SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - Annie Murray

Welcome back to...

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS!

This week we jump into the studio evolution of Annie Murray. Annie writes about her studio growth and the impact it has on her art over the years. Lets dive in....

Annie in her old studio space

I’ve had many studios over the years, each one reflecting a different stage of my life and my art.

My very first studio was back in high school on the dairy farm where I grew up. We had an unused garage that once held tractors, with a dusty attic and a big old paned-glass window. When I was sixteen, craving a quiet escape from my big and busy family, I cleaned it out, hauled up my dollar store paints, and sat on a blanket on the floor surrounded by a million very emotionally driven teenage angst paintings. I would paint for hours, lost in my own little world.

Annie's first studio in high school—a dusty attic above her family’s dairy farm garage, where she spent hours painting as a teenager

Since then, I’ve always needed a space separate from where I live to create. In Toronto, I rented a 10x10 space at Akin Collective, surrounded by other artists. When I moved to Halifax, my first “studio” was actually a converted walk-in closet—wildly small but perfectly sufficient at the time. I painted it “Italian Ice Green,” and it was just too cute. After that, I rented a bedroom in someone else’s apartment, painted “Peach Parfait,” and filled with the most beautiful sunlight.

My current studio, though, feels like a dream. Before I moved in with my partner in Fairview in 2023, he fully renovated his unfinished garage into a spacious, light-filled studio just for me. It was such an incredible gesture, and I still look around in awe of the room I now have to create. It’s my oasis.

Here he is working hard installing drywall in the new space

Having a dedicated studio allows me to “turn off” my artist brain when I need to. I can step out of the space and leave behind thoughts like whether the neon-green underpainting was a mistake, and just be present in the rest of my life.

The finished studio. Open, bright, and full of potential...

Inside the studio, I work mostly in solitude, fueled by coffee, tea, and purple Bublys. Music is non-negotiable. I’m deeply affected by it emotionally, and the mood it creates often seeps into my work, influencing the depth, nuance, and boldness of each piece. My playlists range from pop and R&B to celtic folk, and when I find that flow state, it’s the best high. The privacy to be messy, experimental, and fully myself is everything. I’ve even got a mini-fridge and a couch in here, perfect for long Pinterest breaks.

The couch where I unwind, flipping through art books or scrolling Pinterest for inspiration.

That said, I do occasionally invite friends over for wine-fueled paint nights. I’ve been teaching one friend the magic of the projector, which I honestly couldn’t live without. I’ve often thought about hosting community paint nights, live drawing sessions, or even teaching alla prima painting in this space. It hasn’t happened yet, but I can see it on the horizon.

My favourite thing in the studio might be my collection of art books. From Sorella’s Masterworks I bought after seeing the exhibition in Ottawa, to Mary Pratt’s biography (a gift from my mother, a fellow admirer), to a stack of Gucci art books my friend snagged from a gallery in Montreal (my favourite being the 2017 edition featuring Ignasi Monreal’s work) I flip through these more often than I expect, finding endless inspiration in their pages.

Right now, I’m working on pet portrait commissions (@petsbyannie on Instagram) and just wrapped up my “Girl Dinner” series at Argyle Fine Art. Next up is a new body of work that’s been brewing since spring—an exploration of my newfound love for gardening, combined with large-scale portraiture and touches of the hyper-realism I explored in my 2024 “Lips” series. I’m beyond excited to dive into it.

Annie Murray, Ear to the Wind, Acrylic on Canvas, 8"x8"

Outside the studio, I’ve been gardening—mostly perennials like roses and hydrangeas—and recently picked up poetry again after a decade away. There’s something about both practices that feels similar: the patience, the quiet reward of seeing growth over time.

I sometimes imagine myself years from now, sitting at a small wrought iron table in a rose garden I’ve built, with a studio close by. A place where art and life flow together naturally. For now, planting those first roses feels like a simple, steady step toward that future, and something that keeps me creatively inspired outside of the studio.

Annie Murray, A Garden For the Ghosts in My Heart, Acrylic on Canvas, 16"x20"

Want to see what works we have available from Annie?

Check out more HERE!

Thank you for reading this week's Sunday Studio Days blog! 

Stay Tuned for more behind the scenes & creative spaces next week!

