Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Shawna Patenaude https://livinginaurora.ca Living In Aurora Ontario Canada Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:51:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 Photo Social And Photo Shooting During SOYRA Showcase 2013 https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 04:07:09 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9847 SOYRA Showcase 2013 reception at the Aurora Cultural Centre. If you have not seen it yet, I already had my first post out few days ago. It was my photography from the show in black and white, something different.

So you know the show is still on until February the 2nd, 2013.

SOYRA Showcase 2013, 2nd Floor Aurora Cultural Centre


As mentioned before I have few more photos to share with you. However, I must admit that on that day I was actually chatting more than photo shooting the showcase. Well if you get to see your friends once a year, of course there is a lot to talk about. When I arrived home and processed my images I realized that I had a little less than expected. Well you will just have to visit the show for yourself and experience the moment.

Introduction by Nancy Newman, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I was glad to meet again Nancy Newman, Shawna Patenaude, Zorica Miric and her husband, Jennifer Blacquiere and finally to meet Linda Welch in person.

This year was another interesting year for me especially because I realized that I am starting to recognize some of the artist’s work and their styles. I frequently drop by Nancy Newman’s website just to admire her floral paintings, and the more I stare at them – the harder it is to leave the site.

Red Wall, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


There is something about those floral paintings – not just the detail, or the flower’s architecture, but that fine line between the reality and painted world. If there were real flowers and you look behind them you find whatever there is, but in her paintings behind those flowers there is mystery and suspense, and our imagination filled with more flowers.

Linda Welch & Shawna Patenaude, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Then there is Shawna Patenaude. She made a life time impression on us (especially Matthew) with her paintings of apples that were showcased at the Skylight Gallery at the Town Hall Aurora. This is when we met Shawna for the first time. She continues to paint these beautiful red and delicious apples and they were on the spotlight this year on the red wall at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I think we need Shawna’s reflection in one of those water drops.

More of Shawna’s work is exhibited at the Aurora Public Library until mid March, and there is more, not just apples – Capture the Light, Explorations in Oil by Shawna Patenaude.

Zorica Miric, Her Abstract Painting, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


And what can I say about Zorica Miric. We share same background – yes we are both engineers, and we share appreciation for art. The only difference is that she paints and I do not. However, we both do enjoy abstract art as well. Last year Zorica’s abstract painting was one of the first sold. This year she exhibited similar one, and when I arrived I recognized her work immediately.

Oh and there is more about us, if I am not mistaken, we are both married to engineers, but there is small difference, her husband paints and my husband does not.

So me and Zorica had abstract conversation, but that somehow changed and next we were standing in front of framed photos, category – nudity. When comes to this type of art, this is where my cheeks get painted red, naturally, no brush required.

Blue Wall, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I continued to be impressed with Jennifer Blacquiere’s art. It is so realistic that sometimes I must admit I have doubts or I am not convinced that the painting is actually a painting, but on the end I do believe her. I frequently visit Jennifer’s website gallery and if you were standing close by my side, you be hearing many wow’s. Yes her paintings come with a ‘wow‘ factor.

Jennifer Blacquiere’s Art, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


Interesting enough when you meet an artist most of the time you don’t talk about their art, just life in general. So I met Linda Welch and I didn’t even ask if she paints. All I know that she does excellent organizing work for SOYRA. I corresponded with Linda occasionally via this blog, and it was finally nice to meet her in person.

Daisies by Hans Martin, SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre


I almost forgot I had a nice chat with Hans Martin whom I met just before I left for home. We talked about art galleries and photographing art, and then we span off to talk about Ukrainians, fields, borders, the war, etc. See how easy it is to start talking about something else – very easy.

I must admit that last Saturday I had enjoyable, educational and social outing and I hope to see you all again next year.

SOYRA Showcase 2013, Aurora Cultural Centre

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/photo-social-and-photo-shooting-during-soyra-showcase-2013/feed/ 6 Painted & Photographed World At The 50th Annual Juried Art Show, Photographed https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 04:57:03 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6852 architecture, technology, characters and abstract captured by many talented artists.

