Are most artists procrastinators and do they get distracted easily from one project to another (when It's not a commission)?
My, I struggle to keep focused. I get an idea for a great composition one day and start my sketch on the canvas (maybe my problem lies here) and then the canvas sits until I'm in that mood again. I have about 15 unfinished....ahhhemm, let me rephrase that. I have about 15 started pieces and for one reason or another left it and moved onto the next. Hmmmm? 

I know what happens... I have so many ideas and want to partake in so many shows that I start these pieces, sometimes even get the base colours down and then while waiting for them to dry, I start a new piece...and so on and so on.
Then life needs to be taken care of...like taking the dogs out for their walk, or prepping a meal (which I forget to do sometimes.....eating right is a whole other blog topic) and the list goes on...leaving my thoughts and emotions sitting on the started canvas's.
How to break this cycle...because most pieces as of lately are not getting finished and I'm not participating in the numerous amazing shows/sales.

Well, I have decided to post these "started Works in Progress" to remind myself not to start another until these are finished first.... do I really and truly think this will help.... maybe, maybe not. I'll just have a long list of wip…..hahaha

Worth a try right? Check out my wip page...and if you feel like it, badger me to finish that one you have your eye on.

Have a most awesome organized day, peeps.
Cheers!

I have to be the worst blogger of all time. ha ha
​It is definitely something I should take more time for. Sharing my ideas and thoughts actually help me gain more insight about future projects... a journal if you will. :)
Welcome to my thought of the day.

​So, I have decided to upgrade my site here and rid of the old account. (From a .com to .ca) This site is quite easy to manipulate and although takes time to organize and update, I'm having fun doing it. Eventually I would love to produce paintings to sell right here on the site. Easy peasy pay pal option. 
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Up to date, I have painted with a specific show or sale in mind....or I'm working steadily on commissions. YES, don't forget, I do commissions. Many artists think I'm crazy but if you like my work and provide details about colours, the size,  provide an idea (possibly a photo reference) you would like included AND have an appreciation for my style...then it's a win win situation. At least I think so. :p

​A lot has gone on since I posted last. Many shows AND GALLERY SALES that I am just over the moon excited to share.
​A couple more Paint Ontario pieces (which I might add is coming up again shortly) one of which I'm working frantically at right now for the entry deadline. Very anxious to share this one when it's complete.... I took a different approach with this work and am quite happy with it.
​My goal would be to produce with vibrancy and flare like I have always done but with some subtle toned down areas to create some smooth contrast. Most of my works to date carry a lot of bright colour and are "almost cartoonish"... I'm looking to tone that down a little while still keeping my same vibrancy and fun spirited emotion. 

​I will take some more time this week to get my recent show & sale postings up and add titles to all my works... takes time! which i need right now to finish my work in progress....so, gotta run. FOR NOW!

​Thanks for the support. 
Have a wicked day.
Cheers!
Tray
​P.S. Keep smiling! :)

So, I have recently had the honour and privilege to be invited to join one of Sarnia's very talented art groups, called 6+1.
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The 6+1 Art Group started with 6 women and 1 man taking a watercolour course together, at the Lambton College here in Sarnia.
They enjoyed each other's company and had such a passion for art that when classes were complete they continued practicing as a group. They found a rental space to hold the group, and would meet weekly to work on their own individual pieces, offering support, advice and critique if requested. This group soon after, entered art exhibits, shows and sales together.

Over the years, they have expanded to include many new members and continue to meet every Thursday morning working in watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels,  graphite or coloured pencil. Enjoying social chats and even the odd group challenge to continue to encourage, motivate and inspire each other.
The group is continually looking for new venues to display and/or sell their work, and are individually and/or collectively involved in a large variety of shows, field trips, occasional social times together, gallery expositions and  monthly lunch dates.
​

Today there are 30 members and are happy to announce that some will be participating in a month long Exhibit & Sale in Petrolia Ontario.... right across the street from the Victoria Playhouse.
​A must see show filling the walls of The Rooted Bohemian Studio Salon.

​I am thrilled to be a part of this enthusiastic, art loving group, who want to paint or draw AND to encourage and support one another’s work with positive/honest critiquing! 
We are a truly caring and sharing group, and have found that we do not need formal leadership - just a group of compatible  artists who are willing to work for the common good of the group!

