Art Interiors 21st Annual Festival of Smalls.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's time for Art Interiors Festival of Smalls. In it's 21st year, the festival opens Saturday November 8 and runs to December 24th. Get full details here.

I was so inspired by the Alex Colville exhibit at the AGO this year that I painted small round canvases. They are adorable little round views at 8 inches in diameter. Original acrylic on canvas, I've only painted six of them, exclusively for Art Interiors. I think they will go fast so if you can't get there when the doors open you can purchase online. Just click on the images.

 Birds on a Wire No. 1

$200.

available at Art Interiors

 Birds on a Wire No. 2

$200.

available at Art Interiors 

  Birds on a Wire No. 3

$200.

available at Art Interiors

  Birds on a Wire No. 4

SOLD. Thank you

available at Art Interiors

  Birds on a Wire No. 5

$200.

available at Art Interiors

 Birds on a Wire No. 6

$200.

available at Art Interiors

The Original Art Giveaway has Begun.

Mentioned in my previous blog post and on my facebook page, Rita Vindedzis Fine Art the original art giveaway has begun. I've been working on paintings in my very popular 'birds on Wires' series and I thought that one of these would be perfect for the giveaway. 

Just finished! 'Afternoon Tweet-Up' is an original painting in acrylic. I painted it on a 6"x6" Ampersand Gesso panel. It is varnished and signed on the back. (I don't like signing the small paintings on the front as I feel that it takes away from the image.) Retail value is $150.

'Afternoon Tweet-Up' can be displayed as is or it can be framed in standard 6"x6" ready made frame. To be eligible to win this original painting by me :-) you'll have to head on over to my facebook page Rita Vindedzis Fine Art and 'like' my page. All 'likes' will be eligible to win. On May 1st I'll randomly pick a winner.

Good Luck!!! 

It's time for an Original Art Giveaway!

If you are a fan or have liked my facebook page Rita Vindedzis Fine Art, you might have seen this post from last week

Hi all. Rita Vindedzis Fine Art page needs your help. As you may know Facebook keeps making changes that can keep you from seeing my updates. Unless you like, comment, and share my posts regularly, FB will think you don't find my page interesting and will stop showing you my updates. Here's what you can do to help.

*Like, comment and share my posts.

*If you've liked my page (BIG Thank You!!!) follow it too. Just click the follow button under the header.

*Feel free to add me to interest lists or if you really like my art create a list of your own.

I really appreciate your help and don't fret, it will be worth it. I'm planning a giveaway just for you all. Stay tuned 

I'd love to reach 200 (dare I say even more!) likes this month and it's been ages since I had an art giveaway so I thought this is a great way to combine both. I haven't chosen the art yet and I think I might just carve out some extra time and paint a new piece just for this. So click on over to Rita Vindedzis Fine Art and give me a like to be eligible for this giveaway. Please don't be shy, share and pass it on. Tell your friends and they'll tell two friends, and so on...:-)

Painting Away.

I am still in high painting mode these days. I actually took a count and I've finished 36 paintings of various sizes in the past month. 12 have been shipped off to an upcoming show and the others are for a special project that I'm unable to share here yet.

Some examples of texture that I've been working on in between cityscapes and neon/restaurant sign paintings. I like to alternate between painting details with some pure abstract. It's good to mix things up a bit, keeps my perspective fresh and I get to 'play' with different materials and mixed media. That's it for now-back to painting.

An Attitude of Gratitude.

 Sunset View

30x30 Acrylic on canvas

Sold

Urban Vista

18x48 Acrylic on canvas

Sold

I'm always touched when someone appreciates my work so much that they purchase it. For them to spend their money on something that I created, hang it on their wall and live with it, well that is the ultimate compliment to me. I feel I have done my 'job' well. So when I received word last week from a gallery, that her client had purchased both cityscapes, I was overflowing with gratitude. Thank you so much!!

