A Wisp of Winter

November 21, 2011November 19, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 22 Comments

It is a painting day for me. It is an ordinary west coast November day with frequent weather changes from sun to rain. But as I looked up from the canvas, nothing seemed to warn me about what I was going to see in the valley.

(image may be purchased HERE)

A tree in snow – natural pointillism.

I wonder what tomorrow morning will bring?

Slipping out our door into the crisp air I pause. The tree dressed in a skiff of snow is decorated with morning light.

(image may be purchased HERE)

Now isn’t that lovely?

These photographs are from Friday and Saturday. But I think they still look fresh, even as late as this Monday morning.

Sprout Question: What is crispy and fresh in your creative day?

Happy Thanksgiving to our U.S. friends!

P.S. The 12 X 12 oil painting is coming along too but is “resting.” I hope to be able to share it with you on Friday.

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

I Wonder What She Wants?

November 18, 2011November 18, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 19 Comments

I can almost see the thought bubble over their heads – such mild curiosity and indifference expressed in their body language.

“I wonder what she wants?”

How can I tell them that, though interesting they might be, I am really looking at the sun coming across the water on Mill Bay?

I can’t. So with a flip, the seals flop into the sea.

Sprout Question: Who have you felt unable to communicate with this week?

NOTE: I fully realize this might be a loaded question. Please remember this is a public blog. If your answer is sensitive, I suggest answering in your private journal, on a napkin in a restaurant or in the sand at low tide. Let good judgment be your guide. Of course, you can still leave a comment stating that your answer is sensitive cargo and has been safely stored…. or destroyed 🙂

Best of the weekend to you!

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

The Quiet (creativepotager.wordpress.com)

Flying Through Home Studio Gallery Day

November 14, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 21 Comments

The Studio Tour was a great success with one original oil painting HENDERSON HILL sold to a collector of my work in Victoria B.C. Canada. You may remember that this painting was recently featured on the front of the regional magazine Island Gals. I will miss this piece but know it is going to a good home where it will be most appreciated.

Also large numbers greeting cards were clutched into admiring hands and are now ready for postage as an occasion presents itself. Notices were taken away to order my new book Precious Seconds along with information to follow my blog for new work and to order specific prints online at my redbubble storefront.

Mostly though, it was a great day meeting interesting people and talking about the wonders of the southern gulf islands. Considering it poured rain most of the day and was dark and dreary the sun shone brilliant with all the company at la casa de inspiracion.

Here are a couple of photographs from a few minutes before the first visitors arrived. I took them from above. Hence, this inspires the title of today’s post.

And if you look down into the sunroom….

There are more photographs and paintings than you can see here but one painting just outside of our view is part of a special project and I am not sharing it online yet. So you have to wait.

Best of the week to you and may you be inspired to create!

Sprout Question: What are you flying through this week?

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

I made the cover (creativepotager.wordpress.com)

Studio Tour Tomorrow

November 11, 2011November 11, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 16 Comments

I am almost ready! Tomorrow, being Saturday November 12, 2011, it is the annual Artisan Christmas Studio Tour on Mayne Island. There are eight Studios, two craft fairs and six shops participating. A few places are even going to be open on the Sunday as well as Saturday. Look for the red brochures at the Mayne Mall or drop by my Studio in the morning after 10:00 am. I can give you a brochure to get you started on a day of creative delights.

Here is a photo showing from last year’s Creative Potager studio opening to warm you up to the idea…

To find la casa de inspiracion, our home and studio, pick up the Mayne Island Community Chamber Brochure on ferry or at one of the local shops. Creative Potager is number 35 in the white square near the centre of the island. There are yellow signs to guide your right from where you turn on toWood Dale Road which is just as you come off the ferry. Just follow along until you get to 428 Bowsprite Crescent. I am looking forward to seeing you between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

There will be several new original oil paintings, photography prints and greeting cards showcasing our lovely west coast and Mayne Island.

For those of you that are too far away to drop in, please feel free to browse my online gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com It is almost the same as coming by except you have to get your own cup of tea.

Sprout Question: What are you preparing for?

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

PRECIOUS SECONDS – Mayne Island in paintings and photographs (creativepotager.wordpress.com)

The Quiet

November 7, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 18 Comments

Yesterday’s Third Salish Sea Sunday Savings event was the best out of the three with several individuals taking advantage of the offering. Thank you so much to everyone who participated! I am always amazed by your ongoing support. It is like a pleasant surprise each time I venture to promote my work.

Yet, even with all of this excitement, I am engaged in a time of quiet – a deep peace that seems to come with the low light of late fall. The tree that overhangs our bank at the back of the house is just starting to turn.

The sheep in the valley below the house seem to emanate my inner stillness.

I tend towards observation rather than engagement during this time of year. There is a lot to do but not much that must be done. This is why announcing the winner of the draw for small 7.5 X 12 inch canvas print of AMAZEMENT seems so perfectly placed. The winner is an expert at engaging stillness, reflection and capturing the everyday aspects of his natural surroundings. Can you guess who it is? It is Jeff Stroud! Allow me to link to a recent interview that I did with Jeff which will provide links to his outstanding photography and information about recent shows of his work and to his blog. Congratulations Jeff!

