The Beginning of Something New: "Studio Saturdays- Getting to Know Art"

Art is emotional. Art has a story to tell. Art is a form of expression. Art is freedom. Art is about people. Art is about place.

At Argyle Fine Art, we are especially interested in exploring what ART means to all sorts of people from all walks of life; from those that create it to those that collect it,  in our new blog series "Studio Saturdays: Getting to Know Art".  We'll be asking guest bloggers to contribute from time to time, and we hope that you will make a habit of  dropping by our blog each  Saturday afternoon virtually, for a new insight to art.


Today we begin our series by sharing pictures from inside four of our artist's studios. Studios are as unique to the artists that inhabit them. It's interesting to think of how these spaces influence the artist and the art created within their walls. Things are not always as they appear.

Studios are places of work, play and discovery. Some artists work in a very clean, organized fashion that may or may not represent their final works of art, while others surround themselves with things- books, toys, scraps of paper, work in progress, works unfinished or abandoned for years that can act as sources of inspiration or distraction. Some artists have big open studios like we sometimes see depicted in movies, but the reality is many artists are teetering partially painted panels on their laps in their living rooms, huddled over kitchen tables or in find themselves in  a shed out back.

Peering into an artist's studio, you can often learn a lot about the person and their process. Just look.

Artist Nick Brunt's Studio Space- in the shed.

Artist Caitlin McGuire's Studio Space- at her school.

Artist Gordon MacDonald's Studio Space- in his home near a warm fire.

Artist Andy MacDonald's Studio Space- just off the kitchen.

NOW SHOWING: PRE-SHRUNK 2015

Our walls are absolutely bursting with miniatures, as we continue to showcase this enormous collection of wee artwork called Pre-Shrunk. Make sure you stop in over the next few weeks to have a look at the exhibition while it's still in full bloom! Click here to see all the pieces online :)

4" x 5" watercolour by Sarah Christie!

SOLD- 4" x 5" painting by Megan LeForte! (below)

4" x 5" Oil on Board by Katherine Burns! (below)

4" x 5" Acrylic on Board by Tammy Cassidy! (below)

4" x 5" Oil on Board by Shelley Mitchell! (below)

WOW! Pre-Shrunk is off to a Great Start thanks to ALL of YOU!

Goodafternoon!  For many of you  living near in Nova Scotia and along the Eastern Seaboard,  you're probably  home today cuddled up and hunkered down, during the winter storm that is affecting us. But  it's  the perfect day to peruse some artwork online, provided that you are still lucky enough to have power.

We wanted to THANK YOU...over 70 artists that partcipated in Pre-Shrunk and contributed close to 300 little works of art...all measuring just 4" x 5", and all priced at $175.  We wanted to THANK YOU....the art loving customers for buying these works of art and supporting such wonderful shows like these, where so many different artists, mediums and  differernt worlds of creativity are showcased!

A shot of the gallery from across the street at Attica, just as the evening was getting started at our VIP reception for lucky Voucher Holders and Golden Ticket Owners. 

The show just opened on Friday, January 23rd, to a huge crowd of eager art lovers.  Seeing a line-up outside an art gallery in January, in Nova Scotia is always such an encouraging sight to see! The gallery was packed thoughout the entire evening. And of course, that doesn't include the online viewers- with the Pre-Shrunk show being viewed close to 5000 times already and it's only just begun.The show is online over at our website at www.argylefineart.com or here at our blog under the NOW SHOWING tab, or you can just simply click HERE.

The show continues until February 10th, so make sure to drop by for a visit. Seeing all these works in person makes all the difference, so do make the effort if you live near-by. Works are selling quickly and are a welcomed edition to any home or office and make the perfect gifts too! Shipping is very affordable as the works are small and if we ship out of province or out of country you save money on tax too or are exempt completely!

Below find a few WOOL themed ones, especially selected for this cold winter day here in Halifax, NS.  Happy ARTING!  The show continues until February 10th...

BAAAHHHHHH!  These are just so wonderful!  Needle Felted works by Sandy Charbonneau are a delight!

Then of course , there's what you DO with the wool...like in these small paintings of popular knitting stitches by artist  Katie Ryan

And last but not least, this relief carved and painted work by Cara and Max from Newfoundland!

SEE ALL THE PRE-SHRUNK HERE at 7pm!!!!!!!!!!

