WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY.....IS THAT THE BEST NAME I CAN COME UP WITH?

******Note it may or may not be Wednesday depending on where you are reading this from. 
I was just so excited to share this post with you......that I pre-published this post.......or it could be that I put too much Baileys on my cereal! Whatever the reason.....here is the post:


I love me some alliteration. And Lord knows I tried other permutations of #WW.
Wacky Wednesdays?
Woot woot Wednesdays?
What's that Wednesdays?
Well done Wednesdays?
Ok, anyways, Wonderful Wednesdays.......on with it.......

1. So, do you like your old-time rock and roll? The kind off music that just the SOOTHES soul? Sure ya do!! Personally, I love me some "doo wop"! The Overtones is a group out of England is making cool new/old music. Check out the video:

I like them a lot! It is kinda fun and retro. The album is mostly golden oldies.....but there are 3 new ones too that are especially enjoyable!

2.  Here is an artist I met at The Artist Project. Randy Hryhorczuk. We have been doing a lot of the same shows together for years! I love these paintings. His work is super good, I love the colours, and the compositions are really awesome! I especially like that his work has a message!!!

Randy's bio: Randy Hryhorczuk was born in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada in 1974 and was raised in the countryside. He lived in the city of Vancouver for several years before moving to Toronto, Ontario in 1999 to focus on painting. Randy relocated to Guatemala City, Guatemala with his wife in 2007 for a few years. At the same time he continued to show his work in Canada, so he returned frequently for shows. Randy is a self-taught oil painter. He has exhibited his work in Canada, the United States, and Germany. Randy currently paints full time at his Toronto studio.


Make sure to check out his site!!! GREAT STUFF!!


3. My latest book recommendation is not for the faint of heart. It is also a lot lighter than last weeks 'inspirational' book. Chelsea Handler's book "Are you there Vodka, it's me Chelsea." If you like a good laugh....and sometimes a bit of mean-spirited humour....read read read this book!!

4. Ok, so I am the last person in the world to see "the Kings Speech", and yes, it was brilliance. But I wanted to mention this room (thanks for the idea Cindy) I love the walls, and think they are worth bloggin' about. Funny, when I googled 'kings speech office' - someone else had beat me to it....

These walls are delicious.

Grace at "Sense and Simplicity" talks about the location that this scene was shot in,
and even made up this colour chart. GREAT WORK GRACE!!!

5. The blog "Design Sponge" is fab, and they published photos from the house of Karen Barlow (a designer) Love the dots, love the checks love the hot pink....LOVE: 

YUM YUM YUM!!

Here's an exra #WW bonus inspirational quote:

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for: it is a thing to be achieved." William Jennings Bryant 

So, there you have it. Some new inspiration for y'all.

Enjoy!

Let me know what you think!!!

And hey, pass along anything that might be good to inspire others!!!

TIME FLIES......AGAIN

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!!!!

So, I am jumping head first into my work for "Auto Fixation".

But before I start sowing you the progress of this, I thought I would show you how my last commission worked out. 

I think it is splendid. I think the client will be thrilled - and that is what is MOST important!

Check it out:

This is my computer rendering. It is a series of drawings and some scans  that I have reorganized in photoshop.

HELLO YELLOW. This was a MAJOR error. The colour I mixed didn't seem that yellow until I was done it.
YIKES!

Repainted in a more neutral beige-y yellow. 'Yelaige'.

The plane is really coming together at this point. I JUST LOVE SHINY THINGS!!!

TAA DAA!

 So that was it.

Done like dinner.

Now onto my autos!!!!!

CHANGING GEAR

Hey All.
As I mentioned the other day (via twitter and facebook) I had a meeting out in Port Credit.
What is in Port Credit, you ask...other than me yesterday??
I took some photos on my way there on the Go:

Yes....I am a master photographer!! (and yes, that is my thumb)

I like that metal like structure in the middle (and my iphone strap in the top left) 

Doesn't this look like a vintage photo (with my iphone case strap)

LOOK!!! NO STRAP IN THE PICTURE......shame about the window reflection

SERIOUSLY...pay no attention to the upper left

I arrived in the P.C. an hour early for my meeting.

So I had a fancy coffee and walked down to the water edge.

I was gonna go for a dip....but it was too GD cold.

Out in the P.C. (Port Credit) 

And in the distance.......HOME! (in the foreground DAMN STRAP!)

LOVE LOVE LOVE this font. The guy at the door thought I was a bit shady though!

The icy waters/trees. Cool huh?

This is the gallery......and as you can see, my work is in the window.
And as you can see, I am living in Jane Seymour's shadow - literally - the shadow from her name is right
across my painting.

So then I went of rmy meeting at the gallery.

