Joy & Possibility

I would like to invite you to an art exhibit featuring my work and that of Timothy Andrew McGuire. It will be hanging in the beautiful Chase Gallery in Halifax (in the Nova Scotia Archives) for the entire month of June.

 Our opening reception will be Thursday, June 6th from 5pm-8pm. There will be music, refreshments and lively art!!  Mark your calendars, update your phones and save the date!

Tim is from New York and has exhibited in Russia, L.A. and Florence, Italy. He paints "plein air" and this is the first time people in Halifax will get a chance to see his work. He lives in Lunenburg part of the year and divides his time between N.Y. and Florence when not here. I am so excited to see what he brings to this show.

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm; Wednesday: 8:30am to 9:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Almost March.....

 Almost March..... thank goodness! I've been deep in the depths of "elder care"and then once the storm settled.....I got sick!  Really sick. Sick enough that it scared me. I think I was so worried, stressed and tired with all of it and at the same time trying to run a business that relies solely on my creativity and ability to pull rabbits out of hats.... I just crashed. My immune system was depleted and I had nothing left  BUT Spring is on it's way and I am building up my reserves again and the word for the year is "Self" care. I don't want that to ever happen again. It is important to stay strong and vital and grounded. So lots of personal interventions going on in my little world. Meditation is one of them....letting things go.Slowing down. Being present...and all the other stuff :) good eats, rest, exercise etc... we know what to do....it is just a matter of doing it!  Getting out of our own way.

 Today it is snowing and cold. Perfect day to get a blog post done and all the administrative housekeeping that goes with self employment. I have a list as long as Hadrian's Wall of things that need doing and investigating and pursuing  (always...). I'm also about to start reading "The 1 Page Marketing Plan" by Allan Dib. Part of my goal to read a lot of books about business marketing, creativity, spirituality and philosophy this year. It is so easy to spend time reading bits and pieces on the internet and never really getting to sink one's teeth into real concepts and philosophies. I used to read "books" all the time and have fallen out of it.Time to reclaim MY time and not give so much to the interweb. Although it's hard when one's business relies heavily on social media and online connection.

I have started painting again...here are a couple. Dreaming Fox (sold)

 

Odette ( sold)

 

My Annual Birthday Giveaway!

Well, well, well... it is January 8 again!! at least it was yesterday! Ha I'm a bit late posting this.... My birthday! and Elvis, Bowie and Hawking all share it too!! I always give away a gift on that day and this year it is a cornucopia of delights! (and an original painting!) 

All this and more. So, if you would like to receive this wee bounty, please pop over to my Facebook page where the draw will take place on January 12 and leave a comment. If you tag someone and your name gets picked I will send them a wee gift too!!! I'll draw a name on January 12! Happy January 8! Hope you had a good Monday:) Here is the link again: http://www.facebook.com/shelaghduffett.art/

Winter 2018 painting classes, First two...

ABSTRACT CLASS/ Jan 21 & FLOWER POWER/ Jan 28

Sign up for one or do em both:)

ABSTRACTS Sunday January 21, 12:30 – 4:30

Unleash your inner artist! We will be creating with colour and shape! I will help guide you and give some prompts but in this class, nothing is wrong:) Start the year with some colour and creativity!!
“When I am engaged in art making I am fully caught up in the medium and tools and mission. I’ve learned not to think about the product that I will end up with because the time spent engaged in the creative activity is what is most important to me. I enjoy the detached feeling I get when working in the abstract—it’s like a dance with my hand and my mind and they take turns leading.”
—Janet Stupak
Abstract art is like the poetry of colour. Fragments of meaning and feeling represented by carefully chosen brushstrokes and fields of colour that are dictated by the heart and subconscious.Who knows why something feels right or looks right to you. it is a very subjective and personal thing) -Shelagh Duffett

We will be painting with acrylic paint on 11 x 14′ birch wood “canvas” or maybe you might choose to do two smaller works:) They have deep 1.5″ sides and therefore are ready to hang when finished. You can use as much artistic license as you please to make it yours. I will cheer you through it step by step:)  NO experience needed but if you do have experience and want to join us for a fun day, all the better!
ALL supplies included!

