Painting of the Month- December 2021

Forest Watching 12”x12” Retail Value $485

In the spirit of gift-giving, I will be hosting a raffle for the painting pictured above, which is the first from my new series, Forest Watching. 

All the proceeds are being donated to Kenhte:ke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre in Tyendinaga. Their mission is to cultivate a sacred space to grow, preserve, and protect heirloom and Indigenous seeds in accordance with Rotinonhsyon:ni cosmology, to ensure the availability of healthy, viable seeds for our collective future generations.

Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 and can be purchased in person at Melt Studio and Gallery or online.

“In this painting I challenge the viewer to join in the scene, to take a seat by the bonfire under the night’s sky. To watch and protect the forest. To celebrate its glory and recognize and understand its vulnerabilities. Only then will the forest survive.”
— Susan Wallis

You can buy your raffle ticket here until December 21st at midnight. Winner will be drawn on December 22nd.

Detail of Forest Watching

Detail of Forest Watching

Painting of the Month- November 2021

I started working on this painting during the full moon in August around the time of my birthday.

This painting is monumental in both size and in subject matter. The large, silent moon commands attention while bathing the birch tree's bark in its light.

I chose phthalo blue for the night's sky, which I prefer to use instead of black. If we map phthalo blue on the color wheel, we'd see that it leans towards the green side.

Although the palette of this piece is simple, the message is strong. I enjoy pairing down a landscape scene to its essence. I feel it better represents the power of nature.

This painting is on display for viewing at Melt Studio and Gallery and is available through my online shop here.

- Susan

Horizon Moon 96”x 48” $7500

Painting of the Month- October

The Quiet Forest 24”x6”

"Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey."
- Byron

Like many little girls of my generation, I grew up reading the classic fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”. I’ve realized through an absolutely full life that we all encounter those wolves in the forest, and like Little Red, we find our way through.

My Little Red series of paintings explore the evolution of Little Red as an analogy of us all. From the naïve girl skipping through the woods to Grandma’s house with a basket in hand, to the adolescent, reflective and mature woman dressed in a flowing cloak, Little Red embodies confidence as she moves forward into the woods, unafraid. 

I see my Little Red as a celebration of experience and grace, one who has triumphed over both her internal and external "wolves".  

My beloved Canadian landscape is the perfect backdrop for this dramatic tale, holding both a supporting and leading role in this tale of self-discovery.
 

-Susan

Painting of the Month- September 2021

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Excerpt from 'Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening' by Robert Frost, 1923

September's painting of the month is "Just Us and the Moon" measuring 24 x 6 in. This painting is part of my Moon Watchers series.

Have you ever spent a moment with your significant other under the light of the moon and the stars? It can be magical. Just you, and them and the vast sky above. It's these moments of silence that we often gravitate to in our hectic lives, where the simplicity of the night sky is a welcomed diversion.

The two birch trees in this piece symbolize two persons standing angled towards one another under the light of the moon. A quiet meeting of two minds and two hearts connecting.

Enjoy the end of summer night skies with someone special in your life before the leaves fall and Winter lays down its blanket of snow.

- Susan 

Painting of the Month- August 2021

"I chased her to the pale moon,
and left dusty footprints on the wind,
and she hopscotched the stars,
my heart in her hand,
and though I climbed high, the fires burned my wings,
and I tumbled back to earth,
through the clumsy clouds --
but from the ashy rocks,
I look up again,
and in my providence she smiled and shone,
and gave me one more star for me to wish upon."

-Atticus, Canadian poet

August's painting of the month is "Pale Moon" measuring 36" x 30". This painting is part of The Moon Watchers group show at my newly opened Melt Studio + Gallery.

No matter how far you may travel, you can always look up to find the moon suspended in the night sky. The moon’s silvery light has captivated our imaginations and inspired us to write literature, create music, and make art for thousands of years.

Among the artists throughout history who have been captivated by the moon is German romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich (1774–1840). Friedrich was instrumental in transforming the landscape from a backdrop subordinated to human drama to a self-contained emotive subject.

