Audrey Hayes Art - Canadian Artist

exhale

Phew!  Well, I did it.  I had my first Studio Tour this past weekend. It was a lot of planning and weeks/months of painting to get ready for it.  It was well worth it.  We had over 100 people come to our house and view almost 30 of my paintings.   

For me, the purpose of the tour was to get experience and exposure.  But the bonus was selling several pieces of art.  What I wasn't expecting was how positive and complimentary people would be or how much I would enjoy talking to people about my paintings.  

I was a fabulous two days and my house has never been tidier.  

Thank you to those of you who were able to come by and chat.  I hope you enjoyed it.

Here are some photos of what my house looked like all set up:  there were paintngs everywhere, even some hanging from my kitchen cabinets.

studio tour

Well the time has come.  My studio tour is this Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm on both days.  Please come by my house and have a look at all my paintings which will be on display and for sale.  I have new paintings not yet on my website.  

And why not make a day of it and check out the other artists on the tour. One of our sponsors, the Thirsty Vintner, has donated a few bottles of wine per studio, so come by have a wee glass of wine and enjoy some lovely art.

 

Check out the Gordon Head Studio Tour page here and download our brochure.  

Be sure to tell anyone you know who might be interested to drop by too.  

Hope to see you then.

upcoming

markyourcalendars

I am busily preparing for a few art shows that I have coming soon.  Today I took in two paintings to the LOOK 2012 Art Show which runs from April 21 to May 12 downtown at the Bay Centre.  Be sure to check it out!  

Currently, I have a painting at the Gallery Cafe at the Cedar Hill Rec. Centre for the Saanich Studio Tours Exhibition.  This show ends tomorrow.  

I took in the Oak Bay Studio Tour this weekend, checking out some of the great Oak Bay artists' studios.  Truth be told, I was trying to gather ideas about how to have a successful studio tour as I will be part of the Gordon Head Studio Tour on May 5 and 6.  Only a few weeks away and I am trying to get organized.

I have new paintings being completed as we speak.  Be sure to check my GALLERY regularly as I will be posting all new paintings as I finish them.  And look for all my upcoming shows on my EXHIBITIONS page.  Lots going on these days.  

I'll be sure to keep you posted.

on the horizon

I can't believe how fast this year is going.  We are about to enter into the next season...Spring, and I can't wait.  I am ready to say good-bye to winter, my least favourite time of year.  

It has been a busy year so far with work, but I have also been working on getting my art back into the forefront and I am excited to share that I have a few shows on the horizon.

For several years now I have been going to Artist Studio Tours around town.  I always thought that one day I might want to be a part of one.  Well this is the year.  I am going to be a part of the Gordon Head Studio Tour.  This is the poster for the tour.  I will post more details closer to the date.  

[side note: my brother-in-law is one of the sponsors at the bottom of the poster]

I am also going to have a painting hanging in the Saanich Artists 2012 Exhibition at the Cedar Hill Gallery, next month.  This is an exhibition of selected studio tour artists from the various tours around Saanich, each of whom will have a piece of work on display at the Gallery Café at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.  This show will run from April 3 to 17.

I'll let you know what else is on the horizon as it comes into view.  

Saw my first cherry blossoms today...Spring is on its way...YAY!

18 and counting

Sean and I got to spend all day together on Sunday without the girls.  Of course we love spending time with our kids, but it was nice to have some alone time, especially since it happened to be our 18th anniversary of being together. Where has the time gone.  We've been together for almost half our lives...our whole adult lives.  

Once we dropped off the girls at their grandparents', we went to meet a new baby.  Our friends had a large baby boy a few weeks ago and we finally got to meet the little one, born 10 lbs. 13 oz.  Ouch!!

Then we were off to Muse Winery out in Deep Cove to see some of the artists in the Saanich Peninsula Studio Tour.  It is a beautiful place with a little alfresco Bistro patio nestled next to the vineyard.

