One of my fondest memories living in the north is of the Yukon Storytelling festival.
When a friend suggested attending, I had visions of Uncle Henry delivering a rambling ‘ big fish’ tale onstage.
A karaoke for talkers.
I couldn’t have been more inaccurate.

The seeds for the festival sprouted in the 1980’s when one of the Yukon’s last Tagish speakers shared her stories to a global audience in Toronto.
The Yukon Storytelling festival began in 1988, growing to include storytellers from all over the world, with an emphasis on First Nation and circumpolar countries.
Mountain Mist- Oil on Canvas

The festival hosts professional ‘tellers’, who are as diverse as the crowd. Stories range in mythical or true events, often moving, educational, or funny.
Visualize sort of an outdoor inspirational Ted Talk, without the big screen and cushy seats.

Perched on a grassy knoll under a canvas tent that balmy summer evening, captivated, we witnessed inspiring flawlessly performed stories.
The event had a wonderful ancient primitive pull to how we shared stories in the past, gathered in tents or caves, around campfires, or in Grandma’s kitchen.

Stories weave us together in history. A powerful educational tool, stories are an evolving tapestry of society and culture.

Art began before the written word, as a form of communication, sharing stories, myths & legends.
Painting in it’s own right is still an amazing conduit of connection, a story without words, inviting the viewer to participate.
MK, a young author wrote recently “I like to look in your paintings and see if I can find my stories there, with my characters just out of sight.”

Technology has changed the way we tell stories.
Grandma’s kitchen table may be void of interactive family discussions, hosting individuals on their personal electronic devices.
What stories are we sharing? Are we engaged?
A friend said’ I filled my mind with junk’, after she realized she had spent an entire afternoon on you tube and FB.
Exclaiming, “I suddenly questioned, what did I learn? I had filled my mind with irrelevant clutter”.

While on an expedition of the boreal, renown explorers and photojournalists the McGuffin’s shared fascinating stories at camp.
Dawn and Joanie- boreal 2011- photograph Julia Hargreaves
Joanie’s vivid writing with Gary’s incredible photography capture the wilderness essence. They have published 7 books on their explorations, many which included their daughter Sila.
The quiet forest surrounding us, our small group would relax in the evening dusk and talk.
Joanie’s animated colourful descriptions brought their wilderness adventures to life. I was in awe of her keen mind and ability to recount such detail.
A skill developed from being entirely present in moments as they unfold.

Art is about paying attention. ~ Laurie Anderson

Painting requires engagement and focus free from chaos.
It’s in the act of being present, time stands still, noise silences.
Creation is born of experience & emotion.
In completion, the painting becomes the viewer’s story.
The oldest form of storytelling of all time.

New in the Studio~
Forest 9×12 Oil on board
Field 6×8 Oil on Board
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To purchase the artwork, please email me at dawn@dawnbanning.com. Prices will increase in Sept.
You are welcome to share the Art/News, it’s free.
Registering for the news is also free, just click on NEWS page, and click ’Register’.
Option to share via your social networks is offered at the bottom of each newsletter delivered to your email.
I would love to hear your feedback on the art or newsblog, write anytime dawn@dawnbanning.com . I’m listening.

The National Bank of Canada has over 7000 pieces of original art making it one of the largest corporate art collectors in the country.

Early in my career, I was encouraged by the extensive variety of companies who purchased art.
For example, view artist Dorothy Knowles selected list of Corporate and Public Collectors on the Assiniboia Gallery website.
I discovered many firms purchase fine art exclusively thru an established Art Gallery, or accredited Dealer, due to their company protocol.
It’ s another reason for Artists and Dealers/ Galleries to work cohesively together, either in a representational or supporting role.

Alan Klinkhoff of Galerie Alan Klinkhoff writes “Corporate Art collectors “tend to “collect ” by marrying their interest with a higher purpose, encouraging artists etc and create a campaign getting exceptional publicity value for a relatively modest amount of money and end up with a piece or two of art. We are of the opinion that corporations should be buying “fine art” because it enhances the work environment, a place where employees and their clients spend so much time.”
Alan continues,”We have a number of clients ( investors) who own companies and buy with their own money outstanding works of art to put on the office walls, enhancing the experience of them , their employees and that of their clients.”

The Royal Bank of Canada’s corporate collection began in the 1800’s, displaying 4000 art pieces in their reception areas and board rooms across Canada.The RBC annual painting competition offers a hefty art prize to emerging artists.

A Boston Globe article ( 2012) suggests more companies are turning to original pieces.

