Tony Marinus Vander Voet

Chile Impressions Series Completed

2011-06-05T13:10:00.000-04:00

The last canvas is drying, and I am thrilled that I have completed the project of 20 large paintings inspired by Chile - a project I set myself in April of last year.

Now it is time to get them in a gallery setting.

I have put some of the latest images on my website

Here is one - The Broken Wave (inspired by a trip to Cachagua)

New Website

2011-05-22T10:03:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to announce my new website "Gallery Marinus"!

We @ you me

2011-04-10T23:15:00.000-04:00

The we@you me 2011 exhibition opened at the You Me Gallery in Hamilton on April 8. It was the Friday Night Art Crawl in Hamilton, and the gallery was hopping all evening. It made for an great opening. It is always good to see friends and family at these events. It is also great to see complete strangers - especially young people - enjoying the art.

A New Show

2011-04-02T14:26:00.001-04:00

On Friday, April 8, 2011, I will be one of a group of eight artists opening a new exhibition at the You Me Gallery in Hamilton (330 James Street North). The show is called "we@you me".

This group, which was mentored by Vjane Gordon over the past few months, has been exploring new directions in art both from a more theoretical perspective inspired by the 2012 Documenta 13 process, and through group discussion around the works that each of us created in our own studios.

My work is an extension of my Chilean series, and explores the volcano Lanin, which is on the Chile-Argentina border, from a satellite perspective. Originally planned to be a single canvas (shown as Caldera Variation #2 above) it has turned out to be a tetraptych (wonderful word), more than 3 metres high in total.

Here is the work - CALDERA VARIATIONS - LANIN
Mixed Media on Canvas (tetraptych)
305 x 92 (total dimension)

The full catalog for the show is available for viewing and/or purchase on Blurb.com, and can be accessed by visiting the site, going to the bookstore and searching for we@you me. It can be purchased - essentially you pay for printing and shipping only.

Catching up

2010-04-06T05:04:00.009-04:00

It has been a while since we returned from Chile. (We were very lucky, in fact, returning only days before the terrible earthquake).

Since then I have been busy painting in my Alton studio, and have completed a number of new works. The Dyers, shown below, shows a North African outdoor textile dying business - the image is inspired by a postcard that some friends had - I couldn't resist an interpretation....

The Dyers - oil on canvas - 36 x 36"

I also returned to the badlands for inspiration for another large oil

Badlands Tapestry - Last Snow - oil on canvas - 36 x 36"

I was also fortunate to get two paintings into the 3rd annual Beaux-Arts Brampton Open Juried Show this year. I had hoped for one, so having two was wonderful

The works are a pastel, "Evening Glow" and a mixed media figure painting, "Reflective Moment".

Evening Glow - pastel on paper

Reflective Moment - mixed media

The Journey continues

2010-02-05T10:54:00.006-05:00

We really enjoyed our trip through Argentina - from San Martin de Los Andes to Bariloche, and from there went back into Chile to Puerto Montt.

In Bariloche, we made a number of excursions including a boat trip on Lake Nahuel Huapi, and a trip to see El Tronador - a huge glacier-covered mountain with three peaks - one in Chile, one on the border and one in Argentina. Spectacular

Our trip from Bariloche to Puerto Montt will forever be known as the Saga of Tas Choapa - instead of a 6 hour bus ride - it took twice that, with 4 buses and being stranded twice - once at the Chilean border and later along the highway in the rain! All because of the bus company's inability to provide proper service. But we got to Puerto Montt eventually, and soon forgot out woes.

From there we ventured further south into Chiloe - a wonderful island, and we gorged on seafood, went penguin-viewing and even ate chocolate cake made with seaweed.

I include a few pictures.... Enjoy

We go to Villarica and then to Argentina

2010-01-21T18:06:00.003-05:00

After spending some time on the coast, we decided to explore Santiago a bit - especially some of the craft markets at Cerro Santa Lucia and at Los Dominicos. The subway here (new since we were last here) is fabulous - clean and efficient, and gets us across Santiago easily. There is no comparison to the traffic jams and dangerously crowded buses we suffered 35 years ago.

