Artist a day: June 2nd, Andrew MacDonald

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I CANNOT take a good photo 

of this man's work. It's impossible. Or at least it is for me...  

Andrew MacDonald was in yesterday with his most recent painting, in a series of houses that dot the north end of Halifax. Now listen to me very carefully, You MUST see this painting in person!! His windows baffle the mind with their incredible luminosity. This brightness is paired with trees that are hauntingly lit with pretty coloured lights, and set against dark layers of violet sky. MacDonald finishes it all with a heavy coat of resin which 

seals the painting in a glassy finish. 

 "Fuller Terrace" Acrylic and Resin on Canvas 16.5" x 60" Andrew MacDonald $785

Fuller Terrace (Detail)

 (Detail)

 (Detail)

Artist a Day: June 1st, Angela Penton.

 Maybe I should have put the text part of this post above the photos (rather than under) so that I might warn you of possible nudity? Oopsies... I suppose it's too late now. 

Well, you can thank artist Angela Penton for the beautiful figure pictured above. He's been skillfully needle felted, with no details left "behind". And don't worry, we have females too. 

Just ask, and we shall bring them out.  

Adriana decided to prop up this little man on a  bicycle, in tribute to 

the upcoming naked bicycle ride, slated for June 9th.

Are you prepared for this amazing sight?  

Artist a Day: May 31st, Shannon Potter

Artist Shannon Potter is another extraordinary addition to our gallery, who hails from New Brunswick. Her sculptures are delicately shaped and heavily worked, through a multi fired process. When completed, they are fixed on a hearty stone base to balance 

the fine contours of the sculpture itself. 

The end results are emotionally charged, representational works. Shannon has a great ability to inspire through her sculpture, and we think you'll agree

 when you see our collection.    

Anatomy of The Performer: Half figure.  

                       Mid Cal Stoneware. Cone 6 Glazes, Multi-Fired, Shannon Potter

Artist a Day: Steven Rhude

Here you have it. 

Two new pieces by Steven Rhude, that are sure to make our 

seasoned art collectors water at the mouth.

These paintings make perfect examples of his distinct method of capturing our rural landscape. You'll find that his work often pushes the viewer to ask questions: Why Steven, is there a shed in the middle of the road? There doesn't seem to be enough room to drive around on either side...and they look awfully precarious that way. Are they vulnerable in their placement? Or, are they steadfast roadblocks, forcing themselves to be re-evaluated by people passing by?   

Road to Feltzen South, oil on board, 18"x24", Steven Rhude

 Road to Halfway Cove, oil on board,18"x24", Steven Rhude

No mater how you decide to interpret Rhude's works, you'll always find moments of beauty within them. These coarsely textured, and brightly coloured paintings in Steven's trademark poetic realism are now on show at Argyle Fine Art. We encourage you to see them in person if you can. But, if you're outside of our fair city, just let us know and we'll gladly send you 

photo details and descriptions. 

Artist a Day: May 26th, Christine Ostling

Today marks the beginning of international Bike Week, and if you hadn't heard, there are plenty of fun happenings scheduled around the city for all you bike enthusiasts. If you aren't quite sure where to begin, you could swing by the gallery and have a look at our group show, now on display in the front windows! There's a incredibly diverse range of artists and styles represented, all with one common theme... bicycles!  

Here's a beautiful example from the work we have on feature:  

This painting by Christine Ostling is titled 

"The Station Master's Bicycle" measures 19" x 23" and is priced at $399

For more information on Bike Week, have a look at the list of events posted on HRM's website: 

http://www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/index.html

Artist a Day: May25th, Amber Mills

You'll never find a ceramic pot, quite like one made by Amber Mills. 

We've been enthusiastic fans of her work for many years now, and we're excited to see how her work develops as she explores the use of new materials. 

In the meantime, we're thrilled to have a selection of her vessels, bowls, and vases in the gallery, and we encourage you to come have a look before they all get snatched up by collectors. 

