Year in Review 2017

A Year in Review 2017

       It is always fun to reflect on another year. For me it helps put a little perspective on where I was , where I am and where I would like to be.  2017 was  overall a pretty good year. I  continue to pursue art in its many forms from  creating to teaching   and to  sharing  my passion for using art as part of an overall approach to   health and wellness.


     2017 was Canada's 150th Birthday . Here is me and my husband celebrating with our annual Canada Day run.  Always fun to dress up in Red and White and run through the streets of Temiscaming. The most fun was running through town with  my daughter with a flag connecting us. That was brilliant.

     I wanted to mark this anniversary artistically with  an art exhibit and what better way than  150 small paintings, each capturing vignettes, landscapes, wildlife or people that were representative of Canada.  Each canvas was 4 x 4 inches. It was a challenge to paint small but choosing the  subject matter was easy.  I have been fortunate to have traveled across Canada, coast to coast.  Here is a selection of some of the paintings that  I created. There is a story behind each painting, not necessarily grand   or CBC worthy (actually my paintings did make it onto CBC haha)  but maybe that's what makes it even more Canadian to me: simplicity.

Red Fox Temiscaming , QC

Backyard Birches, QC

Montreal Bagels ,QC

Yoho National Park, BC

Loon, Manitoba

Rick Mercer, Mr. Canada 

Mud Lake, QC

Old Power House, Temiscamng, QC

Peggy's Cove, NS

Lake Louise, AB

       It was also a year of window painting. I love window painting. It  is so challenging. It seems easy but not really. Painting the way I do which involves blending has been a challenge.  What people don't realize is that painting on the inside , looks different on the outside and involves reverse painting.  

     Inspired by my collection of mini Canada 150 paintings I tried to depict  something special about each province and territory on  different windows throughout Temiscaming and  also in Kipawa. Each window was designed to capture either a landscape , wildlife  and sometimes both  and also the floral emblem of the provinces or territories. . Temiscaming is a Garden City  and I thought the floral emblem was a unifying theme. 

 Here is the collection of paintings. Try to guess the provinces or territories :)



One province is missing . I ended up painting it on my own patio window.

Here are some close ups of some of the paintings.

Ontario, Fishing and the Loon 

British Columbia. Grizzly and Salmon and  Yoho National Park

Ontario Lakes and the CN Tower and Niagara Falls

Newfoundland Iceberg

Newfoundland Puffin and fishing hut

PEI Beahes

Nunavut 

Alberta, Big Horned Sheep, wild rose and Athabasca Falls

Quebec   Moose Perce Rock  and Montreal Biospere

      I also decided to do a series of faces depicting our multicultural diversity. Now this was a challenge but I was really pleased with the results. I was really excited to see this project mentioned on CBC as well as including some of the images in a montage of Canada 150. 

     This was a fabulous project  working in the community. Enjoyed by myself in challenging self to create something new and it was  well received by the community.

     Managed to get a few art works published  which is always exciting. Third year of having art work published in CP Hidden Treasures which is pretty exciting as I have been working predominantly in acrylics these past years. 

     I would really like to publish my own work. I wrote a story years ago  ...and I mean years ago and  maybe this is the year to work on the illustrations.  Working on a few other illustrative projects that will finish up this winter.

       I was super pleased to have my art work  "Ottawa River" juried into an online exhibit of the Federation of Canadian Artists. What was more exciting was to have it selected as one of the 14 art works for the  2018 Calendar and  put on the front cover. Have had a few other works juried into the Federation of Canadian Artists exhibits for 2018. In the process of shipping to Vancouver. 

       Although I did my first Painter's Palate: Canvas Paint and Wine event in 2016,  2017 marked the beginning of successful series of painting events. Great turnouts and super fun. I am planning to expand it this year to include more family or children events and parties.  I am always amazed at what people can create in only a few hours. When I look at everyone's paintings , I am so excited by their abilities.  Although a step by step process each person brings their uniqueness and personal creativity to the canvas.

