Year End Review

2012 was a  year  I made a life altering decision,  I started painting more.  As simple as that.  So now at the end of 2014  I reflect on what I have accomplished . I now paint more seriously and consistently.   So over the past few years, this has  resulted in multiple showings of my work including a solo show at the Train Station Museum in Temiscaming, QC.  I was thrilled to have a color pencil drawing of mine selected  this year to be published in Ann Kulberg's  CP Hidden Treasures II. 

Two Color pencil drawings were  juried into the Pencil Art Society's Exhibition in Repetigny, Quebec  this past summer. Particularly exciting to have my work exhibited with  other Canadian  and international artists. 

Two paintings were juried into the La Vase Portage exhibition in NorthBay , Ontario .  Both paintings were inspired by canoe paddles along Tee Lake...both represent nature's hidden secrets.  

 I taught this past year through my studio and also had an opportunity to teach in the schools , which was so much fun , part of a new Cultural Program. 

I had an opportunity to do some unseasonal window painting which was fun and challenging to design and paint.  

and some seasonal painting

I  have had multiple commissions in a variety of work and mediums from acrylic, graphite , watercolor and color pencil from scenery to historic buildings to portraits.

I sold  multiple paintings  this past year which is also very thrilling  to see my paintings in new homes , not only in Canada but internationally. 

 All in all a very good year.  I am excited to  embark on a new journey in January, not only will I be teaching art classes but I will also be taking some art classes  for myself as well as  starting a 2 year program  in  Art Therapy, through the   Toronto Art Therapy Institute accredited with the Canadian Art Therapy Association.

 I am hoping to continue with commissioned work as well as producing new art work for sale.  It will be a busy year.  I will continue as well with my bangle designs, which was great fun  and pursue publication of a children's book.  

Art classes will start in January and registration is planned for January 6th and 8th at the Centre in Temiscaming from 5-7 .  In the works are many ideas and plans... I like to make many plans and like New Year's resolutions  some may fall to the way side, but  what's important is that I just keep forging ahead.


I want to wish everyone a  Happy New Year! To my artist friends  thank you for so much support and encouragement and much success in the New Year!!!!!!!!

Art Classes 2015 (Tentative Schedule)

Adult Beginner Drawing  

 Cost:           $80
Supplies:     Please bring your own supplies (Pencil including HB, 2B, 4B, Staedler white eraser and
a sketch pad  8 x 10 or larger)
Date:           Monday January 12th - February 16th (6 weeks)
Time:          7-9

Participants will learn basic drawing principles, tools of the trade , and will work on a few mini projects. This particular class is designed for  those that have very little experience with drawing , may have put the drawing tolls away when in school and would now like to give it a second chance. The class runs for 2 hours which allows for time to learn a few lessons and practise with instructor assistance. Classes are small to assure full support in this learning experience.

Youth Mixed Media Ages 8-14

Cost               $75
Supplies:        Included (Will include paints and canvas and a variety of dry medium materials)
Date:              Tuesday January 12th to  February 16th (6 weeks)
Time:              3 - 4:30

Students will work with pencil, color pencil, watercolor and acrylics. Each class is a little different and the final 2 classes will give the students  a chance to combine atleast 2 different mediums. The student should gain an appreciation for different mediums and how to combine them for different effects.

Painting Classes /Workshops  Teen/Adult

Cost                $20
Supplies:         Bring  your own supplies unless otherwise indicated. Supplies required are based on   project. They will  be listed at the time the project s posted (at least 2-3 weeks prior to  the class)
Date:              Wednesday  Monthly starting  January 28th
Time :            6-9

 Project based painting classes will be designed for beginners , ages 12+  For most projects no to minimal drawing skills required , which allows one to explore different techniques with painting . That being said, I feel a good understanding of drawing principles and techniques will further enhance your  paintings.

Youth Drawing

Cost :             $65
Supplies :       Please bring your own supplies (Pencil including HB, 2B, 4B, Staedler white eraser     and a sketch pad  8 x 10 or larger)
Ages 8-11
Date :             Wednesdays January  14th  - February 18th
Time:              3- 4:30


Ages 12-15
Date :             Thursday January 15th- February 19th
Time               3-4:30

Participants will learn basic drawing principles, tools of the trade and will work on a few mini projects. This particular class is  designed for those that love to draw and want to learn how to render subjects  more realistic. Possibility of combining two classes  ages 8-15 depending on the number of individuals registering.


Painting Parties  (starting in the New year)
Children's Birthdays, Themed parties, Girls night out, Showers , Holidays, Mother/Daughter

Can set up in location of choice , supplies included.  Cost per person will vary depending on project  and time involved to complete project. $20-$35

Gather friends, enjoy socializing, get rid of some of the days stresses  and at the end of the evening  you will  leave with a  creation of your own.  Not necessary to be an artist to be creative , all you need is the opportunity to unleash your creative side. I will guide you step by step in completing a project. You choose a location and a painting you would love to create. I will post different paintings to choose from on my website joanneabbottart.com and my blog site http://josartstudio2012.blogspot.ca  in the new year. (I am presently working on samples to choose from)

Jo's Bangles

I had read an article  a few months ago , a decorative  painter  painting  wonderful designs on  wooden bangles . I was intrigued enough that I ordered  a selection of blank wooden bangles in a variety of sizes. I love bangles.

Unfortunately they quickly got shelved as I worked on other projects. I finally decided to give it a go but what design to use. I like to create my own designs.....so what to do?????  How do you create a design?  Well I often buy swatches of fabrics for their colors , designs etc...basically for inspiration , so I started going through my fabrics....good time to clean up as well. Anyway , I  came across a black and white fabric, with  a touch of red  that I was using to reupholster a foot stool ... I loved the colors ... and thought this is a good start. Then flipping through a few homestyle magazines I came  across a wall design  that looked like swirling ribbons....so this is where the first bangle came to be. Colors from the fabric and  then an adaptation of ribbons..instead  I made them look more like florals.

  I also use decorative painting magazines, home style magazines etc.  for color inspiration ... and this time came across a bathroom design  with a green gecko  so thought that would be a fun design  to swirl around  a bangle.   I chose a lime green color  with detailing in  orange/pink .

Next an orange gecko....then thought of a snake...I am terrified of snakes but I also love their patterns so I thought , what a  great way to  wear a  snake pattern and  a perfect design to wrap around the bangle.

The next few designs were somewhat inspired by retro style fabrics with overlapping designs.

 Each bangle is hand painted using artist quality acrylic paints and sealed with a high gloss varnish . A select few of the bangles have a wrap around design . I like to pay particular attention to detail  when designing and painting.  I will do custom orders on these particular designs as well as  designing new bangles which I will post on my facebook page  "Jo's Art Studio"and website  www.joanneabbottart.com