SEE ALL THE WORKS ONLINE HERE, at the LINK BELOW at 7pm! When you hover over the images , there will be descriptors there to help you tell us what ones you want to buy! :-)

All works are $175...if you see one you love, call us at 902-425-9456 or email us at gallery@argylefa.com

HERE IS THE LINK: https://www.flickr.com/photos/62710153@N03/sets/72157649895026639/

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! Pre-Shrunk 2015 opens at 7pm!

Goodafternoon on this fine sunny Friday afternoon! We're all a-buzz here today, putting the final touches on our Pre-Shrunk show that opens tonight- Friday, January 23rd beginning at 7pm. Begin your weekend with us and start your year off right, with an original work of art by a local artist. There are so so so many works to choose from tonight...all measuring just 4" x 5" and all priced at just $175!

The opening may be a  tad busy, but so electrifying and inspiring...however if you are not much into crowds or just want a second or third look...make sure to drop by anytime in person until February 10th or ONLINE HERE, once the show opens tonight, to view all the works from home too!

Here are some final sneak peeks....See you all at 7pm!  We're so excited and think you all will be too when you see what we have in store for you!

Brianne Williams is such a promising emerging artist from NSCAD- look at that water!

Edgar Allan Poe would even agree that this is a great work - all hand embroidered by Catherine Otto

Resist temptation to lick the paintings, as these little chocolates by Jan Davison are almost good enough to eat!

Sometime clients become artists!  It's true!  As in this case...Carey Bray!! You did it, and we love your contributions this year!

Each piece by artist Kris Webster is an example of using different techniques and materials well! We especially love this 3-dimensional piece!

A joyful show such as Pre-Shrunk wouldn't be complete without a few paintings by Caitlin McGuire!

Yes---that's a very very very small shoe...made into a camper!   You know you want this!  All hail to the mastermind of Kim Danio!

 See how much fun that was? Now imagine 300 works of art all around you...SEE YOU TONIGHT or SATURDAY for best viewing! Tomorrow, there will be treats too!

Even more Pre-Shrunks! The show opens tomorrow night: Friday, January 23rd, 7-9pm

Goodafternoon and welcome to another dose of ART to lift your spirits on a gray day in January and let you in on the best show ever - our  PRE-SHRUNK 2015 show, opening on Friday, January 23rd, 7pm. This will be the 11th year for hosting this show that features miniature paintings, but with a twist. All the works MUST measure just 4" x 5" and all works are priced at $175. Check here each day until the opening to  see a new sneak peeks into the show. AFTER THE SHOW HAS OPENED we'll be posting the LINK to see all the works in the show....there will be at least 250 works!  WOW!


Today's sneak peeks celebrate just a few of the animals that are being celebrated and depicted in some of our 4" x 5" works...

We'd like to introduce you to one of ten paintings by Melissa Townsend:  Say HELLO to Chesney the FOX!

Yoko White created tiny animals using embroidery, in her unique way! We love this little Porcupine!

Artists from faaaaaaaaar away are participating too...like Cara Kansala and Max from Newfoundland!

And of course, no show would be complete without a few cat paintings (we love cats here at Argyle Fine Art)  This work is by Maria Kuttner!  There are a few works in this series waiting for you! See you all Friday, ok?

More PRE-SHRUNK 2015 sneak peeks!

Goodmorning and welcome to today's daily dose of ART with a few sneak peeks of our upcoming  PRE-SHRUNK 2015 show, opening on Friday, January 23rd, 7pm. This will be the 11th year for hosting this show that features miniature paintings, but with a twist. All the works MUST measure just 4" x 5" and all works are priced at $175. Check here each day until the opening to  see a new sneak peeks into the show. AFTER THE SHOW HAS OPENED we'll be posting the LINK to see all the works in the show....there will be at least 250 works!  WOW!


Today's sneak peeks really showcase the variety in mediums that are used when creating a 4" x 5" work...not all art has to hang on the wall or be a painting....take a look!

This is not your traditional take on embroidery! We love this piece and the other two works by Sarah Mosher!

It's a BABY EINSTEIN! Darren and Julie Moreash created two "little" marionettes- hand carved by Darren and painted by Julie. There is another marionette in the show too- make sure not to miss them!

Sculpture in all forms are welcomed into the Pre-Shrunk show...here's one example of the pieces submitted by artist Vanessa Wilson! Awwwww.....

PRE-SHRUNK 2015 PREVIEWS Begin!

