The past few months I was focused on creating a dynamic collection of paintings to exhibit in this years Spring Bayview Art Tour. In a few months time I painted small affordable pieces that fit into any space with impact through colour. A new challenge with fabulous purpose.
Spring 2022
The very first exhibition of my paintings, my aim was to catch the eye of the observer with a colour experience. New paintings from all three of my series, Garden Paintings, Vivid Colour Paintings and True Colour Paintings were on display. This was intentional as I was looking to gain feedback on the reaction to my paintings. Particularly which paintings drew people in and why.
The Bayview Art Tour had 8 venues featuring 22 Artists, I was located at venue 5 independently. I did this by design as I did not know what to expect and more importantly how my body would tolerate the experience. The show was set up by Brandon with my direction and we began early to eliminate depletion of energy.
Magnificently our garden had begun to fill in and blossom providing a fabulous backdrop to the art tent. As many of you know my Garden Paintings are inspired by the essence of colour in my garden. Patrons had an opportunity to personally witness my inspiration. I learned during the art tour that my garden paintings delight the patron which thrilled me as they are my favourite paintings to work on.
As a artist living with disability I have met a few challenges as I produced this exhibit of work, thankfully I have a caregiver who is also an artist to provide support. Brandon minded the art tent during the art show, talked about my work and sold my paintings for me. I was socially distanced on our studio patio to chat from far, able to slip inside as needed for rests.
I learned that art tours are excellent venues for disabled artists. They provide an opportunity to connect with art patrons without leaving the home studio for those living housebound. It was clear to me that my disability would most definitely prevent me from doing art fairs and being in attendance with my work. Fortunately many art fairs now have an online opportunity which I am taking advantage of in two shows this summer and fall.
Art tours are the best manageable way to hang several pieces of work. As up until now I am only able to submit to group shows, sending a piece via my caregiver Brandon to the gallery. This is thrilling and exciting in its own way, I appreciate gallerists who have supported me this past couple of years. However, my disability prevents me from attending the gallery, meeting with gallerists and artists and to personally see my work hung in a show. With an art tent steps from my door I can see my work hung, rearrange pieces after sales and see the ongoings of the tent from a distance or with minimum steps.
The art tour brings people directly to my art tent, all I do is create the paintings, send out emails, direct the set up and sit restfully & wait. The art tour lasts for two days and being in my yard all is safely stored and protected. My next Bayview Art Tour is in Fall and chance for you to view my work is September 24th and 25th, I hope you will come visit.
Art patrons were eager to see my paintings and then stroll the garden. This was a delight for me. And that is why I am back in my studio painting Garden Paintings. And that is why I am happily gardening with rests, mindfully observing the garden in quiet and taking a plethora of garden photos. It is clear that Art in the Garden is a destination in Leaside to fill the senses and find a moment of peace and happiness in a very busy world.
Thank you to all those how came out to support me and view my paintings in person. There were 61 visitors to my venue at the art tour and I am truly grateful to each and every one of you. It was the first time in five long years that I was able to socialize distanced of course. What fun! And most of all thank you to all of my art collectors, your support is wonderful. With that I hope to see you in September I promise to delight the eye once again.
Jane Holden - Contemporary Artist 