Le vendemmia and more

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.

Upcoming fall events

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

renos

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.