Warmer Weather Wish List

Is it snowing? Really? We hadn't noticed because we've been too busy thinking of all the things we're looking forward to once the warmer weather arrives. Join us in ignoring whatever is happening outside with our warmer weather wish list...

1. The return of street vendors and food trucks! Mmm tasty foods that you can enjoy outside.

Kim Danio, Nachos Food Cart, Reclaimed Shoe

Kim Danio, Gecko Bus, Reclaimed Shoe

2. Barbecues! Now let's be honest, we barbecue all year round here - but the return of barbecues where you're not freezing your fingers off is an extremely delightful thought!

Alex MacAskill, Eatin' Good, 18"x24", Woodcut Print

3. The beach! We can't wait to head back to the beach and listen to the ocean waves lap against the shore while we soak up some sun!

Katharine Burns, Low Sun, 6"x24", Oil on Canvas

Gordon MacDonald, 517, 4"x5", Oil on Copper

4. A stroll or some theatre at Point Pleasant Park! Such a lovely little escape from the city, no wonder our artists are often inspired by it!

Jan Davison, Point Pleasant #1, 12"x12", Acrylic on Board

Caitlin McGuire, Intermission on the Berm, 6"x8", Oil on Board

Caitlin McGuire, Park Place, 11"x14", Oil on Canvas

5. Roadtrips! Ah to be out on the open road having an adventure and discovering new places!

Angela Carlsen, California Motel, 24" x 36" Mixed Media on Aluminum

Angela Carlsen, Steam Heat, 11"x14", Mixed Media on Aluminum

 

Yoko White. Sambro Island Lighthouse, Hand Embroidered

6. Camping! We're excited to get out and pitch a tent at one of the many great parks or lakes this province has to offer!

Nick Brunt, The View from Here, 9"x12", Acrylic on Board

Nick Brunt, The Stills, 8"x10", Acrylic on Board

 

 

 

 

 

Danny Abriel, Susie's Lake Patience, 18"x24", Acrylic on Canvas

Ahhhh. Feeling warmed up yet? We are! If not pop by the gallery and come enjoy some warm weather art to help you feel inspired!

In the Studio with Gordon MacDonald

Although the snow is still flying around, it's officially the first day of Spring today. Artist Gordon MacDonald is already preparing for his annual solo show at our gallery, opening in July.

People often don't consider how long it takes an artist to amass a show of paintings. But as you can see, Gordon has been getting a head start on what's sure to be another stunning exhibit of talent, persistence and dedication to his art.

Just a sample of a few things on the easel...most of these are works in progress...

Preparing cooper for his upcoming paintings in July

Lots of preparation goes into creating these cooper surfaces that eventually Gordon paints.

Drop by soon for  more updates and watch the process of creating the works!

Do you like butter, buttercup?

We've been thinking about Spring lately, even though there's still a few days left of Winter on the calendar and the wind still has quite a chill. Despite warnings of another storm in the air, there are so many signals that spring is making it's way back to us with birds chirping happily in the trees. (cue the lovely bird paintings of Danny Bilsborough below...tweet tweet sweet!)

 The ground is getting softer under our feet, the animals are getting "frisky", gardener friends are beginning their seedlings and social media is abuzz with blooming flowers beginning in other parts of Canada. (cue the adorable new batch of needlefelted animals by Dorothyanne Brown)

It also made us think of that popular game we'd play as children with a spring flower that many regard as a menace on their lawns: the buttercup.You simply hold a buttercup flower underneath your chin, and if your neck lights up yellow then it's conclusive, empirical proof that you like butter!
And then our train of thought went immediately to BUTTER! 

Good old Canadian butter is the best and artist Kim Floyd is back at painting some butter pop art style. Stirling Butter comes from Stirling, Ontario and they have some of the most colourful and typographically pleasing packaging! Just look how Kim captured it, in all it's deliciousness. 

Do you prefer Unsalted?

Stirling Unsalted, acrylic on board, 8" x 10", Kim Floyd, $375

Or do you prefer Salted?

Stirling Salted, acrylic on board, 8" x 10", Kim Floyd, $375

Make sure to drop by the gallery this March Break week with your family and friends if you are off. If you are working, never fear- give yourself a break with art over your lunch hour. We'll have lots of delicious paintings for you to enjoy and no shortage of SPRING inspiration! 

Home is Where the House Is: Craig Baltzer

EXTRA! EXTRA!   READ ALL ABOUT IT!

SPONTANEOUS ART HAPPENING !

We're excited to announce that artist Craig Baltzer is going to be in the gallery drawing and painting tomorrow -Saturday, March 11th so make sure to drop by and see art in the making. He'd love to paint or draw a special work just for you too!

If you have an idea for an artwork of your home or a special place in your city you love, bring your ideas or a picture along and we can arrange a commission starting at $50 and up. If you live at a distance, you can email your ideas or pictures and we'll help arrange an extra special work just for you. Personalized paintings make memorable gifts too!

Craig loves architecture especially, as you can probably tell from the latest works.

 Craig's love of art has been a lifelong love affair that began with photography. He has always loved to draw and sketch but most people have come to know him for his paintings at the gallery, until recently when he had an eureka moment!

 Craig has found a way to combine all these mediums into his recent body of works. Many begin as photos or sketches.Then Craig heads into the studio to continue sketching with ink on wood and most recently has added watercolour to the works. The results are stunning and are filled with subtle colours and texture using the grains of the wood to his advantage.

We still have some small works by Craig too, from our Pre-Shrunk show that celebrates small works measuring 4" x 5". They have an almost art deco approach to our ever changing city.