Business’s small and large are purchasing original art for more than the tax deduction. (Seek professional tax advisors assistance).
Some companies express it is a way to invest in the community, celebrating local or national/international culture.
Dental offices and Medical Clinics claim having pleasing art can’ calm patient’s jitters’.

Progressive Insurance with corporate headquarters in Ohio, “boasts one of the most extensive contemporary art collections in the corporate world, and it’s more than just decoration: the company says it uses the art to encourage its employees to think creatively.” (Forbes Top Corporate Art Collectors)

The artwork we place in our homes, offices, boardrooms and clinics have a direct effect on our experience in these spaces.
Corporate collectors may have varying motives for purchasing original art, but they all make the world a little better by doing so.

NEW in the Studio~
Cloud Display 4ft x3ft Original Oil
You may recognize the island :0).
Hills 9×12 Original oil on board
~ to view cropped images, please see ART section of the site.
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Art Growth News ~
Prices will increase next month.
To purchase the artwork, please email me at dawn @dawnbanning.com
You are welcome to share the Art/News, it’s free.
Registering for the news is also free, just click on NEWS page, and click ’Register’ It is confidential.
Option to share via your social networks is offered at the bottom of each newsletter delivered to your email.
I would love to hear your feedback on the art or newsblog, write anytime dawn@dawnbanning.com . I’m listening.

A woman in a café recognized a famous artist sitting nearby.
She approached him to draw on her napkin.
He complied.
After a quick sketch, he handed the napkin back, with a significant fee.
The woman exclaimed, ‘how can you ask so much, it took you one minute to draw this?”
“No” Picasso replied, “it took me 40 years”.
sky study

Michelangelo burnt his study drawings.
Art was considered a higher calling, and desire for the finished work to appear effortless.
Artistic skill was considered to be natural genius.

If it takes work, how can it be enlightened?
mountain plein air

Research proving benefits of art abound, aside from visual appeal.
Art can directly affect our energy and how we dwell in spaces. It celebrates diversity and opens our minds to possibility. It can spark creativity and innovative thinking in the viewers. It’s good for our health.

Yet instead of the source of power it can be, art is often still considered a decorative or luxury item.

One of the largest sources of charity contributions around the globe is art.
Leonardo Dicaprio’s 11th hour art auction alone raised 38$ million for charity in 2013.

What would happen if Artist’s stop creating?
I receive regular emails from artists doing just that, due to lack of sales & investors, with gallery representation being scarce.

Creating art for a living is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
Nor do I, the years spent evolving the work, with passionate desire to master and inspire in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
Is there toil? Yes.
Is there enlightenment and gratitude? Absolutely.
New Autumn Valley 9×12 Original oil

I am blessed for the path Art has taken me. It challenges me to be my best. Infusing the work with spirit, intention, and love, asking each day, what can I give?

“Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art” Leonardo Da Vinci.

p.s I am writing to you from my new handmade walnut desk by Marc Banning. It is a work of art ~ shimmering with essence, an original elegant design created with attention to detail, and love.

On a flat wooden bench in the balmy shade of a chestnut tree, I sat with a man watching his dream in fruition.
As we listened to the rich voice of Thornetta Davis drifting from the outdoor stage, a crowd of two hundred relaxed in chairs scattered among the trees, enjoying the music, great food & wine.
Beyond the grove spread expansive vineyards and restored wetlands.
A meadow of wildflowers colourfully dotted the landscape.

He pointed to the distance, seeing not only what he had built, but what would be.
His vision still unfolding.

It was Jazz on the Vine last Sunday afternoon at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards, and I was sitting beside it’s founder, Tom O’Brien.
Vineyard Study acrylic 6×8

I met Tom once before, on a flight departing Toronto 5 years ago.
After exchanging introductions, he announced with a joyful grin he was retiring from Price Waterhouse Cooper the following day.
He had a dream, a tractor and shed. He was going to grow grapes.

Along with those grapes, he planted 7000 trees, restoring natural Carolinian forest. The greenspace included in his vision, he consulted conservation societies and Ducks Unlimited. Reclaimed wetlands now welcome birds and wildlife. Directing me to a tree where bald eagles prefer to nest, his voice filled with pride.

It hasn’t been without bumps along the way.
His plan was to farm and enjoy the property with wife Katy, their children and grandchildren.
A family retreat for bonfires and campouts.
They worked the land, once an apple orchard, for three years, with a winery contract to purchase the crop. The first harvest developed, and the winery backed out.

The dream could have gone in many directions, including south.
But Tom and Katy regrouped. Together, with partner Debbie Meloche and winemaker Rori McCaw, Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards emerged, producing award winning wines in an award winning building.
Vineyard Study acrylic 6×8

As adults we may lose belief in the big dream, in possibility.
We may think it happens to select few who have a golden path.
Let off the hook if we believe achievement comes easier to some.
The top art dealer/collector arrives at their doorstep, the stone cottage appears, or those 20 pounds melted off overnight.