We then went to Sea Cider, for their 3rd birthday party, with the ulterior motive of peaking at their art show mezzanine.  

 

We ended up buying some sweet Pomona Ice Cider [for me] and Temperance apple juice [for Sean]. YUM!!

  

Finally, we finished our day with dinner at a new downtown restaurant...Browns Socialhouse.  It wasn't bad. 

One thing that kind of bugged me was their slogan, "restaurant.bar.socialize." Two nouns and a verb?  I want consistency here, people.  Either go with nouns - "restaurant.bar.socialhouse." or go with verbs - "eat.drink.socialize.".  In my opinion, the two just don't mix. 

It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed spending it with my honey.  

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I was given some Amish Friendship bread starter last week and I have been waiting for it to mature. I will have 3 more starter batches by Wednesday.  If anyone is interested in having a starter batch let me know and I'll get it to you on Thursday.   

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MY ART:  Yesterday, I started my new painting for over our fireplace.  But as usual, I ran out of my Pthalo Blue paint.  I picked up some more today.  Now I am heading down to my studio to continue painting.  Maybe I'll take some in-progress photos of this one.  

Hope you are all having a great June.  Summer is almost here and it is starting to feel like it.  YAY!!

 

equals fun

I've had quite a bit of teaching work the past couple of weeks and haven't had much time to blog or paint, but now that my working days are over for this school year it is time to focus on getting through the last two weeks. As the school year comes to an end I have noticed the calendar filling up with year end activities for the girls.  Then summer truly begins.  

We are trying to plan the summer with little family get aways and hopefully a long overdue anniversary trip for Sean and I.  We were going to go away for our 5th wedding anniversary, then our 6th, then our 7th, and it just never happened.  This year is our 8th.  So it is time.  We are thinking Maui.  Any suggestions about must do's when we are there?

This weekend looks like it is going to be a good one.  I am having a canvas custom made to fit over our mantle.  I will begin painting it tomorrow.  I can't wait.  And to get me inspired, I think I might head out to this weekend's Saanich Peninsula Artists' Studio Tour.  I've never been to this one before.  I want to go to the Muse Winery, not only to see the artists, but maybe I'll also get to try some more wine [had some at the ICC Food Fest couple of weeks back and it was pretty good stuff].

 

Then on Sunday we may head to the Sea Cider Ciderhouse for their 3rd Birthday party to raise money for Lifecycles, promoting island food security.  I also want to check out their mezzanine where they often host art shows.  

Well, busy days ahead.  Lots of painting and planning to do.  Thanks for stopping by.

long weekend

I haven't had much to blog about for the past several days. I haven't done anything art related which makes posting on an art blog a bit of a challenge. 

This is the last weekend (that I know of) for the Artists' Studio Tours, of which there are two.  The larger of the two with 24 artists, is the Victoria/Saanich Scattered Artists' Tour.  These studios are scattered between McKenzie and Hillside.  It is on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

 

The other tour is the Cadboro Bay Artists' Studio Tour with 10 artists participating.  It, too, is on both Saturday and Sunday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.   Pick up brochures from local Cadboro Bay merchants.

 

THIS WEEKEND:  3 birthday parties, Highland Games, Studio Tours, parades, BBQs, out-of-town friends, and of course, the epic LOST finale on Sunday.  

If you are a LOST-lover, don't forget that it is Sunday (not Tuesday) and there is a two hour pre-finale, 2 1/2 hour finale show and Jimmy Kimmel is having the LOST after show which will show alternate endings.  I have already double checked my PVR to make sure everything is just right.  And of course, I am taping the eastern feed and the western feed just in case something goes wrong with one.  ENJOY!!

Have a great long-weekend!!

artist in the family

We have another artist in the family.  My nephew, Braeden was in his first art show this weekend.  He was asked to submit his self portrait to the Independent Schools Art Exhibition 2010.  