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - Heidi Holloway "open-air studio"

 Happy Sunday you beautiful people!

Welcome back to another SUNDAY STUDIO BLOG.

We have something a bit different today, artist Heidi Holloway brings us into her process and explains how she connects with our beautiful Nova Scotian landscapes.

Heidi & her dog Shylo canoeing in the back-country

Open Air Inspiration and Studio

When reflecting on my art practice and my studio, I considered my entire process for creating and decided to highlight my “open-air” studio/inspirations. The portion of my process and practice that starts within the open air of nature.

What some readers may not know about me is that I am passionate about immersing myself in nature. I delight in exploring new landscapes and revisiting familiar ones with a fresh perspective. Whether it's through a casual walk, a long hike, a day trip by kayak, or a multi-day back-country canoe trip, I find joy in every adventure. Being deep within the land allows me to experience uninterrupted nature, bringing a silence so profound that my ears are uncertain of the experience. My senses are put in order, my heart is at peace, and my cup overflows with inspiration.

Nature has a unique way of grounding me, providing a sense of tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere. Each journey into the wilderness is an opportunity to disconnect, unplug, strip life down to its essentials, and reconnect with the natural world. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds,  the flutter of wings, and the gentle flow of water all contribute to a symphony that soothes the soul. These moments of solitude and reflection are not a hobby but a vital part of my creative process.

I often create art during my back-country endeavours. Sketching and carving are my preferred methods when I'm in the wilderness. I carry a small black book, a tin with sketching essentials, and a carving pen with me. These art tools may not be on everyone's wilderness packing list, but they are essential in mine.

There is no distinct rhythm to when I sketch on paper or carve on rock. Sometimes it may be after a fresh morning coffee, while sitting on a sandy shore, or resting in a hammock with an evening breeze. I often sketch based on what I experience during the back-country adventure. A loon swimming nearby, a warbler bouncing between branches, or even my sleeping dog, Shylo. It is a relaxing form of expression for me, with no expectations of outcomes, no audience, no grand scheme, just pure expression.

My wilderness sketchbook is full of stories in the form of images from my trips into the bush over the last 10 years. There is a secret that I have not told others, though there may be a few who are accidentally aware. The secret is that there are back-country sites across this province that hold pieces of my art. A paper sketch hidden away in a log box or a carved rock sitting just up from the shoreline. A series of “Easter Eggs” scattered across the wilds of this province to hopefully be enjoyed onsite by other nature enthusiasts for years to come.

It is likely no surprise that every nature endeavour includes watching the beautiful diversity of birds who are either passing through or call these natural environments home. These glimpses and interactions are often the main themes of my work. To capture the existence of the birds within the habitat, to showcase their essence, or to demonstrate the feeling that their presence gives.

The inspiration received from these adventures do not only inspire art in the moment but is also something that is carried back with me into my home studio. I bring inspiration back with me through photography reference, memory from mental snapshots, and sketches. The sights, sounds, textures, and colours of my experiences in nature greatly influence my work. Whether that be specific subject matter, colour palettes, or an undertone of emotional expression.

This nature-based inspiration in my work will be distinctly seen in my September 2025 showcase at Argyle Fine Art. Like all other Nova Scotians, I need to adapt where and how I engage with nature. Changing outdoor habits due to the absence of access to a particular type of land. Moving my range of natural landscape away from the woods and to this province’s water bond lands exclusively.  This shift in natural landscape exposure and wildlife experiences will be strongly observed in my upcoming exhibit. As all depictions will be based on my experiences of connecting with Nova Scotia’s shorelines and shorebirds.

I look forward to sharing with viewers the beauty that came from this adaption. Showcasing the colour palettes, coastal moods, and diverse species of birds that our shorelines have to offer.

Heidi Holloway, Morning Song, 24"x24", Acrylic on Canvas

Heidi Holloway, High Landing, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x40"

Heidi Holloway, Yellow Warbler (Setophaga Petechia), Acrylic on Canvas, 6"x6"

We are so excited to see more work from Heidi in her new show, opening with us September 17th.

If you want to explore more from Heidi CLICK HERE

Thank you for reading this week's Sunday Studio Days blog! 

