Sheryl Siddiqui

A good place to start a mixed media painting

2012-01-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased a new book titled Collage, Colour and Texture in Painting, by Mike Bernard and Robin Capon. One of the main starting points for a mixed media painting illustrated in this book is to begin with attaching paper and recycled paper materials to a blank canvas. I tried this technique out myself and I really like the end result. Basically, no matter what you paint on top, there is a level of interest and a unique look to the canvas. You can either just paint and scrape to reveal some of what is underneath or a wash of acrylic paint. Go ahead and try it yourself, the end result is always unique and original. Have a look at my new series called back to basics, where I used the techniques from the book.

Real Art Lost in Structured Conformity

2012-01-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

When I first began as an artist I had a clear style, abstract expressionist. Abstract expressionist is when the artist creates, paints, draws or sculpts from feeling rather than a more confined source of inspiration. A painter might choose colours and pour than onto a canvas with or without a brush. This was the style that I loved to paint in when I first began to paint with acrylic paint. I was further inspired by the work of Lila Irving from Mississauga Ontario. Lila poured acrylic paint from tubs onto huge canvas, and let the colours mix naturally. I truly did enjoy the freedom and excitement of painting, and all of my art dripped with pure emotion. So what has changed for me? As I began to get more serious about selling my art I had more and more seasoned artists and curators commenting on my art. The biggest complaint that I got was that I had failed to create cohesive enough series of paintings, instead I tended to simply create art based on no structure, each painting could be vastly different from the next. What I am trying to day is that this tendency was pointed out as an artistic flaw, one of an inexperienced artist. i have since spend a number of years trying drastically to paint in series of works, at least eight or more paintings of the same theme at a time.

I am not sure at this point if this has made me a better painter, sure my shows looked cohesive and the paintings looked good as a group, but was my art really better than it was when I started. At this point I would argue no. Some of my best work was done with no thought at all as to what it would fit in with or weather it was similar enough to hang as a show. Perhaps some of the best art is developed with the least amount of over thinking, and little attention to the audience that will view it in the end. I feel that I am moving back to the expressionist art that inspired me the most, playing with colour, texture and shape with a childlike enthusiasm. I am not sure where i will end up, but the journey seems more important than the end product. I am inspired by artists who stick to their gut instincts, such as Brenda Gale Warner, an artist who runs galerie 240 in Ottawa, ON. She is an expressionist artist who really sticks to her internal instinct when it comes to her art. Each of her paintings are unique and really stand alone, they don't follow any strict rules at all. All of her art is unique and from the heart, mind and soul. Keep it up Brenda, you inspire me to break free from the rules of the art world.

Artists in a recession- Obama shows his support for the arts

2011-12-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

The recession has hit all major industries and small businesses hard, so naturally the artists, galleries and theaters are feeling the crunch. I was surprised myself when three major galleries swiftly closed their doors in 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario. And I have no doubts that the remaining galleries are feeling the crunch. Artists by nature are resilient as the nature of selling art can be feast or famine at best. The trick is to survive as an artist thought these tough economic times. You might have to rely more on another source of income or lean on working together with other artists to get buy. Another interesting new trend is online galleries, I never thought that day would come, but it has. I found this interesting article about visit by President Obama and his wife to major arts related institutions to show their support. Tell me what you think?

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1901465,00.html

Reproductions Now Available Online

2011-11-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that all of my art inventory is now for sale online on ETSY . I am now selling reproduction prints of my artwork for $21.00. They are perfect for gifts so don't miss the opportunity to purchase them now

The Bay Area Community Land Trust - A non-profit orgainization that thinks outside of the box

2011-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

I am happy to share that an image of one of my 'Green Roofs' series paintings titled Arts District was used for the website and press material for the Bay Area Community Land Trust (San Francisco.) They use a community land trust model to convert existing properties as well as build new ones within a framework that fully benefits a full range of income diverse people. The non-profit organization promotes affordable, cooperative housing communities as is a green initiative using solar electricity and hot water. It its truly a think out of the box organization with an excellent mission. Here is a link to view the website with the details http://www.bayareaclt.org/
Of course I love the idea that my art is associated with group of people who are promoting better ways to live in the city and innovative buildings with green technology.

