art
Whether you’re a writer, an artist, photographer, or just love being creative; we’ve all experienced artist’s block. Lucky for us, there are plenty of artistic places in Toronto to spark inspiration. Or just some fun things to do during this pandemic.
Read MoreBefore we dive into the history of abstract expressionism, we must examine the foundation that was placed before it in originating abstract art. Abstract art has its origins in the 19th century and can be described as “art that is not a representation of something from the visible world.” The shift from art being imitation to an expression of the imagination began to take place slightly before WWI with artists like Robert Delaunay, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Vladimir Tatlin starting to create art with no recognizable objects. Between WWI and WWII, abstract art had seen very little growth due to totalitarian politics along with a resurgence in realism and surrealism. It was the chaos caused by WW2 that helped birth the movement known as abstract expressionism.
“9” by Toronto artist Daniel Mercier featured in Twist Gallery’s “Abstracting the Extract” January/February 2020 Exhibit
During the late 1930s, as WW2 was impending, many European artists that practiced surrealism had migrated to the United States. During this time, the surrealists’ drive to create art that examined an undermining reality-based human consciousness, in addition to the anxiety and trauma experienced through the world wars, had caused artists to value art as an expression of the self and chaos within the subconscious. After the war, when the United States found itself in a time of economic despair and cultural identity crisis, abstract expressionism became America’s first real contribution to the international modern art world and lead to the eventual dominance that came along with it.
Three Approaches to Abstract Expressionism
Action Painting
Action painting is characterized by random, loose, rapid and sometimes forceful handling of paint by brushstroke or techniques partially controlled by chance such as dripping or spilling paint onto the canvas. This style was most commonly used by painters Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, and Willem de Cooning.
Abstract Impressionism
Abstract impressionism is seen as a middle ground between imitation and expressionism. This style can be described as more structured than action art but still very abstract in terms of shapes and techniques used. This style was popularized by artists Philip Guston, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, and Adolph Gottlieb.
“Sunlight” by Toronto artist Anna Medvedeva featured in Twist Gallery’s “Abstracting the Extract” January/February 2020 Exhibit
Colour-field Technique/Meditation
The final approach to abstract expressionism doesn’t really have a name, but for the purpose of calling it something, we will refer to it as the “colour-field technique”. This approach describes an artist that uses large fields of colour and specific abstract images to invoke a meditative experience in the viewer. Barnett Newman, Ad Reinhart and especially Mark Rothko specialized in this approach to abstract expressionism.
A wife and a mother of four kids, our “Colour Me Bold” artist Megan Tracy is also a full time photographer.
What inspires your art?
I think that I am most inspired by nature. The ocean, flowers, the sky would be my main, but color combinations could also come from music, fashion, interiors and other areas of design that I love.
Isleys (1 of 2), 12” by 12”, $280 for both
What medium and technique do you use?
I use resin with acrylic and alcohol inks.
Faith, 8” by 10”, $140
Walk us through your process of creating a piece.
When I start a piece, believe it or not it begins with music. Whatever vibe I’m feeling that day, I pick a playlist. Lay out my materials and off we go. I create. Sometimes there’s a plan in my head, sometimes it just goes wherever it goes.
Supreme,16” by 20”, $250
How did you start out as an artist?
I’m a photographer full time, so creating this type of art was really just exchanging people for acrylic and resin.
Green, 5” by 7”, $100
Do you use bold colours for a specific reason?
I love color. I do have my “go to“ colors, although most of them are usually bold color selections.
Born and raised in Toronto and an OCAD grad, her main focus as an artist is to make people feel like they want to touch the work.
What inspires your art?
Inspiration can be something hidden in anything for me. It could be a dream, or a moment. Driving behind a slow truck or going for a walk. It doesn’t discriminate when it will show up or go away. Mainly, it’s that moment when the light bulb goes on.
Jet Stream, 48” by 24”, $520
What medium and technique do you use?
The medium I use mostly is acrylic paints. I have mixed paints with oil, water, sand. Experimenting with different techniques is important for me. I don’t want to stay in a box and my style is constantly changing.