 PRE-SHRUNK 2015 is almost upon us, opening on Friday, January 23rd, 7pm. This will be the 11th year for hosting this show that features miniature paintings, but with a twist. All the works MUST measure just 4" x 5" and all works are priced at $175. Check here each day until the opening to  see a new sneak peeks into the show. AFTER THE SHOW HAS OPENED we'll be posting the LINK to see all the works in the show....there will be at least 250 works!  WOW!


 We'll be posting a few sneak peeks each day until the show opens, so make sure to drop by each day for more looks! Let's get Started!

This little beauty is by emerging artist Craig Baltzer and it's such a gem!! There are two others awaiting your viewing at the show too!  This work is painted with oil on board, measuring 4" x 5", and $175

This lovely painting by Paulette Melanson of the Public Gardens is stunning in person! Paulette has a very unique way of painting and varnishing, using acrylic paint. The works often get mistaken for ceramic works. Watch out for all of her works at the show- there are five in total!

The ever popular Gordon MacDonald has done it again!  Here is one painting from the twenty-one he has submitted for the exhibit. Just wait until you see them all!!  They all measure 4" x 5" and are oil on copper, $175 each. 

Believe it or not, there is usually a line-up outside our doors to get a first glimpse at the little paintings. But the first people to see them are our Pre-Shrunk Voucher holders. Although our limited amount of vouchers sold out in November, we are happy to sell a spot in line to 10 others from now until the day before the show opens. The price is just the price of what a painting sells for ($175) but a special GOLDEN ticket will grant you entrance just after the voucher holders have made their selections and get you ahead of the rest of the crowd- only  UPDATE: Only 7 Golden Tickets are now available at the time of this posting) 

HIGH NOON ROUND-UP! Artworks at featured prices, but only until the strike of MIDNIGHT Wednesday! Take a second look!

Hey everyone!  Thanks to all of you who have been checking back each day to see what wonderful works were featured over the past two weeks or so during our HIGH TIME for ART at HIGH NOON feature (which happens in January and July during our inventory times)

Although we were able to find some great new homes for at least half the art we featured, we still have some great pieces still available and decided to showcase them here all in one place for easy perusal.  These prices will remain in effect until end of day Wednesday, January 21st until midnight!

Here they are, in no particular order. As you'll see, we tried to pick an assortment of styles and mediums. If you require more details on any of these works, you can find them on our blog here, or simply call us at 902-425-9456. We look forward to hearing from you!

Until end of day Wednesday, these works by Bryanna Chapeskie are priced separately $195 or together for $350. After that time, it will they will go back to their  original prices of $275 each.

Until end of day Wednesday these works by Bryanna Chapeskie are priced separately $195 or together for $350. After that time, it will they will go back to their  original prices of $275 each.

Until end of day Wednesday, this work  by George Spencer is priced at $300. After that time, it will go back to their  original prices of $425.

Until end of day Wednesday, this work  by Brian Porter is priced at $385. After that time, it will go back to it's original price of $675.

Until  end of day Wednesday, these works by Vaughn Gray are $100 each.  After that time, they will  go back to their original price of $200.

Until end of day Wednesday,, these works by Vaughn Gray are $100 each.  After that time, they will  go back to their original price of $200.

Until end of day Wednesday, this work by Kim Vallis sells for $300 and it's regular price is $650.

Until end of day Wednesday, this work by Mark Brennan  is priced at $600 but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $890.

Until end of day Wednesday, this work by Gordon MacDonald is priced at $585  but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $750.

Untilend of day Wednesday, this work by Nick Brunt  is priced at $295 but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $475.

Until end of day Wednesday, this work Andy MacDonald  is priced at $250 but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $375.

HIGH TIME for ART at HIGH NOON: Laura Kenney and Catherine Otto

TODAY is the LAST DAY for the features, HIGH NOON AT NOON. Since the early part of January, we have been featuring a work of art at a special price but for just 24 hours! The works selected for HIGH NOON at NOON are works that the gallery and artist feel are great works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.

 If you are interested in any of the works, get in touch with us over Sunday and Monday by emailing us at: gallery@argylefa.com and we'll get back to you asap!

Today's HIGH NOON features TWO works by TWO different artists, working with textile. 

The first work is by the well-loved folk textile artist, Laura Kenney. This work is called "Family Portrait" and measures 12" x 20", rug hooked wool and other mixed textiles, ready to hang!


