Steinhaus Studio Blog

New Adventures on the horizen

2011-06-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's a moving van and we are knee deep in boxes, tape, markers and scratching our head as to where on earth did all this "stuff" come from.

We certainly don't remember dragging a few hundred books home... or who's idea was it to buy a piano anyway!!!

Downsizing is the new "buzzword"... it really just means trying to unload all your junk on anyone who will take it so you don't have to pay to cart it to the local dump.

I'm sure we will feel cleansed when all this is said and done and we are sitting smugly in our new digs sipping a glass of vino on one of our two little balconies overlooking a western view of Oshawa. We will probably also be wondering... " where is that book I've been meaning to read?.. " what do you mean, it went in the box for Friends of the Library??!!**%

I'm really not sure why we felt the need to have three floors of STUFF.... but it was always comforting... we'll maybe not on house cleaning day :)

Of course to add a little humour to the mix, I've started working again.... just when I need to be home packing boxes and worrying about everything... someone offers me a job! Of course I need the job but couldn't I have just won the lottery or something more convenient for the time being?

Now of course, like most people..... we are of the mind that all will be totally wonderful when the move is finished and everything is put away and the new drapes are up - because we will ride our bikes to the park and walk into town and do all those thinks that make such great conversation over a glass of wine in the evening but somehow never materialize in the light of day. Too busy, too tired, it's raining, it's too hot....etc.

We will definitely have fun checking out the neighbourhood to see where all the bookstores are...but I'm sure we'll take the car instead of the bikes :)

My 15 seconds....

2010-12-17T06:56:00.000-08:00

Well, they say every dog has his 15 seconds of fame..... here's mine, at least for now!

Ajax Mayor Steve Parish honoured my work by purchashing this painting of the town's waterfront. He is shown in the photo presenting it, along with myself, to his associate Cherry as a retirement gift. He did the presentation at the inaugeral Council meeting in Dec.

On to other art happenings....... my artwork was selected into the juried exhibition at Whitby Station Gallery and Klaus and I attended the opening last Saturday. I'm certainly in some good company there with only about a third of the entries being selected for the show.

Cultural Expressions Gallery held a show of small works for the Christmas season and had a very successful opening where three of my pieces sold..... kind of a thrill because I was there when the pieces came off the wall.

Just finished some commissions that are being delivered today so the studio is a little quiet right now.

I'm off school for two whole weeks so I'm going to sleep in and just enjoy the holiday.

Merry Christmas to everyone and hope all your wishes for the new year come true.

New Adventures and Different Roads

2010-09-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

The only one at the studio easel these days is Teddy! He's a little slow...but hey, not a bad start.

I've been caught up in so many things these past few months that the only art in my schedule is short breaks at the waterfront to do some sketching and reflecting..... there's a new word in there somewhere..lol

I've been involved in a program to get spiffed up for back to the business world and get a real paycheck. Finished an 8 week program and now it's off to school to get up to speed on the latest releases from Bill Gates. The first week of classes is history and I survived.... even the Thursday "Weekly Test Day"! One test in the morning and one in the afternoon. I only have 14 weeks to go and I'll be certified (probably literally)!

My sweet Klaus actually tried to make me eat breakfast on my first day of school....... we soon got that sorted! I promised to take an extra sandwich and eat it at recess - that's the best I can do.

My friends have been joking about a school uniform...... well my answer was.. my Cape Breton Tartan Kilt and red stiletos.... keep in mind that my friends are artists, they thought this was fabulous and can't wait to see it.

I did just finish a three day show at the Oshawa Art Assoc. Camp Samac venue and in November I'll have a solo exhibit at the Ajax Council Chambers which should be up til late December.

Durham West Art Centre will also be on my agenda for a one day show on Dec. 4th at the Kinsmen Heritage Centre in Ajax.... watch for the flyers.

Now..... if I could get Teddy to switch places so that he does the homework and I finish the painting..hmmmmm ?????

Life in the Art Burbs......

2010-06-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well, after the last blog about juried shows and planting gardens...... I'm thrilled to tell you that the resident rabbit ate most of the salad garden and topped it off with the morning glory plants for dessert. Life goes on!!