How Does the New Ontario HST Affect Artists

2011-05-06T19:24:00.001-07:00

It was certainly a pleasant surprise to me to realize that I would no longer have to collect taxes on my art sales as of July 2010. Yes...that sounds crazy, how could a new tax law benefit artists? Simply put, small businesses that collect under $30,000 in revenue a year are exempt from having to collect the HST. The catch is that the very minute that you hit that $30,000 mark, you need to collect taxes on any sales above and beyond. In order to do this properly it is wise to keep track of your sales. The minute that your sales start to creep up to $30,000, march right over to the government offices and sign up to collect HST.
Here is a useful link http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/transition.html

Author Jane Jacobs urban walks have caught on in Ottawa.

2011-05-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

According to an article by Maria Cook in the Citizen today (May6,2011) there will be 45 free walking tours of Ottawa neighbourhoods and spaces this weekend. Walking tours called 'Jane's Walk' were spurred on by the memory of author Jane Jacobs who wrote 'The Life and Death of American Cities' encouraging people to become more familiar with urban spaces. Most people who are familiar with my art work know that I often paint urban cities which focus on places where we live, work, and play. My art puts a spotlight on gaining familiarity with spaces that we take for granted and celebrating great urban design and innovation. So you can imagine my surprise when I read an article in the paper today about a walk that celebrates just that as well as initiates people to be connected with the good and the bad of shared urban spaces. My art primarily focuses on the positive aspects of city living, but I think the main idea is to get connected and notice things that are normally taken for granted in a fast paced world. Currently have a series of paintings on display at the Westboro Optometric Clinic that are a celebration of the eclectic shops and restaurants ,and coffee shops of Westboro. All of the art is for sale. Thumbs up to the concept of Jane's Walks which have spread to cities all over the world. For more information about the walks visit http://www.janeswalkottawa.caThe Storefronts of Westboro show is on now:

Westboro Optometric Clinic
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
298 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3 (613) 725-0816 ‎

The Artists Guide to Grant Writing by Gigi Rosenberg

2011-05-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

I recently checked out a new book at the library called The Artists Guide to Grant Writing, written by Gigi Rosenberg. This book is a wonderful resource for any visual, literary, or performing artist who is thinking of applying for grants. The book is well written in an easy to read step by step approach with a number of her personal experience stories. Gigi Rosenberg is American and not Canadian so many of her references to grant sources may not apply to Canadians, but none the less the book is chock full of hands on advice for getting through the grant writing process. Even for those who think that grants are not for them and out of their reach, this book could certainly inspire some people with serious reservations about the process and chances for success to consider applying for a grant in their field. I also really liked the fact that the author included money making ventures that are alternatives to grants, such as fundraising for your own project. I have borrowed my current copy from my local library, but this book is so full of useful links and resources I am going to order a copy. Gigi Rosenberg has a website with all of her latest insights visit, www.gigirosendberg.com

What does a Harper Majority Mean for Artists?

2011-05-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last night was a huge turning point for Canadian politics, Prime minister Harper lead the conservative party of Canada to a majority victory. Harper has not generally been overwhelmingly supportive of Canadian arts funding. He has been known to sidestep the issue and impress upon other matters. I am certain that a Conservative party will not press for increased funding for the arts in Canada, and I am sincerely hoping that current funding is not cut further. Many prominent Canadian writers, artists and performers stress that the state of arts in a country says a lot about its people and goes a long way towards defining a nation as richly cultured. I agree, and I truly hope that artists like myself can make sure to pressure the government to continue to value the arts in Canada as a valuable resource. Artists, make sure to keep up to date with party policy regarding the arts and put your votes where it counts in federal elections.

