Going for GOLD: Vote Argyle Fine Art for BEST GALLERY today!

WE LOVE YOU!

DO YOU LOVE US?

___YES!
___meh


VOTE FOR ARGYLE FINE ART  for BEST GALLERY IN HALIFAX in The Coast readership polls, but don't delay...voting closes July 31st!  That's tomorrow..yikes! 

Here's the LINK. Make it so! Thanks everyone!

PS- We love the colour GOLD.

OPENING TONIGHT: New Works by Gordon MacDonald and Toni Losey

We're very excited to be opening two new bodies of work for two amazing local artists tonight- Gordon MacDonald and Toni Losey! The opening reception is TONIGHT, THURSDAY, JULY 30th! All are welcome to join us! 

Here's a great article about Gordon's show, as found in the Chronicle Herald today titled "Capturing the moods of Clouds" CLICK HERE to read the entire article!

Bid on a "Weird Al" Marionette and help the Youth Art Connection

ONLINE Bidding for the "Eat It" marionette is now available by simply clicking HERE. 

We were very fortunate to have a wonderful and unexpected guest visit us on Friday afternoon. The musical and comedic genius, Grammy Award winning and overall amazing human being, known to the world as "Weird Al" Yankovic. He popped by to see some art and show his support for a new body of work by local artist Darren Moreash while visiting Halifax to play two sold out shows while on his extensive Mandatory  Fun  World Tour.

One of the most iconic marionettes depicts "Weird Al" from his music video "Eat It" parodying  Michael Jackson's "Beat It", is up for auction! We're excited to offer this autographed one-of-a-kind artwork of a one-of-a-kind celebrity. Al told us that any charity would be great, so we thought the YOUTH ART CONNECTION would be the perfect choice!  It's a small but mighty organization that works with youth and fosters confidence in the arts and business.Youth Art Connection (YAC) is a Nova Scotia based not-for-profit working with youth, professional artists and community to make positive change. Check them out at: www.youthartconnection.ca  

Watch the latest TV spot on this exciting project by clicking HERE

This is a wonderful way for a fan of the quirky art by Darren Moreash and a fan of Weird Al Yankovic to own a one-of-a kind work of art that can also act as a reminder to play everyday give back when you can. Play your part!

Artist Darren Moreash with "Weird Al" Yankovic at Argyle Fine Art

The eight marionettes by Moreash are hand carved and painted to pay homage to "Weird Al" and the characters he has played in his popular music videos and films. Al Yankovic was very generous with his time and genuinely enjoyed the works and hanging out with all of us for a little while. There was candy and music and of course, a puppet show. The works will be on display until the end of July at Argyle Fine Art and will be online for viewing and purchase by Tuesday, July 28th.  Two have already found homes with fans and one with Al Yankovic himself. We hope he enjoys playing with his marionette when he returns back home from his extensive world tour.

FRIDAY, JULY 24th 2:30 - 5:30 STOP IN TO SEE WEIRD AL, IN GLORIOUS MARIONETTE FORM!!

Click here to see the article in the Metro!

Things are Getting Weird!

Local Artists Celebrate musician Weird Al’s Arrival in Halifax with Marionettes of the man through the Ages

Opening Reception 2:30 – 5:30pm, Friday, July 24th

Weird Al is coming to Halifax so we thought it only fitting to showcase a series of hand-carved and painted marionettes by Darren and Julie Moreash in honour of his arrival between July 22nd and July 30th. These works are sure to tickle your funny bone and remind you that it's important to play and laugh everyday! The opening reception will be held on FRIDAY, July 24th, 2:30-5:30pm, as a lead up to the second concert that Weird Al will perform in Halifax. We want to invite EVERYONE to drop by for some fun.

These unique works have been created based on popular Weird Al music video persona's that Al has portrayed in the past. BEAT IT! EAT IT! LIKE A SURGEON and more! Expect polka and fun and lots of candy too- so bring yourself and your family downtown and party like it's 1984 ish...and beyond! DON'T MISS THE 45 seconds Marionette shows planned to happen on the hour on the hours of  3pm,4pm and 5pm! A small stage was created to facilitate the marionettes in all their glory. LIVE MUSIC will be provided by Mike Diabo of the Urban Surf Kings fame... via the next best instrument other than the accordion...the UKE!

