ARABELLA NEWSLETTER
Volume 2, Issue 6 | September 25, 2024
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ARABELLA helps promote and support the success of creative talents in the arts and culture sectors through publishing, research, events management and consulting activities. | |
ARABELLA's Journey Forward | |
This summer has been an exciting whirlwind as ARABELLA embarked on a new chapter, relocating from Saint Andrews to the charming town of Woodstock, nestled in the heart of New Brunswick's Upper St. John River Valley. This move signifies much more than just a change in location; it reflects ARABELLA’s evolving vision as we continue to explore fresh perspectives on art and culture. The stunning beauty and vibrant community here inspire us daily as we look toward the future of the magazine.
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New Home Surrounded by Beauty
The Upper River Valley is renowned for its rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and the iconic Saint John River. This natural beauty is complemented by a welcoming community passionate about arts and culture. Woodstock, the oldest incorporated town in New Brunswick, is a perfect blend of history, creativity, and local craftsmanship—elements that resonate deeply with our mission at ARABELLA. We are thrilled to be part of such an inspiring environment, and we invite you to experience it with us through this video on St. John River Valley Tourism embracing the Upper River Valley.
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Shaping the Future of Art Together
Our relocation represents not just a new base but a chance to recalibrate and innovate. As the art world navigates the rise of AI, economic challenges, and shifting buyer behaviors, ARABELLA remains committed to staying at the forefront. We will continue to celebrate creativity while exploring how we can support artists in these changing times.
Over the coming months, we’ll be launching exciting new initiatives, including expanded research and deeper engagement with our readers. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you. How do you envision the future of art? How can we continue to lead and inspire? Together, we can redefine what it means to support and appreciate the arts in a transforming world.
Join us in shaping this new chapter—we can’t wait to embark on this journey with you.
Sincerely,
Debra & The ARABELLA Team
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ARTISTS TO COLLECT
From the ARABELLA Archives
ARABELLA Archive articles represent a rich tapestry of artistic narratives, offering an insightful journey into the creative process of both emerging and established artists. These articles not only highlight their aspirations, challenges, and achievements but also celebrate their contributions to the evolving art world. By preserving these stories, ARABELLA creates a bridge between the traditional and contemporary art scenes, providing readers with timeless inspiration. Our archives capture the essence of each artist's unique journey, reflecting ARABELLA's enduring commitment to showcasing the diverse voices shaping the art of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
For this September issue, we are pleased to revisit four remarkable artists from the ARABELLA archives: Dawne Brandel, Keith Andrews, Dave Rheaume, and Phil Buytendorp. Each of these talents offers a unique window into the world of contemporary Canadian art, yet their work shares a common thread of connection to the natural world and human experience. Together, these artists represent a broad spectrum of creative exploration, yet all share a commitment to depicting the world with a fresh, compelling perspective. We invite you to rediscover their work and see why they continue to be artists to watch and collect.
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Click/Tap images or red button for article;
Blue/Teal Buttons for Artist's Website
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Meet Dawne Brandel:
A Journey of Passion, Persistence, and Art
Dawne Brandel’s journey as a fine artist reflects a deep connection to nature and an unwavering commitment to her craft. With years of experience in commercial art and floral design, Dawne’s return to painting has allowed her to pursue her passion on a professional level, producing works celebrated for their intricate use of color and light. Drawing inspiration from the natural landscapes around her, including the iconic Himalayan birch groves near her studio, Dawne’s paintings embody a harmonious blend of simplicity, complexity, and beauty. Her works continue to gain recognition in galleries across British Columbia and beyond. Discover Dawne’s incredible journey of growth, dedication, and artistry, and how she continues to push boundaries in the fine arts world.
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Discover Keith Andrews:
The Master of Black & White Wildlife Art
Keith Andrews is a Calgary-based artist whose passion for painting is unmatched. Known for his breathtaking black-and-white oil paintings, Keith captures the raw beauty of wildlife with meticulous detail. Inspired by nature, especially Alberta’s Banff National Park, his work brings animals to life on canvas like never before. With a dedication to perfection, Keith’s pieces are more than art – they are a testament to his passion for both creativity and wildlife conservation. He donates 10% of all sales to charities chosen by his clients, making his work even more impactful.Looking for inspiration? Keith's advice: “Paint what you love and find your own voice.” Explore his incredible journey and stunning works at www.keithandrews.ca. Trust us – his dedication and talent will leave you in awe!
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Spotlight on Dave Rheaume:
Crafting Nostalgia, Frame by Frame
Dave Rheaume's art reflects his vivid childhood memories of Ottawa, bringing to life cold, dark, and snowy scenes with a distinct cinematic flair. His paintings, often compared to the work of Alex Colville, capture a singular moment in time, leaving viewers to imagine the surrounding story. Dave’s journey into the visual arts began at an early age with comic drawings, later transitioning into filmmaking, where he honed his understanding of lighting and composition. After a successful 27-year career in film and video production, Dave’s passion for painting was reignited. His works, often inspired by archival images and historical themes, feature atmospheric winter scenes illuminated by careful lighting. His artistic vision is grounded in a deep connection between viewer and artwork, drawing on nostalgia and a reverence for the past. Dave's goal is to evoke memories of bygone eras, particularly for younger audiences, with scenes that hint at a world frozen in time. Through his distinctive style, he aims to ensure that history remains alive, carried forward by the emotional resonance of his work. Discover more about his journey and artwork at dave-rheaume.pixels.com.
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Phil Buytendorp:
A Lifelong Journey of Art, Nature, and Discipline
Phil Buytendorp’s artistic journey began in his childhood, growing up in a highly creative environment. His father, George Buytendorp, was a renowned Dutch-Canadian painter, and his mother was a potter. Raised in Brandon, Manitoba, Phil was surrounded by art, classical music, and weekend painting trips, all of which fueled his passion for creativity. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, which has been a cornerstone of his artistic career.
Although Phil spent years working in trades, his passion for painting never faded. After moving to the Fraser Valley in 1987, he began dedicating more time to art, refining his landscape painting skills under his father’s guidance. By 1997, his coastal landscapes found success in Vancouver Island galleries, allowing him to transition to a full-time artist.
Now living in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Phil draws inspiration from the surrounding wilderness, creating dynamic landscapes that reflect the natural interplay of light and movement. He believes that great art requires a balance between freedom and discipline, and he encourages aspiring artists to continuously practice their craft and develop a deep connection with their tools and environment.
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Calling All Artists, Galleries & Art Organizations!
ARABELLA Magazine is embarking on an exciting new chapter—and we’re inviting you to be a part of it! We’re launching a series of research initiatives to explore how shifts in technology (like AI), economic pressures, and changing buyer behavior are transforming the art world.
We’re offering a select group the opportunity to sponsor this important research and promote your brand!
As a sponsor, you’ll have the chance to:
🔹 Gain early access to groundbreaking insights.
🔹 Be featured in exclusive reports and ARABELLA content.
🔹 Help shape the future of the art market while increasing visibility in front of our dedicated readership of collectors, artists, and galleries.
Choose from different sponsorship opportunities, including research support, event partnerships, and more!
Interested in learning more?
Send us a message to arrange a call or visit arabellaworld.ca for more information. Let’s get together and collaborate to ensure the art world thrives in this ever-changing landscape!
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