Gavin Berg's recent additions

Gavin Berg is a rookie photographer, concentrating on landscape and nature photography.

Check out his latest work...

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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Dominik Modlinski's painting journeys. http://paintingjourneys.com/

(exclusive to stoodio8, Maritta Renz) Dominik Modlinski's website http://paintingjourneys.com/  has a very appropriate name that accurately reflects years of painting his experiences and journeys through life. 

Dominik Modlinski, originally from Warsaw, Poland, knew at the age of 4 that he was destined to be an artist and between the ages of 5 - 16 studied printmaking with a master printmaker.   He also studied jewellery making and metal smithing in high school.  At 16, Dominik moved to Ontario, Canada where he later studied fine arts and graduated with honours from the Ontario College of Art and Design.   Finding a passion for landscape painting, and experiencing the Canadian wilderness, Dominik moved to the Algoma district, east of Lake Superior, to continue his independent studies at the Algoma School of Landscape Art.

  

In 1995, after receiving a grant from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Dominik embarked a 4-month cycling-painting trip from Whitehorse Yukon, to Vancouver. While in the Yukon, Dominik ventured into Atlin, BC.  Accepting an offer to teach at the Atlin Art Centre, this became his new home.  Atlin, with a population of around 412 is not an easy place to call home, but is a fantastic gateway to the uninhabited great white north, perfect for a landscape artist who is up to the challenge that comes with exploring its glory.

  

In 2001, having established himself as a professional landscape artist, Dominik moved to Calgary to further his career.  He was represented, first, by the Masters Gallery in Calgary and now by Canada House in Banff where he has sold many paintings.  Alberta has been great for him, he says.  Other representations include, John A. Libby Fine Art- Toronto Ontario, Elliott Louis Gallery- Vancouver, BC, Mountain Galleries - Whistler, BC, and of course, his website http://paintingjourneys.com/. Dominik has found his greatest inspirations throughout Alaska and northern British Columbia.  This year's expedition is in the Mackenzie Mountain range between the Laird and Peet rivers and St. Elias Mountains in Yukon and Alaska.

  

Over the past sixteen years, Dominik found himself exploring and capturing the raw wilderness in watercolour and oils.  He has worked in very remote locations that are inaccessible to most.  Enduring extreme environmental conditions, whether in Greenland, Yukon, Alaska, across Canada and beyond, the “wilderness” is his studio.  Dominik paints on location, difficult and challenging in many ways.  Consider his encounters with over a hundred grizzly bears; cold temperatures and extreme weather conditions; and how about losing three paintings due to high winds after rolling his kayak in the cold northern ocean and spending forty-five minutes swimming to shore while worrying about preserving other paintings floating in plastic nearby. He has produced great pieces while on a Russian ice breaker in Antarctica, in the high Arctic and across to Greenland. Some other expeditions included traveling into the Chilean Andes from Patagonia in Argentina, and earlier this year, a four week excursion in Japan.  His upcoming show in North Vancouver at Biltons Art Centre, is organized by his long time publisher and agent: Nature’s Scene - http://www.naturesscene.com/ and includes twenty four pieces painted on location in Japan and two more large studio works painted upon his return.

  

Dominik enjoys the personal contact and the visiting that goes along with his showings.  In my conversation with him, I felt his intriguing and invaluable presence.  If you are fortunate enough to own one of his pieces, you surely understand that beyond the artistic talent, the art speaks of the experience and a story.  As Dominik offered insight into his art through his experiences and adventures, I recalled examples of what he was saying in the images he has tastefully displayed on his website http://paintingjourneys.com/ His passion for telling the story is shown best in his art and starts from understanding Dominik is a landscape artist who paints on location – he goes out and finds the story and brings it back to us. http://www.youtube.com/user/dmodlinski

  

His trips in the rugged, remote country have made him intensely aware of the environment and he passes his understanding through his paintings.  He captures moments in time that will never be the same in some part due to changes in the environment.  Dominik does not take issues like global warming lightly. He has seen and experienced how the environment has changed and how the changes affect life.  He has donated work for environmental causes to assure more people understand the effects of humans on the wilderness.  Preservation of our environment is an issue of concern for him.

