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