Saturday, December 29, 2018

HAPPY almost NEW YEAR!

Hey there...just a quick hello to say HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at Argyle Fine Art. Make sure to visit us again, once we re-open after the holidays on Wednesday, January 2nd, 10am-5:30pm.

We'll have some sales, begin our HIGH NOON at NOON features, announce some new workshops and more! We'd also LOVE to hear from YOU and what you'd like to see more of in 2019! Please email us with your suggestions for shows or workshop ideas!


Friday, December 21, 2018

Last Minute Christmas Wish List


Did you save your Christmas shopping till the very last minute? Don't worry, no judgement from us! In fact, we'd be happy to help you get out of your Christmas shopping bind!

To make your life even easier, we've put together a list of some of our favorite pieces of local art that will help you tick off every person on your list.

1) A Piece of Home 

This painting by Lindsay Hicks conjures all the feelings of being at home in Halifax. We love the iconic smoke stacks, and how this piece perfectly capture the look of a chilly, damp day in the city.

Lindsay Hicks, Cold Day in Halifax 9" x 12" Acrylic on Canvas, Framed



2) Learning Through Art

My First Canadian Bird Book by Angela Doak is truly a book to be loved at any age. Through her beautiful collages made of intricately cut and layered colored paper, Angela introduces us to a wide range of feathered friends, all of which can be spotted in Canada.


3) Art from Re-purposed Materials

Kim Danio's whimsical and charming creations are also environmentally conscious; each of her pieces are made from reclaimed materials like old shoes, boots, and purses! From lobsters, to ski-doos, to fishing shacks, Kim's work will both impress and bring a huge smile to your face.

Kim Danio, VW Bug with Christmas Tree, Reclaimed Shoe and Mixed Media

4) Something Smelly (a good kind of smelly!)

We've been really obsessed with these Christmas-themed soy candles from the Wax Brewery. These candles are honestly unlike any others; they don't have that chemical and gag-worthy fake scent to them. They actually smell so delicious it's almost tempting to want to eat them!



5) Induldge in Some Nostalgia

Kim Floyd's work never fails to pull at our heartstrings! One of Kim's most recent paintings, "Lollipops on Blue" is a total trip down memory lane. Those glassy, fruit-flavored suckers were definitely a staple Halloweeen candy.

Kim Floyd, Lollipops on Blue, 9" x 12", Acrylic on Board
6) Colorful and Functional

Julian Covey's brightly-colored ceramics are such a welcome sight to the eyes, particularly during these short winter days. Julian's geometric designs are modern and playful, and also perfectly functional for everyday use. Choose a gorgeous vase, or a bowl for your cereal! You can't go wrong with any of these pieces.


7) Works on Paper

We have a fantastic selection of affordable works on paper by some of our gallery artists. The works range in price from $50-$175, and are all ready to fit inside a standard sized frame. These are a great option for those looking for a small, original piece of art!


8) Embroidered Delights!

Yoko White's embroidered hoops are technically impressive, and irresistibly charming. If you're a fan of cats, you'll love Yoko's work (especially this particular piece of a cat with strawberries!). Each piece is conveniently ready to hang, making it a great option for anyone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind art piece.


9) Streets of Halifax

Michelle St. Onge's prints of some of Halifax's familiar streets are digitally-printed on archival paper, and mounted on wood panels, giving them a clean, modern look that we think would fit easily into anyone's home. Her work is also a really great study of some of Halifax's historic buildings.

Michelle St. Onge, Granville Square, 12" x 12", Archival Print on Paper, Mounted

10) Mix and Match!

We're happy to help you pull together a few small items to create a lovely gift combo! We have prints, small pieces of folk art, and all sorts of tiny original pieces of art!