On August 22nd we will have a full moon. North American fishing tribes called August's full moon the sturgeon moon since the species appeared in high numbers during this month. It's also been called the green corn moon, the grain moon, and the red moon for the reddish hue it often takes on in the summer haze.

At the Gallery, we will be hosting a Celebration of the Full Moon on Saturday August 21. If you would like to join us for this moon-inspired event, please email your request and I will make sure you are on our invite list.

Until then, continue to look to the evening skies and embrace the moon in all its glory.

- Susan 

Join me in the County for a unique Nature + Art Experience.

Pause is an experience that encourages you to pause in nature. Learn to engage all your senses and embrace the beauty of nature. Culminating in bringing that beauty into a piece of art that you created under my guidance.

The basis of this experience connects you to the healing powers of nature. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of shin-rin yoku or more commonly referred to as forest bathing, you’ll be led on a meditative nature walk by a local herbalist. The intention is to help increase your sense of well-being, (physically and mentally), and access the relaxing power of nature.

During this meditative walk, your nature guide will help you to connect to nature, identifying local plants, and teaching you about their medicinal and healing properties. The idea is that you will feel a sense of calm and clarity that will inspire a piece of art that you create yourself.

After your nature walk, you will then return to Melt studio, where you will compose a collage encaustic painting. Together we will create an original art piece using items that you collected during your walk, along with some additional pieces if you choose that will be provided.

At the end of the experience, you walk away with a framed ready to hang, encaustic collage.

Dates for this unique nature and art experience are as follows:

August 14th and 22nd
September 4th and 19th
October 2nd (booked) and 10th
For more details click here!

343 County Road 22, Barrack 3, Picton Airport, Picton, Ontario

Painting of the Month- July 2021

My painting of the month for July is a return to my Tree Worshipping Series and the birch tree. The birch tree is my favourite tree and was my first muse in the wonderful medium of encaustic many years ago. Referred to as the "Lady of the Woods" by poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the birch tree is almost always one of the first species to regrow in places of tragedy, after a forest fire for example. It can thrive in even the harshest conditions of low-nutrient soils or cold climates. It’s also one of the first trees to regrow leaves after the depths of winter bringing us into the new life of spring. It’s a sacred tree within the mythology of the Celts and is thought to have very protective influences, along with being a symbol for new beginnings. On Midsummer's Eve, branches from the tree would be hung around doors of dwellings in hopes to bring good luck and guard against any evil or misfortune. To bring in the new year with goodness, evil spirits were brushed from homes using a broom made from the twigs of a birch tree.

As our world hits the reset button and we brush away the old and embrace the new, the birch tree seems a fitting symbol of renewal and rebirth for us all.

- Susan

This painting is available for purchase through myonline shopand available for viewing at my new studio and gallery spacewww.meltstudiogallery.com.

Painting of the Month- June 2021

The painting for the Month of June is a return to my Mystical Lake Series. I love working with this limited palette. The celadon blue and green used are two of my favourite colours. I don't like using black in my work and often use turkey umber green instead. This combination of colours exudes a sense of calm and peacefulness. Something we could all do with more of in our lives and live spaces.

Inspired by the many Lakes of Prince Edward County, my “Mystical Lake” series is my quiet celebration of “the lake” and is the symbol of tranquility in my life. Being by a body of water has always been my 'happy place'. It's important in our lives, now more then ever to reconnect with nature, whenever and wherever we can. Find those green spaces, whether it be in a local park or in your garden or maybe just simply walk out onto your balcony and look to the skies and breathe.

This delicate painting is availble for purchase through my online shop.

I'm happy to annouce that my new gallery and studio space is very close to completion.
Over the next week the final pieces will be put into place.

Here is a list of our upcoming shows in this new space:

Melt Gallery:  Group Show,  Meet the Melt Gallery Artists. Spring\Summer 2021

Focus Project Gallery: Solo Show, “Think”  by Sculptor Mary Ann Grainger June 2021

In-Unison Project Gallery: Group Show  “Little Red” various works by artists inspired by the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”. June 2021

Format Project Gallery:  Vanessa Rieger will be exhibiting her social art project called 
“Funeral for a building: The Coffin Factory”. June 2021.

