Winter giveaway.

An artist's trading card (ATC) made with my own rubber stamps.

 My rubber stamps are by Stampington and Company. The link is in the sidebar on the left.

If you'd like to join in, please leave a comment and make sure I can contact you if you win. The draw will take place on Thursday Jan. 29.



 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

The sun is out, in the distance the lake is a blue-grey, and the boats are waiting....

You have to be very careful folding old paper because it tends to tear and break easily. The larger boat is made of a page from a book, Sherlock Holmes written in shorthand.

 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

The down side -- if there is such a thing -- of working every day is the accumulation of artwork.

I've started a clearance sale in my Etsy shop, and these three collages are the first on offer.

They were all created on mat board, using antique papers. See them here.

 Thank you.





Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Stitching by hand.

I picked up needle and thread for the first time in months. I'd almost forgotten what a calming and pleasant thing it is, especially in winter when the wind is howling and you're curled up on the couch needing to do something.

I had put this piece aside to focus on painting. I told myself I would finish it later, and yesterday it was calling my name. (Now available in my Etsy shop.)

 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

My priority today was to go and see The Imitation Game. I went when it first opened but it was sold out, so I waited until the audiences had thinned. 

I've read about the Enigma code and Alan Turing (who cracked the code) in the past, and I can say that the movie is absolutely brilliant, and all the more poignant for being a true story. I won't say more because you should see this movie.

What's more, whenever I work on my computer, I remember that he was the Father of Computers.

 Today's art. Another sparrow.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Drawing birds.

I like coloured pencils, but they can be a bit thin.

 So I combined them with oil pastels.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

I dusted off my coloured pencils and made a little drawing to get back into the groove after a few days off.

 Looking at the colours, I think it might be an Irish bird ...





Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

New work

The past week or so has been about getting work ready for the exhibition (see previous post) which opens this evening, so I haven't been waving my paintbrush around. Until today.

The sparrow / le moineau
We have a lot of them where I live. These simple birds are sweet and friendly, and when they congregate, they twitter their hearts out -- which, occasionally, can drive you mad.....




Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 ROMANCING THE WORD

A new exhibition at the

Dignam Gallery

  Women's Art Association of Canada 

23 Prince Arthur Ave. 

Toronto, ON M5R 1B2 

waac@womensartofcanada.ca

416-922-2060 

Opening Reception: Friday, January 16th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

 I would love to see you there. 

I have three paintings in the show.

Travellers, there is no path,

paths are made by walking.--Antonio Machado

Memory and desire, stirring

Dull roots with spring rain.

Winter kept us warm, covering

Earth in forgetful snow, feeding

A little life with dried tubers.

--T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land

The dragonfly

can't quite land

on that blade of grass.

--Matsuo Bashō

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Today's offering.

The Stone Angel.

 Available here.






Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Creating simplicity is chaotic.
This is what it takes.

You start with good intentions.

 Slowly the stuff piles up. If it's not under my nose, I forget I have it...

 

 You take a break, because you absolutely must if you're to continue.

 

 And you continue. 

 I really must go and tidy up now!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Every so often, we're reminded that the world is in a dreadful mess.

All the more reason to do good, be positive, lift ourselves and others up, be an antidote in whatever small ways we can because it all adds up. And to remember that there are more good people than bad.

 Part of my heart will always be in France.


 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Last month was relatively warm. And now we're in a deep freeze.
I have a sister. She lives in Florida. She also keeps an eye on the weather forecast, and when the temperatures dip drastically as they did yesterday, she calls me to make sure I'm alright. I'm well trained to deal with freezing temperatures, but it's still heart-warming that she checks up on me.

Stay warm.

 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

A little clog Story

When I was 16, at a Lycée (high school) in Paris (France), a couple of students from Sweden wore wooden clogs with leather tops. I was completely taken by them. At the time they were not available, except presumably in Sweden. A few years later, when I had a little job, I came across a pair and bought them. I was the only one around wearing them. I got many looks, mostly complimentary.

Many years later, I still love clogs. These were given to me by a dear friend recently and I wear them all the time. They're different from my original ones in that they have backs. Every time I slip them on, I remember my Swedish schoolmates.