Clockwise from top: Print by Sarah Canon, Folkart Bird by Basil Doucette, Tiny Insect Dome by Damien Webb, Painted Cat Pin by Megan Fildes of Pin Action, andpainted leather change purse by Victoria Brumwell.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

To be Joyful

Well suddenly we're halfway through December, and I think it's safe to say that Christmas is really soon! Whatever way you choose to celebrate the season, (or not), it's hard to deny that it's a busy time of year for most people. The hustle-bustle of the city is even more pronounced by festive music, lights, and decorations. Messages seem to abound to "be merry", and to "be jolly"! But amidst all the busyness, are you taking the time to slow down enough to actually enjoy yourself?

Catherine Bagnell-Styles, Spring Poppies (framed), 10" x 13", Acrylic on Board


We recently recently received a new body of work by artist Catherine Bagnell-Styles , and her use of color and expressive brushwork seem to almost radiate joyfulness. Last Saturday, she was at the gallery with us for the afternoon to chat about her work and process. The pleasure Catherine takes in her painting practice is immediately obvious from the moment she begins to speak about her work, and it definitely translates through her paintings as well.



Catherine Bagnell-Styles, Juicy, Too, 10" x 10", Acrylic on Board


Catherine Bagnell Styles, "Profusion" 10" x 10" Acrylic on Paper, Mounted


The bright color palette used in Catherine's work gives them a playful and magnetic energy. From her plein-air paintings done in France, to familiar Halifax neighborhoods, floral still lives, and vibrant dancers, Catherine's work has a distinct style that she has made her own.


Catherine Bagnell-Styles, Blue and Green Dancers, 12" x 12", Acrylic and Mixed Media on Board

Catherine Bagnell-Styles, Field of Dreams, 12" x 16" , Acrylic on Board

Catherine Bagnell Styles, Farm Summer, 11" x 14", Acrylic on Canvas Board

Another one of our gallery artists who takes great pride and pleasure in sharing her creative practice is Kim Danio. Kim is known for her whimsical works made of re-purposed shoes, purses, and boots. It's really amazing to see how Kim is able to envision the potential of discarded items to take on a second life as charming works of art. With the addition of paint and a myriad of odds and ends, Kim transforms the mundane into creatures, little houses, fishing shacks, cars, and more!

Kim Danio, Barn, Reclaimed Purse and Mixed Media



Kim Danio, Light Up Turquoise Camper, Reclaimed Purse and Mixed Media


Kim Danio, Reindeer, Reclaimed Shoe and Mixed Media


It's so inspiring to see how artists who are really passionate about their work are able to share their joy through the inherently joyful quality of their work. At this time of year, it's worth reflecting on how what we do with a good heart and good intentions always comes through clearly to those around us. Throughout this season, consider whether you are giving from a true place of joy,  rather than for the sake of giving into the pressures of Christmas "merriment". As these two artist demonstrate, what is done with good spirit, spreads good spirit! Stop by the gallery to see the many wonderful new works that have recently arrived. You can also view a good selection of new work online here and smaller works from our Postcards from Home show here.

Kim Danio, White Ice Fishing Shack, Reclaimed Purse and Mixed Media

Kim Danio, VW Bug with Christmas Tree, Reclaimed Shoe and Mixed Media




Friday, December 7, 2018

Thank YOU for Supporting Local Businesses!

Wow...sorry we've been meaning to write a blog entry all this week, but honestly we've been so busy at the gallery, that the time really hasn't allowed it which is great news. That means that people are buying local items for the holidays, and we are especially grateful that many of you have added original art to the season.

So this is a "HI and THANK YOU"  and we'll do a better job tomorrow afternoon here with some of the latest works arriving at the gallery, but we wanted to share a picture that was shared with us today of an original work of art that found it's perfect home. Just look at this! Proof that art can transform any space large or small.

 

Hope to see you all at the gallery- each week new works are arriving at the gallery with special artist events happening on Wednesday, December 19th and each Saturday leading up to Christmas! Check out the EVENTS page on this blog for the latest. Have a great weekend!