Art is subjective. A communication from one person to another, but so much of what is said depends on the listening. The piece of art has a message, it’s obvious the artist had something to communicate, but the interpretation of the viewer completes the conversation. An idea, a thought presented to you, and then you get to have your say. Sometimes it’s as simple as you like it or you don’t. It’s easy to know when you don’t, you simply walk on by, but when you find a work of art you like… it can stop you in your tracks. It speaks to you.

New Group of Seven Reproductions – Nearly Identical to the Originals

When the newest reproductions of the Group of Seven came through the door the other day, I did a double take. A few select copies of Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, J.E.H. MacDonald, and Tom Thompson went through a duplication process I’d never seen before. Actual molds were made of the original paintings surfaces capturing the peaks and valleys of brush strokes themselves. Aside from hand embellished reproductions I’d never seen anything that captured the original painting so faithfully. It’s probably illegal to touch a Lawren Harris, however, at this price point you could. The Tom Thompson’s look like they came off his travel easel in Algonquin Park last week. It’s like standing over A.Y. Jackson’s shoulder, I felt like I saw what he was capturing. The magic J.E.H. MacDonald captured in his landscapes is right there to see. The essence and spirit that have made the Group of Seven world renowned has been truly and faithfully represented. These recreations are as close to the originals as you’re ever liable to get.

Tom Thomson – Algonquin

Robert Bateman – Window Into Ontario

We framed up a Museum Edition canvas of Robert Bateman’s “Window into Ontario” the other week. We started getting snow here at the shop the other day and I welcomed it, because this piece primed me for the beauty. I’ve never been to the place Bateman based this work on and yet we all have. It might be the 36” X 72” size of the piece that catches the grandeur and scale of winters panorama. Though the lighting and masterful depiction and placement of the subject is the reason we printed them in a large and small format. The late afternoon sun over the fresh snow and the split rail cedar fence is a timeless moment. I’ve always been partial to Bateman’s abstract and primary composition structures. Stand close and there are the fine details of the branches and Blue Jay, the texture of the maple trees bark and the grooves in the cedar fence, but stand back and the primary colour and shapes of the piece suggest broad stroke minimalist abstracts. Bateman utilizes collective memory and seasonal archetypes to spin this wonderous narrative of nature’s splendor that reaches past idle thought and sparks heart and memory to come alive.

New Todd White Giclees

Now Todd White’s art strays away from the purity of a fresh driven snow, but many were driven to check out his shows in Toronto and the U.K. this past year. You can see all of Todd’s adventures here, The U.K. shows coincided with White’s fall release of his The Devil You Know collection. Cocktail hour, women, and vice. All very tongue in cheek. Charles Laughton’s line in 1960’s Spartacus playing the Roman Senator Gracchus comes to mind. “Since when are women a vice?” White plays well with entendre and subtext. I managed to get to talk to Todd this summer before his Show at Liss Gallery in Toronto and he gave me a sneak peak of titles he’s been stewing on. His process and work usually stems from the titles first, which is extraordinary to me. Turns of phrase, idioms, and sayings evoke people, memories and scenes. A prolific gladiator of art, Todd White’s “Spirit State” may be one of his most personal pieces, communicating the dignified and respectable ferocity life demands to succeed and to make it to the next level.

Todd White – Same Hell Different Devils

Art – It’s in you to give
Of all the species in our vast and diverse world, humanity may be the most privileged to able to communicate to each other in so many ways. Our connection to each other is so foundational that we as a species continue to look for new ways to communicate. From cave drawings to writing on each others Facebook walls, sharing who we are in the attempt to be understood drives us all. How elegant and powerful art then becomes. Countless hours to produce an image that can communicate volumes in an instant, then reveal more as we sit with it and see what else is there in the details and nuance. The expression of movement in a frozen moment. Whether a landscape from a hundred years ago or a glance at the bar tonight, it’s all we need to fill in the details of our shared experience, to share in the conversation, to understand each other and connect.

