Month of Shows

Fall seems to be the best time to visit art shows, exhibits and studio tours.  It seems after summer, the world is ready to receive the beauty found in art (3D and 2D) and inside artists' workshops.  Fall is also the time people are ready to take classes, to study a new craft, to be mesmerized by something new.

At SweetArt Studio it has been busy with weekend classes and Thursday Open studio.  My regular classes have started again at Pickering and Bowmanville locations.  Just last week, I had a terrific 1-day Mixed Media workshop, where 3 tenacious and inspired students took the reigns in building their own mixed media pieces.  It was a lot of fun, that I even forgot to take pictures!

My next class is scheduled for November 16 - Painting Skies in Acrylic and November 17 - Fall Landscapes in Acrylic.  Classes are starting to fill in, so register now, to reserve your spot. You can email me, at Marissa.sweet@rogers.com.

In Port Perry, at Meta4 Contemporary Craft Gallery,  I will be teaching Mixed Media and Photo Collage for 2 -days on November 9-10.  It will be a more intensive class, since it is a two day, where students can work on their paintings, learn different techniques and take more time to practise.  To register, visit the Meta 4 website.  http://www.meta4gallery.ca/courseCalendar/brochure.pdf

I love Mixed Media, it is such a great way to infuse found objects, photographs, other painting mediums, charcoal, inks, graphite into an acrylic work.  Hope to see you in one of my courses, or perhaps at one of the many art shows in the Durham Area!!

Marissa

Falling for Fall

"The falling leaves drift by the window...the autumn leaves of red and gold.  I see your lips, the summer kisses, the sun-burned hands I used to hold".  Wow, isn't that such powerful words for such a beautiful song, " Autumn Leaves, by Nat King Cole.  My mother used to play this song whenever she would sit on our piano and every time I hear this song, I remember her.

Every fall, the beauty of nature surrounds us.  The leaves become golden, red, deep hues of green, while the sun bursts with brilliant orange.  How not to be inspired to paint all these!!!

I am participating in my only group show this year ( after a 1 year hiatus), which is with the Oshawa Art Association.  This widely anticipated group show and sale showcases fine art work of the Oshawa Art Members, closed to over 150 now!!  It is an honour to be surrounded by such great art, in all mediums!  It is the biggest 'painting' show in Durham. 

Hope you can come visit!!

August

August, a very interesting month.  Usually, the most popular month in summer as it is the warmest and seemingly the shortest with September looming around the corner!  It has been a good month for me with time to get away with family renting a cottage in the town of Bala, Muskoka.  It is always good to get away from technology distractions such as internet and TV, but this cottage has good cell phone capabilities so we got to read Facebook updates and email from our phones!  Yet even with all these, we managed to restrain ourselves from technology so that we could re-connect with family time! Enjoyed it to the heavens and back!

We had a work summer party this month as well, getting everyone together to enjoy friendship  outside work, enjoy food and drink and brace ourselves on the on-set of the hectic schedule of back-to-school in September!!

Today, I taught an Art Camp at Meta 4, with the them of Out of Africa"!  I had a good bunch of fun loving students, majority of which where 6 years old and a few 8 years old!  Most if not all, were very cute and creative.  Looking forward to next summer.

Together with my students.

Wee One's

Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity to teach 8 young aspiring impressionist artists!  The workshop was part of Meta4 Contemporary Craft Gallery's SUMMER ART CAMP!  Our theme for the painting day was to paint anything based on a famous artist!

Now who do you think is my FAVORITE and famous painter of all time?? Claude Monet!

After a brief lesson on the colour wheel, we launched ourselves into the impressionistic style!!!  Some students decided to paint their own version of impressionism, but most stayed true to the lesson and worked with me to create a wonderful seascape!  Here are a few pictures taken during the class.

Enjoy!
Marissa

The Chosen One

Here is a picture of an abstract painting I started as a demo with the Visual Arts in Clarington class last year.  It was part of a collage to abstract painting  lesson I wanted this painting to be very "grey".  

 

 

 

After abandoning it for about 5 months, to focus on working on new lessons, it is only now that I had time to continue working at it.  I added Naples yellow, white and transparent red iron oxide to the grey and here it is now with a new life. It is called "the chosen one".

 

Never give up with your paintings!

 

Marissa

Taking a break

Most of my friends and clients ask me, what shows I am doing this year or where am I going to show next and honestly, I am NOT showing next.  YUPPer, Am taking a break from shows for a while.

Of course, it is not to say I am terminating my career as a visual artist.   Certainly NO WAY!!!  But rather just taking a bit of a hiatus, an interval or rather a break from showing my art through shows and fairs.

