doodling my way from dark to light...

I am on the verge of creating some new work, probably continuing on the theme of motherhood or home life or something familiar and real right now. They say "paint what you know." Well, what I know right now is a big pregnant belly and three busy kids.

But first. I have to get over my real aggravation with Kathleen Wynne's sabatoge of the family. The sneaky, subtle and subversive attacks on the very thing that takes up all my time and energy--I'm so done with it. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, maybe you don't live in Ontario. Sigh...anyway...

No one wants artwork that oozes bitterness hanging in their home--much less do I need a reminder of that on my easel. Plus, whining under the pressure doesn't seem overly honourable. There must be a helpful way to think through the reasons why family life is beautiful, important, valuable. The honest truth is, right now I often have trouble seeing it myself. Maybe that's why people call this stage being "in the trenches" of motherhood.

SO.

Until that gets processed into something positive...

I thought I'd catch up on the blog.

This spring I had a wonderful opportunity to create a commissioned piece for a friend. Doesn't this just lighten the mood :) It was a joy to paint!

Portrait of a young boy, Waterton National Park, Alberta.
18 x 24" Acrylic Painting on wood panel.

I began by selecting the photo below out of a handful of excellent options. Then I felt I needed some inspiration as far as the colour palette and brushwork went, so I kept this image of a Monet painting beside me almost the whole time.

One of the reference photos I worked with, alongside a painting by Monet.

Maybe you can see how my painting was influenced by this.

Detail of Acrylic Painting.

Following this painting, I was busy with three weeks of Art Camp--too. much. fun! A separate blog post about that is in the works.

One final quick thing to show you. Recently, Flagship Gallery launched a new website which shows off a lot more artwork than the old site. You can also buy prints and originals, and support this fantastic group of artists I am blessed to call friends! Here's a look at the page showcasing some of my work. 

www.flagshipgallery.com

Thanks for reading!

LS

Flagship: Under the Big Red Awning...

Some photos from last week, before and after completion of 237 James Street North.

Top: a few good men, comtemplating how to tackle the gallery facade.
Bottom Right: Visionary and head of the Semaphore Fellowship, James Tughan,
catching some fresh air on opening night.

The kiddos on Flagship's opening night.

The gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from 12-5pm, and Saturday from 11-5. Hope you can stop by for a visit sometime! The member's show--which anyone in attendance last Friday night can attest to is FANTASTIC-- is showing until June 26th. I have one piece on display, and plan to have some new work to show next time. 

Art Crawl is this Friday night, so we'll be open LATE along with the rest of the galleries on the street---I think around 11pm.

Cheers,

LS

Flagship Gallery GRAND OPENING!

[Yes, the gallery's name has changed. We like to keep friends on James Street, especially with Mixed Media's shop owner.]

Tomorrow the storefront sign will convert--not magically, but by the mighty arm of some strong fellows--from a tired old grocery mart to the stunning and polished Flagship Gallery.

I am so excited!!

Dear husband et al sign-installers: thank you for your muscles!!

This invitation is extended to all members of the faith community interested in seeing some fantastic art.

Parking can be found on any of the many side-streets, or on James Street North if you're part of the special 2% who always seem to find a good space....

THIS FRIDAY, from 7 to 9pm. It will be good.

Please join me!

LS

P.S. the regular Art Crawl will be happening the following Friday, June 14th.

Spring Sketches

"Wuff! Wuff" ... my 1 year old little girl was very excited about this drawing.

Chalk pastel is an easy thing to work with when kids are around. I am a GOOD sharer. Just don't touch my drawing--or you will see my authoritative side...

Tucker (Portrait of a Boxer Dog), chalk pastel on mat board.
Approx. 9 x 12"
Copyright 2013 Lisa Smouter

To gear up for summer, kids and teens are welcome to visit the studio for a few hours of drawing or painting. It's another Studio Day, which has been a long time coming! We'll get creative with a box of TimBits...or rather, with our hearts, minds and art supplies. The TimBits can just be some good old-fashioned fuel.... :)

Please spread the word to friends or family who may be interested!

Email me for details, or to sign up.

And of course, I'm still accepting registrations for summer Art Camp! You can visit www.artandmusicstudio.com/artcamp for information or to register.

I'll be teaching at the Aldershot studio in July (2 weeks), and at Cornerstone CanRC church in Hamilton in August (1 week).

Lastly, some of you know I've recently committed to a new gallery on James St. N. The space is currently being renovated, and we hope to open in June. This means I'll be concentrating more on creating original work for sale.

This past week has driven me to my sketchbook out of need to creatively "vent" -- so perhaps something beautiful will come of it. The heart-breaking story of Tim Bosma has gripped so many of us for a week--metaphors for this injustice and pain have been piling up in my sketchbook....

Until next time...

Lisa