Group of Seven – Robert Bateman – Todd White

Robert Bateman

The Bateman Foundation has a message on their website from Robert. https://batemanfoundation.org/  “Nature isn’t closed.” Bateman was already working on a nature and mindfulness program, #mynaturesketch, before this all occurred, but it’s as relevant now as it was then. Getting people out in nature, making a sketch of what you see and sharing it on social media. The science is in on the healing and rejuvenating properties of nature. Growing up with Robert Bateman we’ve been told to get outside since the 80’s. I may have dragged my heels a few times, but I can’t admit a single regret whenever I did. I always felt better. It resets our perspectives, it reminds us of our connection with it all. It hugs us with its complexities and beauty, and welcomes us home. The Bateman Foundation’s website is a great resource. They have a virtual tour of their “Castaways” exhibit. https://batemanfoundation.org/exhibits/castaways-art-from-the-material-world/
and some terrific homeschooling activities and lessons. https://batemanfoundation.org/digital-resources/

Robert Bateman’s “Tadpole Time”

Dominik Modlinski

Dominik Modlinski has been hunkering down and devoting his energies to his work. His latest pieces “Top of the World” and “Avatar Blue” are stunning examples of hot and cool in juxtaposition of the seasons. The “hot” colours of fall in “Top of the World” and the cool colours of shaded forest in summer. There’s a subtle evolution in Dominik’s technique in form and shape with these pieces. A deeper exploration of finer details in the foreground, the way light plays on the angles and textures of the leaves, trees and moss. “Cathedrals of Ice” carries on this adventure with the glistening reflections in the ice field to the left of the subject mountain. A moody and introspective monolith.

Dominik Modlinski’s “Avatar Blue” – 47″x 87″ Oil on Canvas

Todd White

Todd White is active on Instagram. He caught the last wave into England just before things took off to make good on his U.K. tour, before Covid landed. Our hats off to him and the fun he had. His shows really feel like an event and a celebration. We’re looking forward to future shows. In recent days he’s posted informational videos on masks and gloves. He has some great tips and tricks for glove safety and the reuse procedures instead of throwing them away. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-sRdayJ2zG/ It’s a great mask fashion show. He also has a master class on how to draw Sponge Bob for the kids. His littlest one helps, it’s pretty adorable.

Todd White’s “Rascals, Scoundrels and Villains”

In closing, be safe, wash up, get out in nature when you can, and enjoy or make some art. We’re doing this to help those who are at risk. We’re doing this to lighten the burden of those who can’t stay home, the helpers. We’ll do our best to weather the storm and hope you’ll do the same. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Be kind, it’s a great antidote to stress and fear. In the immortal words of Douglas Adams, Don’t Panic. If you know the next right thing to do, do it calmly and with dignity. If you don’t know what’s next, practice mindfulness and be present. Look at some art.

We’re all the more excited for the soon to arrive clay-bords of ‘Golden Crowned Kinglet & Rhododendron.’ They’re in the final stages of colour matching with Bateman and the printer. The Kinglets too will share this new signature on the back style along with the signed and numbered certificate. Another factor in the exclusive signature process with the clay-bord substrate is the transportation carbon footprint. Robert Bateman’s lifelong mission has been one of conservation and environmental protection. Due to the collective weight of the clay-bords, a cross continent trip from Milwaukee, the printer, to British Columbia, for Robert to sign, back to us in Ontario, for distribution, was going to do more environmental harm than good.

David Hind’s debut of his ‘Between the Two Rows’ at the Art Gallery of Hamilton was a smash. The massive aluminum quilted mural was a collaborative effort between David and his community at large. Elements of the mural were worked on by members of the Aluminum Quilting Society, an art collaborative. The nature of the group effort speaks directly to the introspective nature of the questions being asked. Who am I? Who are we? What was our ancestors’ relationship like before us and how is that relationship going to be like now? The symbolic composition of the two canoes, the two cultures of the indigenous Haudenosaunee and the European settlers to Canada, comments on the original 17th century peace agreements between the two societies. A three hundred year old relationship fraught with trespass, nuance, and no easy solutions. The ten foot by twenty foot piece conveys the monumental task behind and ahead while also presenting the beauty of the people involved. It is a message of sorrow and hope. It will be on display until September 29th at The Art Gallery of Hamilton.