When my work sells through a gallery it's a totally different experience for me than if I had attended an art fair or show and sold the piece myself. There is usually no customer contact at all on may part. This took a little getting used to when I first started out, but now it's just the way it is. I got over it. So while I can't extend a personal thank you to each and every person that ever bought one of my paintings through a gallery, I can say a big thank you to all of you right here. Thank You.  :-)

Moody Cityscapes.

 Quiet City Street  30x40x2  Acrylic on Canvas

$1500.

Available at Art Interiors

King West Early Evening   36x48x2   Acrylic on Canvas

$2500.

Available at Art Interiors

Here are the finished cityscapes from a previous post. Yes they are quite dark. There is something about the dark/light that I find fascinating these days. I apologize for the images here, the warmth of the skies is not evident. And the details are hard to see. The red traffic lights and warm glow of the streetlights are lost. I'll definitely be working on my skills here to fix this problem. I do think that original art is best viewed in person. It really makes a difference in your experience of it. These paintings are both available at Art Interiors, Toronto.

In Progress.

I've been busy in the studio painting new cityscapes. I find I'm rather slow when it comes to painting this "King West" series-more details than I'm used to. Here's my progression.

I must admit I've started using a projector to get the main shapes and perspective right. I know I could go completely old school and do this by hand but right now that would take way too long.

My studio assistant for the day. For some reason the bottom corner of this canvas is very fascinating to her.

I've blocked in large areas and have started to bring out some of the details in the vehicles. Hard to see and you're probably thinking it's just shades of gray. You're right. This series is very limited in color. Mostly neutrals with small details of color added at the finish. 

Last weeks distress in the studio caused me to empty out all of my storage baskets and drawers. I purged a few unused and broken items but mainly I organised the contents. It's odd how that chaos and clutter can stress me so. Other problems with layout will have to wait as I must concentrate on finishing up the new cityscapes and start preparing for upcoming shows. April will be a very busy month.

Old Masters Oil Painting Class Week 5.

The old masters oil painting class that I'm taking is going along smoothly. I'm a bit behind the other students as I missed the third class due to a long weekend away, but I'll have an opportunity to get caught up soon. When I left off in my last post about this I had finished the very detailed line drawing (done free hand thank you! No photos or projectors allowed). We transferred the drawing onto the canvas using an oil transfer method.

Week 4. Here I've blocked in the dark areas using raw umber and medium. Step 2 was sculpting the light areas and highlights with white and medium. We are building up layers and creating colors with glazes

End of class week 5. A thin glaze of Indian red was used. It enhanced the already dark areas and created a soft peachy orange on the areas where the yellow ochre canvas shows through. I went over a few of the dark areas with raw umber and then again glazed with white, the highlights. It's starting to look three dimensional. Using the oils is so different from the acrylics especially in drying time. Just for fun, I started a still life here in my studio using the same painting method with acrylics so I can compare the two mediums. Stay tuned.

Painting the Inspiration.

It seems like ages since I've stood in front of my easel with paintbrush in hand. Today it's a must, to get some of the inspiration gathered from my trip onto canvas.

San Francisco view from the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Inspired by the excitement of travel. The new sights, smells and sounds. The vastness of sky along the coast, cool salt water breezes, and local birds.

Seagulls on San Francisco Bay.

Driving south along the coast near big Sur.

My aim has been to "loosen up" in my painting as seen here and here. So for now I'm happy painting clouds and birds and hearing the ocean waves as I work in my studio.

Here are the preliminary drawings of gulls and a background that I started this morning. Layers and layers of cool and warm colors applied freely. Stay tuned for the finished painting.

Looking Forward.

Haven't been around the blog much lately. Taking a bit of a break from much of social media these days. I've turned inward these past few weeks. On a private journey. Soul searching. Cleaning house so to speak.  Figuring out what stays and what goes in my life. Changes are definitely happening. I'll be back with more regular posting next month. For me, September has always been a month for new beginnings. So there will be new stories and art to share and a few surprises. Stay tuned.