As we all know, this time of quiet is often fleeting. I will be spending this week getting ready for the Mayne Island Artisan Christmas Studio Tour where I open our home to the public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday November 12, 2011. If you are in the neighbourhood, please drop in and enjoy the transformation of our home into gallery space.

I also have one other fine offering that will be available until November 30, 2011. The producer, Blurb, of my book PRECIOUS SECONDS – Mayne Island in paintings and photographs is offering buyers a $10.00 discount until the end of the month. To receive this discount, type in BIGTEN when the promo code is requested during checkout.

Here is the fine print that Blurb provided with the offer…

*Offer valid through November 30, 2011 (11:59 p.m. local time). Receive USD $10.00 off product totals. Minimum purchase is USD $29.95. This offer is good for one-time use, and cannot be combined with other promotional codes, volume discounts, gift cards, or used for adjustments on previous orders.

Sprout Question: What triggers your quiet times?

Have a wonderful week whether it is quiet or filled with activity!

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

Third Salish Sea Sunday Savings (creativepotager.wordpress.com)
PRECIOUS SECONDS – Mayne Island in paintings and photographs (creativepotager.wordpress.com)

Third Salish Sea Sunday Savings

November 6, 2011November 6, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 6 Comments

Ladies and gentleman…. Take your seats please! It is time for our THIRD and final….

Salish Sea Sunday Savings event!

Drum roll. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-tttttta-T!!! Crowd Cheers. A NEW seascape calendar SEEMS TO BE splashes into the ring and waves to the audience…

(this calendar may be purchased HERE for 40% off during this event)

Now wasn’t that a nice surprise?

Thank you everyone who participated in the draw for a small 7.5 x 12 inch canvas print of AMAZEMENT

from my redbubble storefront.

Your support has been as amazing always. Cyber hugs to all of you who have shared this week’s Thursday Teaser and my photography and paintings with your networks.

The draw will be made at 4:00 pm by someone trustworthy in the near vicinity. The winner will be announced on Monday’s Creative Potager post.

NOW grab your beverage of choice, a means of payment and put your feet up!

For the next hour from 3:00 – 4:00 pm P.S.T. this Sunday, November 6, 2011

Creative Potager is hosting a sale of 40% off on the following items.

ONE original impressionist 24 X 48 inch oil on canvas painting

SALISH SEA FOUR

Regular price $3225.00 and is available until 4:00 pm for only for $1,935.00 plus shipping.

(If you have been interest in this painting, now is your chance to get it for a substantial savings of $1,290.00)

To purchase email me at tawelch@shaw.ca The purchase will go to the first email received. The best payment and shipping arrangements will be discussed at that time.

The rest of the items are all available at my redbubble online storefront…

TWO painting prints reduced by 40%

Unlimited numbers of prints are available in any format including cards to canvas prints

EAST POINT CLIFFS

(Purchased prints HERE)

ONE

(Purchased printsHERE)

THREE photography prints reduced by 40%

Unlimited numbers of prints are available in any format including cards to canvas prints.

(Purchased this print HERE)

(Purchase this print HERE)

(Purchased this print HERE)

And as promised on Thursday, the Mayne Island Tree Spirit calendar for 2012 reduced by 40%

(Purchased this calendar HERE)

All selected paintings, prints of paintings, prints of photographs and 2012 calendar will be returned to their regular price at 4:00 pm today Sunday November 6, 2011 P.S.T.

I wish you the most pleasant shopping experience and do leave a comment or email me directly at tawelch@shaw.ca if you have any questions. I will be monitoring my email and this post closely for the next hour to offer any assistance you might need.

Thank you again for participating in the all three of the Salish Sea Sunday Savings event.

Please subscribe to this blog and if you wish to receive notice of the next event as well as twice weekly posts of new photographs and art work.

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

Early November afternoon by the sea

November 4, 2011November 4, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 26 Comments

I wasn’t going to take a photograph. I was just going to sit and enjoy the fine November light on the water, the call of the seagulls on the rocks and an eagle sitting overhead in a tree. I rolled down the window of my old ford pickup inhaling deeply. Saltwater, damp seaweed and snow someplace in the distant mountains obscured by cloud cover.

Then I said, “Well maybe I will just wander a bit on the shore. Oh I guess I might as well take the camera.”

As I gently closed the door of “Miss Prissy” I must admit to still denying I was going to take a photograph.

“I have so many photographs of this beach” I told myself.

But none are exactly like this one.

(image may be purchased HERE)

Sprout Question: What resent resistance has led to a win for your creative desire?

Remember this Sunday is the third and final Salish Sea Sunday Savings event for this year. Have a read of the Third Thursday Teaser posted yesterday for the details.

And second reminder…. If it applies to you – it is also the week we go back to Standard Time.

Best of the weekend everyone!

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

SEA AND CLOUDS original oil painting by Terrill Welch (creativepotager.wordpress.com)
Savouring the Blues (creativepotager.wordpress.com)

Third Thursday Teaser

November 3, 2011November 3, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 6 Comments

Here we are with the Thursday Teaser for the final event for 2011…

My Third Salish Sea Sunday Savings event is this Sunday November 6, 2011.

