Firesign Art & Design

More Daily Paintings

2011-12-01T10:05:00.000-08:00


Boots


Daisies

Frog Bank

2011-11-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

In the same mood as the Piggy bank...well kind of.

Here is another daily painting...Waiting for a Kiss?

acrylic on canvas, 6x8"

$75

contact Nanci to purchase info@firesignartanddesign.com

Time to Save

2011-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

New daily painting, inspired by the Daily Paintworks Challenge

"Paint your Pig!"

Originals Only in Comox at the Comox Rec Centre Nov 5-6, 2011

2011-11-04T07:06:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from the show!

2011-10-29T21:26:00.000-07:00

My newest Daily Paintings

Now they are in the Campbell River Art Gallery,

For the Annual Christmas Market

Daisies in October

6"x8" acrylic on canvas

Frog

6 x 6" acrylic on canvas, deep

Salmon Close-Up

6 x 8" acrylic on canvas, framed

Salmon Close Up

2011-10-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am starting a daily painting blog--here is the 6x8" salmon I painted this weekend.

acrylic on canvas

"Salmon Close Up"

It might need a bit of highlight and adjusting yet...almost ready to sign!

Focusing on My Art and Design, no more B&B

2011-10-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Firesign Art & Design Studio

has now ceased operations as a bed and breakfast.
I am changing my focus to my art and design which means I will be painting more and also taking courses in web design to increase my options and have more control of my online presence.

This blog will become a painting blog where I will post my paintings as soon as I get them done. I will include some process shots.

"Kitty Love"

the Quadra Feral Cat Society has a booth at the Quadra Island Farmer's Market

A real favourite!!!

Acrylic on Canvas

2011-10-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

Lots of changes happen when the weather gets exciting and the tourists go home. I am taking a look at my painting life and constantly revising my plan. Here is a link to the new page about Quadra Island that Phil Stone put together. It gives a sense of island life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zwhF4DNWq-Y

Gettin ready for Vancouver Island MusicFest!

2011-07-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited-I was invited to paint at the Vancouver Island Music Festival this weekend, July 8-10! Several local artists have been invited by the Comox Valley Arts Council to "Capture the Spirit" of the event-- so you will see us around the fairgrounds, taking it all in and giving our perspectives through our art.

I have been painting figures lately so I am looking forward to the challenge of capturing some of the movement and energy of the music and people. I hope to see some of you there!

Gallery Updates on the Website

2011-06-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

I am spending more time in the studio and finally updating my website gallery. I hope you have a look.

I have been invited to paint at the Vancouver Island Music Festival

5 Acres on Quadra Island British Columbia For Sale By Owner

2011-06-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

We have finally finished the legal paperwork to subdivide our land
Anyone interested in a great deal on beautiful Quadra Island please contact Nanci toll free 1-877-285-3390 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-877-285-3390 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Have a look at our link online
House in British Columbia For Sale By Owner | ForSaleByOwner.com - FSBO

House in British Columbia For Sale By Owner | ForSaleByOwner.com - FSBO

2011-06-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

House in British Columbia For Sale By Owner | ForSaleByOwner.com - FSBO

spring visitor!

2011-05-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

Sitting at the table with the slider open suddenly hummingbird stopped inside, checked me out...loved the artwork.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

B&B Rooms and Workshops at Firesign are ready to go!

2011-04-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am tired of cool, rainy, windy days and ready for lots of sunshine!

Next week, May 2-6 is supposed to bring great spring weather to Quadra Island-everything is budding and ready to start! The tulips will be blooming for sure. Norma Jackson will be here and there is still room for 2 more if you are quick! Delightful small class with students at all skill levels in a safe place. A quiet getaway artistic adventure for inspired and aspiring artists! http://www.firesignartanddesign.com/NormaJacksonwatermediaworkshop.htm

Art is Life, Life is Art acrylics workshop with Norma Jackson coming up

2011-03-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

For beginners and experienced alike, this 5 day acrylic workshop will take you on a journey from where you are... to where you want to go.

Whether your artistic goal is to begin in acrylics, to refine your work or to go beyond current boundaries, Norma, works with each participant individually to take you to the next step in your creativity. While working on images of choice participants will be led through layers of different art elements and techniques to arrive at a completed pieces of art.

