Is Canadian Art Tanking Out?

TORONTO - Celebrated pieces by Jean-Paul Riopelle and Tom Thomson failed to sell at the Sotheby's auction Thursday night.

A signed, untitled 1954 work by Riopelle, which had been estimated to sell at $800,000 to $1.2 million, remained unsold.

Meanwhile, Thomson's "Early Snow, Algonquin Park," which had an estimate of $450,000 to $650,000, also failed to sell after bidding stalled at $425,000.

The biggest seller of the night was "Trilliums and Trilliums" by David Brown Milne. It went for $278,500, including the buyer's premium.

A painting depicting the rugged Baffin Island landscape by Group of Seven member Lawren Harris sold for $163,500, but another Harris piece failed to find a buyer. And Emily Carr's "Forest Interior" sold for $71,500.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version incorrectly identified Tom Thomson as a member of the Group of Seven and erroneously said a Thomson painting had sold.

To view Thomson's painting, "Detail of Early Snow, Algonquin Park, and to see the CP article in the Winnipeg Free Press, please click here.

Tom Thomson as presented by Penard54.

A stunningly beautiful You Tube Video showing the art of Tom Thomson.

Ron Plaizier and his Peregrine Falcon

I spent some time taking a careful look at Ron Plaizier's Peregrine Falcon. The first thing that catches my attention is the positioning of the bird on Ron's canvas. For the most part, wildlife painters place their subjects in their natural background. And, from what I see of Ron's work this is pretty much the rule in what he paints.

By painting a side profile of the bird - he elevates it into portraiture status and he gives it a 'stand alone' dignity. We are, after all, looking at a bird of iconic stature.

Notice how Ron, tilts its head towards the light which shines down from the upper left corner. You can almost create a halo of light surrounding the upper beak and eye. Not just that, but the Falcon's eye is exquisitely rendered with reflected sky blues and even a slight cast shadow from its hooding brow feather. And, the longer I stare into the fowl's eye, the more I see. I like the way Ron captures its convex quality, and looks within it where he captures the smallest of blood vessels.


I also like Ron's soft blending of hues in the bird's beak, and the delicately wrought hair like feathers under the beak and eye.

All if this is the signature of an artist whose search for perfection is patiently
rendered.

And, like any good artist, Ron applies the colours which he thinks best suits his ends. I found myself, as I so often do, studying the blending of hues within his whites.
Funny how it goes, for the best whites are invariably not bone white but gently bathed in a variety of such hues as soft glowing ochres and gentle warming pinks and oranges.

Its no wonder that Ron has presented his Falcon as he has. A majestic work, to be sure.


Artist's Comments:

Wow, well written. I really appreciate the level of observation you've given this piece and the profile piece you did on your blog turned out great as well.

As for my motivation in painting this bird I would say that I've always been intrigued by the Peregrine Falcon, which is known as the fastest animal in the world reaching speeds of over 320km/hr. Of all the birds of prey I would have to say the Peregrine in my favourite subject and it probably won't be the last painting I do of this majestic bird. The combination of sheer power and beauty all encompassed in this 3 lb bundle of high test energy I find simply amazing. If I can capture just a small bit of that energy, nobility and beauty in my painting, I will have served this bird of prey justice. I don't think I put a lot of in depth of thought into my art work, no metaphorical or hidden meanings. In that regard I would have to describe my style as contemporary realism. This may be something that will evolve in my work as I become more experienced, but for now I'm simply happy if I am able to bring some of the natural beauty from observing wildlife to the viewer. Nothing contrived and nothing complicated.

'The Portrait' and the Black Flies

There's a story behind this blog entry. I attended an art show at a country barn today. It was in a rustic setting, and as you can see by my picture, that I had my display set up by edge of the woods.

It was one of those days which I spent half my time swatting mosquitoes and the other half swatting black flies away.

Someone told me recently that they didn't know that blackflies could bite. Bite! Its one of the mysteries of science. How can a fly so small bite so hard?

When I got home, to my surprise Mo Bayliss, our trusty Assistant Editor, sent me an email and suggested that I use this NFB short film about the black flies.

It couldn't have been a more timely suggestion!



This animated film about the pesky blackfly is based on the song of the same title, written and sung by Canadian folk singer Wade Hemsworth, with back-up vocals by the McGarrigle sisters. It recounts Hemsworth's battles with this quintessential "critter" during a summer of surveying in Northern Ontario.