I have only just had my first show at 38 years old.  Braeden is on his way at only 5 1/2 years old.  Great job, Braeden!

I had a couple of errands to run yesterday, so while I was out I stopped into a couple of artists' studios along the way.  I first went to Lisa Hebden's studio on the Gordon Head tour.  She happens to be one of the artists that I am having a show with next February at Goward House.  Next, I went to an artist's studio on the Broadmead tour, Chin Yuen. Her paintings are colourful and beautifully displayed in her lovely Broadmead home.

Over the past couple of years I have been on most studio tours around town. Check out my reviews of them all, here.

MY ART:  I just have to put the finishing touches on my newest painting.  I'll probably post it tomorrow as it still needs to be signed and glossed. 

Now I must get ready for a wild party with 9 little girls.  Should be fun.

Welcome, May!!

tours continue

I know we've been having weird weather lately, but at least it isn't snowing like in Calgary.  No worries, I am sure a chinook is on its way ;)

It may not be snowing here, but I am sure we can expect some rain this weekend.  If you are looking for something to do on a rainy day, how about another studio tour.  In fact, there are two this weekend.  The Gordon Head Studio Tour and the Cordova Bay/Broadmead Studio Tour.  I think I may only go to one or two studios this weekend. 

 

I went on both of these tours last year and most of the artists are the same.  

Plus, I don't have a lot of extra time this weekend.  We are having Macy's 6th birthday party with 9 energetic girls.  Should be fun, but exhausting.

MY ART:  I am just finishing up a little painting that I've been working on.  I am hoping to finish it up tonight and post it this weekend.  

Six years ago today I was 9 months pregnant and ready to pop and my friend Alexis was giving birth to her first son.  Happy 6th Birthday, Bailey!!  

busy days

Phew!!!  It has been a busier-than-usual weekend.  One of those non-stop weekends.

We headed out early yesterday to go to Carnival of the Arts at Cedar Hill Rec. Then we took our international student out for a drive around town to show her some sights, including a visit to the Oak Bay marina to feed the seals.  I didn't think to take photos.

Then it was an early morning for Sean as he ran the TC10K.  The girls and I headed downtown a bit later so Macy could run the 1.5K Fun Run.  I was proud of her.  She ran the whole route with no complaints. She was quite proud of herself, too.  And Emmy wants to run next year.  We'd better start training...now.

  

This is Macy (#17) wearing her school's team jersey.  

This afternoon I got a chance to see some artists on the Fairfield Artists' Studio Tour.  My MIL's friend Terri Reid was one of them.  I didn't get a chance to talk to her but I did check out her beautiful paintings.  I also, got a chance to meet Karen Hamilton, a very talented artist who works with oil pastels.  I love pastels and Karen's work.   

MY ART:  I am right in the middle of a painting that I started last week and as much as I want to get it done, it will have to wait until tomorrow.  I am exhausted after a full weekend.  

Last week of April...enjoy it.

art + walls

I was hoping to go to Oak Bay's Art on the Avenue Gallery Walk. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my act together.  Too bad because it was a beautiful night and it would have been a great atmosphere.  Oh well, next time.

This weekend is the Fairfield Artists' Studio Tour.  There are 43 artists on this tour, which is a lot.  But this is another good tour to go on and lots of great local artists.

Macy's class went rock climbing yesterday at Stelly's Climbing Gym.  It was pretty cool to see a bunch of 5 and 6 year olds scaling 24 foot walls.  Some of the little monkeys were actually able to climb to the top and ring the bell. Let's just say Macy had other strengths.  But she tried her best and had fun...that was the main thing.

 

 

Hope you had a great Earth Day.

studio tour + gallery walk

STUDIO TOUR:  I found a couple of hours to myself yesterday and I took advantage of it.  I headed off to some artists' studios on the Oak Bay Studio Tour.  What I love about the Oak Bay tour is that not only are there some really great artists to meet, but you also get to see some beautiful Oak Bay homes. So if you've never been on an studio tour before but you'd like to start, then this is the one you want to go on.  But it ends today (Sunday).  It is on from 12 noon to 4:30 pm.   

