Let’s be honest, artists aren’t usually the ‘go to’ for productivity advice.

Myths still dominate perceptions on how we work. Thou its fun pondering mythical scenerios, the truth is, to make a living in art, being productive is a critical element to success.

New Commission for NY clients.

Passion careers are not easy. Survival depends on consistent outstanding work while the world watches every brushstroke. Pressure can be all consuming. Unlike sports, there is no ‘off season’.

Yet many professional artists produce work prolifically, run their business single handedly, have a startling ability to juggle many projects, maintaining razor sharp focus.

How do they do it?

It’s wisdom worth sharing, for this universal advice can be applied to your own pursuits.

First, it’s an absolute given choosing a healthy lifestyle contributes to productivity and longevity. Hands down.

 5 keys to Productivity:

1. A daily time log is an asset to discovering how your valuable time/ energy is spent. An HONEST time log. Include the hours you spend watching cat videos.

2.   De-clutter. It’s tough to be prolific if you cannot find your tools. A clean space = a focused mind, which in turn, opens channels for creativity. Never underestimate factors that contribute to stress and distraction.

Eric Barker writes “Changing your environment is the easiest and most powerful way to change your behavior. Altering the things in your home and your office and carefully picking the people you spend time with will bring you greater and more effortless results than anything else.”

3.  Organize. It saves time, allowing productivity to flourish. Mark McGuiness agrees, offering organizational tips in his wonderful new book “Productivity for Creative People.”

4.  Deliberate Practice. Common theory is to pack in thousands of hours in practice. While there is truth to this, in “Talent is Overrated” Geoff Colvin says deliberate practice is key to understanding where extraordinary talent comes from.

5. Mindfulness & meditation. So successful in helping people achieve focus, meditation is prescribed to those diagnosed with ADHD.

Artists achieve razor sharp focus, because the very work we do is mindful. By working consistently we build a focus ‘muscle’. It becomes easier and easier to ‘tap into the creative zone’. I have known artists who continue to be productive thru enormous life challenges that would normally stop anyone in their tracks. The ability to ‘compartmentalize’ is a wonderful side benefit to having this kind of focus.

New semi plein air. 8×10

Whatever your ambitions, incorporating routine, eliminating negative energy/time draining activities, implementing organized structure, and practicing mindfulness, will pay off in spades.

Goals require  fertile ground to grow, these elements will nourish your productivity, offering space for creativity to blossom.

Note: Hats off to Mark McGuiness, who knocks it out of the park with his new book “Productivity for Creative People” it’s wonderfully motivating, & enlightening. Click here.

~More NEWS~ After 8 months of work, the 50 project is complete!

50 paintings for 50 collectors, celebrating 50 years in gratitude. My heartfelt thanks for your support of the work. Here’s to 50 more.

Today’s most effective leaders are sharply focused on developing more innovative employees and innovation-friendly organizational cultures. It’s no longer enough to have a skilled and technically proficient workforce—employees also need to be creative, collaborative, and communicative. In recent years, the use of the arts by corporations to meet a wide range of employee training and organizational development needs has grown remarkably. Why? Because artistic processes and experiences are by their very nature creative endeavours—including creative and critical thinking, problem identification and solution, effective written and oral communication, teamwork, and collaboration—are deeply rooted in the artistic tradition. ~ Leader to Leader Journal by Harvey Seifter

Art collections in the workplace offer many benefits:

• Art creates an innovative and stimulating environment. Art teaches tolerance. It sparks conversation and invites new perspectives.
• Art has science proven health benefits. It directly influences people, even if they are unaware of the art. Art is a powerful habitat vitamin.
• Displaying art exhibits the corporation’s support of the arts and investment in community.
• Creating a comfortable inviting space expresses value to the people who dwell in the space.
• Displaying corporate collections gives the public an opportunity to view amazing art they may never otherwise have access to.
• Many art collections in corporations have continued to increase investment value over the years.