We travelled by bus to Villarica to meet our friends Alfonso and Carmen Grau - where we were hosted by Joaquin Grau ("Caco") (Alfonso's brother) and his very charming señora, Babi (also a very talented artist). While there we toured craft markets, visited Pucón, saw the wonderful volcano Villarica and went to the Menetue Hot springs.

From Villarica, we travelled to San Martin de los Andes - Argentina. A long and fascinating bus ride. Enjoy some of the images of our days in Santiago, Villarica and San Martin de Los Andes -

Stay tuned for our next chapter - San Carlos de Bariloche - and the saga of Tas Choapa.

And more and more

2010-01-10T11:54:00.005-05:00

Susan and Tony Travel to Chile

2010-01-02T12:19:00.004-05:00

On December 27, 2009 Susan and I flew to Chile. For me it was the first time back since 1974.

We will be here for almost two months, and plan to travel around the country.

Enjoy the slide show

and Happy New Year

A Progress Report

2009-10-18T00:09:00.009-04:00

A lot has happened over the past few months - since retirement. Susan and I have driven to Alberta and back - with many adventures and hundreds of photographs to remind and inspire us.

And I have spent quite a part of my time at the new studio in Alton, and am pleased to report that I have been very productive.

I continue too be captivated by badlands,including the ones near Brampton which I have learned are called the Cheltenham Badlands, and other earth forms. I have done more paintings and drawings since I last posted on July 30 including some on the Alberta badlands (Dinosaur Prov. Park) and on the large erratic boulders (piedrotas) in Tapalpa, Mexico.

Badlands Tapestry - Fantasy

Spirit Valley - (Badlands - Dinosaur Prov. Park - Alberta)

Piedrotas - Tapalpa #3

Georgian Bay Treat

2009-08-21T09:30:00.004-04:00

Georgian Bay Shore

We had a wonderful weekend with our friends, the Irelands, at their Georgian Bay Paradise. The sun was hot - the water (brrrrrrr....) (refreshing is a good word). A great way to spend some of my stress-laden retirement.

Georgian Bay

Brief Thoughts on Retirement

2009-08-13T10:03:00.001-04:00

When I was working, I bemoaned the fact that I didn't have time to do everything I wanted to do.

Now I am retired, and I still don't have time to do everything I want to do.

I guess I am just a bemoaner!

Welcome to Studio 203

2009-08-10T17:36:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Alton Mill - and the new studio/gallery home of Tony "Marinus". All my friends are invited to visit me and my colleagues, Bonnie Eskelson and Steve Wilson, in Studio 203. I know you will enjoy it!

There are galleries and studios to visit, trails to walk, sights to see.

And even a coffee shop with good coffee, fresh baking (and great soup too!)

Bring your friends.

PS: In a more mercenary vein... Studio 203 accepts cash, cheques, Visa, Mastercard and American Express!!

Artist's Progress

2009-08-07T16:24:00.005-04:00

This has been quite a week.

First of all, we had a successful opening of "Figuratively Speaking" at Beaux-Arts Brampton. I was pleased to see many of our friends at the opening reception. The show looks great and all of the artists received lots of compliments.

Secondly, Bonnie Eskelson, Steve Wilson (both part of the "Figuratively Speaking" show) and I have agreed to join forces and rent studio/gallery space at Alton Mills, a beautifully restored mill in the village of Alton.

We officially open our studio doors on August 15. We are very excited about the prospect, and hope to see all of our friends there. Check it out on the website www.altonmill.ca (also listed under my favourite links.

What a way to start this retirement gig!!!

Postscript

2009-07-30T08:52:00.003-04:00

As you know, I have ignored my blog for a long time, and am only now trying to catch up - so be patient with me.

I read an earlier "anonymous" comment (posted June 2009) which asked if my "tonywassers" were for sale (see blog posting May 17, 2008). Let me assure you that all my works are for sale. Fortunately for me (but unfortunately for "anonymous"), the "tonywassers" have all been sold - and are gracing walls in such far-flung exotic places as Ajijic and Edmonton!

If anyone is interested in purchasing - please e-mail me.

Tony

In an Earthy Mood

2009-07-30T08:07:00.009-04:00

Over the past little while I have become inspired to paint rock and earth forms.

