‘Floating’ Ideas Around My Studio

September is a beautiful time of year here on Vancouver Island. There is a feeling of nostalgia in the sense of longing for the longer summer days and swimming in the river. But there is also a feeling of excitement. It’s on par with childhood memories of new school shoes and that fresh box of pencil crayons. I spend more time in my studio during the Fall and Winter. I get excited about creating new paintings, trying new materials and engaging in a new art course or two. 

Speaking of art courses, as a life long learner I’ve decided to allow myself to take whatever courses inspire me. I’m always curious about what other artists are taking so pop me a message if you have found a course that you love. What’s your favourite art course you’ve ever taken?

I’m currently taking another of Sally Hirst’s Approaches To Abstraction. I love her courses and her teaching style. They are reasonably priced and you get to keep the entire course for life! Part of the course has us working on finding art themes that matter to us. For me ‘freedom’ is a word that has tons of meaning and keeps popping up. In fact my large painting, Freedom Found (Her), was inspired by that moment when I realized I could paint whatever I want.

For the course and the next few months I’ve narrowed the idea of Freedom down to ‘floating’. Why you may ask? Floating has a sense of freedom for me. For instance, floating in a beautiful body of water like in the Puntledge River near my home. Or in the ocean staring up at the sky. The sense of weightlessness, being in the moment, and feeling unburdened. The big question is how to express that feeling and create images that are about ‘floating’. Last post I talked about going to Ireland for an artist’s residency. My hope is that I will bring these explorations and ideas to Ireland with me. I’ll have 5 weeks there to let my surroundings inspire me as well. I’ll be at Ballinglen Art Foundation.

Shows and New Work

I am currently showing 2 pieces at TOSH in Qualicum Beach. It’s a wonderful venue and yes, it’s an old schoolhouse. The show goes to October 25th. If you can’t make it in person, the Federation of Canadian Artists offers an online version. Its the Arrowsmith Chapter Fall show.

‘Text, The Art of Language’ juried show is on at the Pearl Ellis Gallery. It’s a great show. I have 2 pieces in this show as well. It is on until October 11th.

And finally (for now) I have one piece in the Small exhibit at the Federation Gallery on Granville Island, Vancouver

Stay tuned for the Comox Valley Art Studio Tour in November. My shared space at Studio 211 will be open. We are at 2270 Cliffe Ave Unit 211, Courtenay, BC V9N 2L4. Check out Google maps for directions. At this time we are open for visits by appointment only.

Cheers All!….Elaine