The past month has been a whirlwind of art events! Here are a couple of snapshots from my time at the Banff Artist Residency and the lively opening reception at Gallery 8 on Salt Spring Island. Both experiences were marked by the presence of enthusiastic art lovers.
Gallery 8 - 15th Anniversary Exhibition
Gallery 8's 15th Anniversary Exhibition is a fantastic celebration of art on Salt Spring Island. Being included in such a revered gallery's group show is truly an honor. "Sushi Take Away" will be an exciting addition to the outstanding collection of Canadian art the gallery is known for.
Sushi Take Away, Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40”
Banff Artist Residency in Easter
I wanted to share some exciting news with you – I have been offered my second artist residency in the breathtaking Banff! I am thrilled at the opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty of the Rockies once again.
This residency will allow me to create art in the enchanting setting of the castle in Banff, and I couldn't be more excited to paint amidst such inspiring surroundings. You'll be able to find me painting live in the Mountain Galleries Art Room, which is conveniently adjacent to the gallery. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, I would love for you to drop by for a chat and to see some of my new work!
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Mountain Galleries Art Room
March 29 - April 1
Foxy Online Mountain Galleries Exhibition
Fran Alexander's artistic approach is truly enchanting. She skillfully combines vibrant colours and intricate layering techniques to depict the captivating personalities of foxes. Through her paintings, she seeks to not only showcase the intelligence and cleverness of these timid animals but also their playful nature. By infusing her artwork with their inherent energy, Fran aims to create pieces that resonate deeply with viewers, capturing the essence of these fascinating creatures in a way that sparks playfulness, imagination and connection.
Fran's artwork continues to bring joy and wonder to all those who collect and follow her artistic journey.
Feb - Mar 2024
Working In Series
I’d forgotten how much I really enjoy painting polar bears. They afford me a different color palette that’s a bit subtler. Sara documents my art at Fidelis Prints, and she does an amazing job of capturing the different turns of color. These paintings are heading to Brights Gallery in Collingwood, Ontario.
The Eastside Culture Crawl 2023
The Culture Crawl is an annual 4 day art event, with some 500 artists participating by opening their east side studios to the public. Art enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to come visit and talk to artists in their art studios. It was a blast having visits from art, old and new friends. I had a few new paintings ready to show everyone.
Whistler Artist Residency
Caping off a very busy weekend of art events with an art residency at the Chateau Whistler Fairmont - a highly enjoyable paint night at the Audain Museum and an artist residency at the hotel lobby. I enjoyed connecting with passerby and chatting about art.
One woman stopped to chat and we discovered that we were both working in Inuvik NWT at the same time! Now that’s a small world.
Whistler Cornucopia 2023 - Blanc Canvas
Unleashing their inner artists, and creating a bear portrait with me at the Audain Art Museum. It was an evening of painting, sipping Sauvignon Blanc wines, and noshing sumptuous appetizers provided but the Chateau Whistler Fairmont. The fun-filled evening was a huge success, and everyone left with their wonderful creations.
Gallery 8's 15th Annual Christmas Exhibition of Small Works
Drop by this beautiful gallery on Salt Spring Island, and my two wildlife paintings will be on show.
Trees Of Hope 2023
This fine group of Mountain Galleries artists painted live in the foyer of the Chateau Whistler Fairmont for their annual Trees of Hope Fundraiser event in support of Canuck Place Children's Hospice. Our paintings will be donated, placed on an online auction, and then displayed outside the Mallard Lounge. It's such a fantastic event for a very important cause. Also, one of the few times I get to talk shop...alot.
www.32auctions.com/treesofhope2023
Whistler Wine Walk
Arts Whistler writes:
Experience a new taste of Whistler’s eclectic cultural mix on this guided walking tour. This tour starts at Mountain Galleries. On this guided Wine Walk, enjoy a glass of wine and interactive art experiences as you peruse art at four art galleries and culminating your journey at the Audain Art Museum with a guided tour and short curatorial talk, plus more wine, canapes and music. The Whistler Wine Walk is in partnership with #gowhistler and #fairmountwhistlr.
It was a pleasure to be invited to paint live during the Wine Walk through the Mountain Galleries, and talk with so many art enthusiasts!
On Brights Gallery Walls
I am elated to see my new paintings arriving on the gallery walls of Brights Gallery. They’re front and center, on full view for art enthusiasts.
An Intensive Art Workshop with Brian Atyeo
Using acrylic paint, we explored this medium pushing it in wonderfully organic ways using transparent and opaque layers. The goal is to create depth using strong contrast in both tonal and color value, and richness to our paintings. It was a fun group of dedicated artists who gather yearly to work with Brian and gleen insights into his methodology and perhaps have some of it spill into our work. If nothing else, the beautiful Pemberton setting was soothing for the artistic soul.
Whistler Art Residency
Met so many wonderful people, young and old. A team of young dancers dropped on a regular basis to see the progress on my paintings. It’s nice to connect with people and luxuriate in the comforts of the Chateau Fairmont Whistler. Well this makes three art residencies with Mountain Galleries this summer!
Whistler Artist in Residence
I’m excited to paint live for Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Talking with hotel guests about my art and art process is such a welcoming diversion from my studio solo days. Should you be in the neighborhood, do drop by for a chat!
I paint live each day from 11 - 6 pm in the foyer of the Fairmont
Banff Artist In Residence Story Reel #1
Banff Artist in Residence Story Reel #2
Banff Artist in Residence Story Reel #3
I had fun making 3 reels on Instagram of my Banff Artist in Residence. Enjoy this glimpse view!
Jasper and Banff AIR Fond Memories
Putting the finishing touches on The Skeptic
With the close of my two Artist Residencies in the Rockies, I take home many smiles, and great memories. I witnessed the professionalism of the Mountain Galleries team, chatted with happy travellers, and had the rare opportunity to share my art process with everyone. AIR nourished my creative soul.
Upcoming Jasper and Banff Art Residencies
I’m very excited about my artist residencies in the Canadian Rockies at Mountain Galleries in their Banff and Jasper locations from June 13-19. Engaging with the public peppered with discussions about my art practise is something I miss. Should you be in the neighborhood, do drop by!
Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
June 13, 11-6 pm
June 14, 11-6 pm
Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs
June 16, 1-8pm
June 17, 12-7pm
June 18, 10-6pm
June 19, 10-6pm
https://www.mountaingalleries.com/exhibitions
