The Avenue Gallery

2011-11-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

"Copper Sunset"

36" x 60"
by Linzy Arnott

Linzy Arnott's work is deeply influenced by her life experiences and the details found in her surroundings. Her vast pallet of inspiration comes from the places she explores, from rainy seascapes to the texture of rust infected architecture - places where she finds unspeakable beauty.
Linzy creates with emotion, drawing on memories and experiences to convey mood and feeling in her pieces. She has created techniques to achieve her texture and color, at times totaling forty or more layers on one painting.
Linzy was born on Vancouver Island and now resides in Maple Ridge, B.C.

2011-10-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

"Band of Red"

Adelle Andrew

18" x 56"

available at "The Avenue Gallery"

My first reaction to "Band of Red" was the in response to the horizontal linear forms as opposed to the vertical divisions of the piece. Dividing an elongated shape into four caught my eye, as Adelle was able to keep the cohesion intact. Although I haven't seen a "quadriptych" in my everyday art viewing, this one immediately felt as though it would give a wall visual interest and encourage a positive flow of energy in one's home.

The composition of this piece is quite strong, with the balance of white opaque areas, gentle greyed out forms, textured surfaces and a rusty red tone. My eye is able to move freely over the piece without getting "stopped" or "stuck" on one area. While the textured areas work to give some static, the elongated bands provide the flow that counterbalances this feeling. This horizontal movement also contrasts with the vertical dark shapes that seem to fade in and out of the background, very shadowlike and somewhat reflective.

Going back to the quarted format, I have to wonder why the artist chose to do a quadriptych. I can hold up my hands to visually block each section off, which results in four abstract landscapes. Each one is unique in it's own right, and I wonder what hanging method would suit this piece best. This is answered by noting that the four pieces are bolted together on the back, creating a solid block of work.

While I personally believe that all art works are about "something", I question what it is that Adelle is is working with. Is this a piece about movement? Is it about the land? Why does it feel like a landscape in a sense? I have a strong environmental feel to her piece, and I am drawn to my own conclusions to the visual representation.

While my original views remain intact, I can walk away from this piece with an appreciation for how this artist works with forms and lines to create a stong composition.

by Suzan Kostiuck
The Avenue Gallery

2011-09-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Oversized Arwork for Your Home - Be BOLD!

"Calla" by denHertog 4' x 5'

Statement pieces are certainly not new to the arts industry. Take a look at Rothko's "multiforms", or Lichtenstein's panels and sculptures. While their inspirations and results may differ, the size does stand out.

When introducing art of this size to your home, it may seem a bit daunting, to say the least. However, with a strong image, the tone of your space can be changed dramatically. An ideal space for an oversized painting is in a home with attention to architectural detail, a room that has a spacious, open concept, or even a home that has a neutral color scheme.

"Forested Hill" by Elphinstone 4' x 5'

Go Big and be Proud of the results!

A Touch of Red

2011-07-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Red = energy, sex, revolution, courage, fire...
This is a color that truly inspires. When it comes to art, we see hits of red in many pieces that come through our gallery. From intimate still lifes to explosive abstracts, red adds an element of movement and life to art. Above is Blu Smith's "Tinder"

...and a new piece by Adelle Andrew titled, "Contemplating Red".

Catherine Moffat's "Black Fish, Red Ball"

Things of Beauty...

2011-06-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Over the years, The Avenue Gallery has seen a variety of artwork that has a unique touch to catch your eye. From stunning paintings, to exquisite sculptures, we have the opportunity to display art the constantly receives positive reviews and questions about how our artists create such objects.

Kiln Art Glass is a studio on Vancouver Island that fires up "TOBS" or "Things of Beauty." TOBS are made using dichroic glass, which give them that beautiful iridescent effect that radiates light. Each piece is handcrafted by Jo Ludwig, meticulously designed and fired multiple times to build each piece.

The result? An array of color and form that never fails to catch your eye as you walk by. Stop in and take a look!

