Tag Archives: art for sale

Group art exhibition – Be Yoga, Burlington

June 16, 2016 Donna Grandin Leave a comment

Group Art Exhibition

Recently I was invited by Oakville artist Derik Hawley to display some of my paintings in a group art exhibition at Be Yoga & Wellness in Burlington. I thought it was a great idea, especially when I realized it was at Fairview & Walker’s Line, only a 4min drive from my house!

The nature of the space & format of the show, gave me the opportunity to exhibit a wide variety of subjects – florals, peacock feather-inspired abstracts, and some never-before exhibited experimental abstracts.

Abstract Art

The painting above – Enduring, 30″x60″ – was the first thing I painted for 2016, an experiment in abstraction. It sat in a corner of my studio (waiting for me to figure out what to do with it) until I jumped on this chance to show it. As it turns out, I’ve been told by the manager that it is the piece that gets the most comments & compliments!

There is also another abstract painting of mine in the same room, but I’ll leave it for you to discover on your own. It has been hanging in my house since I painted it in 2012, the result of a long, cathartic painting session. Again, although it is an interesting painting, it did not fit into my regular body of work, so I kept it to myself. However, I could not get over the co-incidence that the only text in the painting is “Be” (the title of the painting is “Just be”), and the name of the yoga studio is Be Yoga! So I brought it along on a whim, and it turned out to be a good call.

The other Artists

Derik is showing some of his lovely digital images in a variety of sizes. I think they mostly start out as photographs he has taken, but then he manipulates them through computer programs, and the resulting abstract images are mesmerizing. They remind me of stained glass, and kaleidoscopes.

There are also some beautiful black & white images from Oakville photographer Bill Smith. And I saw a wonderful painting of a swimmer in a pool – with an emphasis on light creating patterns on the water- that artist Heather Horton dropped off, it’s probably hanging by now.

Thanks

I’d like to thank Be Yoga & Wellness for showing local art, and manager Kelly Foster and artist Derik Hawley for inviting me to be a part of this ongoing group art exhibition.

If you’re in the area, please drop in during regular open hours and take a look! The address is 4031 Fairview St., Unit 103.

All art is available – see labels for details, and purchases may be made through the front desk.

Available Paintings, Exhibitions, Special event

Upcoming exhibitions

March 29, 2016 Donna Grandin Leave a comment

Upcoming events for April

Art in the Workplace, MIP

I have two paintings in Art in the Workplace exhibition #20 at McMaster Innovation Park, which opens in a week, April 5, 7-9pm.

So, if you are in the area, I’d love to see you at the Opening. Otherwise, the exhibition continues till July 6, and is open to the public.

DVSA 46th Art Auction

screenshot — Simple abundance, by Donna Grandin is the middle of the top row of paintings … one of 1400 works of art that will be on Auction!

I also have a few paintings in the Dundas Valley School of Art’s 46th Annual Art Auction. Many years ago, when I was a new graduate from the studio art program at McMaster University, and a newlywed, I used to participate in the DVSA art auction, but it’s been a long time since I did so last.

It would be really cool if I met some of my collectors from those days, but we would not recognize each other … and my name is now Donna Grandin, they would only know me by my maiden name, Donna Gomez.

Here is a video clip from a segment on CHCH this morning, with some of the art that will be in the auction.

If you like art, and you live in the area, then you probably already know about the DVSA Art Auction, but now you’ll know to look out for some of my art in the silent auction.

I saw some lovely pottery pieces there when I went to drop off, and I was amazed at how low the reserve prices were. Very tempting.

Looking forward to seeing all the art up, and chatting with other artists. We very nearly ended up moving to Dundas years ago before we had kids, it seems like such a great artsy community.

And of course because I am a McMaster University grad, both of these events take me back to the old stomping grounds, of doing my art degree, dating my husband etc.

Available Paintings, Exhibitions, Special event

Harvest ArtWalk, Whole Foods, Oakville

September 14, 2015 Donna Grandin Leave a comment

Join me for Harvest Artwalk, a fun annual outdoor event, this Sunday!

