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Navigating Art Commission Etiquette: A Guide for Clients and Artists

Embarking on an art commission journey can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, both for clients seeking unique pieces and for artists eager to bring visions to life. However, like any collaboration, it requires a delicate dance of communication and respect. Here’s a guide to navigating art commission etiquette that ensures a smooth and enjoyable process for both parties involved.

Firstly, when reaching out to an artist, it’s crucial to be clear and concise in your initial contact. Provide a brief introduction, express your interest in their work, and outline the basic details of your project. Artists appreciate specific inquiries, so include information about the size, medium, and any particular elements you have in mind. Respect their time by being upfront about your budget, allowing them to determine if the project aligns with their pricing structure.

Navigating Art Commission Etiquette

When describing your project, strike a balance between conveying your vision and giving the artist creative freedom. Share your ideas, inspirations, and any specific elements you’d like to see incorporated, but also encourage the artist to bring their unique perspective to the table. This collaboration often yields the most captivating and personal pieces of art.

On the flip side, there are certain pitfalls to avoid when approaching an artist. One common mistake is expressing interest in purchasing a specific existing piece and then changing gears to request a custom project. This can be frustrating for artists who may have invested time and energy into creating unique and distinctive works of art true to their vision, which is what makes you interested in their work in the first place. To prevent misunderstandings, be clear from the beginning about your intentions and the type of artwork you are seeking.

Navigating Art Commission Etiquette

In essence, successful art commission etiquette revolves around clear communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to collaborate. By fostering an open dialogue and appreciating the artist’s creative process, clients and artists can ensure a positive and rewarding experience that results in a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Some painters thrive and survive through a robust commission business. These artists are more commercially oriented, often creating work to meet the needs of interior designers or to adorn empty walls with aesthetically pleasing pieces. Frequently, these artists offer affordable and easily produced works to satisfy a specific market.

Artists like myself, however, produce bodies of work that stay true to our distinctive vision. These meticulously developed artworks require time and dedication to fulfill the artist’s unique perspective. Commissioning this type of artist may come at a higher price, as they invest time away from their usual creations to craft something custom to meet a client’s specifications. Due to their commitment to their vision, some artists may insist that clients first purchase from their existing body of work, demonstrating a vested interest in the artist’s established style. Consequently, this type of artist typically takes on very few commission projects in a year.

Navigating Art Commission Etiquette

As requests for commissions are rapidly increasing, I find myself navigating numerous inquiries for custom pieces. My personal rule is to prioritize requests from existing collectors. This decision is rooted in the understanding that these collectors are already invested in my work and appreciate my painting style and message. By painting something custom for them, I am confident they comprehend my artistic identity and what to expect. It’s almost as if I prefer to engage in ‘reverse commissions.’ For instance, a collector occasionally shares photos with me, and if I find myself enamored with the image or the story behind it, I feel inspired to create. This resonates with the quote, ‘If an artist falls in love with you, you can never die,’ emphasizing the importance of painting what one genuinely loves.

commission the artist

Navigating Art Commission Etiquette: several factors can deter a serious artist from accepting a commission

1. Asking the artist to replicate the style of another artist you admire.
2. Expressing interest in purchasing a specific painting but then changing direction to request something tailored to fit a specific space.
3. Indicating that while you love the artist’s work, your interior designer requires something to match furniture.
4. Revealing that you recently spent a substantial amount on another artist and now have a budget significantly less than the artist’s usual pricing.
5. Suggesting that granting your commission request could boost the artist’s career because of your influence in the art world.

Understanding and respecting the artist’s process and vision is key to fostering a positive collaboration. Building an art collection you will enjoy for many years to come, takes time, just like making the art takes time. Invest in art you absolutely love, and express your love of things with the Artist.

buy the art you love

Browse and buy paintings by Brandy Saturley.

Top 5 Paintings for 2023 – Selecting Painting of the Year

Each year in November, we take a look back at the paintings I have made over the course of the year. This year 28 new paintings found their way from my hand, to canvas, which makes choosing a painting of the year challenging. It was a year where my Ukrainian roots, the changing and warming climate with our long hot summer (wildfire season) and the continuing journey of the Polar Bear King, were on my mind. My year began with a group exhibition in Banff at Willock & Sax Gallery, as my paintings and writing from my residency at the Banff Centre were still commanding my attention.

