Winter Plein Air Issue: A Visit To The Arts & Letters Club of Toronto Crayons Started Art Career
Winter Plein Air Issue: A Visit To The Arts & Letters Club of Toronto Crayons Started Art Career
Winter Plein Air Issue: A Visit To The Arts & Letters Club of Toronto Crayons Started Art Career
Mar/Apr 2010
DOUGLAS PURDON
Publishers Corner
PUBLISHED BY JENSU DESIGN I hope no one tells my husband, but I am head over heels in love with Alexandre Cabanel, and, as always, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. There are others as well. I am shameless, and my recent trip to New York was an opportunity to boldly spend time with all of them. New York is a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures and I enjoyed them all. But I have to say that, although the Broadway plays were incredible, the food was superb, and the shopping for fashions was a great treat, my favorite part of the trip was my trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and jaunts to art book stores. The book store shopping was so successful that in two different stores I had a huge stack of art books shipped home to Canada because taking them home in my luggage was impossible. I could barely lift them. But the highlight the pice de rsistance was the Met. It was there that my loves were, and I could barely keep my hands off them (although the guards were there to make sure I did!) At the time I visited, there were absolutely incredible displays of portraiture and figurative works. A 1600-something portrait of Rembrandt just reinforced for me why the Dutch artist is considered one of the greatest painters in European art history. From another room in the museum I viewed his self-portrait and it compelled me to leave where I was to view it immediately. From the distance it was outstanding and from closer it just about stopped my heart. I felt the same about the portraits by Cabanel. When William-Adolphe Bouguereaus work was added into the mix, I could barely keep my head and heels straight! This trip was a huge reminder to me of the power of original art. It can be exhilarating to see a good reproduction, or to see an image in a huge, hard-covered art book, but there will never be anything like the real thing! PUBLISHER: Susan Blackman FEATURED ARTISTS THIS ISSUE: Douglas Purdon, Sharon Lynn Williams, Dan Gray, Kristine Sue Sarsons, Zan Barrage, Jerry Markham, Mary Ann Archibald, Carol Hama Chang, Loretta Baker Sawatsky All material printed in this magazine, written or depicted, is protected by copyright of this magazine and/or the artist, and cannot be reproduced in any form without express written permission from the publisher. All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Canadian Brushstroke Magazine. Brushstroke makes no recommendations as to the purchase or sale of any product or service. All letters or contributions to Canadian Brushstroke Magazine are subject to editing with no limits or liability. JENSU DESIGN Box 5483, Leduc, Alberta Canada T9E 6L7 Phone: 780-986-0789 Fax: 780-986-8393 E-mail: [email protected]
CANADIAN BRUSHSTROKE MAGAZINE Box 3449, Leduc, Alberta Canada T9E 6M2 Phone: 780-986-0789 Fax: 780-986-8393 E-mail: [email protected] www.brushstrokemagazine.com
TM
WEBSITE:
www.projectheroes.ca
By Susan Abma
PROJECT HEROES will see every fallen Canadian soldier from the Afghanistan war commemorated in a 14 x 18 framed work of ne art, with the intent to exhibit the paintings in every province in Canada, along with other commemorative paintings, military paraphernalia, personal items from the soldiers, including written material such as letters they wrote home, and video clips, etc. Artists Susan Abma, Shairl Honey, and Cindy Revell have been touched by the bravery of the soldiers who died serving our country in Afghanistan. As painters, they will have the extraordinary honour of recording history and preserving the memory of these exceptional men and women. With your help, they will be creating a massive, historic, military oil portrait collection. The fallen soldiers from Afghanistan could possibly live in their paintings for many hundreds of years. For more information on this project, go to:
By Cindy Revell
www.projectheroes.ca
ATTENTION GALLERIES:
**Venues in major Canadian centres that are equipped for and large enough to host this exhibition in 2012 /2013 are invited to contact Project Heroes at 780-986-0789 or email [email protected] . All venues will be considered, but the venues chosen will be those best suited to the project.
By Shairl Honey
The paintings shown above are - Top: Cpl. David Braun, Centre: Cpl Cole Bartsch, Bottom: Cpl. Andrew Eykelenboom. The fallen soldiers portraits will be revealed on a rotating basis. The entire collection will not be displayed together until after the rst exhibition in 2012.
Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010 3
En Plein Air
(winter)
Artists from across the country submitted plein air paintings for this special issue. This was not a competition, but just a place to showcase some of the variety of plein air work that is being done in Canada. We had many entries so we are unable to bring you all of the work that artists sent to us.