Included in the workshop is colour theory and mixing, elements of art such as value, form, space, basic composition rules and the use of acrylic mediums to add texture to your work .

This is a fun workshop, participants learn from each other’s work, and it’s full of practical information balanced with creativity.

Brian Simons Painting Workshop April 11-15

2011-03-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the poster for Brian's workshop. I still need 2 more students so please call me or email if you are interested in participating. Only 5-7 students!

Link to Fine Art website

2011-03-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

I like this site and you can find my paintings and prints for sale there
nature paintings, fantasy art

New portrait by Nanci Cook

2011-03-16T21:23:00.001-07:00

Bertha

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Poster for Clive Powsey Workshop at Firesign on Quadra Island

2011-03-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

Clive Powsey workshop coming up at Firesign Studio March 28-April 1

2011-03-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

Clive Powsey paints mainly watercolour landscapes. Born in Ashford, Kent, U.K., 1958. He studied drawing, painting and printmaking at the Ontario College of Art and was awarded a Nora Vaughan Scholarship in 1978. He graduated in 1980 after spending his fourth and final year in an off-campus program in Florence, Italy. He has exhibited regularly since 1981 in both solo and group shows.

Group exhibitions include International Waters (1991), a joint exhibition of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, the American Watercolour Society, and the Royal Watercolour Society. He received an award for Best Watercolour at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition in 1999 and in 2009 he received a D.L. Stevenson Award for Excellence in Watercolour for a painting submitted to the 84^th Annual Open Water Juried Exhibition at the Leighton Art Centre in Calgary Alberta.

Clive has also worked in animated film and television from 1985 to 2010 with screen credits as an art director and background artist/stylist. He is a member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour.

Clive has recently resumed instructing workshops and courses on his two main visual interests; drawing from life and painting in watercolour. He lives on Vancouver Island is a keen outdoorsman, with interests in backcountry hiking and mountaineering, rock climbing and skiing.

You can see an inventory of his painting and drawing at www.clivepowsey.com

Price:$595 includes days instruction in a small group, lunches and unlimited studio time.

New! Saturday Drawing Classes in the Spring

2011-01-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

Grant Fuller comes to Quadra Island to teach DRAWING March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 2011 as all-day class or a series of 4. Contact me for details. http://www.firesignartanddesign.com/grantfullerdrawingclass.htm

High Tide on the Spit

2011-01-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

I just finished, well almost, finished this painting this week. I hope. Comments are welcome!

Cedar Wallace Fiber Workshop on Quadra Island info

2010-12-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to announce a New Weekend workshop at Firesign Studio
March 11-13, 2011

Felting and Fiber with Cedar Wallace from Hornby Island.

Cedar is one of the first people I made friends with on Hornby in 1977, when she was making baskets. Here is the link to her page on my website:
http://www.firesignartanddesign.com/cedarwallaceworkshop.htm

Now she has branched out into gourds and fiber as mediums for her exquisite artistry.

Here are a few samples of her work.

Quadra Singers concert tonite 7 pm.

2010-12-12T07:23:00.001-08:00

Lots of lovely harmonies and xmas music #quadraisland #campbellriver

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Special Winter Discounts are on at Firesign B&B

2010-12-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

Stay 2 nights at Firesign in December and get 50% off your 2nd night!

Just remember to mention this ad when you reserve.

Beautiful walks, moderate weather...make Quadra Island your destination for a quick island getaway!

Here are some pictures I took during my walk at Rebecca Spit yesterday late afternoon.

Workshop Artist at Firesign: Lisa Birke

2010-11-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Firesign is delighted to welcome Lisa Birke to Quadra Island May 23-27 2011 to teach

"Brush Stroke Boot Camp"

Lisa Birke is a Vancouver artist working primarily in painting, installation and performance art. Since graduating from Emily Carr Institute (BFA 1999), Lisa has had public and commercial solo exhibitions in Canada, the US, and the Netherlands. Using black humour as a backdrop, her work is an eclectic mix of mass media, pop culture and kitsch imagery. It references art history and makes observations about consumerism, human impact on the environment, biological manipulation, social stereotyping, and how technology is changing identity and meaning in the contemporary world. Lisa has been an arts educator for ten years and has given numerous lectures on her work, travels and creative process.

gorgeous sunrise this morning

2010-11-04T10:00:00.001-07:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

Website woes--it's time for a new design anyway

2010-11-01T19:18:00.001-07:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

Beautiful October Day on Quadra Island

2010-10-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

happy Thanksgiving Canada!