Sugar Dish, by Amber Mills $45

Artist a Day: May 24th, Candice Prior

We're delighted to say, that we've just received a diverse collection of hand made jewlery pieces by local artist Candice Prior. After having originally met her through a group show featuring the works of local glass artists, we quickly became admirers of her wares.  

 

Have a look at these exquisite hand made  bubble beads, strung on a simple chains. They're layers of  transparent colours and pattern are hypnotic enough that you'll always want to have them close by. And when they're not being worn, they make beautiful little window hangings!   

These pieces barely scratch the surface of what we've got in store by Candice. 

Come see her collection of niobium earrings, implosion bead rings, 

and double helix pendants on silver chokers!

Painting a Day: May 23rd, Kathy Richards

This is the most recent painting to come through the door, created by our very talented friend, Kathy Richards. You'll notice the perfectly rendered bicycle leaning against a post, which makes it an excellent addition to our group show for international bike week.  

 Coburg Coffee 12" x 12" Acrylic on Canvas Kathy Richards

Kathy has a way of taking familiar spaces around Halifax, and turning them into delightfully cheerful snapshots of our city. You won't find a dull sky in any of her paintings... her palette is so bright, that you'll find yourself smiling at them without hesitation. 

Thanks Kathy, I think we all need that from time to time :D  

PUT A BIKE ON IT! Vrooom vroom......

Howdy everyone!
Since we're all back from an extra loooong weekend of beautiful sunshine, we thought a bike inspired blog post might make a nice pick me up on a drizzly Tuesday. Many of you may be getting your bikes out for a polish and a tune-up, in preparation for the beautiful summer ahead? Well, you've got great timing because next week is International Bike Wee! In celebration, we'll be featuring some fabulous bike themed artworks created by a diverse selection of local artists.

If YOU have created artwork of inspired by cycling in some way, get in touch with us via phone or email before the end of the day!! The deadline for submissions is midnight, tonight!

Here is just one example; a lamp made entirely out of bike parts by William Rudolph. The shade is woven handlebar wrap. So so amazing!!!

TODAY: OPENING RECEPTION, ADRIENNE GODBOUT!

If you're anywhere within the HRM today, we suggest stopping into the gallery to see the latest works by Adrienne Godbout. Adrienne has driven in all the way from New Brunswick, especially for the occasion, and we hope you'll join us in the celebration.

Click here to see the entire show online.

We'll also have the ever wonderful Ed Beals on hand, with his incredible collection of Fold Ed's!!!

FOLDed! Ed Beals comes up with yet, another amazing thing!

If you've ever had the pleasure in meeting artist Ed  Beals, then you know that he is always dreaming up new amazing works of art that continue to astound and impress....and often make us smile. His latest creation is no exception!

Ed has created FOLD-ED's which are Fun Paper Toys created by Ed Beals that you cut out and assemble yourself! They are perfect for all ages and make the perfect gift that also can do double duty as one of the most amazing cards your friends will ever receive!  Ed is keen to design new creations such as these, so if you have a business that has a mascot or a theme, he'd like to create an extra special FOLD-ED just for you too!

In the meantime, please drop by the gallery and Ed's website at www.foldedfun.wordpress.com to see all the works and this Saturday, May 19th, 2pm-3:30pm you can meet Ed in person and purchase a few FOLD-ed's ...they are $8 each or three for $20!

Here is a sample of how to assemble one of these wonderful paper creations:

pssttt....Ed Beals is one of the selected artists that will transform our gallery into a sci-fi world of amazingness for this years NOCTURNE, happening on October 13th. Worth a trip to Halifax folks! That night is amazing!

Artist a Day: Becky Thompson

Warning: Prepare yourselves for a level of sweetness unseen on the gallery blog in some time now. These paper mache boats by Becky Thompson are painted in the most cheerful pops of colour, and adorned with wonderful details like canvas sails, and little paper rudders. 

Find your perfect match with these handmade boats, 

each named charmingly to suit the boat's personality.     

 Make sure you swing by the gallery on SATURDAY to see these cuties in person. Becky will be in sometime tomorrow with the delivery, and by Saturday, we'll have them up on show!