Alaska- new 18×24~Sold

I enjoy the pleasure of working with corporate and private sectors who believe people and relationships are the heart of their business.

Amazed at the incredible scope art has, recent diverse inquires illuminate the powerful benefits of art in the workplace:

“It’s an extremely high stress field. We have been studying ways on how to decrease stress in the workplace for our staff. Art is a powerful way to do that.” –NYC Hedge Fund Managing Partner

“Patients love the painting you donated! We have located it to an area in the hospital where both staff and patients benefit”.

“I had a little boy who is quite autistic visiting my office. He went right up to your painting ‘Sunset’ and just quietly stared. I gently asked him, “Tell me what you see.” Without taking his eyes off of it, he replied, “The beach.” It was a special moment, and certainly affirmation for me that the Arts have the ability to cross all academic divides and social barriers.” ~Educator.

“The founding presidents established an art gallery within the main office. We as employees enjoy the art that is displayed throughout the building. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who share ideas and promote others. While seeing your work )(I pondered how many corporations would like to have your artwork in their offices.” -Dofasco

“We host an event twice a year for those overwhelmed with a diagnosis, care givers, charity workers, grieving, depressed, needing support or time to heal. A musician plays classical music and we put a picture on a slide before meditations and prayer. The breath of life in nature.  That’s hopefully what I’m trying to connect for folks, their soul to something larger — without definition — the mystery. Your artistry touches something very deep in me and obviously others and you get to reach people I’ll never be able to. “~  Minister

The company commissioned a painting for the lobby from a famous artist. The painting was unveiled at a catered staff luncheon. Employees were surprised with gifts of individual prints of the painting.~ Client

A waiting area feels like a library with cozy chairs, books, soft lighting and beautiful art. The surgeon suggested to me offering patients a comfortable space instills relaxation that can be infectious among patients in the common room. A relaxed patient is easier to treat, the experience is more positive for all.

Creating healthy, pleasing, stimulating, or relaxing working environment directly affects humanity and may produce a surprising lasting impression.

A study on professionals who spent their lunch hour in an art museum had surprising results. They exhibited lower resting heart rates, and blood pressure. The unexpected result? They performed more random acts of kindness.

Nature’s vibrant colour emerges with autumn upon us.

In the gentle hush of fall, light softens as daylight shortens. Crickets chirp as the busy hum of summer fades to the quiet rhythm of fall.

 Autumn 8×10 oil on board.

In Canada, focus shifts from outdoor to indoor pursuits. Garage sales pop up as houses are purged. Nature’s influence is ever present when homes are “spruced up” and refreshed. This time of year, dwellings often undergo home improvements in preparation for winter.

My Auntie Beth lovingly called it “nesting”

.“Winter Trail” 20×24 oil on canvas

Fall is also the season when artist’s studio phones ring non-stop.

 In recent weeks over half a dozen clients all in the midst of reno’s have been actively seeking art and advice. Projects range from new builds and major renovations, to minor ones. I commend them for including art collection in a renovation budget, too often art is an afterthought.

 A few tips in preparing your space & adding to your collection.

• Fresh wall paint will renew the space and enhance the art. For great palette options for your art collection, click here. Favourites for showcasing the work I do are: #3, #5, #7 & #10. (Keep floor colour, lighting and room size in mind when choosing wall paint.)
•  iArtView makes it possible to peruse and exhibit art digitally on your own walls. Click here to read about this remarkable app.
• Define your spaces. What experience do you want to emulate? Ex: relax, entertain, dine, etc. Communicate this to the artist/ dealer.
• .Cut paper to size of your canvas options, (adjust size if adding a frame) tack to the area on the wall and interchange to get a feel for the size.
• Consider what else is in the room.Ie: are there fancy fixtures, mouldings, patterned rugs, ornate furniture.The more competition for our attention and senses, art experience is less restful or engaging.
•   If it’s available in your community invite the gallery dealer/ artist to view your space and offer suggestions.