David Grieve has stretched out to redefine his style in the artistic exploration. His new ‘Wagi Jumping Rock #25’ is 54” X 85” is a mosaic, stained-glass look at northern Canadian Shield. His bold stroke style almost seems to have morphed into each colour being encased in its own world. Find us on Instagram and let us know what you think. David is on Instagram under @grieveart. His art is always on display in its various stages of progress.

Dominik Modlinski has been on an inspirational frenzy creating some exceptionally vibrant pieces. “Northern Reds”, a 48” X 48”, is a stellar contrast between red and blue. Forest and Mountain. Fore and back ground. Pushing the colours of the natural world just beyond the edge of reality is one of Modlinski’s many gifts. Check in on our Instagram, and Dominik Modlinski’s Instagram (@dmodlinski), to see his latest works and adventures. Check him out on Facebook too.

We are over the moon to bring you the news of Robert Bateman’s reissues of “Golden Crowned Kinglet and Rhododendron” and “Midnight Black Wolf” on the all new ‘Claybord’ substrate. Claybord, the trademarked name, is masonite like substrate where the image is printed directly on it. The art glows. Printing technology has come such a long way.

The artist proofs of the “Golden Crowned Kinglet and Rhododendron” have already sold out. 15% of the proceeds for Bateman’s Kinglet will go to the Bateman Centre to further his lifelong legacy of the conservation of our natural world. Here’s Bateman in his own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nf1IaBrLDI

Robert Bateman-Golden Crowned Kinglet and Rhododendron

The Golden Crowned Kinglet and Rhododendron is sized at 12” X 16”. The edition size of 99 for the regular edition and 19 artist proofs. The low edition numbers make this series highly collectible.

It’s the 30th anniversary of the release of Midnight Black Wolf. Arguably, Robert Bateman’s most iconic, if not hauntingly charismatic, works of art. Here’s Bateman in his own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YXzj-Whlp4. The claybord process is a match made in heaven for this piece. Bateman, himself, feels this reproduction is the closest we have come to the original.

Robert Bateman-Midnight Black Wolf

At 33” x 44” this will be the largest Robert Bateman giclee reproduction on a solid substrate ever produced. 290 standard edition and 49 artist proofs will round out the entire edition run. We are beyond excited for you to see the Midnight Black Wolf for yourself. It’s truly ground breaking.

In other Bateman reproduction news, “Alaska Light” giclee canvas is available again. The original printers in the United States were able to find their print file and we’re able to continue issuing the remaining numbers in the edition. A mother grizzly and cub are perfect for Mother’s day.

Robert Bateman-Alaska Light

Todd White, one of the hardest working artists out there today, has created a few special pieces to bring with him on his upcoming tour of the U.K. We’ve been lucky to get our hands on a small number of this collection.

“Take Me With You When You Go” Is a floral explosion around the red dress subject. 29” X 22” with an edition of 100.

“Sweet Dreams” A sweet tooth’s dream come true. The edition will be 135, size to be determined.

Todd White is always active on Instagram and treats us to sneak peaks on current projects, his process, and exciting glimpses from his shows. https://www.instagram.com/artofwhite/

Follow us on Instagram too. We’re always posting classics and the fresh work coming through the door. https://www.instagram.com/naturessceneart/

Dave Hind has a show of his work opening at the Art Gallery of Hamilton in April. https://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com/exhibition/hind-vs-hind/
Great work from Greg Angus has come in the door from his shows in Japan.
David Grieve has delivered some wonderful new pieces.
Brian Lorimer’s new work shows a new evolution in subject matter and is brilliant as always.