2010-10-11T08:17:00.001-07:00

We had lots of turkey & pumpkin pie last nite. No need to cook today!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0

Marilyn Timms Workshop Aug2010

2010-09-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the complete album from Marilyn Timms workshop

Grant Fuller workshop coming up-register now!

2010-09-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Grant Fuller is returning to Quadra Island to paint at Firesign Sept 20-24, Mon-Fri. Here is a link to his wonderful book at Amazon. I hope you can join us!

We will paint outside-so come prepared to sketch and paint and photograph. Lunches are delicious and fresh and healthy (included)

Workshop Demo Painting by Grant Fuller

Marilyn Timms workshop Aug 23-27, 2010

2010-09-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely week of painting and exploration on Quadra Island-the weather cooperated very nicely!

for more images from Marilyn's workshop, see http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w108/firesignart/Marilyn%20Timms/August%202010%20Workshop/

Marilyn will return in 2011!

a Couple of Videos from David Gallup workshop

2010-07-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Wonderful workshop pics with David Gallup July 5-9,2010

2010-07-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

See photos of the workshop here: http://fb.me/vxzpY52M

The Zen of Quadra Island Plein Air with Marilyn Timms on Quadra Island

2010-07-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Zen of Quadra Island Plein Air with Marilyn Timms on Quadra Island

Peter Shostak workshop June 21-25, 2010

2010-07-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Nice weather when Peter came to Quadra Island for 5 days in June. Okay, the weird part is that the guests were named Susan, Susan, Susan and Abby. And 2 of the Susan's husbands are named Bob. Too strange. Otherwise everyone learned a lot more about painting and choosing a subject at the workshop. I will post pics soon. or see them on facebook:

Workshop with Janice Robertson was a great success for all!

2010-06-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Quadra Island forested rural acreage for sale by owner

2010-06-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Quadra Island forested rural acreage for sale by owner

Alex Fong video from his demo at Firesign Studio june 7-11, 2010

2010-06-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

Nanci Cook New Paintings

2010-04-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Lily Painting process

2010-04-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

After the dust settled on the last workshops I got into the studio...maybe a couple of tweaks to go. this is acrylic on canvas 24"x36". Comments are always welcome!

Brian Simon's Seven Steps workshop pics

2010-04-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

A great start to the workshop season! Pictures from Norma Jackson's workshop March 29-April2, 2010

2010-04-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with Norma Jackson this spring a full five days taylored to each student's needs and where they want to be with their paintings...and their lives! Thanks again Norma I have more information and a few things clicked while you were here. I lost my camera at the end of the workshop so I am still looking for it...more pics to come, I hope!!!

Nanci

Harmonized Sales Tax comes into affect in BC July 1

2010-03-22T11:49:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to keep you informed.

Check out the new workshops for 2010 at Firesign!

2010-02-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Some great artists are coming to Quadra Island to teach intensive workshops in semiprivate instruction. Lots of fun and inspiration on this beautiful island. This painting is by Duncan artist Norma Jackson who is coming to teach March 29-April 2...hurry and register now!

Getting Ready for the Pearl Ellis and Spring!

2010-02-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hi folks: in the middle of sunny spring-like weather makes me realize that spring is just about here. I am so glad we didn't have to shovel snow this year!

I am going to be in a show with Susan Schaefer from Qualicum Bay at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox March 17-30 and also in the Tidemark Theatre for the Campbell River Women's Centre March 6-23. I hope you can stop by!

