Category Archives: Event

Paint Dexter First Annual Plein Air Festival August 13 to 17, 2013

19 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by in Art, Event, Landscape, Plein Air, Watercolour

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This summer is even more of a whirlwind then last summer.  I traveled to two Plein Air Festivals, and I think I’ve caught the bug.  I want to go to more, and meet more wonderful people.  The artists, and the members of the community in Dexter, Mi are all incredible and wonderful people.

But, what was even more special this time is that I was able to share this event with two from my own group “The Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Society.”  Kathy Hudak and Bobby Wagner.

Tall Ship Sketch Night

02 Friday Aug 2013

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Amherstburg, TallshipsDSC_5614

The Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Society and I are privileged to be hosting another sketch night with the Arts Council, and the City of Windsor.

Thursday, August 29th
4-7pm
Sculpture Park – Windsor’s Riverfront

As announced on the Arts Council website:

Participants are asked to meet at the northernmost tip of Ouellette Ave by the Art Cart sign (close to the Bistro) at 4pm.

Access to the free Art Cart on the trail is available from 4-7pm for participants to disperse in the Sculpture Park West of Ouellette Ave.

Please bring all of your own supplies. There is no fee for this event but we do ask that you sign-up if you plan on attending.

A partnership with Arts Council Windsor & Region, the City of Windsor Sculpture Park, Elizabeth MacDonald and Windsor & Essex County Plein-Air Society, this event is in coordination with the Southwestern Ontario Coastal Trails Sails to See TALL SHIPS® Festival.

Questions? Please email outreach@acwr.net or call us (Arts Council) at 519 252 2787.

Edge of the Rock Plein Air Painting Event in Beloit, Wisconsin

10 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by in Art, Event, Landscape, Plein Air, Watercolour

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cropDSC_1642

It was an 8 hour drive to Beloit, Wisconsin.  I left home at 3:30 a.m. in order to be in Beloit by noon.  I just made it!  Chicago at rush hour is a trip!  I ended up at O’hare Airport.  Thankfully, it was not difficult to get back on the freeway.  Finally out of Chicago I end up in construction.  I’m just happy I never trust Mapquest when it comes to time.  I always add 2 hours.  It worked out perfect, but boy was I stiff and tired when I got here.

Beloit is a small town of 30K people.  I have to say that I’ve been treated like a celebrity.  I even was stopped in Walmart by a lady who saw my plates.  “Are you from Canada?”  She asked.

“Why… yes.  How did you know?”

She had her young grand daughter in tow, and she proceeded to explain to the child that I was from Canada…. and that I probably still had snow. The child looked terrified of the lady in the big straw hat.  I’m sure I looked a wee bit out of place.

I’ve had that response from quite a few people here.  I think they equate Canada with Sault St. Marie.   I’ve been explaining that I’m actually almost due east of them.  Their eyes get wide when I tell them we have hardly any snow, and that my hubby’s had to mow the lawn in December.  Even more interesting is that we have to go North to get the the USA.  They seem a bit perplexed, and still introduce me as The lady who came all they way “down” from Canada.  But, they are wonderful people and I’m so happy that I came.

I’ve managed to paint three paintings so far.  They’ve been predicting heavy thunder showers, but rain has held off since I got here.  It did rain on my way here.  Since Saturday, we’ve had beautiful weather.  Just a bit of wind, and a threatening sky.  I don’t mind because a stormy sky is interesting, and a challenge to paint.  Just what’s needed for a Plein Air convention.

I’m hoping that our group from Windsor will come here with me next year.  I’m very pleased I did.

 

2013 Edge of the Rock Plein Air Painting

26 Sunday May 2013

Posted by in Art, Event, Plein Air

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Elizabeth painting on the Detroit River, the famous US/Canadian Ambassador Bridge in the Background

Painting en Plein Air on the Detroit River

I’m very pleased to announce that The Beloit Inn, has accepted me as their Artist in Residence during the Edge of the Rock Plein Air Painting Event June 5 – 15th in Beloit Wisconsin. I wish to thank Nicki Meyer Executive Director of Friends Of River Front plein air festival for this great honour and wonderful opportunity. I also with to thank Nicholas Johnson, General Manager of The Beloit Inn for his generosity.

