Ferraro blog

New Beginnngs

2012-01-04T07:33:00.001-08:00

Isn't it great? Every year, renewal, changes and choices. A Re-invention of ourselves.
As an artist, I find a new challenge to further develop my human experience, every year. One year, it was-What, is faith? An artist must possess faith, otherwise, how could we pursue onward? We have to know, our time will come. To that end, this year, my challenge is simplicity. These are not new concepts. But the relevant ones just keep popping up at the right time. So this year, every time an oppurtunity flies in front of me, I'll be asking whether this works in simplifying my life or not? All decisions, leading to unburdening myself from unimportant responsibilities, in order to set myself free artistically.
I call it Permission Pie, Dues Paid.

Talking about what is important this year, for me, will be getting time to paint, and making the most of our upcoming trip to Tuscany, Italy. The lush greens in this pic of watermill plein air painters at Monte dei Bianchi square give me hope for what's ahead in August 2012!

South March Highlands Conservancy needs support

2011-12-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard, I have donated two paintings to the fundraising efforts of the South March Highlands/Carp river Conservation Inc. This group is supporting the conservancy of undeveloped land very close to Urban Sprawl, on the west side of Ottawa. If we look back in history, I think we can easily see how lack of vision leads to large urban areas without green space, let alone other viable reasons to protect habitat areas and more. If you are interested in this initiative, go to www.southmarch.wordpress.com.

What has this got to do with paintings my Margaret Ferraro, you may ask? Well, I have donated this painting above to an art auction, rasiing funds for this project. This painting is of a rose coloured Canna Lily that I painted at The Experimental farm in Ottawa. If you were to come to my studio to purchase this painting, you would pay $2600.00 for it. If the minimum bid is met, this painting will be sold for the minimum price, which is $1200.00! (if no one else bids on it) This is quite an oppurtunity, if you have seen this work and wanted to purchase it. There is also one Ballet study from a Time to Dance, titled Multi-tasking. The retail value of this painting is $275.00, and currently can be bid on for $150.00. Another great bargain, if you were ever thinking of purchasing one of my ballerinas.

The auction ends tomorrow, so quick action is needed. Thankyou for your continued support, bidding is online only at http://www.southmarch.wordpress.com/

Margaret Ferraro 613 839-5241

Pastel Society of Eastern Canada International pastel exhibition 2011

2011-11-28T15:55:00.000-08:00

This exhibit took place at Ogilvys' Tudor Hall, Nov. 4rth-12. Yes, it was short, but 100 pastel paintings, many tours, and demonstrations happened as well. Personally, I have so much to be grateful for. First of all, my piece in the exhibit was a miracle, created in between two workshops at haliburton school of fine art this summer. A gift really. I've been teaching so much this year, and no time to play! So when El Vestido Rojo appeared at the easel, I sighed relief, because I didn't have a piece to submit to the show.

For anyone who was thinking of going, you really missed a great event, mostly free of charge and very educational.

2011-11-06T17:28:00.001-08:00

Halloween

2011-11-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Oct. 30th, Ferraro art studio encountered Spooky mayhem. The afternoon was spent with paper, staples and duct tape in hand. Clothing, giant cooty catchers, body parts with coffins, a chefs' outfit, medieval knights outfit, complete with helmet and visor, sword and shield....were made....and all out of paper.....and IMAGINATION!!! Congratulations to all the budding sculptors who created like mad with me! Here's the lovely imaginative Teaghan wearing her fab creation for her upcoming career as a top hat wearing business woman!

The Barn

2011-10-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

We've had some terrific weather lately, but the worst weekend, of cold, wind, and rain, co-incided with our special weekend at The Barn, in wakefield, Quebec. (http://www.the-barn.ca/). The bad weather did not dampen our spirits. Canadians know how to do this. We know how to make the best of a situation. I don't know what else I would rather be doing than share space and time with other artists, when it's miserable outside.

The fall colours did not disappoint, as we made our way to Wakefield Saturday morning, rainy as it was. Cameras in hand, we had a good lesson on capturing good composition. We moved rightin like we lived there always, pastels spilling out everywhere. We still painted landscape. Emily painted a scene of the woods, right on her easel from the warmth of the living room. I managed to get three thumbnails done Friday before everyone arrived, and used one for my demo Friday night. Even the beginners managed to get home with at least one finished piece.
One thing we won't forget soon was Tanyas' incredible cooking. the pic above is Tanya, explainign the ingredients and methods for her wholesome cooking. Healthy and delicious. (http://www.tanyawodicka.com)%20thankyou/ to all who came and made it such a great weekend!

Friday night demo

2011-10-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Le vendemmia and more

2011-09-26T13:28:00.001-07:00

My Italian heritage drew me to paint at this great little festival in Little Italy, Ottawa this past weekend. 17 plein air artists painted charming little restaurants, street scenes, or the actual grape stomping attraction. As a fund raiser for Cancer society of Canada, groups actually paid money to participate, by stomping grapes in large tubs for wine making. I have a new appreciation for all the businesses along Preston St., and plan to make it back to Biscotti, a mouth watering coffee place with to-die-for desserts. It was also a chance to discuss my trip next August to Tuscany to paint.

It was a gorgeous weekend to paint out. The whole month has been spectacular weather, important for painting outside. Today was a repeat. I'm kind of hoping for some bad weather so I can rest. This coming weekend is our time to paint fall colours in Wakefield, Quebec. I know its going to be great colour and painting everywhere.
The pastel above was my second painting from Sunday, just before I faded away. The oil painting I also included here of a line of trees in the middle of a field near me. I think they are poetic. If you scroll on over to Sept. 15nth, you'll see my pastel study, prior to painting the oil.

2011-09-21T11:21:00.001-07:00

Upcoming fall events

2011-09-21T11:19:00.001-07:00

Pastel Artists of Canada 20th Annual National juried show My Piece-titled Ruths' Blossom, from our own Ruth Gordons' orchard

September 26-October 16

Vernissage Thursday September 29nth

Neilson Park Creative Centre

56 Neilson Dr.

Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 1V7

Pastel Society of Eastern Canada "Les Pastellistes" International Exhibition My Piece titled "El Vestido Rojo", a flamenco dancer from my recent trip to France

Friday Nov. 4-Sunday Nov. 13th (translation: The Red Dress)

Ogilvies-Tudor Hall

1307 West Ste. Catherine St. (5th floor)

Montreal, Quebec H3G 1P7

PSEC Events: Unless noted in red, all these events are free!

Friday Nov. 4rth

Free demo portrait paint around 4-6 pm. ( 3-4-or 5 artists will be painting a protrait in pastel at the same time)

Vernissage Friday Nov. 4rth, 6-9 pm. (often local wineries promoting their products!)

Saturday Nov. 5th

Margaret will be Demonstrating 10 am-noon (promise my demo will be VERY exciting and fun)

William Hosner demonstartion 2 pm.-4 pm ** There is a cost of $15.00 for this portrait demonstration.

Sunday Nov. 6th

Cafe Des Artistes Sunday afternoon

Live Music, artists working within the exhibit, cookies, coffee, tea will be served

2011-09-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

2011-09-17T10:26:00.001-07:00

2011-09-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

renos

2011-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's a gorgeous September day. A little chilly, but sunny. But I am stuck at home. My house is being washed. Yes, that's right. It's been 18 years, and it has needed a wash for a long time. So I am cleaning inside, and preparing for my art classes to begin Monday, while the outside is washed by the pros.
More exciting things that happened this year is all the fix-ups and renovations I've done on my house. The painters who come here will be happy to know that I actually have a sink installed now. Believe it! Photos to prove it. We are moving up in the world.
Yesterday I drew from the model for the first time in a very long time. If I can advise anyone about developing their art, I would tell them to continue drawing at all times. You can't develop style wise or change when you are struggling with drawing. But it happens. It won't take me long to catch up though. Draw anything. People, landscapes, still life. Whatever is close and easy. I say that because I find it a good challenge to say I am preparing myself to be able to draw absolutely anything. But when you paint, paint from your passion, what you love, what excites you.

2011-09-15T06:20:00.001-07:00

an omen of cold

2011-09-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

As beautiful weather continues, it is defintely colder, heading toward the fall, hints of colour change here and there. The cold is nothing for die hard plein air artists. In fact, I prefer it. As the days get colder, the sun keeps shining and I'm not complaining.
Today I'm going to talk about another amazing experience I had this summer. Meeting up with an old friend-the fabulous artist Andrea Ross. Andrea lives near Huntsville now, but for years she lived in Ottawa. I don't even recall how we met, but we did, years ago, over our love of outdoor painting. I always felt I had the better end of the stick, as we painted together many times. That would be because I learnt so much from painting with Andrea. We were a bit die hard-going out in any kind of weather, freezing our fingertips off. Plus Andrea knew Gatineau Park like the back of her hand-we went there often.
When we painted years ago, it was always in pastel and we shared that love of the medium, marvelling at each others work at the end of the day. Sometimes Shirley Black from Manotick joined us as well. It was all good fun, and I relished the oppurtunity to observe what others had to say, their style by which they said, the way they expressed what beauty meant to them. Beauty of the natural sort.
Andrea lives an exemplary life. I dont know any other artist who lives so true to who she is, as a person and artist. It's so wonderful as well, to witness the evolution of an artist over a long period of time. From those early days of plein air painting in pastel, to today, where Andrea is a very fine landscape oil painter. She's a perfect example of being one with her environment. Treat yourself to a view of her work at http://www.canvasgallery.ca/ or http://www.koymangalleries.com/. My aplogies for the fuzzines of the example of Andreas' work that I have included, but you get the idea of what she does, and how well she does it.

2011-09-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

today

2011-09-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

September is my favorite month of the year. Today is a perfect example. It's been windy, rained a bit, fairly warm. I love weather, and this is my month to be outside, as much as possible. I've been painting on location, small studies in pastel, all within a kilometer of my home. That's my goal. To find, and create good composition. It's not necessary to go far. Inspiration can be just around the corner, if you now how to compose. As I develop as an artist, my work becomes less about colour that I love per se, and more about composing well, seeing each image in a whole way.
Today, I painted a field of some crop, striping the land. I'm happy with it. Then I put the finishing touches on three others, and some work on a large oil. You can't ask for much more than this, painting every day in gorgeous weather.
The image of lemons is Stephanie Birdsalls' painting. It was my favorite piece in the IAPS show last June, and I finally figured out how to put it here. I love the simplicity and subtlety of the pallete.
Anyone seeing reds coming on?

2011-09-13T14:34:00.001-07:00

Pastel dreaming in New Mexico

2011-09-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

2 days back from France, I took off for Albequerque New Mexico and the International Association of Pastel Societies bi-annual convention. This was my third time attending this convention. All pastel enthusiasts gather here. There's an exhibition of work, lots of oppurtunity to meet other artists, demonstrations, lectures, and workshops. It was great.
Seeing Fred Somers (http://www.fredericksomers.com/) demonstrate his lovely technique was a real highlight for me. What's great about Fred is his blend of very fine and realistic drawing skills with abstraction, bound together by his lovely sense of colour. Meeting up with Margaret Dyer was also lovely, and watching her demo with such fluency in her use of colour is quite captivating.
One of the highlights for me was going to the accompanying exhibition and seeing a large quantity of excellent pastel work. My favorite piece in the exhibition was a still life piece (Lemons!) by Stephanie Birdsall, from Tucson, Arizona. check her out at http://www.stephaniebirdsall.com/
The soft edges and simple subtle pallete draw me in. Of course getting to meet all these wonderful artists is quite exciting.
My first IAPS convention was in 1997, and in 2011, I am reuniting with other pastellists from all over. I get to watch their work change and evolve over the years. Meeting all the other Canadian delegates was also so great. So many accomplished pastellists from the west.

2011-08-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

Awesome summer

2011-08-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

A Sunny morning is always a good reason to be grateful. So is the quiet after the storm. It's been such a busy summer, and now I am loving the quiet. Still busy, just quietly so. This week Solange and I are painting the entire interior of my house, with the aid of a few friends. It's forced me to organize my ridiculous amount of paintings. It's made me more aware, which will force me further to do whatever needs to be done. Downsize. Simple sounds good to me.
I've been meaning to start blogging for such a long time. So much news! This year has truly been a whirlwind. I'll backtrack to April, when I flew to Vancouver Island to visit my dear old freind Judith Crichton. Judith lived in Kanata for many years, and moved out to Parksville 3 or 4 years ago. She treated me like a queen, took me around to all the cool places, including Dan Grays' studio. That was inspiring. It's always inspiring to see people making the right choices for their life-the creative one. It supports other artists own aspirations. Gives me further permission to live likewise. Check Dans' awesome paintings out at http://members.shaw.ca/dfgray/. We've just recently shared space at "Pastels by Invite" in Qualicun beach, B.C. This show was organized by Dan, and included historically important work with work by contemporary pastel artists from all over Canada. Thankyou Dan!
May is France time. Shortly after my twice yearly exhibit at my studio, we took off for France. This was the first trip I have lead where we didn't go to Paris. I love Paris, but this trip was really awesome. I got 16 paintings done of my own, on top of teaching, and as the sign says, tasting and touring too. This trip was really relaxing, mostly so because of the excellent company I was keeping. My group this time really sank into their work, loving the studio, swimming every single day-hot and sunny throughout. It was glorious. I'll work backwards, and tell you all about my awesome summer, art and students.