Eva’s Kaleidoscope, 48” by 24”, $520
Walk us through a process of creating your art?
Usually it comes with an idea. A colour or colours I want to use. Starting off with a base of what colours to use, the piece usually evolves from there. Commission work used to feel daunting, but I enjoy getting the customers vision. I enjoy working off a commissions energy.
The Creation of Simone, 48” by 24”, $420
Is there a specific piece that stands out to you?
I love ‘The Creation of Simone.’ it’s colours, vibrancy, structure.
Appropriate Thoughts, 36” by 24”, $300
How did you start out as an artist?
Really young I decided I wanted to be really good at drawing. I wasn’t. So I practiced a lot to get better. My only goal for a long time being young was to be an artist. Be good at making people feel something from something I made. I moved through so many mediums before I found abstract art.
Florida Fish, 40” by 30”, $500
Do you use bold colours for a specific reason?
Go big. Use big colours. Colours that will make the viewer feel something. A memory. A taste. It’s important for some work to even make people feel uncomfortable. It may not work in a bedroom or living space, but why not? Sometimes what’s in the background should be bigger than what’s in front of your face. Colour is magical.
What inspires your art?
In a word: colour. I know that sounds simplistic, but I thrive on bright and bold colours. I love colour and look for it everywhere! I take photos of anything that catches my eye, whether it's traveling or simply day-to-day life, and get a lot of ideas for colour palettes from life. My process can also be very collaborative. The majority of the pieces I have created have been special requests. While working with a patron may seem to allow for less freedom, it is so flattering to be asked (and trusted) to paint something so personal for someone. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and produced some of my best work.
“Magnificent Mile” acrylic on canvas (20”x 20”) $300
Can you talk about your process? What tools do you use to create?
I work with acrylics primarily because they allow for the bright, bold colour palettes with which I love to work. While mostly brush work, I like to experiment with different tools and techniques to add variety to my work. Especially when working on abstract pieces, I use palette knives to layer paint in different ways and then add washes of colour to help unify everything on the canvas. Almost no brushes are used in the making of the abstract pieces in the show!
“Jaxx” acrylic on canvas, courtesy off Jessica Robbins.
When did you first discover art? Are you self-taught or did you go to school for it?
I always loved art class in school. I had such a passion I knew I wanted to make it my life. I studied Fine Art (and Law) at the University of Guelph and was able to experiment with so many different mediums. In school I worked mostly in sculpture, wood working, metal works, plaster mold making, I love using my hands. Painting came a bit later, but it is where I found myself. Friends started asking for small pieces (my first few requests were dog portraits) and over the past six years I have been able to work at my own pace and really refine my style. I am also a high school art teacher and am so lucky to be able to share my passion with my students and be surrounded by something I love every day!
Jessica Robbins
What is your personal goal as an artist?
At the beginning of 2019, my goal was to work towards an exhibition in a public space. Getting the show at Twist was a huge accomplishment for me. Moving forward, I would love to continue to work towards more shows in the GTA and creating pieces for a solo exhibition. One of my pieces for "Energy" is a streetscape of Kensington Market and I would like to work towards a series of similar pieces inspired by different neighbourhoods around the city. Toronto has such a rich diversity of architecture which lends itself very generously to artwork.
“Kensington” acrylic on canvas (24”x 48”) $850
Do you have a particular piece that has a special connection to you?
I loved working on Kensington. The colours, the inherent culture, the vibrancy - everything about the neighbourhood shouts "Energy". I really wanted to showcase this in my painting and am happy with the result. My artistic collection of work varies from portraits to abstract pieces, but this was the painting that tied everything together. I used this piece as the focal point for my show as I am most proud of it.
Energy at Twist
Don’t miss out on this exhibition Queen West! Be sure to visit us at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest artists featured. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.
You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.
And since you’re here, why not browse the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!