Muir Gallery Opening Today

2009-11-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

I was accepted for my first time in the Comox Vallery Federation of Canadian Artists November Juried Show at the Muir Gallery in Courtenay November 6-28.
The opening is tonight from 7-9 PM

Tracy's Birthday Portrait

2009-10-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Follow up on Quadra Paint Out 2009

2009-10-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yay! I found everybody's names that participated in the Paint Out this year.
Here they are, in no particular order. There are some names missing so please let me know if you know one.
Thanks everyone, I hope to see you next year( and that you bring all your friends) :

Teresa Knight, Comox Valley www.teresaknight.com
Perry Johnston, Quadra Island
Gail Rankin, Quadra Island
Lesley Matthews, Quadra Island
Kathryn Manry, Calgary www.kathrynmanry.ca
Brent Lynch, Nanoose Bay www.brentlynch.net
Reta Davis, Campbell River
George Doerksen, Comox Valley
Barb Smith
Bill Kerr, Comox Valley www.billkerrart.com
Marilyn Timms, Comox Valley www.timmsfineart.com
Becky McMahon, Surrey
Perrin Sparks, Quadra Island www.perrinsparks.com
Grant Fuller, Comox Valley, www.grantfuller.ca
Sophie Skapski, Comox Valley, www.sofieskapskiart.com
Nanci Cook, Quadra Island, www.firesignartanddesign.com

PS: Keep checking this blog for updates or join and get updates emailed to you.
If you would like to receive emails about upcoming events and specials at Firesign, you can follow this link.

For Email Newsletters you can trust

Here is Bill Kerr's email after the Paint Out

WOW. IT WAS GREAT.

Everyone I spoke to from our neck of the woods vows to return. There are a few here who were really upset that they had to miss it. As the week end approached we were collectively surprised to see how many of us got involved.

Next year we will have a coordinated effort for our gang..with a beach side pot luck or salmon BBQ and corn roast. We will see, doubtlessly more RV's. Should double the number easily...

We loved it and when someone suggested.. maybe we should do this we all jumped in with words to the effect... What, miss a blow out week end like this, don't be silly!!. We had a ton of fun at the campsite Saturday nite as well as all week end. A hi energy show!!

Thanks

Bill K

Quadra Paint Out 2009 A Great Success!

2009-09-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

The 4th Annual Quadra Island Paint Out on Sept 12-13 attracted professional and aspiring artists from Montreal, Alberta, Surrey, Vancouver, Courtenay, Parksville, Ladysmith, Cumberland, Campbell River and Quadra Island, and many people came to see the paintings progress. Painting on Saturday at Rebecca Spit was a slice of paradise. Special thanks go to Lois, Vic, Cathy, Noelle and the Heriot Bay Inn staff that made a fun celebration on a showery Sunday. Firesign Studio hosts painting workshops and drop-in sessions and offers private instruction. For more information see the website at: www.firesignartanddesign.com or call Nanci 285-3390

Here is the slide show of the images so far, more may come in from other artists, so check again:
http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w108/firesignart/Quadra%20Paints%202009/?albumview=slideshow

2009-09-03T16:27:00.001-07:00

2009-08-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

Some new photos of Firesign B&B

2009-08-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

A Great Day Painting at Firesign with Dianne Bersea

2009-08-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

The weather was fine, we painted in the shade, had a great lunch and wonderful instruction with Dianne Bersea in our 5th Water Media Rambles Workshop yesterday, Aug.1. Here are some of the photos:

Wish you were here? You can catch Dianne for a 5-day immersion in the Water Media Study on Aug 24-28.

Marilyn Timms workshop unedited as yet!

2009-07-27T10:17:00.001-07:00

Quadra Island Sunday Painters

2009-06-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Join us for Sunday painting. 11 AM-3 PM every Sunday, starts June 21, 09.
Call Nanci 250-285-3390 or email firesignart@live.ca for locations.

May workshop with Brian Simons

2009-06-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

here is a small slideshow of our very successful workshop with Brian Simons in May 09. I hope we get him back next spring! If you have more pictures, please send them to me!

May 25-29 Paper Clay Sculpture: Faces and Figures with Meinsje Vlaming

2009-04-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Learn to 'see' by opening your eyes to the reality, it becomes possible to see beyond the first impression, into the magic of the obvious. Once that is established one is able to express the desired emotion in the face, hands, feet, and body language.

A great deal of attention is given to detail and proportion. This workshop is for beginners as well as experienced sculptors.

