“Thou shalt paint to please thyself.”
“Thou shalt be hard to please.” Robert Genn.

Beyond the fruition of hard work, style matures when an artist:
• Pushes their boundaries
• Listens to informed critics while censoring the others.
• Has an audience
• Experiments with tools, genres, mediums, methods, techniques.
• Insulates/ Isolates oneself to create.
• Purges bad habits & develops good ones. Recognizing which is which.
• Is a tough self critic.

Mastery of skill can be achieved but it may still fall flat to connect.
Balance of skill & audience connection can be as elusive as finding the space between thoughts.
Growth usually happens in such small increments it sneaks up & surprises you, rarely occurring in lightening bolt epiphanies.

Many great artists have a percentage of dissatisfaction in their work.
(Robert Bateman stated during a radio interview he doesn’t feel he has ever achieved a masterpiece.)
Like the professional athlete striving for a Personal Record, pro artists seek their own path of improvement.

Unlike athletes, for artists, it isn’t about efficiencies & speed, but about striving for quality and communication.
Listening to their self critic keeps the opportunity for growth alive.
Maintaining confidence, while checking ego at the door, opens the door to improvement.

~
About the New Work: Waterfall/ Algonquin 14×18, Wilderness at Sunrise 24×36 :Wandering in the wilderness,  rarely do we see each leaf, tree branch or sprig of moss underfoot, as it would be captured in a photo.
Mostly, we see a collection of shapes, merging colour, fleeting light, shadow play. Individually, we experience a collection of emotions. It may be curiosity, peace, thrill, joy. We are drawn to different elements, like that baby tree illuminated among older growth, with spring moss rolling beneath.

My work involves emotionally driven content in order to enhance this kind of experience & individuality.
I apply texture, earthy under painting, and ethereal light elements. The work is less detailed to reduce noise,creating restful places for your eyes & heart. Hoping it opens doors for your imagination, memories and emotions to take hold & ignite.
The goal isn’t to illustrate or to share personal story,it’s for you to find a home in the work. That, my friends, is the ultimate reward.

~ P.S “In order to create, artistic people need be alone. Isolation is key. If you have to be lonely in order to be free, learn how to tolerate a little bit of loneliness. It’s hard, but you are strong, you can do it.” James Taylor
Biography Master Class~ James Taylor~ see the inspiring episode here, its well worth watching from beginning to end.

Interior design’s primary focus is functionality & aesthetics dictated by trend, products or fashion.
Great design can be so much more.

We spend 90% of our lives indoors.
Besides increasing quality time outside, we can orchestrate indoor surroundings for optimum wellness & productivity, based on specific needs and integrating nature.

Humans are incredibly influenced consciously, and unconsciously by environment.The power of influential design is remarkable.One industry that knows this very well is the field of advertising. Millions are allocated researching influencing elements of behaviour. ( ex: how we respond to colour, music, sound levels, shape, texture, scent, views, etc.)
We can use this information advantageously, applying it positively to dwellings, health facilities, educational venues, offices, industry, lobbies, clinics, and public spaces.

A healthy dwelling may involve using sustainable non toxic materials and applying wellness architecture. ( click here )
One step further, is to create influential indoor experience for positive behaviour, improved health, productivity, sleep, communication, engagement, nutrition, etc.
An interview with architect Barbara Stewart in Psychology of Interior Design describes these kind of design elements in depth. ( Its well worth the read. click here )
Stewart says it’s no surprise many people want wood floors, because they ‘replicate the forest floor.’
She mentions paying attention to how we will move in the space, “meander as thou on a path in nature’….’ if a zoologist designed human habitat, it would’ reinforce natural patterns and reduce stressors.”

Focus on personal needs and inspirations. Create a narrative within your dwellings. Apply tactile, texture, sound, colour, form, and comfort experiences. What activities will take place and who will visit the space?

