Ending on a Quiet Note
Greetings from [currently] snowy Ottawa! The year is almost up and I confess I am somewhat hurriedly jotting this brief update. I had ambitions of crafting a clever parody on a Christmas poem. I had many other such ambitions. But I was occupied until recently with completing my final commission of the year.
“Dramatic Reflections” (30”x24” acrylic painting of Lake Superior). Final commission of 2021.
Of the 26 paintings I produced this year, a total of 8 were custom pieces for clients. They ranged from an unusual scenario of a tiny 3” square painting (framed and matted to 10”x10” to complete sweet grouping of 4 pieces for a collector) through to 4’x3’ piece – a commission size record for me! A number of the commissions were on the larger side this year and that made for a fun challenge and really satisfying, big, bold finished products. I am so thankful to everyone who entrusted me with bringing their vision to life and canvas!
Anyone who has been following these updates is aware that I built a collection of mushroom pieces to auction off in November. There were 14 pieces in total – all framed in ovals and circles – and after the auction only 2 remain! Let me know if you’re in the market for a last minute mushroom! We (the participants and I) donated a portion of the sales to a local addictions-recovery program called Jericho Road. The total donated was $210. Another huge thanks to all who participated in the auction.
Final two fungi paintings still available for purchase
Happily, in the one live art show in which I participated this year, (hosted by West Carleton Arts Society), one of my pieces found a new home. It was from a little series I did called “Palette Paintings” in which I matted and framed some of my more interesting, textured palettes (on which I mix paint to get the right colours when creating intentional paintings). I still have a few of these guys left too. If you’re keen on abstract art, these may be the closest I’ll ever come to that genre and they are priced to sell!
I was thrilled with the reception of my “Blossoms & Blooms” 2022 Fine Art Calendar. They sold out by early November and while many stayed local, others were shipped as far as the East and West Coasts of Canada down to Texas, and, most incredibly, one ventured as far as Finland! What a delight! Thank you to everyone who supported me in this initiative. I’ll certainly work towards another calendar for 2023; it may have a flighty theme….
Finally, at a client’s request, I now am offering Gift Vouchers for my art. They can be for whatever value you want, and can be used to purchase anything art-related directly from me (including greeting cards, magnets, prints, calendars, originals or even commissions). We shall see if this turns out to be a desirable option for people. I love hearing your ideas – often others think of incredible ideas that haven’t even crossed my mind!
Back and front (left to right) of my new Gift Vouchers.
You choose the value and the voucher can go towards any art purchased directly from me!
And with that, I again invite anyone interested to check in with me if you’re looking for some beautiful, made-to-order custom art. The process can be really collaborative, or hands off – you choose! Details here. I’m already booking into next year so act fast if you have a special occasion deadline in mind.
Wherever you are, whatever you find yourself doing at the end of 2021, I hope that you can to peer through the gloom of difficult circumstances, and focus on the things that bring a smile to your heart. There is Light to be found in the Christmas season, but sometimes we have to look hard for it and push the shadows out of the way very intentionally.
Sincere thanks for your interest in my artistic pursuits, and I wish you renewed hope, vigor, connection and creativity in the New Year.
Yours in Art,
Marion Aitken
high realism visual artist