To see this film at source, please click here.

Ron Plaizier Wildlife Artist

I am drawn to the Ron Plazier's art but then again I love landscape painting. The roots of Ron's painting begins in Quebec's Chateauguay Valley, on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Ron was born and raised in Quebec. He was nurtured into the arts under the guidance and encouragement of an attentive mother. She recognized his talents early and she kept him supplied with materials to keep his young hands busy.

Ron is the father of two sons, and he married a girl he had known from the age of seven. That's remarkable in its own right.

He left Quebec with his family and they moved to Ontario and found their way to the lovely village of Marmora, about half way between Toronto and Ottawa.

Ron became serious about about art some 20 years ago, when he competed in several wildfowl wood carving competition and he went from there to acrylics and has been painting in this media ever since.





Like many artists, Ron provides for his family through full time employment. He works as the Chief Information Officer for the Kawartha District School Board in Peterborough.

Ron find that painting provides a therapeutic escape from life's stresses.

When I first looked at his paintings I was reminded of the work of Glen Loates. Ron confesses to ejoying painting birds and he says: "There's something about birds that seems to captivate the imagination. I guess it's because birds are so fast and fleeting. There one second, gone the next. Capturing their detailed intricate feather patterns and colours for the viewer gives me a certain amount of satisfacion."


Ron has a refreshing attitude towards his art. "I've competed successfully in a number of art shows over the years and have sold a few paintings which is very rewarding but I think the biggest reward is when I can put a smile on someones face."


Ron draws from the influence of artists such as Robert Bateman, Glen Loates and Carl Benders. "What I really enjoy about painting is that it allows me to slow down life's hectic pace and to observe the small details, I mean really observe, and appreciate the natural beauty around us."

While Ron, doesn't have a 'home gallery', at this time, he has set himself up an attractive website to showcase his art and his long term goal is to find a place in several galleries. And from what I can see that day isn't all that far away.

To visit Ron's website to see his gallery of works, please click here.

NDP: Fast off the Mark in Waving the Arts Flag

NDP MP Charlie Angus talks about the party's position on Canada's arts and culture industry in Ottawa, May 17, 2011.

By CBC News

The NDP wants to see more funding and a better strategy to support the arts, warning that without such a commitment, a multi-billion dollar industry will be at risk.

At a news conference in Ottawa Tuesday morning, the party called for increased funding for the Canada Council for the Arts as part of a strategy to support the industry.

When Parliament resumes June 2, the House of Commons will be made up of MPs with more arts and culture experience than ever before, thanks to the NDP caucus, the party says.

The NDP's expanded caucus of 103 MPs now includes newcomers Andrew Cash, a musician and writer; Tyrone Benskin, an actor; and Pierre Nantel, a former artistic director with Cirque du Soleil. They will join re-elected MP Charlie Angus, who is also a musician.

The four MPs called the news conference to outline what they and the rest of the new Official Opposition plan to do in Parliament to promote the arts.

In its election platform, the NDP also promised to ensure Canadian networks remain Canadian-owned through foreign ownership regulations, to "re-focus the mandate" of the CRTC so it protects cultural industries better, and to invest in the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada.

To read more, please click here.

Read more.

Love and Art

I left Elizabeth Dinkel's studio in Belleville, on a real dopamine high. Three hours of sketching with fellow artists, soft music, a model who was a joy to draw and good companionship worked wonders with my spirit.

I have also found that during my time of illness that painting provides me with a great release from worry.

This recent video goes a long way to explain why.

Contributed by: Assistant Editor, Mo Bayliss.

The Art of Jozef Milczarski (continued)

Charley Fox. Painted by Jozef Milczarski

The Artist: In his 35 years in the commercial art and marketing world Jozef Milczarski has won numerous awards working with Fortune 500 companies in Canada and the United States.

Jozef's portrait work and custom commissions of such people as Prime Minister Jean Chretien (ret.) , Wayne Gretzky, Mike Weir PGA, Vijay Singh PGA, Ian Millar, Anky van Grunsven and other Sport figures has made him a much sought after artist throughout North America.

Please click here to visit Jozef's website.