Showroom :  Selection of art objects, furniture and editions by artisans and local creatives.

The Gallery intends to hold a soft virtual opening on June 12th, 2021 to be viewed online.

We hope to open our gallery to the public on June 18th, following covid-19 protocol and guidelines with a minimum capacity.


Looking forward to seeing you online or safely in person soon.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    -Susan

www.meltstudiogallery.com

Pause is a unique experience that encourages you to pause in nature. Learn to engage all your senses and embrace the beauty of nature. Culminating in bringing that beauty into a piece of art that you created under the guidance of an experienced encaustic artist.

The basis of this experience connects you to the healing powers of nature. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of shin-rin yoku or more commonly referred to as forest bathing, you’ll be led on a meditative nature walk by a local herbalist. The intention is to help increase your sense of well-being, (physically and mentally), and access the relaxing power of nature.

During this meditative walk, your guide will help you to connect to nature, identifying local plants, and teaching you about their medicinal and healing properties. The idea is that you will feel a sense of calm and clarity that will inspire a piece of art that you create yourself.

After your nature walk, you will then return to Melt studio, where you will compose a collage encaustic painting. Guided by an experienced encaustic artist, you will create an original art piece using items that you collected during your walk, along with some additional pieces if you choose that will be provided.

Allow yourself the opportunity to step back from the cares of everyday life and simply be.

Dates for this unique nature and art experience are as follows:

June 25th.
July 10th and 25th
August 14th and 22nd
September 4th and 19th
October 2nd and 10th
For more details click here!

Painting of the Month- May 2021

I usually try to send out my Painting of the Month newsletter as close to the 1st of the month as possible. I am a bit late this month for a good reason, which I will get into a bit later in this newsletter.

But let's talk now about the Painting of the Month. "Falling" is the first painting from a new series I simply call "Falling", a celebration of the waterfall. The soothing powers of water have always intrigued me. You can almost feel and hear the water spray in this painting.

Where I live in Prince Edward County there are some wonderful natural waterfalls, some of them in very secret locations.

I am pleased with the texture and movement I was able to achieve in this painting through the medium of encaustic. This painting along with others from this new series are available for purchase through my online shop.

Now onto to why this newsletter is so late this month. I am excited to announce that I will be trying out a new studio space up at the old Camp Picton Air Base just outside of Picton, Ontario. To those of you who are not familiar with this historic site let me fill you in. Built in 1940 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), seven hundred and one acres of land on the outskirts of Picton became the home of the Royal Air Force (RAF) where many young British, Canadian, and American men trained as combat pilots. Decommissioned in the 60s, many of these barracks are now work spaces for artists, carpenters and various local businesses. Barrack #3 will be the new home of Melt Studio and Gallery.

The space will include my encaustic working studio,  an open concept Main Gallery Space,  which will showcase my work in addition to a small selection of work from emerging and mid-career Canadian artists and artisans from all disciplines.

There will also be 3 Project rooms.  Project Room 1 will be dedicated to Audio Visual and Media Arts and will be curated by my daughter,  Vanessa Rieger, a multi-disciplinary artist.  This room will be for rent to artists who practice this discipline.

Project Room 2 will also be a rental Room dedicated to solo or group shows in all mediums.  I will be curating this room with Vanessa's assistance.

Project Room 3 will be a Group Show Room that will have small group shows inspired by a specific theme.  The first show is called "Little Red" inspired by the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. 
There will also be a Showroom\Gallery Shop with some wonderful design ideas and gifts.

I will also be running an exciting new Experience Workshop called "Pause" from this new space,  a NATURE+ART experience.

Of course opening this space to the public will rely on when we as a community can re-open safely to the public.  However in the meantime,  I will be keep busy working in my studio and plan on providing online 3D tours of the Gallery and Project Spaces as they are completed.

Do subscribe to the Melt Gallery Newsletter  to stay in the know, or follow us onInstagram or Facebook.

