Please enjoy these holiday gift tags. The printable PDF can be downloaded here.
Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!
Pam
December 19, 2014
A Little Gift of Gift Tags
Please enjoy these holiday gift tags. The printable PDF can be downloaded here.
Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!
Pam
November 25, 2014
"Same Same but Different"
It's a popular phrase I heard several times while traveling in Thailand almost 10 years ago. (Yes, you can buy a t-shirt!) I interpreted it as, two things that are essentially the same, except slightly different—like cilantro and coriander. Or humans—our DNA being 99% the same but our individual traits make us unique from one another.
Or mountains! They appear all around the world in similar forms, yet each are different in shape, colour and element. They may look: smooth and white from sheets of glacial ice... or jagged and grey from layered shards of granite... or misty and green from fog in a rainforest.
My point being, every Mountain Mural may look like it's from the same drawing but each mural (like each of us) has it's own personality. Shapes, colours and elements in the design are customized for the people using the space. Photos above: The design may frame a piece of furniture (or Marsha!), or radiate certain emotions through colour or transport your thoughts to a far away land.
Here are 3 Mountain Murals that are "same same but different":
Mountain Mural #1: My very first :) Painted in my own bedroom, I wanted an image that would calm me while going to sleep and motivate me to rise in the morning. The neutralizing grey and taupe were selected to blend with the tones in my bedspread, curtains and furniture.
Mountain Mural #2: Nash needed a mural to inspire play time and match the room's Canadiana theme. Forest greens with pine trees and geese made the room feel larger and turned it into a very fun space!
Mountain Mural #3: Marsha lives and works at home and requested an image that would influence productivity during the day and relaxation at night. Blue itself has very calming qualities, while the brighter tones make the mountains appear cheerful and lively. We even decided to paint the stairs to match!
My travels have brought me to many a mountain and every one of them has left a lasting, positive impression. When I'm not traveling, memories of their views, trails, sunrises and sunsets reminds me how excited I felt when I was experiencing new adventures. These emotions become even stronger while I paint, which is why my new quest is to paint as many walls as possible!
What colour would you like me to paint your mountains?!
View more murals at pamlostracco.com and calendars on Etsy.
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Or mountains! They appear all around the world in similar forms, yet each are different in shape, colour and element. They may look: smooth and white from sheets of glacial ice... or jagged and grey from layered shards of granite... or misty and green from fog in a rainforest.
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| Marsha: 1. Framed in meditation, 2. Excited about a real live mural, 3. Dreaming of travel. |
My point being, every Mountain Mural may look like it's from the same drawing but each mural (like each of us) has it's own personality. Shapes, colours and elements in the design are customized for the people using the space. Photos above: The design may frame a piece of furniture (or Marsha!), or radiate certain emotions through colour or transport your thoughts to a far away land.
Here are 3 Mountain Murals that are "same same but different":
Mountain Mural #1: My very first :) Painted in my own bedroom, I wanted an image that would calm me while going to sleep and motivate me to rise in the morning. The neutralizing grey and taupe were selected to blend with the tones in my bedspread, curtains and furniture.
Mountain Mural #3: Marsha lives and works at home and requested an image that would influence productivity during the day and relaxation at night. Blue itself has very calming qualities, while the brighter tones make the mountains appear cheerful and lively. We even decided to paint the stairs to match!
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| Just one wall can change your world. |
What colour would you like me to paint your mountains?!
View more murals at pamlostracco.com and calendars on Etsy.
Like this post? Sign up for my art letter and get more just like it!
November 04, 2014
My Secret Found at the McMichael
Exhibiting at the McMichael's Autumn Art Sale was an amazing experience.
As soon as I drove into their entrance for the very first time, I felt like I belonged. All of my art-show-preparation-anxiety completely dissipated. Suddenly, the noisy traffic was behind me. The speed limit slowed down to 25 km/hour. Rounding each turn felt like being on a new adventure.
Above, a canopy of Autumn-coloured trees stretched into the distance. Below, spots of warm sunlight splashed upon the long driveway.
What a perfect welcoming!
After my booth was set up, I checked out the MLM exhibit "Morrice and Lyman in the Company of Matisse". I've always admired Matisse's confident lines and bold colours and then discovered similarities in both Morrice's and Lyman's style.
I was further captivated by all the quotes that adorned the walls. This one in particular really spoke to me:
"Slowly I discovered the secret of my art. It consists of a meditation on nature, on the expression of a dream which is always inspired by reality." –Henri Matisse
Perhaps that's also my secret?!
Nature has always been my source for ideas, adventure and clearing my head. Photographing nature feels like my own form of meditation. Transforming those photos of reality feels like creating a dream.