The juried show saga about "waiting by the phone" quickly came to an end an hour after I dropped off my show stoppers....... I received a call that they had been rejected even before the jurying process started... Somehow I had neglected to read the fine print and submitted work that was unframed. Only gallery canveses were accepted unframed.....

Totally my fault and I'll get im next year!!!!!!!

So....... onwards and upwards. The newest work to be completed in the studio has actually been on the studio easel for quite a few months. I'm glad to say that it is now been signed, varnished, photographed and framed.

The working title is also changed to read "Forever and Always" - Acrylic on Stretched Canves 24" x 36".

I've also started a new piece that will be from the Pickering Waterfront - 30" x 40" - Landscape with a twist.

As my mantra says...... "Support Your Local Artist"

It's an investment in the future of our society.

To paint ?.... to plant ?.... or wait by the phone ??

2010-05-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Such a wonderful time of year...... the garden is ready for planting and the flowers and vegies are dancing around on the potting table waiting to get their preferred spot in the garden.
On the art side of the scale....... the juried competitions are in full swing. You fill out the applications, submit your jpegs, and wait to see if you have been accepted into the show. Is the work good enough?? Did you present the right pieces??.... maybe you should have picked a floral instead of a landscape painting to submit for judging!!!!.... or what if you had submitted an abstract instead..... what is the judges background? do they prefer watercolour instead of oil???
So..... you present what you think is your best work then ... sit by the phone like a girl waiting to be asked to the Prom!
What if nobody likes my work? What if I don't get picked?

You know....... if they don't like it..... "What do they know?!"
I like what I do.. and I do it for ME! That's what counts at the end of the day. So there!..lol

May Brings Flowers and Cold Germs

2010-05-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

Such a busy time right now... lots of shows going on and other art events like juried shows and art openings.

This is a picture of me with my accepted work into the juried exhibiton at "The Conference Place Gallery" in Whitby this week.

I dashed away from a 3 day show in Pickering to attend this opening on Saturday.

Last week-end was a 3-day show in Ajax which was a great success and last Thursday night was a great art bash at the Station Gallery.

Needless to say...... all this schmoooozzzzing has slowed me down long enough for the dreaded cold bug to catch up to me. I have a busy week ahead so I hope this is a two-day cold .... I have places to be almost every day this week.

I'm treating it with Cold FX and a glass of sherry

Spring Shows Coming Up

2010-04-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is a repeat of my "Tips & Tricks" page on my website......

....lots of stuff going on in the studio these days. The spring shows are coming up so that usually creates frantic activity in the studio.

On the easel is a commission of a house in Scarborough that needs to get finished by mid-May.

Under the window are a group of 4 brand new pieces called "Treble Cleff #1,2, 3, & 4. I just picked up the frames today and got them sorted... they are semi-abstract and very textured.

On the desk on the right is an abstract piece that is waiting to be framed with a trilpe matt.... have to get to Curry's tomorrow to get the third matt... Burgunday!

Fresh roses on the windowsill and a glass of wine by the computer complete the picture for this Friday night in the studio.

YEAH!!!! It's Spring

2010-03-08T19:50:00.001-08:00

Went for my first bike ride today with my sketchbag and camera in the bike basket. Came home and produced a painting in record time of one of the shots I took today. Way cool...........

Acrylic on stretched gallery canvas 18" x 18" called Applecroft. I think the sub-division that the bike path is in is called Applecroft... hence the title.

Don't you just love it when things happen without too much planning interference.

It's called "A Happening"....... so much for the sixties :)

....... showing my age again... sorry !!!!

The Trilliums are Blooming

2010-03-04T07:21:00.001-08:00

This painting is finally finished.... I think ! This was started last spring when the trilliums were blooming.... family health issues abounded and the work was put away.

I resurrected it a few weeks ago along with some others patiently waiting in the wings.

This scene is behind the Ajax General Hospital in a wooded area I think it's called Clements Woods.

The work is on stretched canvas done in acrylic and measures 36" x 36".