A new documentary on Emily Carr, worth seeing

2011-05-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

I recently saw Michael Ostroff's Emily Carr documentary film "Winds of Heaven: Carvers, Carr and Spirits of the Forest." It was showing at the Mayfair in Ottawa, and also at the National Art Gallery in Ottawa, Ontario. I was pleasantly surprised by the documentary. It was clearly well researched and illustrated Emily Carr's life in relationship to her art, and first nations people during her life. I enjoyed it partially because it is very interesting to have a glimpse into the life of a female artist who struggled to have acceptance as a serious artist with talent. I would recommend this documentary to artists. I enjoyed it.

Why it is so important to paint in series?

2011-04-24T10:40:00.001-07:00

Over the years, I have heard many times that my ability to get the kind of art shows that I want will hinge on my ability to produce my art in series of work rather than independent mix of paintings. And it has not been easy to disciple myself to stick with one thing at a time, but it's well worth it. It makes you look like a pro instead of an artist who lacks a clear vision.

Getting started with a series:

• Eight or more works of art, photography, sculpture etc with a unifying theme.
• It never hurts to bounce ideas for your next series off of a friend or family member. Talking out loud and writing down your vision in even a couple of sentences can really help.
• You need to figure out a series title and a brief description before you start the work. Be specific.
• The theme could be extremely simple, such as an exploration of a specific flower or colour to a much more complicated exploration of an idea.
• Use a similar technique, if you have an urge to try something vastly different, does it fit with this series or should you write it down and use it on the next one.
• Fully exploring an idea or technique before moving on to the next one.
• When it's completed you should be able to line up all the art and have it look like a unified exhibition to a person who knows nothing about your art. It should fit into the concept that you outlined before you began.
• If you had no idea what you are trying to explore in your art, or what you are attempting to capture...unfortunely the viewer will not either.

Have a look on the internet at other successful artists work, and how they manage to pull their art together. I have found that some of the most successful artist are extremely good at creating art that has slight variations.

My trick to curbing the urge to start something new before I have finished it to write it into an idea book and save it for later, here will be a lot of opportunity to explore something different l at a later time.

Ottawa Businesses that Offer Space for Artists to Exhibit their Visual Art.

2011-04-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Article Written by Mixed Media Artist: Sheryl Siddiqui
www.redworksart.com
________________________________________
Published in Art News
Emerging artists need all the exposure that is possible to gain clients and get valuable feedback from other artists in the community. Getting out there and hanging art at local art festivals, galleries is essential for artists to establish a name for themselves . One option that is often more accessible to emerging artists is contacting various local business that might be willing to consider displaying your visual art. There are a number of restaurants and coffee shops that offer monthly rotations of artwork, based on a submission process. Before you begin, here are some important considerations.

•Do you have enough new art that is for sale to hang at an exhibition?
•Visit the location to get an idea of what style of art is in the current exhibit; how many paintings are hanging in the space?
•Each establishment might set a different rate of commission from sales; its best to ask ahead to avoid any misunderstandings.
•Find out from the owner or curator if it is a solo exhibit or if you will be sharing the space with other artists.
•If you are not accepted for a show, you would be wise for advice or feedback that might help in preparing for another submission.
•Leave the door open for yourself to apply at a later date with new artwork even if your first response was no.

Finally, if you are thinking that you would like to exhibit your art, visit the spaces to get an idea of how a good art exhibit is pulled together, and ask other artists who have hung art exhibits in local spaces for advice on submitting your art for review.

The following locations in Ottawa currently offer wall space for local artists to exhibit their art.