It was a weekend of connecting... with 50 other artists, with their nature-based art, with the trees that surrounded the gallery and... with Henri Matisse. How honoured I felt to exhibit my own artwork right around the corner from his original paintings.
Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and artists at McMichael, for providing such a warm and friendly atmosphere. And thank you Matisse, for helping me understand even more, my reason for making art.
Click here to view available artwork or email me with any inquiries.
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| My booth display. |
As soon as I drove into their entrance for the very first time, I felt like I belonged. All of my art-show-preparation-anxiety completely dissipated. Suddenly, the noisy traffic was behind me. The speed limit slowed down to 25 km/hour. Rounding each turn felt like being on a new adventure.
Above, a canopy of Autumn-coloured trees stretched into the distance. Below, spots of warm sunlight splashed upon the long driveway.
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| Autumn maple tree. |
What a perfect welcoming!
After my booth was set up, I checked out the MLM exhibit "Morrice and Lyman in the Company of Matisse". I've always admired Matisse's confident lines and bold colours and then discovered similarities in both Morrice's and Lyman's style.
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| Long grass around Professor's Lake, Brampton |
I was further captivated by all the quotes that adorned the walls. This one in particular really spoke to me:
"Slowly I discovered the secret of my art. It consists of a meditation on nature, on the expression of a dream which is always inspired by reality." –Henri Matisse
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| Gingko tree, Toronto. |
Perhaps that's also my secret?!
Nature has always been my source for ideas, adventure and clearing my head. Photographing nature feels like my own form of meditation. Transforming those photos of reality feels like creating a dream.
 |
| Maples painting with reflection. |
It was a weekend of connecting... with 50 other artists, with their nature-based art, with the trees that surrounded the gallery and... with Henri Matisse. How honoured I felt to exhibit my own artwork right around the corner from his original paintings.
Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and artists at McMichael, for providing such a warm and friendly atmosphere. And thank you Matisse, for helping me understand even more, my reason for making art.
Click here to view available artwork or email me with any inquiries.
September 02, 2014
Summer Skies
I think September feels more like the beginning of a new year than January. There's more changes—the air becomes cooler, the city fills up once more with everyone back from their summer holidays, students go back to school and the rest back to work. There's new energy in the air, literally, as the CNE marks the end of summer with their annual air show.
Or, maybe it's just me! My birthday's looming, only one week away. Each year drives me into a cycle of reflecting on the past several months and then strategizing on how to make the next few even better—usually whilst sifting through my Instagram photos :)
Perhaps coincidently, many of these photos were of beautiful and unusual, wide-open skies. Their infinite vastness deliver an offering of questions and possibilities. Who do I want to be? Where do I want to go? The answer could be there, right in the clouds.
Warm sunrises and sunsets may say "allow time to relax and free the mind"...
Brush-stroke clouds shows there's a purpose in creating and experimenting...
Moody storms travel fast, reminders of exciting adventures...
These skies may also be suggesting that I create a new series of cloud paintings :)
What does the sky say to you?
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Or, maybe it's just me! My birthday's looming, only one week away. Each year drives me into a cycle of reflecting on the past several months and then strategizing on how to make the next few even better—usually whilst sifting through my Instagram photos :)
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| The Snowbirds at the CNE |
Perhaps coincidently, many of these photos were of beautiful and unusual, wide-open skies. Their infinite vastness deliver an offering of questions and possibilities. Who do I want to be? Where do I want to go? The answer could be there, right in the clouds.
Warm sunrises and sunsets may say "allow time to relax and free the mind"...
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| Sunrise on Lake Ontario, on the train to Montreal |
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| Sunset in Christie Pitts Park |
Brush-stroke clouds shows there's a purpose in creating and experimenting...
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| Outside my front window |
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| Outside my back door |
Moody storms travel fast, reminders of exciting adventures...
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| Wavy clouds |
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| The clouds that never rained |
These skies may also be suggesting that I create a new series of cloud paintings :)
What does the sky say to you?
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August 05, 2014
Dressing Up Japanese-Style
I wonder if it was back in Grade 5, when I tried on my first Kimono at a friend's house, that I started to love all things Japanese? And then years later, I found myself in a similar situation while traveling with my friend Sandra, wearing this Kabuki (dance) costume in Japan!
Then just last week, I was part of the Matsuri Toronto Japanese Summer Festival showcasing my 100% silk Art Scarves:
Jen and I after our bow on stage:
Over at the booth, people of all ages were drawn to the mountain cards and watched the time-lapse of me painting the Mountain Mural:
The new Art Cards were popular, especially the sakura (cherry blossom) image:
Art Scarves are currently for sale on my Etsy shop or you can email me directly. Art Cards will be there soon too!