4 Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010
RED IN WINTER
Artist: SHARON LYNN WILLIAMS Calgary, AB Location of painting: Outskirts of Calgary, AB Medium: Oil Size: 8 x 6 Website: www.sharonlynnwilliams.com Blog: http://sharonlynnwilliams. blogspot.ca
FROSTING
Artist: KRISTINE SUE SARSONS, Sundre, AB Location of painting: Near Okotoks, AB Medium: Pastel Size: 6 x 13 Website: www.kristinesarsons.com
En Plein Air
(winter)
SAVAGE WINTER
Artist: ZAN BARRAGE Mississauga, ON Location of painting: Scottsdale Farm Medium: Oil Size: 8 x 10 Website: http://artezan.blogspot.com
En Plein Air
(winter)
Artists from across the country submitted plein air paintings for this special issue. This was not a competition, but just a place to showcase some of the variety of plein air work that is being done in Canada. We had many entries so we are unable to bring you all of the work that artists sent to us.
En Plein Air
(winter)
Artists from across the country submitted plein air paintings for this special issue. This was not a competition, but just a place to showcase some of the variety of plein air work that is being done in Canada. We had many entries so we are unable to bring you all of the work that artists sent to us.
SLEEPING LADY
Artist: JERRY MARKHAM Vernon, BC Location of painting: Leavenworth, Washington Medium: Oil Size: 9 x 12 Website: www.jerrymarkham.com
En Plein Air
WINTER ROADWAY
Artist: CAROL HAMA CHANG Edmonton, AB Medium: Oil Size: 12 x 12 Website: www.carolhama.ca
En Plein Air
GATEWAY TO THE PASTURE
Artist: LORETTA BAKER SAWATZKY Pierceland, SK Location of painting: Artists farm near Pearceland, SK Medium: Mixed media (Charcoal, pastel, gouache Size: 12 x 18 Website: www.lorettabakersawatzky.com
[email protected]
www.deltaart.ca
ART ASSOCIATIONS: Art for All Canada Inc., Artists Garden Cooperative, North York Visual Artists
Art For All Canada Inc. (AFAC) is a not-for-prot organization, run by artists, to help artists to develop, show and sell their work commission-free.
10 Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010
T S A L L L A C
CALL CALL FOR FOR ENTRIES ENTRIES
We want to show off Canadas artists, and our competitions help us do that! Be sure to enter your artwork in our competitions not only do you have a chance to
Still Life/Floral
Competition No. Subject Medium
9
Still Life/Floral Two dimensional drawing or painting medium $15 each
(You can enter as many works as you would like)
*Winners and nalists will be featured in the May/June 2010 issue of Canadian Brushstroke Magazine
Entry 1
Entry 2
Title: Title:
Entry 3
E N T R Y F O R M
Title:
Medium:
Medium:
Medium:
Size: (HXW)
Size: (HXW)
Size: (HXW)
I enclose my cheque or money order for the total fee of $15 Canadian PER ENTRY OR, please charge the total sum to my VISA: _____________________________________ EXPIRY DATE:_______________________Signature________________________________
*Please BE SURE to include a paragraph about yourself and another about each painting for us to use in the event we publish your painting(s).
I solemnly declare that all the works listed on this entry form are my own original artworks and I own the copyright to the work and to all source material used in creating this artwork. I understand the entry, including the form and CD, will not be returned, and I understand the entry fee is nonrefundable. I have thoroughly read and agree to all competition rules, and I understand I am granting the rights to publish my name, the artworks listed and information in an upcoming issue of Canadian Brushstroke Magazine and that the issue will be archived for an undetermined amount of time on Canadian Brushstroke Magazines website: www.brushstrokemagazine.com. **If you wish to receive conrmation that we have received your entry, enclose a self-addressed STAMPED postcard.
Street Address
City/Province
Postal Code
SIGNATURE
Please mail this form and the properly labeled CD (see Rules - How to Enter) with properly labeled les to: Canadian Brushstroke Magazine, Box 3449, Leduc, AB, T9E 6M2
12 Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010
s I walked through St. Georges Hall, I knew I was in a very special place. A place that artists from all across Canada would love to have access to, or at least have a similar place they could gather with like minds. Built in 1919, the regal historic building, renovated with reverence, is home to an impressive collection of art from past members. They include members of the Group of Seven and other renowned artists: Robertson Davies, Vincent Massey, Marshall McLuhan, Eden Smith, Wyly Grier, Ernest MacMillan, Mavor Moore and many more. Until 1985, the club would have been what many call an old boys club, restricting membership to male members only. Since that time, female membership has grown and one member said he believes that the women members outnumber the men at this time.
Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010 13
Over half the members are professional members whose careers are in one or more of the LAMPS disciplines: Literature, Architecture, Music, Painting/visual arts, and Stage. These are very broadly interpreted, with photography, lm, radio, television, journalism, poetry, interior design, sculpture, illustration, set design, computer graphics, advertising and public relations coming under one or more of these umbrella groups. Other members are enthusiasts who enjoy the active appreciation of the arts, and who enjoy an involvement with the artistic community. The building has a bar/lounge area where the members socialize and discuss their latest art projects. It has a theatre (called The Great Hall) that at lunch time or dinner serves also as a banquet hall. There is a studio where live models are brought in for members, meeting rooms, a library, areas for props and costumes, and more. Some of the events that go on for club members include: lm nights, choral singing, poetry workshops, art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, architecture projects and surveys, stage productions, plein air painting, wine tasting, screenwriting discussions, photography workshops.... Two interesting displays at the club, notwithstanding the wonderful collection of member art , include a display of the Executive Lists and portraits of all of the past presidents of the Arts & Letters Club.
14 Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010
The Executive Lists are superb examples of graphic design for more than a century. They have to conform to the same size which appeared to be approximately 8 x 16 and they have to contain the list of the executive on the Board of Directors, but beyond that, each artists own personal style and vision has shaped them. One was even sculpted in solid bronze and the wall had to be reinforced to hold the List. The Executive Lists and the presidents portrait artists are chosen by the clubs art committee. In the case of the presidents portraits, the committee puts their recommendation forward to the President for approval. The portraits of past presidents can be viewed at http:// www.artsandlettersclub.ca/index.cfm?pagepath=About_Us/ Gallery_of_Club_Presidents&id=13692 . I recommend that readers take the time to view these portraits to see how
differently the presidents were portrayed over the clubs 102-year history. As I toured through the building and enjoyed its atmosphere and the hustle and bustle as club members visited together, ate the wonderful lunch by the clubs excellent chef, and viewed the works on display, I found myself wishing that every artist in every small community across the country had access to something like this. I believe that the joined forces of the many disciplines allowed this club to grow and ourish even during difcult wartimes. The club is a model that perhaps should be looked at in other large cities in Canada. I suggest that any artists visiting Toronto call the club in Toronto and arrange to visit while you are there. For more information on the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto, go to: www.artsandlettersclub.ca .
Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010 15
classieds
ARTIST PROJECTS MARKETING/PROMOTION SERVICES
FALLEN HEROES
Sign up for the Project Heroes newsletter and get regular updates on the progress of the upcoming exhibition of the portraits of fallen Canadian soldiers. (See ad on Page 3). To sign up, email your name and info, including email address, to info@projectheroes. ca. Website: www.projectheroes.ca . CALL FOR ENTRIES
ARTIST WEBSITES
Artist Websites from $399 Not sure how to set up your own website but want to promote your work online? We can set one up for you. Visit www.artmarketingbusiness.com or call 1-877-311-2787 for more information. WORKSHOPS/RETREATS
JURIED SHOW
ARTIST GETAWAY
Call for Entries: 4th Annual Arts Without Borders juried show June 10 - 13th. Deadline: April 15, 2010. www.artswithoutborders.ca . Contact: Cindy SorleyKeichinger at [email protected] or 780-8472294. GALLERY SHOWS
Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat is a get-away destination just 1 hour south of Calgary in Albertas lovely foothills. We welcome individuals or groups of up to 12 people. We supply wholesome meals, exible studio space and wonderfully comfortable accommodations surrounded by 11 acres of nature. Serenity, seclusion and solitude. Pat Lothrop (403) 933-5755 www.diamondwillowartisanretreat.com .
GALLERY 78
Gallery 78 presents: Measha; A Personal Symphony Paintings in oil and mixed media: transparent watercolour, acrylic archival varnish by Ann Balch May 14th to June 6th, 2010 Balchs paintings and techniques were featured in Brushstrokes Nov/Dec 2009 issue: www.brushstrokemagazine.com/issues/2009/hires/2009_11_hr.pdf .
Prairie Art Gallery presents: Janet Eneld: April 2 - May 17. This portrait exhibition captures the spirit and unique perspective of Peace Country elders who the artist has interviewed, painted, and photographed. Each painting reveals a seniors favorite color, animal, vegetable, and inspirational quote, as well as how many children he or she has. prairiegallery.com/exhibitioncategory/janet-eneld-wisdom-of-the-ages/
16 Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010
Susan Abma
Johnson Gallery
Cindy Revell
Susan Abma
Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010 17
ABOVE: YETVART (ED) YAGHDJIAN HOSTS A SESSION ANATOMY OF A PAINTING FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION. BELOW: AN INDUSTRY SUPPLIER SHARES INFORMATION ABOUT HIS PRODUCTS.
obtaining grants, and creative thinking were on the educational agenda. Several industry suppliers demonstrated and educated the audience about their
products. The event attracted 110 artists from Canada. This is the first year the conference was opened up to all of Canada, having been more of a local event in previous years. Along with the conference, there was a showing of the participants art in the Metro Hall in Toronto. The art show was held from March 6 - 13th. More information about the sessions is available on the conference website: www.artforallcanada.org .