This is the ad from the gallery.

So....short story long, it was a good meeting.

AND HERE IS THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT...

I am going to be doing an exhibition in Port Credit!

Auto Fixation: A show all about cars. (or all that I know about cars - which is surprisingly little)

June 9-20th, 2011

Opening Night: June 9th.

BAM!

I bet you're wondering why a show about cars. 

No. I do not even have a car. 

My dad is a mechanic, so I have never been too interested in them. Sad for him, true....

BUT I do paint them fairly frequently in my Urban Series and even in the Tin Toy Series. 

I,  in fact, really enjoy painting the reflections of metal things. 

Yes, like a crow, I am attracted to shinny objects.

So I thought I would theme a whole show about cars. 

I will keep you all posted as the show comes together.

It will be a fun adventure, and a great challenge for me!

What do you think of the idea?
LOVE IT??

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!

Hello loyal readers (or skimmers)
So, here is what I was thinking.......I am gonna make Wednesday 'inspiration day'. I know that sounds a little Polka Dot Door-y.....(see attached clip)



But, there is so much to be inspired by, and I thought it would be nice to share.
Normally I am not a sharer......just ask husband........but I think you may enjoy a few of these things.
I thought on 'inspiration day' aka wonderful wednesdays, I would give you 5 things that I am totally LOVING right now.
So, here we go.

1. This painted mural from http://www.teatrofrancoparenti.com I have no idea what they sell, because I do not speak Italian, perhaps one of my lovely readers of Italian descent could translate and put a comment. Not that I am gonna name names. Christina. ;-)

I discovered this through the fabulous ladies at: http://design-crisis.com/?p=2164

2. The Book "The Power" By our old friend, the wonder from down under, Ms Rhonda Byrne.

The book is all about the power of positivity. I am finding it really enjoyable. You can also check out this slightly ridiculous trailer for the book, that makes it sound like a Jerry Bruckheimer film.

Say it with me. RIDICULOUS!
(but do not let that dissuade you from this read!!)

3. Do you like that good old swinging big band music? If your answer is Hell-to-the-yes....

I highly recommend "Hooked" by Lucy Woodward.  LOVE THIS ALBUM!! Do yourself a favour and buy it on itunes! 

4.  Up for a nice fluffy popcorn movie? Something to make you forget the unrelenting snow? I saw The Adjustment Bureau last night. It was enjoyable! Maybe not inspirational.....but enjoyable! A little warning - there is A LOT of running in this movie! Check out the trailer! Matt - good as always, Emily - my school-boy crush is stronger than ever, Terrance Stamp - DELIGHTFUL, and John Slattery -NO ONE rocks a skinny suit and fedora like him!

5. So that's a photo, a book, a cd and a movie. The last is a delicious quote!

"THE ODDS ARE GOOD THAT THE GOODS ARE ODD"

So there you go. 5 wonderful things!

What do you think?

BACK IN COMMISSION....

Hey all!!
Well, I am busy and back at work!
No rest for the wonderful. (Yes, i know it is supposed to be wicked.....BUT!)
So, currently I am finally done the first 2 renderings for my upcoming "Auto Fixation" show.
I know I promised more info last week, but my meeting with my gallery in Port Credit had to reschedule for this week! So I won't have the details until next week. BUT until then, check out what I have planned:
I finished this one for The Artist Project:

But here are 2 companion pieces that will be at the new show:

This rendering is kinda James Bond-y.

This one features a '69 Mustang Fastback!

But before I can plow ahead with these paintings, I have a to start/finish my latest commissioned piece:

Very "deco' looking!

So, that is what I am starting today!

I will post photos as I go along on Twitter.

Check me out on Twitter for the latest latest!!

STAMP OF APPROVAL!!

I don't know if you can tell, but it is tiny.....but ADORABLE.
The original owner's name is stamped on the outside of this packaging Elizabeth Rixen.
I love how faded and 'purpley' her name looks.
The box is in dreadful shape, and truthfully Ms. Rixen had a number of tries getting her name right!

I used the tweezers and pulled out the letters (which spelled withdrawal) and replaced them with my own letters. It was harder than it looked. Also, I found that they didn't fit as perfectly as I had hoped.
BUT....I love it still.
I have absolutely no idea what I will do with it (if anything).
Any ideas?
What can I stamp??
Maybe on my artwork?
I would love your ideas!

BLACK SWAN.......RETRO STYLED!

Check out this STUNNING set of four official teaser posters for the movie Black Swan. They were lovingly designed by UK design firm La Boca for the fabulous Darren Aronofsky (almost Oscar winning) film! I absolutely love the art deco/art nouveaux/constructivism themes that they have really done well. Love it! ENJOY:

VALUE VILLAGE: HARBINGER OF GOOD TASTE.....OR PEDDLER OF JUNK?

