It is the time of year when hearts and minds are preoccupied with festive traditions and last-minute shopping. The group show held last weekend at Harbour Gallery was like a refreshing pause in the hectic season . I was delighted to meet with people whose interest in art is genuine and never wanes no matter what the season. Some of them have purchased my work recently and others are waiting for a perfect "Adamo" for a special space. Speaking to collectors is at once an exciting and most humbling experience. Discussing art with them in a beautiful gallery complete with fantastic hors d'oeuvres, wines and elegant service is cause for celebration.
I am grateful to the Bryant family and the Harbour staff for the reverance they have for each piece of art and for the artists they treat as part of their family. No wonder the clientele holds the gallery in high regard.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season,

Pietro

This is for the clients who purchased the series:"Rossetto"(I-VII) (mixed media on canvas,2010)
The invitation to watch as she puts on her lipstick is dependent on her mood in this case identified by the colour in which she is veiled. It is interesting to see how blue can, in some cases appear to be more intimate, inviting , private-in a sense, warmer.

Am I having a good time? I'm truly loving it! Above, another in the series Natura Grande(40x72) and below, another in the purely abstract series Giardini Naxos (40x90 ). It is wonderful to be able to truly work from the heart-answering the call without hesitation. Today I'm in an abstract frame of mind-tomorrow I might want to get surreal. With freedom comes responsibility of a different kind. The tendency here is to nurture each piece with the intensity it deserves-no piece is to leave the studio before it is ready-how do you know it's ready? (the standard cliche is that a painting is never finished) O.K. , it's never finished so how do you know when enough is enough???

You just do.

The full title of the Giardini Naxos piece is: "Tre Cavalieri". Zoom in to get an idea of the layering, composition and texture. I was definitely in the "zone" for this one...no phones, no laptops, no t.v., no interruptions................................................................o.k. I took an espresso break..........................twice.....................no, maybe three times

Check with Brenda at Progressive Fine Art for availability and prices of both pieces(416 860 0983 line 3)

I have been painting landscapes since I can remember, but my main interest in painting them was creating a sense of depth, of timeless space. In such a landscape, one senses what I like to refer to as the "forever moment". When I get that moment, the piece is complete. Although the painting seemingly depicts rocks, trees, water and so on...it really is more about texture, form, contrast and above all-colour. A closer look reveals the true abstract nature of all painting-no matter how tight or loose. The piece above is from the Natura Grande series begun after the Lake Rosseau commission as a response to collectors who have wanted to see more "landscape" from me. I have been more than happy to oblige. The landscapes are inspired by the surrounding Ontario beauty-it's all around me, it's beautiful and it is to be celebrated!

More Natura Grande series pieces can be seen at Bright's Gallery in Collingwood, and Koyman Galleries in Ottawa, as well as Townesquare Gallery in Oakville. Please contact Michael Havers at Progressive Fine Art for more information.