This year a nasty beetle has destroyed some of Tom’s crop.
When I met with him a quiet day before opening, he had been in the vineyard since 6 am, overseeing a multitude of tasks.
His boots were caked in mud, sweat trickled down his face.

Tom and I agreed vision evolves constantly, like in painting, or similar paths in life, it is rarely a linear process. Challenges and obstacles are faced, plans evaluated and shifted.
I asked him about his inspiration and what keeps him focused.

He had a plan and passion.
“I wanted to build something for my family and people to enjoy, and to keep my mind and body healthy after retiring.
We’ve hosted weddings. How great is it people choose to begin their lives together, right here. “
Sitting in the shade of the chestnut, overlooking the vineyard, it doesn’t surprise me people are drawn here.
It’s a destination of new beginnings, aglow with the magic of dreams.

“.. there’s no magic bullet, no magic formula, no foolproof system that leads to success. And no infallible guru to tell you what to do. The real magic happens inside, in your mind and heart. Only you can commit to making your dream happen, whatever obstacles stand in your way. Only you can turn that key.” Mark McGuiness – Resilience.

~ New in the studio~

Along the theme of today’s post-
the new work continues to evolve, as does the vision.
It is the plien air spark I continue to nurture in the work- a feeling of being immersed in the landscape.
Instead of focusing on deciphering subjects (is that a shrub or a tree) ~you are left free to feel the essence of nature.
Fluidity of movement, texture, contrast. Depending on the subject, some paintings are softer- completed with rags and soft brush- others display rich movement , thick with texture.


Rock- original oil 11×14 Mountain Mist – 22×28 original oil
To purchase the artwork, please email me at dawn @dawnbanning.com
You are welcome to share the Art/News, it’s free.
Registering for the news is also free, just click on NEWS page, and click ’Register’ It is confidential.
Option to share via your social networks is offered at the bottom of each newsletter delivered to your email.
I would love to hear your feedback on the art or newsblog, write anytime dawn@dawnbanning.com . I’m listening.

Despite efforts to welcome the public, art lovers may still be intimidated by the gallery snobbery myth.
Saturated art markets can be confusing for consumers on where & how to buy.
A trust factor needs to be established for most consumers to feel comfortable making a purchase, even if they feel passionate about the work.
Online perusing can be difficult too. Computer monitors often distort colour, the size of work shown in a thumbnail image is difficult to convey. View Boreal Sunset and The Mountain below in their true scale with cropped images.

With more Artists than Art buyers, Artists, Consultants and Dealers are becoming creative in how they do business.

Some Art Consultants have closed their gallery doors to open small offices. After discussing a client’s needs/ budget, they bring Art to the client’s space.
Several galleries cater to a client’s needs in this manner.
Mary Weimer at the Assiniboia Gallery suggested to me years ago it is a fun part of the many services they offer at the Gallery.

The Shurniak Gallery offers relaxed atmosphere among world famous work. The venue hosts comfortable couches, cozy corners to enjoy the work, and a pretty little café.
William Shurniak, founder and avid art collector says in an interview
“I want the gallery to be a place where people will feel free to visit frequently; a place they will be able to linger, relax, and enjoy the paintings. Art is to be appreciated by people of all walks of life.”
You won’t find pressure to buy at his gallery, but you may discover businessmen or children settled on a couch with book or laptop. I did.

Artists struggling to find representation may entertain options to take their work portably into the community.
‘Traveling studios’ is a magazine focused on artists who take their studios on the road. Literally.
Pop UP galleries host one day events, from their van, trailer or in a rental space.
Offering to bring Art directly to collectors, may help ease any pretention.

Andy Nulman of the Huffington Post says in his article “ Real Artists Sell”
“For without being sold, art is merely the silent tree falling in the forest. Art is only fully completed when seen outside the solitary confines of an artist’s studio.”

Here are a few tips when visiting a Gallery or Artist studio:

1) Art knowledge isn’t a requirement to visit a gallery, museum or Art studio.

2) Ask the stupid question. It is the host’s job to educate you on the work and Artists they represent. Most are passionate about what they do, and happy to share what they know. There is no stupid question.

3) Make up your own story. Don’t engage in dialogue about the work if you don’t want to. I have generic titles for this reason, and refrain from storytelling about the pieces. Once they are painted, they become your stories.

4) Ask the gallery about their services, some offer rent to own, flexible payment plans, consulting, or transporting work to your home/ office to try.