Chez Lucien, 137 Murray Street. 613. 241.3533
Francesco's Coffee Company, 857A Bank St. 613. 231.7788
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street. 613.230.4474
Manx, 370 Elgin St. 613.231.2070
Oh So Good, 1 YORK ST, OTTAWA, ON 613.241.8028
Ottawa Optometric Clinic, 1285 Kilborn Ave. 613.733.8400
Santé Restaurant, 45 Rideau St. 2nd Floor. 613.241.7113
Shanghai Restaurant, 651 Somerset Street West (3 doors East of Bronson Ave.)
Table Restaurant, 1230 Wellington. 613. 723.8662
The Cajun Attic, 349 Dalhousie Street. 613. 860.1116
The Green Door Restaurant, 198 Main Street. 613.234.6771
The Mud Oven, 1065 Bank Street (at Sunnyside) OTTAWA, Ontario K1S 3W9

There are also more..I just have not had the chance to update my list;

New Paingings at Just Stuff Consignment & Gifts

2011-04-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! I just dropped of some more wonderful paintings on canvas at Just Stuff Consignment & Gifts on Bank Street South. I am known for my fun bright paintings with paper and mixed media items on canvas. Now at Just Stuff Consignment & Gifts...my funky birds on canvas series; painted on 10x10 gallery depth canvas with original linocut bird prints. In addition, there are little urban trees, spring tulips, and small abstracts to name a few. What a perfect way to purchase perhaps your first original work of art by a professional artist. All of the works painted by me are for sale; make sure to stop by and experience the most beautiful consignment store I have ever seen in Ottawa.

Exhibtion at the Westboro Optometric Clinic

2011-04-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

The newly renovated Westboro Optometric Clinic is now showing art by sheryl Siddiqui. The show features Sheryl's unique mixed media works on canvas that capture the energy of the Westboro stores, and restaurants. Sheryl's limitless imagination and bold use of colour, shape and form combine to create fantastic energetic art that has a fresh urban feel. All of the works on display are for sale.
Location: 289 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON

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Artists and the new Ontario HST as of July 2010

2011-03-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

To my huge surprise the HST is actually a benifit to small busineses that collect under $30,000.00 in revenue. I have a lot less paperwork now that the HST came into effect, and I do not currenly have to charge tax at all to my customers. There have been huge changes to the tax system for small busineses and you want to keep up to date. A simple explination is that if you did not collect GST before the HST came into effect on July 2010, you will not collect tax at all. If you are a small business (small Supplier ) that collects less than 30,000 per year you are not required to collect HST. The catch is that if you are edging up to 30,000 you had better register for HST before you hit $ 30,000, because you start to collect HST the minute you go over $30,000 in revenue. That is why is so important to keep track of your sales while you make them and not just at the end of the fiscal year. I know that its tough to pull yourself out of the art studio to figure this stuff out, but trust me its worth it.

What is HST? The HST will merge the provincial sales tax with the goods and services tax into one single Harmonized Sales Tax of 13%.

Joy of Creating Art

2011-01-31T19:10:00.000-08:00

I know that I am on the right track with my art when I am feeling excited, and having fun with the process. I love mixed media because there are no limits that could confine my imagination. Sky is the limit...whatever I can dream up can be developed into art on my canvas. On occasion I get stuck with an issue of how to execute the actual technique on canvas, but I keep pushing through until I find the best way to achieve the effect that I want. Ultimately it has to become fast and fun, so I can use it while painting in an intuitive way.

Ottawa Mixed Media Artists

2011-01-31T18:51:00.000-08:00

I can not say enough great things about OMMA Ottawa Mixed Media Artists. I have really learned a lot from the other members, and can not believe the amazing talented artists in this group. I look forward to all of the great juried events for 2011. Have a look at our website: http://www.omma.co/

Bistro Rutherford, Wakefield

2011-01-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have had so much fun creating this bold, abstract collage paintings of Wakefield's stores, restaurants, bakeries, and Inn's. The art series is called 'Storefront Series - Wakefield.' The best part of this process has been that I got to meet so may amazing people who run these businesses, they are so passionate, and creative. Bistro Rutherford is a family friendly "comfort food" restaurant that is located beside The Black Sheep Inn, along the main street. So be sure to stop by and enjoy the art exhibit, and some delicious food!

