Art Battle 73 Ottawa

Art Battle is going to become a monthly event in Ottawa!

I was delighted to be invited to participate a second time on Nov. 4 at ArtsCourt for its 73rd battle. If you haven't heard about it before, it's live competitive painting that originated in Toronto. http://artbattle.ca/

Twelve artists are selected and paint their best work in 20 minutes. Afterwards the audience votes for the top four artists to compete in the final round.  I was lucky enough to be voted to the final round, along with my instructor and mentor, Hamid Ayoub.  Both paintings were sold during the silent auction, and I met with the happy owners. I went into this battle with no preconceived notion of what I was going to do, except for the colours on my palette and the technique I planned on using.

The Leveller newspaper covered the event.  Chris Pemberton (the co-founder), Hamid Ayoub and myself were interviewed:  http://www.leveller.ca/2013/11/fight-for-your-right-to-art-y/

I love the energy of this event, it's a great meeting ground for emerging and established artists, and art lovers.  Thank you to the AB team for providing this great venue to showcase our talents, and to my family and friends: thank you so much for your support.

Here is a public link to all the paintings created that night : https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201433858383092&set=gm.417610605028618&type=1&theater

First Round, AB Ottawa 73

First Round, AB Ottawa 73

SOLD

I was having a tricky time blending colours with this one. 

I didn't expect to be voted to the final round.

Final Round, AB Ottawa 73

I wanted to try something completely different for this piece. 

A friend said it looked like sailing boats on water.

SOLD

Summer update

I've been lucky to have several commissions and painting sales this summer before I begin my studies in Masters of Art History.  Below are a few of the pieces I have been working on, and one of my favourites that sold. I just started another large 36 x 48 commissioned piece that I haven't taken photos of yet, hope to complete it in the next 2 weeks.

Spring Awakening 2

36 x 48 

acrylic

2013

commission

Completed commission from my cityscape series

2013

Equilibrium, sold earlier this summer. 

It remains to be one of my favourite pieces

 and I was sad to see it go, but luckily it is staying within family!

Art Battle 52 Wrap Up

This was the MOST thrilling art experience I've ever had in my life. Hands down.

Soo...here's the breakdown: Art Battle is live competitive painting that started in Toronto (this was their 52nd battle in their history of battles). I applied a few weeks in advance when I heard they were coming to Ottawa. Myself and Hamid (http://www.hamidayoub.com/) and I were chosen to compete at ArtsCourt, the first time the event was held in Ottawa. We brought our talent and brushes/palette knives, and the organizers supplied the canvas, paint, and palette. The 2013 championships will be in July in Toronto. There were 12 artists total, 6 in the first round (Hamid) and 6 in the second, including myself. We had 20 mins to paint, after which the audience voted. Both Hamid and I were voted to compete in the final round!! It was exhilarating to paint alongside such talented artists. The champion in the final round was Mark Stephenson. After each round the paintings were put up for silent auction....both of my pieces sold! I wish I could meet the final bidders to thank them!!

Below are some photos and information if you want to know more :) I hope to do this again, and see the championships in July!

First round in action

First round, painting complete. SOLD

Final round, in action

Final round, painting complete. SOLD

News coverage here: http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/04/29/painters-to-battle-for-victory-on-stage/

Art Battle Canada website : http://artbattle.ca/

More photos of all the paintings made during the Ottawa Art Battle. Seen in Andre-Marc Pierre's blog, one of the artists I competed against. http://awbwblog.com/2013/05/10/ottawa-art-battle/

Art Battle - May 5

I will be participating in live competitive painting on May 5 at Arts Court in Ottawa, starts at 7pm!

Several rounds where I'll have 20 minutes to create my best work, among 12 other artists, and it is voted on by the audience and auctioned off afterwards. Tickets are $15, for students $10. Hope you can come!

Details on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/231097923699439/

Thank you,
-M

Save 20% off - Limited time!

For a limited time until April 30, I'm offering my paintings at 20% off...

Check out my available works! Can be delivered in person or by mailman.

Contact at margaret.bennetto@gmail.com

Cheers
-M

New Year Renewal

Out with the old, in with the new!

I have refreshed my website with new "pages", making it easier to view available and sold works.

Happy New Year,
-Margo

Sketch 2012: Fundraiser for Saw Gallery

SKETCH 2012 at Saw Gallery, a Holiday Fundraiser

Friday Nov. 30, 8pm-2am. 

Admission $5. 

67 Nicholas St, Ottawa.

I've donated the following three pieces to help out Saw Gallery raise money for their art space. There will be over 175 artists from across Canada, and there will be hundreds of works for sale, starting at ONLY $10!!! A great time to pick up some affordable art for holiday gifts, and it's going to a good cause. I've heard from my art friends that it will be shoulder to shoulder, completely packed, and people will be lining up early to get first dibs on some amazing work.  Get there early if you can! There will be a cash bar too. :)

Untitled sketch, oil pastels and conte

"Go With The Flow", 8 x 10, acrylic

"Crossing Paths", 16 x 16, acrylic