 ~ With more paintings leaving the studio these days, I have been re-arranging art and implementing my own nesting. Among changes is an unfolding look to a large northern painting. It’s really risky, sanding down a large painting and beginning anew.

Like some changes, it can be well worth it with dramatic results.

Note: My Auntie Beth was a full participant in the idea of nesting. After harvest she retreated from her amazing garden to bake bread and can in her homey kitchen amid busy family farm life. Auntie made the best rice pudding ever, and understood the need to purge the old, and begin anew. Long ago, instead of storing my apartments contents, I sold everything before traveling. She said “Great idea! Everyone needs to unburden sometimes and have a clean slate.”

Fuel  and preserve passion for work by taking a healthy break from it.  Even artists need a vacation.

This was my intention, leaving paints & brushes behind on a recent journey retracing our roots with my brother & father,

Yet surprisingly, my artistic history emerged in remarkable ways.

Read about this and the inspiring, influential place that helped shape me as an artist, in a future post.

 New “Inlet” 22×28 oil on canvas

While traveling, I have been reading “Rising Strong”  (Brene Brown) and  “Talented is Overrated”(Geoff Colvin) in the midst of watching inspiring Olympics.

Remarkable similarities exist between sport & art with notable parallels how athletes & artists approach training, commitment, and development. Science continues to prove benefits of creativity within humanity, in sport and otherwise.

Brown’s work expresses creativity plays an important role in coping with failure and obstacles in “Rising Strong”. Colvin makes a convincing case for deliberate practice, in “Talented is Overrated”.

Reflections on these subjects and the story of my journey to follow soon.

Meanwhile, requests for northern shore and canoe paintings flood in. Fortunately, subject matter I never tire of. :0)

New “Ancient Shore” 6inx8in oil /board

Watch for these developments on your social networks. Now on Instagram(@Dawnartworks), Linked IN, Twitter. and FB.

Creative juices infused from my adventure, it’s a flurry of activity in the studio these days.

May summer journeys invigorate you & renew your sense of self, perhaps with a few surprising discoveries along the way.~

Note: The Canadian north is a popular subject among painters & poets for good reason. It’s breathtaking.

In northern Ontario, rocky shorelines forged by powerful windy lakes cradle windswept pine.

For lack of a better word, the landscape feels brave. It’s unapologetic & awe inspiring.

Years ago, plien air painting on a frosty day in winter, I created two little pieces that encompassed technical freedom I have been yearning to capture in the work. It was due to absolutely frozen numb hands, limited frozen paints and one overused brush.

Ever since, I have been trying to evolve the work to exhibit this kind of passionate rawness.

Think of it as getting to the point with fewer words.

The landscape painting is less illustrative, focusing on how it feels to be in the midst of that power & beauty.  The new northern paintings have elements of this ruggedness, mood & power. I am so pleased with this new work & hope you are too!

Food just tastes better outside.

 The Pottery Cupboard.

Dining alfresco among butterflies in the afternoon summer sun, I pondered expressions referring to the great outdoors.

“Breath of fresh air.”

“Stars in your eyes.”

“Outside the box.”

“Sky’s the limit.”

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”

“A voice in the wilderness.”

“A ray of sunshine.”

“Colour outside the lines.”

Referrals to nature may infuse our language, but experiences outside are becoming limited. Several recent articles suggest children spend less time outdoors than the average prisoner.

Fresh air feels better in our lungs, but research states we will spend 80% – 90% of our lives indoors.

I suppose then, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear inquires concerning nature’s hues.

“How do you feel about taking such liberties with colour?”

“No land is that red.”

“I love your red trees. Do you always paint trees in autumn?”

The flavour of colour influences our emotions similar to music. We recall unsung lyrics hearing the first notes of an old cherished song playing on the radio, drawn back in time by the familiar rhythm.

Adventures in nature are emotionally fueled. Colour (in art) offers a powerful connection and clarity to experience.

Fascinated with light & shadow, I take nature’s cue for colour inspiration. My friend Susan’s photo is of a land I once wandered. Crimson tundra does exit in bold beauty.