Please bring an apron or wear something an errant drop of paint might enhance. Casual comfortable,crafty clothing encouraged.
Coffee, tea and yummy snacks will be provided free of charge and maybe even a glass of wine for those inclined. Great music,  good company and at the end of the day a work of art to hang and perhaps some new friends:)
To register CLICK HERE! ONLY 6 spots of limited earlybird registration available $75 until Jan 7. Last day to purchase class is Jan 19. Regular registration fee is $88
The class will be held at the historic George Wright House on Young Avenue. It was bequeathed to the Local Council of Women-Halifax by the billionaire upon his death which sadly happened as a result of the Titanic disaster.

____________________________________________________________________________

FLOWER POWER! Sunday, January 28 12:30-4:30

Flower Power!
This is a do-it-your-self flower class You can paint flowers in a vase, flowers in a meadow, flowers straight and tall, any colour combination you want! Or you can follow along and paint what I will paint, step by step. We all need pops of colour and the vibrancy of flowers this time of year:) Meander through the meadow you create, get lost in your own personal garden:) Paint yourself bouquet of flowers! You deserve it:) These images here are for painting INSPIRATION! You will paint the colour combos and configurations you want.

We will be painting with acrylic paint on 11 x 14′ birch wood “canvas”. They have deep 1.5″ sides and therefore are ready to hang when finished. You can use as much artistic license as you please to make it yours. I will cheer you through it step by step:)  NO experience needed but if you do have experience and want to join us for a fun day, all the better!

Please bring an apron or wear something an errant drop of paint might enhance. Casual comfortable,crafty clothing encouraged.
ALL supplies included!
Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided free of charge and maybe even a glass of wine for those inclined. Great music,  good company and at the end of the day a work of art to hang and perhaps some new friends:)
To register CLICK HERE! ONLY 6 spots of limited early bird registration available $75 until Jan 14. Last day to purchase class is Jan 26. Regular registration fee is $88
The class will be held at the historic George Wright House on Young Avenue. It was bequeathed to the Local Council of Women-Halifax by the billionaire upon his death which sadly happened as a result of the Titanic disaster.



FEBRUARY 11, Valentine Cottage! 

February 11, we will be doing a version of this little Valentine Cottage. Everyone will do their own thing:) Are you ready to Unleash your inner artist?? More info on this class and to register click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentine-cottage-painting-workshop-with-shelagh-duffett-february-11-tickets-42003113443

 

Sunday, February 25  Sea & Sky.....

Sea and Sky... in this class we will be exploring sunsets and skyscapes over the ocean. A peaceful and reflective painting. The image displayed here is just for inspiration only. You will be creating your own seascape.....with guidance from me:) 

For more info and registration, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sea-sky-painting-workshop-with-shelagh-duffett-february-25-tickets-42001616967

 

 

YOU are invited!

JOIN US at our opening reception August 3, 6-9pm at the Chase Exhibition Room in the Nova Scotia Archives on the corner of Robie St and University Ave. There will be live music with performances by the Koconut Kings! Snacks and wine and a whole gallery of wonderful paintings to peruse and purchase:) Its an art party!

S-Curves early promotion

A sneak preview peek at one of my paintings headed to S-Curves Art exhibition! 30 x 40 X1.5" acrylic on birchwood. August 3 is our Opening Reception in the Chase Exhibition Room, 6-9 pm at the Nova Scotia Archives Featuring the work of Sarah Archibald, Suzanne O'Callaghan Visual Artist and myself! YOU are invited!! Here's a Facebook Linkto the event -> https://www.facebook.com/events/169901626879173

Elephant Painting

The elephant is a symbol of strength, honor, stability and patience. In the Hindu tradition,, the elephant is found in the form of Ganesha who is the god of luck, fortune, protection and is a blessing upon all new projects.

