Thursday, April 25, 2019

Hello, my name is...

Over the past week or so, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of you in the gallery. And while I may look familiar to some, I will be meeting many of you for the first time. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Andre Dumont, and I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be joining the team here at Argyle Fine Art! I have a background in both visual art and theatre. I'm a maker and volunteer with the Dartmouth Players. I enjoy building props and designing sets for the Sawmill Playhouse.

I have an interest in painting, printmaking and 3D design. I'm originally from Stephenville, Newfoundland but have been living in Nova Scotia for over a decade.  I currently call Downtown Dartmouth home. I have over ten years experience working within the Arts community of Halifax and it's commercial art galleries. It has been a great honour to have met and worked with so many talented artists over the years.


 

I’m excited to continue this tradition as Argyle Fine Art’s newest staff member.  I would like to thank Adriana for this opportunity, and Claire for showing me the ropes last week.  I still have some catching up to do, but I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from such a wonderful team!

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Bringing the Light: Isobel Hamilton

Today we are launching the beginning of the latest paintings by Isobel Hamilton. This is very exciting, as it's Isobel's first solo show with us and we are delighted!  A lot of people may not consider what it takes to make a painting. So often we just assume it some how "happens". Sometimes a popular question of artists is "How long did that take you to make?", which is also a difficult question to answer as paintings begin long before the paint hits the canvas.

It all starts as an idea and then selecting your supplies considering what mediums you will use and compositions. In Isobel's case, she even went as far as building her very own surfaces.


Sawing sawing....

Measuring and installing....

Then the sketching and planning of colour palettes is considered. Lots of trials and errors can occur before the first brush stroke of the painting even begins.

It's scary beginning anything new, but the artist has to begin somewhere and see where the painting takes them. Here's a first look at a painting by Isobel that's included in the show. We love seeing progress shots, don't you?


Starting to take shape!


There's always a moment when an artist can second guess themselves and they aren't sure if the painting is turning out the way they intended. But the artist keeps working and gets back from the easel for some perspective. In the day and age of social media, they often will share the work in progress too (WIP) and get online feedback.


But then, with more work and revision, the final painting emerges and it's very rewarding. Just look at what Isobel was able to capture in this painting! Make sure to drop by to see this painting and more works in her latest show "WARMTH OF LIGHT" by her or online HERE.  These paintings seem to almost emit  their own light.


Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International Day of PINK

Today, April 10th, is International Day of Pink. If you haven't heard of it, this initiative is intended to bring people together to stand up against against Bullying, Discrimination, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Transmisogyny around the world. People are encouraged to wear pink on this day to unite and reflect upon the ways we can all work harder and do more to create more inclusivity in our communities.

Combating ignorance and intolerance starts with being conscious of our own actions and the efforts we personally make to be inclusive in our interactions and relationships with others. Striving to spread attitudes of greater diversity and inclusivity into our schools and workplaces in particular, is paramount in creating safer spaces and greater equality.

As a way to spread awareness, people are encouraged to wear pink. Here at the gallery, we've gathered a selection of works that feature the color pink as a way to stand in solidarity.


Kim Floyd, Marbles on Pink, 4" x 5", Acrylic on Board


Vanessa Cornell, Star of Bethlehem, 4" x 5", Digital Drawing Mounted on Panel with Acrylic Paint

Paulette Melanson, Connections #3, 4" x 5", Acrylic on Wood


George Spencer, Lilies No. 3, 4" x 5", Oil on Wood Panel

Danny Abriel, Sambro, 4" x 5",  Acrylic on Canvas

Caitlin McGuire, Time for Judge Judy, 12"x 24", Oil on Canvas

Jasper Richard, “Cat’s Birthday”, 18”x14”, Acrylic on Canvas

Kim Floyd, "Moon Mist", 9"x12", Acrylic on Board

Gordon MacDonald, The Choice to See, 36" x 48", Oil on canvas, mounted on panel


Happy International Day of Pink everyone! Let's raise each other up!