New Beginnngs

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

                       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

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. 

Halloween

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

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