.  What a great get-away with talented, award winning national artists!  I was humbled, thrilled, overwhelmed, excited and enjoyed myself to the hilt! Day 1 started with getting settled in my cabin, touring the site, taking pictures and finding my place in the Oil studio.  Yup doing oils this time.  This will be my year of oils and painting en plein air! Dinner at the dining hall and then a demo in the evening by Kathy Haycock SCA AFC,,,the party starts right after and everyone enjoyed unwinding with live music and dancing.  Day 2, I set out to the beach with new friends from Eganville and we painted all morning. Mid day I set out on site with artists, Sheila Davis and Linda Hammond and we painted on Queenboro road. About a 20 minute drive from Bridgewater.  Then we took a trip to Tweed and visited a new gallery there  Back at the resort we get ready for a critique session after supper.  Day 3, I painted near the watercolour studio and was quite productive as I got into the groove with Stevie Wonder on my IPhone.  Lunch and then it was time to pack up and set for home.  I was quite happy with my last painting and even though I know more needs to get done with the piece, I know... I am on the right track.


Stay tuned,
Marissa

Cobourg Today

Today was the last day of teaching Abstract landscapes at The Painted Tree in Cobourg.  It was a beautiful day, blue skies & sun shinning that after the class I proceeded to take a walk around their historic streets.  So many cool houses, mostly built in the late 1890s.  I will be back at the painted tree in the fall!

Tired now.... till the next time!
Marissa

It has been a busy Spring!

Wow this spring really took it's time to get here! It was darn too windy and cold... brrrr... I think we have lost a month, and now summer is approaching FAST!

It has been busy this month for SweetArt Studio.  Taught Mixed Media with Collage at Meta 4 in Port Perry, Contemporary Abstracts at my home studio, Abstract Landscapes in Cobourg, and facilitated a workshop with an International Consulting company!  Whew!!!

Last May 3rd ( my parents wedding anniversary), was also the opening on my group show, FIVE BY FIVE at the Kent Farndale Gallery.  Lots of good feedback and sales... very blessed.... now looking forward to June!

Love
Marissa