Raccoon Goes to the Beach & Other Stories from the Art Studios

Drop by on WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm to meet artists Sharon Cave, Deb Bromley and Natasha Grenke as each artist will speak a bit about their new exhibitions and also about their process and deeper meanings behind it all!

The first part of the evening will be a presentation and formal Q&A set up followed by light refreshments and art buying, with any luck. :-) 

See you here? Great! It's a date!

SHARON CAVE: LITTLE SCAVENGERS

Little Scavengers highlights the importance of critters that work hard to keep our environment tidy... 

“My aim is to encourage people to think differently about the animals we label “scavengers”. These animals are frequently maligned and persecuted for their negative effects on the environment and on us humans, but research has shown that they play an important role in our ecosystem, bringing many benefits to the landscapes that we both share including disease mitigation, agricultural production and waste-disposal services.  We are all anchored to this world and as such our fates are entwined."

-Sharon Cave, 2019

Born in England, Sharon has spent her adult life in Canada. Here she studied graphic design and was engaged commercially for several years before turning to painting as a means to express herself.  Sharon has been featured artist on several occasions and presented her first solo show in 2013.  Her paintings have sold internationally, finding their way to collectors spanning North America and parts of Europe.

DEB BROMLEY: BEACH STORIES

 "Beach Stories" and is a whimsical and fun conversation about narrative paintings and people watching... 

Originally from BC, Deb studied design and art history at Mount Royal College in Calgary, before moving to Nova Scotia in the early 1980s.

A lover of the ocean and of observing people, both figure prominently in her work. Painting in a whimsical style with a nod to the Impressionists she loves, she works to capture a glimpse into the special moments of everyday life.  Using acrylics, pallet knives and brushes, she weaves her characters into bold colourful narrative stories.

Deb has been represented by Argyle Fine Art since 2017, and has exhibited in “Sky Ocean Sand”, “Hygge”, and “Pre Shrunk”.  Her recent show “Beach Stories“ explored the relationship that people have with the ocean, and the themes of modern leisure and relaxation.

Her work has been collected across Canada, the US and internationally.

Deb Bromley creates her colourful paintings from her home studio in Cow Bay, NS. 

NATASHA GRENKE: NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURS OR COLOURS

"No Artificial Flavours or Colours" showcases a new series of watercolours from NSCAD grad Natasha Grenke. The Exhibition explores the artists' obsession with juice boxes - and encourages a conversation about recycling and considering our choices as consumers...

"...By adding vibrant colours and themes of nostalgia, I want to delight my viewers by offering playfulness and humour to reflect on their own experiences, focusing on the small moments of everyday life that are often overlooked. I started the year drawing my used juice boxes that I had been saving for months.

It started off as a simple study of observing colours and light, but soon turned into an obsession.  Drawing each juice box shows me how our society has such a selective vision and fails to recognize how our habits contribute to so much waste and pollution. 

Society is addicted to products that claim to be healthy but are harmful to our bodies and our planet. Through a colourful and fun portrayal of repetition and time based work, No Artificial Flavours or Colours encourages the viewer to have a more conscious lifestyle.” 

-Natasha Grenke, 2019

Natasha Grenke was raised in Edmonton Alberta and currently lives in Nova Scotia. She studied at MacEwan University and received a diploma in Fine Arts.  She recently graduated from NSCAD completing her BFA.

Sharon Cave, Deb Bromley & Natasha Grenke, Artist Talk and Reception, May 22, 2019

WORKS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!  For details contact Argyle Fine Art at
(902) 425-9456, gallery@argylefa.com

YOU'RE INVITED! SUNDAY MAY 26, 1:30-3:30 pm, BOOK LAUNCH with Briana Corr Scott

Argyle Fine Art is proud to host the launch of Briana Corr Scott's new book "She Dreams Of Sable Island". In Partnership with Nimbus Publishing and Woozles, we invite you to share this event with us on Sunday, May 26, 1:30 - 3:30 pm.

This lyrical book includes a charming paper doll and accessories. Refreshments, activities and books for sale and Briana will be available for signing.