Bits and Pieces

2011-06-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

"Bits and Pieces" by Michael denHertog

One of our artists, Michael denHertog, currently has a small painting available at The Avenue Gallery called "Bits and Pieces". It is 14" x 14", and incorporates the use of a small object within. The recognition of the simple aesthetic reminds me of an "aha" moment (sorry, Oprah - we are borrowing your idea!). With that moment of seeing the beauty in a simple item and growing that moment into a visual narrative, artists are able to complete a transformation.

Another artist, Shane Kapcala, whose work is on exhibition at XChanges Gallery in Victoria as well, also recognized the beauty of objects within his work. With the use of photography and sculpture, Kapcala has created an alternative view on the manufacturing industry. To watch a video of Kapcala's exhibition, please go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lKH8vbijeU.

Thanks to Exhbit-V for providing videos on local artists!

2011-05-29T15:49:00.001-07:00

It's all in the details...

One of the most intriguing aspects of viewing paintings is taking a look at the details. We've all done it - leaned in, eyeing up the brushstrokes and colors - then leaning back to take in the full view of the piece. Like a puzzle, everything works together and seems to "click" into place....

The first image (above) is a close up of a painting by Angela Morgan and is titled, "A Tangle of Snippets". Below is the full piece...

Lending Library

2011-05-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

With just over a dozen new titles in, The Avenue Gallery has a small library of arts related books to borrow. Nicola Prinsen's bronze sculpture "She Was Just a Sitting Duck" is also pictured.

Titles include:

"Provenance - How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art"" by Laney Salisbury & Aly Sujo

"The McMichael Canadian Art Collection" by Jean Blodgett, Megan Bice, David Wistow, and Lee-Ann Martin

"The Art of Buying Art" by Paige West (founder of Mixed Greens Gallery & Curator of the West Collection)

Just to name a few!

The Avenue Gallery gets Historical

2011-01-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to introduce the new works to our Collector's Corner

"Georgian Bay" (above on the left) by Anne Savage was painted in 1933 in the company of A.Y. Jackson - you can certainly understand how this view inspired similar paintings by each. An unexpected bonus painting appears on the back of the panel (image on right)
There was talk of the two of them being romatically linked and even a hint of Mr. Jackson proposing to her - she declined, of course, calling him a confirmed bachelor.

Grey Day painted in 1920 by J.E.H. MacDonald is a classic example of the skill possessed by this Group of Seven master.

View all of our collector's corner paintings by following the link below

http://www.theavenuegallery.com/default.aspx?PageID=1002&CategoryID=1&ArtistID=182

The 'Untitled' piece by Riopelle, bold in color and rich with texture, came from the estate of Yseult Riopelle, daughter of Riopelle last year. Born in Montreal, Jean Paul Riopelle studied under Paul-Emile Borduas in the 1940's and was a member of the Les Automatistes movement. Riopelle's style changed gradually from Surrealism to Abstract Expressionism, in which he used myriad soft cubes of color, applied as flat planes with a palette knife, on large canvases to create powerful atmospheres.

'Grey Day' by MacDonald is wonderfully atmospheric and the piece exemplifies the artists famous brushstrokes and subject matter. A founding member of the Group of Seven, the artist responded to the Canadian landscape with a sensitivity honed by his interest in the American writers Thoreau and Whitman. One of Canada's leading graphic designers and a popular art teacher, MacDonald was also a poet and a calligrapher. "Grey Day" originally came from the Poole Collection in Alberta.

Victoria Emerging Art Awards

2010-08-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Cam Reid 1st place

Alexandra Hunter 2nd place

Caitlin Ambery 3rd place

Congratulations VEAA artists!

The inaugural Victoria Emerging Art Awards was a huge success! We had folks camping out in lawnchairs at 4pm eagerly awaiting the opening. Within one minute after opening the doors at 6pm, all the artwork sold within seconds save a few pieces. It was amazing to watch and wonderful for the artists to receive this incredible attention. If you missed the excitment on opening night, please click on the link below for a virtual tour of opening night.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

A Channel News, Island Blue Print, Jones Emery Hargreaves and Swan, Feys + Hobbs Catered Arts, Pink Bicycle Gourmet Burger Joint.