Painting of the Year

Brandy Saturley in Thom Studio at Banff Centre, November 2022.

The year began with paintings of people enjoying skating on outdoor ponds. The Polar Bear King on his continuing journey across Canada, came floating in and out of my view as I created a series of small and large paintings expressing what has now become a series, and a few stories for this blog about my adventures in the Canadian landscape. I came to find my way back to figurative paintings inspired by my deep connection to the Ukraine and family roots. A portrait of young Ukrainian Shumka dancers and a self-portrait to add to my growing series of annual examinations of self.

Canadian artist Brandy Saturley

I found myself blogging about top Canadian painters, Ukrainian Artists, and art school teachers who have reached out to me this year. It has been wonderful to connect with the next generation, hear and see what they are inspired to make in their art classes. I delved into the Lawren Harris and Rockwell Kent connection and how both painters have captured my attention over the years. In Banff, I had the pleasure of making work for an art gallery outdoors on the Bow River path in the centre of town, the Art in Nature Trail.

Painting of the Year

Brandy Saturley – Art in Nature Trail, summer 2023

You could find my paintings in print this year in two Toronto publications; the Hart House Review published by the University of Toronto and smART Magazine – both equally wonderful Arts publications made in Toronto, Canada. In August I finished my 21st Polar Bear King painting, in as series which continues to grow and evolve. Heading back to my writing room, I leaned into blogging about the importance of music in my art making and the healing power of Art.

Painting of the Year

There was also some talking this year, live on camera, something I don’t do very often. I spoke with Artists in Canada about my art practice, my goals, why a five year goal is a fluid thing as a professional artist and why I paint self-portraits. We touched on the privilege of not only living in Canada, but of being able to pursue a career you absolutely love. I also signed on with Mastrius as a Master Mentor and hope to assist emerging artists in their journeys. I delved into why Pop Art is Canada and how I am taking care of business as I work towards new opportunities for my Art.

Painting of the Year

Brandy Saturley talking with Artists in Canada YouTube channel.

In late 2023 I packed up my studio and took it with me to an artist residency in Newfoundland. The Pouch Cove Foundation, now 30 years in the residency business, invited me to join their group in October. For a month I had the opportunity to paint, photograph, and film many areas of Newfoundland, from a private studio with a loft attached to a building housing the remarkable James Baird Gallery. With my time in Newfoundland I created three new paintings, which then came home with me to Vancouver Island, dipping my feet in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, I am now a coast to coast to coast, Canadian artist. This opened a door to ARTSY and you will now find some of my paintings available through James Baird Gallery on this top website for art collectors and galleries worldwide.

As the Polar Bear King continues to roam, so do I. Out of 28, here are what I consider to be my five best paintings of 2023.

5. Peaking at Peyto

The Polar Bear King at Willock & Sax Gallery, Banff CANADA

4. Glide Away

Outdoor Ice Skating Paintings

Skaters on frozen ponds.

3. Spirit of Ukraine

A group of young Ukrainian Shumka dancers.

2. I Lost my Sou’Wester in Pouch Cove

A yellow Sou’Wester hat on the rocky beach in Newfoundland.

1. Monarch of the Artic Realms

Painting of the Year

The Polar Bear King in Nunavut.

Painting in Rural Newfoundland – Artist in Residence at the Pouch Cove Foundation

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I spent the month of October in Pouch Cove Newfoundland, as one of the artists in residence at this unique invitation only residency. I spent my month in the stellar company of Leah Frances, Iia Madsen, Yvonne DuBourdieu, Robyn Asquini, Julio Alan Lepez, Marianne Barcellona, Katie Morley & Steve York (Grey Swans). Hailing from Easton PA, Skogan Denmark, Edmonton, AB, Toronto ON, Buenos Aires Argentina, New York City and Victoria BC. All of this is made possible by the generosity of James Baird of the James Baird Gallery – An October Artist Residency in Pouch (POOCH) Cove.

Artist Residency in Pouch Cove

Pouch Cove Foundation Residence and James Baird Art Gallery, in Newfoundland, Canada.