Nancy Newman, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Three floors of art during the 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale hosted by the Town of Aurora in association with the Society of York Region Artists. I arrived before noon on Saturday and already 16 art pieces were sold.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


At the entrance I was welcomed by Nancy Newman and given a permission to photograph the show. I told her that last time few people thought I was the SNAP lady, but she said that I can be the BLOG lady this time and I like it.

It it nice to go places where you don’t feel alone. Knowing few artists and as well being surrounded by art of artists I know, now gives me a welcome feeling. I recognized Christine Valentini name on the Browning House and I spotted few paintings by Shawna Patenaude. I got to chat with Nancy a bit and then with Zorica Miric and her husband Nenad, both artists.

Artists, Zorica and Nenad Volunteering, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


When I saw bird photos on display it made me think about all the bird photos I have. I have been asked many times to display my photography. I don’t know yet, I am not sure, I cannot perform under pressure – so for now I will just report on art and everything else in Aurora. I actually prefer journalistic photography or photography for the purpose of preserving and documenting.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Now back to the show and the art. Yes, it was three floors of art. When I arrived, starting with third floor, I noticed the youth category for youth 17 and under.

Youth Category, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


The Optimist Club of Aurora has contributed to make the youth category 17 and under possible – third year marked.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


From display to another display, click, click, click and click, following people (no no, not stalking). ‘Oh this is my favorite‘ – he said. I trailed behind and I saw his pick, a nest full of blue eggs with a blue feather on the side. I wonder who created this surreal painting?

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Skylight Gallery, aha, new display panels. I hope they are new and not just for the show, but let us not forget that the art does the magic.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


I was a bit in the rush that day so I did not get artist names of the art I took close up photos. So if you see your painting or art here let me know your name and I will gladly add your name under my reporting on art photo but your art work.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/feed/ 4 Magic On The Wall, More Of SOYRA Exhibition https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/magic-on-the-wall-more-of-soyra-exhibition/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/magic-on-the-wall-more-of-soyra-exhibition/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:13:06 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5512 It was great experience to be at the show as the photographer and observer.

I never was a big critic of the art before and perhaps I am not now but photographing art helps me to zoom one piece at a time and see more, never mind to enjoy it for a longer period of time. I like to pay a lot attention to the backgrounds when I photograph. It really makes a big difference.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


When taking nature photos depending where you stand you can get different background effect. However, for something that hangs on the wall you don’t have lot of choices but to take angled photos in stead if you wish for different effects. Thus you need to rely on the person to place the art in the right place. Backdrops, wall textures, wall colors, and even light is essential for the effective presentation of the art.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


Shawna Patenaude was instrumental in the art presentation at the Aurora Cultural Centre. She was in charge of hanging 120 art pieces inside the all rooms. Different color walls, different wall layouts, locations and 120 unique art pieces, different sizes and shapes that is lot of variables to play with. I must say she did amazing job.

The first room to visit is the Red Room. Soon as you arrive you definitely will not miss the elephants. As I recall I pointed out soon as I arrived and I heard others do the same – oh elephants.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


Just beside on the left a stunning fire place painting resides. It is placed in the middle of the room and when you arrive gives you the sens of warmth and welcomed atmosphere.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


But something will draw you in more, it is the bright red in your peripheral vision. I never knew that red themed paintings can look so good on the red painted wall.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


I really thought that everything was paintings, but I was wrong. Look at this rustic object photo with painted background, I mistaken for painting. I was fooled – a set of interesting photographs that is.

Well I was fooled by Jennifer’s Isaac Petch House painting (so real bricks) and Shawna’s wet apple – green (so real water drops). Sometimes I just get mixed up what is real and what is not, and it takes a good artist to create that illusion.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


I really enjoyed the matching green to green and brown colors on the photographs with a dark, gold, metallic frames to separate the subject from the background. I have semi long hallway like that in my house and I may just copy this scheme.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


And there are blues, soothing, calming blues – the art on the blue wall.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


Opposite to the blue wall was the room with off white walls and subdued light. Purple is a very interesting color and now I can see how well it goes with lighter walls and less natural light.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


Never been a big fan of yellows, but just look at this setting. Keeps you open minded.