MARCH BREAK ART MADNESS and PUN OFF

Looking for something fun to do with yourself, friends or family? Look no further! 

Join us at the gallery on Saturday, March 18th, 1pm-4pm  where you'll meet artists Stephanie Boutilier and printmaker and illustrator Alex MacAskill. Stephanie will be on hand with her very own POP UP store inside our gallery, with the latest in prints, cards, stickers and buttons! So many designs and funny punny things to choose from!

Alex will have a selection of prints available for sale. He will also be showing you how to print a 5" x 7" postcard with a "live interactive postcard demo" where you'll print your very own! We'll supply everything you need. No registration required and will be ongoing throughout the entire day!

WANT TO WIN $100 from Argyle Fine Art? Consider yourself a punny guy or gal? This fun game is just what the doctor ordered because laughter IS the best medicine ....after art of course. It's time for a PUN OFF!

  ****In support of the PUNNY nature of Stepahnie Boutilier's art, we're excited to announce we are going to host our very first PUN OFF!*** At 2pm-3pm we'll host our very first pun off which will happen in the gallery. Basically, we will have a series of topics that participants will use and compete against one another in pairs. The last person standing...wins a $100 Gift Certificate and a few extra surprises from us too! CALL/EMAIL TO REGISTER- Limited to 20 participants- all ages welcomed!

Warm Up with "WINTER ESCAPE" ONLINE NOW

A customer just told us she just heard someone say that today the temperature is actually colder in Nova Scotia than it is in Antarctica! WHAT!!!  At least when you visit the gallery this week or ONLINE HERE NOW  you can dive into the ocean or walk along the shore with a light breeze and the sunlight warming you all over thanks to the talent of Kimberley Eddy....ahhhhhh

Here are  few images of what the gallery looks like now, but be sure to drop by and experience the latest works by Kimberley Eddy in her first solo show at Argyle Fine Art called "Winter Escape". You really have to see these works in person to fully appreciate the multi-dimensional qualities of them. As you look into them you will see something different every moment.Amazing and perfect for this time of year, when we all need a lift!

Good news! They are affordably priced too and will make you so so happy.  The show continues until March 23rd, but visit early for a great selection!

Pre-Shrunk's Last Day! Come find an original Treasure for just $175!

Well it's hard to believe, but tomorrow will be the beginning of March already! Fortunately for us here in Atlantic Canada, we've been enjoying a much deserved series of "fake spring" days as of late and with that seeing lots of folks out and about, enjoying the sunshine, blue skies and snow-free sidewalks.

Pre-Shrunk painting by Gordon MacDonald still available!

 It's also the last day to see the Pre-Shrunk show miniature paintings, and although over half of the show sold  (thank you every one!)  there are still many gems remaining that require a first or second glance....and a home with you.

Here are just a few works, to showcase the diversity of this exhibit. But you find the entire show online HERE 

Pull up a chair! Megan LeForte from PEI submitted this work for Pre-Shrunk!

Perfect for any of you that long to walk on the beach again and collect all the glorious shells. This work is by Briana Corr-Scott who will be having a solo show with us in early April.

Hey, no BULL!   This painting would love to head home with you. This charcoal drawing by Abigail Lower is sure to delight!

As we said, this show is a collection of so many different styles, including this mini marionette of LEMMY from Motorhead. Surprisingly, he is still here but wants to hang out with you today! This work is by Darren Moreash.

Here's a work by Kim Eddy whom you'll be hearing about a lot soon from us, as she has a solo show opening THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 3rd!  These works are painted with acrylic but also have many layers of resin that create a three dimensional quality about them in person. A must see!

What an unusual topic for a painting, but that's what we love about the artwork of Mirco Chen. This work is called Gas Lighting.

Crows crows crows!  There were so many crows at our show this year, but all were so wonderful. Here's one by Sharon Cave that looks as if he is prepping for a "selfie".

This Mini sculpture is made from a re-purposed baby shoe and found objects by Kim Danio. Always a delight..and these pretzels are making me thirsty!

Natasha Miller takes us to a quiet scene on a warmer day...with her unique "pizza" derived charcoal paintings. This one is still available!

This beautifully illustrated and painted work by Sarah Christie is still here!  Make it yours!

Anyway, as you can see...the variety and talent is endless. All the works measure 4" x 5" and are just $175 each. Shipping is minimal in cost as the works are small. So take some time to see what's still available and get in touch! These works make great gifts for any occasions...like Easter, graduation and wedding season around the corner!

The newest members of our flock!

Painting a portrait that not only portrays a likeness, but captures the personality of the subject itself, is no easy feat. It's even trickier when the subject is not human. Artist Sharon Cave manages to do both in her bird series' paintings.

Here we'd like to introduce you to some of our new fine feathered friends from her Rooster Series...

Oh Roland, always a little skeptical...

Sharon Cave, Roland, 5"x5", Oil on Board

Peabody has excellent focus which makes him a great listener, unless you're wearing shiny buttons...

Sharon Cave, Peabody, 5"x5", Oil on Board

Cooper is more of the silent type, but is a big softie once you get to know him.

Sharon Cave, Cooper, 5"x5", Oil on Board

You can see the full roost here in person or online HERE.

If you came to our Pre-Shrunk Show you might be familiar with another of Sharon's collections, the crows!

Sharon Cave, Crow 12, 4"x5", Oil on Board

While most have left the nest there are still a few of these inquisitive birds flying around the gallery. Come down and meet them today!