Having spent November 2022 as an artist in residence at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, this opportunity had me trading snowy Rocky Mountains for sharp cliffs, a vigorous Atlantic Ocean, sea salt laced air and some of the windiest hiking in North America. In my practice I find that it is important to leave your usual routine and studio behind and seek out new locations to create work in new environments and in new ways. Coming to Pouch Cove, it was my first time on the Atlantic coast of Canada, offering experiences that would fill gaps in my artworks about Canada, now a decade in the making.

Artist Residency in Pouch Cove

Pouch Cove Newfoundland, Canada

My goal for this residency was to paint three large pieces and make full use of the ceiling height, light and expanse of the wall in my studio. My way of making art begins with capturing the experience of a place through the mediums of photography, video, and writing. I then take all these things and lay out the blueprint for the paintings I will create while in residence. Aided by music, I find the mood of the piece and begin laying down paint on the canvas. All influenced by my time in a place and my journey of getting to the place. My paintings are about the journey and the things I see, hear, feel, taste and touch along the way and in the place where I am making the art. In this case I arrived on a beautiful sunny Autumn day, walking through a grassy field of gold, the sky cobalt and the wind swiftly lifting my strands of auburn hair. I could hear ocean waves crashing against cliffsides. Crow, Starling and Blue Jays outside the tall sliding glass doors of my loft studio. On the second day of my residency the light broke through and the skylights began to beam golden streams onto my studio walls.

Artist Residency in Pouch Cove

While my first week was spent exploring the massive island and some key locations, including Cape Spear and Cape Bonavista lighthouses, the second week began swiftly with loose and un-primed raw duck canvas being stapled to my studio walls. My medium of paint and specifically acrylic paint (fluid, heavy body and gouache), is the most versatile painting medium on the planet. Acrylic paint of today can be applied and reapplied, it can be layered and blended like oils and can be fluid, feathered and stain the canvas like watercolours. It can be laid out to dry on my glass palette and left to dry, and then peeled off like plastic wrap and then adhered to the canvas. I mix my acrylics with retarder if I am looking for it to dry more slowly like an oil, but I like that the medium dries more quickly than oil which allows me to move on at a pace that suits my personality. On this trip I planned to experiment with painting directly on the raw canvas and allowing the fluid acrylics to ‘stain’ the canvas, producing a  very soft and feathered effect much like watercolour, with the durability and workability of acrylic.

Artist Residency in Pouch Cove

My time in Pouch Cove and Newfoundland at large was, invigorating, challenging, isolating, uplifting and prolific. It was a regenerative experience that was welcomed after a vigorous year in and outside of the studio. I focused on creating in place, letting the experience direct the work. I like to challenge myself with every new painting, sometimes that means going in without a concrete plan, which is what I did in this case. It can be daunting to arrive in a new place, and create purely on site, but thankfully I am experienced and prepared and brought everything I would need to rely on my daily schedule and practice, so that I could put all my faith in the experience of the place. I focused on creating three large paintings on canvas. I also focused on gathering imagery and information to fuel an entire series of paintings based on my time in Newfoundland. I will also produce a timelapse video of the creation of the painting, as well as a video of the entire experience of my journey. Another goal of my time in Newfoundland was to access local art community and have work now presented by James Baird Gallery on ARTSY, because of my time at the Pouch Cove residency. Perhaps a future showing of the entire body of work and films with James Baird Gallery and The Rooms.

Artist Residency in Pouch Cove

What’s next for you on your artistic journey after this program? Continued development of a painting series informed by my time in Newfoundland, I am teaching an emerging artist mentorship group with Mastrius in November 2023, and I will be performing my duties as juror of the 2023 Canada International Art Competition.  My work is now available through James Baird Gallery on ARTSY, as a result of this residency in Pouch Cove. My work continues to be available through my website as well as my dealer in Banff, Canada – Willock & Sax. I have my eye on a residency at Landfall Trust (where Rockwell Kent lived and painted his famous landscapes and met Lawren Harris) in Brigus, Newfoundland and hope to be back in Newfoundland in Summer 2024. These are all opportunities on my mind right now.

Brandy Saturley on ARTSY

There will also be a continuation of my Polar Bear King paintings as the polar bear icon continues to permeate my visual stories of my travels in Canada. There may even be a collaboration with a revolutionary new clothing brand based in Vancouver, but that’s all I can tell you right now.

Right this very moment, my paintings made in Newfoundland are being stretched and I will be putting the finishing touches on them soon. Always more to come!