Finding sources of existing palettes in nature is kin to discovering a four leaf clover, witnessing a sun dog, or fireflies on a summer night.

It’s magical.

Paintings can censor the noise of a landscape while illuminating nature’s breath of life.

Art and wilderness share the same language.

They both speak to our soul.

Luminous essence of the wilderness in art conveys a universal language we can all appreciate.

Landscape art is also an open invitation to wander out of doors.

Peaceful, engaging, awe- inspiring beauty beckons us to revisit.

Nature always welcomes us back.~

Note:

I once delivered paintings a rural forested home of a client who was very ill. A nature lover, she had wandered her grounds daily during times of good health.

As we sat quietly on the edge of her bed, looking at her new paintings in full view of her perch, I heard her sigh.

Gesturing to nearby glass doors opening to a ground level terrace surrounded by wilderness, she whispered softly, “You are reminding me what it’s like to be out there, and that’s a beautiful thing”.~

Cycling 100 miles offers plenty of time to reflect.

During Saturday’s century ride over rolling terrain, I recalled purchasing my first adult bike 15 years ago.

Trading a commissioned painting for a new red bike made returning to cycling extra special. My thoughts wandered back to that painting and commissions I have completed since.

  “Summer” new 14×18 ~750$

The subject of commissions is a popular and complex one. My last post ignited so much curiosity!

A science professor inquired (correctly) if I applied new methods while working on the large painting.

Embodying a consistent formula may be restrictive, and stifle the spark of creativity. One of the joys of an artist is discovering unfamiliar ways to adapt in a specific painting.

The commission in my previous post was unique in process.

To clarify, I rarely pre-sketch and have never under- painted a monochromatic composition before.

Why it was necessary:

1.The size.

Working closely on a big canvas distorts vision. The ink sketch provided a ‘road map’ of sorts.

A monochromatic under- painting loosely portrayed the ‘map’.

I don’t paint on a grid form, or paint one area first. I work on the painting entirely at once, so it’s important to ‘see’ what’s going on in the whole piece.

2. Cost. A large custom canvas is very expensive and timely. I needed a plan.

Here is where it gets tricky.

Once I had the ‘map’ in place, I needed to forget about it.

It’s critical to maintain a divisional line between planning and creative expression.

“Road” 18×24 ~1000$

To influence creative flow, I didn’t pre mix, or pre- plan colours. (I never do.)

I created the palette spontaneously, adjusting the composition instinctively, as I went along.

“Boreal” 4ftx2ft~ 3300$

Those who work in various creative fields wrote about the difficult task of explaining creative freedom to prospective clients. “Commissions” they wrote, “are a headache because often clients believe they can dictate the painting.”

It’s a common problem. That’s why it’s important to communicate expectations, and understand what you are hiring the creative professional for.

Earlier this year I received a letter from a new client for a commission.

He wrote most eloquently:

“Today I was introduced to your work by a friend.

My wife and I met here. As the area has grown on us, my wife has expressed interest in a piece of art depicting the area. Our goals in life will soon make us depart this northern city, we want something to take with us to commemorate the city we met, were engaged and spent the early years of our marriage. We have spent many days out (in nature) I proposed to her on one of the trails.

I admire you hold strong to your style and values and will not do commissions that take away the artist in you. When we were looking for a wedding photographer we told him l.. we just want our wedding to be fun! We did not lay out strict guidelines and format every image he was to take. So I would hope you would feel the same freedom!”

He had two requests. To complete a painting of the area, any size within his budget.

“My father collects art. He was explaining his enjoyment that every piece links him to a place he has been. It trickles memories of a vacation, a road trip and the events that led him to find these creations. We have not started a collection yet, but this is part of our inspiration to start! This will be our first original of hopefully more pieces from the adventures ahead! I appreciate any feedback or ideas for this piece, and if you are interested this would be great! Thank you for your time!”

My fellow artists would agree, this is a dream client.