Price: $595 includes 5 days instruction, paper clay materials, delicious lunches, unlimited studio time

Lily Paintings

2009-04-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here are my paintings from the workshop. I am excited to keep going on this series!

acrylic on board, 9"x12"

2009-04-26T10:27:00.001-07:00

Some pictures of Suzanne Northcott's workshop at Firesign

2009-04-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful week for Suzanne Northcott's workshop April 11-17--we had lunch on the deck in the sunshine all but one day, and had a sketching trip to Rebecca Spit Provincial Park on Wednesday. Thanks for the great week everyone!

Acrylics: Doing Your Own Work with Suzanne Northcott on Quadra Island

2009-03-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

In this course students will work with the instructor to articulate their own vision and particular challenges. Suzanne’s intention is to meet each individual exactly where they are and to support them in the production of work in the classroom that expands their practice in a personal way.

The format will lean heavily on individual instruction and will also include lecture and discussion and some demonstration of particular techniques.

Subjects to be addressed will include awareness of surface quality, mixing media, mark making, composition, subject matter and some discussion around colour. Students are expected to provide their own subject material be that sketches, photos, physical items or ideas.

Expect to be challenged, to be brave, to have fun!

Price: $595 per person

Dates: April 13-17, 2009

Workshop package includes: 5 days painting instruction, delicious lunches, and unlimited studio time. We like to get together for a group dinner on Thursday night (not included in the rate) Some accommodations available at Firesign-register early to claim your space!

Deposit: $250

MasterCard and VISA accepted

2009-01-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

Workshops on Quadra Island

March 13-15 2009
Introduction to Watercolour
with Dianne Bersea AFCA cspwc

Dianne Bersea is an accomplished watercolour artist and elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (cspwc). Bright colours and strongly drawn images rendered in a distinctive style have marked Dianne’s watercolours since she began painting in the northern Gulf Islands in 1996. A solo show at the Campbell River Public Gallery in 1999 confirmed her originality. Recently Dianne returned to acrylic painting and received an Award of Excellence for her acrylic “Powell Islet View” at a fall Federation of Canadian Artists show. Dianne has been a workshop instructor for ten years, including 7 seasons at Hollyhock retreat centre on Cortes Island as well as the Malibu Arts Retreat on the Sunshine Coast. She is known for her humorous and supportive approach to sharing the wonders of creativity.

Stay at Firesign B&B for a workshop, get a 10% discount!

March 13-15, 2009

This is an excellent opportunity to get the brushes moving or "brush up" on watercolour techniques!
Ideal for those new to watercolour or those seeking a watercolour refresher.

Participants will begin with simple exercises to build good brush skills, colour mixing and painting techniques. Learn the secrets of working wet-in-wet, layering colour and creating strong compositions. Easy step-by-step exercises build confidence while learning new skills, maintaining colour brilliance and experiencing the magic of watercolour.

Joine Dianne for this gentle introductory watercolour workshop with demonstrations and supportive reviews throughout each day.

Materials list supplied or for additional fee all materials will be supplied.

Price: $225 includes 2 days instruction, lunch and unlimited studio time. Class starts Friday night with demo and reception, continues Saturday 9 AM-4 PM and Sunday 9 AM until noon - so people can get home on the ferry!

Deposit: $100 non-refundable

MasterCard, VISA accepted

Please Note: no solvents or petrochemical fumes are permitted in the studio, due to chemical sensitivities.

email Nanci at firesignart@live.ca to reserve or call toll free (877) 285-3390

Cancellation and Privacy Policies

Firesign Christmas Gallery & Market 2008

2008-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

Please stop by, but call first! A great display of paintings by Nanci Cook, Christina Munck, Perrin Sparks and pottery by Christine Husson

Or see a sample at the Firesign booth in the Campbell River Common.

I hope to see you!
Nanci

Christmas Market in the Campbell River Commons

2008-12-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

Hello folks: Firesign will be showing and selling at the Campbell River Commons every Saturday until Christmas...and Sunday, Dec 7...maybe more days as we get closer to the deadlines...
Here are some pictures of the booth last weekend. Christine Husson is next to me with her gorgeous, colourful pots. I am showing Norwex, amber jewelry and art cards and paintings...we had dancers last weekend, next week is the Santa parade and lots of other stuff happening. Come by and see us!

