Visual Alchemist | Adventurer | Lifelong Learner
I’m back to painting my 100 Angels! These with be available as NFTs on OpenSea and will also be published in my book.
100 beautiful, unique hand painted angels birthed into the digital realm. My mother who passed away rather unexpectedly loved angels and fairies, this work is in honour of my dear mother Mary.
Along with other artists, I will be painting one of five picnic benches which will be placed outside on the lawn at the Norfolk Arts Centre in downtown Simcoe for the “Celebrate Simcoe: The Global Garden” project.
“This is a fun spin on the fact that Simcoe is located in Norfolk County, which has long been nicknamed Ontario’s Garden. Simcoe has a distinctive international culture, which this project aims to highlight. “
“Every year, approximately five thousand seasonal workers come to the community from outside the Every year, approximately five thousand seasonal workers come to the community from outside the country – mainly Jamaica, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago – to work on large fruit and vegetable farms. Typically, on the weekends, the workers come downtown to shop, eat, and socialize. The atmosphere on ‘Town Nights’ is unique, and we want to amplify this experience by adding artwork that celebrates the diversity of the community. Gradually, the murals and picnic table art will transform Simcoe into a true ‘Global Garden’, enhancing the visual landscape for residents & visitors.”
young & free press
The look I want to create is similar to stained glass or mosaic tiling. When I think of agriculture, our pollinators come to mind, our essential bees and butterflies. On a symbolic level, butterflies represent metamorphosis and freedom. The bees are a symbol of community, they work hard together in unity. The seat parts of the bench will include mosaic curved pathways. This illustrates our travels and our life journeys. This also honours the migrant workers, their seasonal voyages and celebrates their colourful cultures.
September 7th, 2021
The custom made picnic table was delivered to me and I have it set up to paint in my garage. The tables were sourced locally through Henderson Recreation Equipment Ltd. and feature galvanized frames and wood tops and seats. Very heavy!
Here’s my painting process. Thanks to Graphenstone paint for the base colours Paraiba (light blue), Fruity Wendy (bright red) and Yas (primary yellow). After the base colours, I drew on the details of bees and butterflies with Posca paint pens. I continued with multiple layers and blending with the paint pens. After the paint was completely dry, I applied multiple coats of a Varathane clear coat spray varnish.
September 20, 2021 The Final Result
It is so exhilarating and powerful to leave your permanent mark, your unique artistic vision on something. I had this amazing opportunity to paint a mural on two brick garden walls outside the St Thomas Tourist office in downtown St Thomas, Ontario, Canada. It has been so wonderful hearing the positive comments of people passing by. And thank you for all the love on Social Media!
Special thanks to St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, Railway City Tourism and Graphenstone paints.
This was my first time painting on brick and I learned that it was a good idea to apply a primer beforehand. So to begin, I applied a colourless primer from Graphenstone paints, AmbientPrimer L44 and let that dry for 24 hours.
For the next step, I painted a blue background using a very pale blue (INDO WATER) and a darker blue {PARAIBA). Paints from Graphenstone Grafclean Premium line.
An ecoGreen paint with a matte white finish recommended for exterior walls with high humidity. It is free of all toxic substances and also highly breathable. The product contains lime which acts as a natural preservative thus eliminating the use of harmful chemicals and/or carcinogenic materials. Manufactured with Graphenstone technology, providing resistance and durability.
I must say I am loving these paints!
Day 3: outlines and added some colour
Day 4 progress!
Day 5. It was so hot today! A lot of great comments from people passing by.
Day 6…almost done. Added a butterfly and my website signature for those passing by and taking photos 🙂
Day 7- Scorching hot day
The final photos and reflection
What an incredible opportunity to work on this project. It was an honour and privilege to produce a permanent work of art in the heart of Downtown St Thomas Ontario.
The story of Jumbo the elephant is rather tragic and sad. He was a circus animal that was hit and killed by a train in St Thomas in 1885. In 1985 this statue of Jumbo was erected here.
I am hoping my mural will help to heal the elephant spirit. I love the elephant symbol, she is so gentle, wise and strong. Did you know elephants will come together to mourn their dead? I see all these new painted elephants around St Thomas coming together to lament and honour Jumbo in a joyous way.
This was part of the Track to the Future mural project coordinated by Railway City Tourism in collaboration with Andrew Gunn Consulting and young & free press with generous financial support from the Estate of Donna Vera Evans Bushell. Thank you!
Thank you so much Railway City Tourism for the fantastic “About the Artist” article where you can read more about me and the mural!
Thank you Hometown St. Thomas for the great article in the September 2021 edition! – Helping to Heal Jumbo’s Spirit
Have you always wanted to create a truly inspired piece of art but didn’t know where to begin?
Are you looking to have fun as you explore painting?
Join Ann-Marie Cheung and Paula Telizyn in our heARTsake Painting adventure experience where you will explore ancient symbols, meditations and exercises and create a beautiful owl painting in the process.
This is a class for anyone who desires to experience a more meaningful life through creative pursuits and meditation using acrylic paint
If you want to
Then Painting Owl Magic is for you!
You will get
LIVE on Zoom so you get in person interaction and positive feedback