Sunday, December 02, 2018

Win an original painting!


As promised, here are details of how to win an original painting.   This giveaway is for Canadians only.  (USA residents can participate in a draw for a new OttLite lamp in separate giveaway here.) 

This painting is titled "Three on Lace" and measures 9" x 12" in oils.  I work exclusively in palette knives so there's lots of texture and vibrant colour to fit any setting.   I'm happy to send it to its new owner and this is how to get your name into the giveaway.

Head over to my Facebook page and let me know in the comments on the giveaway post what province you live in and what tradition you love most about Christmas (or another winter festival).  On December 15, 2018, a winner will be randomly drawn and notified. 

Good luck!

Saturday, December 01, 2018

Win an OttLite lamp


I'm happy to partner with OttLite in reviewing one of their newest lamps, the Cool Breeze LED Fan Lamp and offer one lucky person their own lamp in this seasonal giveaway.  Have a look at my review, this really is a very functional lamp for any individual who needs good light to work in.  From OttLite's Wellness Series, the lamp is designed to reduce eyestrain, so for me, having just finished cataract surgery in both eyes, good light is crucial for me to create effectively.

Regional restrictions limit participation to US residents only for this giveaway.

Here's how to enter:

Go to my Facebook page post and tell me the comments what state you're from and why you would like to win this lamp.  If you are subscribed to my mailing list, you get an extra chance to win!  Click here to subscribe

Links to subscribe and to my Facebook page are in the show notes on the video.  Just click the "see more" link under the video.  A winner will be randomly drawn from entries on December 15, 2018 and notified.

And if you're Canadian, check out an exclusive giveaway just for my fellow Canucks to win an original painting.  More details on that tomorrow, or check it out on Facebook.

Good luck!

Friday, November 02, 2018

Remembrance Day 2018

In Flanders Fields  -  SOLD
12 x 36 
oil on canvas

The gallery season is over and after all the taking down of paintings, packing personal effects and moving back to the city, there is a transition to "civilian" life again.   Of course that doesn't last long as exhibitions, new paintings and events leading up to Christmas take over from day to day gallery life. But  before that, my concentration is on November 11th - Remembrance or Armistice Day in Canada.

Fallen - SOLD
8" x 10" 
Oil on Panel  
Click here  for details

Each year I create a small painting of a red poppy for Remembrance Day in honour of my great uncle who died in WWI and of those who fought and died in World War I and II and those still serving in peacekeeping and conflicts around the world.  Poppies are the only flower that I paint and only for Armistice Day, as my subjects are usually boats and water.

Survivor - SOLD
6" x 8"
oil on panel

This year I started earlier than usual with a larger painting.  "In Flanders Fields" is 12" x 36" and sold before I shared it on social media.  So I painted my usual smaller one and then one slightly larger.  Survivor has sold but Fallen is still available along with a couple of others from previous years.  You can view details of them in my webstore.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Gallery Operations I


Bright & Early
30" x 40" oil on canvas

I own and manage The Baccalieu Gallery, in Heart's Content, Newfoundland since August 2017.  So who am I to offer advice you ask, with a gallery technically still in its infancy?  I am learning as I go and hope some of the information I share will be helpful. I want to show you the good and bad sides of gallery operations and open your eyes to the reality of operating an art gallery that you may not know or have not considered. If you have questions, comments or suggestions for topics you would like more information on, let me know in the comments or email me directly.

Running a gallery is harder than I thought.  I mean I'm no slouch when it comes to work but there are some rules I set myself to make sure things get done and still leave me painting time (and sanity). 

1.  Always stay on top of the finances.  Invoices, bills, suppliers, utilities, all those things that make the world go round or come to a screeching halt  need attention.  Immediately.   I have gotten into a routine that ensures there's never a backlog of accounting  tasks to deal with.  I enter revenue at the end of day and make adjustments as required.  I also deal with receipts and bills as they come in, otherwise I can't sleep at night, knowing they're waiting for me.

2. Marketing.   Putting the brand and myself out there is crucial to making a mark in this world of art and galleries who are all vying for the same centre stage.   But I don't want it to take over my life or have me tethered to a computer all day, so I plan ahead.  I have a pretty good ideas of what social media message I'll put out the next day and what image(s) will go with it.   Then it takes me 10 minutes in the early morning and its done.  I don't usually check it again until after the gallery closes.

3. Treat suppliers and artists like gold.  Because they are.  These are the people who keep you in business.  Neglect them and you're toast.  Communicate, encourage visits, respond to emails promptly and provide payments on time.  Basically, treat them as you would expect to be treated.  With courtesy and respect.

Pretty much every thing else under these three topics is simple and straightforward.  That old saying, "Don't sweat the small stuff." is true.  Take care of the major players and all else falls into place. 

Sleep, eat, clean, paint, repeat.

Thursday, August 09, 2018

Breaking Point


Breaking Point
12" x 36" oil on canvas

Its time to get back to writing again. 

A year ago I opened The Baccalieu Gallery and its been an learning experience, mostly good, that is worth sharing with others. I will share my thoughts in a series of weekly gallery posts that I hope will help artists and gallery owners or those considering that option. 

I still paint of course and am enjoying a more relaxed pace of life for the season in the little seaside town of Heart's Content, where the gallery is located.  Inspiration here is at every turn and the ocean is a literally a stone's throw from the gallery.


As always I can be found online on social media, on the website and through email.  I can't wait to reconnect with old friends and new.   I've changed my Studio News to quarterly, so the next one will be emailed in early September.  Sign up is quick and easy from any of my contact points including this blog (see the right hand panel).