Looking with hope and creativity towards the future!
                 
                                        -Susan

www.meltstudiogallery.com

Hope Nest Giveaway

Well here it is, my Easter gift to you! When I started these Hope Nests last March 2020, I had no idea we would be in a 3rd wave of the pandemic this Easter. However one thing hasn’t changed. Hope. We have many reasons to be hopeful. So to celebrate hope I am offering this painting simply called “Hopeful Spring”, 10”x10” at $450, AND if you purchase this painting by Easter Monday you will get “A Gift of Hope #4”, 6”x6” for .....are you ready.……FREE! Retail Value $285. Both paintings are framed In a solid custom walnut frame. Shipping extra. Click here to purchase.

Painting of the Month- April 2021

Well it was pretty easy to choose which painting for this month’s painting of the month. Read on and you’ll see why. Over the last month or so I have been conversing by zoom with local naturalist and writer Terry Sprague. Terry and I have never met in person until just recently. Through a a initiative called “the Art of Conversation” a collaboration between the Prince Edward County Arts Council and Community Care for Seniors, 15 pairs of local seniors and artists engaged in a series of conversations (via phone or video) with the aim of reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This resulted in a virtual exhibit of 15 new works inspired by these conversations - which explored the senior’s past, present self, or possibly future aspirations.

I was thrilled to be paired with Terry Sprague. I have admired his work for many years and had followed his Nature column in our local paper. Terry and I had some wonderful conversations about nature, a passion we both share. Birds were a popular subject matter during these conversations. Terry is a wealth of knowledge on the bird. During one of our conversations, Terry mentioned the White Throated Sparrow. We discussed its beautiful call, "Oh Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada", hence the title of this painting. Terry shared with me a lovely, touching, personal story about his late wife associated with this bird. I felt honoured that he felt comfortable sharing this with me, and I hope this painting honours that story.

Yesterday I presented Terry with his painting. He was generous with his time and took me for a lovely nature walk on the trails that he maintains near his property on Big Island. We have plans to continue to get together for walks with our furry side kicks. Below is a photo of Terry and his painting along with a photo of Monty and me. Monty is my new furry pal , an 8 month old Blue Tick Hound.

I am excited to see how this new frinendship will inspire my art. Only time will tell.

-Susan

Looking Back\Moving Forward- Solo Show Canmore Alberta

Looking Back\Moving Forward is the title of my new show at Elevation Gallery opening March 27th 2021. During these times of isolation comes the opportunity to reflect on where we are and where we are going. As I a look back over my art practice and my journey into the medium of encaustic painting, I have taken a moment to reminisce. The new pieces in the works for this show are 'looking back' at the many series I have produced over the years. From the early years of my Birch paintings to my Mystical Lakes. From Red Balloons, Red Tents and Red Riding Hood to my Nests and more recently my Mountain and Moon series. From these moments of reflection I have created these new paintings.

Lake Passage 36”x48”

In the comfort of your home, join me for a Zoom Cocktail on Thursday March 25th with Elevation Gallery Owner, Cheryl Baxter. I will be discussing the inspiraton behind the new work and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. I will also be revealing some future plans in the works some wonderful new collaborations. Hope to see you there!.
7pm (Pacific Daylight Time) in Alberta or 9 pm in Ontario (Eastern Daylight Time).

Zoom meeting is https://us05web.zoom.us/j/2780452229?pwd=cllQc2FsdUlsbzVpOHM1UHhZbmNCUT09

Meeting ID: 278 045 2229 Passcode: ArtGallery

Painting of the Month- March 2021

“There is nothing in which the bird differs more than man than in the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.”
— Robert Lynd

I love this quote by the Irish writer Robert Lynd. It's easy to see what he means. All one has to do is look at the components of a nest. Twigs, grasses, straw, mud, string, hair and feathers. These are just some of the things that can make up a nest harvested carefully by the bird from it's environment. Wouldn't it be great as humans if we could practice the same resourcefulness of the bird and be more conscious of our environment and the way in which we engage with it in our daily lives?