5) Don’t feel pressured to buy. I can guarantee you, no passionate artist desires a customer to walk away regretting a purchase. We pour too much heart into the work, it should be loved and savoured.

The purpose of art is not a rarified, intellectual distillate – it is life, intensified, brilliant life.~ Alain Arias-Mission
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NEW in the Studio this week~
8×10 Original Oil ~ Fireweed

With stars in my eyes I approached him, despite my internal debate about being intrusive.
Sometimes a person is just that compelled.

His shock of white hair, long ‘floating’ gait, easily recognizable, I fell into step beside him.
“Mr. Whitlock?” He graciously shook my hand, eyes filled with kindness, voice as gentle as his calm manner.
This was surprising, since we were in the starting area of the London marathon.
Inspired, I was honoured to shake his hand. He sparkled.
“Are you racing today?” I asked. Laughing, he responded “probably not race, but participate ”.
Participating is an understatement.
Ed Whitlock is one of Canada’s greatest runners of all time.
He holds world records in the marathon, setting a blazing 3:41 at the age of 82, and achieving the world record title in the 4x 800 relay last year.
He can run a 6:44 mile.
When we parted ways, Ed called me ‘dear’ wishing me well in the marathon. His sparkle was infectious.

Sister Madonna Buder also called me dear. We met in the midst of a secluded climb in the bike segment of Ironman Canada 2006.
After a brief introduction, I wished the Iron Nun a great day, expressing my delight in meeting her.
We both agreed it was a beautiful day. Surrounded by mountains, and ponderosa pine, how could it not be? She beamed.
It occurred to me, at nearly half her age, it had taken me a good chunk of the 180k bike distance to catch her.
At 80 she took the world record title, the oldest person to complete an Ironman in 2012 on that same course.

With so many baby boomers approaching senior years, longevity is a hot topic for discussion among scientists, youth seekers and bloggers alike.

It has been the inspiration behind a recent book by Bruce Grierson “What makes Olga Run?”
A story of the 95 year old Canadian Masters Track and Field World Champion.
Scientists have been studying what makes Olga tick for years, from genetic, physical, physiological, to psychological testing.
They delved into her life experience, and stress responses.
Olga is wired with resilience, brimming with positive attitude.
She paints. She gardens.
She rarely sits idle. A key scientists say, to living a long healthy life.

Their theory? How we live our life, Nurture vs. Nature makes up for 75% in determining our longevity.
Choices, it ends up, matter.
Big time.
We don’t have to set records, but there are a few key ingredients scientists agree on.
The surprising factor uncovered is that it is never too late to start.
New 24×36 Original Oil

I firmly believe if we aren’t at our best, we won’t deliver our best.
Health transcends to everything in our lives, our work, relationships, prevention of disease, endurance and happiness.
Taking care of my physical, mental, & emotional health, allows me to be of service to others, to weather storms of life and relish the bright days.
Laugh often. Start something today, and don’t stop, Olga says.

Peddling up a mountain last week, and painting the spot later in the fresh air was amazing.
The lookout stop nearby, many cars paused just long enough to roll down the window, and click photo on their phones,without leaving the confines of their car. Cigarette smoke lingered in their wake.

My guess is none of them were named Olga.
Sketching the blue mountains.

It all unraveled my last year of high school.
The moment my Chem teacher asked me to promise to never do anything in life that involved Chemistry.
During the final, he took me aside with his plea, requesting a sketch on my paper~ he would pass me on two counts.
A promise and a drawing.

Months of extra tutoring after class hadn’t paid off, in Chem or Biology.
Calculus was a bust.
I left devastated, turning in my paper, complete with landscape sketch.
Dreams of being a nurse like my Mom, squashed.
I wanted to make a difference in life.
Helping people as a nurse was a high calling, as was my Father’s work as a conservation officer, which also required science to pursue.
What could be as worthy as saving people or the planet and the life it holds?

In the beginning, I didn’t set out to be an artist.
Pursuing other careers, art evolved in stolen moments in time, at kitchen tables and in basements.
I was a travel agent, a maid. I waited tables and sat at a publishing desk for years.
I understood making a difference wasn’t necessarily a passion career. It could be helping a friend in need, volunteering for a shelter and Search and Rescue.

Transporting art I had displayed at a clinic, an epiphany arrived by a little girl.
She said the painting ‘made her feel better’ each time she visited the clinic.
Sincerity shimmering in the face of a child was astounding.
I was forever changed, realizing, in one moment, the work was making a difference.
I set out to pursue art full time.

My Road to Art has been a bumpy one.
Peppered with valleys and peaks, setbacks and triumphs.

