:o) Face Painting :o)

I recently had the pleasure of being the face painter at the Mitchell Sandham Kids Christmas Party and had an absolute BLAST! The kids were just amazing and they seemed to really enjoy having their faces painted. Here are a few pictures of the event and the little sweethearts.







If anyone is interested in hiring a face painter for their event please feel free to contact me at malinda_prudhomme@hotmail.com. Thank you!

-[- Saint Irene's Atlantis -]-

This is a recently completed piece entitled "Saint Irene's Atlantis" which was created as a commissioned item for Shannon Roberts. When the commission was first set, Shannon was planning to celebrate her wedding day at a Greek venue and therefore wanted a little piece of Greece in her home to remind her of the special occasion. After much research and discussion, the beautiful, colourful, and tranquil scene of Santorini, Greece was the obvious choice! The piece is done with oils on canvas and was a time consuming and passion driven process. I decided to title the piece "Saint Irene's Atlantis" after doing some research on the location. The name "Santorini" actually translates to Saint Irene. It also turned out that many people believe that the Island of Santorini is the true Atlantis from the legends. I found this to be very interesting because the two concepts contradict each other. A catholic saint versus a mythical underwater world. Thus, I had to represent this in the name of the piece. I could not be happier with the results and the owners tell me they feel the same way!

Again, If anyone is interested in commissioning a piece please e-mail me at Info@MalindaPrudhomme.com. Please continue scrolling down for progress pictures!

~=~ The Burrow ~=~

I am incredibly proud of this newly finished commissioned piece called "The Burrow". It is my first free style attempt at a large scale (48"x36") abstract piece and I think it turned out beautifully. This piece now presides in the patron's, Gail Knecht’s, home (see picture). Though the piece was entirely done in free style abstract, and it was never my intention to portray any particular scene, I do see a scene that exudes comfort and warmth. The brown line in the middle sets up a horizon where the sun seems to be rising. This rising sun is setting a luminous reflection into a body of water. The darker mass seems like a cottage or old house which stands erect in a nice warm field or forest again shedding its colourful reflection into a mass of water. It is because of this scene that I've chosen to call it "The Burrow".

If you are interested in commissioning a piece please do not hesitate to contact me at Info@MalindaPrudhomme.com.

*A New Piece For Sale*

New World Lights

$75.00
12"x12"
Acrylic and Plasticized Paint on Canvas

This piece is an abstract expression of the artistic journey I've been experiencing here in Toronto. I can't help but feel that possibilities are endless here and that, because I now live in a metropolitan centre, my practice will soon grow. This piece portrays my excitement and awe with my new city life and it's endless inspiration and comfort.

Please contact me at Info@MalindaPrudhomme.com if you are interested in the piece.

~ Something To Match Your Décor ~

Hello Family, Friends, and Fans! I recently finished this piece entitled "A Favourite" for my friend and co-worker Kathy Faludy. She requested a painting that would match the décor in her washroom, specifically her Kleenex box. It was a time consuming and tedious task but I think the final product was worth all the effort! Please feel free to contact me with any commission inquiries! As you can see, I can create pieces that will be harmonious in your space or match (but not copy) any design you feel particularily passionate about. Thanks for stopping by!

Mitchell Sandham In Ice Logo

As some of you know, for the past two months I have been working at Mitchell Sandham Inc. Though it is not a teaching position or an art related position I have come to feel at home as the communications manager at this insurance brokerage. I could not have asked to be surrounded by kinder people. For the past couple of weeks I was given permission to work on a rather special project. Working side by side with Lea White, my amazing trainer and co-worker, I was given the opportunity to create an in ice logo for a curling arena. Though the original design of the logo is not my handy work the new look certainly is! There were some ups and downs but I definitely think the final product turned out well. :D

<< My First Commission Is Complete >>

I am very proud to present my very first commissioned piece. This piece was commissioned by my Val Caron neighbour Joyce Favaro. She wanted me to draw a portrait of her adorable dog Cisco which she would then give as a gift to her husband Lou Favaro. This piece was a challenge but I think it turned out better then I could have expected!

If you or anyone you know is interested in commissioning a piece please let me know. As I am still a new artist my prices are very fair and nothing compares to an original piece of art. Many people fall into the trend of purchasing prints from decorating stores. These are not true pieces of art. While these "art pieces" will depretiate in price, an original piece of art will always increase in value.

You can trust me with pictures of your pets, children, vacation, wedding, or your original ideas! Please e-mail me at Info@MalindaPrudhomme.com for any inquiries. There is no gift more unique and thoughtful then an original piece of art!