Sincerely Yours,

Brandy

Canadian Artist Brandy Saturley

Brandy Saturley studio – North Saanich, BC Canada

What is mentorship? How adding a ‘guru’ can help emerging artists.

When I began looking at taking my art career to the next level, and making it my full-time career, I sought out the advice of a ‘gurus’ in my field and parallel businesses that support the art business. Mentorship for emerging artists is key to helping you move, with purpose, towards a fulfilling full-time career as a professional artist. I connected with painters, photographers, writers, gallery directors, bloggers and many more using nothing but my email account and some well written emails. Fast-forward two decades later and I am now being asked for my advice as an Artist mentor.

Mentorship for Emerging Artists

Brandy Saturley in her Victoria BC, Canada studio.

As my art practice and catalogue of work has grown, so have I, as a painter and as an Arts business professional. When I came up more of us grew our careers through reaching out to those who came before, our learning was organic and through guru’s. For some reaching out to another Artist you admire can be daunting, but more often than not I find it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. In today’s world with Zoom, Facetime and even WhatsApp, reaching out to others in your field is much easier and can be even more personal than standing next to them in their studio. It takes away that nervousness that comes with being in someone’s space and offers me as a mentor the opportunity to schedule visits during times that suit my practice. Learning in your own space is more casual and allows you to relax into the session, and really focus on the content being provided.

Mentorship for Emerging Artists

Come join me at Mastrius.

When Mastrius approached me about coming on board as a mentor, I responded with open arms and an open mind, with endless opportunities to share, learn and give back to a community bonded by Art. I like the ‘group’ approach where you can join in with fellow Artists at your level, offering support and opportunities for future collaborations. As a Master Mentor I am looking forward to talking with emerging artists at the beginning of their careers, and of all ages. Emerging and aspiring artists does not necessarily mean young, you can be emerging at any age, all you need is the time and drive to make and pursue your Art, a good place to start.

Join me in ART MENTORSHIP!

I’m hosting a small group (no more than 8 artists) with Mastrius, where I’ll be supporting you on your art journey. Mastrius is an online platform that connects Master & Professional Artists with those who want to learn from them.

ARTISTS, this is an opportunity to BOOST YOUR SKILLS & CONFIDENCE in a trusted group designed to share ideas, practical information, and receive feedback about your work.

The group meets ONLINE monthly to help you achieve your specific goals! You’ll also get access to our online community to connect with others on a similar journey.

I’ll Help You:
🔥 Find your signature style
🔥 Explore technique, color and composition
🔥 Design + achieve goals for your creative practice

You’ll Also Get:
💥 Critiques on your work
💥 Learn how to self-critique
💥 Demos of my process + expertise
💥 Guidance to avoid mistakes I’ve made

This Group is for You if:
✅ You feel you haven’t found your style
✅ You’re painting for friends and family
✅ You want to learn better technique
✅ You want to improve skills + quality of your art
✅ You need some ENCOURAGEMENT

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot as a Master Artist. It’s my honour to have this opportunity to walk alongside you on the next stage of your creative journey!
ONLY 8 SPOTS & Groups Fill Fast!

Don’t worry, you’re not locked in & you can cancel at any time… but we’re sure you’ll want to stick around and reap the rewards of mentorship!

JOIN ME & REGISTER TODAY!
Registration Link: https://www.mastrius.com/brandy-saturley-mentorship/

📅 Starting Wednesday, January 17th at 5 PM MST (7 PM EST) Or..Thursday, January 18th at 11 AM AEDT (1 PM NZDT).

Making Art in a Different Place; What is an Artist Residency?

An artist residency is a unique program or opportunity that grants artists dedicated time and space to immerse themselves in their creative work. Often set in an environment distinct from their usual surroundings, these programs come in various shapes and sizes, differing in terms of duration, location, and the level of support provided. However, they all share a common objective: to foster artistic growth, stimulate experimentation, and offer artists a supportive community of kindred spirits.

What is an artist residency

Pouch Cove Foundation, Newfoundland, Canada

Artist residencies prove to be invaluable experiences for artists at different stages of their careers, affording them the time and resources essential for exploring their creativity, embarking on new projects, and connecting with like-minded individuals within the art world. The specific benefits and experiences encountered during an artist residency can vary considerably, contingent on the program’s structure and the artist’s individual goals.