SOYRA Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


So I have this artwork on the wall in my living room and now I know why it always feels like it was out of place.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/magic-on-the-wall-more-of-soyra-exhibition/feed/ 7 SOYRA Successful 25th Anniversary Celebration, Celebration of Art, My Footage https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/soyra-successful-25th-anniversary-celebration-celebration-of-art-my-footage/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/soyra-successful-25th-anniversary-celebration-celebration-of-art-my-footage/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:56:15 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5399 SOYRA) on January 21st, 2012 held an opening reception for their 25th anniversary show and sale exhibition. I recommend that if you have a chance or you are in the area please do drop by.

Photos tell a thousand words but they do not tell the complete story. The art of over 60 artists is beautifully displayed on the first and second floor of the Aurora Cultural Centre and it will be there until February 4th.

Shawna Patenaude, Artist


Wet Apple - Green, Art by Shawna Patenaude


I arrived on time and people trailed. The rooms were filling up. I met up with my favorite artist, my guide that day, and a very friendly soul Shawna Patenaude (emerge into light). This was my second time to meet with her. Shawna is also the executive secretary at SOYRA and was instrumental in setting up the exhibit rooms.

SOYRA 25th Anniversary Celebration Exhibit, Aurora Cultural Centre


The opening reception was going to start in about forty five minutes so I had lots of time to walk around and explore, and of course to take photos of the paintings and artwork. Sometimes I wish I could operate paint brush like an artist – it is a skill and great talent and unique to each artist. But after all I am happy that at least I can operate my camera.

Herbert Pryke (Fall Reflection) and Zorica Miric (Red Connection)


Two paintings were sold and the show wasn’t even opened yet. Coincidentally one of the paintings sold, Red Connection, was by Zorica Miric who exhibited the same painting at the Skylight Gallery at the Town Hall, and I blogged about it back in November last year, Chores at the Town Hall, Skylight Gallery On The List Always. Another face to face encounter.

The other amazing painting sold was by another great artist Herbert Pryke, Fall Reflections.

Isaac Petch House by Jennifer Blacquiere


Something else caught my eye in the corner of the Red Gallery. Something I see all the time, the Isaac Petch House by Jennifer Blacquiere. At first I thought, a photograph? I never seen so much detail captured in the painting. Just the brick itself, the vine and the grass. Everything about this painting was so real.

Too bad that we will be saying a good-bye to the real thing anytime soon – Isaac Petch house is up for demolishing. That reminds me I should follow up on the log Petch house that has been undergoing restoration since last summer.

SOYRA New Logo


I never heard about SOYRA before so I wouldn’t know about the logo. I guess it was time for the makeover, and for another 25 years or more SOYRA will have a new logo, the swatch wheel in the O. Personally this is a very nice and elegant logo, not overwhelming, and definitely represents SOYRA members.

Nancy Newman, SOYRA President


I also got to meet interesting people, including Nancy Newman, President of the Toronto Watercolour Society (TWS) and the Society of York Region Artists (SOYRA), who is also a water colour artist. I visited her website and found everything she does and did in the past – very impressive portfolio.

Nancy Newman Speaking at the Opening Reception


Nancy Newman Speaking at the Opening Reception


Geoffrey Dawe Mayor of Aurora


Because of the invitation, I was much comfortable taking pictures of the opening reception. It was so nice to be part of this event, and I am amazed that for the size of the town we are, over fifty thousand people, how people still have special connections and friendships in the community.

Paintings by the SOYRA Founders


In the front podium three paintings were displayed by the original founders of SOYRA, including painting on the left by Ann Armstrong and painting on the right by her late husband. She was also at the reception.

Ann Armstrong, One of the Founders of SOYRA


Well how can I possibly summarize this great event in one post. Another blog post, and may be another blog post will follow. I will talk more about the magic on the wall and my personal observations.

Zorica Miric Looking at Paintings, Aurora Cultural Centre


Note I have submitted more pictures to be posted on SOYRA or Shawan’s Facebook, so please visit there to check for more event pictures.