This beautiful elephant painting is for sale:) 18 x 24 x 1.5" Acrylic on birch wood. Send me an email for more details if you are interested. shelaghduffett@gmail.com
Also available as a print HERE...https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/513286519/elephant-with-flowers-and-starry-sky

Shelagh Duffett Winter Painting Class Schedule is here!

PAINT DAYS!

(Perfect gift for someone:)

January, February, March 2017

ALL SUPPLIES AND LUNCH INCLUDED! 

Classes........
 

January 15 Poppies, Registration & info here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-day-with-shelagh-duffett-sunday-january-15-tickets-30310405238

 

 February 12 Lighthouse... Registration & info here:  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-day-with-shelagh-duffett-sunday-february-12-tickets-30311236725 

February 26 Cat on Fence, Registration & info here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-day-with-shelagh-duffett-sunday-february-26-tickets-30311505529

March 12 Dream Garden Cat Registration & info here 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-day-with-shelagh-duffett-sunday-march-12-tickets-30312393184

 March 26 Sunflowers Registration & info here: 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-day-with-shelagh-duffett-sunday-march-26-tickets-30312468409 

Where:  

 Fruition Cafe, Coburg Professional Centre 

6389 Coburg Rd, Halifax. (Corner of Oxford and Coburg Road.)

 A bright sunny space with lots of room. It will be closed for the day.

Wheelchair accessible, with gender-neutral and accessible washrooms on-site.

What:

A day of painting , chatting, good music and lunch!  We will be recreating this painting! 
BUT you can make it your own:) add three houses and a bird etc.... 

We will use ACRYLIC paints on an 11 x 14" wooden canvas with painted sides. Ready to hang. You can use as much artistic license as you please to make it yours. I will guide you through it step by step:) No experience needed but if you do have experience and want to join us for a fun day, all the better!

We will stop around 12 for a lunch break. Soup and a grilled wrap, quiche or sandwich. You choose when you get there. Tea and coffee available but only dairy free milk options. 

Please bring an apron or wear something an errant drop of paint might enhance. Casual comfortable,crafty clothing encouraged.

TESTIMONIALS

" Thank-you Shelagh, I learned so much. You are an excellent, patient teacher and a wonderful artist. "
"Wicked fun class! Thank-you!"
"Just a blast!~ Off to buy paint! Amazing results for the whole class!"
"Great day! I am thrilled with my painting!. The venue was nice and bright and the tunes were inspiring:)"
"Shelagh this was wonderful! The energy was so positive and I am feeling very accomplished. I can't wait for another!"
"Thank- you so much Shelagh, this was such a fun relaxing and inspiring day away from the regular routine"
"I will definitely like to do another one and would highly reccommend to anyone to do!"
"Loved the whole day! Will definitely come to another workshop. Thanks so much!"

COST:

$99+tax 

HOW:

Registration in advance is required, space is limited. Please sign-up by dropping me an email to shelaghduffett@gmail.com or purchase your tickets online at links above.

If you have any further questions, please email me: shelaghduffett@gmail.com

Found Art

Sometimes I come across an image of a painting that I totally forgot I created. This was one of them. I kind of like it :)

I've got a Bogo sale on until next week. Take a look here!

 

BOGO Sale!

BOGO SALE! in my Etsy shop!   AliceinParis

Buy one, get one FREE! Just in the nick of time!

 *Important instructions* Buy your print or prints and then tell me in "NOTES TO SELLER" which print/prints you want for FREE. Sale ends on Wednesday November 23!! 

BUY HERE-----> https://www.etsy.com/shop/AliceinParis

Paint Day "Holiday Version!" November 13

 Paint Day! "Holiday Version" Sunday November 13

 

Hey! Come join me on Sunday Nov 13! We are painting this festive scene. Make it your own, add extra birdhouses, birds, change what you want....... I will guide you. NO experience needed. Lunch and all supplies included. Hosted at Fruition Cafe on Coburg Road and Oxford Street in Halifax. Treat yourself to a really fun afternoon!