One of my favourite places is the badlands on Old Baseline Road just north of Brampton. These terra-cotta red clay formations, with their pale blue-green stripes, provide an endless variety of shapes, which inspire me to photograph or paint them.

I have begun a series which I am calling Badlands Tapestry The first painting, Badlands Tapestry, was accepted into the Beaux-Arts Brampton Juried Show (2009), and has also been exhibited at the John B. Aird Gallery in Toronto.

Badlands Tapestry - 36x36" acrylic on canvas

I have two new pastel paintings to join the Badlands collection, and now that I have more time to paint, hope to add to the series on a regular basis.

Sunlit - 16x20" - pastel on board

Summer Light - 16x20" pastel on board

FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING

2009-07-28T14:20:00.003-04:00

Fellow Brampton artists, Bonnie Eskelson, Steve Wilson, Ken Logue, and I are celebrating the opening our new group show, "Figuratively Speaking", at Beaux Arts Brampton on August the 6th from 6-9 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Finally - an Update

2009-07-19T18:51:00.004-04:00

Well - I did it! I took the plunge! I cut the cord!

I RETIRED!

After almost 30 years of public service, I retired from the Ontario Public Service and have embarked on the next phase of my life and career.

And, I will dedicate more time to updating my blog! Promise!

Stay tuned for news, new works, new plans, etc. etc.

Tony

Inspiration in Mexico

2008-05-17T08:16:00.007-04:00

Susan and I spent two wonderful weeks in Mexico! We visited Ajijic - a small town on the shores of Lake Chapala - south of (and close to) Guadalajara.

Great weather - Good company - Lots of relaxation - And a lot of inspiration. I painted every morning (while the others slept in)

Here are some pieces I did on those mornings. My friends and hosts (Bill and Christine) call these Tonywassers - since they are reminiscent of work by one of my favorite artists - Hundertwasser.

Here we are with Christine celebrating (bemoaning??) our last evening in Ajijic.

However, I will be back with more pictures, descriptions and memories of our time there.

Hasta pronto

Beaux-Arts-Brampton Juried Show

2008-04-12T17:34:00.006-04:00

Beaux-Arts Brampton held its first ever juried show this year (April 1 - May 3). And for a first effort, it was a spectacular success. More than 140 artists entered from Brampton and beyond, and the B.A.B. committee had to process more than 250 entries. The jurors chose 48 works for display in the Beaux Arts galleries, and stayed to help the "hanging committee" place the works properly. So, the end result was a very beautiful curated show.

I was thrilled to get a piece in the show. When you see what gets declined, you realize that you are in good company - even if you end up in the salon de "refuses".

Susan was absolutely delighted to get in, and very surprised to learn that her entry won second prize!

My successful entry is shown; it is "JP in PJ's" . Pastel, ink, watercolour on canvas, this is one of several pieces I have done inspired by the model "JP". The other "JP in PJ's II" is shown below

Getting Back in the Groove

2008-02-23T13:41:00.009-05:00

It is almost the end of February, and I obviously have been ignoring my blog for a while, but then.... I have been busy with other things like "work". But I have not neglected my painting either. So I am putting up a few new works for your delectation. These works are not inspired by views outside my studio window - if they were they would be snowy - cold - and gray...

Recently I had the fun opportunity to do a pastel batik demo at the Annual General Meeting of Pastel Artists Canada. As part of the demo I had pre-prepared batiks that I could wash out duting the demo itself. Well, they did turn out well - if a bit monochromatic...So I spiced them up with fresh pastel.

Fluorish

I rather like this one too - which was inspired by the cyclamens we have had sitting in our kitchen window.

Cyclamen Inspired

I also enjoy the impression of an overgrown flowerbed in this one which I call "Garden Riot"

Garden Riot

Good Heavens! Is it Christmas Already???

2007-12-23T10:56:00.000-05:00

I realize that I haven't posted anything for a while. It has been a busy time, and look, it's almost Christmas - and New Year.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone out there in "the ether" - all the best for the holidays and 2008

Tony

Recovering from the "Tour"

2007-10-12T16:42:00.000-04:00

Just a post-script on the Brampton Studio Tour.

About 80 people came by over the two days to enjoy the art, make demonstration monoprints and visit a while.