• Humans are drawn to natural pattern & shape. Consider furnishings, their placement, and everyday items like dishes.
• Plants reduce air pollution and invite the outdoors in. We are meant to live among nature. Biophilic design and living walls are a growing industry,(!) applied to residential, commercial, even manufacturing venues.
• Make the most of natural light. Large windows and doorways beckon us outside.Skylights reduce the feeling of confinement.
• Passageways can be under-utilized. Relaxing colourful scenes ease transition from living room to bedroom. Brush past a basket of cozy blankets, while soothing scents and music fill the air.
• Nature art is the most recognized for health & wellness. It’s universal multigenerational appeal is cross cultural and biological. Nature views and imagery improve healing in patients, they use less pain medicine & sleep better. Nature art reduces anxiety in high stress corporate environments, and reduces mindless over-eating in controlled studies.

We can no longer take for granted what is placed within our spaces, displayed on walls and it’s ability to influence our decisions, work, rest, creative fire, fitness and health.

All New Work Available for sale, please contact me.

“Stand” or “Forest in Summer” 16×20 oil on canvas

“Evening Sun” 4ftx2ft oil on canvas

“Bronco” 16×20 acrylic and charcoal on canvas 600.00 CAD ~ sale proceeds to be donated.
~
Donation art :
I was born & raised in beloved Saskatchewan. In the province I consider home, my roots run very deep. Home can mean many things, for me it’s family, the parks I grew up in, rural neighbourhoods, vast open skies, abundant wilderness, wildlife and farming communities. For many generations, hockey and curling are embedded in community and families. My parents built their dream home about 40 minutes from Humbolt, where my Dad still lives.My cousin played for the Broncos for 4 years. The devastating news this week is beyond description. My heart goes out to the victims families and people affected by this terrible loss.
Entire sale proceeds of the new “Bronco” will be donated to the Humbolt Broncos.  To view more photos of the drawing & to see it in progress, please see my Instagram page. email me for details dawn@dawnbanning.com

Endurance sport teaches one to “Become comfortable with being uncomfortable”.
This gold nugget of wisdom also applies to creativity.
It builds emotional resilience, confidence, tenacity, growth, physical and creative endurance.

What does it mean to be comfortable with being uncomfortable?

Aside from elements you can control ( like training, preparation, practice) you understand and accept there will be unknown variables in every (painting/ race) and moments will arise where you will be ‘uncomfortable’.

The benefit of this acceptance, is it frees one to move forward without being attached to fear of failure.
It also creates an opportunity to conserve positivity, while not wasting energy rejecting/ fighting this variable when it occurs. It helps to be both open and curious in these moments.
I am not suggesting anticipating obstacles in negative fashion, rather, not being freaked out when it happens.

An example:
I came upon a friend at the 30k mark in her first marathon, announcing she wasn’t feeling well. After ruling out injury, dehydration, & nutritional concerns, we concluded she was struggling with not feeling as fresh as she did earlier. These feelings compounded because she was angry for being tired, anticipating a different experience. I assured her no one was feeling zippy at that point in the race. “You are uncomfortable, and it’s ok”.
In acknowledgement, there is release.

Uncomfortable feelings and setbacks may increase with rigid expectations, in both art & sport.

In Ironman racing, so many variables are beyond the athletes control it can feel overwhelming. Training involves body & mind, learning there will be moments of uncertainty & feeling uncomfortable. Knowing this can be the edge one needs to stay on track. Approaching the start line, reassurance lies in the many hours of training, controlling elements that can be controlled, and then, going with the flow.

It may seem a stretch to compare painting a picture to endurance sport, but when one’s livelihood depends on it, performance pressure can take a toll on both athletes and artists.

Do artists develop their process thru failed attempts, then, finally ‘get it’ and woo woo, ride the train of prolific effortless productivity for the remainder of their careers?
“Humility and a Bonfire”, dispels this myth.

Two similar aspects of endurance sport & art relate to results and performance.

Being a professional doesn’t mean constant flawless performance. The great ones master the art of letting go, failure doesn’t own them, it’s just part of the process.
They step to the start line respecting the process in sport & art.
No matter the outcome, the fire to improve, evolve & master doesn’t fade.

In painting, each canvas is a new puzzle to solve. Each may thrill, motivate, frustrate and humble an artist. Many decisions are made along the way, not in advance. It’s like having a box of four puzzles in pile, trying to figure what might fit and what doesn’t. Once those decisions are made, you cannot go back.