Source: @tanmay.art
“I'm a Toronto based marketer, passionately in love with colours. My venture into the joys of merging colours with canvas only began very recently. I look forward to seeing where this new voice for expression will lead. I enjoy creating abstract art - using acrylics primarily - and try to evoke a sense of beauty and inspiration through the interactions between colours as they find their place on the canvas. I endeavour to create pieces that produce the same passion for colours in others that I have always felt.”
“54 Shades of Happiness”, acrylic on canvas (32 x 48”), $600
“I LOVE LOVE LOVE colours. They make me happy, energize me and inspire me. My lifelong love for colours started quite early in my childhood. I grew up in a culture that is very colour-centric and that affected my sensibilities in the most positive way. My work on display at Twist Gallery screams COLOUR. I have employed bold, vibrant colours in a congrous manner, laid on the canvas using non-traditional painting tools. All my pieces also explore order in chaos. There is a sense of controlled randomness.”
“And a Very Good Evening to You Too Mr. Rothko”, acrylic on canvas (32 x 48”), $600
“Energy, to me, is the invigorating power of colours. Colours have immense transformative powers and are capable of affecting our moods and general well being. I hope that my work is able to channel this energy and help people feel the joy.”
Don’t miss this fantastic exhibition! Be sure to visit us at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest artists featured. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.
You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.
And since you’re here, why not browse the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!
Meet Courtney Senior!
Source: Courtneyseniorart.com
A Bit About Me
“I am a self-taught abstract artist located in Toronto, Canada.
“Ever since I was little I would immerse myself in creative activities - from colouring and drawing to painting and writing. Despite my passion for the arts, as I got older it took a backseat to sports.
“While I was in university, I experienced several years of severe anxiety, which led me back to art. It seemed to be the only thing that would ease my angst and bring my mind back to serenity.
“As my anxiety subsided and as I pursued my career in marketing, painting was pushed to the sidelines again; that is until my late-20’s when I lost my father in a sudden accident and went through very difficult life changes. From that moment on, I spent every free minute I had painting. I used it as an opportunity to put all of the emotions I couldn't express verbally into a form that helped my grieve and ultimately helped me heal.
“I created so many pieces of artwork that my condo quickly became a studio. At first, selling my work did not seem like an option. I didn't know where to start, it seemed like a scary road of trying to figure out where to sell, how to market myself, pricing, shipping, packaging etc.
“Whatever Comes Next” acrylic on canvas (48”x 36”) $1,475
“And I wasn't in it for the money. I loved creating and loved sharing it with people. So, I thought why not just give it away? But as a marketer, I knew I should come up with something that made more of an impact, had some longevity could be tracked.
“I initiated a social project called #ArtandFound. I would neatly package up my work with a note on the outside that read: Hello, I'm an original abstract painting in need of a loving home. FREE ART #ArtandFound.
“I would also leave a note on the inside saying who I was, what the painting was about and contact information for anyone who wanted to follow up with me. I would leave them around different neighbourhoods in the city and hope that someone would pick them up. The response was so incredible that eventually it gave me the confidence to open an Etsy shop.
“The first day I posted my work, someone purchased a painting! I was overwhelmed with excitement and I haven't looked back since. That was 5 years ago and I still spend every spare minute I have painting and building my business.”
Courtney Senior
“Where the Magic Happens” acrylic on canvas (48”x 48”) $2,000
“What seems like serendipitous movement is actually a reflection of life – it’s the journey of making bold decisions, connecting with your inner renegade and embracing the highs and the lows and everything in between.”
Courtney
“Forget About the Pretty Things”
“This collection looks beyond first sight. It’s not about the beautiful colours or about matching trendy decor. It’s my introspection of life. Through the lens of synesthesia, I use movement to capture experiences, relationships and moments no matter how profound or mundane. This is my interpretation of life and trying to find beauty, meaning and mindfulness in both the simplicities and complexities of daily life.
“Cosmic Horizon – 03” acrylic on canvas (36”x 48”) $1,475
Thoughts on Energy?