- + - Nipissing Newsletter - + -

My dear friend and fellow artist, Stephanie Paulins, was kind enough to send me something that just made my day! As she is still a student in the Fine Arts/Visual Artst program at Nipissing University she found herself reading through this years FAVA newsletter and found that I had been mentioned! Here is a copy of the FAVA newsletter which mentions my "People's Choice" award I won at the 2010 FAVA Exhibition held at the White Water Gallery. Thanks for thinking of me Steph!

!!! My Very Own Studio !!!

I have finally finished setting up my very own studio in my apartment in the 'Art and Design District' of dowtown Toronto! It has been decorated with my favourite and most inspiring pieces including prints of Botticell's "Birth of Venus" (my favourite piece of all time), Botticelli's "Primavera", DaVinci's "Mona Lisa","Venus de Milo", and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and altar. I am so excited to get started on some creative creations in my new space! :D

Showcased On An Etsy Shop!

I am excited to announce that one of my pieces from my series "The Power in Women's Hands" entitled "China" has been chosen to be showcased in an etsy shop dedicated to the beauty of fans. Please click on the following link to check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c9ea7c4eb1e6d917b152cec/a-fan-tasy?index=0

Another Piece Has Sold :D

I'm so very happy to share with you all that the beautiful Jessica Daggett from Markstay, Ontario has purchased my piece "The Sad Fate of a Gingerbread Man". This piece infuses the negative space rather than the positive space. It depicts a gingerbread man being cut to pieces by a butter knife. This is of course mundane and normal yet because the negative space is activated, symbolizing blood, the viewer feels sorrow for the cookie. This is an incredibly important piece to me because it is the first piece I created while attending the Fine Arts/Visual Arts program at Nipissing University. Jess, thank you so much for your support! I hope you enjoy the piece! :D

New Series And A Call For Beauty!

This morning I awoke with an amazing idea for a new series. I had been juggling with the idea of a new series that represents the female beauty (as I usually do) but couldn't figure out a way to make it unique and interesting. Well I think I've finally figured it out and I will need your help!

My Vision ...

The series will depict female faces in washes of watercolour as well as accents of encaustic wax paint. I have also decided to incorporate lace into each piece. However, I have yet to decide whether to incorporate patterns of lace with gold and silver leaf OR to actually incorporate real lace. 

The Meaning ...

I want to express, true female beauty (inner beauty/personality/character) without any of the typical external enhancements (makeup, clothing, accessories, etc.). I hope to make this statement through the individual uniqueness of each piece. For example, the colours of each female face will be chosen by that specific woman and will in some way reflect their inner beauty or personality. I will also strive to emphasize each woman's unique features to show the rarity of individuals. Lastly, the accents of lace, which will be added last, will be different for each woman and will represent the truly unique and intricate nature of women.

My Call for Beauty ...

I am asking that YOU take part in this series! I welcome and encourage all women, no matter their age, weight, or ethnicity. I am looking for a wide variety of women so please do not hesitate to take part! 
What I need from Each Candidate ...

1) A good quality picture (Not blurry) of your face that best expresses (in your opinion) your individual beauty.
2) A list of at least three colours that you feel defines your inner beauty/personality and briefly explain why.
3) I will also need some typical facts: Name, age, location, profession (What you are studying), and your most dominant interests.

I will be taking candidates until Nov 1st 2010.
Please e-mail me at malinda_prudhomme@hotmail.com
I look forward to hearing from all you gorgeous girls!

Showcased On A Website!

I'm so happy and honoured to annouce that Shelley, the creator of "The Underground Ferris Wheel", has decided to showcase a couple of my pieces on her website at http://www.theundergroundferriswheel.com/?p=2123 . My pieces can be found at the bottom of the page or by clicking previous. Please check it out!!!

OFFERING ART CLASSES IN THE TORONTO AREA!!!

Hello! I am so happy and excited to announce that I will be running year long art classes during the 2010-2011 school year. As you probably know I am a qualified Visual Arts teacher (you can find me on the Ontario College of Teachers website) and I am also a working artist. I will be running three classes out of my personal studio in the Parkdale (Southwest Toronto) area. All three classes will be open to all ages. These classes will only have 7 available spots as I believe students get more out of a smaller class environment. The classes I will be offering are as follows:

Art Essentials:

This class will touch on many different mediums such as pencil, charcoal, ink, collage, gouache paint, acrylic paint, and object sculpture. It is more suited for the exploratory artist who wants a little taste of it all! The cost of this class includes the use of all materials such as pencils, willow charcoal, erasers, ink/pens, gouache paint, acrylic paint, brushes, paper, and easels, as well as a personal sketchbook which can be kept at the end of the course.