Cheers and thanks for stopping by.
​Tray

 An incredible journey the last couple months...it was suppose to be just a "let's just go look at other houses" but it turned into a purchase of a beautiful new home.
​I moved to Sarnia into my now husbands home...it was lovely, he welcomed my belongings (including my multiple bins of arts & crafts supplies) and more importantly, me. It felt like home but I never quite felt it was My Home...so, we began to talk about searching for OUR home...We had been looking at on line sites and shared ad's on social media for a couple years now, but never quite pursued this.
We were comfortable!

​But then, a fellow art friend shared a posting on good ol' facebook.... gotta love facebook! :)
​I viewed all of the images and read the details and thought...Oh boy, this could be THE ONE.
​I forwarded the article to my husband and....well, In short, that night we went to a showing and funny enough,  it turned out to be another fellow art friend who owned the home. Felt like it was meant to be.
This was it....Our time to start the next chapter.

​So, now I sit in MY/OUR new home after a lot of hard labour and mental stress....moving is work!

​I laugh at this moment in time, because I am presently taking 2 courses through the Community College...Nutrition In health care and Drawing Realistic subjects with Pencil.
​Yes, Drawing...I wanted to add a fun art subject to my selection, again. No ceramics this time though, I wanted to do everything on-line.
I thought I would complete a couple on-line courses to avoid the drive and work at my own pace, to provide more free time to focus on myself (exercise and such), and here I am, in the middle of a huge life change. Oh, it's been all worth it though and I am so very proud of my husband and I.

​Unpacking and organzing and all I can think about is getting my drawings completed. Being an artist and not doing art is like not eating or drinking... I am sooooo thirsty.
​I had completed 4 lessons before the move and I would like to share them... I always loved to draw with graphite and although my most love is painting...to be a great painter you must know how to draw, understand the light and contrast and shadows and value.....AND cast shadows and reflective light which are two of the subjects I needed to work on.
​I have been pleasantly surprised how following these tutorials are helping me understand and see this more clearly.
​
P.S. Anyone can take these lessons.... check out "realistic pencil drawings" with Melissa Schatzmann.
​A wonderful teacher and artist. :)

​Well, I must finish unpacking, sorting and organizing... Thanks for reading and supporting me and the love of art.
​Cheers!

Paint Ontario....an art exhibition, competition and sale, at the Grand Bend Art Centre in the Lambton Heritage Museum.
Well...in short...My painting MADE IT IN!    (  paintontario.com )
I first heard of this amazing local (yet provincial wide) opportunity just a year ago. Watercolour specialist and teacher Gretchen Knapp introduced me to a whole new world, in this neck of the woods, and I am ever so grateful. :)

The watercolour class I was participating in, a group of talented artists, all decided to partake in a day trip out to Grand Bend to explore the area...for Art and Lunch.  ​What a wonderful day. I left the gallery with a whole new appreciation for art. Going to an art gallery is definitely something I NEED TO DO more often. Nothing like witnessing all that creative expression and raw skill, portraying Ontario. 
I grew up in Ontario, and although I lived in the heart of Toronto, the country and nature is where I loved to be most. A short drive out and away from the vehicles, cement buildings and light pollution was my mini vacation and 'oasis' (always surrounding myself with water)
The artists who entered this juried show and had their works hanging on those walls...well, they did that Ontario Nature proud, leaving me with that peaceful, relaxed, yet excited feeling. :)

This year I had my heart and mind set, to work on a piece specifically for this ​Representational Show...and so, I rummaged through numerous files on my computer, for that perfectly inspiring image (photo I had taken). When I found my photo, I knew right then,  I just had to paint it.  A PRAYING MANTIS...who would think. Most people would depict birds of Ontario, or Scenic trees and water. Not me, there is something about the Mantis that always intrigued me. This unique, little green, stick like figure, and the curious and cautious behaviour of this little creature. Perfect! Not to mention that vibrant and alarming colour.
I had to find another picture I had taken, to compliment my little friend... perhaps a tree branch? or a blade of grass? or how about a rock? Nope! None of those objects seemed fitting to me. Then I came across my flowers folder and voila...THE DAY LILY. The contrast yet complimentary of colour, provided that combination I was searching for.