“Energy is the essence of all of my work. The energy I embody from daily experiences, musings, encounters etc. is exactly what I am trying to convey through movement on canvas, no matter what the source.”
Courtney Senior
Energy at Twist
Don’t miss this wonderful exhibition!
Be sure to visit us at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest artists featured. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.
You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.
And since you’re here, why not browse the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!
Our exhibit, Energy, has a special place in Ela’s heart, quite literally. She started painting late last year after suffering a heart attack at 48 years old. This event jolted her onto a new life trajectory that includes a special focus on art.
Ela’s Heart
She bravely took fear from this traumatic experience and used it to facilitate a new love and appreciation for life. For her, energy translates to life. While inspiration sometimes comes to her in dreams, her paintings always exude pure, raw emotion.
“Catharsis” acrylic on canvas (30”x 40”) $750
While she hates talking about herself, her art does the speaking for her. Her piece, “Catharsis” illustrates a purge from repressed emotions and the subsequent relief created through this expression. The deep yet bright red oscillating lines seem to call to the lines created on a heart rate monitor. This new heartbeat is painted over the dark background, representing the new life created out of trauma. The thick textures create dimension, making the piece come to life, much like she did. It hangs on the wall with her other works seemingly radiating from it and creates a storyboard on the gallery wall for her experiences.
“Energy to me is life. All my paintings are driven by pure emotion. Some have come to me in dreams. I really don’t know how else to explain it. It’s raw emotion.”
- Elizabeth “Ela” Szymczak
Energy at Twist
Don’t miss this rest of this amazing collection! Be sure to visit Twist at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest exhibits. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.
You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.
And since you’re here, why not browse the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!
Elena Dinissuk is a painter who works out of her home studio in Mississauga, ON. Elena has always felt like an artistic soul; she took to painting later in life, and is constantly working on perfecting her technique. Elena’s main medium is acrylic. She likes acrylic due to its vibrancy and versatility. She started by painting landscapes inspired by Ontario’s outdoors, and has since branched out to abstract works. This has taken her to a new direction.
“Sunlight Through a Foggy Forest” acrylic on wood, (12”x 16”) $220
Elena uses acrylic gels and modeling paste to add opaque and transparent layers, as well as texture, to her work. Her style is distinct and memorable, with paintings containing movement, flow and positive energy. Elena enjoys painting by palette knife (pictured below), and teaches her technique to art schools when invited.
A palette knife (source: Pexels)
Elena is proud to say that she’s been participating in art shows and exhibits since 2017. Both her landscapes and abstract works have been featured in juried exhibitions. Elena has twice participated in the prestigious Paint Ontario, at the Lambton Heritage Museum. She later went on to be included in the Impact 2018 Juried Show and Overzealous 2018, both at Neilson Park Creative Centre in Etobicoke. Elena has also been included in group gallery shows in Propeller Gallery, and Artusiasm Gallery. She has also participated in art shows in Mississauga, and in Riverdale Artwalk 2019.
Elena with her work. You can follow her @lenadv_art and #lenadv_art
Elena strives to promote joy and peace through her work, while making people think and feel.
Dinissuk’s latest collection at Twist!
It highlights air, water, and earth elemental energy! The earth energy is warm and grounding, the water energy is rejuvenating, and the air energy is clean and fresh.
“My paintings are inspired by landscapes. Sometimes I incorporate all three of these elements, sometimes I concentrate on only one.”
-Elena Dinissuk
Energy at Twist
Don’t miss this fantastic exhibition! Be sure to visit us at 1100 Queen Street West and check out our newest artists featured. Our doors are open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am till 6pm.
You can call us at (416) 588 - 2222 or email your questions and inquiries to info@twistgallery.ca.
And since you’re here, why not browse the Twist Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Follow us @Twistgalleryand @TwistGallery!