There will be live music, a charity BBQ, a chalk art activity, and several artists will have their exhibiting their art. I will be setting up my tent to display a variety of my available paintings, and greeting cards. Hope to see you there!

Exhibitions, Special event

Car Free Street Festival on Appleby

May 24, 2015 Donna Grandin 1 Comment

Snippit from new postcard — Snippet from new postcard in the works!

Car Free Sunday Street Festival on Appleby Line

Sunday May 31st, 2015

1-5pm

Appleby Line (between Fairview and New St.), Burlington, ON

“The City of Burlington is working with the community to promote safe, active and healthy lifestyles in Burlington. A Car Free Street Festival brings families and neighbourhoods together, helps streets come alive with activity, and promotes physical activity for people of all abilities.

The Wards 4/5 Car Free Street Festival began with a vision to bring the community together – both residents and area businesses alike – creating an open street for the community to gather, whether to walk, stroll, bicycle and participate in activities, a marketplace, and demonstrations.”

http://www.carfreestreetfestival.ca/sponsors/

Next weekend, I will be one of 80 local vendors participating in the
Car Free Street Festival.

I’ve generally stayed clear of exhibiting outdoors in the past, in fear of having my art out in bad weather.

However in my volunteer work with the City of Burlington on the implementation of the Cultural Action Plan – with the vision of a vibrant community with a Cultural Department, an Arts Council, a healthy appreciation of the arts and thriving artists -I feel obliged to get involved.

I realized that as an Independent Fine Artist I cannot complain about how hard it is to gain visibility in our city (beyond the Art Gallery of Burlington where I already have art available through Arts Etc. Gallery Shop & Art Rental) – the common complaint being that we live in a sleeper community and potential collectors turn to bigger cities nearby, unaware of quality art available locally – if I don’t take advantage of the opportunities the City is creating.

That is why I painted on location in front of City Hall during Culture Days last September, and why I will be doing another acrylic painting demonstration in the Burlington Performing Art Center on September 27 for Culture Days this year.

And that’s why I’m planning to buy a good WATERPROOF tent!

Oh, and did I mention I was juried into Art in the Park Oakville, Aug 3? So, yes … it looks like the tide is turning, and pretty soon I won’t be be fearful of exhibiting outdoors, I’ll have my very own war stories, I mean experiences to draw upon!

It does seem to be a rite of passage for a Canadian Artist, and although a big part of my art practice is my tropical imagery, and I do have St. Lucian and Barbadian galleries carrying my Caribbean-inspired art, I am finally ready for a soft-launch of my new abstract series of peacock feather inspired acrylic paintings which reflect the part of me that straddles cultures and locations.

So, if you are in the area … come by next Sunday, I look forward to your feedback!

Available Paintings, Small paintings, Special event

SPRINGPOP Arts Market

April 15, 2015 Donna Grandin Leave a comment

No Vacancy is putting on a pop up art market at

408 John Street, Burlington Ontario

this weekend, and I’m happy to be included in the line-up of local artists and artisans.

I’ve selected a number of my smaller paintings that go with the Spring theme, as you can see in the collage above (individual images not shown correct to scale).

There will also be a variety of greeting cards – reproductions of my original acrylic paintings.

“Our curated contemporary pop-up art market features work from exciting artists, and makers within a 50KM radius of Burlington. A portion of proceeds go towards funding a large FREE public art event in downtown Burlington on September 18th called Supernova

We are only here for one weekend so you don’t want to miss us:

Friday April 17th: 6PM-9PM
Saturday April 18th: 10AM-6PM
Sunday April 19th: 12PM-5PM”

Available Paintings, Exhibitions

Art in Action – Burlington studio tour

November 4, 2014 Donna Grandin 2 Comments

This year my studio was on the Art in Action Burlington Studio Tour for the 3rd time. It was nice to see both new and familiar faces, and to have some great art conversations.

Thanks to those of you who came from near and far – especially my supporters from Toronto, Whitby, Hamilton & Caledonia!

Saturday morning was grey and windy … with the first snowfall of the season! So, we had fewer visitors than last year, which was a pity.

