From Dream to Reality Part 2

 When the three collaborators (Darrell Baschak, Robert Thibault and I) met with our liaison from the Resort Village of Manitou Beach office, who said that we had unanimous support from the Centennial Planning Committee, the room lit up with our shared excitement.

Robert (Bob) was particularly excited. He had been working for years as a heavy-duty mechanic and welder but always had an artistic side that he continued to nurture. I was very impressed with his exquisite attention to detail. He was totally uncompromising when it came to the finer points of high-end welding and fabrication. I watched him work for hours, patiently grinding and fitting pieces of metal together to form, for example, the decorative legs of a finely crafted wrought iron table. He was also an expert blacksmith, with plans in place to install a foundry in his well-appointed shop. The 'Manitou Reflections Project' would be a fabulous triumph for a person like him, with all of the skills needed to help bring it to a timely fruition!

Darrell also expressed his enthusiasm in those early days. He is a well-connected journeyman carpenter as well as an accomplished easel painter. He had never tackled an artistic project of this magnitude before this, but had the confidence in his abilities to agree that yes, he would join the trio.

My portfolio was, by this time, bursting with large, ambitious mural projects that had been commissioned all across Canada. I viewed the logistical challenges with a practiced eye, having tackled many projects of considerably greater magnitude in my career as a mural-painter and designer. 

 After some vigorous debate, the location of our project was decided upon. We would house the artwork at the 'Uhman Centennial Park', just east of relics at Manitou Beach. Shown above are the three collaborators and our RVMB liaison (Myself, Darrell, Chris Moffat and Bob Thibault) standing on the very spot, overlooking beautiful Manitou Lake.

There was something very special and unique about the 'Manitou Reflections' project that promised to eclipse the artistic statements made by my previous mural projects. That is... this project would be strictly a work of 'high art', that would be conceptualized by the trio and really, there were no limitations to the potential of the design. To me, this was an intoxicating idea. When I sat down to render my early conceptual drawings, I knew in my heart that this design was going to be a culmination of forty years of design experience. The intimate details that would flow out of the idea would not be scrutinized by a committee. Rather, they would flow organically and in cadence with my own design sensibilities. Put another way, I was free of encumbrance and any limitations that might have been inflicted on the process by an over-stepping committee. Sometimes, though I am loathe to admit it, this occurs with a commissioned mural that is overseen (supervised even)  by an over-zealous committee. I always do my best to embed my personal stamp on everything I design and paint, but alas, there have been times when it is most expedient to follow the lead of the patron(s) in some of the design decisions that are inserted into a mural. In this case however, this was not happening. I was not tethered by any outside influences or restrictions. 

It was decided early on to use steel in the design. 

We were looking for a permanent material that would be an artistic beacon 'in perpetuity' at our beloved Manitou Beach. At first, we contemplated cold rolled steel that would be coated in a nickel bath to simulate stainless steel. After all, the project referred to 'reflections'. After realizing the excessive cost and time involved in this process, we made the quantum leap to create the artwork using bona-fide stainless steel. Bob was very enthusiastic about this decision, because it meant that he could take a lot of pride in the fact that here was a project that would have virtually a permanent life-span. Even if the surface is scratched, there is no chance of rust with stainless steel! Also, this material would be impervious to the salty atmosphere emanating out of the mineral-laden waters of Little Manitou Lake. After all, the artwork would be parked only feet away from the edge of the lake.

A striking example of the iconic 'reflections' that appear in the lake on a windless day.

'Reflections' have been a recurring theme in my artwork for the past 25 years, since I have lived at Manitou Beach with my adorable wife Sharon.

                                                                     About the Artist: 

                                          To read more, please visit me at www.mrgaudet.com

From Dream to Reality: Part 1

In April 2018, my wife Sharon happened to spot an unobtrusive little announcement tacked on to the bottom of our monthly "Resort Village of Manitou Beach" e-mailed newsletter. The bulletin stated that the village was inviting artists to submit proposals for a fitting public art installation to help celebrate our upcoming 2019 centennial. The successful applicant would receive a 50% contribution from Heritage Canada! Here's the rub: the deadline for submission was in only ONE WEEK!

 I was generally upset at the severely restricted timeline. My theory was it would be an 'inside job' and that someone 'in the know' had already come up with a proposal and this ad was just window-dressing so that it could be said that the commission was put out to tender.

Fuming, I told Sharon that it would definitely take longer than a week to come up with an idea, a budget and of course, a presentable design! Usually, for something of this magnitude, I like to allow my idea to marinate as I patiently wait for that 'click' moment when the design comes together both visually and conceptually. Like say, about a month. I also much prefer to secure a written contract with my client including a cash deposit in place before my pencil hits the paper. That is my standard policy as a long-time mural-painter/designer.

Her response to my conundrum was simple and eloquent.

"Shit or get off the pot!"

Thinking of the potential excitement that this project might generate, I decided on the spot to sink my teeth into it. I called a couple of fellow artists who also lived at Manitou Beach and we settled on a quick meeting that very evening. They were Darrell Baschak, a fellow painter and house builder. (his day job) and Robert (Bob) Thibault, a fabrication master and expert welder. Once I mentioned the potential project, the two gentlemen decided on the spot to join forces with me. So far, so good.

Darrell suggested the idea of 'reflections' be the central motif of the project. Bob and I both agreed so I set out to come up with a design with that idea in mind. After some more brainstorming, we came to the logical conclusion that the artwork should be constructed of a highly reflective material, such as stainless steel. Here is my first, rapidly executed rough draft that I came up with.

                   A fine example of the iconic reflections cast by Little Manitou Lake on a still day.

                The design concept that received unanimous support from the planning committee.

With my above rough sketch in hand, I flew out to Nova Scotia for a pre-planned visit and fact-finding mission. I had my laptop with Photoshop installed, so I drilled down into the concept and created a more satisfying rendering:

The design concept that went on to earn the three collaborators 50% funding from Canada Heritage.

We were very excited to hear from our liaison from the Village Council that my design received a unanimous vote of confidence from every member of the planning committee! We were one step closer to realizing the "Manitou Reflections Project" vision.

Stay tuned for the complete story in the coming weeks.

If you can't wait, check out my website at www.mrgaudet.com

A Proud Metis Artist / Author

With a surname like "Gaudet" it will be no big surprise that there is a "Metis" connection.

Indeed, in the very opening pages of  my first book (Attention: LIVE LINK) "Dancing with Rejection: A Beginner's Guide to Immortality" there are very pointed references to my proud Metis heritage!

At a LIVE Reading/Signing ... at World Famous Danceland, Manitou Beach, SK.
(left to right: Me, Matthew Grandguillot, August Grandguillot)

Later, towards the end of my second book (Again, the LIVE LINK) "A Work in Progress: The Life my Brother Saved" there is a lucid recollection of my eldest brother telling the story, that he heard from a cousin, of the G-G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather So-and-So Gaudet who hooked up with a Mi'kmaq woman, and the rest . is. history!

"Vision"

Here is a sneak preview of the artwork created in collaboration with First Nations' Medicine Man and close friend the late Douglas Severight. This artwork (called, simply, "Vision") and its story loom large in "A Work in Progress: The Life my Brother Saved".

Saskatchewan-based Story-Teller (and host of Shaw TV "Lit Happens") holds copies of book 1 and 2.

When you hear the recently taped "Lit Happens" segment (once it comes out) you will hear the host Danica Lorer  refer to me as a "Proud Metis Man". Now that the oral history referred to above will be in the public domain, my claim to my proud Metis heritage is official.

Standing with the "Dancing..." banner...

About the Artist/Author: To Read More, Please Visit mrgaudet.com

A Very Positive Reception at Queen's House Retreat

Yesterday I attended a meeting at Queen's House Retreat Center in Saskatoon.

Last week a couple of ladies dropped in to see us here at "G-G's Gallery & Gifts" at Manitou Beach. For those of you that have been following, you will know that this is the seasonal business that my wife Sharon and I have been running for 9 years now. The ladies were excited to meet us and shared the germ of an idea... that I should rekindle my connection with Queen's House Retreat... just to see what might happen.

I started to think about that and decided that yes, I would set up a meeting.

Well! It was a wonderful, inspiring half an hour!

I guided the Director and the Program Director through my mural-painting portfolio and also read a few select passages from my 1st book "Dancing with Rejection: A Beginner's Guide to Immortality".

I was informed that Queen's House is especially dedicated to the "Trinity" and also to the stewardship of the Earth. These two salient fact sat very well with me, as the themes have loomed large in my artistic journey.

"Earth Angel" is my gift to all my fellow humans...

Suffice to say, my meeting at Queen's House was "pregnant with possibility". In the meantime, I have another large (100' x 12') mural to paint this summer...so that means I will be busy with that (and life in general) until the fall of '17. 

Stay posted, the creative fun is still going full-steam!

About the Artist:                       

To Read More, Please Visit www.mrgaudet.com

Sasktel MaxTV Film on Dialysis, Murals and Memoir

Sasktel Max TV mandates a steady stream of locally-produced short films that feature various characters from all walks of life including, of course, artists and authors. Last month the film crew from Bamboo Shoots created a ten-minute short film that features yours truly.

It was a really interesting experience to work with the professional producer and videographer from Saskatoon-based firm Bamboo Shoots. They were very open to my suggestions about locations and even themes throughout the process. Once I had a chance to think about, I suggested three ideas: 1)  we shoot some footage at my studio, while flipping through a broad selection of some of my favorite easel paintings, 2)  we conduct an interview and book reading from my dialysis unit in Saskatoon, and 3) we spend some quality time at Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church (again in Saskatoon...how convenient!) to feature my most ambitious mural EVER.

I am very grateful to the folks at Bamboo Shoots who were so diligent in their unflagging pursuit of the truth, no matter how challenging and difficult it must have been to unwrap. It could not have been easy for them to witness the trial of dialysis. I've heard it described by the uninitiated as "gory", but let me assure you as a person whose life depends on this thrice-weekly blood-cleaning therapy, that it is my reality.

Gory or not, is for you to decide, dear reader. Let me remind you that millions of people worldwide are sustained by some form of dialysis on a daily basis as they await the "Gift of Life", aka a living or deceased kidney donor. That is, the vast majority of dialysis patients are anxiously awaiting their chance of a better, healthier life with a kidney transplant. In some cases though, this modern technological marvel fails to manifest in a timely fashion for whatever reason and the potential recipient, being sustained (sometimes precariously) on dialysis succumbs to the ravages of kidney failure.

There are certainly no solid guarantees for any of us on the quest for the "Gift of Life". All we can all hope and pray for is a  kidney transplant, executed expeditiously, or else we must languish on the dialysis unit. While this is often a viable option and a way to hopefully buy time, it must be said that a dialysis-dependent life is no fucking picnic.

It was with all of this in mind that I set out to create this Sasktel MaxTV short film. You might say I have a certain sense of dire urgency with this project and life in general. When I read the grim statistics about how many dialysis warriors perish (for whatever reason) while awaiting the intervention of a kidney transplant. 

You may recall that I received a kidney transplant on October 17th, 1979, thanks to the courageous and loving sacrifice of my brother Steven, who donated one of his kidneys to save my life as a 20-year old. His gift allowed me to thrive and prosper for over 34 years. In mid-May of 2014 I was obliged to return once again to the life of a dialysis patient.

So now, everything comes around full-circle, as I stare down the reality of kidney failure. I have to shore up my courage and determination to carry on with a smile and a twinkle in my eye as I once again embark on that quest for the "Gift of Life". A huge part of this "cup half-full" attitude derives from the fact that Book 1 of the "Dancing..." trilogy is about to be launched in the next short while. This writing project has sustained me over the past several years, I think because I am gambling that it will ultimately ensure some small measure of "immortality". After my early brush with death, the idea of immortality coupled in a slow dance with obscurity has haunted my thoughts.

Chick-a-Dee

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee.

Sharon calls them, her winged friends, in with her kisses.

So, did you bring a treat, as usual?

A substantial lunch.

Oh yes, I see you did, mmm, mmm, mmm.

Share = Care

Thank you for being such a love-button.

May Your Most Cherished Dreams Take Flight in 2015!

Until next time then, chicka-dee-dee-dee.

Proof Copies of "Dancing with Rejection" (Book 1 of the Trilogy) Arrives!

After plugging away on this pet project for months and months (years really, but who's counting?) I was thrilled (no exaggeration) yesterday when my friendly Purolator Man pulled into my driveway with a plain brown box in his hands.

Our friendly neighborhood Purolator Man was gracious enough to pose for a photo as he arrived with a plain brown box.

After investing SO much time and energy into creating Book 1 of the "Dancing with Rejection" Trilogy, I was thrilled to finally get the first Proof Copies into my hands. It was only thanks to the unflagging efforts of my editor Christina George, the indefatigable Annaleigh Sage Bergman (who stepped up to offer her Interior Formatting skills), and my darling wife Sharon...who never wavered in her support and encouragement, that this day arrived.

Knowing how much you, dear reader, enjoy opening such an alluring package, I decided to hold my enthusiasm in check just for a few seconds longer to faithfully photograph this process, step-by-step.

The plain brown box that arrived on 06/11/2014.

Burning up with curiosity, and about ready to burst with excitement, I couldn't wait a second longer to slash the packing tape and dig in!

WHAT oh what is inside? The tension mounts!

The box was well packaged with a long, twisted piece of plain brown paper to prevent the contents...very slippery...from sliding around. Let's pull it out, shall we?

I bet the length of twisted paper was at least ten feet long. 

The length of twisted paper, once it was pulled out of the box, was at least ten feet long. I appreciated the care and attention to detail that the packers had lavished on ensuring that the contents stayed put. It was confidence inspiring, not to mention the fact that the package arrived only one day after it was promised on the CreateSpace website after I requisitioned the shipping.

What's that I see inside the dark interior of the box? 

Let's get rid of that packing paper and take a peek inside the box, shall we? It was such a massive head rush to see (even the back cover) of the first Proof Copies of my long-awaited Book 1 of the "Dancing..." Trilogy!

After juggling so many moving parts, it is exciting to be finally holding physical copies.

I must admit, it feels kind of surreal to be holding physical copies (albeit "Proof Copies) of Book 1 of the "Dancing with Rejection" Trilogy. Book 2 is written already, but Book 3 is still ricocheting around inside my cranium, a little unformed. The best part of this whole project is, it injects a heightened sense of urgency into my life, even as I am undergoing "dialysis therapy" three times a week, for four hours each session.

Dialysis is a blood-cleansing therapy for people with kidney disease. It's all part of the story!

Plot-line for "Dancing with Rejection: A Beginner's Guide to Immortality"

"Dancing with Rejection: A Beginner's Guide to Immortality"  Book 1 chronicles the premature death of my father Robert of kidney failure, my initial diagnosis (Near-Death Experience...medical drama!) leading to my transplant 17-11-1979. There is also a lot of adventurous story-telling about some of the more outstanding characters I met in those days. And of course, I go into my early steps that lead to a career as a monumental mural-painter. My reaction to the "NDE" was to paint the 1st "Recovery" mural that graces the cover of Book 1 and also our masthead here. All in all, Book 1 was written to appeal to my fellow dialysis warriors, transplant patients, and generally EVERYBODY.
Book 2 is already written as well, but will be published after a bit of rest. That is the story of my rise to "fame" as a mural-painter...along with the deterioration of my health...leading to dialysis after 34+ years as a wildly successful TX patient. Both books are wrapped up in angelic encounters, as well as, of course, an ongoing love story!
Book 3 is being written as we speak!
My mission with the Trilogy is to engage a wide audience to increase awareness around kidney disease and kidney health, as it affects an everyday guy and his family across three generations.

The original design for my "Recovery 1" mural was slightly altered to feature the figure on the far right stepping off the edge of the canvas, to represent "getting on with life"...people to see, things to do.

In the next day or so, we will be receiving the first batch of hard copy Proof Copies of ook 1 of the trilogy. Excited? Oh yeah! 

Awaiting Proof Copies of "Dancing with Rejection"

After much deliberation that involved the intimate perusal of first, my long-suffering editor Christina George, followed by interior formatting by the indomitable Sage Bergman, I was finally ready to order the first Proof Copies of my upcoming memoir "Dancing with Rejection".

My tenuous health status does not permit me the luxury (if you want to call it that) of mucking around with publishers in order to get this thing out. There's no way in hell I'm willing to wait for somebody out in the big bad, cruel, indifferent publishing world to actually recognize the validity of a book called "Dancing with Rejection"! Just the thought of receiving multiple rejection letters kind of smacks of irony, don't you think?

So, the long and short of it is...SELF-PUBLISH and damn the torpedoes!

Very soon now, you will see a photo of yours truly holding actual hard copies of this book, with a very wide grin.

That's what I'm a-gonna do!

Apparently, many self-published books have been known to catch the eye of publishing houses, ultimately leading to the adoption of the poor little self-published orphan. Well, if something like that happens in this case, I would have to very carefully analyze the pros and cons of such a phenomenon before I changed my course. So far, from everything I've heard and read, self-publishing is definitely the way to go, just as long as the author has the wherewithal to promote, market and/or flog the book.

Oh yeah, the book also has to extremely GOOD!

"Art of Acrylic Glazing" online course goes LIVE!

Hi all! 

I am excited to announce that after climbing one of the steeper learning curves in recent years I have succeeded in creating my first online Art Instruction Course.
It's called "The Art Of Acrylic Glazing".

Just before Christmas 2012 I received an email from Udemy.com recruiting me to create the course.

I was impressed by the very fact that they have people on staff who are trawling around the net seeking out potential candidates that they 'like' as a 'world expert'. 

I went ahead and started nibbling on the elephant, one bite at a time and now, after about 10 weeks of slogging through all the Curriculum requirements, it's happening!

Want to learn how to paint like the masters? This art course shows how!


 It was a real pleasure to work with the amazing staff at Udemy, who shepherded me through the whole process from the word GO!

Although I have painted hundreds and hundreds of canvasses, not to mention many many large murals in my day, it was an extra challenge to create this course. EVERY step of the way -12 in all- were carefully documented by HD video and then each of the videos were transcribed as lecture notes to clarify and emphasize the lessons. 

The 12 videos take you ALL THE WAY from a blank canvas through to a finished piece.
The course is set up and designed so that you -the painting 'apprentice'- can follow along at your own pace. You can go back and repeat view any or all of the material as often as you wish. The lecture notes are also printable so that you basically have a full-blown textbook to go along with the video demonstrations!

I'll be writing more as this thing develops...can't you tell I'm kinda excited about it?

In my happy place.

Spirit of Manitou Studio Trail 2013

Michael Gaudet is a well-established professional artist who specializes in large-scale murals, portraiture, landscape and historic paintings.  In the Zone (Acrylics on canvas 16" x 20", 2013.) The Magic Cup (Acrylics on canvas 18" x 24" 2012)

Murals
His murals are meticulously researched to achieve a high standard of accuracy and design. The muralist is kept busy designing, painting and installing permanent, archival-quality productions for a diverse clientele including towns throughout Saskatchewan, private businesses, organizations and the Church. His most ambitious mural to date was commissioned by Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church in Saskatoon and unveiled on March 3rd, 2011. Please visit the project blog to read more about this ongoing commission. To view a selection of Gaudet's recent murals, please visit his MURALS website. 

Portrait commissioned by Bill Burley of Regina SK. (Acrylics on canvas 18" x 24" 2012) 

Portraiture 

Another specialty is the very challenging genre of 'portraiture'. Gaudet has drawn and painted hundreds of portraits over the years and has now reached the point with his expertise where he is fully capable of rendering a very convincing likeness of the physical attributes of his subject. The challenge now is to go beyond a mere physical resemblance to the model in search of the more elusive 'feeling' of the person. He insists that a truly successful portrait must not only 'look' like the model but must also 'feel' like the person. In other words, his best work reflects the deeper spiritual and psychic essence of the model. 