Some Paintings by Nanci Cook

2008-11-09T16:13:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of paintings that are in the Old Schoolhouse Gallery close up:

Starfish Rocks, Acrylic on canvas

Tree Lights, Acrylic on canvas, 20" x 24"

Firesign Four TRANSITIONS in the Old Schoolhouse Gallery, Qualicum Beach, BC

2008-10-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Nanci Cook, Dianne Bersea, Christina Munck and Perrin Sparks
have teamed up to exhibit their paintings in the
Old Schoolhouse Gallery
to show their TRANSITIONS in 2008.

For pictures of the opening reception on October 15,
please see the Firesign website at:
http://www.firesignartanddesign.com/firesign4%20photos.htm

Quadra Paints Out 2008!

2008-09-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Wonderful weather added to the 3rd Quadra Paint Out as part of the 6th Annual International Plein Air Painters Great Worldwide Paint Out September 6&7, 2008. We painted at Rebecca Spit Provincial Park and at the Heriot Bay Inn-where we had an afternoon reception and dinner for painters and supporters. Painters included Ann McLean, Astrid Johnston, Corrine Taylor, Delia Samson, Gail Rankin, George Doerksen, Jean Gunderson, Jo Billing-Meyer, John Stuart Pryce, Nanci Cook, Pat Fraser, Perri Sparks, Perry Johnston, Peter Crowe, Terry Hrycun and Victoria Scott. Participants came from many different locales for this event, some from Courtenay and Victoria and others from as far away as Alberta!
Below are some of the photos.

Get ready for the 2009 Quadra Paint Out!

Nanaimo Arts Council prize winner!

2008-06-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks, just a note to let you know that Nanci Cook won 3rd prize in the "Spring Showcase" juried members art show at the Nanaimo Arts Council for her watercolour "Sprint Bouquet". The jurer's remarks: " A delightful figurative piece with a simplicity of form and a fluid contrast of line and pattern."

International Plein Air Painters 2008 Worldwide Paint Out on Quadra Island

2008-03-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

The International Plein Air Painters Worldwide Paint Out will be held on Quadra Island September 6-7. Painters are invited to join us at Rebecca Spit Provincial Park and the Heriot Bay Inn for a show and reception at 3 PM on Sunday.

Here are links to the artists in IPAP that have blogs. (The photos posted here are from 2007)

http://artpleinair.blogspot.com/- Sandra Nunes
http://jrbaldini.blogspot.com - J. R. Baldini
http://juliehouck.blogspot.com - Julie Houck
http://philtheforecaster.blogspot.com/- Phil Chadwick
http://larryseiler.blogspot.com/- Larry Seiler
http://hollandartstudio.com/blog- Aaron Holland
http://ldianejohnson.blogspot.com - L.Diane Johnson
http://lindarichichi.blogspot.com/ - Linda Richichi
http://www.kschifano.blogspot.com/ - Kath Schifano
www.paintergrannys.blogspot.com - Nancy Albrecht
http://rodricatilley.blogspot.com/- Rodrica Tilley
http://singlemaltcove.blogspot.com - Brandy Gale
http://wheezard.blogspot.com/ - Michael Chesley Johnson
http://robertjglassart.blogspot.com/ Robert Glass
htp://wtcla.blogspot.com - World Tour of Contemporary Landscape Painters

Firesign Workshop Brochure with 2008 Calendar is ready!

2008-02-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

The new brochure for 2008 with the workshop calendar is now printed. Please contact me if you would like one or some mailed to you! Our first workshop is April 5-6 with Grant Fuller. Grant has just finished writing a book [watercolor A-Z] published by Northlight Books

Now a 2 -bedroom cottage suite for rent!

2008-02-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

When you come for a workshop at Firesign Studio, you now have a choice of staying in a nice 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage a very short walk up the street from here. Contact Nanci for details, more pictures will be on the website at www.firesignartanddesign.com . Here are a couple of pictures so far:

Quadra Island Snowed in for a Couple of Days!

2008-01-31T17:43:00.000-08:00

Here's the view from the window-good days to catch up on computer stuff. The new 2008 workshop brochures are almost done! I will do the first printing tonight and will send the order to the printer's for lots more. Email me at info@firesignartanddesign.com or call toll free 1-877-285-3390 and I will send you one or more printed copies. I will have the jpeg up here in the next couple of days.

Mexico Workshop postponed until 2009!