What is an artist residency

Royal College of Art, London UK

For me, an artist residency is an invitation to engage in experimentation, exploration, and a deeper dive into my creative realm. The ideal residency provides me with a space where my art is my constant companion, 24/7, making it impossible to escape its allure except by venturing out to explore. Regardless of the residency’s level of structure, I arrive with ambitious objectives, intensifying my focus. I don’t predetermine what I’ll create upon my arrival, but I do set goals, which include acquainting myself with the city and the local community, grasping the culture, customs, and history of my temporary home for a month. I make it a point to visit all the galleries and museums in the area and endeavor to establish connections with art collectors. Having nurtured a pan-Canadian identity through collaborations with the people, brands, and artists I’ve encountered in my Canadian travels, I’m always accompanied by invitations to connect, and it feels crucial to honor these relationships.

What is an artist residency

The Stacks at Pouch Cove Foundation

I also come well-prepared. There’s a saying that luck favors the prepared, and I adhere to it. I ensure I have all the necessary supplies, book transportation in advance, and stock up on healthy food to sustain me throughout my residency. Over nearly two decades in the art world, I’ve learned the value of preparedness. I relish the process of making my own discoveries, forging my own connections, and expanding my network organically. Moreover, I revel in the challenge of troubleshooting on my own when faced with issues or the need for specific equipment or supplies. I thrive on solving problems independently.

When it comes to collaborations, I prefer for them to arise organically. My work, patrons, fans, and collectors demand a significant portion of my attention and energy, so a residency is a time dedicated to me and my art. It’s an opportunity for tranquil reflection, writing, exploration, hiking, and simply breathing. I delight in leaving my formal wear behind and embracing a month of living in my jeans, hiking gear, and painting shoes.

Banff Centre of Arts and Creativity – Banff, Alberta

Interestingly, every time I leave my hometown, art sales seem to flourish. While the reasons remain somewhat mysterious to me, it’s undoubtedly a boost to the interest in my work, and my creations tend to fly off the shelves more swiftly when I’m on the road. Although the structure and requirements of residencies may differ, each one is a chance to rejuvenate the artist’s perspective, heart, and soul.

what is an artist residency?

Artist residencies offer a unique and transformative experience for artists like me, fostering growth and pushing creative boundaries. They provide a haven where artists can delve into their work, discover new horizons, and forge connections that enrich their artistic journey. Whether it’s the serene solitude or the organic collaborations that thrive in these settings, residencies breathe new life into our creative spirits. So, every time I embark on one of these journeys, I come back to my hometown with not just art but a reinvigorated passion for the art of creation.

Day 24: Pouch Cove Artist Residency

As the third week drew to a close, my journey of Art through Newfoundland’s landscape continued to be a profoundly enlightening exploration of the Canadian spirit. The eastern expanse of Canada, known as “The Rock,” feels like a world apart. With three oversized paintings in progress, their loose canvases affixed to my studio wall, I find myself on the brink of a final contemplative phase, from the comfort of a new chair, yes b’y.

Journey of Art Newfoundland

Like the lyrics of that famous song suggest, I’ve roamed far and wide. I’ve traversed the highs and lows of the East Coast trails, wandered through neighborhoods, and stood mesmerized by the beauty and the relentless power of the ocean as it carves into cliffs adorned with hues of red, ochre, plum, Payne’s grey, and aquamarine blue. I’ve been drenched by Atlantic saltwater, soaking my waterproof hiking boots all the way through to my skin, even tumbling to my knees once to save my trusty Nikon from the brink of demise. (Always protect the camera, they say.)

making art in Newfoundland

Every day, I’m accompanied by a chorus of crows, sparrows, and, of course, the notorious east coast wind. This wind is as mighty as the sea, capable of leveling all in its path and humbling every form of life. Summer and fall seem to blend here, with some scorching days of sunshine followed by RDF (rain, drizzle, and fog), not too different from my hometown on Vancouver Island during winter.

making art in Newfoundland

As I enter my final week here, my mind brims with the tasks I wish to accomplish before heading home. First and foremost, I’m determined to finish all three paintings and prepare them for their journey home. Once there, I’ll hang them in my studio and meticulously complete the stretching and varnishing process, one of which will be sent back to Pouch Cove. Three visual narratives on canvas, recounting the stories of my adventures on the Avalon Peninsula and along the coast.

making art in Newfoundland

I’ll return home with a belly full of cod and a heart overflowing with affection for this place. In many ways, Newfoundland feels like a step back in time, reminiscent of the 1980s, where the world seems to have frozen in place. From this point on, I’ll affectionately refer to it as “Planet Newfoundland,” a place that seems to float in the sky while the rest of Canada races forward. Despite its size, I see this island as an amalgamation of small towns and communities, each living life on their own terms, tucked away from the rest of the world.