SOLD!

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work is priced at $150 but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $250.


The second work is by emerging artist Catherine Otto- who is becoming known through our gallery and often referred to as the "button lady". She hand sews buttons onto stretched and tea-stained linen, embroidered ever so slightly, then framed in a re-purposed frame (made from Nova Scotia heritage home moldings)  This work is simply called "Large Pink Hydrangea" and measures 19" x 24" including the frame. 


SOLD!

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work is priced at $140 but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $240.

HIGH TIME FOR ART at HIGH NOON: Gordon MacDonald

Until this SUNDAY, January 18th, we'll be featuring ONE piece of art at HIGH NOON that will be priced at a special price but for just 24 hours! (even though we are not open on Sunday or Monday, if you email us at gallery@argylefa.com or call 902-425-9456 and let us know you are interested in any works, we'll be sure to get back to you throughout the day)  The works selected for HIGH NOON at NOON are works that the gallery and artist feel are some of their best works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.

BY POPULAR DEMAND....another Gordon MacDonald!

Today's HIGH NOON features an older but beautiful Gordon MacDonald painting. This work was painted in 2012. It's called "The Wind Over Belle Isle", measures 11" x 14", Oil on Cradle Board (meaning it's ready to hang as is, or you can choose to frame it). As usual, we remind you that we are never able to photograph Gord's work to show it's true beauty, so if you like this image, you'll LOVE the real painting.

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work is priced at $585  but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $750.

HIGH TIME for ART at HIGH NOON: Andy MacDonald

Until January 18th, we'll be featuring ONE piece of art at HIGH NOON that will be priced at a special price but for just 24 hours! The works selected for these days, are works that the gallery and artist that created them feel is some of their best works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.

Today's  HIGH NOON featured work  is by Andy MacDonald.  It doesn't get any more Canadian than this folks!  "Guy LaFleur" (AKA Six Fingers Guy, #10)  is a unique work of art by Andy that we received in 2010. It measures 9.5" x 15", acrylic and resin on board.  This work comes with it's own built in frame, as the entire work is painted on re-purposed board. (see side view below)  SCORE!

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work is priced at $250 but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $375.

HIGH TIME FOR ART at HIGH NOON: Nick Brunt

Until January 18th, we'll be featuring ONE piece of art at HIGH NOON that will be priced at a special price but for just 24 hours! The works selected for these days, are works that the gallery and artist that created them feel is some of their best works...but haven't found a home yet. We'd like to introduce you to these works and hope that some of them find a home with you.

Today's  HIGH NOON featured work  is by Nick Brunt. This work was painted waaaaaay back in  2009...just at the beginning of the zombie craze in Halifax! This would make the perfect addition to any home, where a bit of whimsy and playful horror is called for- perhaps a dining room? The work is called, "Brains", acrylic and ink on board,  measures 18" x 24".   If you love art, Nick Brunt (who was voted BEST ARTIST of Halifax many times in The Coast's Survey) and want to be prepared for the upcoming return to the tv series The Walking Dead....this is the piece for you!  It also has a  surprise on the back of the piece....you'll have to come and see it!

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work is priced at $295 but will return to it's regular price afterward, which is $475.

SOLD

CREATIVE EDITIONS January Prints are Ready for Pick-UP!

ATTENTION: Creative Editions art subscribers: YOUR PRINTS HAVE ARRIVED for January!

As some of you may know, Argyle Fine Art launched an art subscription service in August 2014. Since that time, our subscribers have been increasing, so much so, that we had to add a second collector group. That means that if you subscribed early on, you are part of the Collector Group A or if later, Collector Group B. This also means there are very different works of art released in both groups, and very limited editions of only 50!

In fact, some members of the first group, have subscribed to the second group since we began it...and there are some spaces remaining in case you were interested in extending your subscription or beginning one! 

HERE are all the details about how the program works, with some questions and answers! It's easy and FUN!

Collector Group A " Creative Editions" Print released January 15th!  By artist Brianne Williams

Collector Group B "Creative Editions" Print Released January 15th! By artist Gordon MacDonald

Each month, we curate a different work of art for our Creative Editions Art subscribers, to their delight! We choose different styles of art and artists each month. Below are some of the past prints created. Call us to join today at 902-425-9456. It's a great way to begin collecting artwork and also makes a wonderful gift for that hard person to buy for, anytime of year.