 Artist Darren Moreash had this to say about the works:

 I've been a Weird Al fan for a long time. From the first time I heard " I love Rocky Road” in the early 80's I was hooked. Since I make marionettes of rock musicians and have had them called "Weird " by a lot of people, doing a bunch of Weird Al ones was a no brainer and this show at the Argyle gives me the opportunity." 

 Some Quotes a few  famous people have shared about receiving a marionette from Darren and Julie:

 “I've never played with myself in public before!" -Rick Derringer
"They REALLY are AMAZING!" - Gene Simmons of KISS
"I can chase my cats with it!" - John Cleese

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Jane Rovers

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for our HIGH NOON AT NOON features , where we feature 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 by artist Jane Rovers. Jane mixes her photography with mixed media and her keen eye for design. Jane will be having a solo show with us this August called "HOME" which you are all invited to enjoy in person or online.

This work is called "Electric Field", it measures 12" x 12", mixed media/photo transfer on canvas, ready to hang. It has a rugged look to it- imperfections make it perfect and are intended by the artist.

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $260 and it's regular price is $325

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Mark Brennan

TOMORROW is the LAST HIGH NOON- time sure does fly!

Until July 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 by artist Mark Brennan. This work takes you to the lakeside, on a misty morning while everything is quiet and there is only sounds of the birds waking up and beginning their days. Mark loves to wake up with the birds and take his art making outside.

The work is called "Dawn Near Piperlake", it measures 8" x 10", Oil on board, framed in simple black frame as shown (framed dimensions are 11" x 13".

SOLD Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $285 and it's regular price is $390

 

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Norma Jean MacLean

Until July 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 PEI artist Norma Jean MacLean. We thought this work really sums up what summer is finally is feeling like. Freedom to get outside and enjoy all the festivals and fairs!You can almost feel the warm breeze filled with the sweet smells of cotton candy and popcorn in this work.

The work is called "Cotton Candy Stand", it measures 16" x 16", Oil on wide profile canvas  and ready to hang.

SOLD Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $350 and it's regular price is $450

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Vaughn Gray

Until July 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 self-taught artist Vaughn Gray. This little gem was painted by Vaughn way back in 2008 and has been admired by many, as it's a great reminder of the Nova Scotian landscape. Vaughn is from Yarmouth Country and most of his works are images from places that were special to him as he was growing up there.

The work is called "Richmond Road Pond", it measures 6" x 6", Acrylic on wide profile canvas with painted sides and ready to hang. (these paintings make wonderful gifts!)

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $175 and it's regular price is $250

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Nick Brunt

Until July 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 for all you soccer fans out there! Bring on the summer with evenings games with friends and  twinkling lights. This acrylic is by Nick Brunt. It's an older work by Nick, but true to his unique style and even better in person! 

The work is called " In the Game", it measures 8" x 10", Acrylic on Board and ready to hang.

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $175 and it's regular price is $250

HIGH NOON AT NOON: George Spencer

Until July 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 will probably make you crave a sundae! This oil painting is by self taught still life artist George Spencer. If this sundae looks familiar, that's because it's a Dairy Queen sundae complete with the plastic red spoon. George usually paints from real life- so this was a delicious treat afterwards too!  

The work is called " Strawberry Sundae", it measures 8" x 10", Oil on Board and ready to hang as(cradle board with sides painted black)

SOLD  Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $285 and it's regular price is $395

HIGH NOON at NOON: Gregg Tracey

Until July 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 a renaissance man....Gregg Tracey.  I can Gregg this because he can really do anything he sets his mind to! He is first and foremost known to most as a master printmaker, but he is also a woodworker, carver, painter, jewellery maker, farmer, musician....the list goes on and on! This work is so wonderfully unique! Gregg decided to paint this curious owl on a slice of wood. This work would fit in almost anywhere! He could perch high above in the rafters at the cottage or look longingly over your dining room table...

The work is called "Great Horned Owl", it measures "13.5" x 13.5", Acrylic on Wood Slice.

Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $375 and it's regular price is $500

STUDIO SATURDAYS- Argyle Fine Art THEN and NOW

We hope many of you have enjoyed our STUDIO SATURDAYS series. We're going to take a little break from it for the summer months, but rest assured we'll be back at it again in the fall-sneaking into artist studios and sharing their work spaces with you.