Tracey Mardon
Johnson Gallery
7711 - 85 St., Edmonton, AB 780-465-6171 www.johnsongallery.ca
Cindy Revell
Susan Abma
Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010 19
He retired in 1962 at age 49, on a Friday. He immediately left for New Hampshire for two weeks. I left a business man and came back an artist, he says. In 1992, he began doing product demonstrations for Winsor & Newton products, which he still does today. Hes part of their Artist Outreach Program. Its not really a sales program, he says. Its how the products should be used. Through his involvement with the company, he has learned a great deal about art products and art conservation. One of the things that made a difference in my work is my connection with Winsor & Newton. It is almost like a postgraduate education as far as art materials are concerned. In 1998, the veteran artist published Color Secrets for Glowing Oil Paintings through North Light Books which gives techniques for creating better oil paintings. Purdon works from his home studio. I can work as soon
as I get up and can work at night when I have to. He has off-site storage for his paintings, but says most of his paintings nowadays have a place to go :as soon as they come off my easel. When he paints in oils, he always paints on canvas, choosing linen for larger works and cotton canvas for smaller works. I dont like a slick surface. I like resistance (a rougher surface). He uses very little medium when painting in oils, but says he does use a small amount of Liquin or mineral spirits. His paint brand of choice is no surprise Winsor & Newton although he says he also uses a couple of Old Holland colors. He preps his canvas with acrylic gel medium and two coats of acrylic primer. He paints with bristle brushes, starting with size 12 or 14, and uses sables for blending.
Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010 21
Depending on the complexity of the drawing he may do a block-in or a detailed under drawing. He says his studio painting is done in a traditional method, from dark to light and large to small. This usually involves an initial block-in with the rening coming afterward. He often glazes his paintings using Liquin, which he says really speeds up the oil painting process. After six months I use a varnish Soluvar (Liquitex). He likes to paint his plein air paintings 9 x 12 or 12 x 16. His studio paintings range from that size up to 36 x 48. The largest painting he ever completed was 12 x 5 and it hangs at the Sears building in Guelph, ON.
I paint standard sizes so that I can ip frames, he says, explaining that if his galleries want a different frame, he can use the frame again on a different painting. For his watercolor paintings Purdon
uses Winsor & Newton paint and 300 lb cold press or rough Winsor & Newton, Waterford or Fabriano paper, and for acrylic painting he usually uses acid free illustration board.
The bulk of his paintings, however, are done in oils. The artist teaches acrylic and oil painting at Loyalist College in Belleville, ON in the summer. In the fall, winter and spring he teaches art history and painting techniques of the Masters at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. He is currently preparing a course on art forgeries, scams and thefts. One of his favorite places to paint is Mull, Scotland, where the artist tries to go every two years or so. Its an amazing place to paint. When Purdon looks back over his career, he says, at the beginning I wish Id known more about how to deal with galleries. A gallery is a business. I think thats something that a lot of artists forget. Your work has got to t in. You have to do your homework. Learn to focus on doing a consistent body of work.
ABOVE: MARIE TARPON SPRINGS Oil, 12 x 16 BELOW: DAYS DONE TOBERMORY Oil, 16 x 20 RIGHT: ALLEGANY RIVER, NY Oil, 12 x 16
DOUGLAS PURDON exhibits his work in galleries in Canada, the US and the UK and his paintings are in many private and corporate collections, including The Toronto Public Library, The City of Toronto, The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto, Sears Canada, and The Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic CT. He is represented by Studio 737, Tweed, Ontario; Arnold Fine Art, Newport RI; and the Gallery at Mystic Seaport, Mystic CT.
Anne McCormick
Johnson Gallery
7711 - 85 St., Edmonton, AB 780-465-6171 www.johnsongallery.ca
Cindy Revell
Susan Abma
24 Canadian Brushstroke Magazine March/April 2010
Canadian Brushstroke Magazine benets the Canadian Art Industry nationwide by providing:
6 Annual issues. The magazines PDF format offers readers a traditional-style magazine format online, resulting in readership cover-to-cover, difcult to achieve in a usual website format. Tracked readership, because we require subscription information. Free subscriptions to more than 14,000 subscribers (many forward it to their own mailing list resulting in increased readership.)
Each issue features at least one artist from each of the four regions: West, Central, East and Maritimes. Reduced advertising overhead by lowering our magazine production costs. Increased Green Environmental image through reduced paper and ink consumption. Increased youth market penetration through hi-tech communications. Free delivery directly to the readers personal emails, rather than by newsstands. Editorial news tidbits, information on shows, competitions, events, classieds and more.