"She Dreams Of Sable Island", written and illustrated by Briana Corr Scott

Regarding her inspiration for the book, Briana wrote the following for the Sable Island Institute, in May 2018:

"I originally planned to visit Sable Island on July 1, 2017 with Picture Perfect Tours. After almost a year of research about the island, I had a lot of hope in this trip. The hope was for a chance to make the art I dreamed about.

The trip was cancelled due to weather. There were torrential rains that washed out the beach runway on Sable. Although we had a 4-day travel window, we did not leave Halifax. I was extremely disappointed. I had put so much on this visit, that I could not shake it. I tried to move on to other art making endeavours, to continue to make the work I was working on, and just keep moving. But I had to go to Sable, it was in my heart and I had to go. I felt myself wallowing in disappointment. I decided to write my disappointment down and get it out so I could move on.

I ended up writing about all the things I dreamed of seeing on Sable. I wrote about what I hoped I would see and what I imagined what it would be like. The writing turned into a poem called “I Dream of Sable Island”.

"She Dreams of Sable Island", Written and Illustrated by Briana Corr Scott & Nimbus Publishing, Halifax

I did go to Sable in October 2017 – and it was amazing to have written down all my hopes so clearly in that poem. I was seeing the words come to life on the journey, and that was magical. I ended up changing so much about the poem after my trip to Sable, because now I had seen the real thing and I could tweak the details.


I am happy to say the poem will be published as a children’s book “She Dreams of Sable Island”, available in spring 2019 (Nimbus Publishing, Halifax). I am busy working on the illustrations right now. The poem has changed since I first wrote it down. It has evolved to be a lyrical poem about the beauty of the island. I think it sounds wonderful read aloud, and I cannot wait until it is released.


In addition to the story, there will be a paper doll in the back of the book as well as a section about the natural history of the place. The natural history section is important to me. The poem is a bit fantastical – the main character flies to sable on a bank of fog. I wanted young readers to also know some facts about Sable and its wildlife. And since I have had the pleasure of sketching at the Sable Island Institute, I have access and means to make the natural history accurate. I think it is so fun to “play” with knowledge. I love that I am able to combine fantasy with natural history."

Portrait of the Artist, Briana Corr Scott posing in her Dartmouth studio. 

Briana Corr Scott was born in Salem, MA and grew up in New Hampshire. She graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2005 with a BFA in Painting and Museum Education. Briana moved to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in 2006.


Original Artwork by Briana Corr Scott available for purchase through Argyle Fine Art.

Recent works can be viewed online HERE

For purchasing details, contact the Gallery at (902) 425-9456 or via email at gallery@argylefa.com

Introducing Natasha Grenke! "No Artificial Colours or Flavours continues to June 4th

Argyle Fine Art is proud to introduce recent NSCAD grad Natasha Grenke.  "No Artificial Colours or Flavours" will be Natasha's first exhibition with the gallery, which opened on Saturday, May 11.

You can view the exhibition online HERE

Installation view of "No Artificial Colours Or Flavours" by Natasha Grenke, Argyle Fine Art, May 11 - June 4

The exhibition consists of 72 watercolour studies arranged in a grid format that feature juice boxes as its subject matter.  

"By adding vibrant colours and themes of nostalgia, I want to delight my viewers by offering playfulness and humour to reflect on their own experiences, focusing on the small moments of everyday life that are often overlooked. I started the year drawing my used juice boxes that I had been saving for months. This became my juice box series, No artificial Flavours or Colours.

It started off as a simple study of observing colours and light, but soon turned into an obsession. As I continued to draw, I noticed how much waste was accumulating and how unhealthy my little habit was becoming. Drawing each juice box shows me how our society has such a selective vision and fails to recognize how our habits contribute to so much waste and pollution."  

 Portrait of the Artist, Natasha Grenke, 2019

"Society is addicted to products that claim to be healthy but are harmful to our bodies and our planet. Through a colourful and fun portrayal of repetition and time based work, No Artificial Flavours or Colours encourages the viewer to have a more conscious lifestyle.”

