April and a half Newsletter. OUTSIDE TO PAINT, DRAW, LISTEN, SIT, BREATHE... 

This is an early newsletter since time seems to be moving so slowly and there are some freebees that you might enjoy this weekend.
 
I have added another video for drawing for relaxation, and will continue to add them periodically, posting the links on my website home page. Thank you to those who have sent me images of your efforts. It is gratifying to know that you enjoy trying the methods. VIHA's COVID-19 response team has put the videos on the staff bulletin board for employees to use! Feel free to pass them along too. 

FREE Colouring pages: The Victoria Natural History Society is hosting my colouring book pages for free download. So many of us are missing the wild flowers this year and this is a virtual way to enjoy them. Please feel free to share this link. I have also posted the link on my website home page for one stop shopping:-)

Later today, Habitat Acquisition Trust will be launching an artistic challenge open to all.  The invitation is to create works inspired by selected wildflower drawings contributed by me (from my colouring book). Any medium, any size. Join and help spread artistic messages of relaxation, engagement, and appreciation of the natural world. Links on their facebook, blog and instagram sites  twitter   facebook  or website. 

I have been going outside and using paper that I was saving for reasons that no longer make sense. A friend took me to a secret pond last Saturday (thank you Marcia) and propelled me into pleine aire painting again. I recommend it. There are plenty of excuses for it not working out, so you can paint with more freedom and less concern about outcome. Another friend who works in restoration of wild places invited me to join her at Matson Conservation area (thanks Wendy). Examples at the top of this blog. 

Mentoring: This can still happen. If you want to consider having me mentor you in your art making evolution I'd be happy to talk and see if I can help. I take a maximum of 4 students at any one time. How it usually works is once a month we have a phone meeting (about 45 minutes) to discuss images sent digitally. I offer feedback and suggestions in line with your artistic goals. We do it again the next month. Minimum 4 month commitment. ($60.00 a session). 

Take care my friends, 

Joanne

You can Rent my art through the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Art Rental program. They have a limited selection, but a good one. 

I am often asked about making prints of my work. I don't like to do that myself. However I have partnered with Artfinds.me and they do like to make and sell prints. They have a small selection of my images however, if there is a specific image you are interested in ask and we can likely accommodate you. 

Where to find my artcards:
DURING THIS TIME OF PHYSICAL DISTANCING ONLY MY ONLINE STORE WORKS 
It is always wonderful to get mail. If you order art cards from my website, I'll sent them two for one. Order one and I'll send two. IF YOU LIVE LOCALLY- send me an email and arrange to pick up the cards at my home or have me drop them off to save shipping costs. Same deal applies. Buy one get one. This is a great time to send your friends and family members messages. 

South Shore Gallery in Sooke, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Gift Shop, Sooke Regional Museum, Eclectic Gallery in Oak Bay, Alcove Living in Qualicum Beach, Goldstream Nature House, Swan Lake Nature House, Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay and from me through my online store or call and arrange to come by to see cards and original art.  

my instagram address is #joannethomsonartist

TO PLANT A GARDEN IS TO BELIEVE IN THE FUTURE. 
I have been spending hours this past month drawing and watching plants grow in the local parks and planting plants to grow in my allotment garden. 
A few days ago I planted some cosmos seeds that I collected last fall. They are already breaking ground indoors in a small pot. If you would like some free seeds to plant with hope of a beautiful future - and a captive subject for contour drawings- let me know. I'll make generous little piles and mail them out to you until I run out of seeds. 

All classes have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely. I was a bit knocked off balance (and still am) however I really believe in the power of art to help in times of crisis. It certainly helped me cope with the pain and change of circumstances  when I broke my left wrist.  I have put together a little collection of drawing for relaxation videos. Please have a look, try them and feel free to forward them to anyone you think may find them useful. I was thinking of people still working in stressful situations who might need a bit of decompression time. I have kept them short. Between 5 and 10 minutes so they can be watched and tried on a coffee break sort of timeline. 
Here are the links. 

Mirror Drawing with Joanne Thomson
 
Blind Contour Drawing with Joanne Thomson
 
Contour drawing with Joanne Thomson

Contour drawing demonstration with Joanne Thomson
 
Mentoring: This can still happen. If you want to consider having me mentor you in your art making evolution I'd be happy to talk and see if I can help. I take a maximum of 4 students at any one time. How it usually works is once a month we have a phone meeting (about 45 minutes) to discuss images sent digitally. I offer feedback and suggestions in line with your artistic goals. We do it again the next month. Minimum 4 month commitment. ($60.00 a session). 

Painting with Thread. 
The image at the top is a return to an earlier passion of mine. Embroidery. I did hours and hours as a teenager. I was planning to show these little works in an exhibition this summer, I'll find another venue at some time in the future. 

I encourage you to return to the things you like to do but have not made time for in recent years. You'll see them in a whole new way. 

Take care my friends, 

Joanne

You can Rent my art through the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Art Rental program. They have a limited selection, but a good one. 

Also, I am often asked about making prints of my work. I don't like to do that myself. However I have partnered with Artfinds.me and they do like to make and sell prints. They have a small selection of my images however, if there is a specific image you are interested in ask and we can likely accommodate you. 

Where to find my artcards: I put a new category in the store: New Art Cards. 
South Shore Gallery in Sooke, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Gift Shop, Sooke Regional Museum, Eclectic Gallery in Oak Bay, Alcove Living in Qualicum Beach, Goldstream Nature House, Swan Lake Nature House, Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay and from me through my online store or call and arrange to come by to see cards and original art.  

my instagram address is #joannethomsonartist