It was a fun show and there were many who helped make it happen. An extra special thank you to:
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| Sandra and I, June 2001 |
Then just last week, I was part of the Matsuri Toronto Japanese Summer Festival showcasing my 100% silk Art Scarves:
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| Migrating Monarchs Art Scarf, photo by Che Rosales |
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| Feathery Ferns Art Scarf, photo by Che Rosales |
It was a celebration of Japanese and Canadian artists, drummers, dancers and designers. The second year running, they included their first fashion show, a new experience I also had to give a go!
Styled in a Japanese-inspired bun and a Bon-Voyage-Birds-blue skirt, Jen flowed down the runway wearing two Art Scarves:
Styled in a Japanese-inspired bun and a Bon-Voyage-Birds-blue skirt, Jen flowed down the runway wearing two Art Scarves:
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| Jen in Migrating Monarchs and Bon Voyage Birds, photos by Che Rosales |
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| Jen and I, photo by Aniqa Rahman |
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| Mountain Cards, photo by Che Rosales |
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| Art Cards, photo by Che Rosales |
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| Art Cards, photo by Che Rosales |
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| Original Artwork, photo by Che Rosales |
It was a fun show and there were many who helped make it happen. An extra special thank you to:
Luke and everyone at Kurakake Company; Kelly who helped shop, style and seem to be my personal assistant; Jen my beautiful model and friend; Siobhan, Hoann, Sharona, Janice and Erica who took care of my booth and displayed my products in unexpected, creative ways; all the positive comments and encouragement from everyone; and Julian for inspiration, set up, take down and for always making me laugh!
June 11, 2014
The Condition of Light
Without light, we wouldn't see anything--but without darkness, what would the light play with?
It's the combinations between light and dark that make a compelling composition. Infinite possibilities emerge from different weather conditions, the time of day and the time of the year. Changes happen in the sun's angle, intensity and colour.
Recently, I've noticed many intriguing indoor lights from elaborate lamps casting their shadows onto different surfaces.
Shiny reflections give the fabric canopy more depth...
Shadows sliced onto walls and ceilings...
Now imagine how light and dark play outdoors...
What have you seen when the condition of light made the memory worth remembering? Please comment below!
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| Intricate lamp in the Sultan's Tent |
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| Haunted chandelier in Balzac's, The Distillery |
Shiny reflections give the fabric canopy more depth...
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| Hanging chandelier in the Sultan's Tent |
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| Stairwell chandelier at the Gladstone Hotel |
Shadows bend and elongate into layered tones...
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| Wall lamp at Verity |
- The last glimmer of sun just before it sets behind the ocean's horizon.
- Light slanting through a wooden fence, painting white lines across your face.
- A canopy of leaves waving in the wind, casting dancing spots of light and shadow on the ground.
What have you seen when the condition of light made the memory worth remembering? Please comment below!
May 21, 2014
Nature on Nature
It's that time of year again! The cherry blossoms have already come and gone and now I get to post my annual photoshoot with the trees. Although this time, I brought something of my own...
I've been anticipating these awesome blossoms for months so they could meet my Art Scarves. It seemed like the perfect juxtaposition—to combine the scarves' nature-inspired artwork with nature itself. The artwork was created from fleeting experiences immersed in nature during my travels—just like the blossoms only last for a brief period of time during the whole year.
The delicate blossoms were as soft as the silk.
Together they danced in the long branches,
and waved hello in the breeze.
The scarves hugged the tree trunks,
and petals sprinkled to the ground.
We'll have to wait another year for the cherry blossoms but Art Scarves are here to stay!
Now available in Toronto stores at Craft Ontario (Yorkville) and Distill (The Distillery) and on Etsy.
I've been anticipating these awesome blossoms for months so they could meet my Art Scarves. It seemed like the perfect juxtaposition—to combine the scarves' nature-inspired artwork with nature itself. The artwork was created from fleeting experiences immersed in nature during my travels—just like the blossoms only last for a brief period of time during the whole year.
The delicate blossoms were as soft as the silk.
Together they danced in the long branches,
The scarves hugged the tree trunks,
and petals sprinkled to the ground.
We'll have to wait another year for the cherry blossoms but Art Scarves are here to stay!
Now available in Toronto stores at Craft Ontario (Yorkville) and Distill (The Distillery) and on Etsy.
May 01, 2014
Mountain Mirage
Now I get to wake up in the mountains—every morning!