This painting , "Waiting for Spring", gives homage to the intricate weaving and resourcefulness of the bird. I scribe into the wax the intricate lines of the nest and then build up with layers of wax and oil pigment. I show in the subsequent images below the various stages. From raw board to almost completion.

This painting will be part of my solo show at Elevation Gallery in Canmore, Alberta opening March 27th, 2021. Sadly due to Covid I will not be attending the opening, but I will be posting a preview of the show at this link, followed by a 3D tour closer to the opening.

In the meantime enjoy the last days of winter, as we all know Spring is just around the corner!

-Susan

Painting of the Month- February 2021

Moonlight Moment 6”x48” $1400

““I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” ”

— Alice Walker, from the Colour Purple

I couldn't agree more with the quote above from the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Alice Walker, who wrote the amazing novel the Colour Purple in 1982.

Purple is a colour that demands attention. It is thought by colour theorists that the colour purple both calms and stimulates our bodies, putting us in the right place for introspection and focused insight. It fosters creativity by awakening our senses while promoting the quiet necessary to make intuitive, insightful observations. Purple creates a harmonious balance of awareness and peace. More than simply the combination of red and blue.

detail of moonlight moment

I always love seeing the colour purple in the sky during a sunset and as the moon starts to glow. Especially so during the winter months as it is such a wonderful contrast against the pristine white blanket of snow below. In this piece I have let the many shades of the colour purple flow throughout the entire sky from one end of the board to the other, under the watchful eye of the still buck. The buck, like you and I, also seems to be mesmerized by the beauty of this quiet moment in shades of purple.

I have been buoyed by many of my clients and collectors who have reached out to purchase new work. I add new pieces to my online shop weekly, along with delivering new work to galleries that rep me across Canada.

Currently I am working on some exciting collaborations and new projects planned for later this year.

So please stay tuned.

In the meantime, as always I wish all a safe journey through 2021!

-Susan Wallis

detail of moonlight moment

Shipping around the World!

“ We love it-

it’s perfect in our home!”

- Nathan, Texas

It’s always a treat to connect with my collectors around the world. I ship anywhere!

Here is a lovely photo a client recently sent me after the painting he and his wife choose from my online shop arrived safely in their home in Texas.

“ We love it- it’s perfect in our home!”

I must say I have to agree, as it looks like it was commissioned for that spot. It was super easy for Nathan to find this piece. He simply went online to my shop, scrolled through available work and found a piece that he loved. It’s that easy. Then he emailed me and we discussed shipping options and delivery times and he paid by credit card safely over the phone.

Now that we are all spending more time in our homes, in’t it time to invest in some new art to enhance the enjoyment of our home environment? Check out the work at various galleries who represent me by going to my website at www.susanwallis.com or click on my online shop.

Happy Art Shopping!

Speaking in Petals and Moon Watching

I have had a wonderful summer painting in my temporary studio in an old World War II training base in Picton, Ontario. The summer has culminated with a solo show at Mad Dog Gallery where I am showcasing 2 series. Speaking in Petals and Moon Watching. To see this show online go to https://susanwallis.com/upcoming-shows. Looking forward to producing new work this fall.

Covid-19 and my art practice.

Over the past few weeks of isolation in my studio, I have had the time to reflect on the past, the present and future of my art practice. In the past I always found it a struggle to carve out enough time to spend in my studio with out interruption. Due to isolation, this is not the case any more. Now I have ample time to try new techniques, begin new series and flip through my sketchbook of ideas that I have been meaning to pursue.

Hope Nest #4 12”x12” SOLD

In time for Spring  I have completed a new series I call "Hope Nests". This new nest series draws from my Polish heritage with the addition of the traditional painted eggs ( Pisanki).  This tradition has roots that go back to the  7th century.  Easter aligns itself with Spring.  A time for new beginnings, growth and most of all hope. Something we all could use about now.

I have been blown away by the response to these new works. They have really struck a chord with both past clients and new clients.

And now I move from this series to a new one in the works, which I hope to reveal in late Spring.

