Karin Richter Fine Art

Newsletter
Seasons Greetings 2015

Christmas and the Holiday Season is a time for peace on earth

and my photograph above gives you that feeling of calm,
unfortunately, the world is far from peaceful these days. I often
feel guilty because I am not out there marching for peace. Then
again, amidst the constant changes and transitions we as artists
have an important role to play to remind the world that beauty
remains if we just look for it.
Winter is considered to be a quiet time in nature, maybe that is
why I am drawn to it. I love the stillness and as an artist I like the
high contrast and the white shapes that make for great
compositions, not to mention the fun it is to just put a blanket on
everything.

Original Photo taken at Vermillion Lakes

Subsequent Acrylic Painting chosen for the

Toronto Printing House Charitable Greeting
Card Campaign 2014

This is also the season of hibernation, for artists that means quiet
time in the studio, a nice change of pace from all the colours of
summer and fall. For those of us who have been good this year,
Santa might wonder what makes up happy during this gift-giving
season. To us creative types, the most wonderful gift is time, a
space to create, an artist date a term first coined by Julia
Cameron, author of the Artists Way. A drive to the magnificent
mountains on our doorstep might just be the ticket, a decadent gift
to oneself or an artist you love because inspiration is our greatest
joy. Books that inspire are always welcome.

There are always new offerings, especially interesting are those

that talk about an artist life like Iris Nowells
new book about Harold Town, member of the
Canadian Painters Eleven.
The holidays are wonderful for celebrating but
also a time for reflection and introspection.
Part of that for me is to treat myself, reward
myself for having made it through this year

with all its successes and disappointments before I embark on the

New Year. A short trip somewhere is my kind of treat, especially
to a place where inspiration can be found. For the second time, I
visited the Toronto International Art Fair where I spent two days
seeing contemporary Canadian art set against forms of
expression from other parts of the world.

Toronto Metro Convention Centre

What goes on behind the scenes

Relaxed atmosphere

A beautiful Varley portrait

Paper Sculpture

Lego elevated to art

And when not doing the rounds at the fair, there is always the city
of Toronto with its variety of new and old neighbourhoods and
colourful characters.

Back home, the season for art shows is in full swing, however, our
recent economical challenges have meant a decline in sales.
Astonishingly enough, the art auctions have done well this fall and
sales at auction houses such as Calgarys Levis and Hodgins
surpassed expectations. This again brings up a topic I have
discussed in my newsletters before. CARFAC (Canadian Artists

Representation) is planning to relaunch their campaign to bring

the Artists Resale Right to Canada (already law in at least 93
countries allowing artists to receive 5% when their work is resold).
According to CARFAC, Canadian artists would have received a
combined total of $51,258 in these past auction sales.
I love going to the art auctions and sometimes take my classes to
the viewing. It is a place where historical art hangs side by side
with contemporary art, where we can enjoy works by artists who
have gone before us and contemporaries that many of us know
today. It is great fun to walk around and assess the merits of each
work and ponder the different forms of expression. In my teaching
practice I am often asked the question why one painting is better
compared to another. What makes a great painting? There are
many answers and admittedly, they are totally subjective. I often
say that the buying public will gravitate towards something they
like, no matter the quality. Those of us who have been around art,
studied the old & new masters will probably have a good reason
why we like a painting. Many people react to colour, it does have
an undeniable emotional effect on the viewer. I like strong values
and good composition. Values - light, medium and dark - are the
foundation for a successful work of art. They hold the piece
together and make your eye travel. Composition and design is the
way the picture plane is organized and can make me go aah or
leave me bored. Exciting shapes are what its all about. Next time
you attend an exhibition, see what it is that moves you and why.
These are some examples I keep in my file of successful
paintings:

Charles Scheeler, who died in 1965, surely knew about shapes.

Alberta artist Jennifer Annesleys masterful application of the
watercolour medium and exciting use of colour makes a
traditional subject matter sing:

Corinthian Forest, watercolour

(with artist permission)

Studying other artists paintings is important. Over time one gets a

sense of the value of an artists technique and intention.
Travelling, as you know, is something that can be very
inspirational. Airports have become a staple in our lives, we spent
a lot of time there. Getting to our destination can be challenging at
times but my artist eye is never idle when sitting at an airport

waiting. I observe the comings and goings of airplanes and I am

intrigued by all the things that are necessary to get me into the air
safely and comfortably. I see the potential for recording an
interesting scene, shapes, colours, potential focal points.

My next painting holiday is onboard the MS Svell, that lovely

tugboat in the Maple Leaf fleet I reported on before. The dates for
a 5-day Gulf Islands Cruise are Nov. 1-5, 2016 so let me know if
you are interested or inquire at www.mapleleafadventures.com.
This ship features individual cabins and facilities which appeals to
travelers who look for more privacy. Another coastal destination
may be of interest to those artists seriously wanting to work on
their craft. I am holding a 5-day workshop at the Gibsons School
of Art on the beautiful sunshine coast Aug. 1-5, 2016. Check their
website at www.gibsonsartschool.net for further details.
For those staying home to paint, there is always my Workshop in
a Bag and Pastel DVD. Check my website for information. Here is
the youtube link to a preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8owpy6ws7Es

In the spirit of the season and in the name of enjoying good

eating, I am happy to recommend another local business:
Pascals Patisserie, in the same building as Hodgins Auction at
#101, 5240-1A St. SE, www.pascals.ca . Their frozen pastries
that you bake are to die for so give them a try!
The year is coming to an end and the holidays are upon us. I
dont really make resolutions and when I do, they are always the
same: Work on becoming a better painter, help students reach
their own potential and be grateful for my artists life.
I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, a peaceful
Christmas or whatever you may celebrate. May the New Year
bring you good health and contentment!
All the best in life and in art!

Karin
karinrichter@shaw.ca

(403)272-1471

www.karinrichter.com

www.karinrichterfineart.blogspot.com
www.workshopinabag.com
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