Stay Tuned for more behind the scenes & creative spaces next week!

 

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - Belle DeMont

 It's Sunday... You know what that means... Another SUNDAY STUDIO TOUR!!!

This week we will be featuring the work of Belle DeMont

Belle in her Studio

Belle is preparing for her first ever SOLO SHOWCASE with us titled: When the Veil is at it's Thinnest, happening at Argyle Fine Art in October.

Getting ready for the show, we asked Belle...

How do you decide what to make/paint/draw/etc?
I am constantly taking pictures of things outside that inspire me and sketching in my sketchbook. After I have my various ideas, I just narrow it down to what I am most inspired by. And I am always looking at other artists for inspiration.

What’s a typical day in the studio look like to you?

I like to wake up early with my cat Hazel and then we make coffee and get to painting! I find my best work comes in the morning. 

What’s your favourite thing/part of your studio?

Probably that I have all my things around me. I have so many trinkets and candles and little crafts I’ve made. I am sure it would be a minimalist’s nightmare, but I love being surrounded by all my things.

How would you describe your art process in three words or less?

Energetic, Fickle, Obsessive

Do you have any advice to offer/ best piece of advice you’ve received?

“You come from a long line of people that work really hard at whatever they’re doing, so you should probably do the same. “ -My mama! I used to run on the idea that art was this free, intuitive thing, which I now know to be false (for me at least). I now study and practice and plan and organize and it has made my art practice much better.

What is something people may not know about you?

I have two published children's books! One of them I wrote (I Love My Purse) and the other I illustrated (Little Tree by the Sea).

Who's your favourite local artist? / a local artist you admire?

Oh my gosh, too many to pick a favourite, so I will say two who inspire me in my own practice. As a landscape painter, I must lead with A.F.A’s own Gordon MacDonald, who is the master of cloud paintings. I can’t wait for his show later this month.

I also must mention Susan Wood, who was both my professor at NSCAD and a truly profound and inspiring artist who was deeply connected to the natural world.

Belle DeMont, The Fog is Rolling in, Oil on Canvas, 24"x30"

THANK YOU SO MUCH BELLE ♥ WE CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR SHOWCASE

Want to see what works we have available from Belle?

Check out more HERE

Thank you for reading this week's Sunday Studio Days blog! 

Stay Tuned for more behind the scenes & creative spaces next week!

Have you met SABINE?

Sabine Kearns showing off her paintings in the gallery last Summer, 2024

Meet artist SABINE KEARNS!

Sabine is a self-taught artist, she enjoys painting in acrylics using bold, vibrant colours and clean lines.

Born in South Africa and moved to Canada in 1997 with her husband and two young boys. After living in British Columbia for 21 years, she now calls beautiful Nova Scotia Home. Sabine resides on the South Shore, finding endless inspiration in hidden coves, white sand beaches and sheltered harbours.

"My art is happy art and reflects my peaceful life. It’s a privilege to create something that brings joy to others and I hope that through my art I can make someone smile and maybe help make the world a little brighter." - Sabine Kearns

Stop by the gallery and take in her newest collection of paintings titled "Shoreline Meanderings" beginning this Saturday afternoon! Drop by to meet Sabine for yourself, she will be at the gallery August 9th from 2:00 - 3:30 answering all your questions!

If you can't make it we have a few sneak peeks of the show...

Shoreline View, acrylic on canvas, 12"x12"

Summer Mood, acrylic on canvas, 24"x24"

Small Blessings, acrylic on canvas, 16"x16"

THE FULL SHOW WILL BE ONLINE FRIDAY AFTERNOON AT 

https://www.argylefineart.com/

 

SEE YOU SOON! ♥

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - JACK ROSS

Welcome back to SUNDAY STUDIOS

Today we are featuring artist and teacher JACK ROSS! Some of you may know him already; Jack is a consistant face around the gallery. We are so excited to dive into his studio!

Paintings in Jack`s dining room studio

We asked Jack...

What’s a typical day in the studio look like to you?

Currently my studio space is actually in my dining room! I’ve been working here since about 2017 when my partner and I moved back to Halifax after spending a couple years living and working in Vancouver.

