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Vino Bianco
I am often asked about titles. Where do they come from? In the case of Vino Bianco, (48x48, mixed media on canvas), I was enjoying a glass of Moscato while listening to Mascagni as I was painting. A slight accident, spillage and- voila! Vino Bianco- a canvas whose DNA actually contains organic residue-just in time to celebrate the end of the harvest.
Enjoy the rest of this beautiful Southern Ontario Autumn.
New York , New York
Is there no getting away from New York? The Jays finish ahead of the Yankees only to miss out on the opportunity to face yet another NY team- the Mets! The omnipresence of the Big Apple is something I wished to express in the above piece (New York Stories, 3x 60x48). Larger than life itself, those who have been there know exactly what I mean. From the moment you lay eyes on her, whether from the Hudson, Atlantic, or from the air, the sheer mass of the place is hard to forget.
New York Stories, mixed media on canvas, 2015, available through Saatchi Online Gallery, $30,000. Click here
Summer in the City (Le Donne, gallery 133)
Summer in T.O. has been hot, congested, and crowded because of all the events taking place. So it's been perfect! Attitudes and styles are intriguing during our summers in this part of the world. Beauty is everywhere, and the eyes of the beholders get a daily dose of different and cool, and funky and wild and so on....just like "Le Donne", above. Le Donne are available at Gallery 133 on Castlefield in the design district.
Ask for Vanessa, Janet or Christine. They are outstanding in their knowledge and appreciation of art and design. I am proud of my affiliation with Gallery 133. I first entered their doors in the early 1980's when they were located at Bathurst and King. Their longevity is a testimony to first-rate service and a deep understanding of the art market.
Drop in to view art in a truly world-class space.
Gallery 133. Proprietor: Mr. Paul Wise
Enjoy La Dolce Vita (try an espresso on ice, followed by cold lemon water) in Toronto! Tiff and autumn colours are still weeks away!
Rossetto
I know that many collectors have been awaiting the arrival of Rossetto ( Lo Specchio) on handbags, shoes and accessories by Icon (iconshoes.com). You may order on line or at fine stores such as Nordstrom. If you wish to have a limited editon giclee on canvas, google Greenwich Workshop. Should you desire an original, check out the list of fine art galleries which carry my work in your area. The latest figurative works are available in the G.T.A at Gallery 133, Hazelton Gallery, Kipling Gallery, Frame of Mind, Marquis Gallery, Select in Newmarket and Crescent Hill in Mississauga. It is thrilling to know that the Rossetto series has such a following. Many thanks, and may you enjoy a warm, wonderful spring in the Northern Hemisphere and a prolonged summer to my friends down under! To those who will be attending Art Expo in New York later this month, look for my work in the Progressive Fine Art Booth...please ask for Mr. Michael Havers.
Sultry, even as she engages in the mundane act of applying lipstick....it's not in the when, where or why-it's all in the how.
The piece above is part of the Heart of the City Series. A similar piece (Lakeview) was acquired by a special person ( an artist herself) this weekend in Sarnia, Ontario. I begin this blog with a new perspective. I didn't think I needed reminding about what truly matters in this existence because, as an artist and teacher, I have been fortunate enough to have been involved with charitable events and I have served as a mentor for many students. As you know, I do not mention names in this blog, but I can tell you that if I was going to begin, I would not have space enough to mention all of the wonderful people we met this weekend at An Event Apart in Sarnia. Our invitation came through my cousin who resides with his family in Bright's Grove. I couldn't refuse as the cause is one of epic importance in today's society, and on a lighter note, we could not refuse the chance to dine with my cousin (an unbelievable chef). I realize that thanks to my network of representatives and galleries I have been spared the hard work in doing shows. I appreciate their efforts. But this show was surreal. My wife and I would not have missed it for the world. We had absolutely no idea of what to expect from a show held in a greenhouse! The even light during the day made it the very best possible light for viewing artwork. The uplifting feeling of being in that light, along with live fine music added something difficult to replicate in a gallery. To cap it off, everyone from the volunteers, local artists and artisans from all over Ontario contributed to a positively charged atmosphere. We met and chatted with people from all walks of life- many collectors and many who simply just love the arts. Some came from a distance just for a chance to chat with yours truly and to take some pics-humbling indeed. Some came from out of the past- University of Toronto and Sheridan College days-and because we were in greenhouse light-we hadn't aged a bit! I was privy to many stories between conversations revolving around art. Again the light served to relax and disarm. I had stories of my own. They weren't important. What was important was the other topic of conversation-the charity, and the struggles people have in coping with loved ones who contemplate ending it all. And so I listened. To mothers of veterans, to fathers of kids that "just don't get it", to parents of special needs children. I listened and I knew we were there for a good reason. Was I back in the classroom or was I in my studio? A bit of both, really. Everything we do affects someone in some way. Awareness is a good thing. Awareness of what we say and do and how we influence others is an on-going process of refinement.
I want to thank everyone involved in An Event Apart. I feel truly honoured to have made a humble contribution. As for my cousin-hey, we're family.
So we drove on London Line toward Lakeshore and the Huron sunset that they were all talking about-it did not disappoint.
"Classic Gold"
"Classic Gold", mixed media on canvas,30x72,2014
I thought the stampeding horse theme would be appropriate to headline the Grand Opening Celebrations of Magnotta Winery's newest location at 1320 Castlefield, not too far from Gallery 133. I will be there to sign bottles and to hopefully connect with collectors of art as well as wine. I offer congratulations to Rossana Magnotta and her staff in continuing the fine tradition of producing good Canadian wines while at the same time maintaining a strong relationship with the arts in the community. It's a "natural pairing". I will be there from 12-3p.m. on Thursday. So if you find yourselves in the Dufferin-Castlefield-Caledonia area this Thursday, do come in to help celebrate the Grand Opening, and I'll be looking forward to catching up with you.