All of the art is acrylic on canvas, paper, recycled paper and magazines, marker, pastel, gel medium. This vibrant collection of art is a reflection of the artist's continued fascination with local business in Canada, including Wakefield.

Location of the Show: Bistro Rutherford/Gallery, 753 Chemin Riverside RR 2, Wakefield.
Hours:11 am to 7:30 pm Sunday and Monday and 11 am to 9 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Closed on Tuesdays.

Exhibit at The Ottawa Optometric Clininc January to April

2010-12-30T16:42:00.000-08:00

The Ottawa Optometric Clinic/ Gallery Presents:
Sheryl Siddiqui, Mixed Media Artist
January 5 - April 30, 2011:
First Collection of works, 'Favourite Places, Real and Imagined'
Acrylic on canvas, paper, recycled paper and magazines, marker, pastel, gel medium. All of the canvases are varnished to preserve the art.
March & April, 2011:
Second Collection of Works, 'Raw Colour' Landscapes
Beginning in January 2011, the exciting mixed media and collage art works of local artist Sheryl Siddiqui will be on display. Sheryl is well known for her vibrant renditions of abstract landscapes, as well as, collage infused urban landscapes. Be sure not to miss this collection of playful, bold, and brilliant mixed media landscapes on canvas, during the four month show. Her art has been shown throughout Ottawa, and sold throughout North America. Visitors are welcome to drop by and view the art during office hours. To get a preview of Sheryl's art visit her website at:
www.redworksart.com
The Ottawa Optometric Clinic started showing visual art by professional artists in 2010. The art is displayed throughout the entire office, for the viewing pleasure of all of the daily clients of the clinic. All of the art displayed is for sale by the artists.
Exhibit Location:
1285 Kilborn Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 6K9, 613-733-8400
www.ottawaoptometric.com
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December Show: Silver Bells, Golden Giving

2010-11-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to be in such great company for a wonderful December show at Galerie 240 in the Byward Market. The Show consists of art, posters, CD's, and sculptures from a variety of talented artists, as well as six of my own small urban mixed media paintings priced from $ 125.00 and up.

Show Details:

SILVER BELLS, GOLDEN GIVING
Dec 1st, 2010 - Jan 15, 2011
Galerie240

The Artists’ at Galerie 240 want you to be as
original as their art and give the gift of an
“original.”
Starting at $20.00 we have books, CD’s and lots of
small pieces for holiday giving! And sweeter than
sugar plum dreams, Galerie 240 will pay the HST
from Decemeber 1st to January 15th 2011.
Featuring work from...Brenda Gale Warner, Tom
Wilson of Lee Harvey Osmond, Bana, Jeanne
Wilkinson, Sheryl Siddiqui, Valerie Roos, Eamon,
Leona Brown and John Redmond.
Gift Certificates, payment plans and shipping
arrangements are available.
240 Guigues Ave, Ottawa, ON. 613.680.0866
www.galerie240.com

In the works for 2011

2010-11-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

Series: Urban Store Fronts & Local Businesses, 2011
Mixed paintings on canvas with acrylic paint and paper collage.

A vibrant collection of art is a reflection of my continued fascination with local business in the Ottawa area. I love to capture my impression of local stores and restaurants that become such a huge part of our everyday lives. Small businesses offer us services, and products that bring us enjoyment, and provide us with places to spend our leisure time. I am particularly drawn to storefronts with well designed signage, well placed colours and creative displays. I have never owned a store, but I can see that it is a true labor of love and commitment to ride the highs and lows of owning a business. And those businesses combine to create interesting streets and urban spaces. Every painting is created with the intent to capture the energy of a particular street or place. And yes…my urban work does always focus on the happier side of life in the city.
My series captures just a few places that I enjoy, or find interesting in the Ottawa area. I render my paintings with a playful abstract touch. Feel free to e-mail me if you have a particular suggestion for me.