I've also just posted it to the front page of my website.

Cheers

Sharon

Paint is flying again...... YEAH !!

2010-02-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

After such a long dry spell the paint is finally flowing again in my studio. I pulled out a fresh new canvas 24" x 36" and started a work of two people walking down a tree lined street in the fog. Seemed almost appropriate as I seem to have been in a fog myself these past few months.

I also rescued two works that were started last spring and got turned to the wall to return another day.

Top left is the foggy scene, the bottom left is a local landscape at Halls Rd and Rossland Rd. and on the right on the large easel is a scene behind the Ajax hospital of the woodlot filled with trilliums. I'm working on all three basically at the same time which seems rather ambitious but if I get blocked on one I just switch panels and work on another.

These will probably take awhile to finish but I'm just enjoying the process.

This Week's Marketing Drive Has Been A Success !!!

2010-02-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like I got lucky and my galleries have pulled through!..... Had a number of sales in the past few weeks and it would appear that I'm a hot topic for the moment.

The Cape Breton paintings seem to be popular at the moment and I do hope it continues as these are my favourite works...... they are from the heart and home.

Being born in Cape Breton means that your heart is forever there.... the body travels to other parts of the world but you are never far from HOME !

The latest sale was "Shores of Cape Breton" Acrylic 30 x 40" on canvas.

Marketing and Promotional Week

2010-02-01T08:18:00.001-08:00

Need to drive some traffic to my website and generate some sales. This is one of the most difficult chores for artists.......we just like to paint ! Original artwork can be purchased through paypal from the website or you also have the option to purchase prints and cards through my on-line gallery at Fine Art America....

So.... have a peek, make a purchase and know you have supported an artist !

Check out the website for originals

http://www.steinhausstudio.com/

and see the print options and cards at

Fine Art America

EURIKA !!!!! I'm Painting Again.... YEAH !!

2010-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

It looks like the spell has been broken! Browsing through the world wide web one day last week and got zapped by inspiration. A new idea took hold and I ran to the closet to find my favourite SHOES.... yes... I said shoes!!!!

Did you know that your shoes evoke memories of where they' ve been and for what occasion they were purchased and where they danced or had lunch.... they even tell you how you felt when you slipped them on and they know exactly what other garments accompanied them on the journey.

SHOES.... they have their own story.

I'm timidly attempting to portray my shoe storey in a series of foot fetish portraits. They deserve it. I've started with the ultimate favourite....... the Red Velvet Stilettos !

Here's a sneak preview....... the photo is a little shiny but you get the drift.

Who knew I had such a relationship with my shoes.

Still Facing the "Blank Canvas Block"

2010-01-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hopefully it won't be too much longer..... but I'm still suffering from "Painter's Block" .... it's actually very painfull and I do wish it would end soon

I've been cleaning up the studio...... ie... sending pounds of paper to the recycling bin!!!! All the old sketches, drawings, ideas, etc. they are now in the bin waiting for the preverbial recycle man to show up and take them away...... only to make room for more sketches (hopefully) and to start the whole cycle over again!!!!!

In Need of Inspiration, Movitvation, Creativity, ETC...

2010-01-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

Can't seem to get myself back to the easel...... been doing some sketching but just have a mental block for some reason!

Last year was pretty rough with family illnesses and I stopped painting in the early summer.

I had just assumed that I would jump right back in to the two large canvases sitting unfinished in the studio.... NOT SO !!!!

Oh dear....

This maple leaf is a little ACEO I did awhile back... 2.5" x 3.5" watercolour

Throw out the Tree and put the baubles away !!!!

2010-01-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas packed away in the boxes and put under the stairs. The house always looks a little strange without the ribbons, cards, ornaments galore and garland hanging from anything that doesn't move... :)

All this decluttering has been catching on...... I've been clearing out the studio file drawer to make room for everything that got filed on top of the desk..... also need to clean out the art club binders to make room for this year's new projects and agendas.