I grew up in Nova Scotia, and had lived in Halifax for a long time before that, but worked in a similar “work with what you’ve got”, small apartment space – living situation. With the exception of the studio spaces at NSCAD University, which I spent a lot of time in when I was a student, (finished my BFA in 2012), I’ve never really had a formal studio space. While it’s certainly a long term professional goal, there’s a lot of pros and cons to consider with investing in a space. For me, the combination of financially viable, shared space with the right people, (or private space in the right place), just hasn’t happened yet. I’m not too worried about it though! I manage well and I’m confident that it’ll happen when I’m ready for it to happen.

 

I lead a pretty busy life so having a space at home actually works out well for me! I teach courses in Painting and Drawing for both adult students and teenagers with NSCAD’s Extended Studies Program (Continuing Education). They’re beginner friendly accessible classes that don’t count towards a degree, but provide a great overview of what taking art as a full time student at the university level is like. I often get a lot of students who take some classes with me and then eventually decide that they want to apply to NSCAD to take a full degree. I started teaching 1-2 courses per term back in 2014. This year I’ve worked my way up to 6 adult classes throughout the week and 2 teen courses on Saturdays. It’s a bit nuts, but it leaves my just enough time to be able to still get my own work done. I love teaching. It’s really rewarding, keeps me on top of my technical information, keeps me connected to the community, keeps me on top of my rent (haha), and has actually changed my habits when it comes to my own painting practice.

 

I fluctuate between working inside in my “dining room studio” and working outdoors with a portable easel “painting en plein-air”. I really like the directness of working from life so I try to get out as much as I can for outdoor painting during the warmer months, including spring and fall. When I am working indoors I basically end up rearranging the dining room to have some space. Its usually a mess in here, and if I’ve got a lot of work mid-progress it stays that way for months until we have friends over and I have to do some minor cleanup. My partner likes to do sewing projects in here too, so there’s always some clutter around. Things pile up but sometimes in-progress work lying around makes a great conversation starter for folks visiting.

Snaps of Jack`s materials and studio setup

What are you working on right now?

Right now I’m working away on some more landscape paintings with the goal of having a good body of work ready for some show opportunities in the Fall! So far it’s a combination of pieces done on site outdoors - “plein-air painting” - and work from photographs usually completed indoors in the “studio”.

I always work from my own photos! Sometimes quick snapshots on my phone captured while I’m out, and sometimes slightly more planned out shots taken with a pretty mid-range digital SLR (Nikon). Getting detailed, high quality images is far less important to me then capturing something that really conveys the look and feel of the space or environment I’m working from. I’m really big into looking at the effects of light, colour, the weather, and architectural space, and how they translate in paint. (in a sort of impressionist-y but direct contemporary painting way). All of these things are great opportunities to explore paint’s material qualities: brush-mark, movement, thickness, colour, and the ways that paint can “suggest form” while still retaining its identity as “paint”. Since working from photo references is essentially the default way that most artists work today, I feel like it’s really important to be balancing that out by working directly from life when I get the opportunity to. Plein-air painting has been a big part of my practice for at least the last 8 years and I’ve found that it’s really changed the way I work in studio when I am going back to photos. I try to really encourage everyone I meet through classes, the gallery, and art in general to get out and try Plein-air painting. It’s challenging, but super rewarding. Keeps you coming back to it. The pieces I’m working on now are small (and big) paintings of both recognisable urban parts of Halifax, and natural landscapes outside the city. Day and night-time settings all linked together through a focus on illuminated surfaces and glowing light.

Plein-air painting by Jack at point pleasant park

Is (painting) your only form of art or do you practice art in other ways too? (music, baking, writing, etc.)

I do a lot of cooking – I used to watch a lot of shows on Food Network, and have picked up some good tips from that and things you see online. I’m a big fan of Chopped, Hell’s Kitchen, Top Chef, Chef’s Table, etc. I also got into cocktail mixing at home during the pandemic when everything was in lock-down. (Mixology was my covid hobby – haha). My favourites to mix so far are simple classics (old fashioned, sidecar, whisky sour, negroni.) I think I do a good job with a bourbon based whisky sour including the proper egg-white foam, and angostura bitters.

Jack painting plein-air

Do you have any advice to offer/ best piece of advice you’ve received?