The week rushed by with its studio visits, heartfelt farewells, and visits to art galleries in St. John’s. I even caught a Newfoundland Growlers hockey game and shared the warmth of a family gathering with true Newfoundlanders. I instantly felt at ease here; there’s no pretension, just people coming together to share their passions and treasures, all laced with a biting sense of humor.

The residency hosts a diverse array of artists, from painters to illustrators, photographers to musicians. As I immerse myself in my work, I can sense the harmonious energy and bustling creativity that flows through the walls of my studio. There’s an unmistakable synergy in the air.

Journey of Art Newfoundland

Entering my final week here, a profound sense of gratitude washes over me. This experience will resonate within my very being for a long time to come.

 

 

 

Day 13: Pouch Cove Foundation Residency

The air is thick with quietude here—profoundly quiet—until I unleash my Mac’s playlist, filling the studio with a symphony of tunes. It’s Friday the 13th, a misty day enveloping the cove. The week has been a tapestry of fog and humidity, woven with strokes of painting and seaside strolls to inhale the invigorating ocean air. The ocean, the pulse of this place, beats and roars, drowning out even the strongest vocal protests from neighbours. A Pouch Cove Residency Update as I write the chapters of my first two weeks here.

Pouch Cove Residency Update

A curious encounter with a discontented neighbor unfolds. Her abode, perched atop a cliff called Gruchy’s, is a refuge from St. John’s, chosen for love. Yet, for her, the crashing waves are too much, a relentless auditory assault on her single-pane windows. To her, the coastal serenade is deafening. Contrarily, I find the locale eerily silent, akin to a ghost town, save for sporadic traffic and mail deliveries, especially lively around the post office—a communal nexus.

Pouch Cove Residency Update

As I tap away on my laptop, the keys serve as my proclamation to fellow resident artists—I’m alive. My immersion into my creative cocoon and the narratives unfurling on canvas is profound. My mission here: to paint three expansive canvases, a saga to be concluded before my departure. I’ve already decided to transport them rolled up, adding final touches, varnish, stretch, and wire at home—my deliberate and meditative concluding act.

Pouch Cove Residency Update

Two weeks have flitted by, weaving a tapestry of exploration. Pouch Cove, St. John’s, Mount Pearl, The Battery, Quidi Vidi, and Petty Harbour—all dot my creative map. Cape Spear and Cape Bonavista’s lighthouses, with their iconic red-white-red stripes, tell tales of maritime resilience and revival. Cupid’s, birthplace of colonialism, and Brigus, a town adorned with vibrant homes, beckon with stories.

Brigus Newfoundland

Trinity unfolds as a living museum, offering refuge from the hustle of St. John’s. Pizza in Dildo—a fishing hamlet with a Hollywood-style sign—and a drive through towns like Hearts, Content, and Desire add quirky notes to my Newfoundland journey. Old Pelican awaits my exploration, promising more layers of history in Canada’s European mirror.

Dildo Newfoundland

Newfoundland, in my ‘come from away’ eyes, is more than rocks, pounding waves, and cod. It’s a symphony of homes, often uninspired and cookie-cutter, resonating with an Irish accent. The landscape, with its jellybean colors, harbors a distinctive charm. A place where the proud use of ‘fuck’ is a linguistic tradition. I’ve indulged in comfort meals like fish and Brewis and sampled variations of fish and chips, including the intriguing ‘Newfie poutine.’ Sour beers abound, a testament to local taste.

The Battery, Newfoundland

The landscape is strewn with dories, abandoned fish boats, and roadside oddities, offering a glimpse into the island’s soul. Clotheslines dot the scenery, tempting my curatorial instincts for a touch of the unexpected.

Petty Harbour Newfoundland

Spring promises puffins, whales, and icebergs—an encore for my next journey. And then, there are the Mummers, a tale for another post.