  

"My work is simply a reflection of what I love to do most, to be able to live on the land, to better my creative vision and to bring people joy and understanding of the environment through art" (Dominik Modlinski)

  

More information about Dominik Modlinski

http://paintingjourneys.com/

  

Belongs to the Alberta Society of Artists and

Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour

Works in both watercolour and oils. Likes to use and teach oils in the “alla prima method” a useful technique when you paint on location.

Has painted professionally for 20 years.

Established his own web site in 1998 (even before he owned his own computer) http://paintingjourneys.com/ In 2004, the website was updated but restricted Dominik's creative side. In 2009, he designed his own site his way and is able to artistically design and manage it himself. Disadvantages of having his own website include the time it takes to maintain it and the fact that people still cannot see his actual piece in person. Advantages include increased exposure and contact with his current collectors who can make a repeat purchase based on seeing a piece on line, as well as the exposure to new followers, oh, and getting that one email you have been waiting for. Advantage of the internet in general includes the global exposure. He feels the digital era is good however it makes it harder for people to gauge good, average and bad art. Dominik blogged his Antarctica excursion, check it out and watch for more blogs on his upcoming trip. http://paintingjourneys.blogspot.com/

Has met many great artists over the years, but not many who are willing to endure harsh conditions such as being isolated, wet, dirty, dusty, cold, exposed to wild life, hail, storms...

Likes to tease the photographers that he has traveled with because they can get up with him at 4:30 am, take some sunrise shots and call it a day while Dominik stays all day and paints.

With 24 years of Martial Arts, has earned a fifth degree black belt with title of Shihan.  Takes his uniform with him on his travels and was fortunate enough to train while in Japan.

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

Tweet me at @stoodio8

Contact me at stoodio8

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fishing...

fishing...

Sometimes you just have to take a break from work,  take off your boots, and just go fishing!

Sail away!

Nothing like looking out the window into the cold, cloudy, windy horizon, but  feeling tropical because  you've cranked up the stereo and gotten lost in Enya's Orinoco Flow!

Some songs are just so perfect you can't help but stop what you're doing and really enjoy it.  For me Orinoco Flow is just such a song.

What's your song?

s8 interview

I had a very interesting interview with a fantastic artist today!

Can't wait to tell you all about it, so watch for it..soon!

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

Tweet me at @stoodio8

Contact me at stoodio8

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stoodio8 is responding to artists requests

While I was busy interviewing with and meeting artists today, my web team was busy making some changes to the site.

Some functions on stoodio8 were not working properly today, so we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused throughout the day, however the good news is that it means we are responding to our artists requests and making changes to improve the site!

thanks for your patience!

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

Tweet me at @stoodio8

Contact me at stoodio8

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"The Body"

I am heading to Calgary this weekend and hope to take in some showings while I am there.

One of them is Teresa Posyniak's  exhibition entitled "The Body" that is being

featured at the Telus Science Centre while "The Body Worlds and the Brain" is

showing.

Photographing sunrises

Alberta sunrise

I love our Alberta sunsets that are often amazing shades of orange, my favourite color by the way, and I think that's why.

My natural sleep pattern is to stay up late and not rise until the alarm goes off at 6:30am, so I catch the sunsets, but not usually the early sunrise.

Last night was one of those nights I could not sleep however, and got up at 3:30 am to do some work.

At 5:00 am however, I took a break and looked out my window and what I saw was so cool!

All of the east/north east facing houses off in the distance had windows of such a bright orange they looked like they were on fire.

I took some pictures that look great. I also took some and played around with some motion shots to turn the windows into flames perhaps like an actual fire.

Here's one shot I took that, out of respect for neighbours privacy has been cropped to show just the blur of the various windows so does not look as nice as the entire picture but still kind of neat.

Maybe I just might start rising early to catch more sunrises like this mornings...nope, on second thought I am not a morning person so for my families sake, I will stick to my current routine.

Using a Promotion - the Interview

stoodio8 is offering members an interview opportunity. You are your most important asset as an artist but slso as a promoter of your art and yourself. Interviews can be a great way to spread the news about you and your art. Contact us at your convenience and make an appointment to tell us your story, your news or even just some of the upcoming events. Artists, businesses or other members of the arts community with gold or platinum memberships may take advantage of this opportunity now. Use coupon S100401 to get a membership today.

May long weekend

May Long Weekend

Sometimes, your plans just have to change.

Planned on getting caught up on yard work this weekend, but due to the rain and cold weather kept it all indoors.  Did some inside spring cleaning instead.