Our plan evolved, after scrutinizing photos, I had a request.

I asked him to forget every photo he had sent. His painting would be an original. It was necessary for him to have an open mind.

He graciously complied.

He wrote: “I was asked today “What if I don’t like how it turns out?” .. The door has been left open for you to use your own talent and style. This is part of the joy of it! … this painting will be completed with .. meaning for my wife & I. I basically love everything on your website…I feel that no matter how you use your brush (or brushless!), I know we will love this work!”

Later: “You have made this process so enjoyable!”

When the painting was successfully delivered, a letter arrived in the mail including something I have never received in my career.

A gratuity.

He wrote: ”We are so excited!  She absolutely loves it!”

They had already framed it and found a perfect spot for it.

“We are both happy to have this incredible work to take with us and remind us of our days here.I have enclosed a small gift. The whole purpose of this was to create a memory of our time here. Now that we are moving, the timing couldn’t be better. Thanks so much for everything.”

“Sunset 8×10~415$

How enriching to have such incredible people celebrate the work, all it embodies, with deep respect for artists and creative process!

Like the thousands of cycling miles I have ridden since that first red bike, I am so grateful to have built a foundation of amazing clients who make a difference in my life, and in turn, continue to infuse the work with love & joy.

This year, I celebrate you. ~

The 50 project is well underway. 50 Collectors, 50 paintings, celebrating 50 years, in gratitude.

“The true spirit of conversation consists in building on another man’s observation, not overturning it.” E. G. Bulwer-Lytton

How artists approach commissions may be as varied as their work. Ask a dozen their perspective, and the word headache frequently pops up.(commission definition click here)

Thou commissions are always challenging, aching heads may be avoided when both parties have discussed expectations/ abilities and completed thorough research. You wouldn’t hire a plumber to wire your house or employ a portrait artist to paint your Grandpa’s cornfield.

In my opinion, two key elements help determine a commission’s success.

1. Communication
2. Trust

I begin by clarifying terms of acceptance.(click here & scroll to bottom text).

 prep for large commission

Occasionally clients request large canvas to be installed in a permanent location. In this situation, it’s my aspiration to offer an element of the unexpected to excel the painting in ways the client hadn’t imagined.

“Who could be so lucky? Who comes to a lake for water and sees the reflection of moon.” Rumi

 commission wall above- photo credit Sho-Arc Bureau of Architecture.

When Michael Shocrylas of Calgary’s Sho-Arc Bureau of Architecture called to confirm the commission that would hang in one of his incredible designs, we had been in communication for nearly a year.

Previously, I shipped work for the clients to view and test in their home. gathering direct feedback on palettes & compositions they were most drawn to.

The circumstance was unique, as the painting would be viewed from varying distances/ living areas, becoming an integral part of the house as much as the architectural features.

 commission wall centre

 commission wall left.

Some cultures believe original paintings are alive, breathing life into dwellings and the occupants within. In this way, art stands on it’s own, with unique benefits. (benefits of art, click here).

Art can be an active participant in habitats and we can use this knowledge to our advantage.

Therefore, I make deliberate choices in the process to create a dynamic piece, that will literally, interact and blossom within the space.

 8×11 ink sketch

For this project, I collected as much information on the dwelling as possible. Michael & the clients were fantastic to work with delivering all material I required, including panorama photos and architectural drawings.

 Credit Sho-Arc

Factors I considered before implementing the design/ composition:

• Natural Light in the room and how it changes thru the day.
• Installed lighting
• Design of room/ architectural elements
• The rooms purpose, such as: entertaining, living, dining. (in this case it would be all three).
• Time of day occupants frequent the space.

Thou original art’s intention isn’t decorative, taking advantage of architectural elements and considering the room’s intention can bring the painting’s full potential to life.