2008-01-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

Not quite enough people signed up soon enough so we are putting the Mexico workshop "Catching the Light" with Perrin Sparks forward to next year. Let us know if you are interested and check here for details as they appear! www.firesignartanddesign.com

Master Painting Workshop with Kristen Scholfield-Sweet

2008-01-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

KRISTEN SCHOLFIELD-SWEET is going to be at Firesign Studio to teach A MASTER CLASS

During this intensive 5 day master class receive one-on-one mentoring in your chosen media and art-making style. Deepen and expand your creative process while you work in supportive and empowering studio sessions. Engage in intensive group and individual critiques focusing on technique and subject matter. Develop strategies for exhibition proposals and portfolio preparation.

For intermediate, advanced and professional artists working with two dimensional materials who want to access their next level of creative power.

Kristen L Scholfield-Sweet, PH.D. Art Education, is an exhibiting artist, curator, gallery exhibitions selections officer and art school faculty member who gives private art lessons and conducts art mentoring groups in BC, Alberta, and the Pacific Northwest.

Grant Fuller Weekend Workshop in April 2008

2008-01-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

Grant Fuller will teach a 2-day watercolour workshop on Quadra Island, April 5 & 6 "Mainly Seascapes" Learn to enjoy painting outdoors! (weather permitting, we have studio space if necessary) The best way to take your painting skill to the next level is to surround yourself with your subject. This getaway offers that opportunity as well as the chance to unwind.

The ocean has ever changing moods so we need to be prepared to paint whichever one she shows.

Quadra Island is a short ferry ride from Campbell River on Vancouver Island. More details soon on www.firesignartanddesign.com. See Grant's website at www.grantfuller.ca

Regular copies of Grant's new book "[Watercolor] A-Z" are now available through North Light Books, Amazon, Chapters and other book stores.

Firesign Painting Workshops

2008-01-18T09:58:00.001-08:00

Check out some of the changes to the Firesign workshops main page! Comments or suggestions about the website are always welcome!
Here is a painting by Brian Simons-he will be here April 14-18, 2008 and in September.

Dianne Bersea's New Works in Progress in Acrylics!

2008-01-17T17:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Fabulous Friends!
Here are two of Dianne's AFCA application paintings in progress. She just took them right off the camera so colours are either too harsh or not quite right,she says, but it gives you a little idea of what she's doing now. Still painting!

Dianne will be teaching 3 water media workshops at Firesign in 2008. Check out the firesign Website! Here is a link to her May Workshop
"Watercolour Adventures for the Neophyte"

Perrin Sparks show in the Tidemark Theatre

2008-01-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

Perrin Sparks is having a show of her works through February 3rd in the Tidemark Theatre, downtown Campbell River. See her wonderful portraits and landscapes in pastel and oil. Perri is instructing a portrait workshop at Firesign July 7-11, "Steps to a Likeness".

Snowy Bridge is just about done.

2008-01-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

Acrylic painting, 16" x 20" by Nanci Cook

2008-01-08T15:13:00.001-08:00

Dinner at the Shostaks

2008-01-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday night was great fun at Peter Shostak's beautiful custom home and studio in Courtenay, BC. I went with Perri Sparks for a wonderful buffet dinner and met new artists as well as several we already knew, including Marilyn Timms and Brian Buckrell. Here is a sample of one of Peter's recent paintings. Peter Shostak will be teaching a workshop here in the second week of June for 5 days-check out the listing on my site .

Wetcanvas.com challenge!

2008-01-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

Perry Johnston and I decided to try the weekend event challenge on www.wetcanvas.com. We picked the same photo and painted to this stage in 2 hours. Perry used watercolour so worked in series. I painted in acrylics. These are works in progress but it was a fun start.

Here are the paintings so far.

Snowy Bridge by Nanci Cook WIP

Snowy Bridge 1 by Perry Johnston

Snowy Bridge 2 by Perry Johnston

Welcome to Firesign's new blog

2008-01-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! In the spirit of the new year, I am starting a new blog here for Firesign. I am learning as I go, but I would like to post news and events here as well as images of paintings I am working on or finished...and some from other artists that paint or have painted here.

Here are some photos from our 1st Annual Firesign Christmas Market. From left to right, Perrin Sparks, Trevor & Perry Johnston.