Breaking in a New Sketchbook

2009-12-27T15:25:00.001-08:00

Got a new sketchbook from a friend for Christmas and decided to christen it today at the Ajax waterfront. It was very cold although the wind was fairly light. As luck would have it...... they had built a new little bridge (tiny actually) .. just by the pavilion. It just covers a little run-off area.... but me and bridges are always in love !!!!

Klaus went off ahead while I took literally 5 minutes to create the first sketch of the new bridge in my new book. I sketch with a staedtler pigment black liner (made in Germany of course) the ink is archival and acid free..... this info is only relevant to my art friends I guess :)

I caught up with Klaus at the iron bridge and we quickly decided that we'd had enough of the cold.

The attached picture is not from today but another winter sketching at the same place.

Twas 3 sleeps before Christmas..... ho ho ho

2009-12-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in the studio surrounded by gifts waiting to be wrapped I feel the season taking hold...... the ham is baked and sitting on the counter for all to nibble til the turkey shows up. The shopping is finished, at least as far as presents are concerned. The grocery store shopping will never end...... as long as it's still open I will need something.

This year's Nova Scotia Balsam tree is sending it's aroma throughout the house and I think this is the best tree yet.... extremely large and takes up much of our tiny living room and the angel is kissing the ceiling.... just the way I like it.

We will count our blessings this year and try to not think about our sorrows and hope all will be better in the new year.

Moving On

2009-12-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

It's been one h....ll of a summer with family health issues.... but it's now time to get back on the treadmill and move on.
This week has been wonderful...... two days at the Ajax club working on some pen & ink commissions... an Oshawa Art Assoc. Exec. meeting and then a PineRidge Art Council meeting.
All the while thinking about the acrylic demo from last thursday which was so inspirational.
I have small art projects to get done for the art clubs for Christmas exchanges and now is also the sign up time for the spring tours so it's a lot to take in.
Hope everyone is in good spirits for the upcoming season and is getting in the mood for the ho ho ho's and LET's EAT holiday time.

I'm Cured..... lol

2009-11-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

So... this is the first time I've actually ignored the 13th phenomena..... and it worked!
I spent the day shopping and enjoying the company of my sister and my Mother and we had a wonderful day together.
Wonders never cease..... all I had to do was plan the day as a successful event and it happened!
I think some call it "mind over matter"

I think I have "Paraskavedekatriaphobia" !!!!

2009-11-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

So..... tomorrow is Friday the 13th of November....
I usually hide out on these days..... some ingrained fear of having a really bad day!
This time I will go out for lunch and go shopping and pretend that it is any other day than a Friday the 13th.....
Cross your fingers.... no... no. I didn't mean that.... it'll be OK.. REALLY...lol

Where to start again?

2009-11-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Haven't painted all summer, other than a quick sketch or two.... so now where do I start?

My equipment and supplies all look like foreign objects to me.... they used to be so familiar like old friends.

I have to figure out what to pack up for a day at the Ajax art club tomorrow... might have to start with something very simple to ease into it.... or maybe get really bold and just start throwing paint around and see what happens ..... lol !!!!!

This is the last piece I finished back in June called Shores of Cape Breton - Acrylic 30 x 40

St. George Art Auction

2009-11-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

What a great night..... lots of terrific art, seeing old friends again, good food and wine and all in the name of fundraising for the church.

Coming off Family Medical Sabatical

2009-11-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

As most of you know.... it's been a rough summer for the family with health issues.

Now I'm finally going to try to get back to some normalcy (if that's a word!).. I've been walking at the lake, which has been very good for healing the soul.... but this week I actually started back into sketchersizing..... Just walkling with my sketch book and a pen and doodling along the way.

Will try to get back to the art clubs next week as I miss all my friends.

2009-10-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

Allister Young July 1, 1928 - Oct. 21, 2009

Dad passed away yesterday at 3:15 am. We were

by his side and holding his hand.

The world will be a different place without him.

