Light technology update – terrific LEDs!
As I write the CFL bulb is now practically obsolete and most of my incandescent bulbs have found there way to the garbage can. Decorators and artists (and everyone else of course!) can rejoice now that LEDs are available in a huge range of types, wattages and most importantly a wide range of “cool” to “warm” temperatures. And prices have gone down. Gone are the days when LED=ugly blue light. What thrills me the most is that can now buy excellent LED replacements for my hydro-eating halogen bulbs. This means... Read The Rest →
How long did that take? – a lifetime!
Artists often get asked how long it took them to create their works of art. Whether he or she answers “one minute” or “one year” what is often not recognized is the number of years of learning and creating that have brought the artist to a particular level of achievement. In all arts (as with almost everything in life) there is no quick road to mastery. Generally mastering anything is a time-consuming hard “slog” of ups and downs. If you are very gifted the road may be shorter but you... Read The Rest →
Artist Trading Cards – a bit of info.
Tonight I am giving a talk about ATCs (2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ art) for the West Carleton Arts Society. Here are my handout notes – places to get materials and how/where to be inspired. If you want to know more about this art form feel free to contact me. MATERIALS AND STORAGE: STUFF IN AND AROUND YOUR HOME or STUDIO! “Dollar” stores – baseball card holders, papers, cheap paint, brushes, stickers, sequins etc. Michael’s – paper cutters, everything you can imagine! – buy with their discount coupons! Omer DeSerres... Read The Rest →
Art for St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa 150th Anniversary Gala March 12, 2015
I’m pleased to announce that I will have two pieces of art on auction at the gala fundraiser in support of St. Patrick’s Home in Ottawa this Thursday March 12. The event from 6 to 9:30 pm. is taking place at the Centurion Conference and Event Center, 170 Colonnade Road in Ottawa. Tickets are $100. Consider supporting this home which has provided a high level of care for 150 years. Click here. Included in the live auction is my painting called “Floes” – a vibrant 30” x 30” mixed media... Read The Rest →
Reno and Renewal – Plan Ahead and Be Prepared!
Those of us who live in Ottawa are breathing a sigh of relief as the weather finally begins to warm up (that is we are about to get temperatures above the freezing mark – a veritable “heat wave”) ! Hooray -spring is coming. It’s that time of year when many of us to think about those reno projects that we swore we would tackle this year. I have just read a very good article in the Ottawa Citizen which outlines some essential strategies for renos. The article by Karen Turner... Read The Rest →
Art and Technology – a great divide?
Right now I am experiencing a huge technical learning curve, and lots of frustration, as I tackle I-phone, Facebook, and website issues. I would really love to just paint, or decorate (or play piano – but I digress). However until I make a lot of money (perhaps when I’m dead?) I realize that I’ll just have to learn the techy stuff. It’s really just the modern-day version of “taking care of business”. Apparently savvy artists (or the artist’s team – wow wouldn’t that be nice!) devote half of working hours... Read The Rest →
Let there be light!
So much for weekly posts! As I prepare for my exhibition at Galerie Old Chelsea (September 12 to 26 – invitation under the text here) I am thinking about how wonderful that gallery is, especially the lighting. We often forget how important light is. The colours in our spaces are very much affected by lighting so it is important to observe what lighting we have, both in the daytime and at night. Since warm incandescent light bulbs have now been largely replaced by cooler flourescents and LEDs you may have... Read The Rest →
The price of art
Some of the ugliest “art” that I have ever seen is currently in the home décor stores in my neighbourhood. How can anyone buy this stuff? Horrible finishes, compositions and colours. I don’t care how cheap or expensive it is. It’s “awfulness” defies words! But what is really sad is that none of it is original art. What you see has perhaps been duplicated thousands of times. Of course I would like people to buy my paintings instead. But if you are not a fan of my style then at... Read The Rest →
Beware the “upsell”
It’s everywhere – you go to buy a household item that is visually appealing, functional and within your budget and what do some salespeople do? They try to sell you the “better” model – “better looking”, bigger, sleeker, “more elegant”, whatever. Here is a recent scenario: I decide to buy a new front –loading washer and dryer succumbing, I admit, to the promises of this technology. And this is an instance where visual appeal is not “make or break” – I mean there are only so many things you... Read The Rest →
Art (Mixed Media Painting) Instruction – a personal approach for you
One of my favourite activities is teaching art – especially one-on-one. It’s a win-win situation. Both the student and I can totally focus on having a great creative experience. How does this work? Let’s suppose that you want to take some lessons from me. First I will ask you to bring me examples of your work. But hold on. If you don’t have any art that you have created or you don’t want to show me anything that’s ok. In any case I won’t be looking for framed masterpieces,... Read The Rest →