-Natasha Grenke, 2019

 Natasha Grenke, Box No. 25, watercolor on paper mounted on board, 5 x 3.5 inches (approx.)

Natasha Grenke was raised in Edmonton Alberta and currently lives in Nova Scotia. She studied at MacEwan University and received a diploma in Fine Arts. She is currently attending NSCAD University where she will receive her BFA. Natasha is primarily a painter/drawer and works with oil paints, acrylics and watercolour to show the beauty of the mundane life in her practice.

She has been in several group shows in Alberta and Nova Scotia and had her first solo exhibition “Bokeh of Colours” at the Anna Leonowens Gallery in 2019.

For purchase inquiries contact Argyle Fine Art
(902) 425-9456, or via email at gallery@argylefa.com
.

Deb Bromley "Beach Stories" Now Showing to June 4th

Deb Bromley has been represented by Argyle Fine Art since 2017. She has also participated in the Gallery's “Sky Ocean Sand”, “Hygge”, and “Pre Shrunk” exhibitions.  

“Beach Stories“ explores the relationships people have with the ocean, and the themes of modern leisure and relaxation.

The exhibition includes 9 new paintings from the artists' studio.  The bright cool colours of the sky and ocean, are combined with the warmer tones of sandy beaches, to evoke memories of a beloved summer pastime.

You can view the exhibition online HERE

Portrait of the artist, Deb Bromley (2019)

A lover of the ocean and of observing people, both figure prominently in her work. Painting in a whimsical style with a nod to the Impressionists she loves, she works to capture a glimpse into the special moments of everyday life.

Deb Bromley, "Beach Walks", 36" x 24" , acrylic on canvas

Using acrylics, pallet knives and brushes, she weaves her characters into bold colourful narrative stories.

Originally from BC, Deb studied design and art history at Mount Royal College in Calgary, before moving to Nova Scotia in the early 1980s.

Her work has been collected across Canada, the US and internationally.

Deb Bromley creates her colourful paintings from her home studio in Cow Bay, NS.

Deb Bromley, "Shoreline", 16" x 40", acrylic on canvas 

For purchase inquiries, contact Argyle Fine Art
(902) 425-9456 or via email at gallery@argylefa.com 

IN OTHER NEWS...

As part of their exciting ART ON THE GO series of workshops, Argyle Fine Art is excited to announce their first workshop led by Deb Bromley. Deb loves people watching and in the summer months she draws her inspiration from frequent visits to the beach. So, we thought we'd take you on all on a journey of learning about her practice of narrative art with a drawing and painting workshop-where we'll watch people and learn how to tell YOUR story.

The workshop will take place in the Museum’s courtyard or if the weather is not cooperating, in the second-floor meeting room. The workshop is also presented in partnership with Sievert’s, who provide the cigar boxes used as mobile palettes so you can have your art on the go!

The cost of the workshop is $50.00 and you can book your space by calling Adriana or Andre at the Argyle Fine Art Gallery, 902-425-9456 or by dropping in to 1559 Barrington Street.

Opening Saturday, May 11: Sharon Cave's "Little Scavengers" to June 4

Sharon has been a featured artist at Argyle Fine Art on several occasions and had her first solo show in 2013.  She has participated in several recent juried exhibitions including Canadiana (2014), Preshrunk (2015), as well as being part of the Artist in Residence program in Annapolis Royal (2014).

"Little Scavengers" features 15 new paintings from Sharon's studio.  These Animal Portraits include popular critters from our Urban Ecosystem, ever present and often overlooked in our busy every day lives.  

You can view the exhibition online HERE

Sharon Cave, in her Halifax studio 

“With this body of work, my aim is to encourage people to think differently about the animals we label “scavengers”. These animals are frequently maligned and persecuted for their negative effects on the environment and on us humans, but research has shown that they play an important role in our ecosystem, bringing many benefits to the landscapes that we both share including disease mitigation, agricultural production and waste-disposal services. We need to learn to not only tolerate these animals, but recognize that they are the balance to our ever-expanding human footprint. We are all anchored to this world and as such our fates are entwined."