We just want to say "thank you" to all our visitors. It is always rewarding to have the opportunity to show our wares, and to receive encouragement. We hope to see you all again at future shows.

Studio83 on the Brampton Studio Tour

2007-09-21T18:08:00.000-04:00

The City of Brampton is having its "Studios of Brampton" Tour on Thanksgiving Weekend - October 6 and 7, 2007. Open hours are from 10 am to 5 pm

Susan and I will be opening our home studio, STudio 83, for the tour.

I will also be part of the "tour" at Beaux-Arts Brampton - which means I expect to be very busy indeed.

Check out the tour brochure at http://www.studiosofbrampton.com/

More details to follow.

BEYOND PASTEL

2007-08-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

A group of Brampton artists (members of Beaux-Arts Brampton), guest artist and member of the Pastel Artists Canada (Sally Jackson PAC) and I have opened a new show in Brampton - at the Beaux-Arts Brampton gallery - August 28 - September 8.

It features pastel paintings and drawings, pastel batiks and mixed media work. A fabulous range of work and styles - well worth seeing - if I say so myself.

....AND IT SOLD!!

2007-08-29T19:07:00.001-04:00

It is always rewarding to be recognized both by your peers - and by the public. What a thrill!

MY FIRST ART PRIZE

2007-08-12T20:05:00.000-04:00

I am so excited. I just received an email from a friend and fellow member of Pastel Artists Canada. She was at the PAC show in Salt Spring Island, and told me that my entry had won the award for "Best Abstract". Even better - the cheque is in the mail. How good is that? My first award ever in a juried show!!! (The painting is shown in the post below!)

(Mind you, she also told me that my painting arrived with the glass cracked, and that they managed to have it fixed in time for the show - Thank you, Rosemary and friendly framer!)

Pastel Artists Canada in Salt Spring Island

2007-07-31T14:46:00.000-04:00

Pastel Artists Canada (PAC)

16th Annual Open Juried Exhibition

ArtSpring, Salt Spring Island, BC

Date: 8/8/2007 – 8/28/2007

As Tevye would sing...."If I were a rich man..." I'd be off to Salt Spring Island to see this show, which promises to be lovely.

As it is, I hope my painting "At the Foot of the Glacier" arrives. A large piece - behind glass - packed lovingly and carefully in its own new crate (built by my friend Konrad) and entrusted to UPS. My fingers are crossed.

Chilling Out at the John B. Aird

2007-07-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

In January of this year, I was flying back from Sault Ste Marie to Toronto, and the view of the ice on Lake Huron was fabulous. I was reminded of the fragility of the climate and its impact on ice. That, in turn, prompted me to try to reproduce that fragility in a painting. The result was "Fragile Ice" a 4' x 4' collage tryptich of transparent, translucent and opaque papers over acrylic.

"Fragile Ice" was accepted into the 2007 "OPS Conserves" Art Show at the John B. Aird Gallery. The show runs from July 31 to August 24.

My wife, Susan McCrae (see the link to her Blog under "My Favourite Links") won an Honourable mention for her entry "Harvesting the Cool Deep".

(Note: all works in the show were created by members of the Ontario Public Service (OPS) or their families.)

Haliburton Treat

2007-06-17T22:38:00.000-04:00

What an absolute treat to spend two uninterrupted weeks at Haliburton! I went up to take some advanced courses with John Leonard and Peter Kolisnyk, and had a great time!

I am still finishing off the paintings I did in John's workshop - an unusual landscape triptych (no green!!!)and some figure studies. My work with Peter was a departure from my colourful oil and pastel work - with a lot of black and white. I extended the pastel batik work to include what I would term "ink batiks" combining black ink, watercolour, pastels, etc.

One of my better experiments was to pour ink and watercolour on very wet paper (Who knew that a hose could be an artist's tool.)

In one of them, I tried mixing red and blue watercolours to make a purple - and the colours separated on the paper!!

I had too good a time!

Algonquin Flight

2007-05-20T18:30:00.001-04:00

From the Air

2007-05-18T17:09:00.000-04:00

I went to Algonquin Park earlier this week, and had the opportunity to fly over the park in a 6-seater float plane (a first time for me!). The views were fantastic!!!