LINK your chances to win a small photography canvas print of AMAZEMENT.

To qualify you must be subscribed to the Creative Potager blog (sidebar on the right) and share this blog LINK to the Third Thursday Teaser for the final Salish Sea Sunday Savings event of 2011 anytime BEFORE the start of the event at 3:00 P.M. this Sunday, via ANY of these means – email, facebook, twitter, Google+ or on your blog. Each time you share your name will be added to the draw – the more shares, the more chances to win.

Remember, I MUST KNOW that you have shared the link to be able to add your name to the draw. So for whichever sharing means you use, apply the appropriate tool for a cc.

The winner will be announced on next Monday’s regular Creative Potager post.

Would you like a quick peek behind the sales curtain?

Selected paintings and photographs of my work will be reduced 40% for one hour ONLY from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm P.S.T. Sunday November 6, 2011.

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE FROM DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME FOR THIS SUNDAY OR YOU WILL MISS OUT.

This event will be hosted right here at the Creative Potager blog

Available at this discount price will be:

One original impressionist 24 X 48 inch oil on canvas painting from my studio

Current price and more about this painting in the Art of Day online gallery HERE.

Two painting prints in any format including cards to canvas prints from my redbubble

Three photography prints in any format including cards to canvas prints from my redbubble

And…the Mayne Island Tree Spirits calendar for 2012.

See you there! 🙂

I look forward to receiving those LINK notifications and seeing you on Sunday. I will be avail real-time for 3:00 – 4:00 pm P.S.T. AND REMEMBER TO RESET THOSE CLOCKS TO STANDARD TIME. So grab your beverage of choice, your slippers, and your credit card and drop on by and see what is posted.

As previously mentioned, this event is intended to accomplish two things.

First, I wish to show my thanks to established fans and collectors of my work. You have shown amazing support and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. With Christmas just around the corner it is the least I can do.

Second, I want to increase the number of fans and collectors who can say “oh, that is impressionist painter and photographer Terrill Welch’s work.”

Today’s Sprout Question: How do you creatively express your amazement?

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

First Salish Sea Sunday Savings (creativepotager.wordpress.com)
Second Thursday Teaser (creativepotager.wordpress.com)
Second Salish Sea Sunday Savings (creativepotager.wordpress.com)
First Thursday Teaser (creativepotager.wordpress.com)

Witch Black and Pumpkin Orange

October 31, 2011October 28, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 19 Comments

For the last day of October and Halloween it seems appropriate to feature black and orange.

Witch Black with a split-rail fence.

Pumpkin Orange with maple trees glowing in the morning dew beside a farmer’s field.

At the bottom of a rock bluff at the intersection.

Or looking across to Curlew Island.

Sprout Question: What do you associate with witch black and pumpkin orange?

Happy Halloween!

Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.

Purchase photography at http://www.redbubble.com/people/terrillwelch

Creative Potager – where imagination rules. Be inspired.

FromMayne Island,British Columbia,Canada

Terrill Welch online Gallery at http://terrillwelchartist.com

I made the cover

October 28, 2011October 28, 2011 / Terrill Welch / 35 Comments

I made the cover! It isn’t the cover of the Rolling Stones but it is a glossy cover of a new regional magazine called ISLAND GALS reaching Vancouver Island and the smaller Gulf Islands. This includes British Columbia’s capital city of Victoria. Actually, my oil painting HENDERSON HILL made the cover and I made honourable mention in the top left hand corner. But it does make this artist’s heart beat like a ruffled grouse on a log to have her painting chosen as the magazine cover and to be featured under the title “create.”

Isn’t this exciting?

One of my goals for 2011 and 2012 is to expand my exposure beyond my immediate long-standing network. This is a necessary step for a successful art career. It is one of the reasons that artists have benefited from exposure through traditional galleries. But things are changing quickly between the buyer and artist relationship. Buyers seeking original art work have a keen desire to know and interact with the artist whose work they are collecting. They are and want to be part of the story about the work that is on their walls. It could be a place they visited. It could be one of the paintings they watched being developed. It could be that the painting reminds them of something that is significant in their experiences. Or it could be all of the above. The bottom line is collectors want direct contact with the artist. For artists this means moving beyond the traditional buyer to gallery to artist circuit.

I know I don’t need to convince you dear readers as you know this already. But from the business side of being an artist I must be clear with myself. I must purposefully take steps to ensure there is an expanding opportunity for my work to be seen and for buyers to connect directly with me. Creative Potager and other social networking platforms provide these opportunities on a global scale. However, being featured on the glossy cover of a magazine is just plain old-fashion, satisfying goodness.

NOTE: The 20 X 16 inch original oil painting of HENDERSON HILL is still available for $900.00 and can be purchased by contacting me directly via email at tawelch AT shaw DOT ca and I have a copy of the magazine to go with it 🙂

Best of the weekend to you and watch out for monsters and low flying witches but be sure to get out and kick some leaves!