Glad I didn't plan on tenting in the mountains this weekend!  Been there, done that!!!  Those who did brave the cold wet weather, good on ya!

Maybe tomorrow it will be nice enough to work outside.

Birds, Photographt,m and ...

Spring time brings with it new life and activity, and when it comes to
birds, that's a lot of activity.
We have birds a plenty around Alberta!
Here is a sunset shot of birds on the beach, up in the sky, and over the
lake, just hanging and flying around.
The other shot is of even more VERY noisy early birds! As soon as the sun
starts to come the bird alarms start.
It's amazing how much noise they can make!
Warm air, sunshine, and nature...LOVE IT!

Metropolis still touches a chord

Many of us have an aversion about using machines that replace people while at the same time, we love our gadgets. As a result, all kinds of machines are used without a second thought to the ways in which our lives are changed. Many artists are struggling to find ways to expose their art to a wider audience, particularly since some many people are now possible consumers - now matter what art form you might have an interest. The internet and the growth of more an more tools that make it possible to discover art in non-traditional art or finding the exavt piece of art which they are searching. Music, painting, blacksmithing, you name it, it can be found on the web and that art has the value that the current art owner and you , the consumer can agree on.

Inquisitive Calves

I love driving through the country in the spring time when you pass along baby calves, and horses.

Just yesterday, I had to slow down on a country back road while a farmer tried to guide a couple of calves back into his field.  They were just little tykes bouncing around and not really too concerned about what the farmer wanted them to do, and more interested in my car.

Then later in the day I saw the two calves happily playing with some others in the field, and they are just the cutest funniest things to watch!

It's funny how images can repeat in your mind, because as I was watching the calves play, Tammy Taylor's painting Inquisitive Calves came to mind.  Her painting really does capture the inquisitiveness of young calves.

One of stoodio8's members is competing this weekend at the A.C.A.C.A 2010 Art Show

Tammy Taylor is competing this weekend at the A.C.A.C.A 2010 ART SHOW with one of her newest oils.  Last year Tammy won the people's choice award!  stoodio8 would like to wish Tammy the best of luck in this  competition!  Why not go see her work cheer her on, and maybe even go home with a terrific original from her collection of oils.

Gavin Berg newest stoodio8 member

Welcome aboard Gavin Berg!

Gavin Berg is a photographer concentrating on landscape and nature photography.  I have seen Gavin's work over the last couple of years and I feel he has an incredible eye for the great shot that most people would not even think of trying. He is someone who always has his own perspective on composition.

I can't wait to see the great response you receive as you start posting your work Gavin.

Our featured artist

Tammy Taylor of Taylor'd Creations has joined stoodio8!

stoodio8 is pleased to have Tammy Taylor on board!  She is an award winning artist from Alberta whose oils are just amazing!

Tammy has a couple of her pieces in our store, and will continue to add more, so keep checking in for updates.

She is also competing, showing and selling this weekend in Red Deer, so we will follow up with her next week to see how the weekend went.

Good luck Tammy!

Stuff

Had a very busy day trying to fit in so many tasks!  But the nice weather makes it so much easier to smile while multitasking!

Enjoying the sun!

Enjoying listening to the birds again!

Just Enjoying!  (and stressing and wondering and and and!)

the Bloomin Garden Show and Art

Today the sun is shining, and it looks like a great day to head out to the the Bloomin Garden Show and Art Sale! Some Alberta Avenue's most artistic businesses are featured. I know some of the fabric and mixed media folks are presenting. And of course, the food is great too!

Check out the Bloomin Garden Show & Art Sale on 9210 118 Ave from 9am - 3pm today.

I am heading out right away, and looking forward to spending some time there to get into the swing of spring! Be sure to say HI!

Maritta

Snowday!

Ya gotta love a good snow fall in May in Alberta! Actually, it's really the precipitation I love more than the snow. I hope we get enough to lift the fire ban we have in our area. I can't wait to have our first spring bonfire to bring in the season.

Maritta Renz
Snowday

Angel Wing Sunset

Angel Wing Sunset
Sometimes you just can't help but look up into the sky and see something in
the clouds.
This time it was an angel wing at sunset! I saw a beautiful and fragile
wing of an angel with the sun gently shining through.
What do you see?
Maritta Renz