Visit the gallery to see more work by these talented artists. The exhibit runs until Aug 26.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJKED6fcpes

Beyond the Lens

2010-07-19T14:32:00.001-07:00

We have received a wonderful response so far from the first ever photography exhibition, Beyond the Lens, at the gallery. We are showcasing work by Janet Dwyer and Gillian Lindsay and the exhibition runs until July 27th.

Visit the gallery to learn more about the artistic process of these two artists!

Call out for submissions!

2010-07-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Attention young emerging artists living on Vancouver Island! We are hosting the first inaugural Victoria Emerging Art Awards on August 19, 2010. VEAA is still accepting submissions (deadline is Aug 1, 2010) so please follow the link below to see if you qualify!

http://www.victoriaemergingart.com/VEAASubmissions.html

Please email digital porfolios to info@victoriaemergingart.com

Good luck and we hope to see you at the show!

The Best Of The City!

2010-07-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

The results from 'The Best Of The City' are in! The Avenue Gallery was voted one of the top three galleries in Victoria thanks to your support.

The ABC's of art terms

2010-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

New work by Renato Muccillo - 'Passage into June'

Renato has perfected the technique of arranging light and dark elements in his stuning work to achieve a dramatic intensification of atmospheric mood. Admirors of his beautiful work often comment on his use of 'chiaroscuro' - a technique that the Italian master Leonardo da Vinci was known for.

Every once and a while, we thought it would be fun to share some art terms with you so that the next time you're in the gallery you can spring some lingo on us! We'll start with the ABC's...

atmospheric - A quality of two-dimensional images which has to do more with space than with volume; an 'airiness,.' seen more in contemporary than traditional images. Also refers to atmospheric perspective, which is a less technical type of perspective, using faded and lighter colors to denote far distance in landscapes.

biomorphic - An attribute related to organic, since it describes images derived from biological or natural forms; it was a term frequently used in early- to mid-20th century art. The art of Miro, Arp and Calder contains examples of these simplified organic forms.

chiaroscuro - (pronounced kyar-oh-scoor-oh) - Italian term for light and dark, referring to the modeling of form by the use of light and shade.

New to the gallery - Angela Morgan

2010-06-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that we are now featuring work by Angela Morgan. Her rich and vibrant oil paintings celebrate humanity with the use of colour, pattern and line. "Her human figures express the poses of life; the jubilation of dance, the contemplation of parenthood, and the melancholy of summer's end. Colours fuse and meld to achieve gesture; transforming abstract images into living moments." Visit us at the gallery to view this exceptional artist's work.

Favorite Corners

2010-05-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

The best part about hanging an exhibition is choosing pieces by different artists that compliment each other. It is always intriguing to see which pieces end up sharing the spotlight. Here are some images of our 'favorite corners' in the gallery we thought you might appreciate...

Center left: We love the rich earth tones of Geoffe Searle's beautiful Raku large tusk shaped vessel together with Catherine Moffat's 'Wish Reflection' detailing a shiny marble and fortune cookie - it's a visual feast that's good enough to eat!

Mark Heine – Talking Art

2010-05-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

left - 'Cultivation' center -'Submitted' right-'Thence Forward'

Among the diverse group of people who visit our gallery -- whether they are admirers of Fine Art, seasoned collectors or browsing canvases for ‘tricks of the trade’-- the beloved artist that has many tongues wagging is undoubtedly Mark Heine. When it comes that famous ‘play of light’ that runs in the family and the unique visual narrative of Mark Heine, there is much to talk about...and it’s all good.

"Each painting is a glimpse of my life. Every brush stroke placed to capture a moment. Afternoon sunlight laid across the water of a summer beach, heavy as gold, purpled at the edges with the promise of evening. The smell of the sea drying on the rocks, the sound of my children’s laughter fluttering on the air, each moment, each painting is a chance to learn and grow…to discover my voice and what I want to say.”