Here are some other window painting projects I endeavored to try out. Lettering ...not so easy free hand. Need to work on that one but it worked out well for this sign.  The tree design was created by the owner but was tricky to reproduce . Initially , it was just going to be an outline  but I felt it  needed color and by adding that as well as the loon design , well the sign just popped out! I love the Autumn Moose design . I was particularly excited to do a moose design for a window. Again reverse painting, so  a little tricky. For those that may not know what reverse painting means,  well it means working backwards, painting highlights first  than gradually working in the background. 

The Dance Studio was fun to design. The owner wanted particular colors in line with their logo  but otherwise, I was  free to design.  I am always nervous at the beginning. I free hand most of the work  so I am sketching on the window.  I don't always have an exact design  as once it starts going on the window   I get a better idea how it will work and that's where the changes start happening.  I really like this design : simple but I think it really stands out. 

Here are a few Christmas designs and an elaborate woodlands themed windows on my own house which will be there until summer lol

     This year  I also started work on some watercolors   and here are a few of my favorites. I love this format as the watercolor sheets are  6 x 9 

     So what's new for 2018?? Well  I plan to expand the painting events  to include children's events and also family events.  I am starting with some new art  courses in January for adults and children . Just check out my FB page  "joanneabbott-artist" .

     One thing I put on hold this past year was my Art Therapy degree which is now a major focus to complete by June.  That being said  I plan to put on some workshops that look at  unleashing one's creativity and  art and wellness.  So lots of planning .

     I have some illustrations that I am working on and designs for paint events. Not as easy as one would think.  I really like to design my own,  so takes more time  to design and  than break it down into easy steps.  But it is also fun to do. 

      I am also planning a few proposals  for  art exhibits  and  am looking into funding. Haven't done that before so  it  will be a challenge.  

So lots and lots to work on.  

     Well it is January 1st 2018. The new year has arrived with a blast of cold air but with that cold air,  there is sun. Can't beat that! 

      So yes  this blog post has been self indulgent but  for me sometimes I need to remind myself  of things accomplished , things not accomplished and  where I am going and how I will focus my  time in the New Year. It is a process I go through every year: a reminder to myself . 

So having said that I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year . May this year be full of wonderful adventures and may each and everyone's creativity  be explored and unleashed into the world..       

 

Mini Paintings

      Working on small paintings provides an opportunity to not only complete a painting in a day but allows one to try different styles and techniques in a small format that can then be adapted to a larger format.  This particular birch tree painting was created using small brush strokes with a double or triple loaded brush  applied to a black canvas.  Birch trees were blocked in with white and detailed only after the leaves were applied.  Simple painting yet effective with style and composition. Definitely a style I would further explore in a larger format. 

          The Loon painting was adapted from from a photo taken while canoeing in Manitoba. It was an early morning trip and the mist was still resting over the lake. The loon is always a thrill to see on the lake  and had to be part of this collection of miniature  paintings.

     Newfoundland is a province I have had an opportunity to visit twice . I love the fishing villages and especially love the old boats resting in the  fields or near a dock .  This one I particularly loved probably because of the colors. 

Each painting here is 4 x 4 inches  and painted  in acrylics.  I will add more updates on project for Canada 150 . Stay tuned. 

Have a wonderful day!

Canada at a Glance

              I have started a project  that is a collection of miniature paintings (4 x 4 ) depicting vignettes of Canada through the eyes of .... yours truly.   I have been fortunate to have traveled a little throughout Canada and am always in awe at the beauty   and splendor in our  own back yard.   When I travel, which is not often , I do love to  witness and experience different cultures but I often feel like the Wizard of OZ ....I want to click my heels ....and repeat one of the more famous quotes in film history  "There s no place like home".

So here is my Project.

             Each painting holds a memory, a story, a moment captured while travelling through Canada.  I have chosen not to just paint famous landmarks but to try to capture vignettes of what makes Canada great whether a person, a place, wildlife  or images that capture the Canadian spirit.   Of course it is from my perspective  and therefor each painting deserves a story to explain why I chose to paint it .

             This painting is of the Temiscaming Shoreline capturing the colorful reflections in the water. My husband and I, when kayaking usually enjoy skimming through the water close to the shoreline. It is by the shoreline that one can appreciate better the rock formations the intricate patterns of water reflections  and at the same time be on the ever watchful lookout for birds and wildlife.