I don't even need to set up a tent or take a long flight to a distant land... the mountains live right here, permanently, in my bedroom.
Within a week, my bedroom radically transformed, from a blank wall to a complete mountain scape. The mural is like a mirage—it seems like the real thing and then draws you in to look closer. The multiple layers create visual depth, like you can actually see over each mountain ridge. The gradation in colour looks calm and creates a peaceful feeling that fills the entire room.
All it took was a vision, 2 gallons of paint and a lot of fun. Here's a glimpse at my process in making this mural:
Would you like to see these mountains painted in one of your rooms? If so, which room would it go in? If not, what mirage can you envision?
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I don't even need to set up a tent or take a long flight to a distant land... the mountains live right here, permanently, in my bedroom.
Within a week, my bedroom radically transformed, from a blank wall to a complete mountain scape. The mural is like a mirage—it seems like the real thing and then draws you in to look closer. The multiple layers create visual depth, like you can actually see over each mountain ridge. The gradation in colour looks calm and creates a peaceful feeling that fills the entire room.
All it took was a vision, 2 gallons of paint and a lot of fun. Here's a glimpse at my process in making this mural:
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| I used string to grid the wall, then transferred a pencil outline of the image |
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| Pouring the paint into more manageable-sized containers |
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| The solid colours used at the top and bottom complete, time for a break! |
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| Adding the first layer of mixed paint |
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| Each mountain had a bit more grey (Kendall Charcoal) added to create a gradual layering effect |
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| Yippee, only 1 more colour to go! |
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| All done... time to enjoy the view and my cup of tea |
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| Photo-shooting the final mural |
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March 30, 2014
Many a Mountain
You may have noticed I've got a bit of a mountain theme going on. It all started...
on a long journey I took about 8 years ago. One year of travel gave me ample time to fill quite a few sketchbooks with many a mountain drawing. Those sketches turned into an illustration which became mountain calendars and then mountain quotes on mountain cards. And here's the latest on Society6--anything from mountain mugs to mountain shower curtains!
So it seemed like the perfect opportunity to relive some of those beautiful sights and share a few of my favourite mountain photos with you...
The mountains intrigued me with their majestic stance and calm presence. Almost like they were in a constant state of meditation. They seemed to give me permission to do the same--to be still, to admire the beauty and to breathe deeply.
Even though they remained so still and permanent, their colours changed dramatically. From a black silhouette at night to brilliant, warm hues that emerged gradually, as the sun started to rise over the horizon.
The high altitudes often brought clouds and fog which can make these intimidating forms magically disappear before your very eyes.
They appeared in so many shapes and forms, silently standing before oceans, valleys and fields.
I have seen mountains from here to there,
They seem to be following me everywhere!
Now what do you think about my next project--a mountain mural?!
Buy Mountain products on Society6 with this special promo (valid until April 13th) or follow the evolution of the Mountain Mural on Instagram!
Like this post? Sign up for my art letter and get more just like it!
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| Paragliders over Queenstown, New Zealand |
on a long journey I took about 8 years ago. One year of travel gave me ample time to fill quite a few sketchbooks with many a mountain drawing. Those sketches turned into an illustration which became mountain calendars and then mountain quotes on mountain cards. And here's the latest on Society6--anything from mountain mugs to mountain shower curtains!
So it seemed like the perfect opportunity to relive some of those beautiful sights and share a few of my favourite mountain photos with you...
 |
| Emerald Lakes on the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand |
The mountains intrigued me with their majestic stance and calm presence. Almost like they were in a constant state of meditation. They seemed to give me permission to do the same--to be still, to admire the beauty and to breathe deeply.
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| Volcanos inside volcanos in Bromo, Java, Indonesia |
Even though they remained so still and permanent, their colours changed dramatically. From a black silhouette at night to brilliant, warm hues that emerged gradually, as the sun started to rise over the horizon.
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| Uluru (aka. Ayers Rock) in Australia |
The high altitudes often brought clouds and fog which can make these intimidating forms magically disappear before your very eyes.
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| Clouds rolling over Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, Borneo |
They appeared in so many shapes and forms, silently standing before oceans, valleys and fields.
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| Beautiful beach in Krabi, Thailand |
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| Long shadows and bright colours from the early sun in Cuba |
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| Mountain range across a rice field in Bali, Indonesia |
I have seen mountains from here to there,
They seem to be following me everywhere!
Now what do you think about my next project--a mountain mural?!
Buy Mountain products on Society6 with this special promo (valid until April 13th) or follow the evolution of the Mountain Mural on Instagram!
Like this post? Sign up for my art letter and get more just like it!
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