Dr Spellman’s Studies of India Woodblock Workshop

02 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Art, Event, Printmaking, Workshops

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It was a great pleasure for me to work with Dr Spellman, retired Professor from the University of Windsor, and his class from UNI-COM.

UNI~COM is a voluntary organization of seniors (50 and over) retired, semi-retired, or still employed. It is hosted by the University of Windsor and is designed to provide opportunities to its members to participate in Study Groups, attend Speaker Luncheons and to practise their skills in programs and/or projects of service to the citizens of our community.

Dr Spellman has collected many antique Indian fabric wood blocks. I taught his students on the use of these blocks.
www.uwindsor.ca/unicom/

Dr Spellman concluded his course “Highlights of India” with a trip to a local Tai restaurant. Link to photo below.
www.uwindsor.ca/unicom/system/files/Art%20Exhibit%20016.JPG

Sara & Ryan Fontaine

19 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in Art, Event, Life Drawing, Sketch

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Sara Fontaine by photographerpainterprintmaker

We had an incredible sketch night last night sponsored by the Windsor and Region Arts Council. One of our members, Christy Lister, arranged a private party at a posh restaurant, the Gourmet Emporium! The restaurant is normally closed on Mondays, but this Monday they had a band coming in to do some video. We were invited to come in and sketch while the band was recording. The kitchen was not open, but we were able to have have a drink from their wonderfully stocked bar.  If you ever get to Windsor you must visit the Gourmet Emporium.  Sara & Ryan Fontaine played and sang original songs. They are a wonderful duo.

Life Drawing at Sho Gallery

27 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by in Art, Event, Life Drawing, Watercolour

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The Arts Council-Windsor Region has spearheaded a unique community sketch night. They are scheduled for every other Monday. What is unique about them is that a different organization hosts the sketch night each week. Each organization puts its own spin on the night.

The first night was hosted by a talented young artist. His take on the event was a method called the “Exquisite Corpse”. Each person started a drawing, and when time was called the drawings were passed to the right. The event stopped when your drawing made it back to you. It was very interesting what others did to your original work. Passing your work onto someone else was quite a scary proposition. It helped detach me from my work and see the unique directions others would take it in.

Yesterday, Monday November 26th was hosted by Sho Art, Spirit & Performance, a fairly new gallery in the city. They hosted a life drawing evening. There was an incredible turn out. Standing room only! My friends and I were one of the first to arrive, so we were able to get our pick of locations.

The next event is hosted by yours truly, at Windsor Printmaker’s Forum, where I am Vice President. I plan on setting up a number of unique still life stations for people to draw. They will rotate between the stations throughout the evening. I’m quite excited, and nervous at the same time.

Please have a look at the drawings that I did at Sho.

ACWR Sketch Nights

30 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by in Art, Event, Sketch, Workshops

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I am pleased to announce that I will be one of the hosts for the Arts Council Sketch nights. My night will be Monday December 10th from 6 until 9. Location and theme of my sketch night will be announced soon. Each night is hosted by a different artist or art group. We are really excited about what will be taking place during these evenings.
Here is the post from the Arts Council site followed by a link.

The Arts Council Windsor & Region is facilitating bi-monthly Sketch Nights in partnership with local artists, businesses and organizations.

How do you become involved?

–Become an ACWR member 
-Fill out the form below

We want you to make this event/workshop/semi-collaborative sketching time your own! Have any suggestions on how to make this open sketching group awesome? Potential partners or themes? We want to hear them! Come out on Monday, November 12, meet the group of sketchers and share your ideas.

There are 3 sessions to lead Sketch Nights into the new year (all sessions are at 6pm unless otherwise noted):

 Monday, November 12 – Exquisite Corpse style drawing session lead by Sketch Night member Dave Kant @ ACWR (1942 Wyandotte St E)

Monday, November 26 – Live nude model session lead by Sketch Night partner SHO Art, Spirit and Performance  @ SHO (628 Monmouth Rd)

Monday, December 10 – TBA Sketch activity with Plein Air artist Elizabeth Gaye MacDonald

Please Note: Our goal is to make sketch night accessible and affordable for everyone. However, due to material costs there may be reasonable supplementary fees for certain Sketch Night activities.

