Karen Sloan - Wall Flower Studio

Can you spot the Ladybug?

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:05:00 +0000

Ladybugs are a favourite insect of children. Their distinctive spots and vibrant colours are a magnet for people of all ages.

From a gardener's point of view, I just love them! Not just because they're so pretty, but due to their voracious appetite. Ladybugs will eat the aphids who might otherwise ravage the plants in your garden. So... Next time you see a Ladybug, don't forget to thank her!

Suns and Foxes - Acrylic on canvas - by Karen Sloan

Thanks for visiting!

Song Bird Art & Low Brow Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:11:00 +0000

"Note To Self" - acrylic on wood - 12 x 12 - copyright Karen Sloan

Okay, this is totally kitsch, and doesn't reflect the bird you see above at all, however, my Grandma used to recite the craziest poems to me when I was a kid.

I still remember most of them, well, the ones that seemed most rude at the time.

Anyhow, one of them just popped into my head, so here goes....

"Birdie, birdie in the sky, dropped some whitewash in my eye, Gee, I'm glad that cows don't fly"

Isn't that just shameful?!... Still makes me chuckle when I think about her and her "poetry". It's no wonder I'm a painter and not a writer.

Thanks for visiting... Of course, after reading this post, you just might not want to return. ; )

#Stop #SOPA - Strike for #freedom of speech on the WWW

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:52:00 +0000

I don't like to get involved with politics on my art blog, but sometimes it's necessary to stand up, get involved and be heard.

Stop SOPA - (Stop Online Piracy Act - SOPA, H.R. 3261) This blacklist bill will silence legitimate freedom of speech on the internet. Very UN-Democratic - For more information see: http://sopablackout.org/learnmore/ -

Even though this is an American bill, Canadians should be very concerned and oppose this bill. Many of our IP address's are tied in with the U.S. which would give the U.S. governement control over Canada's internet presence, too.

Canadian IP addresses should NOT be subject to U.S. jurisdiction, ever!

As far as I know, Canada is still a sovereign nation, is it not???

Wordless Wednesday - Abstract Art @ Wall Flower Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:19:00 +0000

Serenade - A floral painting which longs for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:09:00 +0000

"Serenade" - by Karen Sloan

A tribute for Spring, because it's a long winter.

Thanks for visiting.

Papier-mache Theatre Masks - Frog Magically Turns Into a Toad

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:06:00 +0000

The Frog is now a Toad! It wasn't actually magic, but a glue gun and some paint. ; )

This fellow will be involved with community theatre, here in Haliburton County.

To change him from a Frog to a Toad, I glued some dried Putka Pods on him, then changed his colour palette.

Thought the pods gave a bit of a "warty" look Toads seem to have.

Didn't want to overdo it as I didn't want him to look diseased!

Apologies for poor photographs. Thinking I need a tripod, especially since the light is bad this time of year.

Thanks for visiting!

Favourite Chair - Time to relax!

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:35:00 +0000

Time to Relax, unwind & put up our feet!

That's the thing about the holidays. They're great. We anticipate them every year. We do a whole lot of running around to prepare for them. We enjoy them while they're here, but it sure is nice to look back, put our feet up, and know it's over! ....The cycle begins again.

Hoping everyone has a nice spot to relax and unwind after the holidays.

"Favourite Chair" - By Karen Sloan - acrylic on canvas - (Sold)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Wishes!

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:40:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

Hope you'll ring in the New Year, complete with good friends, and good music, too!

Cheers & all the best wishes for 2012

~ KS

Friday Flowers for the Holiday! - Season's Greetings from Wall Flower Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Well, it's that time of year again, and I'd like to wish everyone, of all faiths and beliefs across the board, a very Happy Holiday, and a prosperous New Year, too.

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A bit about this painting... I was a floral designer in Toronto for many years, and admittedly, not very fond of Poinsettias. Having said that, their foliage is so unique, almost cubist, that I couldn't resist painting them. Never thought it would actually sell, but it actually turned out to be the first one I ever did sell. It ended up with a collector in the U.K.

So.... I owe a little something to this plant that I'd criticized so much over the years, since it ended up offering me some faith in my artistic abillities. I just love irony.

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All the best! ~ K.S.