Antique Wagon by Shawna Patenaude

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/soyra-successful-25th-anniversary-celebration-celebration-of-art-my-footage/feed/ 2 The Society of York Region Artists Is Celebrating 25th Anniversary, SOYRA Show https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/the-society-of-york-region-artists-is-celebrating-25th-anniversary-syora-show/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/the-society-of-york-region-artists-is-celebrating-25th-anniversary-syora-show/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:59:33 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5302

SOYRA 25th Anniversary, Aurora Cultural Centre


I was afraid that my winter may be spent with my face against the window. However, the cold winter days aren’t so bad anymore, because I have realized rain-y, snow-y, freez-y days I can still have more of Aurora and be inside.

SOYRA 25th Anniversary, Aurora Cultural Centre


So if you wonder what’s up?

I got an invitation to cover the SOYRA (The Society of York Region Artists) show at the Aurora Cultural Centre. No doubt – I am nervous, but I will have Shawna Patenaude, SOYRA member and artist, on my side to guide me. It is my first show beside special family events I photographed in the past. I am going to practice the journalistic photography – this time for real. We shall see the results.

The opening reception of the SOYRA 25th anniversary exhibition starts Saturaday January 21, 2012 at the Aurora Cultural Centre, 1-4 pm. The exhibition will run until February 5th, 2012. The art of 62 SOYRA members, past and present, will be shown on all levels of the Aurora Cultural Centre building.

SOYRA was founded in September 1987 ‘to provide a forum for artists of all levels to exchange ideas, opinions and assist each other in the advancement of their artistic goals. This is achieved through art shows, field trips, study groups and instruction by recognized professional artists‘, SOYRA.

I am encouraging to visit and explore the world of art at the centre and meet the artists. I always loved art, just it took me a long time to figure out that I did; and I am very thankful for the digital camera technology because as simple as the paint brush is, or a pencil, or even crayon is, I would never be able to work it.

emerge into light, art by Shawna Patenaude


Here in Aurora my eyes opened when I saw solo exhibition by Shawna Patenaude (emerge into light) at the Skylight gallery (Town Hall) back in the October 2011 (Skylight Gallery, Emerge Into Light, Definitely Captivating & Worth Discovering). Also, I have realized now that knowing an artist creates special connection between you, art and the artist. Try it for yourself, the exhibit starts January 21, 2012 at the Aurora Cultural Centre.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/the-society-of-york-region-artists-is-celebrating-25th-anniversary-syora-show/feed/ 3 Skylight Gallery, Emerge Into Light, Definitely Captivating & Worth Discovering https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/skylight-gallery-emerge-into-light-definitely-captivating-worth-discovering/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/skylight-gallery-emerge-into-light-definitely-captivating-worth-discovering/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:40:45 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=3721

But then you cannot go to the Town Hall and not have the elevator ride with Matthew and for me to explore the art on the walls. Lady instructed us to go to the second floor and give it to the Mayor directly. We were not keen, but we decided to go to the second floor and delivered there.

The little finger pressed the button 3. I guess we are going to the Skylight gallery first.

emerge into light, art by Shawna Patenaude


The dramatic view revealed itself when I saw a lady setting up the gallery for the month of October. I later learned the artist was Shawna Patenaude, artist from Georgina.

I absolutely loved her art, especially because I am a very big fan of the still art. The artwork beamed towards me with simplicity, yet engaging and captivating me as a observer. The red apple with water drops – surreal photo I thought, but it was painting in fact. Her art has a touch of reality as well.

‘Which one is your favorite?‘ – a man asked Matthew.
‘The bicycle one‘ – Matthew answered.
‘Of course‘ – he replied smiling.

I could see that even Matthew enjoyed her beautiful art as well. So so if you around the area this gallery is a must visit to the Skylight gallery for the month of October.

emerge into light, art by Shawna Patenaude


Yesterday was overcast and rainy day. The light was subdued and soft in the gallery, and not too strong on the paintings. The artificial light illuminated all the artwork just right.

Finally and at last we were on our way to second floor to deliver that letter. On the way back after successful delivery we were back in the elevator and the little hand again pressed number 3. I asked for it so I could snap few pictures. The little man did not resist.

I couldn’t leave without record of my visit. I absolutely loved it this time.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/skylight-gallery-emerge-into-light-definitely-captivating-worth-discovering/feed/ 8