-Sharon Cave, From the Artist Statement "Little Scavengers", 2019

"A Clever Thief" 12 x 12 inches, oil and metal leaf on panel

The circles used in many of these paintings represent the notion of totality, wholeness and the infinite. The life cycle - nature’s way of taking and giving back life to earth - and the cyclical patterns of the food chain, (how the primary sources are consumed by the secondary for energy, the secondary by the tertiary and so on).

"Lazy Afternoon", 11 x 14 inches, oil and metal leaf on wood panel

Born in England, Sharon has spent her adult life in Canada. Here she studied graphic design and was engaged commercially for several years before turning to painting as a means to express herself.  Continuous self-study gives Sharon the freedom to express herself in her work.

While Sharon lives in Halifax, working out of her home studio, her paintings have sold internationally, finding their way to collectors spanning North America and parts of Europe.

For Purchase Inquiries, contact Argyle Fine Art: (902)425-9456, or via email gallery@argylefa.com

"Little Scavengers" continues to June 4.

Coffee Makes the World Go Round- And Art of course!

Have you heard about this Saturday's OPEN CITY? It's a very special day to show some LOCAL LOVE for local businesses within Halifax and Dartmouth. We are pleased as punch to be part of the OPEN CITY event again this year, spearheaded by the ILOVELOCAL Halifax gang and invite you to explore as much as you can. It’s been a looooooooong winter, and local business folks are very keen to see you! COME HANG OUT WITH US! We promise food for the soul and stomach and beverages too, by Two Doors Down. Find out all about it at our FACEBOOK EVENT HERE

This Saturday also coincides with the ongoing  CAFE FEST that just launched from the efforts of local independent coffee shops. Check out the details on it all HERE!  You're going to drink coffee anyway, so you might as well get involved with this fun event, where you can win a year of coffee and more!  You may have seen these eye catching posters around.

AND SPEAKING OF COFFEE.....

Of course, we'd like to invite you to BUY ARGYLE FINE ART a coffee too!  How can you do that you may ask?  With the power of the internet, anything is possible.

We understand that buying art isn't always possible all of the time for anyone, but if you LOVE what we do, the artists we showcase, our window displays  or our social media posts, perhaps you consider BUYING US A COFFEE right HERE  It's a nifty little site called Ko-fi  that allows you to show thanks in any way you'd like. Thanks so much! 

Adorable needle felted mouse by Erika Nicholson, drinking coffee of course! Bottoms ups!

UPCOMING: Kimberley Eddy Resin Art Workshop, Tuesday, May 7th.

Kimberley Eddy will be hosting a Resin Art Workshop on Tuesday, May 7th, at Argyle Fine Art.  Kimberley has been exhibiting with the gallery since 2015.  Her most recent body of work "Finding Depth" was exhibited in 2018.

You can view the exhibition online HERE


Kimberley Eddy, Spacious Moments, mixed media on board, 12 x 12 inches

Undeniably inspired by her lifelong proximity to ocean waters and coastal living (Bermuda and Nova Scotia), and her passion for travel, Kimberley's artworks are at once a quiet influence and a powerful force at work. Slipping through the barrier of mundane routines, she pulls us into a world of memories and attachments where we slow down, calm our thoughts, and live in the moment; just as she does while working in her studio.

Kimberley Eddy working in her Bedford Studio.

“I am drawn to the ocean; the movement, the colours, the translucency, the depth, the mystery, the power, the quiet. I ache for it all. I incorporate a multitude of media into my art practice to represent the multitude of temperaments of the ocean. When I am immersed in creating a piece of oceany goodness, I feel grounded and centered. I am completely at peace and focused on the present moment. It is the same feeling as being oceanside. Calm and at ease." - Kimberly Eddy, 2019

Kimberley Eddy paints the ocean. She works in resin, acrylics, and mixed media in her studio in Nova Scotia.  Kimberley's art hangs in collections across Canada and internationally.

 Kimberley Eddy Cheeseboard Workshop, 2018

 

For those registered for the workshop on Tuesday, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Kimberley's experience as an artist, and will be introduced to the resin epoxy technique she uses in her art making process.  