If I were to recommend just one studio to go to it would be Marion Evamy Morrison.  Her beautiful house (at 1183 Oliver St) was full of her bright, bold, colourful art.  There was a steady stream of art goers while I was there and her husband was giving out freshly popped popcorn to enjoy while viewing her magnificent paintings. [Marion will also be at ArtSee Eyewear on Thursday - see below]

GALLERY WALK:  If you are just too busy to go out this weekend, you can still take in some art later this week.  Oak Bay is giving the community another art experience.  On Thursday, April 22 from 6 pm to 8 pm, Oak Bay Avenue will become "Art on the Avenue Gallery Walk".  

Not only will the five galleries along the avenue be open for special receptions and art exhibits, but merchants will be open late.  There will be guest artists and artisans, food and wine tastings, music, art demonstrations, and a great atmosphere. 

MY ART:  As soon as I got home from the studio tour I went right to my own studio and started painting. I painted for hours but I don't really have anything to show for it.  But through the process I figured out a couple of paintings that I have now started on.  If I can manage my time properly this week maybe I will at least get one painting complete.  

Here is to an artful week.

tour a studio

Well, it is that time of year again.  The Artists' Studio Tours kick off this weekend with the Oak Bay Studio Tour.

  

The Oak Bay Tour is definitely one of my favourites.  Many really great artists. I always find these tours very inspiring and it makes me want to get down to my studio and paint like a wild woman.

Every weekend between now and the end of May there will be at least one Studio Tour in the different neighbourhoods around Victoria.  I will keep you posted each week of the upcoming tours.  I have been to most of the the tours over the past couple of years, but there are always a couple of new artists that I want to check out, so I'll let you know if I find any new favourites.

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MY ART:  I thought I'd have a half finished painting by today, but instead all I have is a blank canvas.  I had expected Wednesday to be very productive, but Macy woke up with a pulled muscle in her neck and that left me being nurse mother for the rest of the day.  I am making it my mission to paint tonight. Wish me luck.

The FCA Spring Art Show is now over.  Thanks to everyone that went down to the gallery to check out all the paintings (mine included).  I really appreciate all the support.

Happy Mid-April!

zzzzzzzz

I am so tired.  We had a busy weekend and now I just want to sleep.  I feel like I've been going non-stop since Friday.  

I spent Friday night cleaning house in preparation for Emmy's 4th birthday party. On Saturday morning, I took the girls to Lizzy Lee & Me for Emmy's first ever haircut.  Then both girls got their nails painted and we were all set for her party.

On Sunday, we had all the family over to celebrate Emmy's day.  Sean made a scrumptious brunch with the best french toast I've ever eaten.  After fun and games and gifts, we sang happy birthday to the guest of honour and, of course, ate a whole lot of cake.  And I should add, Sean's homemade chocolate cake with light and fluffy icing, is about as good as it gets.  So GOOD!

After the spa time with the girls, I headed out to the Oak Bay Artists' Studio Tour.  I went to a few artists' studios I hadn't been to before.  My favourite was Marion Morrison.  

 

She just recently won "Best in Show" at the Sidney Fine Art Show last month.  

I also really liked this artists - Daciana Oana.  I love this painting, below.

After the studio tour, we headed to our friends' house for dinner, wine, and some good, old fashioned, grown-up socializing.  I needed that.  Thanks Kelly & Jason.

My weekend ended just the way it had begun, cleaning the house.  I have finally finished the dishes and now I am wiped.  Off to bed.

Have a great week!

rainy studio tour

Today I went on the James Bay Art Walk Tour.  Okay, so I didn't exactly walk it. I drove it.  I know it seems wrong to drive a "walk", but it was pouring rain. Can you blame me?  And if you have hair like me, you'll understand why I hate the rain.  I arrived home looking a bit "weathered".  