Musical Chair - Wordless Wednesday @ Wall Flower Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Take Five & Wish Dave Brubeck a Very Happy Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:54:00 +0000

Dave Brubeck is 91 years young today!

A living legend & Jazz Icon. This painting is a small tribute to Mr. Brubeck, whom I greatly admire! Wishing all the best to him on his birthday.

"Take Five" - acrylic on canvas - Sold

by Karen Sloan

Wordless Wednesday - Colors of Jazz @ Wall Flower Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Painting a Theatre Backdrop - The Golden Slipper & Collaboration

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:47:00 +0000

The backdrop for "The Golden Slipper". A play written by my friend, an author, writer & playwright, Michael Fay. It was such an honour to be involved with this production, and with such a creative & professional team, called "The Conjurers" for short. I'm very happy to continue this association, too! The backdrop was meant to tie in with the painting for the brochure.
"Dirty Thirties" is the painting I did for the brochure of "The Golden Slipper". It was raffled off at the end of the show's run in 2010.
So.... We're in collaboration again. This time, I'm creating two characters using the medium of papier-mache. One is already finished, a character named "Toad". The other, a goddess type individual, named "Terra", which is currently in the works is coming along nicely! Will post pictures when I'm done. Looking forward to sharing.
Have a good week!

The Cellist - Strings Section - Visual Music @ Wall Flower Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:04:00 +0000

A Cellist heading up the strings section...

Lately, more and more, I've been acquiring a taste for Classical music.

As always, I'm curious about other genre's of music, and how it will affect my work, so of late, I've been listening to CBC Radio Two, in the morning where they spin the classics all day long.

Suprisingly enough, it's not been the chore that I thought it would be. I already enjoy some of the bigger names, especially Vivaldi, so I've jumped right in.

At night CBC radio play's the best Jazz pieces every evening on my favourite show called "Tonic". I've been enjoying that for a long time now, so I thought grazing in a different musical pasture might be interesting for a change.

So, it's little leap foward for me, since I have developed definitive likes and dislikes when it comes to what I like to listen to; a sort of musical snobbery, if you will.

Admittedly, my knowledge of the classics growing up was quite limited. If it weren't for all the Warner Bros./Bugs Bunny cartoons I loved to watch on Saturday mornings during the 1970's, I'd probably still be wondering if the Barber of Seville weren't some prominent hairdresser to famous Matadors at bullfights.

And, who can forget Charles Schultz and the beloved Peanuts Gang for introducing my "Why Generation" members to Beethoven. It just wasn't something my folks were spinning on the record player, but that's okay. ; )

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"The Cello" - 8" x 10" - acrylic on canvas

New! From Wall Flower Studio

by Karen Sloan

Thanks for visiting : )

Theater Masks - A Fun Frog from Papier mache

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Many know me as strictly a painter on canvas, and mainly of Jazz / musical themes, however, I like to stretch the limits from time to time, and really enjoy creating crazy, whimsical 3D sculptures with papier-mache.

Let me tell you, it's like being a kid again. Messy as hell, but totally fun, and absolutely worth it! And really, what's a bit of mess? That's all part of the creative process.

So... Let me introduce "Frog". He's a full mask I've created, (for use by a wonderful theatre group here in Minden, Ontario, the Conjurers that I happily belong to), and he's built upon a hard hat, which makes him adjustable for any sized head.

Frog will be turned into a Toad, so this will be the only photo of him in green. Thought I'd share before he gets his makeover!

I have another mask to make for next year's performance. Just starting to work on her now, and really, I can't wait to see the actors wearing and performing with them. What fun!!

Thanks for visiting and have a great day : )

More Red Walls @ Wall Flower Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Perhaps I'm just biased, but do rather think that chair might be an inviting place to have a seat!

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"Club Chair" ~ 36" x 48" acrylic on canvas ~ Available

by Karen Sloan

Thanks for stopping by!

Red Wall Series - Funky Interior Art for #Music Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:56:00 +0000

"Pie a la Carte" 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas

by Karen Sloan

I'm afraid it's not the best photo of this painting. I have a hard time photographing the colour red. I do enjoy painting this "Red Wall" series, tho'. Lots of fun arranging the furniture.

There's much more depth on this canvas that just can't seem to be shared online.

