Art on the Farm, August 25, 2012

I'll be painting new creations and selling my artwork tomorrow all day at the Art on the Farm, 10-4pm, at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Stop by if you get a chance and say hello!! Weather's going to be fantastic! Free admission and parking.

Brand spanking new paintings will be on display and being made! If you like what you see, maybe you'll take home a freshly painted piece.  :)

Location: off the west exit of the Prince of Wales roundabout at the corner of NCC Driveway and Maple Drive.

For more info: http://www.friendsofthefarm.ca/events.htm

Inspiration! Preview of Available Works for Sale

This weekend has been brilliant for art. I spent all day Saturday and most of Monday painting. Today was especially inspiring. I finished a commission, and painted 3 new works. Below is an early preview of the paintings for sale at the art shows on Aug 11 and 25.  Individual photos of paintings to come in the next few days.

In addition, I did some of my own art purchasing at the Urban Art Show at Minto Park on Saturday. I am now a proud owner of Jay Sibyl's two amazing pieces titled "La Fee Verte" and "Down the Rabbit Hole". They have made a fantastic addition to my collection. You can actually see her painting on my wall in the below picture.

Recent works for sale
August art shows
(and you can see Jay Sibyl's "Down the Rabbit Hole" on my back wall)

Finishing touches on a commission. Hurrah!

Holiday Mondays are just FANTASTIC!

Loved the energy and inspiration today.

August Art Extravaganza

Exciting art month ahead! Two upcoming art exhibitions where I'll be selling and displaying my art!!!

Saturday August 11th at Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill, Ottawa, from 10am to 5pm. (We've made a public facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/list#!/events/101050413376770/)

Saturday August 25 at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, from 10 am to 4pm. More info here: http://www.friendsofthefarm.ca/events.htm

Both events are FREE! Everyone welcome.

I have been painting for the past 6 months with Hamid Ayoub at his studio in his home. Lately we have been exploring identity in art, and I have been developing a more distinct style. We have increased our sessions together, painting now on Saturdays and our regular Mondays in preparation for the upcoming month of art shows. I have to wire my canvases and find a way to display my pieces (whether on a wire grid or on easles). And make labels! I now have about 15-20 pieces that will be ready for the shows. I look forward to talking with art lovers at the shows; and seeing other local artist's works.

What is really fascinating is how our styles and use of colours influence each other's work. Hamid noticed he has been using more purple in his latest works (my favourite colour); and much of my style is influenced by his palette knife techniques. We paint, discuss colour and harmony, and paint some more. I look forward to our sessions each week.

In other news, I am interested in joining a local art group here called the Basement Artists. They curate various artist's works at the local cafe's and restaurants in centertown. I found out about them from the Buzz restaurant on Bank Street. http://basementartists.org/

Thank you for reading my blog. Hope to see you at either of the shows!  If you are interested in my paintings and like a particular piece, or would like me to paint something for you, shoot me a email at margaret.bennetto@gmail.com

Life is good! Live, love art.

Summer art

It's been a while since I last posted, but the painting continues! Live, love art!

I have been working on a commission for a friend, and have been continuing classes with Hamid Ayoud in his studio. I am going to be exhibiting my work this summer at a few different events (Aug 11 at the Art at the Park in Sandy Hill) and (Aug 25 at the Art in the Farm). To be verified as the details are getting sorted out.

Anyway, below are some pieces I have been working on in the past month! More photos to follow later in the month. Enjoy!!

Untitled pieces
16 x 20 ( I believe)
acyrlic
$200 each

Gift, wee painting

Commission in the works
36 x 48
acrylic

Post Strutting Art Show Stuff & New piece

The art show opening last week was fantastic. Thanks to everyone who came out to the Glebe Community Centre to support the local artists of our community. There were some amazingly talented artists there! It was a great first exhibiting experience - and I plan to do more. I'd like to build my collection more this summer before I register for another show, perhaps in the fall. I've discovered http://artengine.ca/ - it is a great source for call to artists. Below are some snapshot of the show:

Growth
2012
16 x 20
acrylic
SOLD

Renewal
2012
16 x 20
acrylic
SOLD

Vernissage! May 10, 2012

In the meantime I have been painting and exploring some new ideas....Below is a piece I worked on today and I think it is just about finished. In its past life it was three figures walking, but I wasn't feeling it. So I started it over. I am quite pleased with how it turned out.

I am thinking of calling it "Vision".

After:

Vision
2012
acrylic
30 x 40
$300

Before:

In progress
 30 x 40 in

Figures (before) 30 x 40

STRUT YOUR STUFF:
This will be my first professional art show!!! From May 7-12, 2012 at the Glebe Community Centre in Ottawa, I will be exhibiting two of my recent paintings. For a few months I have been exploring palette knife techniques under the tutelage of professional artist, Hamid Ayoub. http://hamidayoub.com/

The exhibition opening night is Thursday May 10, 2012 from 6:00-7:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Welcome to my brand spanking new website! I will be posting my artworks for sale. Please inquire through margaret.bennetto@gmail.com