Monday, March 9, 2015

Been Busy Bee

Its been a while since I posted last and my apologies to all that have come here with nothing new to read.  Bah... been a busy bee....

Buzz buzz... teaching a lot.  New teaching spots opened up for me last fall and continued on to Winter 2015.  Beginner's Acrylic classes are full and with a waitlist at both Northview Centre and Whitby Seniors!  My Open studio at my home still have a full load of 10 artists coming in to paint with me on Tuesday and Thursday nights!  Plus back in Visual Arts Centre in Clarington with my Abstraction classes every Thursdays have kept me away from trouble!!

My entry to the 47th National Open Juried show for the Society of Canadian Artists' was accepted!!!  This is "Category 5" which is part of my Hope Series. 

This July, I am gearing up for a 2-man show at the Aurora Cultural Centre with sculptor/visual artist, Erika Tacaks!  More news to follow in a few weeks .. so stay tuned...

I won't be gone for long!

Marissa

Friday, September 5, 2014

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




Tuesday, August 19, 2014

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

Sunday, August 10, 2014

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.








Sunday, August 3, 2014

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!!!



Saturday, August 2, 2014

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......


Thursday, July 10, 2014

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