So, you’ve just fallen in love with a piece of art you’ve seen in your local art gallery. You know that it would be the PERFECT addition to your home, so you pass through and buy it. The gallery director puts a little red sticker on it, signifying that this particular piece is spoken for; its dance card is full. Now comes the hard part: waiting for the exhibition to be over, so you can proudly display your new cherished treasure. But how should one display art? There must be rules to follow or a guideline? Sort of. Below are Twist Gallery’s 3 Tips for Hanging a Painting. Enjoy!
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3 TIPS FOR HANGING A PAINTING
🎨 Hang a painting by its focal point.
Every piece of art is exceptional and different. Art tells unique stories, boasts diverse triumphs and impacts viewers individually. Therefore, it’s your job; nay your duty, scratch that; your privilege to decide where the art’s focal point is located. Essentially, the focal point, is where the viewer’s eye is naturally drawn. Often times, this is the centre of the painting, however many artists play with asymmetry in space and varying scale. So, what does that mean? It’s up to you! You fell in love with this painting for a reason. Where does your eye naturally fall on the canvas? This part of the painting should be hung level with your eye.
For instance, check out this vivid piece by Sandra Di Leo below.
Figure 1 “Rebel” by Sandra Di Leo; 30 X 40 acrylic on canvas; $2,100
At Twist, we’ve been debating where one’s eye instinctively falls on Di Leo’s work. Some follow the curves of the powerful black lines reaching rest inside the circular shapes. However, other eyes tend to focus on the bright colours, especially the electrifying greens and glowing pinks. Wherever you decide the focal point is located, it should be hung close to eye level.
🎨 Carefully think about lighting the artwork.
Lighting can be tricky, especially if you don’t have track mounted lights at your home. You want to avoid direct sunlight because it can be very damaging to surfaces. Try to mount the art in a room with lots of natural indirect light. Also, you’ll want to give your artwork even light. This is why many gallery’s mount works on walls with numerous light sources to ensure an even amount of light bathing the canvas. Lastly, consider the type of light (if not natural light). Fluorescent light is awful for dramatic art. You’d be wise to stick with bulbs and light sources that replicate soft daylight. For example, take a glance at Courtney Senior’s “Where the Magic Happens”.
Figure 2 “Where the Magic Happens” by Courtney Senior; 48 x 48 acrylic on canvas; $2,000
As the bright colours shatter and splinter apart revealing the strong dark tones of the background, Senior’s expression is fully realized. A robust piece such as this requires a room full of indirect light. Any direct sunshine or incandescent light would overwhelm the already strong colour pallet presented.
🎨 Group pieces of art together for dramatic effect.
When you are decorating a space, consider how several paintings can work together. Perhaps the canvas’ were created by the same artist and represent similar thematic elements or feelings? Conversely, this can work when the paintings are dissimilar. Imagine the contrast and complication to viewers by pairing pieces that clash or challenge each other. Can you think of a time when artistic elements clashed so strongly that the effect was incredibly profound and memorable? After all, art is about expression and creativity. Ultimately, it's up to you. Consider the work of Elena Dinissuk featured next.
Figure 3 “Beach Tranquility” by Elena Dinissuk; 24 x 24 acrylic on wood; $500
Figure 4 “Flying Over the Ocean” by Elena Dinissuk; 24 x 24 acrylic on wood; $500
These two pieces compliment and accent each other. The wild and energetic ocean waters of the first painting is referenced by the same blue hues in the second. Furthermore, viewers regard the land and sky embodied with oranges and pale blues in the second painting. This only highlights the lack of land in the first painting. As viewers begin to consider both paintings simultaneously, they see elements that are repeated and elements that exists individually. Dinissuk’s work instigates an exciting story of the majestic mighty ocean and our beautiful planet.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our 3 tips for hanging a painting. And if you think we’ve missed anything, please comment below and let us know your tips. We’d also love to hear from anyone who has purchased from Twist Gallery in the past. How did you hang your art? Share a picture on Instagram and remember to tag us! @twistgalley
And since you’re here, why not check out the other artists in our Artist Showcase? CLICK HERE.
To see what’s Upcoming at Twist Gallery CLICK HERE.
Keep us in your focal point by following us @Twistgallery and @TwistGallery!
