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| Working from a watercolour to create an acrylic line painting. |
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Musical Interlude: Curious
by Andrea Mulder-Slater
Back in another lifetime, I was a music journalist. For several years, I interviewed a lot of bands - many of them up and coming musicians from Canada.
This morning in the studio, a song came on the radio and I was instantly transported "back to the 90s". I knew I had interviewed the band, but it took me a minute to sort through my memory banks and determine who the band was! Then, it hit me.
The band was Sandbox, from Nova Scotia. The song... was "Curious"
Enjoy!
Here's a bit of trivia for you (courtesy of Wikipedia): Following the dissolution of the band, guitarist Mike Smith went on to play Bubbles on the cult hit television series Trailer Park Boys. Bassist Scott MacFarlane played for Crush and Gordie Sampson. Jason Archibald graduated from Dalhousie University in 2001 with a degree in medicine.
Back in another lifetime, I was a music journalist. For several years, I interviewed a lot of bands - many of them up and coming musicians from Canada.
This morning in the studio, a song came on the radio and I was instantly transported "back to the 90s". I knew I had interviewed the band, but it took me a minute to sort through my memory banks and determine who the band was! Then, it hit me.
The band was Sandbox, from Nova Scotia. The song... was "Curious"
Enjoy!
Here's a bit of trivia for you (courtesy of Wikipedia): Following the dissolution of the band, guitarist Mike Smith went on to play Bubbles on the cult hit television series Trailer Park Boys. Bassist Scott MacFarlane played for Crush and Gordie Sampson. Jason Archibald graduated from Dalhousie University in 2001 with a degree in medicine.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
The art of the bookcase
by Andrea Mulder-Slater
We own a LOT of books. And when I say a lot, I mean if we wanted to, we could open up a used book store... this afternoon.
Through the years we've tested out different ways of arranging our books on our two giant bookcases and five medium sized shelves. We've tried placing our tomes by size, by subject, by author... but in the end, the books always ended up piled on top of one another, looking rather messy - making it impossible to find anything.
However, the other day, I spotted a photograph on Pinterest which made me look twice. No, three times.
The photo showed a bookcase with books organized by color.
Of course! By color!
Simple. Elegant. Creative.
So -- last week, instead of catching up on commissions, we took a break from art and arranged our textbooks, novels and cookbooks by hue. And the funny part is, it is actually easier to find titles now, than ever before. Who knew?
Try it yourself!
We own a LOT of books. And when I say a lot, I mean if we wanted to, we could open up a used book store... this afternoon.
Through the years we've tested out different ways of arranging our books on our two giant bookcases and five medium sized shelves. We've tried placing our tomes by size, by subject, by author... but in the end, the books always ended up piled on top of one another, looking rather messy - making it impossible to find anything.
However, the other day, I spotted a photograph on Pinterest which made me look twice. No, three times.
The photo showed a bookcase with books organized by color.
Of course! By color!
Simple. Elegant. Creative.
So -- last week, instead of catching up on commissions, we took a break from art and arranged our textbooks, novels and cookbooks by hue. And the funny part is, it is actually easier to find titles now, than ever before. Who knew?
Try it yourself!
Monday, July 22, 2013
DIY/Kids & Creativity: Line, shape and color
by Andrea Mulder-Slater
It's been said that creativity is the key to happiness and that by doing something creative every day, we can boost our moods (and productivity) tremendously. When you are fully immersed in a creative activity, your focus shifts away from day to day worries and stresses as you instead put all your attention on the immediate task at hand.
Some people like to write in a journal while others enjoy baking cookies. Still others express their artistry by arranging fresh cut flowers in a vase...
If you are looking for a simple, non-intimidating way to be creative today, have a peek at the following tutorial. It's perfect for all ages and uses items you will already have in your home :)
All you need is a piece of paper, a straight edge, some circular objects (a cup, a bowl, a yo-yo, etc.) a permanent pen or marker and watercolor paints (or crayons, or pencil crayons, or markers).
Start by drawing between 12 and 16 straight lines across the paper. They can go in any direction, just as long as they travel from one edge of the paper to the other.
Next, place your circular objects on the page and start tracing them. Add as many or as few circles as you like and let them overlap in some areas.
Now comes the fun part. Grab your watercolor paints - or crayons, pencil crayons, markers, etc. -- whatever you have on hand. I used watercolors.