       
                  It is spring in Canada and many of us wake up to the beautiful sound of the Robin.  I live in Temiscaming and am surrounded by woods. Early morning's are still and the song of the Robin resonates through  our small town.  It has been a long winter and we all listen with anticipation as that sound represents new beginnings and rebirth and finally we can put that snowblower away...or not....it is Canada.

What's New ? January 2017

Lots happening this Month. Always nice to start the year with a sold painting  to someone who shares a love of Blue Jays.  

So  far paintings that I have been working on this year include : a few new miniature paintings . Each painting is done on a 4 x 4 canvas. Although a small canvas each painting takes hours to complete. I am trying new techniques and subjects that are more of a challenge for me:buildings, landscape and trees. :) 

I am designing paintings for a new event Painter's Palate: Canvas ,Paint and Wine. I chose the Emperor  Penguins as a relatively simple painting to accomplish for beginners as well as an appropriate subject for a valentine themed painting. It involves simple shapes and few colors. Although a simple design, participants will learn : blending, shading, and detailing. This image is a cropped portion and participants are encouraged to add in their own unique style or colors. 

Working also on a series of whimsical Party Animals. This is the first one and still not complete ...detailing...always detailing. 

Working on a graphite pet portrait. Lots to do layers upon layers. Need to fix that eye :) What a cute puppy. 

Started working on some Cigar Box designs for a special project. I will post soon. Also working on watercolor illustrations for two very Special Projects .

A few Murals coming up. Need to finish them February and March.  Will post as they are completed or as a work in progress. 

School in Art Therapy not quite complete so I will be helping the APHTK(Association des personnes handicappe)  along with the coordinator of the Train Station Museum  to set up their first art show. After over a year working with them, thrilled to be able to display  their  art work and honour their accomplishments. 

Midway into the year and busy which is great! Hopefully starting my final project in Art Therapy and finally graduate with a Masters level diploma in Art Therapy...Yay!!!!!

Year End for 2016

      Upon reflection,2016 was a great year. I have been and continue to be able to  follow my passions in life from painting , teaching art , art therapy, travel  and of course pursuing an active lifestyle.  I feel fit and healthy and that is good. I have a wonderful family and great friends. Can't get much better than that!

    As an artist I have worked hard to develop my skills and focus my art on what is meaningful to me. I have always tried to do everything, from different mediums, subjects and styles and although it has helped me grow as an artist and continues to do so , I  have learned to now focus and build on the art that I feel most passionate about: applying a zoom lens to capture the  more intricate landscape of what we find in nature, the flora and fauna that surrounds us.  I have a long way to go but  I am so enjoying the journey.  

     Here are a few more recent works. The wolf image was based on some preliminary work in an art class I was teaching. The students did  fabulous drawings  of the wolf , meanwhile I was working on a painting.  The reference for the wolf was based on a compilation of photos retrieved from morgue files and an image  I remember of seeing a wolf on Gordon Lake road in the winter near my home. I had just come out of the walking trail with my son and turned to see it at the top of hill looking at us. It was a scary moment but a memorable moment. The other wildlife images are based on my own photos and artist reference photos to assist with details.  I am particularly fond of the Algonquin Park resident...the bullfrog. The photograph was taken by my daughter while we were hiking in Algonquin Park. I am presently working on a series of paintings of this particular frog , with each painting trying to establish greater detail.  

      The moose was a regular visitor on Highway 63 in between North Bay , ON and Temiscaming , QC. Again a photo I believe taken by my daughter. If we are together she is on lookout while I am driving. :)  As much as  it would be nice to see a majestic moose with large antlers, I did when in Alberta, I am happy to render  the  cow and calf which I think are more dear to me. I have been fortunate to have witnessed, through out Canada, the scene of a  young calf and sometimes two  travelling with their mother. It is a beautiful scene.  

     I have had a few adventures trying to photograph a moose  consisting of almost falling out a car because my husband was so excited when told their was a moose and two calves down the road. He started driving while I was only half way in the car. Another adventure was my husband getting charged by a moose when he got out of a kayak . We had been following, in our kayaks,  the movement of a moose and her calf along the shores edge of Kearney Lake , while camping at Algonquin Park. We lost site of them and we didn't realize that they had crossed a marshy area...my husband got out, on to shore and then we heard the crashing of the cow.  I never saw my husband move so fast, to get back into the kayak. A little scary , but funny also to watch. 