Completing my piece, I hesitantly filled out my application to enter the Paint Ontario Show....hesitant? Yes, I fell madly in love with this painting and although I want to show it off to the world, I knew that this show was also a sale.
Would someone else love this work as much as I do and want to purchase it? yikes! The dilemma of painting for profit. Of course I would be honored if it did sell, but if it does not, then I will be keeping this baby for myself. :)

It took a full week (anxiety building anticipation) to hear back from the Gallery...was my piece accepted-juried into the show...the questions; Was I good enough? Was it appropriate enough? Was it even completely finished and ready?
All those questions came to a stand still when I received the email congratulating me, that I made it in. OMG!
I was thrilled, delighted, overwhelmed and nervous all in the same moment. Jumping up and down like a child on Christmas morning. Yay! My painting was good enough, it was appropriate, and it was finished. :)

For those of you, who do not paint....getting an A+ on a report card or getting that dream job is the same feeling...putting so much time and effort into something and knowing you passed the test. ​

This week, I will once again, be joining my talented ladies to Grand Bend, for another day of art experience...and this time, I witness my own success, in the process. Feels awesome! ​

Thanks for reading and supporting my enthusiastic love of painting and art.
CHEERS!​ ​

​
                                            Introducing...."MANTODEA" (scientific name for Mantis)​​

Happy New Year...

A new beginning and new resolutions & ideas...or so i thought...
It's funny how each passing year i feel the need to move forward and try to find something new...a new technique or new style.
But the funny thing is... It never quite works that way.
Just like in my personal life (outside of art)...the same ol' gotta lose weight, eat healthier and save money... sound familiar? ha ha
Same sad song that never really stops looping. DOH!

  I began reviewing old photos  i had taken during my recent travels, read through old notebooks with sketch ideas and even spent time asking friends and family what past pieces were their favorites.
  I was hoping to find old sparks to lite new fires... but, nada!
There wasn't the same passion and motivation there for me, which scared me a little...since i have been so busy taking on- line College courses, I feared I needed a break... a break from everything...But, a break from doing what i love most?...Nope!
Thats can not happen!

I realize now, like every other year and every other section of my life... I fear change, but change is what i need most... or is it?

I decided to go on line, the world wide web and watch various artists' Youtube videos... what is in style? What tools and supplies are artists using? etc etc
I need to find MY THING! I love acrylic with crazy amounts of deatail in bright colour and depth but i also love watercolour... the magic of water and overlaping colours with a (let's call it...) loose approach. And my beads and ceramics... whatever mood strikes me, I guess. :)

When I'm working on a piece, I am in the moment, dont be confused, and i seem to enjoy it, but am never quite satisfied with the end result... So, what am i missing? and what am i doing wrong? or right?

How do i find MY THING???
That is my one new year's question?

I guess, like every year past... we are who we are...I am who i am, and as long as i keep trying and continue to make new goals and find new roads...I'll continue to do what i love, regardless of a "perfect" outcome.
All this time, thinking that i never made major changes for fear of change or just jot having the motivation to "stick to it"
Stick to what? Motivation for what?
I love what i do.......
So, this year... I'm going to just have fun with painting and creating...and THAT... will be...MY THING! :)

No expectations!
No changes!

Just pleasure and creativity!

After all, you can't teach an old dog, new tricks.  ha ha

Yay, The time has finally come to show off some of my beauties.

A wonderful business owner, friend and professional hair stylist offered space at her Salon and Spa for a month long exhibit.  The Rooted Bohemian has been supporting local artists for years now and it's my turn... Yippy!

It's been an exciting time, creating and exploring Nature to get enough pieces together for this show.​​
I have to admit though, Nature is kinda my thing... so I'm taking the easy road on this one. :)

Entertain the idea of joining the amazing ladies and myself at the Show Reception on October 15th at the Salon, or come out when you can to check out my works.

Enjoy!​​​

Where oh where has the time gone? Last post was back in May and it definitely does not feel like two months have passed. The summer will be gone before we know it.
Speaking of summer and time...

I have been having some fun with a painting I recently did, taking photo snaps as I went and compiled them into a time lapse video.
Take a peek on my Facebook page. 
https://www.facebook.com/swanleeartdesign 

ENJOY!