Dave Hind’s Art Gallery of Hamilton show will be opening in April of 2019 and running until September. It’s an extraordinary introspective exploration into the artists’ cultural identity. “Between Two Rows” is the title of Dave Hind’s mural project and collaborative offering to the show. Taking inspiration from the Two Row Wampum Treaty of 1613, the earliest treaty between the Haudenosaunee and European settlers, it explores the main idea of the treaty where each culture inhabits their own boat and travel the river together without interfering with the other. It speaks of the desire to explore each other’s “boat” or culture, but cautions us to the precarious stability of having a foot in either one during “rough water” or the importance of our roots.
The collaborative aspect of the work comes from participants being asked to reflect on their identity, who you are and where you come from, and asks they contribute a portrait, a symbol, a piece of prose that is meaningful to them. These offerings will be etched into Dave’s reclaimed aluminum and added to one of the boats, between them, or even further boats will be added to include all the offerings.
In addition to Dave Hind’s “Between the Two Rows,” Hind vs Hind, will further the introspective inquiry of the exhibit. William George Richardson Hind (1833 – 1889) was the great great great uncle of Dave Hind. William accompanied his brother Henry Youle Hind on his early land survey expeditions into unsettled Canada painting images of the journey. With the help of Simon Frank, who curated William’s work into the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s collection, Dave Hind will produce responses to his ancestors’ expedition along the Moisie River in Labrador and Naskapi.

Nature’s Scene has procured some of Greg Angus’ vibrant work from his shows in Japan. The vibrant colours of his encaustic wax medium reflect the fluidity of his other passion, Aikido. The layering of coloured wax onto a base and then peeling back to reveal the colours underneath. His technicolour explosion forest piece “Last Dance” dazzles and his more monochromatic “If I Could Hear Myself” a cooler peaceful palm frond like introspection excite the viewers eye. As he says in this Youtube video, he attempts to approach his work with humility, courage, and gratitude. In his work, Greg Angus explores and encourages the perspective of interdependence. The connection between all things, the eternal dance of relationship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP9VrjbLoe0 Here’s a video of Greg Angus talking about his martial and visual art.

David Grieve dropped in to bring us some spectacular landscapes. “Wagi 2″ dropped my jaw. At 36″ x 80”, this mural perfectly catches the drama of the incoming storm. The lone lake island stands ready to face the storm capturing the dynamics of the stress. Life can be brutal, but our foundations, our bedrock, those who weather the storm with us will make it through. David Grieve also brought in “Dam Side 5,” “Autumn Shore 8,” and “Autumn Swamp 1.” Medium sized pieces that each highlight different elements of Grieve’s style and subject. The rocky shore pines of “Dam Side 5,” the broad flat strokes of the sky in”Autumn Shore 8,” and the bleached deadwood of “Autumn Swamp 1” stand out as white bones against the radiant splendor behind. Finally, David Grieve’s “Warm Morning Glow 5” is a 36 X 60 is an outstanding play of light and shadow, hot and cold. A shallow island being hit by the dawn sun thaws out the cool of the night.

To cap it all of we have Brian Lorimers “Coordinates” series coming in today. These bold dreamlike snapshots are accompanied by the coordinates of the locations. Winking at you to try and find the specific spots on maps and yet they’re also moments in time. Never to appear exactly the same again. A tongue in cheek rumination on space and time. Rooted in the appreciation and respect for the joys and peace that nature continually inspires and provides. All eight pieces are 40 X 40 depicting points in space throughout Ontario and Quebec. Brian Lorimer keeps stretching and evolving his work. “Coordinates” follows his series “Hudsy’s World” where Lorimer played and explored his relationship with his 5 year-old grandson Hudson, who lives on the autism spectrum, and his grandson’s art. Lorimer’s “Hudsy’s World” playfully and lovingly taps into Picasso’s famous quote, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

We’re getting closer to announcing some exciting Robert Bateman news so come back soon. Just to drop a hint, this year is the thirtieth anniversary release of one of Bateman’s most famous works. Stay tuned as sizes and edition quantities are finalized. Please feel free to drop us a line and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. We’ll be happy to help.