October Update

2009-10-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Family health issues have prohibited me from spending much time updating my blog. My art interests have taken a back seat to family..... as it should.
Mom is ill but looks like she might be on the mend. Dad is not faring so well and is now spending more time in Hospital than out.
Sister is finally on the mend and hope she stays healthy.
Been taking care of Dad at our house but looks like he will now spend his time in hospital and then on to a care facility........ if we or the hospital can find one..... that we all can afford.!!!!!
Hope everyone else checking in here is having a better time right now.
Love
Sharon

New Solo Show at McLean Centre

2009-07-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce another solo exhibit at the McLean Centre in Ajax. It will be an extened show that will run throughout the summer.

July 6th right through to Sept. 14th. I will be exhibiting 50 pieces of work.

Hope you get a chance to drop by and see it.

Cheers

Sharon

Solo Exhibit Reception

2009-06-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all, well I made it through the opening reception. Not my favourite thing in case no one shows up....... I actually love talking to patrons and discuss the work..... just nervous in case there is no one there to talk to !!!

The gallery looked fabulous with all the work hung up and looking it's Sunday Best. There were a number of people attending including Mayor Parish and Councillors Pat Brown and Joanne Dies.

Thanks to my art friends who came to show moral support, it really was appreciated.

The show is running til June 28th.

Solo Exhibit - June 14 - 27 Cultural Expressions Gallery

2009-06-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

I been sick with a rotten cold the past few days... Yuk! On the mend tomorrow hopefully. I have a solo exhibit coming up on June 14. The opening reception is Sunday June 14th from 1pm to 4pm.

Cultural Expressions Gallery, 62 Old Kingston Rd., Pickering Village, Ajax

Come one..... come all !!

Ajax Festival of the Arts

2009-05-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Ajax Creative Arts show is now behind us and it's on to the next event. This Saturday is the 2nd Annual Ajax Festival of the Arts. It will consist of 3 locations: The Village Community Centre, the Arena and Cultural Expressions Gallery. I'll be setting up a gallery for our club in the arena which will be 50 feet long by 10 feet. There will be approx. 90 pieces of original art to browse through, plus 3 stands filled with unframed matted works and art cards from a number of our members. The arena will be filled with a number of artisans displaying original hand made works including jewelery, woodwork, painted rocks, fabric creations, etc. There will be music in the field with an outdoor stage and artists doing demos in the Comm. Centre. Check out the art at Cultural Expressions along with the specialty food.

Everything opens at 10am to 5pm - Pickering Village, Ajax, Ontario

Another Art Show Week-End .. YEAH !

2009-05-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

The ACA Show is this week-end and I'm so looking forward to talking art trash with my friends during the show. Even though we are all working at the show it's such a fun time for us. Looking at all the work and hoping everyone sells at least one piece.

The weather is certainly co-operating as it will be sunny and beautiful all week-end. I'm going to do my whole display with sepia watercolours that I finished this spring, especially because they are all local scenes too.

Gardening Season...... Almost !!

2009-05-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

The plants are all purchased even the vegie garden ones. Hanging pots ready to go up and sway in the breeze.....

Now all my friends (and the weatherman) are saying "Frost on Sunday Night" :(

So all the pots and flats of flowers are sitting on plastic in the library on the floor..... I keep popping in to take a peek at my "almost" garden.

I'll have to paint in the studio for the next few days to take my mind off gardening... at least until Monday....

Ajax Creative Arts Show - May 22, 23 24 - 2009

2009-05-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Check out the ACA Spring Show and sale ..... over 50 local artists exhibiting original works along with unframed works and art cards.

22 Sherwood Rd. Pickering Village, Ajax, Ontario

Ajax Festival of the Arts

2009-05-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a steering comm. mtg. for the Ajax Art Festival..... this promises to be a great 2nd Annual event. May 30 in Pickering Village.

Almost 40 artisans and artists set up in the arena, and outdoor stage with lots of entertainment, a Kid's Zone and the Community Centre filled with local artist and Cultural Expression Gallery serving up amazing art and carribean food.

One day only..... so get your event "Passport" on the day and win some awesome prizes.

Check out the Trilliams

2009-05-11T10:06:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I went on a photo shoot this morning down to the lake...... then we went over behind the hospital where there was a whole wooded area filled with Trilliams. I think it's called Clement's Woodlot.