- The eloquent words of Mark Heine

Happy Victoria Day!

2010-05-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

Gallery hours are 12-4 today (May 24).

Painting Nostalgia: New work by Martin Honisch

2010-05-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Martin Honisch is a unique character. He is a mysterious man who in many ways rejects modernity (he still owns a Polaroid camera and has not yet succumbed to the cyber-world of Facebook); therefore, the artist seems strongly rooted in another time and place that is fleeting all around him. Yet, his impeccable skill to create both extraordinary and timeless paintings continues to make a lasting impression on the art world.

When asked about his work he claims “I paint what I like, and I don’t paint what I don’t like”. For an artist who expresses a simple philosophy regarding his inspiration, his work is far from simple. Ever so brilliantly, he is able to simultaneously haunt and tempt viewers from within the depths of his soft, dreamy and sometimes bizarre landscapes.

The clear cut pathway in the rolling hills of ‘Big Shoe Mountain’ (top left) is very intriguing and has garnered a lot of attention. One questions the artist’s methodical intention with ample curiosity - is he following the brush or is the brush following him? It is difficult to put Honisch’s artistry into one category and even the artist has his own criticisms about the limitations of ‘labels’. However, he claims that “fantastic art has been around always and will continue to be around, unlike modernism...there will always be artists who will be drawn towards the fantastic, the bizarre, the weird, and the wonderful.” I think it is fair to say that Martin Honisch is one of these artists.

In his latest body of work, he uses a color palette of predominantly green, grey and blue, and his use of shadows and light lends a gentle and smoky aesthetic to his paintings. He applies rich oil paint to old wood panels which gives them a rustic appearance. One really feels as though she/he is gazing into another world - yet one that is vaguely familiar - when admiring a piece by Honisch.

Once again, the artist has delved deep into his subconscious to reveal that enigmatic ‘place’ he holds so close to his heart: “I like to evoke nostalgic dreams of the past: tropical and European landscapes and parks, houses and gardens." Although his new work evokes a sense of the old world, it is fresh, full of whimsy and wonderfully eccentric.

Visit us at the gallery to view these remarkable pieces in person and to appreciate the incredible range and imagination of Martin Honisch…

Tell us what you think!

2010-05-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

We would like to give our clients and friends of the gallery the opportunity to share their experiences with our gallery and in the Victoria art community on our blog. If you have any feedback about our gallery - exhibitions or otherwise - or on matters of the 'art' we would love to hear it! Please email us at info@theavenuegallery.com

"Having thoroughly enjoyed another beautifully-presented exhibition at The Avenue Gallery – ‘An Artist’s Journey’ on the amazing career of Ron Parker – we’re writing this long overdue note to say how much we’ve enjoyed being part of The Avenue Gallery ‘community’ these past few years.

Besides the visual feast of the exhibitions themselves, it’s been a wonderful learning experience. We really knew very little about contemporary fine art when we were first propelled through your door by one of Renato Muccillo’s arresting landscapes in the window. Since then, The Avenue Gallery has been a refreshing, non-intimidating venue to explore many artistic styles and mediums, and to meet many of the artists in person. Incidentally, we were out of town when artist Ron Parker spoke at his exhibition opening on April 11, so we greatly appreciated the video clip posted to your blog. We look forward to more of these.

And there have been serendipitous discoveries for us as well. It was on an early visit to The Avenue Gallery that we were introduced to maille (colloquially ‘chain mail’) jewellery by local artist Anne Kelly. I was intrigued because I have a historical interest in chain mail armour techniques of the Middle Ages; Blanche was struck by the intricacy of design and the fluid movement of the jewellery (which later became her birthday gift). After meeting Anne Kelly at one of your exhibitions, Blanche was inspired to make some maille jewellery herself, and I learned of a number of contemporary sources for information on this ancient metalworking technique.