Endless lakes and forests. Evergreens mixed with birches with their first spring leaves. Islands, bogs, rocks, trees and water - and peace.

I feel a series coming on

Algonquin Sketch

Pastel on Board - 2007

Move to My New Studio Space

2007-05-07T14:40:00.000-04:00

Reclining Gourds

Tony "Marinus" Vander Voet P.A.C.

As of May 6, 2007 I have moved into Studio 7B at Beaux-Arts Brampton, 70 Main Street North, Brampton, Ontario (second floor). I am sharing the space with Rose Marie Nicolucci - another Brampton artist and a member of Beaux-Arts Brampton.

You are welcome to visit the space during gallery hours (Tuesday – Friday 12 noon – 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ) to see the work. I will try to be there as often as I can make it to greet visitors and work on new pastel paintings.

While there - please enjoy the current exhibitions in the main gallery spaces (main floor), and, of course, the array of studios on the second floor with a wide range of contemporary works in watercolour, oil, acrylic, batik, silk and mixed media.

Be sure to check out the Beaux-Arts Brampton website (www.beaux-artsbrampton.com) to find out what's on (shows, workshops, and member sites)

Batiking with Pastels

2007-05-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

A Universe of My Own - pastel batik

Although I do not claim to have invented the technique of pastel "batik", it is an approach to pastel painting that I have come to enjoy immensely. Not only is it an easy technique to master, it brings with it an element of surprise.

I have given workshops in pastel batik - and to help my students - I call the technique "G.P.S." which stands for "Gum-Pastel-Solvent" (and when in doubt where you are in the process - apply solvent and start over!)

In traditional batik on fabric, bees wax is used as a resist to protect the underlying colour(s) of the fabric during successive dying. After the final dye, the wax is removed to reveal the all the colours and designs.

In pastel batik, the resist is gum arabic which dissolves in water -but does not dissolve in mineral spirits or paint thinner (generally sold in art stores in an "odourless" form).

I would like to share this techniqus with you on my blog. If you are interested - read on!

Materials

1. Soft pastels: Although you can use any brand of pastel in the batik process, I prefer using the cheaper brands - you use so much pastel. I use better quality pastels (Sennelier, Unison, Schminke) in the finishing stages.

2. Gum Arabic: Sold as a liquid for use in lithography or watercolour. The gum for lithography is generally brownish in colour and cheaper than the colorless variety sold for use in watercolour painting.

3. Solvent: Odorless mineral spirits, turpentine, turpenoid, varsol, paint thinner will all do nicely - although I generally use the first. Caution must be used with these materials. Use only in a ventilated area and use appropriate protection (masks, gloves, etc.).

4. Surface: Watercolour paper - I prefer cold pressed 200 - 300 lb. paper, although 80 - 140 lb. paper is o.k. for smaller works - or experimenting. For "serious" pieces, I use 300 lb. paper.

Misty Morning Lake - pastel batik

The Process

In the G.P.S. system of pastel batik (like any other batik process) you work from light to dark.

1. G - Apply the gum arabic where you want to have "white" (or the colour of the paper). You can draw with a brush, flick droplets, tilt the paper to allow the gum to run - however you want. Let the gum dry thoroughly.

2. P - Rub the entire surface with a light coloured pastel (cream, yellow, pale blue or green) or combination of pastels. Using your fingers - or a rag, work the pastel into the paper thoroughly.

3. S - Using an old brush, paint the surface of the paper with the solvent being sure to wet the entire surface and blending the pigment into the paper. Allow to dry.

4. Repeat the process as many times as you want each time going to a darker colour. As indicated before, if you lose track of where you are in the process, apply solvent - and then return to the gum step. Use colours of your choice. I generally end with a dark purple or even black.

5. When you have finished the last layer be sure to let the paper dry thoroughly. Polish with a piece of paper towel to remove as much of the loose pigment from the surface as possible. (This is not essential, but generally leads to a better product.)

6. Now for the good part! Wash the gum off the paper with lots of water. Running under the tap (luke warm water) in a laundry sink is good. Hosing it off with the garden hose also works.

Gently rub the surface with your hand or a soft sponge to remove stubborn bits of gum.

7. When all the gum has been removed, let the excess water drain off, blot with clean newsprint, and dry between newsprint under pressure (I use masonite boards.) Change the newsprint often until the painting is bone dry.

