News

I am once again excited to announce a new addition to my offerings of limited addition prints!  After receiving lots of favourable feedback and interest at my recent One Man show ‘Five Years In’, this recently completed painting was deemed top of the list to be added to the ‘Limited Edition’ Series.  The ‘Image Foundry’ did their usual outstanding work and now ‘Reflection on the Second Line’ has joined two other favourites available as a Giclee Print.  The flawless accuracy and quality of the new print must be seen to be appreciated.  It is available in two size options, Regular and Grande.  See the ‘Prints’ heading above to learn more details regarding print pricing and other details.  Watch out for the next addition to the Print Series coming soon!

Each year the Central Ontario Art Association (COAA) hosts a juried art exhibit featuring works submitted by its’ members.  The show changes location each year and this years event  was held in the impressive new Milton Centre for the Arts, Holcim Gallery.  It was my impression that the overall quality of selected pieces was higher than than ever, with a diversified showcase of subject matter, styles and techniques on display.  For the fourth year running, I was fortunate to have my contribution recognized for one of the awards.  My painting ‘Teamwork’ drew much favourable praise and was awarded the ‘Lloyd Marshall’ award, one of the top prizes available.

In the words of the show jury, “What can I say? Wow!  One can breathe these horses coming towards you!  It’s dusty, and they’re running hard.  You can hear them . . . This is a handsome painting, brushwork exquisite and layering of colour highly competent.”

Thanks to all the hard work by the members of the COAA for putting on the show, it was a big success as usual, and I look forward to trying to keep the streak alive in 2013!

     Well the dust has settled, a bit of much needed rest was had, and it is now time to assess the events of the big show.  By all accounts, it was truly a success, with lots of visitors, from the minute the doors were opened, right through to the conclusion six hours later.  In spite of  less than ideal weather, many ventured out on this Sunday afternoon, some from hours away, to take in the show.

The idea behind this show was to mark the occasion of five years of painting here in Eden Mills.  In attempting to transition from commercial art to fine art, I realized the first priority would be to develop my skills as a painter and build a collection of work to establish myself with. At times it felt like this process could go on for ever, but I chose five years to pause and reflect on the progress being made.  This show was a chance to put up many of my works together and gather valuable feedback from the attendees.  I’m happy, and a bit relieved, to report that the work, and show itself, was received quite favourably.  It was very enlightening to hear which paintings drew comments from different people viewing the show.

Converting ones’ home and studio into a gallery for a day, is not a task to be taken lightly, but I have been fortunate to live and work in a unique heritage building located in a visual gem of a village, that begged to be shared with others.

This was definitely not a solo effort, and many thanks must be shared among a collection of helpers.  Top of the list must be my wonderful partner Marianne, whos’ attention to detail and creativity in hanging the art, as well as preparing and presenting the refreshments, was truly the work of an artist.  Also adding to the rich ambiance of the event, was my nephew James Kilby, on classical guitar.  James is currently preparing for enrollment in a post secondary musical studies program and his skilled playing was greatly admired and appreciated.  For the many other contributers, I offer my thanks and gratitude, it really could not have happened without their generous assistance.

Finally, sincere thanks to all who dropped by to take in the show.  All the effort needed in preparing for this event was made worthwhile by your attendance.  It was wonderful to meet new and old friends alike and show what I have accomplished ‘Five Years In’.

My arrival in Eden Mills five years ago marked a rebirth and a new beginning for me on many fronts.  I was relocating from my home in the country outside of Elora, Ontario, and settling into this dynamic, picturesque little community situated along the Eramosa river, just east of Guelph, Ontario.  At the same time, I planned to use this new beginning to step outside of the commercial art world that I had worked within for two decades, and try my hand at simply becoming a ‘painter’.  I knew this challenge would be enormous and take lots of time, as well as effort, so I gave myself five years to see what I could accomplish and worked towards creating a body of work in the realm of ‘fine art.’

During this time, I also held a number of part time jobs, essential to those pesky details like paying of rent, filling cupboards, replenishing dog food pails, etc.  I found employment in the local agricultural biz, which allowed me to be out among, and at times, literally up to my ankles in the many of the fields and barns of Wellington County, as well as studying the back roadways at ‘tractor’ speed.

My artistic roadmap involved concentrating on developing as an artist, slowly building up a collection of works I was happy with, and gradually finding them exposure in the local arts scenes.

To that end, things are proceeding according to plan, a number of my efforts have been recognized in juried art competitions, as well as purchased by patrons, both private as well as institutional.