In painting, rule is think twice, paint once, yet, ironically, don’t overthink. Artists walk a tightrope between the two. A famous artist whose career spans decades confessed to me he “feels fearful every time he faces a new canvas.”

Every canvas is a new story, with it’s own unique challenges and discoveries. Coping with unexpected variables builds adaptability. Research suggests it may increase neuroplasticity because of the ‘ongoing learning factor’.

“What is the most significant barrier to creativity and innovation?” ‘Daring Greatly author Brene Brown asked Kevin Surace .
His response? “The fear of introducing a new idea and being laughed at.”
Brene continues “Learning and creating are inherently vulnerable. There is never enough certainty. People want guarantees.”

Desire for guarantees frequents the art industry.
It’s in the uncertain moments where magic can flourish.

In letting go of the idea creativity is a natural talent & art is a totally controllable process; like those rare brilliant sport performances, we recognize how special those gems of masterful work are.

~

New work in progress ( first photo) 4ft x2ft oil on canvas

Mountain ~ 4ft x3ft oil on canvas avail for purchase

Amaryllis ~ 30×40 oil on deep profile canvas avail for purchase

Standing proudly near the entrance, a beautiful colt by one of Canada’s most recognized sculptors, Joe Fafard, offers a clue to the extraordinary collection inside.

Located on a quiet street in a small prairie town the 8,000sq foot Shurniak Gallery houses one of the most prestigious private collections of Canadian & International art, including work by A.J. Casson, A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer, Alan C. Collier, Nicholas de Grandmaison, James Henderson, Doris McCarthy, Franklin Arbuckle, Yehouda Chaki, William Winter, Robert Genn, Jeannette Perreault, Pat Service, Goodridge Roberts, Ross Penhall, Laurie Campbell, Allen Sapp, Robert Scott, Arthur Schilling. International work by Bernard Cathelin (France), Jacob Esselens (Holland), Phillipe Ancellin (France), Carlos Nadal (Spain), Archie Forrest (Scotland), Athos Faccincani (Italy), and David Paskett (England), just to name a few.* (per Gallery website).

The portico, designed to resemble a covered wagon, is a testament to deep homesteader roots.

Founder William Shurniak, recipient of the Order of Merit,
surprised the nation when he chose to build a gallery to house his incredible extensive art collection, not in Vancouver, Toronto, or Saskatoon, but in his hometown, of Assiniboia Saskatchewan.

After leaving his family farm to pursue a lengthy international career in banking, world travel enabled him to build a diverse & extensive art collection. He eventually returned to Saskatchewan in semi- retirement, building the gallery in 2005. ”I want the gallery to be a place where people will feel free to visit frequently; [a place] a place they will be able to linger, relax, and enjoy the paintings.” He continued, “Art is to be appreciated by people of all walks of life.” (quote: Hackwriters.com)

Relaxed and unassuming was my first impression of Bill, encountering him wandering his gallery 10 years ago.
With a smile that can light up room, he radiates warmth and kindness.
His passion emanates talking about his collection. After escorting me to his private office to view Group of Seven paintings, he was called away, leaving me alone in the room with priceless paintings.

After I thanked him for the private tour, he asked what I do for a living.
Gazing at my business card, he said “Perhaps one day you will exhibit here.”

It was a dream I didn’t let go of, and the time has finally arrived.
I am thrilled my exhibit “Homecoming” at the Shurniak Gallery will be opening Oct 1,2018, to Nov 30 2018.

I have resided in some of the most beautiful regions of Canada, yet, there is only one home.

The place and people who formed me will forever be a huge part of my heart, life and work.
Thank you, Bill Shurniak ,for inviting this prairie girl, back to her roots.

~
Above: Photos from the Shurniak Gallery website/ Joe Fafard colt & gallery entrance.

Work available for purchase:

Bay ~24×28 oil on canvas

Bright Sun~ 5ftx3ft oil on canvas

Sunshine ~ 9×12 oil on canvas

Morning Light ~ Pelee Marsh 16×20 oil on canvas

Photo of Dawn- childhood home, Kenosee Lake, Sask.