However, the first reports coming in are that sales were about the same as last year, so I guess a little snow and rain didn’t deter those who really enjoy visiting local artists in their studios and shopping for unique, hand-made items.

DonnaGrandinArtinAction2 — Some of Donna’s newest paintings

The blue peacock-inspired painting on the top right was painted to live music during the Culture Days event in front of Burlington City Hall.

It was very difficult to photograph (shiny), so I had a professional photographer do it. Then I had technical issues with my laptop and had to go without it for a few weeks, but I still plan on doing a blog post about the Culture Days event later this month.

DonnaGrandinArtinAction3 — Some art from the “30 paintings in 30 days Challenge” that Donna did in Jan and Sept this year.

A few of these little daily paintings sold during the tour, others are going to a new store opening later this month in St. Lucia. More details to come.

DonnaGrandin-ArtinAction1 — Catching up with fellow artists

DonnaGrandin-ArtinAction14 — Lois Shaw and her still-life oil paintings

Lois Shaw’s realistic still-lifes were very popular on the tour, as were her necklaces with slumped glass pendents. Unfortunately, Louise Young, the jeweller who was supposed to be the other guest artist in my studio, had to cancel. However Lois and I had more than enough paintings to fill the space.

DonnaGrandinArtinAction5 — The rose painting above the doors was on my easel during last year’s tour. It’s 48″ x 48″, and so far it’s only been out of my studio for the Culture Days event.

Thanks to Teresa Seaton & all the other Art in Action members who each contribute to making this event go smoothly each year.

DonnaGrandinArtinAction9 — Some people came alone, some in pairs & others by the carload – or in this case a convoy of 3 cars!

DonnaGrandinArtinAction12 — My cousin Patrice and her daughters came to show their support. And pick up some more of my blank art cards.

DonnaGrandinArtinAction8 — Ursuline & her friends came in from Toronto. Here she is putting her Christmas contest entry into the box.

I decided I’m going to do a draw for a dragonfly painting (“Watching”), on Christmas day.

There were entry forms available on the studio tour, for those who subscribed to my Blue Roots Art Studio Mailing List.

Look out for other opportunities for you to enter the Christmas contest, through social media.

DonnaGrandinArtinAction13 — There are refreshments at each of the studios, usually I make hot apple cider.

There is still time to pick up something special for under the tree, just take a look at the paintings still available, and send me an e-mail to arrange pick-up/delivery.

Available Paintings, Exhibitions

Art in Action Burlington Studio Tour – Nov 1 & 2, 2014

October 24, 2014 Donna Grandin 1 Comment

It’s that time of year again, where I give the studio a fresh coat of paint, hang my latest paintings and invite the public in for the Art in Action Burlington Studio Tour. This year – Nov 1 & 2 – my guest artist is Lois Shaw with her realistic still-life paintings. Unfortunately, jeweller Louise Young has had to cancel again.

However there will be more than enough art to view, and perhaps collect. Lois & I will have original paintings in a variety of sizes & greeting cards, perfect for gift-giving – especially if you’d like to treat yourself to something special to put under your own tree!

Art in Action pre-tour exhibition, Art Gallery of Burlington

On Oct 19th we had a reception for the pre-tour group exhibition at the Art Gallery of Burlington. The Mayor of Burlington, Rick Goldring, said a few words, and so did Denis Longchamps, chief curator of the AGB.

Thanks to CHCH for filming – my brother-in-law texted me to say he’d just seen me on the news, I think my street-cred just went up with the family! The AGB show runs until Nov 13th and is a sampling of all the art that will be on the tour. It is not just paintings and sculpture, there is wonderful jewellery as well.

Donna at Art in Action pre-tour reception, Art Gallery of Burlington

Take a look at the Art in Action 2014 map and plan your route – we are in studio #8. Carpool with your girl friends, or make it a date – or double date – and try to see as many of the studios as you can. You can win $100-$200. towards art by your favourite artist by filling out the ballot on the Art in Action brochures.

See you soon!

DONNA GRANDIN