Blog/Newsletter

Art Inspiration: As an artist, I spend much of my time in the studio creating, and out in nature taking in the beauty of my surroundings. I was fortunate to be in Europe during the summer and was so inspired by the amazing art and architecture in Italy, the seaside villages, and the rolling hills. And breathing in the beauty of the mountains in Switzerland feeds my heart and soul. Although most of my work is abstract, the joy and enthusiasm I experience in nature, exploring the city, traveling near and afar, and listening to music is expressed in my work.

Some days I feel more inspired than others. No matter what, I simply begin, let go of any preconceived ideas, explore, and let myself be curious. As I tune in and let go, and work through the layers of a painting, it begins to unfold. In the process of spontaneity and discernment, I allow my best authentic work to emerge. Sometimes it takes awhile; other times, it happens more quickly. Working on several pieces at a time helps in the process as one painting informs the other.

Art Exhibitions: It’s a great feeling to participate in art shows and get my work out there for others to enjoy. It’s also a wonderful way to feel part of a community of artists and art appreciators all over the world.

Nature’s Inspiration

This abstract painting was inspired by my walks along the water and through the neighborhood and parks, taking in the beauty of the colourful gardens. It was juried into the current Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) Abstract Exhibition. Exhibition dates: September 19 – October 1, 2023

A Light-filled Day

This painting was juried into the recent FCA’s Vancouver Salon Exhibition, September 5-17, 2023.

It was inspired by my love of nature, seeing how the light changes as the day moves on, and the feeling of peace, joy, and expansion on my walks along the water.

The Dance of Letting Go

This painting was juried into the upcoming Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) Limitless Online Exhibition. Exhibition dates: September 25 – October 8.

When I paint, I feel the rhythm and flow of tuning in and letting go. And, I love to dance. This abstract painting expresses the joy, movement, and energy of that experience.

Some New Artwork

‘Cherish the Moments’ came together in stages when I allowed myself to let go, be in the moment, and let it happen. ‘Light in the Garden’ is an abstract expression of the joy I experience in a beautiful garden with the light shining through.

       Cherish the Moments                                 Light in the Garden

The 'Healing Power of Elements 2023' Exhibition

I'm very happy that my painting ‘The Joy of Intricate Flow' (below) was selected to be in 'The Healing Power of Elements 2023' online exhibition that runs September 4 to November 4 on The Healing Power of Art & Artists website https://www.healing-power-of-art.org/the-healing-power-of-elements-exhibition/

The Healing Power of Art and Artists organization is a global community of Artists & Advocates. It's an initiative of Manhattan Arts International, NYC, NY.

Enjoy the wonderful and inspiring variety of art in this exhibition!

If you have any questions, and/or are interested in purchasing any of my artwork, please contact me through my website or send me a DM on Instagram @heathermacneilart

Please feel free to pass along this email to anyone you know who might be interested. If they would like to join my mailing list to receive occasional updates, they can do so at https://heathermacneil.com/mailing_list

Thank you for your support, for taking the time to explore my website, for reading my newsletter/blog, and for appreciating art. Painting brings me joy, and I hope my artwork brings you joy as well.

Best,

Heather
 

As the Artist in Residence for the month of May, I am very happy to have 50 paintings of varying sizes on display at the Coast Hotel Victoria, located at 146 Kingston Street, near Fisherman’s Wharf. https://www.coasthotels.com/coast-victoria-hotel-and-marina-by-apa

My paintings are on display in the hotel lobby and the adjoining Blue Crab Restaurant. https://www.bluecrab.ca/ overlooking the water. Most of my paintings are abstract, however I’ve also included a few representational pieces such as 'Coastal Light' (see below).

If you’re in the area, please stop by to take a look! Although I won’t be painting on site, I am happy to answer any inquiries about my art or stop by to meet with you. Shipping can also be arranged. https://www.heathermacneil.com/contact

Nature Inspires!

While working on some new pieces, I am continually inspired by nature on my daily walks along the water. Although my art is mostly abstract, I also have some semi-abstract pieces. As I work through the layers of the painting, the energy I experience in nature is expressed with vibrant colours, rhythm, and movement and through a feeling of freshness, peacefulness, and joy.