Please feel free to visit the studio by appoint, I have a great collection of recent work available for purchase. If you are in the Okanagan region, visit the Hambleton Gallery in Kelowna.

Most of the new collection for the exhibit will be kept under wraps until the opening.

~ Read more about the fascinating William Shurniak here, and here.
William is a philanthropist, personally donating $100,000+ to the Trans Canada Trail.

~ What else is new? Vision Quest presentation is complete!!! If you wish to be invited to attend viewing in the Windsor, LaSalle or Hockley Valley areas, please email me to be on the list. dawn@dawnbanning.com

Do you remember testing CD’s with provided headphones at music stores?
You didn’t need permission to try different styles, nor was it necessary to understand complexities of instruments, chords or symbolic lyrics.
It was a wonderful way to explore different artists & genres, purchasing what you enjoyed.

Now, imagine wandering conveniently from arena to arena, hearing those musicians live.

In a way, that’s what art galleries do.

Galleries and museums host a banquet of genres for you to explore.
Feel the passion live & see rhythm dance in paint, clay, bronze and multimedia.
Modern classics, cartoon florals, impressionistic landscapes, ultra realism, colourful abstracts, and historical art.
Stand mere inches from Van Gogh’s olive trees. Imagine he stood here at this distance, arm held just so to achieve that angle of brushstroke. See the grasshopper stuck in the paint, now over 100 years old.

Wander galleries at your leisure, what pulls and intrigues you? Be curious about your own responses to work. What challenges, delights, surprises or captures you? Curious to know more? ask representatives or staff to explain the work.
It’s their job to be of assistance, and are usually happy to share their knowledge.

I first experienced the opera, symphony, and ballet at the age of 17. Each event captivating and unique from each other.
All introduced to me by my brother, who lived in the city while attending University.
Ever the patient guide, he explained the Marriage of Figaro and the complicated sound of jazz.
One night he took me to a lively blues joint. Rich vibrations rumbled thru the floor right up into my body and soul.
Deep spellbinding voices with incredible guitar mastery the musicians blew the roof off and my world tilted.
Leaning over to my brother, I said “I don’t understand it all ,but its incredible!”
“You don’t have to understand it Dawn,” he said, grinning,” just feel it.”
Delighted, I sat back and did just that.

~Recently I attended the Arthur Shilling exhibit at the Windsor Art Gallery. HIs subjects shimmer in vibrant colour, strength and story. If you visit, you may even feel the floor vibrate beneath you like I did..
~

A Dealer confessed, “We have to host big events in order to just get people in the door.” It seems many don’t desire to venture out and experience art live.

~
New work !!
“Ocean” 4ft x 3ft  oil on canvas now complete

“Northern Island” 16x 20 oil on canvas.

All work is available for purchase, if you are in the area, feel free to make an appoint to visit the studio… live & in person. dawn@dawnbanning.com

“Build it and he will come,” an unnamed voice says to Kevin Costner’s character in the movie Field of Dreams. The voice is referring to character Ray’s father, who has passed away.

James Earl Jones character expands on the message, “Build it and they will come” suggesting people will flock and pay to witness the remarkable transformation of cornfield to ball diamond alive with ghosts of early ball players.

Since the movie debut in 1989 dream concepts have been related to the quote in modern day scenarios. It could also relay to the art business.

Creating art is builds human connection. Each original piece evolves has never been before.
When shared with community, and individually resonate, even transcend, bridging past and present.

Artists risk judgement to inspire dreams, hoping recipients discover a deep sense of connection and find value worth supporting and collecting.

I never run out of ideas, subjects are diverse & endless. I do, however, run out of supplies. From prolific work emerges the practical practice of finding homes for the art, avenues to display & sell, with constant search of collectors.

In a way, building an art business may seem like building a baseball filed in the middle of a corn field. It’s risky, possibly judged as impractical madness.
But when a viewer wanders in, touched by a sense of homecoming, a loneliness for something they hadn’t been able to name disappears.
Recognition ignites. Hearts alight with possibility and magic.

~
New Work
IN progress: yet to be titled, 4ft x 3ft oil on canvas.