I do like the martinis in this painting, tho', and how the fruits seem to be falling off of the table.

Thanks for stopping by... Have a musical Monday, and a great week.

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Retro Record Player - There's nothing like vinyl : )

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:40:00 +0000

My favourite painting to date. Even the furniture is bopping away to some good music.

"Record Player" - 24" x 24" acrylic

by Karen Sloan

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:36:00 +0000

"Red Slippers" - acrylic on canvas 36" x 48" - available

by Karen Sloan

They'd be so nice to come home to. ; )

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Have a great weekend! And, to my Canadian friends, Happy Thanksgiving!

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Room Service - Funky Art - Jazzy Interior Room Paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:09:00 +0000

Living in central Ontario, (Haliburton County), is a wonderful place to find one's self, especially creative types. However, the winters are a lot longer and darker, at least in comparison to I was used to in Toronto. Hence, the yellow walls. We decided to paint our kitchen yellow, (a little softer colour than what's on this canvas), but it still brightens up even the darkest of winter days. It's such a cheerful colour!
"Room Service" - 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas

by Karen Sloan

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This weekend is the second half of the Haliburton County Studio Tour.

If you're in the area, drop by Wall Flower Studio to view my work in person.

Wall Flower Studio is open by chance or appt. all year long.

Thanks & Have a good weekend. : )

Music Lounge @ Wall Flower Studio - #Jazz #Art #Interiors

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Everyone needs a jazzy place to be inspired.

"Music Lounge" - 18" x 22" - acrylic on canvas - Available!

by Karen Sloan

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Thanks for visiting!

Astrology Art - What's Your Sign?

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Well, all the astrological signs are covered here.

Admittedly, I indulge by reading my horoscope everyday, like many other people out there.

Hell, Nancy Reagan practically ran the oval office via astrology charts!

I'm a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to the daily forcast. If it's positive, bring it on! If not, well, the stars must be wrong, and I chastise myself for paying any attention to such hooey. ; )

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Hooey or not, I'll leave that up to others to decide for themselves.

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"What's Your Sign?" - 18" x 24" - acrylic - Available

by Karen Sloan

Shaken, Not Stirred - Not So Still Life - On Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:55:00 +0000

I'd have to agree with Bond, James Bond. This is the best way to enjoy a proper Martini.

My most favourite fictional character on the big screen. And really, who doesn't enjoy a Bond movie once in a while? It's pure entertainment, nothing more! The gadgets were the best part. I named my car "Little Nelly" after the helicopter Bond uses in "You only live twice". : )

Admittedly, I'm most partial to Sean Connery, (it's that Scottish accent), tho' I liked Roger Moore, too. He was a very suave Bond. Everyone has their favourite, for sure.

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"Shaken, Not Stirred" - 8" x 10" - acrylic - Available

by Karen Sloan

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The Essence of Jazz @ Wall Flower Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:36:00 +0000

"The Essence of Jazz" - 12" x 16" acrylic - By Karen Sloan

Thinking that the essence of good music is when the musicians not only make it look easy, but fun, too!

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Have a good weekend : )

Haliburton County Studio Tour - Come visit Wall Flower Studio!

noreply@blogger.com (Wall Flower Studio) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Jazz Sketch series @ Wall Flower Studio - Bold, musically inspired art.... And more!
Flowers that are somewhat surrealistic.

Well, this is me, in my living room, during last year's studio tour. As you can likely tell, I'm not fond of being in front of the camera. Typical artist! I'd rather be behind the scene. Anyhow, this gives a glimpse of what visitors and art patrons are in for. Paintings on canvas, and whimsical papier mache sculptures.

Lively & fun interior paintings. Full of colour, contrast and movement.

Illustrative landscapes depicting the surrounding rugged, beautiful Canadian Shield.

The Haliburton Highlands is a wonderful place to live, especially for artists!

So, I hope you'll visit Wall Flower Studio, if you're in the area. Location "U" on the map.

View my paintings and sculptures, plus wander around my gardens. Happening this coming weekend, and next!

Please visit the Haliburton Studio Tour website for a self directed driving map. We're located just a 2 hours drive N.E. of Toronto, just south of Algonquin Provincial Park.

Thanks!