Sometimes, when I am at the Value Village, I worry.....and here's why.....
I worry for the person who donates something crappy and thinks:
"Oh yes...this item will be perfect for someone else. I hate it, but someone else? LOVE!"
I also worry for the person who buys said items (aka crap)
"Oh yes.....this item would be perfect for me. I have been searching my who life for THIS!!"
Mostly, I am concerned I might be one of the people in the afore mentioned categories.
Yesterday, I decided to photograph some of the most appealing things in the "home accessory" section.
Please enjoy:

Ok. I am obviously NOT a mother. But I am mystified by the Geddes phenomenon. Why do I want to hang a photo of other peoples' babies in my home? I know art is subjective, but WHY? And why are they dressed as purple pansies?
Am I the only one that finds this creepy?

Furthermore. What happens when these two babies grow into adults? Is this photo a source of great pride for  them?
Or has it been a life akin to the child actor? Do they turn into drug addled adults who dress in flowers?
Am I the only one who thinks even the children here look to be judging Anne Geddes?

(re-enactment of an actual conversation at V.V.)
Rob: Hmmm....you know I have been looking for something to cheer up our living room.
Husband: You mean like a spider plant? Or a crochet owl? Or a photos from our wedding day?
Rob: No, I was thinking of something more sinister, and under ten dollars.
Husband: I love it! But I sure wish it had a companion piece to hang with it........

The worst part of this beautiful artwork? The name:
Unconditional Love
(I am not even kidding)

I love my sister. I cherish every moment, and each token of your affection.
Oh, except that crappy-ass poem you wrote and framed for me.

Dear Tina. Although SHE maybe your favourite sister.......you have not ranked that high on her list.
Sorry. BUT you are totally worth buying at $6.99!

So, there you go.
Great finds at the Double V!
Now to find the wall space for all this new art.
Comments??
Anyone?

CD COVER ART

Hey all.
I am currently helping a friend get ready for the cd release for her upcoming concert.
Let me tell you about it.
The show is called "Killer B's" and it is a showcase of superfantabulous broadway songs.
I have known Josephine for twenty years, and I could not be prouder of her.
I am really looking forward to the concert. Here are the details:

Josephine Cleo

Wolf Performance Hall

Sunday, May 29th

7 pm

doors open at 6.30pm

Free Parking in Citi Plaza

King St near Clarence

London, ON

$20

reserved seating

includes show and CD

What a bargain! A fab show AND a cd for twenty bones!!

make sure to reserve tickets on her site at:

http://www.josephinecleo.com/shows.html

So, for this cd, we started with her photo shoot pictures. So this is the original artwork:

Great picture. I love it, and she looks like a million bucks, but I thought since it was a Broadway themed cd it needed to be more spectacular. So I did some research and some photoshopping....I took 3 pictures and morphed them into this. I used a nice retro font with cherries (like her dress):

This was a great start, and Josephine was pleased. In the end, we tried 6 other fonts and decided that it needed more consistency. We also decided to photoshop more 'meaningful' shows onto the marquees in the background. I think the final picture is much improved:

I think it turned out super! We are doing some print tests, and hopefully it looks great!

In the meantime Josephine is recording the cd today!!

I encourage you to check out her concert in May!!!

UNDER THE SEA

Ok, so I am in my post-show reorganizing mode.
Yes, a case of P.S.R. which can be time consuming. Thankfully it does not require a topical cream!
So, while I get my studio/brain in order, I wanted to let you know I was thinking of you.
(the collective you - all 5 of you! ;-)
So, here is a little poster I found.....and LOVE!
Check it out!

I love the palette. I love the use of the blacks....and the teals...and that little shot of orange.
YUM!
I like the 'brushstrokeyness' of it, and the line that the fish make...that leads your eye from Mr Octopus to the submarine. GENIUS! Heck, I even like the border!
So there is a little eye candy for you!
I will get to blogging soon!