Waterlily is in the studio & avail. for purchase. 22×28 oil on canvas.

Hayfield 8×10 is SOLD.

~
New work available for purchase on display:
Anchor Coffee House
Fei Physiotherapy
International Art Designs
My Home studio- avail. by appointment
Hambleton Galleries– Kelowna.

“ Build it and he will come” was ranked #39 in 100 of the most memorable movie quotations of all time.
The Iowa baseball field movie set is still reaping financial benefits, with tours and events year round.

Greetings!

I will return to my story narrative in the next post, if you didn’t receive my letter last week, I have a few additions along with posting brand new work just complete today!

Dear Subscribers & Friends of Art,

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the New Year?

By continuing to fill your life with art you award yourself a unique gift.
Viewing art improves your health, cognitive & communication skills, your own creativity & innovativeness. It increases empathy while decreasing depression & anxiety. Art can actually improve rest, productivity & healing.

Landscape art may be one of the most competitive genres, it’s also the most proven for positive health, offering some the incredible benefits that nature gives.

I attempt to offer a connection to the outdoors with emotional content of being immersed in nature, and hope to encourage real life wilderness wandering.

Included in the 2-4x monthly new art unveiling, are stories filled with inspirational content woven with a creative thread. Whether it be art & industry information, wellness, design, creative individuals & organizations, or nature or art process news offers you a glimpse of life connected to art.
It’s my hope to inform, motivate and inspire you to discover art & nature, satisfy your questions, find confidence collecting & living with art, enjoying the richness it can bring to all aspects of your life.

I am happy to announce I have not missed creating new work or a post every month for 8 years!

Health & Fitness Magazines as far away as Australia have discovered the posts, sending lovely letters of commendation sharing my blog with their readers. Here are two of those with article links I quite enjoyed.

Jenny at Sports Fitness Advisors sent Congrats for my post on running, including her 35 Amazing Health Benefits of Running article, see here 

Most recently,” Health Ambition” responded to one of my popular posts on wellness.
To view Helen’s article on ‘Improving Concentration” click here.

Thanks again for continuing to follow, its always a pleasure to hear from you, please keep in touch, its thru your letters & feedback I gain insight on how best to serve you.

If you are just joining us, or have missed recent postings,
I have catagorized a list of the most popular writing since Dec. 2010 below, you may enjoy at your leisure.

With a fall exhibit in Saskatchewan, new work planned for clients & the Hambleton Gallery in Kelowna, and presentation in the Hockley Valley in spring, I best wander down to the studio.

Enjoy! d
p.s please send a quick note in response when you are able, to let me know you are receiving the posts ok. Thank you!

INSPIRATION:

Intention

Finding Flow

A Month in the Wilderness

MENTORS:

Longevity in Art (Thanks RG)

WELLNESS:

Longevity

Creative Mobility

Winds of Change

OTPIMISM: http://www.dawnbanning.com/newsblog/journey-to-improvement/

AN ARTISTS LIFE

Community

Discovering a Worthy Purpose

DESIGN:

Vital Dwelling/ Life Nourishing Design

The Architect

PROCESS: http://www.dawnbanning.com/newsblog/conception-of-a-commission/

Making of the Rising Sun

On their first date attending a football game Mom asked Dad “Which ones are the goalies?”
After all, my parents met at a hockey game.
My Dad, an athlete and huge sports fan, wasn’t offended by her lack of football knowledge. He married her not long after.

One of the wonderful aspects of art, is you don’t have to understand it to be a fan.
Professional Art appraisers primary advice is “art should be a passion buy.” In other words, love it? buy it.

People purchase music, clothes, homes, cars, confidently without worrying about or justifying their choice, yet confidence can dwindle quickly when it comes to art.

Learning about art can be enlightening and offer a bonus confidence boost.
Having a glimpse of the work involved, process, or meaning behind it, can lessen the fear of art, and bring open-mindedness.
Plus, it’s a transferable skill.
Appreciating varying art forms boosts your own creativity, innovativeness, decision making ability and understanding new perspectives.