Potpourri Opening at Arts on King this Saturday.

I'm always amazed at how different paintings look on screen as opposed to seeing them in real life. This was very evident last week at the Abex show at the AGO. I had gotten so used to seeing the paintings in print or online one way, and it's a totally different experience when you're there in person a few feet away from the original works. 

It's also evident here as well. I try to take good photos and match the colors as closely as I can to the original painting, and yet sometimes they appear flat on screen. Colors aren't as clear or bright and sometimes nuances just disappear altogether. If you like art, books and posters are great, surfing online is fun, but I urge you to get out and see art in person. Go to your local gallery or museum. Check out the independent galleries and outdoor art shows in your neighborhood. Art should be seen in person.

Just a friendly reminder that my show "Potpourri" opens at Arts on King this Saturday. Details here. 

An Attitude of Gratitude.

Gossip

Acrylic on canvas 10x8

Available at Art Interiors.

Some days when I'm in the studio painting, the sun is shining brightly and I have my favorite music on, I have to pinch myself. I am lucky when it comes to what I do for a living, and I'm so grateful. Especially because it was such a long road to get here and believe me, I've had my share of 'jobs from hell' in the past.

I'd just like to take a moment to to say thank you. Thank you to my family and friends. Without your support and encouragement I would not be doing this right now. Thank you to the galleries that represent and sell my work. Thank you also to the galleries that have represented and sold my work in the past.

And of course Thank you to all of you that have purchased my work either from a gallery or from me personally at one of the many outdoor art shows, art fairs, and expos that I participated in. The fact that my painting moved you so much that you would spend your hard earned dollars to purchase it, humbles me.

Style at Home Colour Collection Brochure.

I finally picked up my copy of the new Style at Home Colour Collection brochure by Beauti-Tone Paints. I've been waiting for weeks to get my hands on this. I first heard about the collection from Margo Austin, Style at Home's senior design editor (I follow her on Twitter) and then from the Style Sleuth blog (thanks Brett). This same photo appeared here in the April 2010 issue of Style at Home magazine and that's my painting in the photo. It's available for purchase here at Art Interiors.
This painting has sold. Thank you.

Although I really like the brochure and all the color collections my most favorite one is "loft". I think I'll have to paint our new master bedroom either SD029 Grey Goose or SD030 Felted. Don't you just love the names that they give paint colours?

My second favorite is the "Fresh" grouping, and I'd love to see a room done with SD007 Wasabi, SD008 Granny Smith and SD010 Jet. It would be stunning.

So here's a sneak peek at our new condo. It's empty, clean and just waiting for us to move in and make it a home. This corner is going to be my new studio space. Yes, I do have a very easy commute.

This is looking from the west window into the kitchen area. There's tons of storage space and the10 ft. high ceilings make it very spacious. As you can tell I'm really excited to be moving in very soon. I'll be posting photos of the packing, the move out, the move in, and the transformation so stay tuned.

"Fresh" at Arts on Queen, Toronto.

Sunny Day 36x36 Acrylic on Canvas $2100.

Here is the official write up for my show that opens at Arts on Queen next month. I'm really looking forward to it. It's a really great little gallery in the Beach, in Toronto-very trendy area. The reception is always fun as I get to meet and chat with the public. It will also be relaxing as I get to chill with the gallery staff after all the commotion of moving into our new condo. If you're in the area please do drop by. Sorry Kim, you won't be in town for the opening but please contact me before your trip. I'd love to get together and have a face to face with you.

"Fresh" New Paintings in Acrylic by Rita Vindedzis

July 1 2010 - July 31 2010

Reception: July 3, 1-4 pm Artist will be present

Toronto artist Rita Vindedzis takes a fresh approach to her newest paintings of birches, blossoms and birds. Inspired by the colours and textures of the season, Vindedzis shows diversity in her art and has taken a step away from the landscapes she is best known for. Her "birds on a wire" series hints at whimsy while her decorative blossoms and birches are a popular choice with interior designers, snatching them up for their clientele. Rita's decorative abstracted birches have graced the pages of Style at Home Magazine, the 2008 Benjamin Moore Colour brochure and the 2010 Style at Home Collection Colour brochure. Arts on Queen 2198 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON, M4E 1E7. 416-699-6127, Open 7 days a week.