Pouch Cove Residency Update

Cheers from Newfoundland! Week three beckons.

Come From Away,

Brandy Saturley

A Ballad for Day Nine: Pouch Cove Foundation Artist Residency

As day nine at my Pouch Cove Foundation residency begins in rural Newfoundland, I am reflecting on this first week of exploring far reaches of the island and downtown St. John’s. My goal with any residency is to immerse myself in the culture, the landscapes, icons and people of a place and Newfoundland is rich with all of these things. Surviving here on the easternmost point in North America takes grit, inventiveness, gratitude, and community. I am writing and painting a ballad for Newfoundland.

Ballad for Newfoundland

As I work through all the imagery, moving and still, I have captured on my Nikon and my iPhone my goal is to have three distinctive visual stories sketched out on three large canvasses stapled to my studio wall, by days end. Writing down my ideas in my black composition notebook, then typing them out on this blog, helps to build the framework for what I decide to paint.

Easternmost point Newfoundland

This morning I am listening to a playlist I built during my Banff Centre artist residency last winter. The playlist includes Joni, Neil, Billie. The Hip and Debussy. Over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend I was down in Petty Harbour, where I heard some live jigs and reels in a place called Chafe’s. I heard stories of Alan Doyle as we ate lobster and ‘recovery fries’. The vessel I am as I travel my homeland and I’ve written my own song, to go along with the days ahead.

Ballad for Newfoundland

Beneath the sou’wester sky, where the ocean meets the rocks,
In Newfoundland’s embrace, where the wind talks,
Jelly bean houses, in colors so bold,
Tell tales of a history, weathered and old.

Newfoundland Sou'Wester

(Chorus)
Oh, Newfoundland, with your dories on the shore,
Codfish dreams, where the lighthouses soar,
In the arms of the cliffs, where the wind does play,
A maritime ballad, echoes every day.

Fishermen cast their hopes, like nets in the sea,
A dance with the waves, as wild as can be,
Siding tales of reships, that sailed long ago,
In the heart of the harbour, where stories still flow.

Oh, Newfoundland, with your dories on the shore,
Codfish dreams, where the lighthouses soar,
In the arms of the cliffs, where the wind does play,
A maritime ballad, echoes every day.

Pouch Cove Newfoundland

The salty air whispers, as the reships set sail,
Journeying through tales, where the ocean is the trail,
And the beer in the taverns, flows like a stream,
In the warmth of the hearth, where dreams find their theme.

In the echo of the wind, and the seagull’s cry,
Amongst the jelly bean houses, where time passes by,
A symphony of stories, etched in the land,
As Newfoundland’s heart beats, with a weathered hand.

Jelly Bean Houses

Oh, Newfoundland, with your dories on the shore,
Codfish dreams, where the lighthouses soar,
In the arms of the cliffs, where the wind does play,
A maritime ballad, echoes every day.

So let the winds carry, the tales of the sea,
From the reships to the rocks, where the heart longs to be,
Newfoundland, in your essence so clear,
A timeless ballad, for every seafarer to hear.

Petty Harbour Newfoundland

Where My Ideas Come From, the Sunday Muse.

In my work leading up to a residency in Newfoundland, I have been operating from my office instead of my studio this week. While it’s the ‘less fun’ place to work, it is just as integral to my art career. I have invoices to create, inventory to manage, a website to keep current, and, of course, the task of writing this blog and keeping up with my Sunday Muse.

I’ve been putting a bit more effort into it this year than I usually do. It has proven to be a great source for connecting with new collectors and offering a peek behind the curtain. On Sundays this year, I have been sharing my ‘Sunday Muse’ with my Facebook family. It opens a door to my thoughts and where my ideas begin brewing, eventually becoming finished artworks. I like to write in short bouts; it adds another dimension to the work. I’ve never been good at speaking my mind as my thoughts often wander when asked to speak at length. I’ve always communicated better through images while I paint and on the page as I write. I know there is a book in me somewhere, and I am getting much closer to making this happen.

Sunday Muse

With Newfoundland on my mind, I’ve developed a loose schedule and working structure for my month on the east coast. While I am there to absorb the local culture and natural wonders, and it will be a time led by intuition and creating in the moment, the loose structure of my days helps ease the transition from my home studio to a studio in a new location. I want to get the most out of my time, and a loose structure and plan help me ensure this will happen.