Now with the conclusion of that five year window, it is time to pause and reflect on what was accomplished over those years.  To do this I am planning to open up my home/studio to the public on the afternoon of April First, from one till seven.  I invite any and all to drop by; neighbours, friends, admirers, and anyone who has seen my artwork around and wishes to view what else I have created.

My home is located on the second floor of what was the old general store, situated right in the hub of downtown Eden Mills.  The building is over one hundred and fifty years old, has an unrivaled, rich history in the village, directly across from the Earmosa River, and is reputed to also contain a ghost, or two.

Please join me on that day to look over my efforts, give me your feedback and share a drop of punch.

thanks and hope to see you then,

Don

p.s. directions and further info. is available under the ‘Contact’ section of this web site.

With every new painting comes the opportunity to take a step forward, to incorporate methods and approaches gleaned from the study of other painters and build on previous efforts.

The dynamic paintings of houses by ‘Group of Seven’ artist, Lawren Harris, early in his evolution as a painter, are among my all time favorites.  I admire his chunky, loose applications of paint while still maintaining enough detail to present an accurate portrayal of the subject.  When executing this piece, I frequently studied Harris’ house paintings to help me create some of that flavour in my own painting.

Another primary focus on this work was to highlight the fractured light sweeping in from the west side of this image.  The result is that the building and surrounding grounds are occupied by wonderful, fragmented shapes of light and shadow.  This effect offers a ‘busy’ flavour to the composition in contrast to the calm and tranquil setting presented in the painting.

Last Thursday evening at the Elora Centre of the Arts, the opening gala for the Shirley Dilworth Jaychuck Painting Competition was held.  I was surprised and delighted to learn that my entry, the painting ‘Chasing the Fog’ was selected for the first place award!  There were many fine pieces in the show and the staff at the Centre and judges had done an admirable job of presenting the works, many thanks go out to them for all their efforts.

Most artists, myself included, suffer from nagging self doubt of our abilities and can be overly critical of our efforts.  Considering the quality of the competition, taking home an award such as this is both humbling as well as much needed confidence booster.

Sometimes a painting just plain works, and I consider this piece to be among my most successful.  It is wonderful to learn that others share the same opinion of it.  I remain challenged to maintain this standard with my new works currently underway.  Keep watch here and as the new paintings are posted, and be the judge yourself!

There are lots of exciting events to report for the month of November.

For anyone with an agricultural bend, this is ‘Royal Winter Fair Time’.  One of Don’s most recent painting entitled ‘Teamwork’, is featured in the juried art exhibit taking place at the fair.  The painting shows four draught type horses front and center, working the soil in the hot midday sun.  Much attention was directed towards capturing the expressive nature of the horses, as well as the elaborate harness that links them together.  Don invites you to all head down to the CNE to take in the wonderful variety of sites, sounds and smells and take a look at his newest painting.  Final day of the fair is this Sunday, November 13.

The bi annual Shirley Dilworth Jaychuck Painting Competition is having its’ opening gala this Thursday, November 10th at the Elora Centre for the Arts.  Don is thrilled to announce that one of his entered pieces, a new work entitled ‘North o’ Fergus’ will be receiving an award at the event.  This painting features a very weathered old tractor, situated prominently on a clear winter day with deep snow lying around and on the machine and surrounding countryside.  A small Chickadee has just entered the image from the far left and is approaching the rust coloured machine which has now become the birds’ home.  The show runs from November 10 to December 4, so plan a trip up to beautiful Elora and drop in to see Don’s painting, as well as the many other quality works exhibited at this show.

Next,  Don has just dropped off three 12″ x 12″ paintings to the Loft Gallery in picturesque Clarksburg, situated along the Beaver River, just south of  Thornbury.  The show runs from November 18 to Dec 4 and is very popular, featuring many exciting works, all 12 inches square, for a very reasonable price.

Also in Clarksburg, just up the steps from the Loft Gallery, is Danfield Antiques.  Among the striking collectables on display, will be three of Don’s original pieces, ‘The Butterfly, High Noon at Cooper Falls, and Night Vulture’, which can be seen on this website in the gallery section.

The area surrounding the village of Clarksburg is renowned for its beauty and ruggedness, and is a favorite of Dons.  In fact , he is so smitten with the region that he may one day call it home!!

Drop by the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition this July 8,9,10, and see Donʼs work at booth # 268. This is the 50th anniversary of the event and promises to be one of the most spectacular yet. With over 300 artists showing, expect to be awestruck, overwhelmed and undeniably entertained!

Hope to see you there,
Don