simmer dim

Months ago, after I returned from the residency, friends were kind enough to remove my painting  ‘Simmer Dim’ from stretchers (no easy feat) and ship it from Shetland to my Niagara home. I have only now unpacked it and just finished stretching/hanging. It feels strange (a good strange) gazing at it in this environment, so removed from that ever-changing sea and sky.

The work unfolded in the Sumburgh Head lighthouse over many evenings during simmer dim. Time was elusive because it didn’t get completely dark and I worked well into night. (From mid-May to mid-July Shetland enjoys the 'simmer dim' -summer twilight-when the sun only dips below the northern horizon for a few hours)

You can see this painting ‘live’ at the open studio on December 10. Other works from the residency, as well as Niagara Escarpment paintings, will also be up-and for sale. 

For more info: www.janyates.com

60 degrees north

a 'peerie' painting made in 'simmer dim' looking out my window ( assistant lighthouse keepers' cottage at #SumburghHead Lighthouse) in Shetland and it will be available at my Open Studio (Canada) on Dec 10.

This is the first time I'll be showing this body of work 'live'- made from two Shetland residencies so about time eh?. I'd love for you to stop by to take a look. info here: http://www.janyates.com/newsletter.html

Open Studio

wish I was here today.....

'But it cannae last'

oil / beeswax, 16x30in, Jan Yates, 2016.

This, as well as the other Shetland works, will be shown (for the first time) at my open studio on December 10.

http://www.janyates.com/newsletter.html

Cold Wax and oil workshop at Elora Centre for the Arts

October

oil/cold wax, 16x20in, copyright Jan Yates, 2016, available

Last weekend found me teaching a cold wax and oil workshop at the Elora Centre for the Arts.

 

It was a pleasure to be in this historic building with it’s vast studio, high ceilings and wonderful light- a perfect environment for learning, making and playing. (A big thank you to Bear and Jane)

Participants arrived open to possibility. They played, worked hard and pushed themselves, exploring ideas with tools and techniques. A few images from the workshop:

 The historic town of Elora is well worth a visit.‘Perched on the edge of a spectacular gorge and nestled along the banks of the Grand & Irvine River lies the enchanting village of Elora, Ontario’ The region is renowned for the spectacular Elora Gorge with its 80 foot limestone cliffs descending into the Grand and Irvine Rivers. It is a cultural haven- rich in live music, visual and performing arts as well as architecture, restaurants and one of a kind shops.’ ’  http://elora.info/

Shetland paintings, oil, cold wax workshops, Spring update

 Sumburgh cam, (Shetland) February, 

oil and cold wax, 8x10in, copyright Jan Yates 2016

I was surprised to see how many people still check in since I rarely post on this site. I really do appreciate the interest and feel somewhat guilty. I don't write as much as I used to which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a shift.

 Sumburgh cliff cam(Shetland), March

oil and cold wax, 9x12in, copyright Jan Yates  2016

 If you'd  like to keep up with current works, classes etc, I DO post on facebook and can be found below.

 Mirrie dancers (Shetland), March

oil on canvas, 8x10in, oil and cold wax, copyright Jan Yates 2016

 As you can see, I have been making work...

 Shetland 22, January

 oil and cold wax, 10x20in

copyright Jan Yates 2016

Below is a 'peerie' update from my seasonal newsletter that is featured in it's entirety on my website here.


new work: Niagara & Shetland

Sumburgh cam1 (Shetland)

oil & cold wax on canvas

8x10in, copyright Jan yates 2016

I’m finally feeling connected between the parallel worlds of Niagara and Shetland, falling into a rhythm of making work in response to the different lands. The searching is constant, thank goodness. Work intersects but will not be as one and I like that. The ‘making’ process has now opened up an overlapping dialogue in the physicality of application - the tools I use for the Shetland seas are being applied to the escarpment trees. There are few trees in Shetland- Niagara has no seas…

I will be going back to Shetland for a June residency, this time in a lighthouse perched way up on a cliff—I’m excited!

---

 Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Nature reserve

 

Upcoming classes

I've met and worked with inspiring and talented workshop participants this winter and am thankful as it is the students that stimulate my creative energy -I hope I've enhanced thier own creative verve.

Just posted are  Spring workshops in oil, encaustic, cold wax and open studio classes. I'm in the midst of scheduling plein air and direct-encounter making workshop dates, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime you can keep up with current happenings by following me here on facebook or connect with me via email at janyatesart@gmail.com

Anne's sheep

 encaustic on found panel, 6x12in, photo courtesy of Anne Macdonald, copyright Jan Yates 2016

thanks again for stopping by-and Happy Spring!

Niagara Icewine Festival

The Niagara icewine Festival is happening very soon. A true Icewine can only be made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine -hand-picked when the thermometer dips to -8° C or lower. Often this is done at night as timing is crucial.

The festival, with live music (Whitehorse YAY!), food and of course wine will be held in Jordan Village next weekend. Our gallery (The Jordan Art Gallery) is in the village right beside Cave Spring cellars. Come in and warm up-I will also have a few available Niagara Vineyard paintings on display including this one.

January, Remains of the Day (-8)

 oil on canvas, 12x12in

 copyright Jan Yates 2016

available

Shetland

I finally took the time to photograph the whole of this painting-(rather than the snippets I've been sharing). I'm happy with it as it seems to culminate my time in Shetland.

Pending funding I have been invited back to Shetland for another residency-more to follow.

 Shetland 21 (a day with Anne & Mike)
oil/ cold wax on canvas
30x30in
copyright Jan Yates 2016