I took a lot of pictures so I hope I can get some painting ideas from some of them.

Grand Finale At The Dunbarton Show

2009-05-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the Dunbarton show is over and I'd say it was a grand success. I sold lots of my miniatures and some art cards so I'm very pleased.
So..... now it's on to the next event which will be the Ajax Crative Arts show on May 22nd. This is always a great event because so many of us paint together all year and we finally get to see the works all dressed up in the Sunday best with frames and matts and price tags.
We hang out for three days and just have the most wonderful time talking about our work and differnet processess and new products.

ACA Show Program Almost Ready

2009-05-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Spent the day at the Dunbarton Show....... really a nice show.... lot's of miniatures to see in a variety of mediums and the prices are a steal !!!!!
I just finished working on the program for the Ajax Creative Arts Show on May 22nd, 23rd and 24th. I'll get it proof read tomorrow by the show convenors while I'm at the Dunbarton show and hopefully I can go to print on Monday.

Ready to Sell... Sell..... Sell

2009-05-07T13:48:00.001-07:00

Ok..... everything is labeled and priced and tagged ...... packed in the van for the morning so I can just dash off early. Heading to the Dunbarton Art Show early morn so need to be organized.
Now I'm off to dinner... hubby is taking me out.... YEAH !!!!

Dunbarton 3-Day Art Show

2009-05-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a PineRidge Arts Council mtg. and now trying to put some artwork together for the Dunbarton Church annual art show.

It opens Friday at 1pm - 9pm, Sat. 10am to 5pm and Sun 1pm to 3pm.

Check it out at 1066 Dunbarton Rd. Pickering

There will be a lot of original artwork at reasonable prices along with art cards and a small amount of jewellery.

Portion of the proceeds go toward the Church.

I have this image of the church available on an art card... The original watercolour is hanging in the church.....

Latest Work Off the Easel

2009-05-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Calling it finished...... Eagle Point, Cape Breton. This is along the Cabot Trail where we were watching some bald eagles fly around. They would land in the trees and also land on the rocks close to the water. We took so many photos....

Not sure what this bay is actually called, but we named it Eagle Point for obvious reasons.

Acrylic on canvas 24 x 40"

Astoria Magazine Article

2009-05-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

On-Line mag. "Astoria" is promoting our Ajax show..... wow.
Check out the magazine here...
http://astoriamagazine.com/artists

A Fresh New Canvas... YEAH !

2009-05-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Starting a new canvas today.... nice big one ! 30" x 40" I've sketched my design on there with a thin wash of sienna acrylic.
This will be another Cape Breton Island scene around the Cabot Trail..... or at least my attempt :)

Yahoo Finally Fixed

2009-05-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Finally got into my site..... now I'm off to the library to check out some art videos

Trouble with Yahoo Web Hosting %&**#%.. AGAIN

2009-05-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Not the first time this has happened and it's so frustrating. I can't get into my website to do any maintenance because Yahoo has put an ad campagne on the page I log into and I can't get past it to my site.
The make it extremely difficult to find anywhere to send a msg of complaint also. Maybe it's time to find another host.
Annoyed in Ajax......

Photo by Allan O'Mara from Conference Place Show

2009-05-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks Allan for taking this shot of me with my work. I neglected to bring a camera.

The Conference Place Juried Exhibit

2009-05-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Went to the opening reception of the Conference Place juried show this afternoon at the Whitby Health Centre. What a blast...... lots of faces I haven't seen in awhile and some old pals that I see a lot.

The show looks great, although right now it's all being shown on easels in the front rotunda. It will be hung later for a three month exhibit.

This painting is Fantasy Forest, acrylic on canvas 36" x 30" and has been accepted into the show.

So Now I'm Blogging ?????

2009-05-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

Never thought I would do this..... but here goes!

I'm sure I'm out of my realm here as I have no idea exactly how this all works. Flying by the seat of my pants might be just the way to go here though.

This is the latest work off the easel........ Audley Road Meadow, acrylic on gallery stretched canvas - 18" x 18"