Patient Planning Pays Off -

2010-10-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

One good trick to planning a great art exhibition is planning. Over the past couple of years I have acquired a number of good habits. Such as:
1) Having a firm idea of the concept of the art show.
2) Create a show title and a one paragraph summary of the work.
3) Decide approximately how many pieces of work that you need for the exhibition space, and what size.
4) If you are able to buy the canvas or supplies beforehand it can help to create all of the art in the same span of time. It helps with the overall cohesiveness of the show.
5) Do all of your research, photographs etc, beforehand so you have when you get started you don't have to interrupt your artistic flow with details that could be have been completed before you started.

Trust me, I know how hard it is to hold back and plan, but its worth it in the end.

Buy My Art at "Just Stuff" Consignment & Gifts

2010-10-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to share with you that my original paintings are now available for purchase at "Just Stuff, Consignment & Gifts," 5789 Bank Street, Greely ON. The owner, Angela Bard, has a wonderful eye for new and consignment items that are all uniquely displayed in a farm house turned store. I welcome you to take the short trip up Bank Street south to check out a constant flow of new old and new items.

The bliss of colour mixing

2010-10-01T08:27:00.001-07:00

One of my rules for myself as a professional artist is to always remember to enjoy the process. The act of mixing colours before they are put on the canvas is in itself a very enjoyable act. The exhileration when I get a colour "just right" reminds me why I love to paint and create. There are many artists out there that paint purely to experience the process of creation, a fact that I always remind myself before I begin a new series.

Fall: A fresh start

2010-09-13T06:56:00.001-07:00

This fall I am taking a bit of a fresh start on some previous painting techniques. I can hardly wait to revisit my more intuitive, abstract painting style merged with mixed media. Its all about emotion, colour, and shape comming together to form beautiful abstract landscapes.

Art should make you feel...good

2010-07-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Art should make you feel good. I create paintings that are colourful and uplifting. Optimisim is a great quality in a painting. I want to be inspired by colour. Delight in making cities with carrot orange skies, purple buildings, and multicoloured storefronts.

How I would describe my artwork

2010-06-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

My art is truly a reflection of my outlook and beliefs. My whimsical birds reflect my love of nature, and my urban cities and landscapes illustrate my desire to create art that reflects the poisitive aspects of cities. My original art captures "the optimist view of how cities can develop in a positive environmentally sustainable way. Cities house creativity, creative local businesses, amazing food, theatre, green living spaces, effective green transportation,and community involvement." Putting energy towards the postive aspects of human development, progress.

New work on Etsy

2010-06-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

It is so much fun to share my artwork with the world. I have posted many new works of art on Etsy. I love Etsy it' easy to buy and sell handmade goods. I have a lot of original art on etsy that is exclusively selling on Esty. Fun fun Fun!

Series: NYC

2010-06-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

Coming soon, NYC series. Inspired by my trip in the spring to New York City. This vibrant series captures the sights and sounds of New York. I am having so much fun incorperating the photographs that I took there.

Collage, Collage and More, Collage...

2010-05-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have been evolving as an artist at a rapid pace, with the introduction of two new methods of art creating: collage, and lino cuts. Collage has enough endless possibilities to last me a lifetime, and most importantly..it's fun. I just love thinking outside the box, and creating layer upon layer of details on a canvas. My other new technique was spawned from my need to have more fun creating paintings with birds. My first attempt at birds was very beautiful, but very time consuming. And I am all about spontaneity and fun when I create. So I began carving my own lino cuts (which is essentially a homemade stamp.) The fun is back! I have a whole pile of bird lino cuts to play with when I feel a bird painting coming on.

Right Now..Smaller is Better.

2010-04-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been following my art over the years might notice that my latest collection of works have been on smaller canvas. I have been really excited lately to produce very cohesive, yet smaller series. I buy all of the canvas and lay them all out in my art studio, and begin to paint them bit by bit. The end result is that the series keeps a more cohesive style, and I know how they will all look together on a wall. I am having a lot of fun painting with this technique. I have two more series lined up and ready to go. The current series that I am working on is called the "I Series," each painting is based on a word that begins with "I" and the words came from an old dictionary that was destined for the garbage bin at the local library. I got my inspiration for each painting based on the word. Hopefully they will be completed soon.