I’ve been listening to a lot of Neil Young this week while I get lost in paperwork and updates around the web. Coldplay was my live playlist last week as we took in the Coldplay Music of the Spheres world tour at BC Place in Vancouver. The concert was not really a concert but an experience. It transcended a mere venue presentation of musical artists; it was an uplifting love fest filled with lighted bracelets and the movement of lighted wrists to music. I wasn’t seeing Chris Martin and his band on stage; I was seeing color and light and movement. It was an experience of the highest power, and as I sit here in my Spinalis chair that moves with my spine, I am swaying to another Brit of great wonder and grandeur, David Bowie. “I will be King,, and you will be Queen, though nothing will drive them away, we can beat them, just for one day. We can be heroes, just for one day.” And we were heroes that day at Coldplay.

Sunday Muse

In fact, if I reflect on the moment when I began contemplating what to write in this post, the term ‘Generation X’ is on my mind. There’s been a surge of memes circulating on the internet lately. You’ve probably come across them; they often feature a photo of Judd Nelson from the Breakfast Club with captions like ‘Gen X, the only generation that became 30 at age 10, and still is 30 at 50.’ As a proud Gen X’er, I can relate; it never fails to bring a laugh and a smile because it resonates with my truth. I’ve been labeled an old soul. I didn’t enjoy being around screaming children when I was a child, and I still don’t. However, I’ll happily whoop and throw my fist forward at a concert—go figure. With no children of my own, I’m essentially a big child who plays in my studio and communicates with the world through my paintings. Remember that quote by Picasso? “The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up,” and I still haven’t. I find more joy around children now than I did when I was one.

Sunday Muse

Returning to ‘Gen X’—many of us are likely unaware of the origin of this term in contemporary usage. ‘Generation X’ has been employed at various times to describe alienated youth, dating as far back as the 1950s post-WWII era. It firmly embedded itself in contemporary culture after Vancouver artist—and one of my favorites—Douglas Coupland, published the novel ‘Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture’ back in 1991.

The trajectory of my thoughts leads me to the significance of music in my work. As I contemplate where the music of Newfoundland will take me while I paint in my studio at the Pouch Cove Foundation, only time will tell. I am ready to soar. Come, float along with me on this journey as I create paintings, prose, videos, and capture images on my Nikon D810. The muse is in motion, and so am I.

Painting Peace, Love, and Canada

The inspiration for this painting, Peace, Love, Canada, was sparked by the rise of #ICONICCANUCK on social media. Back in 2013, I launched my Instagram page just before embarking on my inaugural solo exhibition at Edmonton’s Gallery A, which was then part of Visual Arts Alberta. The hashtag #ICONICCANUCK ignited a frenzy of engagement with my Canadian-themed artworks. Amid the whirlwind of activity, I found little time to engage in lengthy written responses to comments. Instead, I opted to communicate through imagery, a mode of expression that resonates deeply with my artistic sensibilities.

Peace Love Canada

Chair of Contemplation, September 2023, Brandy Saturley

“Take everything as it comes; the wave passes, deal with the next one. ~ Tom Thomson

In response, I would respond using three distinct emojis: the iconic peace symbol fingers, a vibrant red heart, and the unmistakable Canadian flag. These visual responses allowed me to convey my sentiments succinctly and artistically. The idea of transforming these emojis into a tangible painting had been brewing in my mind for quite some time. Now, as I prepare to embark on a journey to a painting residency in Newfoundland, I find myself reflecting on the extensive travels I’ve undertaken across this magnificent country over the past decade, as well as drawing inspiration from the legendary landscape painter Tom Thomson.

Painted in acrylics and gouache on canvas, this distinctively ‘Canadian pop art style’ painting was created using hard edged strokes, layering of cobalt, ultramarine and Payne’s grey with hints of cobalt violet, blue-green and hints of a peach toned linen. The piece was painted to appear as if the linen canvas below is showing through and the edges unfinished, when in fact it is just the way the paint has been applied.

Drawing upon the essence of Tom Thomson’s masterpiece, ‘Summer Day,’ I present to you ‘Peace, Love, Canada.’

Peace Love Canada

Peace, Love, Canada – original acrylic painting on canvas, 2023, Brandy Saturley