Here Comes the Sun - Summer Solstice 2023

 Here comes the Sun...

Amy Crosby, A Very Halifax Summer, Art Print, 8"x10"

Wednesday, June 21st, is the summer solstice! Let's celebrate this moment with the longest period of daylight together - it is the perfect time to gaze at local art until the Sun sets!

Devon VanKoughnett, Sunset Bowl, Hand Painted / Stoneware / Porcelain, 10" Diameter

The extra hours of Sunlight let us appreciate the handiwork of local artists like Devon VanKoughnett! The above "Sunset Bowl" captures the dance of colours in the sky and sea at this magical time of year, yet is the perfect combination of beautiful and functional for all times of the year!

Sabine Kearns, Where the Waves Kiss the Shore, Acrylic on Canvas, 40"x20"

Speaking of sky and sea, some of you may be heading to the beach to soak in the solstice, but this is not an option for everyone...Thankfully this is where local art comes in to let us be in two places at once! Enjoy the above painting by Sabine Kearns, "Where the Waves Kiss the Shore", a wonderful scene to ring in the first day of summer!

Kimberley Eddy, The Pull of the Moon and the Tides, Mixed Media Resin on Board, 8"x8"

The Sun, sky, and sea are all so interconnected, it is fascinating to see depictions of this connection in various art forms! If you can't make it to the beach, the above artwork, "The Pull of the Moon and the Tides" by Kimberley Eddy may be perfect for you, as it is made with real sand!

Gordon MacDonald, Shadows in Orange, Oil on Cradleboard, 36"x36"

Gordon MacDonald's landscapes are always a sight to see, especially with his talent at catching the subtle aspects of shifting light and shadow, as in the above oil painting, "Shadows in Orange"!

Deb Bromley, Birds Eye View, Acrylic on Board, 6"x6"

Perhaps instead of taking to the beach for the solstice, some of you may be getting excited to explore the city of Halifax in all its summer glory! Take a peak at the above scene capturing a classic downtown Halifax moment, "Birds Eye View", by Deb Bromley!

Patrizia Berdkan, All That Glitters, Acrylic on Board, 24"x24"

You don't have to travel far from your home to enjoy the Sunlight and everything that it shines upon! Patrizia Berdkan's paintings bring an exciting colourful and geometric twist to the familiar symbol of a home in the above "All That Glitters".

Annie Murray, Midsummer Dream, Oil on Canvas, 24"x30"

Summer is not just about the warmth of the Sun, it is also about spending time with the beautiful faces of loved ones that the Sun shines down on! The above portrait, "Midsummer Dream", by Annie Murray is just glowing!

Elizabeth Ranger, Starmaker, Watercolour, Gold Watercolour, and Coloured Pencil, 5.5"x7.5"

In this wonderful figurative watercolour artwork by Elizabeth Ranger, it looks like the light itself is being weaved as we speak!

Jessica Gay, Life Gives Ya Lemons, Embroidery on Cotton with Acrylic Paint, 12"x20"

The figure in this fantastic embroidered portrait, "Life Gives Ya Lemons" by Jessica Gay, has got the right idea for summertime! Lounging with lemons is a lovely way to celebrate the solstice...

Yoko White, Fruits, Embroidered Necklaces

Speaking of lemons, if you are looking for something sweet and refreshing to last you the whole summer long, take a peak at these incredible embroidered fruit necklaces by Yoko White! We need all the hours of Sunlight we can get to admire such intricate detail!

George Spencer, Two Peaches, Oil on Panel, 6"x6"

There is something so simple and reminiscent of summer in a peach! We get to see double the sweetness in the above oil painting by George Spencer, "Two Peaches"!

Janna Wilton, Nova Scotia Beer, Watercolour Art Print, 8"x10" and 11"x14"

The summer solstice is especially exciting in Nova Scotia as it means the season of outdoor beers! Here is the perfect art print by Janna Wilton, "Nova Scotia Beer"... how many have you tried?