So, for a long time I actually felt pretty bad about my studio space and art practice. (Where things were going art-wise & career wise). It took a lot of reflection, time, and confidence to move past that. I remember pretty early on after graduation from art school, I had a very condescending experience with an older well established artist who said something to the effect of “If you don’t have a studio space, then you’re not a real artist, you’re just a hobbyist!”. (meaning a big properly equipped, funded, workshop outside your home). This wasn’t an isolated incident, and to be really frank about it: “f* that” – I think is a completely appropriate response. Having gone through the “art school” experience I fully understand where this comes from, but it’s a pretty narrow, privileged, view to have; ignoring the numerous examples of historically important artists who have worked without studios, worked in apartment bedrooms, worked outdoors, or worked while in transit moving from place to place. In fact, most artists in 2025 actually have a hard time securing studio space. In my own case I think, yeah, it is kind of bizarre that my day job involves teaching introductory courses at a university, yet I’m also not in a financially viable position for it to be worth paying for a studio space as an independent artist. This is one of the realities of living in our times – affordability is forcing artists to become creative about where and how they define their practices. Short term gig work, temporary artist residencies, working from home, and the studio existing wherever the artist goes have become the new norm in many ways.

I can’t remember where I heard this but a really good piece of advice that kind of stuck with me was this: Being an artist is a really long game. For many of us it’s not really a choice, we’re just sort of compelled to keep making stuff – and usually against better judgment. With that in mind you have to continue to always think of yourself as an artist. If life interrupts your ability to make work, that’s fine, you can always come back to it, you’re still an artist. If you don’t have access to everything you need, you’re still an artist. You’ll eventually figure out a solution. It doesn’t matter where or when you started. Being an artist is a lifelong engagement.

Jack Ross, Traffic on Prince St, 20"x20", Acrylic on wood panel

Want to see what works we have available from Jack?

Check out more HERE!

Thank you for reading this week's Sunday Studio Days blog! 

Stay Tuned for more behind the scenes & creative spaces next week!

It's not Goodbye... it's see you later!

 Hello Folks!

Emily here, some of you may know me as the eyeball lady, but I've also been Adriana's right-hand man and gallery manager at Argyle Fine Art for the last two wonderful years!

ME! Surrounded by gorgeous Gordon MacDonald paintings at the gallery

It has been an absolute blast working here and getting to know all of the awesome artists, customers and people in our community. 

Adriana and many of her past and present employees posed at the 25th Anniversary celebrations!

All of you, and of course Adriana, make this place so incredibly special! 

My favourite pic of Adriana from my phone :)

How could a girl be so lucky?!

Meeting Kermit the Frog and Terry Angus at the gallery! What a highlight!!

Halloween 2023 - Emily the 70s man and Adriana the cat!

Proudly idenitifying as the eyeball lady since 2021! 
Set of giant eyes sold through the gallery. 

However all good things must come to an end... for now!

As of August 1st I will be going on a 2.5 month hiatus...
I am heading back to my hometown, Saskatoon Saskatchewan to spend some much needed time with my family, participate in some family celebrations and make art! 

Me in my art home studio last year - felting and paintings away!

As I leave we will be bringing Kassandra Franklin back on to the team! 

Kassandra looking cute as a button!

"Hello! :) I’m Kassandra, an artist and former gallery assistant with Argyle Fine Art… I had the pleasure of working with Adriana back in 2022 but stepped away for a few years to pursue other dreams. Now that I’m back you will be seeing me around the gallery more often. I can’t wait to catch up with familiar faces and meet some new ones."

Fret not, however! I will be returning at the end of October and then Adriana, Kassandra and I will move forward as a team of three. 

Adriana and I posing in silly masks! The fun never stops around here!

I'm so excited for the what the future holds and continue to be apart of this team when I return. 

It's not goodbye... it's see you later! 

Eyeball flowers! 
Available at Argyle Fine Art

Want to stay connected while I'm away?
Follow me on Instagram! I'd love to stay in touch and share what I'm up to with you! 

