November 2017
... and here we are already in November.
Krista and I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has e-mailed us over the last two months in regards to the newsletter. Your kind words have been encouraging and have provided us with the focus we have been looking for.
November 11th is Remembrance Day and this year marks the 100th anniversary of many key points in Canadian military history. The Canadian Military has woven itself into many of my interests and artistic endeavors. This year is no exception. I have recently completed a colourful 40" x 48" painting of a group of poppies which is now on display at Westland Gallery in London, Ontario. A donation of $1000 from the sale of this piece will go directly to The Poppy Fund to help aid local veterans.
The fall always seems to be that time of the year where things get a little slower and a little quieter. Its one of my favourite times of year because I end up spending more time in the studio and I'm able to concentrate on painting. I've been finishing up some older pieces and working out some new ideas. Recently, I came across a painting of a space ship. I recognized this painting from a book I was given when I was 8 years old. The book contained fantastical images of science fiction. The ships and space stations propelled my life in a direction that I am still on today. The Landscape has taken up much of my time over the past 20 years but if I were to allow myself to listen to my inner 5 year old, he'd be telling me to paint spaceships... and I have been carving out some time to do so. Some of you may have already seen some of my robot paintings. Indeed these were a step back for me... in a good way. Part of my focus has been inspired by Sci Fi images from the 30's, 40's and 50's. I have recently plastered my studio walls with old images from the those periods (photo above). The dynamic images and bright colours keep me engaged while I'm working. I've also discovered that my own tendencies and practices are standing in the way of producing these images. Outer space is light years from the Canadian Landscape. This new genre is proving to be much more difficult than I hoped. I know this is all in my head but sooner than later I may have some new work to show. The studio door is always open if you ever want to come by and see me stumble through this process.
In addition to intergalactic paintings, I have been working on several small floral studies. After working on one piece, early on, I was forced to leave it over night. In the morning I saw that the initial brush work, bold colours and bright white background seemed to be enough. I often admired paintings during their early stages but usually felt compelled to see them through to "completion". I have learned that one of my biggest challenges is knowing when a painting is at its strongest point and at what point does the addition of more paint merely cover up the initial idea?
Later this month Krista and I will be hosting our very first Christmas open house. This is something we have wanted to do for many years and are happy to have finally worked it out. We hope you can come by and share in some holiday cheer, see some friends and check out what has been happening in the studio. In addition to coffee, cookies and holiday treats there will be a large selection of new, unseen work on display to view or to purchase. We will have our doors open Saturday November 25 and Sunday November 26 from 10 am to 5 pm. This will be a very casual relaxed time to come by, hang out, ask questions and enjoy some Christmas music.
You can find us at 212 Edgehill Crescent, located in northwest London.
Jamie