While it is one thing to work improving the art, it is another entirely to sell it.
Not in any of those other jobs did people express I shouldn’t get paid for the work.
Yet at my first art exhibit, someone did just that.
“You love what you do, sales don’t matter, they should be a bonus.”
I asked him “do you love what you do?”
He owned his company and loved his work, he said emphatically.
“then should you be paid for your work?”
That’s different he replied.
In what way, I wondered.

I stopped and started full- time art, then stopped again, supplementing my income with other jobs.
A card decorated with colourful butterflies saying “Congratulations on being a full time artist- we love you! Mom and Dad” has sat close by for a decade.

It is at tremendous joy to have the work welcomed into spaces and families.
Clients have become life long friends.
I have known the excitement of new gallery representation, and the AFC Signature Membership nomination.
Then witnessed two established galleries recently close and felt financial stress and doubt.

I am fortunate to be able to donate to Health care facilities I may have worked in as a nurse, and Conservation efforts that mimicked my father’s pursuits.
I have worked on a project far bigger than I would have dreamed possible.
Experienced the expedition of a lifetime in the boreal.

Thru the valleys and peaks, I remain dedicated to the work.
Stumbled and pursued, believing whole heartedly in what I do.
The constant that art is for me: making a difference with love at the core.
On days I flounder, reminders float in from clients afar~

Since returning home, I have been especially grateful for all the beauty in the world. Most especially the beauty found in my own back yard and inside the home in which I live. Thank you for blessing me/us with your art!
Our home is made warmer, more inspiring, more life-filled and welcoming because of your art. Thank you for working so diligently to develop your gifts and then moving beyond yourself to share your work with the world.
Blessings upon the continuation of the tender work involved in keeping an open heart and sharing the essence of who you are through your art. DTM- May 2014 USA
New Sunset 12 x24 Original Oil

My son walked in to the living room.. saw the painting and said “Mum, it’s as if it has a soul in the background” Then he turned to the other wall where Leaves was .. and said “Wow! this one has a spirit in it!’
~S & M Casson May 2014~ Canada

I am filled with gratitude for all of you who have helped make it possible, the blessings art has given me.
I don’t know what tomorrow brings, or how long I will be able to pursue art.
Whatever happens, I never doubt that it is a worthy purpose.

“On my way to the big time!” the artist said with unbridled enthusiasm.
After a season of boosted sales activity,she was seeing red dots everywhere.
“I adjust pricing, depending on which customer walks into my studio.”
Red dots were beginning to cloud her vision.

Indicating the sale of art, red dot stickers are usually placed on the title card in a gallery.
An artist- to -artist well wishing for a successful exhibit might be~
“Sending red dot thoughts”.
“I need to be in the galleries,” she continued.“They seek you out, right?”

Not one to discourage artists pursuing their passion, it’s a challenge to be tactful without bursting their red dot balloon.
These are among many common questions I receive weekly from artists.

NEW Red Tree 22×28 Original Oil

Far from understanding the fickle art market, I start by sharing what I know.
One of the top galleries in Canada has up to 400 applicants…a day.
Most have waiting lists years long, possibly representing artists for their lifetime.
An article in 2013 suggested there are more artists than art buyers in North America.
Reported in Art & Culture in Canada (2008), incomes in the artistic sector earned an average of 22,700 annually.
Within the nine catagories, visual artists and dancers have the lowest income.

I focused on the good news,her work being welcomed with encouraging sales.
I advised she establish an online portfolio or website, with consistent pricing.
Pricing should be considered under the advisory of a gallery~ professionals know the market & their clientel.
Research galleries of excellent reputation, perhaps members of an Art Dealer Assoc.
Respect their submission process.
Galleries may review submissions annually. Call before the deadline, ask if they wish to view new work or have questions about your activity in the year.
Like any business agreement, it should be a good fit for you both.
Be certain customers are treated well & informed, the work is represented at it’s best. The gallery is responsible to.…

She was waving me off.
“That’s too much work! Especially when the galleries receive 50% of the price.”
After she left in the wake of her red dot cloud, I pondered her words.
50% is worth it for the right fit. Commissions encompass exposing work to clients~ including corporate clients who work exclusively with galleries, marketing, advertising, online presence, facility utilities, etc.

It might be competitive, but it’s also an exciting time in the global art world.
Artists can expand their market with a flick on their wireless tablets.
Artists are able to sell from their studios and work cohesively with dealers around the world.
Art can be a good life.

Amazingly I have sold paintings, still wet on the easel, to customers thousands of miles away.
When a collector has faith in the power of the work, I am so honoured.
It revolves back to my testament~ Art connects humanity in beauty and spirit.~ d