I am teaching a lot and continue to work on my own paintings and gather new reference materials for future work.  I have a ton on unfinished work and have made efforts to finish them one by one as I create new ones.  Due to this more relaxed atmosphere, I feel more inspired to create and continue with conceptual work soon to be unveiled.

Even without shows to gear up to, I feel the most productive as I have ever been in years!!!  Even without the deadline, I continue to work on my projects whether it be painting, research, motivation, marketing, teaching, mentoring, administration, networking, and web social media.  This break really isn't the break people think it may seem to be, but rather this break has pushed me to work harder than ever before.

Here are two finished works, I am sure my Bold Floral students will be happy to see.

Happy Summer!!
Marissa

Peace 24" x 24" Acrylic

May Belle 24" x 24" Acrylic

Should I go indoor or outdoor??

If you are an artist, do you prefer to participate in an indoor or outdoor art show and why?

Personally, I have participated in both venues and some quite far away from home.  Depending on the location and type of  show, there are more things to consider when choosing which art show to apply for and join.  Finding an art show where your work sells, is trial and error.  It takes years to weed out the duds and find the gems.  Some art shows takes years to even be accepted and the waitlist too long to even be considered.  Patience and determination is key.

Some outdoor art show are exclusive to original fine art visual work, 2D and 3D, while some shows combine fine art with photography and crafts, which often reduces your chance to sell your work due to the competitive prices some smaller items can carry.  Outdoor shows in downtown cities are popular, as city dwellers enjoy coming for the show and continue on with their errands, some walk their dogs and happen to chance that particular piece that would fit their space!!  Of course, outdoor show are subject to the weather, so everything has to be considered such what to bring such as tents, chairs, tables, hanging equipment, lighting, and security!

Riverdale Art Walk 2012

Indoor shows can shelter you from the weather which makes things a bit more comfortable.  But some have no air-conditioning which could be extremely hot and uncomfortable during warm summer months. Juried show are excellent to participate in because the caliber of artists are selected and most have high standards to quality.  Let me know your comments and lets get some buzz going!

Marissa

Upcoming Art Camps

Whoooahhhh, is it almost JULY????  July comes with workshops and new gigs to share.  So here goes!

July 13 - Abstracted Landscapes at Sweet Art Studio in Oshawa $85.00 from 10-4p.m.

July 14  - 101 on Acrylic Mediums at Sweet Art Studio; $120.00 from 10-4p.m. supplies included

July 15-17 - Beginner's Acrylic at Currys Art Store in Whitby 905-728-2868 10-2p.m.

July 20 - Mixed Media with Collage at Meta4 Art Gallery in Port Perry
www.meta4gallery.ca

July 25 - Meta 4 - Art Camp ,  from 6-10 years, from 9:30-12:00nn


For more information, you can check out my website www.marissasweet.com or call me at 905-718-7289!!

Summer Loving... having a Blast!!
Marissa

Rainy Weather and Cloud

Claude Monet has been so influential for me, when I was growing up in the Philippines, my uncle (a painter) introduced me to the impressionists from France.  I read as much as I could on Manet, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Van Gogh, art books, literature articles, magazines and history books.  I was totally inspired and made me want to paint in this style!  Years later, as I continued to paint and find a style I could call my own, I still revert back to this captivating style with nostalgia and passion.

Not only is the style unique for its time, it was neither highly finished or realistic and the subject matter neither classical or historical.  It was very cool to paint what happened in real life, life's adventures, and capturing the essence of light.

Rainy weather and cloud could not hinder 6 avid students from attending my workshop today at The Painted Tree, in Cobourg Ontario.  The workshop " Paint your gardens like Monet" introduced students to the impressionistic style of 'broken colour'.

Below is the demonstration painting, I painted with the class.

Till the next time,

Marissa

Demonstration Painting by Marissa Sweet

 

Bumblebee and me

This was such a great weekend! The sun was shinning and I had the opportunity to visit a few gardens around town participating with the "Artists in the Garden" fundraiser and show.  All proceeds go to the Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre and I am sure they have made their goal this year to help their programs!

Linda Gidora at a rustic garden on Nash Road

Ron and Sharon Backwell at an ornamental garden in Bowmanville

 

I only had time to visit 3 gardens, but it was well worth it.  The work of all who participated and those that opened their gardens for public viewing was such a treat.  I know, I will have lots of garden painting references for future work and classes!  Check out www.hearthplace.org for more details.

New Classes this Summer

Aha and here goes... lots of new workshops are popping up and I am proud to be facilitating them!!  The first is coming real FAST, June 22nd at The Painted Tree in Cobourg!!!  Painting your garden like Monet, a very fun workshop using impressionistic approach in painting!!!  To register visit, http://www.thepaintedtree.ca/

The second workshop is with CURRY'S ARTIST MATERIALS, (Whitby location).  July 15, 16, 17, three days of Beginner's Acrylic classes.  From 10a.m. - 2p.m. students will learn about under painting, colour blocking, glazing, composition and colour theory!!  Classes are limited to 10 students, hurry and register now by calling 905-728-2868.

