Wednesday, November 12, 2014

MY ART STUDIO

By Cecilia Martin

A studio space is a luxury for many artists. It can be anything from a separate rented space where one can meet with other artists, to a corner of the kitchen table.

A few years ago a bedroom space in my home was no longer needed. As it had a North facing window which provides ideal light, I decided to convert it into my studio. What a luxury! I no longer had to pack up all my art stuff when table space was needed, and my artwork was set up, always inviting me to enter, and “get to work”.

As I am left handed, I positioned my white drawing table in front of the window, with the light coming in from my right side. Over time I have found what placement of my palette, brushes, pencils etc. works best for me. Standing on the table I have a foam-core board to place my subject in front of, to give a clear sharp background. Occasionally I pin a subject to this board if I find it needs to be raised or positioned in a way that is otherwise difficult in a vase.

To the left of my chair I have a small cabinet with drawers, purchased from Ikea. Water bowls and my palette are conveniently placed on top. Past artwork, sketch books and colour sample pages are kept flat in the drawers.

I also have an Ikea bookcase, where I can keep my art reference books and magazines, extra vases, and supplies all within easy reach. I find the whiteness of the furniture makes the colour of my artwork stand out more. On a wall to the left of my drawing table, I have taped up tracings of artwork I am still working on. Sometimes I don’t have time to complete a piece one year. Having the tracing there reminds me that I need to pick up this piece when it’s in season again!





Lastly, a very important addition to my space is my sound system. I mostly listen to classical music on CBC radio, but occasionally when I get a bit stuck with my painting, I play one or two of my favourite CD’s to help me get past this.

I feel very fortunate to have my studio, and guests have commented often on what a peaceful and happily relaxed space it is.


Sunday, November 2, 2014

OSBA GENERAL MEETING

OSBA General Meeting
Monday, November 10, 2014
Time: 1:00 to 3:30

Please join us on Monday afternoon for our meeting, guest lecture and social get-together at the Nepean Visual Arts Centre – Located at the Nepean Sportsplex.
The address is 1701 Woodroffe Avenue.  The NVAC is located at the back at entrance 3. (For those who have taken classes with Kerri – the meeting is in the same room.)

MEMBERHIP RENEWAL
It is time to renew your membership.  Please bring your cheque book or cash to the meeting.  Membership fee is $25 annually. If you wish to renew but are unable to attend the meeting please contact Sue Quinn at suequinn260@yahoo.ca 
NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED
NOMINATIONS AND VOTING FOR EXECUTIVE POSITIONS
Current members who are interested any positions can put their names forward to Jan Salmon at jansalmon@sympatico.ca  before the next meeting.  Also, anyone interested in nominating someone else for a position should send Jan those names as well.  

PRESENTATION
Horizon [intermittent] Horizon by Doris Lamontagne.
Images invite you to 'a walk by the water'. It provides an opportunity for reflection
and the need to get off the grid. No cell phone, no computer, and no electronics: achieving the state of flow where time and surroundings converge to a state of contemplation. A simple walk by the water is all that is needed…

Doris Lamontagne’s bio:
Whether as a photographer, an independent artist or a visual and interaction designer she has been involved in art-making all her life. Born in Québec, she lived in many different Canadian cities and in the USA; she made Ottawa-Gatineau her home in 1996. Trained in traditional film photography, she was an early adopter of digital photography. Her work in digital art and photography is shown regularly in art galleries and artists run centres.