August Newsletter It’s been too long…

The Artists Choice show opened this week at the Dignam Gallery, 23 Prince Arthur Ave with a reception on Thursday, August 25th from 4-6pm.

Members of the Women's Artists Association are thrilled to present Artists Choice. It runs 9-4pm Tues-Sat until September 3rd. Come to the reception on Thursday for refreshments and good conversation. We hope to see you there next week!

Lush with Colour-1 painted in spring at Fleming College in Haliburton. It is 54" x 35" x 1.5, acrylic on canvas, one in a diptych, the companion still in progress.

Throughout the summer days, now sadly shortening, I paddle at 6am! Tough but always worthwhile. This particular morning, paddling in fog inspired me to paint in an effort to capture the mood. Here are two done on panel!

In my next newsletter, in early September, I will share more with you about some of what I have been up to this summer. For example, working with collage and how the process has guided me in my recent work and where it has taken me. I look forward to sharing more and I think you will find it interesting.

A quick reminder of what's happening now and what's to come.

CURRENTLY:

August 18th to September 3rd, The Artists Choice show at 23 Prince Arthur Ave, open Tues-Sat 9am-4pm. Reception August 25th 4-6pm

Now until the end of September, I have Abstract Florals on display at Bosley Real Estate at 103 Vanderhoof Ave, visit by appointment only.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
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September 9 -11, The Cabbagetown Arts and Craft Fair in Riverdale Park, 375 Sumach Street, Toronto, Fri 1-6pm, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm

September 16-25, Art Walk Square CF Shops at Don Mills. In person Sept 16-18, I will be participating online, September 16-25

Prints are available...

Prints are for sale at art fairs or by contacting me directly, $65 each.

I hope your summer has been good, with time to relax, visit and just soak up time for yourself. I love hearing from you and what you're up to.

As the dog days of summer wind down and we savour those last days of leisure, let's just appreciate this time in spite of shorter days!

... with more art talk to come!

Feel free to pass this email along to anyone you think might be in interested.

Visit my website to see my recent works.


Winnie Larsen

416-832-4975

www.winnielarsenart.com

Spring is Here! Painting florals in winter has been a great way to brighten my day and lift my spirits!

What has helped your spirits when the days seem so glum and grey?

With nose to the grind and being focused on my art practice, I managed to find inspiration through what has felt like a long winter. I worked hard on art assignments in an online composition course by Sally Hirst. Then on a totally different note, I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Cancun, attending a conference. I loved the ocean vistas, sea breezes, exotic green vegetation, foods and not least of all, meeting new people and enjoying conversations in beautiful surroundings. Who wouldn't shine with that! Here are a few pics to give you the idea....

Needless to say the time away gave me a chance to recharge, explore new ideas, explore shapes, colours and patterns that have since appeared in my art! I came home curious to do more... I wanted to work with different shapes, patterns, textures while the colours were now subdued. I love the muted blues.

Here are a few pieces in a recent series I have just finished. They will be available on my website today.

I am learning lots, not only in art, but in my approach to practice. I have been reading The Practice, shipping creative work. by Seth Godin. He writes, 'learning to trust yourself, your audience and your work is the core component of the practice. Whether your creative work takes the form of a painting, a song or a company, there is no formula for success. But there is a pattern, a practice all successful creatives engage in. The best way forward is to recognize it and commit to it'. The Practice is a powerful call to action for those who seek to make a difference. I think that refers to many of us, it's the journey we have to be prepared to undertake.
This attitude helps me on my journey, not striving but being in the moment, taking in the experience, being curious, exploring, reflecting and deciding what matters to me.

I wonder what has your journey been like over the past months? What inspires you? Have you taken any new, perhaps unknown paths? What's next for you?

Preparing for spring art shows: I will be at the The Don Valley Art Club Show and Online Sale opening April 27th in person at the Paper Mill Gallery at Todmorden Mills until May 8th, the show continues online until May 15th. This link will go live April 27th: DVAC online Show and Sale

I will be participating in the art show at the Withrow Park Clubhouse, May 28-29 with fellow artists from the drawing group I attend.

More news to come about spring shows. New work will be available on my website to subscribers first. Now to dust off the website ...

Here are a couple of the new paintings that are being added to my website today.

In Full Bloom, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 x 1.5 $450

A Splash of Colour, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 x 1.5 $550

Next blog, I will let you know of more places to enjoy art and to see my work as the weather warms. I will share more thoughts about my art journey and where it's taking me. Let's keep in touch.

If you have any questions or you are interested in any work you see here, please contact me. Also keep in mind that I do commissioned work.

In the meantime, please let me know what's putting a spring into your step these days.

I'm excited, lots will be happening here in November!

I want to give you the heads up about what November will bring and share news with you from this side of the palette.

I couldn't resist sharing this, my granddaughter's first Halloween!

The Toronto Art Fair just last weekend was a thrill. I bought a painting. It feels right at home here with me and I am reminded of how new art in my home brightens my day. It feels a bit like the thrill of a new friend.

I have been busy painting as you can see here and working on sketches for new works.

I am planning and preparing for art shows that are coming up in November and leading up to the holidays!

Pretty in Pink, is an acrylic painting 20 x 16 on canvas, $350 unframed.

NOTICE: The Don Valley Art Club 2021 online Holiday Show, November 15th to December 5th. Includes over 300 new original works by 100 local artists. I will post the link on my website and social media when it goes live.

Here are two of my four images in the DVAC show, I hope you will check it out.

Finally, a Pre Holiday Sale is coming! I will be offering an online sale coming soon to my website, yes - including new work not yet seen. STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES!