Hey everyone, how are you doing? Spring weather has arrived here and sunshine feels wonderful.
I needed to take a break from painting for a bit so I thought it may be a good time update my blog. I try to publish an update of sorts monthly. Usually these include any recent developments and where I may have my work to view in shows or exhibitions. I have listed these below under “Where you can find my work.”
Ok, if you follow me you know I really try to see the glass ‘half full’ however we all can experience lows in life and I haven’t met anyone who is immune to this. Putting ourselves out there as artists we do take a risk for sure but necessary as a lot of us work solo in our studios much of the time so necessary to receive any feedback. I have experienced a couple of disappointing jury decisions which honestly I allowed to affect me more than I should. Those periods when self-doubt creeps in a bit, resulting in lack of motivation are bound to happen from time to time. Rest assured, this too shall pass.
I find the best way for me to deal with them is to take a break from the studio. Get outside, do some gardening, go for bike rides, forested walks, or work on a puzzle, watch a baseball game. Basically shift your focus. I always say, “I’m a work in process.”
In late March I attended a most rewarding workshop with artist, Perry Haddock here in Nanaimo. I have loved his work for sometime so it was a great opportunity to paint with him for two days. I learned a lot of tips which I am confident I will use moving forward with my work. Workshops can be a great way to give yourself permission to play, while remembering to have fun, nothing precious, no masterpieces required.
Here’s a few studies I worked on in the workshop, last one I finished at home.
I am registered for another workshop at the end of April. This one is with artist, Doug Swinton. I took his workshop last year and was inspired by his loose style. This is a goal of mine so another ‘brush up’ with Doug will hopefully help me get there.
Where you can find my work
Final Chapter Show hosted by the Arrowsmith Federation of Canadian Artists at Macmillan Arts Centre (MAC) in Parksville from March 31 to May 3, 2026 marking the closure of our ‘Federation of Canadian Artists’ chapter after many years of supporting artists and bringing quality visual art to the Oceanside community. I’ll be attending the Opening Reception this Saturday, April 11th from 1-3pm, please drop by if you are in the area. All information in this link:
https://mcmillanartscentre.com/blogs/exhibitions
Art at the Bayside-Satellite Gallery to the MAC. Check out this link to view my work.
https://artatthebayside.ca/bios/jenny-adams/?mh=17
Art Around Town
Nanaimo Arts Council Members exhibition at the Port Theatre. Click the link to see my current piece in this exhibition
https://nanaimoartscouncil.ca/programs/galleries/art-around-town/summer-rental/
Looking ahead-mark your calendars Coming up this summer
-My art will be available at Serious Coffee in Hammond Bay during June
-Art at Maffeo Park-Pacific Arts Market
June 7th and 27th
til next time,
Jenny
To stay up-to-date on upcoming shows and places you can view my art in person (the best way!) subscribe to my blog by clicking below. I promise not to inundate your mailbox with emails, only blog updates about my art which I try to post monthly. Thanks!
J Adams Paintings 