Like music, there is so much to enjoy about art.
Whether it be Carr’s emerald forests, Rothko’s smokey colour transitions in Four Darks in Red to Jean Paul Riopelle ’s incredible kaleidoscope design in “Composition Blue.”
Don Berger’s florals unfold in absolute beauty.
Julia Hargreaves stunning “A Warm Afternoon in May”, the first painting I see each morning, brings me tremendous joy.
Allen Sapp and Maude Lewis were storytellers of personal life experiences.
Daphne Odjig, a pioneer in bringing First Nations Art to the forefront of Canada’s art world. *
Tom Thomson’s pure raw work feel as by the hand of one connected to the wild. Van Gogh’s uninhibited love of the earth radiates from his work.Then there are Monet’s brush stokes melting into one another and Lawren Harris’s clean edges.
The list is endless.

Exploring can be fun with the wealth of information available. The internet can be a doorway to discovering and learning about art process, exhibits, biographies, and stories. Art experienced live may be the ultimate gift. If you have an opportunity to do so, venture beyond the screen.
Approach artists, dealers and gallery representatives knowing they are usually happy to share their expertise and stories. It’s within inquisitiveness appreciation is gained.

Not long ago, I was taken by a simple sketch series in a gallery. A woman was portrayed in a series of four portraits, gracefully moving forward in confident, dance like steps. It looked as thou in each one she aged, her figure a little more stooped, yet the same lengthy kick to her heals. I found them joyful. The dealer explained the drawing, by a bronze sculptor, was a working sketch to achieve form for a piece located in the sculpting gallery.
The sculpture was delightful. Had I never asked, I would not have seen it, nor made the connection.
We are all students.

~
*Wikipedia.

New Work now complete:
Forest Path – 3ft x 4ft acrylic/ oil on canvas ( shown in natural and studio light).
Beach- 8×10 oil on canvas board.

Note: While on the theme of asking questions, a few of yours from this week.
• I always stand, never sit to paint.
• I don’t have a dog, but I agree, they are good company.
• Art is my sole income, I work full time as an Artist.
• I have explored a variety of subjects, nature is where I feel I can most contribute.
• I work in a variety of sizes to keep stimulating & challenging my composition skills, also to prevent injuries from repetitive motion working on the same spacial surface can cause.
• The new Red Sky painting is my happiest place in the world. Wild grasses and sage blanket the valley crest at Manitou. You can feel the ancients wishing happy tidings on the breeze.

The Huichol tribe greet the rising and setting sun daily.
It’s one way to relieve stress and connect with ‘Kupuri” or “Life Force”.
For them, nature is, like in many indigenous tribes, a direct source of life power & essence.

They transform fear by “going out into nature at night, watching stars above, embrace darkness, silence & nature sounds.” In daytime, they “employ the light of the sun by bringing the light into body, soul and spirit.”*

‘Quietening the Mind’ is a form of meditation practiced in nature.
Exercise outdoors is also a way Huichol people face stress with calmness. They focus on this while planting crops of corn one kernel at a time.

Living in the Sierra Madre Mountains, the tribe has no history of war.

Do you greet the sunrise and sunset daily, taking a moment to breathe deeply, quietening your mind?

Where is your happy place in nature?

You may be fortunate to enjoy several surroundings that fill your spirit.
Environments which delightfully challenge your body in movement, hiking, paddling, climbing, cycling, and make your spirit sing.

Happy places can be filled with active adventure, be a meditative sanctuary, or both.

While visiting your joyful niche outdoors, observe sounds, scents, colour, patterns, texture, light, and shadow. Tune into natures essence. The more present and mindful, the more heightened your experience and vivid your memory will be.
Feel happiness seep in and welcome the warmth of the sun into your heart.

~ * “Fit Body, Fit Soul” by Brant Secunda and Mark Allen.

New Work!

Two large new paintings above are in the home stretch of completion.

Yet Untitled, ( sunset & forest morning) they are 3 ft x 4ft original, acrylic & oil.

Also shown : Mountain Light, 22×28 oil on canvas & Mountain 4ft x3ft oil on canvas.

To purchase work, please email me dawn@dawnbanning.com

“Art, because it is so easy to do, but so difficult to do well, encourages humility in the human soul.” Robert Genn. “Art”, he said, “is an event.”