Charley Fox attacks Rommel: Canada's Unsung Hero

Charley Fox: Painted by Jozef
Milczarski



Colonel Charley Fox, DFC and Bar
February 16 1920 - October 18 2008

The Man: When war broke out in 1939, a young Charley Fox left his job and enlisted in the RCAF. He'd set his sights on flying the fastest fighter aircraft of the day -- the Spitfire. However, because he graduated second in his class, the Air Force told Fox he would train military pilots in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. From 1941 to 1943, Instructor Fox trained hundreds of pilots.

As a result of his two years of instructing in Canada, Fox accumulated 1,500 flying hours, but he still flew tail-end-Charley (last man in a group of four Spitfires) when he joined fighter command at Tangmere aerodrome in England in 1944
.
He scrambled numerous times from that storied Battle of Britain aerodrome in the lead-up to D-Day. As the June 6, 1944 invasion began , Fox and his RCAF 412 Squadron flew three operational trips over Normandy, protecting thousands of ships and landing craft.

Fox's greatest "opportunity" appeared on the afternoon of July 17, 1944. He and his wing-mate Steve Randall spotted a German staff car racing along an avenue of trees. While Randall protected his quick descent, Fox swooped in out of the sun, strafed the vehicle and drove it off the road. By the time Randall and Fox had landed back at their base, the radio buzzed with exciting news. An Allied pilot had shot up a Horch convertible containing a driver, three German officers and..... the Desert Fox himself, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel!

He specialized in ground attack and prided himself on accurate marksmanship. His success is neatly summed up in the official commendation for a bar to his DFC: "This officer has led his section against a variety of targets, often in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire.

It is noteworthy that fourteen of Charley's planes were rendered no longer usable after returning from missions due to excessive damage from enemy fire.


The Legacy: Charley's post-war accomplishments are equally notable. He was a major component of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, founder of Torch Bearers, a non-profit organization aimed at educating young people about Canadian military exploits, and a champion for the promotion of appreciation for the outstanding participation of all Polish Combatants of World War II.

To view this picture and to read the biography of artist Jozef Milczarski, please click here.

To visit Charley Fox's website, please click here.
Also, this memorial site: Please click here.

Sources: Wikipedia, National Defence & Canadian Forces, Charley Fox - Official Website

Blog Entry by Mo Bayliss, Assistant Editor.
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Jan Gyorfi-West and Her Search for Dignity, Feeling and Character in Portrait Painting

This painting by Jan Gyorfi-West touches me. There is a certain, unadorned honesty in this work. We are looking at everyday people. The soldier wears no medals or identifying symbols of rank and the woman wears no jewellery. They could be anyone or they could be everyone. Their faces are the faces of ordinary people and they have a certain look of hope about them; as if their love will bring them happiness and promise for the future.

The picture hangs around two elements: love and the man's uniform. The uniform positions the picture in time and place. He wears basic khaki and both the letters TIA on his arm suggests that he belonged to a Nova Scotia Regiment.

But there is more. The man's uniform appears to define their relationship. Had the soldier been recently demobbed or had he just enlisted or been conscripted or had he recently received orders that he would be sent overseas? Who really knows but the artist.

When I look at this work I have flashbacks from my childhood of old photographs which sat atop fireplace mantels and radios. Was an old photograph the source of this work?

Its interesting how such a simple and straight painting has so much to say. This is a world of absolutes. Notice how the lady wears no necklace, pendant, discernible ear rings, or facial makeup. Her sole concession to adornment is the little white handkerchief which sticks neatly out of her breast pocket.

I find myself looking at their faces. The woman looks directly into the picture and she has a certain look of enthusiasm in her expression. The man's eyes have a touch of sorrow about them and their upward look suggest a lower positioning of his chin. It would be easy to read into this expression that his life experiences were a burden for him to bear.

There is an almost metaphorical appeal within this work. When I look at it,it isn't hard to see myself facing my own life experiences, complete with their struggles, hopes and joys, and expectations.

To view this painting and others in Jan's Online Gallery, please click here.

Artist's Comments
I'm flattered that someone saw so much in my portrait. I was commissioned to do this about 3 years ago, by an 85 year old veteran, he wanted himself & his wife as they were 60 years ago.

I had to work from 2 black & white photos - the main problem was the uniform colour. Until I discovered that black and cad. orange made khaki.

In all my portraits, I try to show dignity, feeling and character. The result is, I hope, an image of a living, thinking person.