RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS - 2010

I like to take part in juried shows because, when a professional juror sees the art piece, he/she sees it with different ‘eyes’ than the usual viewer. Usually there are three independent jurors, who take into consideration various elements in the art piece. These elements have to complement each other to make the piece unique and appealing to the eye. Some of these elements are: subject, composition, colour, contrast, depth, execution of the medium, etc.

"Yearning II" - 'Juror's Award of Excellence' - 2006

KANATA ART CLUB
Juried Exhibition & Sale

This is a yearly-juried show in which I have taken part since 2006 and my work has always been accepted to be part of the show. In two occasions the jurors have recognized my work. The first time was in 2006 when “Yearning II” won the ‘Juror’s Award of Excellence’ at the Kanata Civic Art Gallery. The second time was this year at the Britannia Gallery with “Magnificent” winning the ‘Best in Show’ award competing with more then 60 paintings!

"Magnificent" - 'Best in Show' - 2010

"NEPEAN FINE ARTS LEAGUE"
Juried Member’s Exhibition

This yearly-juried show exhibits at the Atrium and Centrepointe Theatre Gallery. I entered this year with a triptych watercolour with orchids called “Triple Splendour” receiving the ‘First Award of Excellence in Watercolour’.

It is satisfying and inspirational to receive these recognitions; they encourage me to continue discovering the fabulous world of art!

OTTAWA ORCHID SOCIETY ART SHOW

The 29th Annual Ottawa Orchid Society Show and Sale, held on April 24 – 25, was an incredible success for my two new entries in this art juried show!

This year the Orchid Society had a challenge/contest on one specific type of wild orchid, the Showy Lady’s Slipper, which grows in the Lanark, ON area. I enter this challenge with “Slippers in the Woods” a multimedia piece of three pink/white orchids surrounded by flowing ferns. To my delight it won the second prize in the contest!

I also enter the show in the fine art’s category with another multimedia piece called “Ladies”, representing three yellow/red Lady’s Slippers growing amides cascading ivy and flowing ferns. These two pieces are a new direction in my ever-growing life as an artist. To my surprise “Ladies” won not only the first prize in multimedia but also the Best in Class of all fine arts presented in this show!

Second Prize Winner - "Slippers in the Woods"

Best Class Winner - "Ladies"
First Prize Winner in Multimedia - SOLD

VALLEY BEAUTIES

Often I drive south towards the St. Laurence River, and on my way, I see the ever-changing landscape. Through out the year I discover the beauty of the Canadian seasons, especially during spring and summer, when the fields are covered with wild flowers. On one occasion they might be white or yellow, and on another one, I discover they have changed to fuchsia or purple.

I wanted to capture this changes so I decided to put them all together in one painting but with a little twist…and voila the miniature was born!

The whole painting is only 12” X 12” and each little field is 4.5”X 4.5”. I love to see them all together and I enjoy how my eye wanders from one to another.

$ 250

On The Canyon

SOLD
Guanajuato is one of my favorite Mexican cities. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only because it dates back to the 1500s, but because of its location and evolution. This mining city, where the houses are all tucked into the canyon, has had its ups and downs during various centuries. Some of its famous silver mines are still found around the city. In the old times, these mines produced 30% of all the silver in the world, enriching the Spanish Crown and enabling it to build its powerful Spanish Armada.
The Guanajuato River used to pass at the bottom of the canyon causing great floods and massive destruction. To avoid this, tunnels were built allowing the city to grow above them.
Later on, the river was diverted to build a dam living the tunnels empty. In the 1950 city planers decided to use these tunnels as one of the main routes to direct the growing car traffic. The six existing tunnels are part of an efficient traffic system, which not only protects the city but allows it to keep its charming and historical down town.

Mountains with panoramic views of the colourful houses and historical buildings surround the city. Its many plazas and narrow streets, some of which can only be reached by foot, give this city a quaint and pleasant atmosphere. It is the home of many artists, some of them very famous like Diego Rivera.
Since 1972 Guanajuato host every year the famous “Festival Internacional Cervantino”, named after Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, considered the Shakespeare of the Spanish language, and who is the writer of “Don Quijote”. The international festival presents dance, theatre, poetry, music and fine arts. One of the most uplifting happenings are the “estudiantinas” (group of young students) dressed in middle-age velvet costumes; singing old traditional songs; gathering in all corners and plazas; competing for the best “estudiantina” in the Spanish world.
This painting represents and contains some of the features I think are part of this unique city. The mountains with their rugged and stony surface, the colorful houses in all angles just holding on to the canyon, the colonial architecture of its many churches and convents, the resilient cactus trees found in its landscape and the clear blue sky of the Mexican highlands.

SEASONS

SEASONS

I grew up in Mexico basically with two seasons: rainy and dry season. When I moved to Europe I experience the changing of the seasons but I find that in Canada they are really dramatic. I love the changing of the seasons! I love colour so naturally I love fall the most because of the range of colours but each of the other three seasons offer very special moments.

Spring is short but powerful, flowers are in full bloom in just two days! Tulips are especially beautiful and that is why I chose them to represent spring.
$250

Summer is warm and intense in colour. Fuchsia, also called Mexican pink, is one of my favorite colours. I couldn’t decide which flower could represent summer so I chose a generic flower with five petals.
$250

Fall, the east-Canadian fall shows the warm reds, bright yellows and rusty browns. Nothing else can represent fall as a Maple leave. Not only is found everywhere but it is the symbol of Canada.
$250

Winter, the long and cold winter with its cool whites, deep blues and purples are reflected in a fresh blanket of snow. We can imagine, and at times even see, the geometric perfection of beautiful snowflake!
$250

Set of four framed watercolours $850

ISSAC'S ART SHOW

Painting by: Gerald S. Smith

A first class setting and gourmet food are the best combination to highlight vibrant and colourful art!

For the second year Issac's in Stittsville, a first class restaurant & conference centre, has invited over 20 local artists to display their art. The spacious conference rooms are filled with natural light allowing the art to be viewed in all its detail. As an artist I appreciate the possibility to exhibit in such a nice place.

I am looking forward to see you there!

Stittsville Artists Studio Tour 2009

Once again I am taking part in this artists tour. I cordially invite you to visit the Stittsville Artists Studio Tour 2009. This year we are 12 artist, all residing a few blocks from each other, in our quaint town of Stittsville. Each artist offers something different from traditional landscapes and watercolours to mixed media and abstract or one of a kind soap stone pieces. This is a self guided tour and you can get maps by visiting our website:

http://www.stittsvillestudiotour.com/ where you can also find more information about the artists and their work. This year we having a draw! You have a chance to win an art voucher valued at $120 towards the purchase of a piece of art of your choice. Visit the 12 artists, fill-out your ballot and good luck!

Hope to see you on Saturday or Sunday!