We're into February already and where has the time gone? The weather is a little milder than normal for the area, so I'm getting anxious to see colour starting to bloom.  In saying that, I probably jinxed it and we'll get a snow storm!

I had a pretty aggressive agenda for this website...content posted every day, by the end of January, to have 20 new videos done... hah!  in my dreams.  So I'm slowing down and taking baby steps.  Will post at least one new "thing" a day, whether it's a video demo, video art project, article, social network update, project or even a new feature on the website. 

The theme for 2012 is "Celebrating Life Through Art" and it's simply that.... with all art we create, put your spirit and energy into it.  Heck, if you're not having fun creating art, then you're doing it wrong!!!   I've focused most of my art life, especially the last few years on a style that is in between realistic and impressionistic.  I've rarely shared any of my abstract and multi-media work because the style is so opposite to what I'm known for.  Well watch out... I'm letting the creative monster out of the bag.  In January, we've finished four semi-abstract pet portrait classes... no realism there!  In addition, we'll be doing Art Journaling classes and I'm not satisfied with buying a journal...we're going to make it from scratch and I'll be teaching some really nifty bookbinding techniques along with the multi-media styles to build your books.  We're going to learn about acrylic transfers and I'm using a photo of my Grand-baby Ava as a jump off point and although she's adorable, the artwork I created truly shows how to put the emotion of the subject into the art with the use of colour and effect.  Suminagashi is another form of artwork we'll be doing....  and if you've never heard of it, boy you are in for a treat.  Not only will we create this artwork on beautiful rice paper, we will be creating "wearable art" as well! 

We'd like to invite a wide variety of artists, with different skills levels to join our community to share their knowledge and learn from others.  Currently, alot of content on the website is free for the public and registered users including an art library, inspiration section, forums and a social media area, but certain sections of the site are available only for paying members such as Art Classes.    We've just put up a "Demo of the Week" which is a free video, plus an enhanced commenting system, so you can share your thoughts.

I'm sure I'll be updating this page as I remember stuff I should have added, so come back frequently to see what we're up to.  On a humble note... I'm not perfect, so if you encounter a problem on the website, such as a broken link, please let me know by clicking the "Contact Us" link on the left menu.

Repeating myself, your feedback and comments are welcomed and in closing....

Thanks and Stay Inspired!

Gisèle Grenier
Canadian Wildlife and Pet Portrait Artist
Founder and Resident Artist for Art Place