Paintings 

Gaudet is on a life-long painting adventure. His paintings are rich in color and detail that explore the everyday things around him with a concentrated fascination. Gaudet studied at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with New York figure painter Eric Fischl and Dutch color field painter Jan Andriesse. This exposure to international art and artists continues to exert an influence on his work to this day. He paints with acrylics in the European style of the old masters, using multiple transparent glazes to achieve rich, jewel-like colors and vivid contrast.

In the fall of 2012, Michael and his partner Sharon went on an extended painting holiday to Nova Scotia where he created a series of seven pieces that pay homage to the land and sea where he was born and raised.

From Nova Scotia with Love (Acrylics on canvas, all 18" x 24")

Beach-Combers (SOLD)

U-Pick Apples (at Hennigar's in the Annapolis Valley, N.S.)

Fishing Village at Peggy's Cove 1 (SOLD)

Low Tide at Belliveau Cove, N.S. (SOLD)

Fishing Village at Peggy's Cove 2

Chatty Starling at Halifax Wharf  (SOLD)

Full-On Fall Foliage (SOLD)

Little River, N.S.

G-G's Gallery & Gifts

In 2010, Gaudet and his partner Sharon Gibson established 'G-G's Gallery & Gifts' as an addition to their residence at the Resort Village of Manitou Beach. This seasonal business has been very successful as it taps into the well-established tourist trade that has been an economic and cultural staple of the Resort Village for generations. G-G's Gallery & Gifts offers the public a 'living portfolio' where they can meet the artist, see his original artwork on display and view his extensive portfolio of mural commissions all in one visit. Please visit Gaudet's'Art Blog' to stay abreast of his latest paintings and design projects. 

The couple have created a warm, welcoming atmosphere within a rustic setting at G-G's Gallery and Gifts.

Location: E. one blk past Danceland at Manitou Beach, turn rt on Charles St., then rt to 309 Evenson Ave. at the cul-de-sac. 

My Blue Period...Really Really Blue.

I took this pail of 'pthalo blue' glaze out of the rink out into the natural light so you could see the actual hue of blue. This pthalo blue is the next glaze to be painted in the shadowy areas for extra oomph. Watch how the figures etc REALLY start to come into their own with the addition of this glaze. Soon it will be time to start in with the LIGHT colors...natural tones in a white base.

 

Zooming in to show the slowly building intensity that is created in the shadowy areas with the addition of the pthalo blue glaze on the right-hand sides of the prominent portraits in the upper left-hand corner of the composition.

You can plainly see the difference the pthalo blue glaze makes in the dark shadows on the right-hand side of the large portraits. The lights are coming down the pipeline soon!

A distant shot shows my fairly rapid advance to the right-hand side with the pthalo blue glaze. Every glaze up to this point has been almost transparent. Nothing gets buried. The end result is a warm, glowing, natural-looking technicolor effect because of all the intermingling hues.

I think I mentioned earlier that each glaze gets a bit quicker...mainly because by now the layout and design elements are like well-worn slippers.

Power to the Purple!

My computer-generated mock-up that demonstrates approximately how the finished mural will  appear.

Transparent Dioxyzine Violet ...when applied over the precedent glazes of orange and red increases the voracity of the shadows and also warms up the overall tone into the golden zone.

I made it almost three-quarters of the way across the wall on my first purple day. Yeah, nowadays I relate a day's work in terms of the color I'm into.

Each successive glaze gets a little faster as I am becoming more familiar with the lay of the land so to speak. Although admittedly there is a lot of ground to cover so the process can only be sped up so much.

The strong portraits that anchor the upper left-hand side of the composition are just starting to come to life now that the purple glaze has been initiated.

This photo clearly shows the Power of Purple. OK, violet. Transparent violet. Can you guess what glaze hue comes next?

A high, distant view shows the steadily emerging forms on the horizon as each glaze tends to more definitely articulate a contrast between light and shadow. Don't forget...there has not been a drop of light-colored glaze added as of yet. All of the light you see at the moment is simply the golden-flesh colored base.

I was happy to make it over to the far right-hand side of the first eighty-foot swath of purple glaze. (Purple Glaze, all in my brain...lately things just don't seem the same...)