The 'Healing Power of Color 2023' Exhibition

I'm very happy that my painting ‘Happy Vibes' (below) was selected to be in 'The Healing Power of Color 2023' Exhibition' that runs May 8 to July 8 on The Healing Power of Art & Artists website https://www.healing-power-of-art.org/the-healing-power-of-color-2023-exhibition/

The Healing Power of Art and Artists organization is a global community of Artists & Advocates. It's an initiative of Manhattan Arts International, NYC, NY.

Enjoy the wonderful and inspiring variety of colorful art in this exhibition!

Color plays a big part in my work. I find it uplifting and it brings me joy. I invite the viewer to connect with their own experience of color in my work.

If you have any questions, and/or are interested in purchasing any of my artwork, please contact me through my website or send me a DM on Instagram @heathermacneilart

If you know anyone who would like to join my mailing list to receive occasional updates, they can do so at https://heathermacneil.com/mailing_list

Thank you for your support, for taking the time to explore my website, for reading my newsletter/blog, and for appreciating art. Painting brings me joy, and I hope my artwork brings you joy as well.

Best,

Heather

The cherry blossoms are blooming, flowers are opening, and things are warming up – weather-wise and with new creative inspirations! I love my daily walks along the water and find so much inspiration in nature! Although my art is abstract, the energy of joy, enthusiasm, and appreciation I feel when out in nature finds it’s way in my work.

I am happy to say I will be the Artist in Residence at the Coast Hotel Victoria again this year during the month of May. I will have 45 paintings on display in a variety of sizes in the Blue Crab Restaurant and in the lobby. If you’re in the area, please drop by and enjoy a feast of vibrant art!

This new piece will be included entitled: ‘New Connections’, 24” x 24”. It brings me joy to connect with people who appreciate art and resonate with my work, and it's wonderful to connect with other artists in the art community, online and locally.

This piece came together when I decided to up level it, let go of what wasn’t working, and bring new life to it! As in life, letting go of what isn’t working is empowering and uplifting. As spring arrives and nature opens up, it’s a reminder that we have the choice to renew, refresh, and elevate.

These new pieces have been added to my website and will also be on display at the Coast Hotel.

I am also happy to be participating in Gallery George’s online shop with a selection of ten paintings. https://www.thegallerygeorge.com/shop They recently opened a new gallery in Gastown in Vancouver so if you’re in the area, stop by to enjoy the art!

Vibrant Dance and Happy Vibes were submitted to the ‘Healing Power of Colour’ online exhibition put on by The Healing Power of Art & Artists (HPAA), 'a community of artists, arts advocates, and writers dedicated to raising awareness about how art enhances the well-being of individuals,  society, and the environment'. Take a look at the wonderful selection of art displayed on their website along with interesting and inspiring articles. https://www.healing-power-of-art.org

If you have any questions, and/or are interested in purchasing any of my artwork, please contact me through my website https://www.heathermacneil.com/contact or send me a DM on Instagram @heathermacneilart

Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to anyone you know who might be interested in visiting my website and signing up for my occasional newsletters. https://www.heathermacneil.com/mailing_list

Thank you for your support, for taking the time to explore my website, for reading my newsletter/blog, and for appreciating art. Painting brings me joy, and I hope my artwork brings you joy as well.

Happy Spring!

Best,

Heather

It’s been a good year with being the Artist in Residence at the Coast Hotel during the month of April, having my paintings in exhibitions in Vancouver and Victoria, and connecting with art collectors and artist friends.

Thought I’d share with you a recent piece I just finished entitled: ‘Happy Exploring’

This painting has been calling me…I thought it was finished and yet I wasn’t happy with it. Then I dove in, let go, tuned in, and let it speak to me. The message was: ‘it’s worth exploring’.

When we dare to explore, move forward, and embrace life, we open ourselves to hidden treasures that come to the surface. Sometimes it’s something we have to let go of in order to grow and expand; sometimes it’s something we have to open up to and receive.

I am so thankful for my daily art practice and for my creative spirit. It keeps things flowing, and helps me to get in touch with my inner knowing.

‘Small Treasures’

For a selection of small pieces of artwork ranging in size from 8” x 8” to 11” x 14”, take a look on my website in my ‘Small Works’ Gallery. They make great gifts for others, and for yourself any time of the year.

If you have any questions, and/or are interested in purchasing any of my artwork, please contact me through my website or send me a DM on Instagram: @heathermacneilart

Thank you for your support, for taking the time to ‘explore’ my website, and for reading my newsletter/blog. Painting brings me joy, and I hope my artwork brings you joy as well.