Number of Sessions – 7
Total Cost - $270.00
Time - 7pm-9pm
Dates of First Term - Tues Sept 14, Tues Sept 21, Tues Sept 28, Tues Oct 5, Tues Oct 12, Tues Oct 19, and Tues Oct 26.

Advanced Drawing:
This class will focus on different drawing skills. We will utilize pencils, graphite, charcoal, conte, ink, pastels, and transfers. The classes will not only focus on refining skill but also explore means of expressing oneself through drawing. This class is suitable for those students who love drawing and want to improve on their skills and learn new skills! The cost of this class includes the use of all materials such as pencils, graphite, charcoal, conte, ink, pastels, erasers, paper, tortillions, and stomps, as well as a personal sketchbook which can be kept at the end of the course.

Number of Sessions – 6
Total Cost - $220.00
Time - 7pm-9pm
Dates of First Term – Mon Sept 13, Mon Sept 20, Mon Sept 27, Mon Oct 4, Mon Oct 18, and Mon Oct 25.

Refined Painting:
This class explores a number of painting mediums and techniques ranging from those used during the Renaissance to those used in modern day practices. We will explore the worlds of watercolour and acrylic painting; and do in-depth work with oils. This class will be focused on learning or improving skills as well as exploring artistic concepts and meaning. This class would be great for any paint lover! The cost of this class includes the use of all materials including watercolour, acrylic, oils, oil mediums, brushes, pencils, erasers, easels, palettes, palette knives, and canvas’ which may be kept at the end of the course.  

Number of Sessions – 7
Total Cost - $280.00
Time - 7pm-9pm
Dates of First Term – Wed Sept 15, Wed Sept 22, Wed Sept 29, Wed Oct 6, Wed Oct 13, Wed Oct 20, and Wed Oct 27.

Please contact me as soon as possible to secure your (or your child’s) spot in one of these classes as there are minimal spots available. Also, if you have any questions at all please feel free to contact me. My e-mail is malinda_prudhomme@hotmail.com.

Idea For A New Series!

I have said countless times that this past year in North Bay has truly been the best year of my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in art again and have met some amazing people. I have been talking about creating a series that reflects the beauty I have seen in North Bay for some time now. For me, the city exudes a sense of warmth and community and is clearly steeped with historical elegance. I have gone biking and on many walks while being here and what strikes me most about this city, and what I feel reflects its personality, is the beautiful architecture and its ability to maintain its historical presence while still becoming modern. When I return from Europe I hope to do a large series that mirrors this beauty. I have purchased an arm full of old sheets at thrift stores across town and hope to do a large series of, perhaps panoramic, mixed media paintings on them. At this point I feel like the paintings would depict the amazing architecture I have seen that is so characteristic of North Bay. I really think it will be a lovely series!

My First Sale!

I am very happy to announce that I have sold my very first piece of art. Erin Kelly from Pembroke, Ontario has purchased my piece "Mockery". It is a narrative collage which was created with storybook pages on posterboard. The piece portrays a princess that magically beheads all of the princes who come to wed her. It attempts to mock the societal ideal that all women should grow up to be "perfect" women and should find "perfect" men to marry them. It is an unrealistic and poisonous message that our modern cartoons help spread. Thank you for your support Erin!

Here is a photo of the piece "Mockery". I hope you enjoy it Erin!

This is a photo of Erin Kelly (Right) and I (Left) at our Education Graduation Luncheon. Erin and I both specialized in teaching junior and intermediate History.

Opening Night Of The 2010 Nipissing Fine Arts Juried Exhibition At White Water Gallery

I thought it might be nice to post a couple of photos from the opening night of the show.
Hope you enjoy them. :)



This is a photo of my drawing professor, Amanda Burk and I in front of my piece "Window". She was very happy and proud to have an entire wall dedicated to drawings created by her drawing students. She is a lovely person and a fantastic teacher. Though I plan to keep in touch with her, I will miss her greatly.



This is a photo of my fundamentals professor, Eileen O'Connor, and I in front of my piece "See". This is the piece that won the "Viewers Choice Award"!

I took this photo with my two amazing painting professors and their beautiful baby daughter. I learned a great deal from both of them and wish them all the best.

Here is a photo with my very supportive parents. Even though I had finished two university degrees they fully supported me in going back to school to pursue my artistic dream. I can't thank them enough for everything they have done for me! I love them very much.

Here is a photo of my partner and I. He has also been extremely supportive and encouraging. He has had such a positive affect on my life and I feel this has had a positive affect on my work.

Lastly, this is a photo of some fellow FAVA (Fine Arts/Visual Arts) ladies! Christine Charette (to my left) also had a piece in the show.

I have met some outstanding people this year while pursuing my artistic path and it really pains me to think that I will be leaving them all soon. I definitely hope we all keep in touch!