My requirements for the painting:

It needed to:

• Express & fulfill the client’s desire offering the feeling I infuse in my work: emotional experience connecting with the spirit of nature.
• Embody energy, interest and tranquility
• Captivate viewers from below ( with elements to draw the eye up) and yet have perspective/ interest from upper level.
• Have a sense of anchoring on the left side and opening dimension on the right. A ‘lifting feel’ thru the space with architectural elements coming into play.
• To embody a composition that would keep the eye moving thru out.

I hoped to achieve all of this by:

1) Using natural light play/ consideration from bank of windows to the right of the painting, pulling outdoors in/ indoors out/ – partly achieved using the angled roofline to meet with clouds lifting up & out.

 under painting

2) “Pockets” of light introduced thru the sky corresponding with how natural light moves in the room. The sky should feel as thou moving/ changing thru the day.

3) With composition in place, the light will ‘shine’ on the islands as if coming from windows on the right. Viewers will feel the expansion both of space & sky, continuation of sky/ tree line from outdoors, in.

4) The island on the left anchors the painting when seen from the upper level, creating interest & foreground. Viewers here should feel as thou merging with the painting, ‘walking into’ the landscape.

5) Contrasting reflections from the dark shoreline pull viewing from below, also creating synchronicity with walnut table below and wood elements in the room.

6) Multi levels of warm grey palettes in the clouds help coincide with stonework and natural elements in the room.

7) Bold drama is brought in with less fussy reflections. Viewing from a distance requires contrasting design to stand out. It’s also a play on the clean lines within the home.

8) The entire painting is under-layered with combinations of wall colour meant to give a feel of synchronicity.

Process described above pictured below. Under painting completed in acrylic with sponges to soften the many layers. oil was introduced 3 weeks into the painting.

In closing, none of these details will be directly noticed by the viewer. The intention to offer these elements in a way that will be felt unconsciously, the painting will feel very natural in the space and give flow, emotional impact and visual interest for years to come.

~A special thank you to Michael, C. & S., it’s been an absolute pleasure and honour to work with you. What could have been a stressful project, instead, was a delightful challenge. You offered your complete trust, giving me freedom to do what I do best, and the wings creation needs to soar.~

P.S.

Gratefully, not once was I asked “How long will it take you?” or “When will it be done?”

~ “Commissions tend to bend your mind into dimensions where you may not at first be prepared to go.” Robert Genn.

“It doesn’t make sense to some of us, you can clarify it.”

“You need to write about this stuff”.

Questions have been popping up in my inbox and in conversations surrounding the art industry. Topics range from galleries, sponsorships, art fairs, shipping, industry standards, and how artists make money. (see how my work is priced, click here)

New “Wild Sunflowers” 11×14 oil

Because it’s the most frequent question, let’s start with the money talk.

Artists are paid solely from the sale of their work.

Most galleries and artists offer free consulting, unlike other design firms who charge an hourly consulting wage.

There isn’t a benefit plan or painters union, (that I know of) thou I believe one exists for actors.

Sponsorships:

Museums may have corporate sponsorships to assist with the cost of hosting exhibits, this money goes directly to the museum.

It’s very rare for artists to acquire corporate backing for expeditions or hosting exhibits.

Unlike athletes who may receive free gear from sponsors, artists don’t receive materials for free, thou some art suppliers offer bulk discounts. (How many consumers view you-tube to see an athlete win a race, vs. to see an artist paint?)

Art Fairs:

Fairs are popular events to attend in the balmy days of summer, or near the holiday season. A few examples of booth fees to exhibit are:

One of a Kind Exhibit (Toronto)- 10×20 booth- 7,113.00

One of a Kind Exhibit (Chicago) 10×10 booth- 2,550.00

Make it Vancouver- 15×10 booth- 1,350.00

Artist Project (Toronto) 10×20 booth- 5,590.00

Art in the Park (Windsor) 675.00

Note: most fees are for booth space only. Lighting, props, etc, are extra. Many artists travel to these exhibits, add the cost of shipping work & booth materials, hotels, meals, etc and these events may cost a small fortune. Ironically, some patrons ask artists for a ‘show special/ discount’. Why it’s the norm to offer one doesn’t make sense. (or cents, for that matter).