As for the future of my art practice? Now that is a tricky question. I am buoyed by some of my gallery owners, who have pivoted their businesses to online with much success. As is the case with Elevation Gallery in Canmore who is offering to their exclusive clients a weekly Isolation Gallery series. I have sold numerous paintings through this online gallery, along with a very large piece that is on it’s way to Manhattan. This reinforces that art still plays important role in these uncertain times.

I am also reaching out to other artists, discussing how they are pivoting their art practice. Through online Zoom chats, we support each other’s creative practice and share our thoughts and concerns on how to move forward.

In the end I have decided to use this time wisely. To enjoy the moment and look forward to the future with optimism and hope.

-Susan

February Special- Free shipping in Ontario

Pastel Skies 46x11 $1500

My online gallery is an extension of my studio where a  selection of some of my favourite paintings are posted for sale. Prices include a beautiful walnut frame custom made for each painting. I will ship anywhere in the world. Shipping costs vary greatly based on size and location.

For an estimated shipping cost outside of Canada, please email susanwallis@kos.net with your address and the painting you are interested in purchasing.
Layaway? Can’t afford to pay for your painting in one payment. Email me about my layaway program.

Starting on February 14th (Valentine’s Day) to February 29th, to show my “love” to all my Ontario clients and followers,

I am offering free shipping anywhere in Ontario of any of the paintings from my online store.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Moonlight Moment 48x6 $1400

Thank you Hello Boss Girl !

Thank you to Hello Boss Girl for wonderful profile this week.

Who is Hello Boss Girl? They are a Bay of Quinte social enterprise that's passionate about equipping, engaging and empowering female entrepreneurs.

Check them out at www.hellobossgirl.com or on FACEBOOK.

Bay of Quinte boss girl Susan Wallis is a talented, local artist and owner of Susan Wallis Art in Prince Edward County. 

Susan made the decision at 40 that she needed to re-calibrate. A graduate of the Art and Art History program at the University of Toronto, Susan returned to her first love: art. 

Using the business skills she had honed over the years running a design/building business with her husband, Susan applied her knowledge to the marketing and production her own art. 

Spurred by her love of the encaustic medium (an ancient medium that involves molten wax, oil pigment, blow torches, irons and heat guns), Susan has produced a body of work that is collected far and wide. 

It’s been over 10 years since Susan left the big city of Toronto and moved full-time with her husband, Glen Wallis, to Cherry Valley in Prince Edward County. 

In addition to being an artist, Susan is also the innkeeper at AWAY in the County Bed & Breakfast, an awards maker (Wallis Awards), performer (The County's Artisanal Comedy Troupe: Taste That) and escape artist at Escape Camp Picton.

Susan is keeping her eyes the horizon, and looks forward to what the next chapter in her life will hold.

To learn more about Susan Wallis Art, visit www.susanwallis.com.

Photo cred: Johnny CY Lam

#HelloBossGirl #HelloArtist

Mountain Climbing in Wax

Susan Wallis at Elevation Gallery during her solo show, “Traversing the Land”. (Left) Virtuous Stand 24x72 , to the far right; Crescendo 34x69

During my yearly visits to Canmore, Alberta for my solo show at Elevation Gallery I have always enjoyed the wonderful mountain views. The drive from the Calgary airport to Canmore is a winding route along the base of these majestic natural monuments. I catch myself often looking upon nature’s snow capped sculptures in awe. Over this past winter I was asked by Cheryl Baxter of Elevation Gallery to produce a mountain commission for one of her clients who has admired my work. I have never attempted this subject matter in wax, and with some hesitation I agreed to produce a few sketches in wax. In the end the client was thrilled with the results and a larger commission followed. Subsequently I have fallen in love with the mountain as my muse. My approach to encaustic process requires a more sculptural and textured technique. Although I use a brush to get the wax onto the board initially, once it has been applied I manipulate it by carving, scratching, gouging and ironing the surface with a variety of irons I have collected over the years, sealing all with my trusty blow torch. The results is a new series called “Ascension”, that was on display for the 1st time at my solo show this May at Elevation Gallery in Canmore, Alberta called “Traversing the Land”.