Personal account: @emnetsia
Artist account: @lithi.em.art

25 Years PARTY! JOIN US!!

 

EVERYBODY'S WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND! Suddenly, it's weekend time! Eeeck! This very rushed and late arriving newsletter is still happening! So here we go....we have lots of exciting things to share with you all! Hot off the press, we just received the most amazing poster (shown above) inviting you to our 25th Anniversary Celebrations at Argyle Fine Art, which was designed by one of our favourite artists and friends of the gallery since the early days; Nick Brunt. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! We sincerely hope you can come celebrate with us on either Friday,July 25th or Saturday, July 26th...or both dates! We couldn't have done it without you, so come party with us! We have so many fun things planned but here is the brief rundown...more on all of these soon too! Friday, July 25th:  Of course, we'll be open all day (11am-5:30pm) with lots of new art for you to enjoy by a variety of artists including a new show by Janna Wilton (see show details below) and a draw to enter to win a $125 Gift Certificate. We'll also have selected works at 25% off and a FREE commemorative postcards designed by artist Ed Beals(while supplies last) and a fun artist inspired photobooth .Then from 6:30-8:30pm, we'll roll out the red carpet (we really are going to have red carpet) and treat you to special baked goods by P4 Patisserie that you can paint, live music by Mike Diabo and the launch of a mini- mini gallery of mini -mini artworks all priced at $25 each. If you would like to contribute to our mini gallery, simple send along your images asap (works can be no larger than 3" x 3" or smaller- we'll have some free surfaces next week as well).

Saturday,July 26th: All the fun will continue including puppeteer Terry Angus who will be in the gallery from Noon til 1:30pm with FOZZIE BEAR (yes,Terry really did work with Jim Henson and Frank Oz...we are so excited! The last time he was here was in 2017- pure joy! )THEN.... from 2pm-4pm, we will haunt the downstairs to set the tone for the book reading/signing event artist with Bee Stanton. All welcomed! YAY!

SUNDAY STUDIO DAYS - CAILEIGH LAMBIE

 It's Sunday folks, so you know what that means...

WELCOME BACK to our Sunday Studio Days!

This week we are exploring the creative space of Caileigh Lambie!

Caileigh posed with her 16"x40" painting "Sensitive",  available at the gallery!
Click THIS LINK to see the full painting!

 "My “studio” has changed from place to place and room to room so many times I don’t really have a proper set up. At the moment I mostly paint in my dining room, but in the past I’ve also used my bedroom, living room, a den, wherever I can find good lighting, really. My current apartment is pretty dark so I take what I can get."

Caileigh's lovely set up near the window with the good light. 

We asked Caileigh... 

Do you listen to music/tv/podcasts while you work in your studio? If so, what's your

favourite?

"I rotate between listening to music or listening to audiobooks. Usually it’s music. I love finding new albums so most often if I have music on it’s an album that I’ve never listened to before. However right now I’m retraining my focus so I’m not listening to anything while I paint! That way I don’t rely on background noise as a crutch to focus, and I can be more intentional & clear on what I’m doing."

a snap of some of Caileigh's brushes in candle light

-Do you like to work in solitude or with others?

   "I love both! Usually I paint alone but I love doing art hangouts with friends. I also spend most weekends at my boyfriends’ place and we work on our art together in the mornings. It’s a nice change from the usual solitude."

A collection of finished works from Caileigh's studio

What activities outside of your art practice do you like to enjoy?

  "I love being out in nature when the weathers nice, I’m also a huge advocate for having a consistent yoga/meditation practice. Sometimes in the summer I’ll just go to the woods and read, write or meditate amongst the trees. It’s one of my favourite things to do."

a lovely shot from Caileigh's creative space

Do you have a pet/friend that hangs out in the studio with you? Include a pic!

   "My son/cat Kyle spends most days painting with me, he loves to sit on my lap while I paint"

Kyle proudly lounging in front his mom's paintings

Kyle, living the good life

Where do you get your inspiration?

    "I get my inspiration from nature, poetry, music, and whatever ideas my brain conjures up through that. If I feel uninspired it also helps to look at art online and get motivated by all the talented artists. I’m especially inspired by dark imagery/artwork."

Doesn't this look like a wonderful place to spend hours?

Want to see what works we have available from Caileigh?

Check out her ALBUM HERE!

Thank you for reading this week's Sunday Studio Days blog! 

Stay Tuned for more behind the scenes & creative spaces next week!