Paper Pattern Silk, Moon Mist Ice Cream Cone, Vinyl Sticker

Many folks may recognize the above sticker as a true sign of Maritime Summer! This wonderful "Moon Mist Ice Cream Cone" design from Paper Pattern Silk always keeps it cool.

Party Mountain Paper, Find the Light, Vinyl Sticker

While we are on the sticker train, take a peak at the above "Find the Light" design from Party Mountain Paper! Perfect for a little sparkle on a water bottle or any other summer staple!

Elizabeth Ranger, Various Lighter Sized Stickers

Even on the summer solstice the sun eventually has to set...For such a time, grab a candle to light the night along with one of these magical lighter sized stickers by Elizabeth Ranger!

Thank you for soaking in the Sun and celebrating both local art and the summer solstice with us!

Annie Murray - "I Was Always Here"

I WAS ALWAYS HERE

Annie Murray, To Find Grace, Oil on Canvas, 20"x20", $1500

We are extremely excited to announce an all new show with Annie Murray! "I Was Always Here" features a collection of 20 oil paintings from the Halifax-based artist. Murray's work often features explorations into the subconscious, beauty, and our associations to colour. Her new show invites the viewers to shift from her previous bright and playful work into a sultrier and more moody aesthetic!

Annie Murray, My Father's Tale, Oil on Canvas, 10"x12", $550

We can also witness Murray's subject matter changing to reflect a more natural world. Iconography of plants, forests, birds and bees surround her large-scale portraiture, creating mysterious and whimsical scenes that transport the viewer into a brooding fairy-esque dream.

Annie Murray, Not Lost Yet, Oil on Canvas, 10"x10", $525

The show's title "I Was Always Here" alludes to Murray's newfound connection to herself within her work. Her inspiration draws upon her childhood on a rural farm in eastern Ontario, where she grew up with a deep connection to the land.

Annie Murray, A World My Own, Oil on Canvas, 8"x8", $450

"I Was Always Here" is a representation of a collective desire for escapism in a post pandemic world. Paired with her generation's deep romanticism for not only a time before technology but a relentless and unexplainable nostalgia for an epoch of castles, candles and dancing under the moon.

Annie Murray, A Moonlight Tryst, Oil on Canvas, 24"x30", $2000

Born in 1994 on a dairy farm in Ontario, Murray has been inspired to express herself through painting from a very early age. While studying drawing and painting at OCADU in Toronto, Murray realized her path as an artist benefited more from technical based teaching than the conceptual approach taken by the university.

Annie Murray, Midnight Ruminations, Oil on Canvas, 10"x12", $550

Murray went on to study under Japanese-Canadian painter Keita Morrimoto, whose nod to Dutch masters and baroque techniques heavily influenced her approach to painting the figures today. Murray pulls much of her artistic influences from contemporary painters such as Jen Mann, Peter Doig, and Justin Mortimer.

Annie Murray, A Summer Fruit, Oil on Canvas, 8"x8", $450

Moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2018, Murray began to seriously pursue an artistic career during the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns. She has since sold work through digital platforms to private collectors in North America, Australia, and Europe.

Annie Murray, The Glow of Honey, Oil on Canvas, 10"x10", $525

"I Was Always Here" is a magical body of work. We would love to see you at the opening reception this Thursday, June 8th from 6-8pm!

If you can't make it, you can always view the full show online here!

Enjoy!

Annie Murray, To Neverland, Oil on Canvas, 20"x20", $1500

Annie Murray, The Humming Bird, Oil on Canvas, 10"x10", $525

Annie Murray, Forest Dweller, Oil on Canvas, 10"x10", $525

Annie Murray, Moon Dance, Oil on Canvas, 36"x48", $3500

Annie Murray, A Pact We Made, Oil on Canvas, 10"x12", $550

Annie Murray, As it Was, Oil on Canvas, 10"x12", $550

Annie Murray, Midsummer Dream, Oil on Canvas, 24"x30", $2000

Annie Murray, The Flower Tender, Oil on Canvas, 8"x8", $450

Annie Murray, The Enchantress, Oil on Canvas, 30"x40", $3000

Annie Murray, My Little Bird, Oil on Canvas, 8"x8", $450

Annie Murray, Our Farewell, Oil on Canvas, 10"x12", $550

June Bugs and Bear Hugs

 It is the beginning of June! Later in the month will be the Summer Solstice, so let's take this time to appreciate the last bits of Spring together. It's the season of jittery June bugs coming out to play! Why not take some inspiration from them and play around in a garden of local art with us? 