       The Dragonfly is rendered on a palette knife background. Designed from a close up photo  of a dragonfly, taken while walking along the bike path in Temiscaming. Often  there are so many flitting across the bike path  during the summer and as common as they may appear they are still one of the most magnificent creatures.

     

  The Blue Jay painting was designed from some images I had photographed from my backyard. The initial one is a 4 x 4  and was painting for a project i am presently working on Canada at  150 . The second Blue Jay is an 8 x 10 and has greater detail through layering and glazing. The Blue Jay is a special bird  not only for its vibrant color and familiar sounds most prominent in the autumn and winter but also because it was my Mother's favourite bird. Still have a little work to do but fairly complete.

This past year I ordered 150 mini canvases for a project of 150 paintings depicting my travels across Canada , including images of wildlife seen throughout these travels.  The images below are some initial paintings that may be included in this project . They are not all complete but it is a start. To complete this project by end of May , which is my goal..I will have to complete at least one per day.  I am glad i started early :)  

   

      This year I also worked more on my Bangle designs. I am happy to say I was commissioned for a few very interesting Bangles , but for most I was provided free reign to design as I wished. My goal this year is to better market these bangles  and sell online.  I may require a hand model :) and better photography. Most designs are done using bold colors and patterns and a few reflect my passion for wildlife. 

     Window painting which I do annually near the Holiday season was a great success. I am always nervous at the beginning. Probably because it is so public and I am shy by nature. The first brush strokes are always shaky until I get into a rhythm.  I always like to establish a theme and then design and them away I go. One window was inspired by our town hosting the Regional Quebec games in 2017. It was a fun window to design ...simple but colorful. I was asked to do a Holiday train which was super fun to design and paint.  I always do Station Beaute , a hair salon, and the window reflects the elegance of her own decor.  I suggested an owl design and that had to mean a snowy owl. It was a tricky design for  reverse painting the owl,  but turned out quite nice.

     2016 marked my first Painter's Palate: Canvas , Paint and Wine event held at the Kipawa Community Hall. I had wanted to do this for over a year and a half but somewhat anxious to take it  on myself. There were a few people that encouraged me and helped me along the way and for that i am thankful. it was a great success. I designed a winter scene,  very tranquil and allowed each participant the opportunity to learn some new techniques and yet simple enough to ensure a successful painting experience for every one.

      I was so excited by all the beautiful paintings created. Same design , yet all wonderfully different. I am presently preparing for another event in February and am available for private painting parties. My goal is a catalogue of paintings for people to chose from reflecting the seasons, holidays , special events , etc.. 

      I was also a participant this year in the Strathmore Papers, Pass the Journal Project : a collaborative effort of artists around the world to contribute a page spread and then pass on to another contributing artist. Thrilled to be included.  I chose to illustrate using acrylics and pen , the Northern Gannets that I was fortunate to see while traveling in Gaspé , Quebec. 

This year I also resumed some decorative painting during the Holiday Season, taking orders for custom designed ornaments.

     My goal is to continue to design new ornaments and market online .  I have lots of ideas for designs but need to  devote more time to developing these ideas.

      I am super excited about my art classes that I teach from my home studio.  I really love teaching small groups and sharing tips and techniques. I am planning more classes and possibly a drop in for beginner adults for painting projects.

      2016 marked my almost completion of my Art Therapy degree but because I was busy with numerous projects this will wait till 2017. I am not in a rush.

     So I really did have a great year. Sometimes it takes a little reflection to remind ourselves. 2017 is already filling up with numerous and exciting projects. On a personal note this year will physically be challenging as I hope to complete my third marathon , most likely Ottawa and the Commander Challenge at the Army run in Ottawa in September ( running a 5 km run and then a half marathon , one after the other) and finally a Spartan Race again in Ottawa....Ottawa is the place to be as Canada is 150 this year!!!!!!

      Finally I was super excited to see my sister's new book Undead Apocalypse  which included a photo of  Liam. :) Congrats to my sister for her tireless work on authoring  and contributing  to so many books. She is a force! May the Force be with her!

Day four of 2017...Bring it on!!!!!