I for one get a little philosophical this time of year, remembering the ease of summer whilst contemplating new winter studio projects. Keeping inspired this time of year, I often recall quotes I’ve encountered over the years, the following invariably resonate:
“I think that one’s art is a growth inside one. I do not think one can explain growth. It is silent and subtle.” Emily Carr
“Just to paint is great fun. The colours are lovely to look at and delicious to squeeze out. Matching them, however crudely, with what you see is fascinating and absolutely absorbing.” Winston Churchill
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way–things I had no words for.” Georgia O’Keeffe
…or even:
“Life obliges me to do something, so I paint.” Rene Magritte
When feeling a little uninspired, I sometimes list reasons not to paint: “not enough time”, “too messy”, “My last attempt did not work out”, etc. They all sound a bit lame and that’s enough to get me started!
Ottawa School of Art Portrait Competition
The Ottawa School of Art is thrilled to be kicking off their 145th Anniversary with a Portrait Contest! This contest is open to all OSA members (and joining the OSA is easy): https://artottawa.ca/portrait-contest-2024/
Ottawa School of Art Orleans Campus Critique Night
The Ottawa School of Art Orleans Campus is running an artwork critique on Thursday, February 8th at 6:30pm in the Shenkman Arts Centre, in OSAO’s Studio A.
Current OSA members and students are invited to bring their work, and Executive Director, Andrew Fay and Diploma Coordinator, Adrian Gor will engage in discussion, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
Riopelle x 2 – National Gallery + Library and Archives
https://www.gallery.ca/whats-on/exhibitions-and-galleries/riopelle-crossroads-in-time
https://www.gallery.ca/whats-on/exhibitions-and-galleries/jean-paul-riopelle-1923-2002
Ottawa Art Gallery: A New Exhibition Showcasing the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art
Visions and Views: Landscape and Abstraction in the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art. February 11, 2024 – January 5, 2025
And in the wider world of art
Immersive Exhibitions: Innovation or money grab?
AI: Copyright Laundering?
…and a Portrait Competition allowing AI entries!
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/02/brisbane-portrait-prize-ai-allowed-rule?
At last something uncontroversial: Edible art made from Japanese rice and seaweed.
David and Derick Fage paint together again on Rogers TV Daytime Ottawa
Watch the paint fly tomorrow, Tuesday 6th February. Live show airs at 2pm – repeats 6pm, 11pm.
Break-a-Brush!
David & France