Let's start with this wonderful wood carving by Brian Taylor, "For the Love of Flowers"! It seems that Brian, bugs, bears, and the rest of us all have a love for flowers in common...what will we find next in the garden?

Brian Taylor, For the Love of Flowers, Hand Painted Wood Carving

We are so lucky, it is a family of bears out of hibernation! Take a look below at this stunning work of pyrography by Celina Campbell, "A Mother's Love". What do those bear cubs see?

Celina Campbell, A Mother's Love, Pyrography, 9.5"x13"

The cubs got to open their eyes to fresh daisies, just painted by Raquel Roth! This beautiful piece is truly a breathe of fresh Spring air! Let's keep wandering...

Raquel Roth, Fresh as a Daisy, Acrylic on Canvas, 10"x10"

Look at this! It must be snack time for some elves and fairies...Take a look at this matching platter and bowl set by Devon VanKoughnett! Devon's stoneware makes everyday activities feel magical.

Devon VanKoughnett, Ruffle Turtle Platter with Bowl, Hand-painted/Stoneware/Porcelain

Surprise! A new silkscreen print by Geordan Moore found its way into the garden! This sweet fox is full of the spirit of Spring...meet some of their friends below! 

Geordan Moore, Jumping Fox, Silkscreen Art Print

Oh look, it is the magnificent Ophelia! This lovely little bunny by Jennifer Sinclair can be found hiding and hopping around the garden of local art, enjoying the Spring time sights.

Jennifer Sinclair, Ophelia, Acrylic on Board, 5"x5"

Here is another breathe of fresh Spring air! Take in all those beautiful trees from this amazing painting by Gordon MacDonald!

Gordon MacDonald, An Arrangement of Greens, Oil on Copper, 18"x20"

If you are looking to send a Springtime message to a loved one (there doesn't need to be an occasion to say hello!), maybe these bird buddies can help you!

The Beautiful Project, Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe, Postcards

No luck with the birds? Don't worry! There are many Spring time animals that are eager to help you share your message...just see the card below by Natasia Makes!

Natasia Makes, Birds, Bees, Bears and Hares, Greeting Card

For the season of bugs and flowers, pint-size and portable pieces of art like stickers from Day Dreamer Studios can be just the thing! There is a frog peaking out of the garden, just waiting to be stuck on the perfect spot!

Day Dreamer Studios, Frog Amongst Flowers, Vinyl Sticker

Lucky us, this garden is home to the most stylish bugs you ever did see! This sticker by Donica Larade features some creepy crawlies with a lot of sparkle...check it out!

Donica Larade, Bugs, Vinyl Sticker

And who is this peaking their beak through? It is the delightful "Delilah", a wonderful winged creation from Sharon Cave!

Sharon Cave, Delilah, Vintage Fabric Structure

It seems the bear family above isn't alone! This beautiful glass bear by Melinda Robertson can be found enjoying honey with the bumblebees!

Melinda Robertson, Bear - Courage, Fused Glass on Board, 4"x5"

Speaking of bumblebees, some have arrived just in time for dinner! This painting by Cathy Cusack shows just how much life can be found among the flowers if you look closely!

Cathy Cusack, Dinner with Friends, Acrylic on Canvas, 18"x24"

It looks like we've spent all day wandering with the bears and the bugs, and now night time has reached the garden! Take a peak at the painting by Mary Garoutte below for a glimpse into the garden after dark...Thank you for embracing June and the last bits of Spring with us!

-Argyle Fine Art

Mary Garoutte, Night Garden, Oil on Panel, 12"x12"