Despite the nasty weather, it was still fun.  There were 22 artists on this tour and I managed to see eight of them.  These tours are made up of painters, potters, sculptors, printmakers, and quilters, but I usually only go to the painters as my time is limited and painting is what I am most interested in.  

My two favourites, this time, both attracted me because of their use of bright, vivid colours.  I'm pretty sure both artists work in acrylics...I think.

1) Anne Hansen's paintings are of Oystercatchers.

  

[image taken from Oystercatchergirl blog]

Her paintings can also be found at the Sooke Harbour House Gallery.  

2) Nicholas Demers creates fun, pretty, colourful work.  He doesn't have a website and the paintings shown on the Art Walk website are not the ones he was showing today.  The ladies aren't my favourite, but I did liked all his other work [sorry I can't show you any examples].   

I do enjoy these studio tours.  The next one is the Oak Bay Studio Tour in November.  I went to this one in April, but I think there are some additional artists in the upcoming tour.  So I may visit just them.  If you are interested in art and like to get an idea of what is out there and what they cost, but don't like the feel of galleries, artist tours are a good way to go.  

MY ART:  I have signed and top coated the painting for my SIL.  I will take a photo tomorrow, weather permitting, and I'll post it tomorrow night.

Hope your Labour Day doesn't live up to its name.  Have a relaxing one.

p.s  If you didn't see the post about Avon's Paint it PINK campaign, go here. Remember there is still time to VOTE everyday until the end of September.

done

On Saturday, I went to the last of the studio tours around town.  I think I've been to  plenty now.  They actually take up quite a bit of time, but I really do enjoy them.  I am always inspired to paint when I get home.  I feel better about my own abilities and I think I have a different style from most of what is out there.

I started my day at the Cadboro Bay Art Studio Tour.  There were 11 artist and I went to 7 of them.  All the artists I visited were painters but my favourite was Jude Woodland.  

After Cadboro Bay, I set off for the Scattered Artist Tour in Saanich/Victoria. There were 23 studios in this tour but I only went to 6 of them.  I like Laura Jacobson, with her vibrant acrylic paintings.

So that's it.  Studio tours...done! 

MY ART:  I am working on two paintings.  I painted a lot this weekend and it felt good.  I'm not finished either of them but I should be soon.  

TO DO LIST:  I am pretty happy that we did everything we were hoping to over the weekend.  Sean finished painting the deck and we put up our canopy in time for the good weather. I'm on day 4 of the 30 Day Shred and Sean has gotten in on the action.  26 days to go. I painted and I went to the studio tours.  I think we kicked our to do list in the butt.  WOOT!! 

I'll try to post more often this week.  Have a great week. 

and yet another studio tour

Amidst the chaos of our weekend, I took a couple of hours for myself and went on yet another studio tour. I was going to take a break from studio tours this weekend, but I couldn't resist visiting a couple of artists from the Vic West Art Quest.  I ended up going to seven of the 19 artists.  The two artists I really wanted to see were Mary Munro and Lana Gray.  But my unexpected favourite was Maria Middleton. 

Her paintings are abstract in oil and encaustic.  She paints in the style that I would like to paint, myself. I am glad that I went.

Most studios are normal enough, but one of the studios, where three of the artists on the tour were showing their works, was on an old, possibly condemned, building.  I went in with hesitation and for good reason.  Let me tell you, it's a good thing I'm not afraid of mice because while I was looking around a wee mouse scurried in and around the easels.  Those less brave than I, would have jumped to high heaven.  eeek!

MY ART:  I am expecting to make huge progress on my current painting, tonight.   

BIRDIES:  Bad news.  Sean just looked in the new nest and the 5 wee eggs are gone.  

Now, off I go.  See ya back here next time.