8. Work over your designs with pastel (I use "good" pastels in this step) - to taste.

The results will surprise and delight you - you are only limited by your imagination!

Ice Drapery - pastel batik

Pastel Painting

2007-04-30T10:15:00.000-04:00

Although I love to paint in oils and acrylics, my favorite medium remains soft pastels. There is nothing between the hand and the surface - no brush - no distance. Fingers are used to smudge and blend. Fingers feel the texture of the paper, and painting becomes tactile and intimate.

Pastels are highly underrated by most artists. Many consider it to be a medium for little old ladies who want to do little pictures of flowers or landscapes. That is not true. Many famous artists throughout history have done works in pastels which hang in major museums - Degas, Redon, Cassat, Monet.

Contemporary artists have produced works which range from the abstract to high realism - and many styles ("isms") are represented - impressionism, expressionism.

Pastels are remarkably vibrant (as opposed to "pastel shades" which are thought of as pale and feminine). New darks, rich colours - undiluted. Full range of hardness. They are also remarkably robust - you can paint with them (alcohol, water, solvent, oil) and use them in mixed media work.

I really like to push the medium - and to show fellow artists that - like oils, acrylics, watercolours- they can be used without fear. The limit is not the medium - only the imagination.

Sun Gestures

2007-04-28T13:55:00.000-04:00

The sun dances in the ether - one star among millions of stars

Our star, our guiding light, our source of life

Without the sun we are nothing - With it we celebrate our present and our future

I painted the three sun gestures as an altar piece celebrating solar power. Each panel is 3 feet wide by 5 feet high. "Sun Gesture" represents the sun as one of many celestial features. "Home Star - the second in the series puts the sun in the centre of our universe. "Life Force" is the sun as giver of life.

The pieces were painted with oil glazes over an acrylic base on canvas. The work was begun in the summer of 2006 and finished in early 2007. They were first shown at Beaux Arts Brampton in April 2007.

Natural Progressions

2007-04-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

My wife, artist and printmaker Susan McCrae, and I presented our first joint gallery show at Beaux-Arts Brampton April 3-21, 2007.

Susan presented her exciting new collagraphs, and I focused on my collection of highly coloured acrylic and oil paintings - many of them in large format (3 x 5 feet).

The attached photoalbum provides a virtual tour of the gallery and the show.

Click on the title bar - and Enjoy!

Tony

Why Marinus?

2007-04-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

I always sign my work as "Marinus", and people ask me why.

For one reason - it is one of my middle names. It is also my mother's maiden name, and I wanted to honour that side of my family

Although I am committed to art - I am a scientist by profession (with a doctorate in chemistry) and have published in the scientific literature. Although I have not been actively involved in science over the past 15 years or so, I have been doing work related to science and innovation for the Ontario government, and am currently Director of Innovation Policy for the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation. It is Anthony (or Tony) Vander Voet who appears as the scientist and/or bureaucrat. The "Marinus" represents the art side.

Lastly (and perhaps most truthfully), a single name signature is more "arty" or pretentious (think Vincent) - and I like the sound of it.

What's in my name - it is the art that counts!

Tony Marinus Vander Voet

Chile Impressions Series Completed

New Website

We @ you me

A New Show

Catching up

The Journey continues

We go to Villarica and then to Argentina

And more and more

More slides

More slides

Susan and Tony Travel to Chile

A Progress Report

Georgian Bay Treat

Brief Thoughts on Retirement

Welcome to Studio 203

Artist's Progress

Postscript

In an Earthy Mood

FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING

Finally - an Update

Inspiration in Mexico

Beaux-Arts-Brampton Juried Show

Getting Back in the Groove

Good Heavens! Is it Christmas Already???

Recovering from the "Tour"

Studio83 on the Brampton Studio Tour

BEYOND PASTEL

....AND IT SOLD!!

MY FIRST ART PRIZE

Pastel Artists Canada in Salt Spring Island

Chilling Out at the John B. Aird

Haliburton Treat

Algonquin Flight

From the Air

Move to My New Studio Space

Batiking with Pastels

Pastel Painting

Sun Gestures

Natural Progressions

Why Marinus?