New “Mountain Meadow” 11×14 oil

Galleries:

In many countries galleries collect a minimum 50% commission. (IE: an artist will collect 500$ on a painting sold for 1000$) Taxes are charged directly to the client as is framing cost.

Few galleries pay their artists immediately upon the sale. Most wait 30 days to make certain the payment clears. One of my representing galleries had a minimum 60 day wait period.

Shipping to galleries is paid by the artist. Shipping unsold work back to the artist is paid by the gallery. Clients are charged directly for shipping from galleries.

With high commission rates and risk of my work getting lost among large collections, clients ask ”Why the need to have art represented in galleries at all?”

It’s a relevant question, because thanks to the worldwide web artists have access to a global audience at their fingertips.

To be clear, I only seek representation with galleries of high ethics & reputation, selling quality work. (how I choose a gallery, click here).

Why:

• To give you access to the work with options to view & purchase. Some clients aren’t comfortable visiting an art studio, or purchasing online.
• Many corporations won’t purchase art from an artist directly, due to their regulations, or invoicing governance.

I once called nearly every company in Canada with corporate art collections (& many that don’t) I received this answer over and over again.

Impressed by Bruce Steinhoff’s massive list of corporate collectors I complimented his resourcefulness. He remarked “all credit goes to the gallery”. Click here to see the list & his work.

•  Street Creds. It’s still of recognizable status to have gallery representation. Clients feel assured the work has value when also sold with a reputable gallery.
• The gallery’s reputation, contacts and history of selling. The gallery will expose the work to established collectors. Many top end collectors will only deal with a gallery.
•  The gallery will advertise and display the art on their websites & social networks. If they sell famous work, collectors googling famed pieces will often peruse the galleries full collection.
• The secondary market. It isn’t against the law for an artist to submit their own work to auction/ secondary market, but it is certainly frowned upon. The galleries have the ability to give longevity to the work by introducing it/ circulating it on the secondary market once the artist is well established.

Note: a great gallery will work with the artist and act as an incredible support system. To read about this click here.

It’s also important to note, when a gallery is selling the work well, and handling much of the business end,  it can relieve alot of stress for artists and free us up  to do what we are best at, and that’s paint.

 New “The Lake” 9×12 oil.

NEWS: Happily, my gallery representation is expanding. I have recently acquired a US  art dealer who will sell the work in two galleries/ states & ship across the US. Americans who write hoping for a venue in your country, that day is arriving soon!

It’s still a thrill to meet with clients directly and sell thru my home studio, while offering the work at amazing venues like the Hambleton Gallery in Kelowna, where these three new paintings will be available for purchase. I couldn’t ask for more professional wonderful people like the folk at Hambleton. Thanks Stew, Tracy, Kenna, Jessica & Joshua!

~

Happy Father’s Day weekend to all the great Dad’s.

I celebrate my amazing father, a conservation officer, passionate musician, humanitarian, champion of the people, wildlife & wilderness, who is steadfast, gentle, sparkling with humour. Referred to as “One tough Norwegian” by a Doctor.

In the last decade he has voluntarily performed over 1000 shows in nursing homes & hospitals and at 83, continues to play 100 performances a year. He represents so much that is good in life, and continues to be an incredible role model. Love him so very much.

The Japanese call it “forest bathing” when one seeks restorative benefits immersing in nature.

 New Red Canoe 18×24 oil

I have been refreshing my soul exploring forested mountains recently by bike and on foot.

 last week.

Reacquainting with wilderness brings a sense of renewal physically, mentally, intellectually, even spiritually. It’s a brilliant reminder of who we are, where we really live.

“You didn’t come into this world.
You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean.
You are not a stranger here.” 
Alan Watts

Exploring quiet valley trails draped in mystery elicit memories in of past experiences in nature.

I recall spending a month in wilderness traveling by canoe inspiring the first, and until now, the only canoe painting I have created.