Questions? Please email info@acwr.net or call us at 519 252 2787.

Arts Council Sketch nights

Join Me Plein Air Painting In Tuscany in May 2013

19 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Art, Event, Moleskine, Plein Air, Sketch, Watercolour, Workshops

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Hosted by Toscana Americana Workshops

Watercolor en Plein Air in Tuscany with Artist/instructor Elizabeth G MacDonald May 8-15, 2013 Cortona, Italy

I am very excited to offer a workshop in Tuscany next spring 2013.

In this workshop I will be focusing on sketching and watercolour en Plein Air.  The day will begin with a short discussion, demo and question period.  Throughout the day, each student will receive individual instruction.  We will Alternate between quick sketches in a journal, and larger paintings. As an urban and a landscape painter I am at home painting in any environment.  The focus will be on capturing the rapidly changing light and contrasting values as the day progresses.  You will also learn how to interpret colour using a limited palette. I will teach you how to edit what you see en Plein Air to create your cherished memory of Tuscany.  As an added bonus I will show you how to use photography as a tool to plan your composition,photograph your work for the web or to make art cards from your paintings.  These keepsakes can be shared with friends and family. You will learn how to work Plein Air painting into your daily life.  I will be only demonstrating watercolour, but if you are an experienced painter who wishes to do your own thing you are more than welcome to participate at the same cost.  You may bring any mediums you like with you.  However, if you bring oils do not bring thinners, as they are prohibited from flights.  You may purchase thinners at the local art store.

This workshop is suitable for the beginner or the experienced painter.  Click these links for frequently asked questions, workshop information and registration rates.

I wish to introduce you to the joy of painting in the largest studio in the world, the great outdoors.  When I paint en Plein Air I experience nature and the world in an intimate way not experienced by the casual observer. The experience exhilarates me. I am also a photographer. When I capture nature and life through a camera lens I feel more like a voyeur, stealing a moment in time.  However, when I paint I become immersed in my surroundings with all my senses.  I am alert, and the scene becomes a part of my existence.  My heart yearns to interpret what is before me. By painting en Plein Air I go beyond copying that stolen moment in a photograph in the studio. I live the moment. I live the painting. The experience becomes a memory not soon forgotten.  When people see my work, I’d like them to experience a bit of what it was like to be there.  There is no greater joy for me then when I introduce others to painting en Plein Air.

Ciao!

Recommended supplies, partial list.

Blueberry Social & Lost Arts Festival. 2011 Lovacore Brunch

27 Wednesday Jul 2011

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Herbivore’s eat plants,
Carnivore’s eat meat,
and Locavore’s eat Local!



2011 Locavore, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Society will be painting at the John R. Park Homestead during this event. We will also be there for the Blueberry & Lost Arts Festival which takes place following this brunch, and the Saturday before.

Lakeside Locavore Brunch


Date: Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011
Location: John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area


This event highlights Locavore opportunities in Essex County. You can learn more about this movement as you savour a morning by the Lake enjoying live music, tasting locally grown foods, a fine array of local fruit juices and more. Also local farmers, food producers and vendors will be on hand to share their specific knowledge about their products, the delicious bounty that our region offers, and the benefits of buying local.

The 2011 menu for the Homestead will include: bacon, sausage, crepes with local maple syrup, fresh blueberries, peaches and other fruits, assorted salads, fresh breads, bocconcini cheese, mushroom sautee, gazpacho, lavender lemonade, apple cider, and more!

Be sure to attend this unique event to ‘green your eats’. Advance ticket sales only. Last year’s event was sold out!

To purchase tickets for the brunch (11am – 12:30pm): or for more information: (519) 738-2029 email: jrph@erca.org

The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, east of Colchester on the Lake.

Blueberry Social & Lost Arts Festival

Saturday Aug 6 and Sunday Aug 7 Noon – 4: P.M.

Celebrate the blueberry season with crafts, blueberry pie and ice cream sundaes, live music, and games for children. Pick your own berries at the Klassen’s Farm just east of the Homestead.

This year’s event features the ‘Lost Arts’ theme – see reenactors demonstrating trades and arts from the 19th century and participate in the fun. Demonstrations will include: basket weaving, blacksmithing, wood carving, painting, quilting, and more!