    

studios abound

Today, was another whirlwind day of touring studios.  This is the third weekend in a row that I have visited artists' studios in various neighbourhoods.  I have to say, I am a bit exhausted by the whole thing.  I really enjoy it, but it takes a long time to go through 20 studios.  I started out on the Gordon Head Studio Tour.  I went to this one last year for the first time.  As I had seen most of these artists already, I chose to only visit 6 this year.  The artist from this tour who I like most is Sandra Fowler.  She paints acrylic landscapes, but has recently started creating glass art as a LEED artist.  

After that, I headed to Broadmead & Cordova Bay for its tour of artists' studios. There were 14 in total and I went to every single one.  Jean Ives' studio was the one I enjoyed the most.  She paints a variety of subjects in oil.  I spent some time talking to her about her art and career.  

There are at least 5 more tours going on over the next few weeks.  I think I may only go to a couple more.  

MY ART:  Yay!!  I painted last night.  I was nice to get back at it.  I am working on a big canvas right now.  Last night I was going great guns when I ran out of paints. I went to the art store today so that I could continue painting tonight.  I have two smaller paintings on the go as well.  

TAXES:  I filed my taxes just in time.  In fact, I had 17 minutes to spare.  

BIRDIES:  We saw a mommy and daddy bird couple building a new nest in the cedar tree yesterday.  Maybe there will be new eggs soon.  

Now I need a nap.  Have a great weekend.

studio tour review

I set out this morning at 11am to do the Fairfield Artist Studio Tour.  I returned home around 5pm after visiting 26 different artists' studios.  There are 46 studios total.  I saw acrylics, oils, encaustic, sculptures, watercolours and photography.  There were many really good artists.  I had no surprise favourites though.  The two that I liked the most were the two I had expected to like.  

One is an artist whose work I have seen around town for at least two decades - Barbara Weaver-Bosson.  Her colourful paintings are of Victoria neighbourhoods and they are really beautiful.

 
My other favourite artist on this tour is Karen Hamilton.  Her work is reminiscent of Emily Carr with a updated feel.  She uses oil pastels as her medium.  I love oil pastels. 

I enjoyed spending the day seeing all those studios, but I am now exhausted.  

MY ART:  Last week after doing the Oak Bay Studio Tour, I was so inspired to paint.  I feel the same way today.  I just have so many other things to take care of this weekend, my paintings may have to wait a day or two.  

So far, I only have one thing checked off of my to do list.  Better get at 'er. Pitter Patter everyone.

studio tours

This is the time of year when Victoria has its annual home STUDIO TOURS. Artists around town open up their homes and let the public view their studio and their art.  I really enjoy going to these studios. I like seeing how other artists work and what supplies they use.  This weekend was the 10^th Annual Oak Bay Artists' Studio Tour.  I saw several artists' studios and some beautiful art work. My favourite artist, by far, was Ingrid Fawcett. I almost didn't go to her studio because I'm not a real lover of flower paintings.  But I was pleasantly surprised.  Her paintings were big, bold, beautiful.  STUNNING.  

I am inspired to continue painting in my own studio and, who knows, maybe one day I'll be part of the artists' tour.  There are two more tours over the next couple of weeks and, another still, in May that I intend to go to.  I'll let you know how they go.

MY ART:  Finally, here is the painting I've been working on the past couple of weeks.  It is similar to this one I showed in a previous post.  I'm liking the blues at the moment.  This one feels to me like a storm is on its way.  You know that feeling when the sky darkens, the wind starts to blow and the trees start to sway.  I love that when I am curled up in my warm house.  Cozy.

" STORM'S A-BREWIN' "

acrylic on canvas board. 12x16.

I am working on getting my gallery up and running.  Be patient with me, I'm new to all of this.  But let me know if you are interested in anything and I'll work even faster.

If you're able, go tour a studio and show an artist some love.  Or just stay home and watch TV.  Your choice.