A million different decisions contribute to the evolution of one painting. Creating isn’t a linear process, nor is it automatic. Whatever genre an artist may work in, there is deliberation, conscious planning, and if practiced long enough, on a good day, flow that contributes to the magic factor.

A friend believes the more a painting looks like a photograph, the more skilled the artist. He spoke about efficiency, thinking artists have ability to wake up, decide to paint a specific subject, then just slap it together.
Before you roast him, I encouraged his questions & thoughts.

Artists do become more adept with tool handling, understanding mediums & their limits, as well as trying to push our own. Creating art also requires intention and work. Wonderfully, creating may be one of the most mindful activities there is. Skill level may be determined by mature style, execution, design, and evolution of their work, researching an Artist’s history, asking professional sources such as dealers and gallery representatives.

After our lively chat, I realized a key point, viewers these days may not see art beyond their cellphone screen.
For those who are physically unable to visit galleries and museums, online galleries make art accessible. The world wide web is a fantastic way to expose art and the world’s diverse culture to a global audience.

Thou like many things viewed on a screen, or like a travel brochure offering a glimpse of your holiday, it won’t compare to real life experience.

As Genn said, “ Art is an event”.

Among online galleries websites/ social media benefits ( artist run websites, art museums, commercial art galleries) is educating the viewer on an artists portfolio of work, history, etc. Previewing an exhibit online first offers the opportunity to think of questions for the dealer or artist, which pieces you wish to view when you visit, layout of the gallery, etc.
The web allows you track galleries, artists ,their sales, exhibits, industry news. Following galleries & artists on social media can be inspiring and help abreast of new work, future exhibits, etc.

I have gained international clients from the web. Their most popular comment? “Wow. It’s SO much better in person.”

These comments are common because viewing work online:
Electronic devices display colour uniquely, perhaps not true to life.
Size of the painting may be difficult to conceive.
Zooming in on images, especially on a phone can distort your cognitive experience and affect emotional connection to the work.
With impressionism, and large format paintings, proper distance in personal viewing is required to achieve it’s affect.

One hope with online galleries/ presence is to invite the viewer to explore and incorporate art into your lives.
The real ones.
Art is meant to be lived with, engaged in, .. it’s a wonderful personal conversation you alone have with each piece. To take advantage of the magnitude and scope of that conversation, reality takes the cake.

I encourage you to explore art beyond the screen. Visit museums & galleries, view a variety of genres, even ones you may not like. Feel free to ask questions. Questions are welcome when addressed in curiosity and kindness.
Gaining an understanding of different genres encourages an open mind, appreciation of different perspectives, and diversity.
There is quite nothing like the thrilling flutter when a certain piece captures your heart, or when you finally view the masterpiece you once only saw in history books. It can be transcending.

Spend your lunch hour at a museum. ( Interestingly, a study that had professionals doing just that resulted in lower blood pressure & HRates, AND resulted with increase of random acts of kindness). Meet friends for coffee near a gallery and take in the exhibit. Wander a studio tour or an art fair. Shake the hand of the creator.

Art exposure feeds our cognitive skills, communication, problem solving tasks and heals not just emotionally, but physically as well. Art can illuminate and feed the soul.

~

New Work: Field #1, 2 & 3. Each 16×20 acrylic/ oil on canvas.

New work, using the same reference, same size canvas, same prep, for these three paintings, painted in three different styles.

On the left in the group photo Field #1is a more abstract composition, meant to have pizzaz, exhibit the feel of clouds moving toward the viewer and swirling in the sky, it’s an energetic piece, true of the beauty of prairie skies.

#2 Middle is impressionistic. It’s meant to streamline the composition, eliminate fuss and ‘noise’ of detail, the intention is to feel the power of colour, of movement in the sky, and the rich contrasts of the scape. it’s meant to be a direct emotional experience, and spark imagination.

#3 far right is a realistic composition. It’s more illustrative, with blended transitions, detail in grasses, trees, clouds giving the viewer more information.

Which is your favourite? vote 1,2 or 3.
To purchase these or any new work please email me dawn@dawnbanning.com