 For more information and to register, click here
JOIN ME! "THE HOLIDAY VERSION!" PAINT DAY NOVEMBER 13

or...click here ->
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-day-with-shelagh-duffett-sunday-november-13-tickets-28580871155?aff=ehomecard 

 and then tah dah! Something to take home and hang on the wall or gift to someone:)

 

The Crows and The Stag

Just finished. 16 x 20 x1.5" Acrylic on wood. Available, send me a message if interested in purchase. shelaghduffett@gmail.com

Theosophical Mystery

Mysterious Theosophical Illustrations! My friend found fourteen of these at a yard sale recently. So beautiful! The one above is called Eternal Energy. We've tried to discover more about them but to no avail.

What we have gleaned is that they are circa 1930. Divine Breath is below

 They were printed as a set in Italy in Torino by Vincenzo Bono. The print underneath is called Reincarnation.

 This one  is The Light of the Soul. What you see as ochre yellow is actually gleaming gold!

 Kether,the Crown. Would LOVE to know who the artist was, who had them published, basically anything at all.Anonymous seems to be the only credit given.

 The Grail

 The Portal of Initiation. Cannot find anything other than circa 1930.

 The Central Spiritual Sun. I also saw them called Sacred Geometric Illustrations.

 

These are interesting mysteries of Art. Anyone have any info? Want to be a detective for me? Mystery of Life below

Sea Breeze, Original Painting (sold)

Finished this painting a couple of days ago. 15 x 13 x 1.5" The sides of this piece are painted iridescent gold to compliment the soft sky. For sale in my etsy shop here.
If you live in the local area, message me and we can bypass etsy and save on shipping etc.

Trees and stars

So...for the weekend only, this print is on sale!  $10.00 off! Click HERE to purchase!

`You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars.

 In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. - Max Ehrmann.

 

Uncharted Waters....

 

“I find focus in the darkest of days,and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”-Dalai Lama  So hard to do but so necessary. 

Definition of hope: 

1. A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

2. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best

3. To desire with expectation of obtainment   

4.  Desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment

5. The feeling of wanting something to happen and thinking that it could happen

6  A feeling  that something good will happen or be true

Hope..... what a wonderful thing...

Can you effect the outcome in anyway? No? Then do not hope, it will only take away from you. Stop thinking about it and move forward.

Can actions you take turn the tide toward you? Yes? Then hope and act!  Mixing focus with positive emotion can create positive action and change.

Not everything is within our control and not every hoped for outcome is a possibility but we should always hope for brighter futures, no matter how unlikely, as long as there is a CHANCE. Be realistic, know what can or can't be. Some situations cannot be shifted but if there is a chance they could be....direct your focus, energy and emotions towards your desire and you will be motivated to take action. Action is what will get you there. Hope is the tool we use to motivate ourselves. Action is the magic wand.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” - Martin Luther King Jr. 

 

Lawrencetown Studio Day!

Yesterday, February 29, I took advantage of the warmth of the day and scooted out to my pal Daina's house in Lawrencetown for some painting and chin wagging.
She has a lovely bright studio next to her house (my dream) and we spent a great morning immersed in colour and chat! And yes, we actually got some work done:)

Daina works in oils primarily and I work with acrylics. They dry fast and clean up easily with water. Easy peasy.
While waiting for the paint to dry on my larger piece, I would work on a smaller one and switch between them.
We took a break for lunch. PB and banana sandwiches and cappuccino ! Tried to sit outside but it wasn't quite warm enough. Ha after all it WAS Feb 29 but what an amazing day!

She lives 2 minutes from the beach.

We took advantage of the mild weather and headed out for a post lunch walk on Conrad Beach.
It was windy and salty and wild and wonderful!

 Signs of life:)
Love the colours in mussel shells!!
It is about a half hour drive from Halifax, just before Lawrencetown beach. A tiny sign that says Conrad Road is all the warning you get:) You walk along a boardwalk to get to it. (note: It is under re-construction at the moment)

 “Hark, now hear the sailors cry,
smell the sea, and feel the sky
let your soul & spirit fly, into the mystic...”

 -Van Morrison

 Back to the car we headed, tired and energized. Physically weary but emotionally high!

 I had a wonderful creative and soul filling day, thanks Daina! xo