Inspiration Everywhere

2010-04-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

I am so energized and creating some amazing new art. I just finished a series of nest paintings, small 10"x10" colourful and full of life. I had a lot of fun creating them. I have begun to use a technique of creating an entire series all at once; its a bit crowded in my art room, but the result is a more cohesive series of work, and a good variety of colour. I am getting prepared to do a new series of work that incorporates some of the pictures that I have taken of Ottawa in my city paintings, called "Urban Ottawa 2010." I am just preparing myself to begin, and I can not wait to put the paint on the canvas.

My Trip to NY City has also inspired a series that I hope to begin later this summer. It is also going to be an urban series with photographs incorporated in the paintings. Mostly focusing on SOHO, which was truly an amazing area.

Juried Shows: So much Fun!

2010-03-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, the world of participating in juired shows is so great. I just got accepted to a show with Ottawa Mixed Media Artist at the Britannia Gallery. I am so excited! Show starts on Thursday, 2728 Howe, Ottawa, ON, 613-721-1559

Inspiration: New York City

2010-03-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

I just went to NY City for four days, and I feel full of inspiration to create art. One of my secret tools is to write down my ideas when I am too busy to paint, then I know that I wont forget the details when I do get the chance to create art. I also use my camera, and photograph city scapes so that I have a frame of reference to follow.

Collage Ideas

2010-03-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Many mixed media artist, such as myself happen to fall into the world of collage. Probably because there are often elements of collage in the style of creating mixed media art. I have just read a book " Collage Journeys" written by Jane Davies, that I found very useful and informative. She illustrates a lot of great ideas for collecting collage materials, finding inspiraions for collage, and how to examples of attaching items to a canvas or a board. I would reccomend this book as a good place to start, if you are experimenting in the field of mixed media.

Found Materials

2010-03-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

One thing that I love about being a mixed media artist is that I am able to incorporate a diverse range of materials. I found an old dictionary in a library "free" box. Its old, torn up and yellow but perfect as a source of inspiration. No guilt about ripping out the pages of the book to include on my canvas.

New inspiration

2010-03-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

There are sometimes when I think..what will I do next? Thankfully this time I found a great new book on collage, there are so many new techniques that I want to try. Thank goodness for new fresh ideas!

Acrylic Paint: The Packaging Does Matter

2010-01-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

I have certainly tried a full range of different brands of acrylic paint, and I have to say that the brand that I really like right now is by far not the most expensive, but it has some great qualities. Pebeo has great consistency (although I an not keen on the transparent pigments,) the thing that I like the most is the packaging, it is so easy to use when I am really into a painting because the cap is attached and the contaner is plastic. This might seem trivial until you are spending twenty minutes looking for a small plastic lid for a paint container, or another twenty trying to squeeze that last bits out of a metal cantainer that is impossible to bend. In short, I really think that this brand is here to stay, the pigment is really great and the packaging is ingenious. I am having fun painting again, Pebeo paint is easy and fun to use.

Bits of Paper Everywhere!

2010-01-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

It is a part of my process as a mixed media artist to see every little bit of paper as a possible part of a lager painting, but this can become a problem when my art studio becomes infiltrated with so many paper scraps that I am completely overwhelmed. I realized that I truly have a difficult time throwing any of it out...even if it does begin to contaminate the tranquility of my little basement studio. So I had to get tough with myself and have a purge of my art studio. Now that that tedious process is over I can actually see the floor...for now at least.

A New Art Blog for 2010

2010-01-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

The impetus for this new art blog for 2010: I wanted to further define my ideas, thoughts and experiences as a Artist living in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I have been an artist selling my art since 2001, and its time for me to share more of my experience with my peers, clients and the world for that matter. Its not an easy process to define yourself as a professional artist, and make a living at it. So this blog is a ongoing collection of my thoughts, successes and inspirations.