Today we reminisced a bit about the beginning Argyle Fine Art in 2000...on Argyle Street. It's been 15 years since the beginning and in fact we've been at our current location on Barrington Street for 5 years now!  Time certainly does fly!

Like most well-intended parents, we began to keep scrapbooks of our accomplishments, show reviews, funny pictures, drawings...but as time went on, the scraps of newspaper articles have stacked up and haven't been documented properly! We promise to get up to date!  My goodness...we've done so much over these last 15 years....we can  hardly remember it all!  

Tom Forrestall started off one of our scrapbooks with an original drawing...

Here is a shot of the gallery when we first moved in and started prepping the walls for all the wonderful art it would share over the coming years...If walls could talk....hmmm...that's a good name for an art show, perhaps....

 And Here it is as it looks on this very day with the sun streaming in this evening...

And here's a photo of Crystal interviewing a felted cat, which I've included here for absolutely no reason at all. I've just been wanting to post this photo for years! (sorry Crystal! HA!)

 

 Speaking of Crystal...we are also delighted to announce that Crystal will soon become a new mom to a baby girl! I am going to miss her terribly!!!!  ACCCK! Fortunately, she isn't leaving until the Fall, but while she's away we are delighted to announce that artist and educator Caitlin McGuire will be working at Argyle Fine Art. We can hardly wait to introduce you to her! You'll start seeing Caitlin around the gallery in August, learning the ropes from Crystal and myself- make sure to drop by and say hello!
 

Crystal and Caitlin ...with special thanks to the painting by Mark Brennan behind them, setting the scene.

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Briana Corr-Scott

Until July 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 emerging artist Briana Corr-Scott.  This work was one of the first paintings we ever received from her and although it's quite different from what she is painting now, you can see from this work that her current painting styles were just starting to take form in this one- her amazing sense of light in particular! Since our gallery used to be located in Historic Properties, we can honestly say this painting looks and feels like so many mornings along those historic stone walls, making them glow and come to life. 

The work is called "Historic Properties", it measures 10" x 10", Oil on Canvas with a beautifully handmade frame (by Briana's husband) made from black walnut wood. 

SOLD Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $295 and it's regular price is $475.

HIGH NOON at NOON: Trevor Van den Eijnden

Until July 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 artist  Trevor Van den Eijnden. Trevor is one of the most creative people we have ever met!  He's always thinking ahead to the next work of art or idea! He is best known locally for his majestic crows and ravens. 

The work is called "The Dragons"(West) painted with Acrylic, Transfer and Gold Leaf on Board,
 it measures 18" x 24". This work is influenced by his love of crows- who were a big part of his life growing up in Pictou County, Nova Scotia and his new home in Vancouver, British Columbia- where crows and ravens still abound perched on signs and buildings throughout the city.

 SOLD Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $695 and it's regular price is $875

HIGH NOON AT NOON: Angela Carlsen

Until July 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 photographer and mixed media artist  Angela Carlsen.  This work was one of the original works that started it all for Angela at Argyle Fine Art from her popular on-going series of road signs and homage to the road trip of yesteryear. This work is probably the most favourite of the artist- she loves the yellow sky and so do many gallery visitors, but this fabulous work has never found the right home. Perhaps it's been waiting for you? 

The work is called "Teepee Curios", it measures 24" x 24, Mixed Media Transfer on Aluminum. It's even more impressive in person

 Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $685 and it's regular price is $850

 

A THIRD HIGH NOON at NOON on ONE DAY: Stuart Melanson

Until July 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.

AGAIN- the HIGH NOON WORK sold moments after posting today....so here is one last offer for today, July 8th. This offer will be applicable until 6pm July 9th. Happy Arting eveyrone!


Today's  HIGH NOON featured work  is by self taught artist Stuart Melanson. This work seemed like a great choice, as it's starting to get close to the time we can start finding veggies growing in our gardens. Stuart taught himself to paint by looking at a lot of art and reading about it in books. You remember books, don't you? :-)  He especially always loved the style and subject matter of works by Robert Bateman.

The work is called "Radish", it measures 13" x 10" (framed dimensions are 16.5" x 13.5", Acrylic on Panel. It is beautifully and simply framed (as shown) and ready to hang and be enjoyed! 

