Welcome to News from the Atelier where you can follow Phil Jourdeuil’s art journey.

Year in review - 2024

In 2024 I decided to be more intentional with my art. I had been slowly developing my skills with online courses and generally exploring the possibilities. I had been painting sporadically. Doing acrylic paintings, outdoor watercolours, and sketches and generally goofing around and painting things that others wanted to have me paint. So I decided to set some goals in January:

• Paint or draw 5 days out of every 7

• Complete 30 paintings

• Sell 5 paintings

• Contribute to my local art scene

• Develop skills

• Try Water Mixable oils

I had mixed success with this. I did art related work 5 of 7 days from Jan to May and again in Aug and Sep. I found that summer yard work and travel inhibited this to some degree. I did finish 30 paintings. 15 on canvas or board, and 15 Birthday or event card paintings. I only sold one painting, but it was a small commissioned work and so I was quite pleased with this.

In the local art scene I participated in three art groups The Veterans Artist Collective (national), Plein Air Artists HRM and Urban Sketchers Halifax. I joined Visual Artists NS and took part in the Palette and Pigments event hosted by Scott Manor, Bedford from 11 - 17 Aug.

As a result of this involvement I participated in two shows. The Palettes and Pigments Art Show from 17-24 Aug at Scott Manor, where three of my paintings from the event were on display.

The other was UNCONQUERED: An exhibition by the Veterans Artist Collective and hosted by The Gallery George 140 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC from 5-12 Nov 2024. https://www.thegallerygeorge.com/november-2-15/phil-jourdeuil

I also tried water mixable oils to paint my first figure painting. The use of the paint was more successful than the figure, although the latter was reasonably recognizable.

In summary, 2024 was a remarkable year, which helped me cement the idea in my head that I was indeed an artist.

January 2025 Goings on

So January has been pretty busy. Once things settled back to normal after the holidays I prepared for the upcoming INVICTUS Game Shows in Vancouver and Whistler BC. This involved signing Artist contracts with the host Gallerys, packaging and sending three paintings to the Gallery George for the show in February. The painting going to Arts Whistler had been held at the Gallery George since the fall exhibition UNCONQUERED:. I participated in a number of workshops and online masterclasses. On Marketing on LinkedIn, on Acrylic Landscapes, on planning and motivation and finally one on Procreate. I also started a daily sketch practice mid month. I also planned out my major events for 2025.

Exhibitions

I have two upcoming exhibitions tied to the INVICTUS games and curated by the Veterans Artist Collective https://vetartists.ca/

Plans for 2025 - Theme is Growth

• Grow as an artist:

  • Daily sketching practice

  • Participate more regularly with the Plein Air Artists HRM and the local urban sketch groups

  • Take classes and workshops

  • Complete 30 painting

  • Complete a large project - I’m painting my Garage Door - Want to know more come back next month!

• Grow my Brand

  • Apply to attend the:

    • Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival (Jun)

    • One of the fiollowing:

      • Paint Peggy’s Cove (Jul)

      • Paint Sea on Site (Lunenberg Art Festival (Jul)

    • Scott Manor Palettes and Pigments (Aug)

    • Paint the Hydrostone (Sep)

  • Publish a monthly newsletter

  • Participate in local art shows and sales - follow me to know where I’ll be

  • Aim to get my art in local display spaces like the Cole Harbour Public Library, and other places.