 
  
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Thought for the day.

		banksy
		@thereaIbanksy

Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places.

Sometimes.






Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

First artwork for 2015

I walked when there was no path.

 Wishing you the best, and courage when you need it.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

If I had a "before" picture, this would make more sense. But I wasn't thinking about befores when I looked at an old painting, made with acrylics with gouache over some of it, and decided I didn't like it anymore. 

I took a wet sponge and scrubbed it. Sometimes I don't think, I just do. Sponging changed the colours, lifting, moving, blending ... and something strange happened. I fell in love with the angel all over again.

 Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2015.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Painting The Waste Land, by T. S. Eliot

 Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
Winter kept us warm, covering
Earth in forgetful snow, feeding
A little life with dried tubers.

  
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

And a huge thank-you to all the people who have followed my blog this year and those who have left comments.
I wish you all the Blessings of the Season.






Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

I like odd earrings.
Too much jewelry looks the same.
Sometimes I want something different.

 Available for purchase in my Etsy shop.



Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Gratitude for my friends is the order of the day.

In my case, it's quality over quantity.
I have a small number of really wonderful friends, some of them overseas, and they are precious to me. They support me, understand me, accept me.
My friends also have great imaginations.
Today, one of them gave me this. A mason jar containing my favourite (and only) scent.

Imagine!

It takes thought and care to put something together that will delight the receiver.

 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

One week to Christmas.
Have a merry one!

 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

My inaginary house in Tuscany.
I painted this about 15 years ago.
It's now on sale in my Etsy shop.

Watercolour on paper, 12 x 9 in.

 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 Two new pieces are in my shop today.

Because we love buttons! You know who you are...

 And another bird in the hand from my original drawing. 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

A Foggy Day in London Toronto Town

Yesterday's fog that gave me a headache has lifted somewhat although the headache lingers.
I've been at the computer, black coffee in hand (helps the headaches), listing items in my Etsy shop.
I will be open over the holidays. I'm also offering a discount coupon good until the end of the month.

Some new items

Stitched postcards

 Stitched and embroidered old textiles

Stay warm, be safe.



Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

My Christmas tree / mon sapin de Noël

Compliments of Charlie Brown.
I've had it for three years now. During the year, it lives in a corner with a bird attached to it. In December, I switch the bird for the red ornament and place it in a prominent position.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

I woke up around 3 a.m., and a dull white light was filtering through the curtains. I suspected snow, and, sure enough, when I looked out, the world was blanketed in snow. Many hours later, it's still snowing. And this is why I do my "Christmas" with family travelling in November.

 Fortunately, in Canada, we are trained to deal with snow, so it won't stop me from going out later on. Meanwhile, a nice hot cup of something and needle and thread fit the bill.

 Be safe, wherever you are!



Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Finishing touches.

I painted this 7x5-inch piece of plywood with acrylic paint. (Did you know that paintings are measured not the usual way of width x height but by height x width? I've always tended to do that, but recently found out that it's actually correct.)

So, I tried some shell shapes, but in the end, I opted for a starfish.

To hang it, I used string because it was more nautical. Now all I need is a cottage by the sea....

 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 "Oh, God, your sea is so great and my boat is so small." -- Breton fisherman's prayer

 Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

SMALL GEMS ART

There is NO ADMISSION FEE to the Artists' Reception on Friday December 12. It is FREE to all WAAC  members, their guests and the general public. Please come and support our artists in attendance. Lots of beautiful Small Gems from which to choose. Meet our Studio Artists in the Ruth Upjohn Gallery.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Painting my morning coffee.
I like a small cup.
A shot of black coffee made from the best coffee beans, dark roast, no sugar.
Like fine wine.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Back in the late 1990s I was infatuated with watercolours straight out of the tube. I wanted strong colours. This was before I waded into acrylics, but I still have a soft spot for them. These landscapes were part of a series I painted about 17 years ago.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

The things you can do with paper bags, small doilies, and string. Tied up with ribbon.

 Packaged in a cellophane bag, and you have a sweet little gift.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown