Costa Rica bound,......preparations under way

                                         

This is the Quetzal bird, a native to the area in the Talamanca Mountains where we'll be staying for the first part of our trip. This is a gorgeous composition as is, and I could easily do a painting from this. Yes, the trip is plein air painting, but let's face it, no one is fast enough to paint this, in motion, No, there are times when photos are really the reasonable way to go. For that reason, I recommend to everyone on the trip, that you bring as compact and as good quality a camera as you can afford. Photographers come from all over the world to capture the wildlife, the surf, just the wildness and beauty of Costa Rica.   

Here's where I'll be sitting in early February, teaching, painting and wondering/wandering about life. Yep, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the cloudforested Talamanca Mountains. I'm also looking forward to being here, as the owners are artists, and we'll be holding classes in their spacious art gallery. Life is meant to be an adventure, no?

I painted this for Martine, my business partner in all things Costa Rica. It''s a lipstick palm, her favorite palm tree. The red of the main trunk is vivid! This is a quick sketch, done in one hour or less. Many palms still to paint! 

This is us, just getting ready for a sunset challenge. We're on a hill just above the beach, to get a better view of the amazing colours in the fast paced setting of the sun-on the OSA peninsula. Preparing for the big skies and big views to paint.

Getting away from the snow and cold, even for a bit, is something to really look forward to and can help cope with the long hard Canadian winters.  

There is still plenty of time to sign up for this awesome adventure with Margaret and Martine. 

Just click here for more information:

https://t.e2ma.net/webview/7hpb8/6a1d5da6f72535545a9d10a0a24f9093

As they say in Costa Rica, Pura Vida everyone. 

After the show,................Bleary eyed, but surfacing

Last Friday and Saturday, I hosted the first art show I have had in years. People started to arrive about 20 minutes early, and we went strong to the wee hours.  Thank you to all who came out, and to everyone who helped me here and behind the scenes too. You know who you are!

Forgot to take pics as it got too busy so thanks to Ken for the I-phone shots.

 I find teaching Art very natural and easy. To sell my work, especially after such a long hiatus, was a little more difficult for me. I forgot what it was like to receive response to your work, such an important part of the whole process. The purpose and satisfaction I get to experience in teaching is also experienced when you share your art with others. I had forgotten what that was like. 

To come together with the friends I've made over the last 21 years living here, with all my artwork, music, laughter and connection. What more could one ask for? 

Thanks to Genevieve for the terrific chocolate shortbread, to Jivka for the cake, Ken and Uschi for the chocolates, and to everyone for your good wishes and support.  

Here is Enes, a local musical prodigy who provided us with the most magical environs in which to experience and talk about art, as well as just enjoying each others' company. Thank you SO much Enes, and I would love to have you back another time. You have inspired me!

I have SO enjoyed contacting all my students and friends over the past few weeks, and really love seeing you all and catching up. So if I haven't seen YOU yet, I look forward to YOUR visit! 

The show continues on! This coming Saturday Dec 6th, from 1-4 pm., and then again the following Saturday Dec 13 from 1-4 pm., or anytime you want! Just contact me for an appointment when it is convenient for you. I am around! Here's the pertinent info,:

Margaret Ferraro Art, 113 Terraview Drive, Ottawa

E-mail: margferraro@xplornet.ca or phone 613 839-5241

Miracle and wonder of friendship-How did I get so lucky?

       Yesterday, my past employee and life long friend Renee generously gave me her day. We went back in time to the late eighties/early nineties, when I owned and operated Ferraro fine Craft in Belleville, Ontario. I moved to Ottawa in 1993, boxed up whatever was left over from my store/gallery, moved in here, and put all these boxes of beautifully made Canadian artwork,...in my basement. End of chapter.
       The next 21 years have been spent raising children, teaching and creating my own artwork. But this weekend, we are going back to a re-union with Ferraro fine Craft, and selling off whatever I have left, at the prices from 21 years ago!
       My friendship with Renee Whitney began about 25 years ago. I knew her as the kid at the office supply place, who knew where everything was. Every time I went in there I thought,-- why can't I find an employee like that? Fast forward maybe 2 months, I am hiring a part timer, and who should show up at my counter, but Renee, asking for a application. In my head I am saying "You're hired", while out loud, I am asking for references, and asking her to come in for an interview. Over the next year, I learned what an exceptional human being Renee was, and still is. Intelligent, but so much more. Truthful with herself, wise. Generous, kind and loving are other words I would use.
      Sometimes we don't see each other for years, and everytime we come together, it's like we saw each other just yesterday, sharing all our innermost thoughts and feelings, current challenges. Supporting and believing in each other to the nth degree.  This is a rare and excellent person, whom I can claim as a friend, and witness to all stages and calamities of my life.

And now, for the revealing confession and truth, and this is hard for me to say or even admit to myself, but it must be true:

 I am a hoarder

Yep, my name is Margaret Ferraro, and I am a HOARDER. 

Of fine craft work and Art.

If you don't believe me, check out what Renee and I did yesterday:

Course, you can be a part of all this too! Just come on in on Friday, to my home/studio for a viewing, a few nibbles, and some fine atmosphere, provided by a nice little surprise just to keep you curious.(yes-music!)

It's 6-9 pm. at 113 Terraview Drive this Friday night, then 1-4 on Saturday, November 29nth.

And if that's not enough, we'll also be open for busy-ness on Dec. 6 and 13, from 1-4 pm. 

Come share on out to share in our joy and fun! 

TEAM SOLANGE : Little Bird, under wing, then ready to fly,...air currents in favourable direction,...soaring a possibility

 

 Supporting the true nature of your children

 

Little Squirt, pastel 9" X 12"

 

Here's a painting of my darling daughter Solange, now all grown up and living in down town Toronto. Quite the cutie as a little child, the word precocious comes to mind. Solange has always had big plans that never phased her. At the age of -maybe 6?- She came in the house, and ordered me to start plans for a building that would house her palientology museum. It's just one example.
She's at Ryerson University now, studying film, and absolutely loves her program. . From the time Solange was very young, we all knew she was a woman of the world. No boundaries.
Here's something I have wanted to say to parents out there loud and clear, something I have definite opinions on.
It's about supporting our children to make their own decisions and build their own lives. I have always supported whatever decisions both of my daughters made, knowing it is their sacred choice to mould their own life. It's by supporting their own ability to make good decisions, and by respecting their right to be an individual with their own unique visions of life, that we truly guide our children.
Let's put our own beliefs in our children right out front, and support whatever it is they decide to do.
It is with this principle in mind that I now execute Team Solange. This is where I gather all believers and we come together to support, encourage and help make happen, the dreams of one creative bird. That's my daughter, Solange.
My first Team Solange event is a sale of fine art in my home/studio, where I have taught for the last 17 years.
What will be for sale are items from my Art Gallery that I owned many years ago in Belleville. All this work has been sitting in my basement for many years, and I am now letting go. To get an idea of what's for sale, go to the post dated Nov. 14, Ferraro fine Crafts revisited.

hand turned wooden goblets, all exotic rare woods, by Andre Martel

Pottery by many well known Canadian artists

handmade jewellery and more,...

Also for sale at the same time will be a plethlora of my unframed pastel, studies, done while teaching, as demos, or just in studio. Since I've been doing this for 17 years, you can imagine, I have quite a lot of work!! These will all be sold at rock bottom prices, so this is quite the opportunity to purchase one of my pastels, starting at $75.00. Many pieces at $100.00, and a few above that price.

Pastel study, en plein air near my house

7 Trees in my field

I'll also be exhibiting my latest oils as well.

16 X 20 oil, plein air in the neighbourhood

The dates for the exhibition are Friday Nov. 28th, 6-9 pm., Saturday Nov. 29nth, 1-4 pm., and Dec. 6 and 13, from 1-4 pm. If you can't make these dates, please contact me for a private viewing. Hope to see all my neighbours, friends, students, acquaintances. It's a great way for me to see everyone, and show my gratitude for being part of this great community.
To contact me for a private viewing, just e-mail margferraro@xplornet.ca or call 613 839-5241

Ferraro fine Crafts Revisited ** Here's what's available ** reserve items by e-mail at margferraro@xplornet.ca

I am holding my first event, selling these items, plus my own paintings. I am raising money for my daughters career as a film maker, so when you hear the term Team Solange, you will know this is the first of many events to help defray the cost of Camera and filming equipment.

Please join us in this fun event! Live Music, art, and other creatives,..

At my home/studio, 113 Terraview Drive, Ottawa

 

Here's the first 25 samples of handmade art items that I used to sell at my Art Gallery, many years ago. You may call and arrange a private viewing before/during or after the open dates (Nov. 28, 29, Dec. 6, 13) if you can't make it then. I can also hold anything you are interested in. Enjoy browsing.

Think Christmas Presents!

Contact Margaret at 613 839-5241 or margferraro@xplornet .ca

Handblown and sandblasted plate by Thornglass, $150.00

 

             Handthrown porcelain pottery plate, 14" diameter, with handsculpted floral decoration

by Joseph Panacci  $200.00

 

                    8.5"diameter handthrown porcelain bowl by Carole-Ann Michaelson $40.00

 

Porcelain vessel with ribbed lid, by Glenn Gangnier $200.00

 

 

7" wood fired porcelain vase $45.00

 

Monica Johnson earthenware 6" vase $40.00

 

Porcelain casserole, 10" wide, by Joseph Panacci $120.00

 

Earthenware casserole 9" by Lena Meurling $75.00

 

handblown wine goblets with sandblasted designs by Thornglass $120.00/pr.

 

Same! Thornglass goblets with sandblasted design. $120.00/pr.

 

   Handblown glass paperweight $45.00

handblown glass pear with iridescence. $45.00

 

handblown glass pitcher by Clark Guettel  $80.00

 

Hand blown glass art nouveau style vase with iridescent decoration. $70.00

 

Hand blown glass bowl, 6" wide by Clark Guettel $50.00

 

Porcelain paperweights each one unique, 3-4" wide $40.00 each

 

  

  Hand blown glass perfume bottle by Denise Belanger Taylor, with bubble chain design. $110.00

 

5 petalled shape hand blown glass perfume bottle by Denise again. I have a few of these, each one a little different. $70.00 each.

 

Handblown glass paperweight with bubble design by Denise again. $60.00

 

handblown glass paperweight $45.00

 

 

handblown glass perfume bottle with peach colour and sandblasted design by Denise, $165.00

 

handblown glass vase with chain design by Denise $95.00

 

handblown glass paperweight with hand sculpted glass lily encased $90.00

 

Carol-Ann Michaelson porcelain pitcher, $45.00

 

This is a sampling only! If you are interested in any of these items, please contact me, and definitely come to our event on Friday Nov. 28th, from 6-9 pm. 

 

Martine and Margaret, at it again! Costa Rica 2015, here we come!

 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP, CLICK HERE:

https://t.e2ma.net/webview/7hpb8/6a1d5da6f72535545a9d10a0a24f9093

 

 

dream team 2014

 

This photo takes me back, immediately, to a lush gorgeous dream like memory of existing in the dew, the mist, the greenery,  birds, flowers, colours, smells, beauty and miracle of Costa Rica. Here we are group, 2014, at Mont Azul, in the Chirrippo Mountains.
As the snow flies today, thinking about Costa Rica becomes even more tangible. This is my third year going back. Every year, I get a little more knowledgeable, a little more in awe.
This year, we are going to a volcano-a first for my group, and for me. One of earths' wonders.

 

Poas Volcano, destination on Day 1

 After that, we are off to the Talamanca Mountain range with huge vistas, for a big view on life.

 

 One of the things I am really looking forward to seeing (and haven't yet in C.R.) is the Quetzel bird, indigenous to this area.

 

 

Isn't this the most beautiful and elegant bird, ever?! 

Next stop, the OSA Peninsula,...

 

beaches, McCaws, monkeys, waterfalls, dragonflies,...I could go on and on,...