The Artist Project

A new piece for the show.


So 2019 begins but the preparation for the first show of the year has been long underway. Last year I was part of the Artist Project and it was the first art show I had been a part of in over thirty years. Much has happened since then with many plans being made for a very full year ahead.  

Debra Lynn Carroll thinking she should give me a hand. 😉

As an artist who works with oil paints timing for a show is important, art has to be transported safely without the fear of damage. Last year’s show was an awesome experience working with the Loft Gallery who represent my work from the beautiful community of Thornbury, Ontario. This year will be even better with the addition of my fellow resident artist and friend Debra Lynn Carroll. We have had a great year working together and look forward to meeting new people and making new friends at the Project 2019.

My tools are brushes and knives, my medium is Oil’s and my support is canvas. My process begins with a pencil sketch and ends with a painting that combines that sketch with my memories resulting in textures, harmonies and tonal values.  

You can find me at booth #415. I look forward to meeting you, cheers!

Lorne

Never Underestimate the Value of a Sketch

We have all heard the quote “Life is a Journey” and depending on who said it, and how often you’ve heard it, will define how you react to it. Everything we learn in life has challenges. Some we resolve quickly, others not so quickly and some you may never overcome. It is our nature to fear failure in spite of knowing it is part of the process called learning. We learn by doing. If we accept failure as a natural part of the learning process, we take away the fear. Being fearless doesn’t mean you jump in blindly, it allows you to try. This can apply to many things in life but today it is about art.


I have had the pleasure of teaching many people over the years and have concluded that the interpretation of art and its value can be very simple or complex, and can change in a heartbeat. I remember being with a group of art students in a gallery setting while they looked at a collection of paintings that included some famous Group of Seven pieces when the issue of worth versus quality came up. After having a brief conversation they had concluded that the setting, name of the artist and age period of the painting meant it had value. In an effort to open up their minds on the true value of art, I had them gather around as I reached into my bag and pulled out a childlike drawing of a house and a sun and a stick person gesture of a little girl and her mom. I held it beside the painting on the wall and asked, “Is this art, is it good art, and does it have any value?” After another brief discussion, I changed the setting. “Now imagine you’re the mom, and it was the first drawing your daughter had ever done for you, and it was served with an “I love you mommy.” This little drawing to this mom has just become the most beautiful and most valuable painting on the planet. Enjoy your failures, they will teach you to become a better artist.

  • Initial Sketch
  • Finished Painting

Lorne