Lastly, with Meta4 Contemporary Craft Gallery in Port Perry.  I will be participating at their Kids Art Camp on July 25 and August 13.  Go to the Meta 4 website for more information. http://www.meta4gallery.ca/courseCalendar.htm  The Kids Art Camp are from ages 6-10.... can you tell,... I am shaking with anticipation???!! It will be FUN- TAStic!!!

Stay tuned!!
Marissa

It is the start of Summer!!

I now feel that summer is just about to begin.... I have ended my 8 week spring class at Pickering Recreation Centre and it was a fun and stimulating class.  I will miss my students, but most, I hope will come back in the fall.  It was a diverse class, with returning students and those who have never painted ever!  We did two paintings, a Still life and Spring Landscape. I am quite happy with how my still life adventure turned out!

Vessel 12" x 16" Acrylic

My Bold Florals and Spring Landscapes are on display at the Clarington Gallery, Clarington Municipal Hall on Church Street, Bowmaniville.  It will be on display until June 29th.  If you are in the area drop by during office hours from 8-5p.m.

Happy Summer!!

Marissa

Spring is HERE!

Spring is here and so with the bees, the buds and fresh air!  Love it love it!!  And because it is spring, I come bringing updates in my lair of creative projects.  Finally, after about 3 months my website is up and running!  Come visit, www.marissasweet.com and let me know what you think?  It is fresh, catchy and shows my new work and studio workshops. 

I have two new workshops this spring.  The first, Mixed Media with Photo Collage, (May 18-19) brings forth creative ways to display your memories on canvas.  A two-day class filled with creative ideas, play, elements of design, assemblage, inspired by colour and memory!  You can still register as there are a few spots available by emailing me Marissa.sweet@rogers.com ASAP!!

The second new workshop is on July 14 is Acrylic Mediums 101!  This is all about acrylic mediums and what they can do to enhance your work.  Mediums not in the spirit world, but rather in the art world!!  What's more fun, is that I will be providing the mediums you will be working with to try, this way you do not have to buy them before knowing what they can do.  This workshops is all about exploration with step-by-step instruction, so hope you can join me for this 1-day class!

I just finished a Bold Floral workshop last weekend and we had a ton of fun.  I have more fun, engaging with you, the sharing, the energy!!Hope to see you again in the fall.

So far, I guess this is it ... but wait, I have another class in Cobourg, with THE PAINTED TREE.  The class is all about learning how to abstract your landscapes!!! Now how cool is that??  Visit their website to learn more about the course.

Till then... keep creating and enjoy the sunshine.

Marissa

The Year That Was

Happy New Year to all!!!  The last time I wrote in this blog should be close to six months, holy jumping crapola, time does fly!  For those who are in my distribution list, I was always around and in comunication with you, but not necesarily through this medium.  As part of my on-going commitment to keeping in touch, I am in the process of building a new website which will have a link to my blog.  I am giving myself 3-4 months for this transition, but in the meantime www.taopad.com remains my official webpage.

Fall 2012 was such a great time for me and my studio. After a beautiful vacation with my hubby in Paris, France... I came back loaded with so much inspiration that I am going to devote this whole year to building a new series.  So watch out my dear friends as I go through the process of playing, moulding, daring new heights, screaming in frustration or jumping with delight.  Going through paint like never before and eagerly looking at what becomes!

My solo show with Cultural Expressions " Words Become Her" was a trip to the moon!  I was thrilled to share this experience with most of you, and thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your support.

I was also fortunate enough to be selected to 3 Juried Art Shows in the Region.  Each Juried Art show is like a competition and my nail biting clicks everytime.  3 panel of art judges say 'yea or ney" and truly have the forsight to building their show.  I am honoured and thrilled that my paintings have  been selected for the Visual Arts Juried Show in October,  The Markham Group of Artists in November, and The Station Gallery, in December.

Fall 2012 also brought forth new venues to faciliating workshops, among them "The Painted Tree" in Cobourg, Ontario.  The class was at full capacity with 9 students!  I am glad to have been invited to teach in this location gain and now have a winter schedule lined up for 2013.  The first is on January 12 &19 "Abstract Landscapes" and on Feb. 23&March 2 ;" The Creative Power of Abstract Painting"!!!  There are still some spots left to call (905) 372-1313, or email, The Painted Tree, http://www.thepaintedtree.ca/ to register.

Hope to see you real soon!!!

Love,
Marissa