ARTIST PROJECT 2011 - POST MORTUM

WOW! What a borrrrring title!
So, as you may know, if you are loyal reader, this past weekend was The Artist Project.
It is a 4 day exhibition, and here is my breakdown!!
So Thursday night was the big gala. Which is usually a big deal.
For me, it was less than stellar. Candice Olsen and Brian Gluckstein were both in attendance, sadly (but not surprisingly) neither noticed my booth! (Insert sigh here ;-)
I was not able to procure either free food or wine, which is par for the course.
TAP gives the wait staff implicit instructions not to feed the artists - we are like Gremlins.
(I get it....better the buyers get tipsy and make multiple drunken purchases)
As usual, I did not get any corporate purchase awards.......but then let's be fair, my work is really not beige enough for that kind of thing. I am ok with that.
There were girls dressed in yellow hanging out lemon cupcakes, which was kinda fun.....and at the end of the night, they even started to give the artists cupcakes!!!
I was disappointed by a lack of saes that night. But I was happy to have lots of great feedback.
The next day, (friday) was a 9 hour day.
It was busy until 5.....and then there were literally tumbleweeds blowing down the aisles.
On friday, I was happy to have sold a few of my little Mixed Message pieces.
At $100, you just can't say no (well you can, but why would you??)
Unfortunately, the only thing to eat at TAP was a sit down cafe - which is impossible for those of us working the show. (No, they will not do take out!) That is probably my biggest complaint about the show.
They DO have a bagel cart. For 6.00 you can get a toasted bagel with cream cheese.
Yes, you heard me right SIX BONES!!!!!!!
And here is the thing. They were more like large dinner buns. (I nick-named them "Bungels")
Mmmmmm bungles.
Saturday was a 10 hour day, and although it was busy, it was a long haul standing on cement floors.
Thankfully I had insoles in my stilettos.
It was not a bad day, although one client would only buy a piece if I changed its name, and put a sticker on the front of the piece that said "don't". The piece was called 'chicken out' and was also $100.00.
It is funny what artists will do for a hundred bucks!
Sunday was CRAZY busy, and super good for sales. I was pleased with my sales.
It is so nice to have positive feedback, and I appreciate it so much, but sadly, the bank will not accept positive feedback in lieu of a mortgage payment.  ;-)
Here are some photos I took:

People reading my work

Looking out of my booth

A view into the aisle. Yes,  I had natural light where I was!!

Yes....this is kinda brag-gy

So, that is the big event breakdown.
Today, is all the post-show clean up. YUCK!
I have to unpack at the studio, and try to get re-organized for some potential studio visits.
If you missed all the fun of the weekend, you are always welcome to come by the studio and check out the new work! You just have to email me and we can set up an appointment.
So, off to work, and then tommorow I begin production on a new show:
AUTO FIXATION
Are you excited already??
I will have details later this week!

THE ARTIST PROJECT 2011.....

Hello hello....
So, I am just on my way out the door, but I wanted to give y'all a breakdown of the show that I am doing (that opened last night) Here are the 'deets':

The Artist Project is a meeting ground for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. View and purchase original Canadian and International art from over 200 juried contemporary artists and enjoy an eclectic program of talks, special features, and art installations. Whether you are a first time buyer or seasoned collector, this four day art fair is a rare opportunity to meet and purchase directly from independent artists. Now in its fourth year, The Artist Project returns to the Queen Elizabeth Building at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

March 3 – 6, 2011
BOOTH #234

Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place
Friday, March 4           12AM – 9PM
Saturday, March 5       11AM – 9PM
Sunday, March 6         11AM – 6PM

Show Location
Queen Elizabeth Building
180 Princes’ Boulevard, Exhibition Place
Toronto, Ontario

Here is a picture I took of my booth last night before the doors opened!

It is super blurry - but you get the idea!

Look at these BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS I got from my dear friend David

If you don't have anything to do this weekend, come on down and visit me!!!! 

http://www.theartistprojecttoronto.com/

VINTAGE TORONTO

Hello friends!
So, today is my load in day for The Artist Project.
No, I am not freaking out. The load in is the EASY part....as you know, I have a plan of the layout all ready to implement. WHEW!
BUT I am kinda tired of talking about TAP, so instead of talking about that, I am gonna post some really fabulous pictures that were forwarded to me. If you love Toronto, these are a MUST SEE!
Enjoy!!!


Toronto of the 1940s

Toronto of the 1940s was place defined by war. Although not a period that saw sweeping changes on the skyline, along with the war effort, the 1940s is likely best known for the waves of immigration that got underway during the latter part of the decade. 78% of the city's population was of British decent in 1941. In the years that followed, Toronto saw the arrival of massive numbers of people from throughout Eastern and Southern Europe, which lead to a profound shift in the city's cultural makeup.

This is the Yonge Subway going in. I sure hope Rob Ford puts more in.....it looks like it is not cumbersome at all! 

more subway.....love these!!

The beautiful Eglington Theatre

Chimps at Oxford.....a CLASSIC!

This looks basically the same today....oh...except for the strippers.

So great, huh?

This is from Eatons.

Look at those streetcars!!

Duchess St is now Richmond.

LOVE this billboard!

Miss worker beauty contest! SERIOUSLY!!

The entrance to QEW! CRAZY, huh?

Cheap fruit!!

Sunnyside Beach!

This is my favourite!!