The original works of art we have purchased have brightened both our home and our spirits, and have opened new vistas of appreciation and understanding. We’d like to extend our thanks to you, Heather, and everyone at The Avenue Gallery – judi, Catherine, Suzan and Ellen. You have contributed greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of the fascinating world of contemporary fine art."

Gary and Blanche Mucci
Victoria, British Columbia

Virtual Tour of Form Rearranged

2010-05-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Great energy at the Form Rearranged show! If you missed the opportunity to chat with the aritsts who were at the opening on May 2, check out the video and interview with Laura Harris. The show runs until May 15 and there are still a few pieces available. See you at the gallery...

Thank you to exhibit-v for the footage.

May 2 Form Rearranged - Meet the Artist

2010-04-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Micheal Den Hertog Parade

Explore semi and non representational relationships of structure as created by ten of our gallery painters.

Adelle Andrew, Michael den Hertog, Laura Harris, Mark Heine, Jutta Kaiser, Joyce Kamikura, Philip Mix, Renato Muccillo, Joan Skeet, Andrew Wooldridge

Preview and presale days April 30th and May 1

Form Rearranged Exhibition and Sale May 2nd - 15th, 2010

Opening and Artists’ Reception May 2nd 12 - 4

An 'Artist's Journey' completed

2010-04-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's a wrap! The dynamic retrospective exhibition honoring the extraordinary career of Ron Parker has come to an end. We received an overwhelming response from viewers about his versatility as an artist as many people were awed by his incredible talent and impressive range in styles. Likewise, Ron has inspired us all over again and we were so pleased with the opportunity to showcase 30+ years of his exceptional work ranging from early wildlife to figurative, to his most recent contemporary landscapes.

Although the show was a success, there are still a few landscape pieces that remain at the gallery. Please feel free to contact us for more information on what is still available by one of Canada's beloved artists.

If you missed Ron''s intriguing presentation on April 11th at the gallery, here is a little clip that is definitely worth the watch...

Caring for artwork

2010-04-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

above left - Joan Skeet "Bird in Winter"
above right - Nicola Prinsen "As the Crow Flies #5 "

Here are some useful tips we thought you would appreciate on how to care for your artwork:

1. Keep your paintings out of direct sunlight. Your painting might have a protective layer of varnish over the paint, but it is still possible for it to crack or fade if subjected to bright sunlight for long periods of time.

2. Do not lean anything against the surface of a canvas. Objects near a painting may not seem sharp enough to pierce the canvas, but it is always surprising what will cause a scratch or a rip. Prevent accidents and store your paintings away from anything that might press against the surface. Try not to lean paintings on one another when storing them. Separate them with pieces of cardboard to avoid damage.

3. Dust your paintings with a clean, soft rag occasionally to prevent dust buildup. Don’t use cleaning products or water!

4. Hang your paintings away from very busy and possibly messy areas. Over time, paintings can accumulate a thin layer of dust and pollutants, airborne grime from cooking oils, particles from smoking and insect specks. If there is a place to display your piece away from these things, or where it will be somewhat less exposed, try to position it there.

5. Wrap your painting well if you plan to transport it. Be sure to put a piece of cardboard over the front to protect the canvas, or put bubble wrap around it if possible. Rough handling can damage both the painting and the frame so pack it securely.

6. Try to avoid subjecting your paintings to extreme changes in atmosphere. Avoid excessive dryness, humidity, heat or cold. All of these conditions can affect the state of your artwork in a negative way (canvas puckering, paint cracking, etc.).

7. If your painting does get damaged, don’t fix it yourself. Take it to the place of purchase for a referral or look up a qualified conservator on your own. Amateur repairs can reduce the value of your artwork drastically.

8. Do not frame paintings on canvas under glass. Because canvas needs to breathe. A painting can take a long time to dry or ‘cure’ completely. If it is framed under glass before it dries, you will trap moisture inside the frame. Canvases experience small, subtle shifts over time due to mild atmospheric changes, so it is best to leave them without glass to allow them to flow with these slight changes.