Sunday Bits.

Aren't these poppies gorgeous? I saw them while walking and just had to stop and take some photos of them. They really say summer to me, although we're still a few days away from the summer solstice. Life here has been hectic to say the least, but I'm happy to say that I've finished all the new paintings for my upcoming show at Arts on Queen. I'll be showing you a sneak peek soon so please stay tuned. I have just 3 more new paintings that will need to be varnished and then all have to be photographed and documented. Then I'll pack up my studio. Moving day is coming quickly. We picked up an assortment of moving crates and boxes from the movers we will be using so this week I'll get started on some serious packing. Today I'm trying to squeeze in a couple of hours to relax and do nothing, but I'm sure I'll find something that needs cleaning or sorting instead. What have you got planned for your day? I hope it's something enjoyable.

Spring is in Full Bloom.

I've been walking around with camera in hand. Spring is in full bloom here and I try to get out of the studio everyday to enjoy the sunshine and blossoms. So much inspiration for new paintings.

There is just so much color everywhere. In our area we are about 2-3 weeks ahead so I've gotten the early spring I wished so hard for.

I'm being bombarded with inspiration. So much inspiration that it's hard to sleep at night. I keep my little sketchbook handy so I can jot down ideas or thumbnails for new work. What's up with me lately???

watching the cats enjoy the sun

Daydreaming

thinking of moving

window shopping

making lists

yogurt with raw nuts and cinnamon for breakfast

the cardinal outside my studio window

kalamata olives and feta cheese

color

spring cleaning

paint chips

mad men season 2

cooking

mixing a really good margarita

80's music

style at home magazine

redoing the studio

wanting to go to new york

trying to stick to an exercise schedule

the it crowd

being grateful and enjoying life

good friends

Last Day for Spring Color Week.

"Winter Berries" 6x6 Mixed Media
Click Here to Purchase.

Here we are, it's Friday already. How fast did this week go by? I've had fun all this week playing along with Poppytalk and showing you mixed media originals from my shop. Today's color is blue. Robins egg blue and I've picked "Winter Berries" as it really has the feel of an early spring day.

This weekend will really feel like spring as we "spring ahead" to daylight savings time. I don't know about you but I'm really looking forward to the extra daylight. Hope you have a great weekend.

Thursday is Purple for Poppytalk's Spring Color Week.

"Purple Twilight" 6x6 Mixed Media
Click Here to Purchase.

Today is purple day for Poppytalk's spring color week. "Purple Twilight" is the newest mixed media painting in my shop. I painted this specifically for spring color week. All shades of purple are perfect for spring. Makes me think of lavender or freshly painted Easter eggs. This would make a great gift for Mother's day.

Playing along with Poppytalk-Today is Yellow.

Brooklyn Bridge 6x6 Mixed Media
SOLD Thank you!

Wednesday is yellow if you've been following along with Poppytalk's spring color week as I have. All of my picks for this weeks theme are available in my Etsy shop. Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your surroundings with original, affordable art. These mixed media minis also make great gifts.

My paintings on Cityline today.

She Told Everyone 8x10 Acrylic on Canvas

Gossip 8x10 Acrylic on Canvas

Just popping in to show you the two paintings that Kimberley Seldon spoke of in her design segment about toile on Cityline today. The episode that I went to see the taping of last week aired this morning. Unfortunately the painting that I thought was in the house tour was not there after all. I was sitting in the back row of the audience and the monitor was quite a distance. Guess I'll need to get those glasses after all! LOL. Thanks again to Kimberley Seldon and Art Interiors. These two little paintings are still available. If your interested in purchasing, you can contact the gallery, or drop me an email.