Begin filling in every other space with color. Take your time and don't panic if you "mess up" just continue on and "go with the flow".
Before you know it, time will have flown by and in the end, you'll feel relaxed, recharged and... you might even have a funky work of art you'll be proud to hang on your wall.
Got kids? Looking for more creative art ideas? Visit our art education website - KinderArt.com - where you will find 1000s of art lessons and activity ideas for kids of all ages. And, it's FREE!
It's been said that creativity is the key to happiness and that by doing something creative every day, we can boost our moods (and productivity) tremendously. When you are fully immersed in a creative activity, your focus shifts away from day to day worries and stresses as you instead put all your attention on the immediate task at hand.
Some people like to write in a journal while others enjoy baking cookies. Still others express their artistry by arranging fresh cut flowers in a vase...
If you are looking for a simple, non-intimidating way to be creative today, have a peek at the following tutorial. It's perfect for all ages and uses items you will already have in your home :)
All you need is a piece of paper, a straight edge, some circular objects (a cup, a bowl, a yo-yo, etc.) a permanent pen or marker and watercolor paints (or crayons, or pencil crayons, or markers).
Start by drawing between 12 and 16 straight lines across the paper. They can go in any direction, just as long as they travel from one edge of the paper to the other.
Next, place your circular objects on the page and start tracing them. Add as many or as few circles as you like and let them overlap in some areas.
Now comes the fun part. Grab your watercolor paints - or crayons, pencil crayons, markers, etc. -- whatever you have on hand. I used watercolors.
Begin filling in every other space with color. Take your time and don't panic if you "mess up" just continue on and "go with the flow".
Before you know it, time will have flown by and in the end, you'll feel relaxed, recharged and... you might even have a funky work of art you'll be proud to hang on your wall.
Got kids? Looking for more creative art ideas? Visit our art education website - KinderArt.com - where you will find 1000s of art lessons and activity ideas for kids of all ages. And, it's FREE!
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| www.KinderArt.com |
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Musical Interlude: Not Coming By
by Andrea Mulder-Slater
The day began with a walk on the shore. Actually, several walks on the shore. Somewhere along the way, we picked up the neighbour's dog and after a few loops to the beach and back, we made our way to the cabin next to us to deliver the happy drooling pup who had given us a run for our money.
When we got back to the studio, this song was playing on CBC Radio and now, the French horns are stuck in my head for the day.
Hope you enjoy it! Here's "Not Coming By" by Emma-Lee...
The day began with a walk on the shore. Actually, several walks on the shore. Somewhere along the way, we picked up the neighbour's dog and after a few loops to the beach and back, we made our way to the cabin next to us to deliver the happy drooling pup who had given us a run for our money.
When we got back to the studio, this song was playing on CBC Radio and now, the French horns are stuck in my head for the day.
Hope you enjoy it! Here's "Not Coming By" by Emma-Lee...
Thursday, July 18, 2013
When a plan comes together...
by Andrea Mulder-Slater
Last year, Geoff was approached by the Atlantic Salmon Federation to see if he could spruce up the migration map located in the Irving Display Hall located in the organization's interpretive centre.
He jumped at the opportunity.
First, a sketch of the map was created using watercolour paints.
After discussions with conservationists at the ASF, Geoff had the idea to add just a little more to the map.
Special mural panels were brought into the studio where they were hung and prepped for paint.
The rest, is best described with photos...
And a grand unveiling took place...
If you are ever in the St. Andrews, NB area, be sure to stop in at the Atlantic Salmon Federation's Interpretive Centre. In addition to being able to "meet" salmon face to face, you can also wander through the beautiful nature trails on the property. It is a must see attraction!
Last year, Geoff was approached by the Atlantic Salmon Federation to see if he could spruce up the migration map located in the Irving Display Hall located in the organization's interpretive centre.
He jumped at the opportunity.
First, a sketch of the map was created using watercolour paints.
After discussions with conservationists at the ASF, Geoff had the idea to add just a little more to the map.
Special mural panels were brought into the studio where they were hung and prepped for paint.
The rest, is best described with photos...
Once the majority of the mural was complete, Geoff installed the panels at the Salmon Federation.
The final areas were painted...
And a grand unveiling took place...
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| photo: Tim Ostrem |
Below is the self guided mural tour brochure. You can also pick one of these up at the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
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| Atlantic Salmon Federation - www.salarstream.ca |
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