9. Do not cover paintings with plastic for long periods of time. If there is humidity in the air, they may start to grow mold. Cotton sheets are best for keeping dust away.

30 years of artistic growth

2010-04-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the recent article in the Times Colonist about Ron Parker:

http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/years+artistic+growth/2919613/story.html

Victoria Gallery Walk April 22 6 - 8pm

2010-04-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

Calling all Art Lovers!
Oak Bay’s business improvement association is organizing another Gallery Walk on Thursday, April 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. along Oak Bay Avenue. Our doors will be open...

Winchester, Ted Harrison, Side Street and Eclectic galleries will also be open to the public. As well, La Tavola will offer demonstrations and yummy tastings from sample dishes.

Stroll over to the village on this colorful evening and stop by The Avenue Gallery to view Ron Parker's dynamic Retrospective (ends April 24th)!

Ron Parker: Artist in Attendance

2010-04-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

April 11th marked another busy opening for Ron Parker at The Avenue Gallery. We were pleased that so many people came out to view the retrospective and that collectors had a chance to chat with the artist in the flesh. Ron's presentation was engaging and energetic (much like the artist himself) and he shared some wonderful insight on his 30+ year career as a painter, sculptor, photographer and outdoor enthusiast. Ron included amusing anecdotes to go with several of his beautiful pieces and these stories emphasized the connection between the artist and the animals that he painted in his early career. This special relationship may seem obvious when viewing the subjects in his intimate wildlife body of work but his up-close and personal encounters with grizzly bears and wolves engaged the audience while he entertained us with his remarkable outdoor adventures. Paired with exceptional skill, it is also these stories that highlight the meditative quality of his work, and reiterate his position as one of Canada's top painters.

Many people gained more appreciation for the accomplished artist after the personalized tour of the exhibition during which Ron referenced nearly 70 pieces. It is true that every piece by Ron Parker has a remarkable history behind it and that these stories help us to better understand his work. It is also true that regardless of their story, Ron's pieces - be it figurative, wildlife or landscape - speak for themselves.

When Ron masters a style, he moves on to master another so don’t miss this unique opportunity to view this impressive collection. The contemporary west coast landscapes are most compelling. Visit us today to admire these beautiful pieces while they are still available!

The exhibition runs until April 24 2010.

See you at the gallery...

Leonard Cohen: The Art behind the Voice

2010-04-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

February, the month for lovers, seemed like an appropriate time to celebrate the work of Canada’s beloved singer, songwriter, poet and visionary, Leonard Cohen. The exhibition attracted quite the eclectic crowd (and most diverse age demographic!) and it was wonderful to hear people tell their personal stories about the legendary man of ‘many hats’. You can imagine that most of these favorable recollections were those of dreamy eyed women…

The intriguing ‘Cohen tales’ created quite a buzz among the many fans who came to admire the intimate renderings of Cohen’s life. His pieces are deeply personal and one can detect the artist’s voice beyond the raw visual narrative - his artwork seems to carry a musical melody, and in some pieces, this ‘sweet tune’ simultaneously exposes the inner workings of the artist’s mind while maintaining his mystery. His work is moody and honest, and his contemporary self portraits (or caricatures) evoke a self-depreciating sense of humor (see "One of Those Days When the Hat Doesn't Help" above far left). Sometimes he also includes rather somber nuances.

Cohen uses charcoal, pastel, watercolor and ink to communicate an extraordinary visual dialogue. His technique blends together a gentle artistic language yet some of his depictions seem paradoxcial in meaning and this tension appeals to many viewers. Cohen's work is also humble and some of his pieces offer a candid glimpse into the artist's intimate relationships. Our gallery favorite? Dear Roshi: “…I can’t come to your birthday party because I met this woman” (see center image above). The collection is still available in limited edition prints. Each print is individually signed by the artist, titled, numbered, dated, embossed and stamped with Cohen’s personal seal. Visit the gallery today to view this iconic body of work.