 New Canoes 18×24 oil

First Nations people and explorers traveled our expansive waters by canoe. It’s an iconic Canadian symbol reminiscent of family adventures or solo pilgrimages answering a deep call of nature.

Paddling a canoe can feel incredibly meditative. It’s wonderfully rhythmic, your blade churning fresh water as your craft gently sways.

Some philosophies suggest the experience meets all 4 elements, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual.

 New 2 Canoes 11×14 oil

This time of year summer backcountry expeditions come to fruition.

Whether goals include exploring ‘unchartered waters’ or reacquainting with wilderness, on your journey may you feel the restoring benefits of forest bathing as you immerse in nature.

~Note. All new work is available for purchase. I am still puttering with the last two paintings. My way of not overworking is to post them quickly. :0) There have been many requests for canoe paintings, thanks so much for your interest!

My last post left some of you breathless.

 New Commission ( cropped)

In admiration of your colourful feedback, I am leaving the narrative to you this week.

“I’ve read this a few times now and I start off the same, a fairly good reading pace, then with each section I start going faster and faster until I’m practically going berserk by the time I finish.  I’m almost out of breath.  If this is how you paint you are a mad woman. :0) “ ( The Runner ) S.T

“Always love your posts, Dawn. Yours always captivate me. I particularly like this statement ~ Some ask why I don’t put people in my paintings. Actually, I do.

I put you there.

Because it is such a common refrain with the Group of Seven—-You are similarly questioned and your answer is brilliant.” J.M

“Your art is beautiful in your paintings and poetic words.”  W.K

 New Sun Cloud 

“Even your name suits the fresh air of your paintings. Just want you to know your charming jewel is now framed and hanging on a narrow wall in our kitchen home office that has been waiting for just this grace. Thank you for this pleasure.” A.K

“Your visuals are so very inspiring! You have the ability to tame the landscape and reduce the complexity and noise into intelligently and beautifully crafted dimensions. I don’t mean to go on and on or to be too verbose, but your art does speak with such clarity and vision! “ C.B

“Your work in our home enriches our lives. Thank you for this.” L.B

“You are blessed with a creative language and may you continue to inspire!”

 New Sun Cloud easel view

“It was lovely to work with you yesterday. You have great energy and a powerful commitment to your art! I’m confident here will be no stopping you. 🙂 ” L.W

“Your work has an almost tangible inner-energy, and a very distinctive sense of mood and atmosphere: in a word, fantastic. I also enjoyed reading your blog. When done well – like yours – it creates an interesting window into what an artist is all about. R.B.

 Mighty Oak

“Dawn if this art thing doesn’t work out for you, you can always start writing….meaning your very talented with words.”  J.

“Autumn Stream is so loose, and yet defiant.  The colours and strokes hammer away and I’m so delighted with this evolvement of your style.  The true beating heart of Dawn is pounding in this one.  Celebrating that passionate rhythm. ”  R.C

New Autumn Rain

“You’ve captured the essence of those skies I’ve seen on so many canoe trips.  There’s an emotional quality for me because often those skies are a storm clearing at sunset. Although we may have been paddling, portaging and setting up camp in the rain, the forest is quickly drying and we now look forward to sleeping out that night, embracing good weather the following day.  As dramatic as the sky is, for me it also offers hope.  Such a great feeling. “R.C

 New Moon

“When I received your email I had to share it with my staff, I hope you don’t mind.  Would you be OK with me sending the letter to our Police newspaper “the Beat”?  As you will read in my note to my staff you and Glen are inspirational and your stories should be shared. “~Dawn is the artist who painted the picture she donated to the Grand River Cancer Center. Glen and Dawn are inspirations to me and the story rightly states “the key to resilience is attitude”. “T.M

“You’ve become a mentor for others in both your art and yourself.” J.P

P.S ~

Thank you for your art patronage, sharing the posts and kind letters. It’s so rewarding to hear how the art enriches your lives.