 SOLD  Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $325 and it's regular price is $475.

DOUBLE THE HIGH NOON at NOON: Jennifer Harrison

It's that time of year again, when we go through our art stacks and discover some amazing works of art that are still at the gallery when they should be home with you! Until July 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.

Because our first HIGH NOON sold moments after posting....we decided to add a BONUS High Noon for today....here it is!

The additional HIGH NOON for today is featured work  is by Jennifer Harrison. Harrison's trademark texture is achieved in several layers. Primed canvases are coated with a thick layer of acrylic polymer, then the wet 'putty' is carved into with paint scrapers, knives and brushes. This work is called "Dark Grey Stucco", measures 16" x 20" , Oil on Canvas. 

 SOLD  Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $685 and it's regular price is $950.

It's time for HIGH NOON at NOON...Gordon MacDonald

It's that time of year again, when we go through our art stacks and discover some amazing works of art that are still at the gallery when they should be home with you! Until July 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 Gordon MacDonald. This work was an experiment by Gordon waaay back in 2012. Although Gordon is known more for his skies and landscapes he also enjoys painting still life and this painting is exquisite! The decision to leave his actual  palette on this work was bold but effective. It's been one of the most talked about small works by Gordon over the years-it is truly unique. 

The work is called "Apple Slice", it measures 11" x 12", Oil on Panel. It is framed simply in a wood frame(with some very small imperfections that don't detract) making the framed dimensions are 12"x  13" mixed media.

SOLD  Until tomorrow at HIGH NOON, this work sells for $385 and it's regular price is $600.

We asked YOU to send us your SKY PHOTOS ....AND THE WINNER IS....

As some of you may remember, we asked YOU to share your sky photos with us via TWITTER or email and hundreds of you did!  It was a wonderful experience to see beautiful skies show up each day in our in-boxes! Gordon MacDonald had a hard decision ahead of him; to choose a winning photo and then set out to make a painting from it!

All of the photos were amazing, and may even prove to be future inspiration for Gordon, but since he had to just pick ONE, he chose this one below, submitted by Shaune MacKinlay via TWITTER.

Gordon has already made some headway on a painting  inspired by this photograph yesterday afternoon....just look below!  There is still plenty to do on this work, but we thought you may all find it kind of interesting to see the various stages of a painting in progress!  We'll post more pictures as Gordon continues to paint this piece!  Make sure to come and see it fully completed on Thursday, July 30th at Argyle Fine Art. Meet Gordon and see his entire show!

Congrats to Shaune!  We'll have your $100 gift certificate waiting for you, to be used towards a Gordon MacDonald work and can hardly wait to see "your" collaboration with Gordon completed!

There were two other runners-up photos, which we have shared below. You can see ALL the photos submitted on TWITTER by using the hashtag #skiesthelimit2015  Thanks to everyone that contributed- we'll be doing this again for sure- so much fun!

STUDIO SATURDAYS- Art in the Park

Hello and welcome to Saturday! As many of you know, we've been writing about studios and collectors for a few months now in our STUDIO SATURDAYS  blog entries here. Today we took two artists outside and made a studio for them - much to the delight of all the dogs and their dog owners! Lindsay Hicks and Caitlin McGuire were great sports at the Victoria Barks event near Spring Garden Road.  We met so many wonderful people who enjoyed seeing works of art being created during the 10 minute portrait sessions.

ART IS FOR EVERYONE...even pups!

Here's a few peeks at our day!  Ah.....what a hard life, eh?

This is Bambi the dog. She has to wear sunglasses because she is blind in one eye. She was very excited to have her  portrait drawn today by Lindsay Hicks....

It's amazing what you can do in 10 minutes!   Bambi loved it!

Artist Lindsay Hicks in her outdoor studio!

Caitlin McGuire got right down with the dogs and had a great time meeting these two- Finnegan and Guinness!

Here's Caitlin drawing a very cute pup...which is actually a dog made from a boot by another one of our artists...Kim Danio!  HA!  

You can find works by both Caitlin McGuire and Lindsay Hicks at our gallery anytime. Both artists are always happy to do commissions of your home or cottage, family and of course your pets!

HAPPY WEEKEND!