Argyle Fine Art offers a variety of workshops throughout the year.  For more information on available workshops and other upcoming gallery events, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list HERE.

Kimberley Eddy's artwork is available for purchase through Argyle Fine Art.  For purchase inquiries, contact the gallery at (902) 425-9456, or via email at gallery@argylefa.com  

  

Halifax Crafters Society Spring Market (MAY 4-5): Briana Corr Scott

The Halifax Crafters Society will be holding its annual Spring Market this weekend (May 4 - 5) at the Olympic Centre, 3204 Hunter St. Halifax.

Did you know that in addition to her studio practice, Briana Corr Scott is also a member of the Halifax Crafters Society?

   

Halifax Crafters Society Spring Market Poster Design by Briana Corr Scott

Briana has been exhibiting with the gallery since 2013, with her first solo exhibition "Spring/Light" in 2016. Her most recent body of work "Invisible World" was exhibited at Argyle Fine Art in the winter of 2019.

Briana draws and paints still lives from observation. Her subjects are primarily objects from nature; flowers, bones and shells. Her painting style is quiet and meditative, she concentrates intently on each object and wraps it in glowing painted light.

Briana Corr Scott, "Flowers In Autumn Light" oil on board, 10 x 10 inches

Briana is a fine artist, poet, author and children's illustrator, and has published books with Nimbus Publishing Limited. She has been recently featured by the "Jealous Curator" and "Lula Magazine" in Japan.

Briana's "She Dreams of Sable Island" will be released this month, with a Book Launch (in partnership with Woozles and Nimbus Publishing) set for May 26th (1:30 - 3:30 pm) at Argyle Fine Art.

"Written as a gentle, lyrical poem, She Dreams of Sable Island is a wonderful read-aloud for bedtime, and a fact-filled exploration for curious readers who dream of adventuring to one of Nova Scotia’s most remarkable—and untouched—landscapes"
-Nimbus Publishing, 2019

In the summer of 2019 Briana will attend a month long art residency at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughn, Ireland. This will be a self directed project, painting the wildflowers that grow out of the compressed limestone landscape. The Burren is a barren limestone rocky landscape but has some of the rarest combinations of wildflowers. Briana describes the project as an examination of "the relationship between common species growing in uncommon places".

Briana Corr Scott was born in Salem, MA and grew up in New Hampshire. She graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2005 with a BFA in Painting and Museum Education. Briana moved to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in 2006.

For more information about Briana and how to purchase her work, please contact Argyle Fine Art; (902) 425-9456, or via email at this address: gallery@argylefa.com

Introducing Amy Ordoveza

Argyle Fine Art is proud to introduce Gallery Artist Amy Ordoveza.  Amy's "Recollected in Tranquility" (Now Showing) will be her first solo exhibition at the gallery.  Amy has also participated in 2019's Pre-Shrunk show.  

Amy Ordoveza paints small, precise still-lifes in gouache, gradually building up the paint in translucent layers to achieve rich colors and refined edges. Through her paintings, she has explored the significance that can become attached to ordinary objects.

Amy starts each painting with a paper cut-out which she uses to create her compositions. 

After graduating from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in painting, Amy went on to earn an MFA in painting from the New York Academy of Art and an MAT in art education from George Mason University. She has exhibited her paintings and drawings throughout the United States and internationally, and taught art for Fairfax County Public Schools and Arlington Adult Education. Amy lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Amy's meticulous brushwork, building layers of paint in gouache, bringing each painting to life.

"My recent still-life paintings are inspired by places that have been important to me. I present delicate paper-cut objects and tableaus that evoke significant details from my memories. As I slowly build up the paint in layers, I preserve fleeting daylight, a fragile object, and fading memory in a frozen moment. I am interested in exploring themes of home, migration, and  impermanence."  Amy Ordoveza, Artist Statement, 2019

Amy Ordoveza attending the opening of her first solo exhibition "Recollected in Tranquility" at Argyle Fine Art, April 20th, 2019.

Amy Ordoveza's "Recollected in Tranquility" continues to May 8th.

Click here to view the exhibition online. 

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!

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.

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!