All the very best this holiday season, and for happiness and good health in the new year!

Peace and joy to all,

Heather

After a beautiful, warm, sunny summer, Fall has arrived! As I continue to go on walks to the water...rain or shine, wind or light breeze...I am always inspired by nature. Although I currently am focusing on abstract compositions, I bring the energy and joy I experience in nature into my artwork.

My painting ‘The Journey’ was juried into the FCA Victoria Chapter Fall Exhibition ‘Shadow and Light’ at the Fortune Gallery, 537 Fisgard Street in downtown Victoria, November 1–12. The opening reception is Tuesday, November 1^st, 6:30-8 pm. If you’re in the area, stop by to enjoy the wonderful array of art. You can also view the exhibition online at https://federationgallery.com during the exhibition dates. The gallery hours are 12-5 pm Tuesday – Sunday, closed on Mondays.

This abstract painting has taken me on a journey of discovery as I worked through the layers, and let the composition evolve. The interplay of light, shadow, shape, and movement come together to express depth and harmony.

Below are some new small pieces I've been working on. Enjoy the warm and vibrant colours! I'll be posting them on my website soon...stay tuned!

Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to anyone you know who might be interested in visiting my website and signing up for my occasional newsletters www.heathermacneil.com/mailing_list

Happy creating in whatever way inspires you!

Best, Heather

I am happy to be participating in several upcoming art exhibitions through the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) https://artists.ca

My painting entitled ‘Vibrant Dance’ will be on display in the FCA Victoria Exhibition ‘Fresh Start’ at the Fortune Gallery at 537 Fisgard Street in Victoria June 21-July 2. The opening reception is Tuesday, June 21, 6:30-8 pm. You can also view the exhibition online at https://federationgallery.com during the exhibition dates. The gallery hours are 12-5 pm Tuesday – Sunday, closed on Mondays

This abstract painting expresses the vitality of new growth through the interplay of vibrant colours, movement, and gestural marks.

Another painting entitled ‘It’s a wrap’ was accepted into the FCA ‘On the Edge’ Online Exhibition, June 27-July 17. Paintings will also be on display in the FCA gallery on Granville Island in Vancouver. To see the online exhibition, click on https://federationgallery.com during these dates.

'On the Edge' is the Federation's annual challenge for artists to test their limits and push their creative boundaries.

My painting 'It's a wrap' was inspired by the colourful mess of torn up wrapping paper. Although I enjoy working spontaneously, I felt I needed to ‘tidy this piece up’, however I heard the inner voice tell me to stop, ‘it’s a wrap’, and it reminded me that sometimes we push our boundaries by simply letting go and letting it happen.

‘Keep Dancing’ has been accepted into the FCA Abstracted Exhibition in Vancouver August 15 – 28. It can also be seen online at https://federationgallery.com during the exhibition dates.

Through colours, shapes, and lines, this painting expresses movement and flow. As this painting was coming together, it reminded me to ‘keep dancing’ with the rhythm of life. As someone who enjoys music and dancing, I often incorporate movement and rhythm in my work. Whether it is dancing, walking, exercising, Qigong, Tai Chi, I find that movement and connecting to my creativity balances the energy, and keeps it flowing.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my website and read my blog! Let me know if you have any questions or comments. www.heathermacneil.com/contact

Welcome to my first blog! I recently upleveled my website and decided it’s time to write my first blog to share some of my experiences with you.

Recently, I had the opportunity to be the Artist in Residence at the Coast Victoria Hotel during the month of April. It was a wonderful opportunity to display 46 of my paintings in the hotel lobby and in the Blue Crab restaurant. I love sharing my artwork with others, and making new connections.

Included in the display was a grouping of matted acrylic and gouache paintings with the series title ‘Expanding Joy’. During the challenges of the last couple of years, my art has helped me to keep the energy flowing and to be in the present moment. Day by day, moment by moment, the journey continues. I am so grateful for my creative spirit. I believe in the healing power of art both for the artist and for the viewer.

Although I love working on medium to large canvases, I also enjoy the freedom of exploring and experimenting with new techniques on paper and will be adding to my ‘Expanding Joy’ series.

Currently, I have several paintings at Central Art Studio & Gallery at the Bay Centre in downtown Victoria. There's a wonderful array of art there to enjoy if you're in the area or you can check it out online.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. It is my hope that my art inspires others!

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