Author Archives: Paige Mortensen

About Paige Mortensen

I have always had an inner need to create and have explored colour and design in many forms. My art explorations began in earnest in 2011 when I enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan’s Certificate in Art and Design. My initial exposure to the ancient medium of encaustic art was through a family connection in New Zealand. The vibrant colours and luminous qualities of the waxes are fascinating and I needed to explore its capabilities for myself. What could be more fun than melting the waxes and then opening oneself to the surprises that unfold in the process of creating with these wonderful, rich colours? Quite possibly for me the answer is watercolour batik. This is a process of combining wax and watercolour, layer upon layer on Ginwashi paper, working from lights to darks. The final step is to iron off the wax and watching the end result appear. It is always an exciting moment for me!

BIG EXCITING NEWS!! My Discover Watercolour Batik online video class is ready

Discover Watercolour Batik!
Learn to create your own richly textured watercolour batiks. It is all about the wax! No watercolour skills required.

learn.paigemortensen.ca

For a limited time only use coupon code
BatikLaunch25 for 25% off
(offer expires Dec 31, 2018)

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40 videos for you to access anytime anywhere

Join me on an exciting journey where you will learn how to use wax and watercolour to create beautifully textured watercolour batiks.

Watercolour Batik is all about the wax. The way you apply it onto the Ginwashi paper is what will bring your watercolour batik to life. The watercolour is secondary, and no watercolour painting skills are required.

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First we will look at the supplies you need to begin your journey!


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Then we will play with mark making
…with the wax!

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Batik is also about layering so we need to know what will happen when we place one colour on top of another. Here you will find some exercises to help you understand your colours.

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Then it will be time to put the wax and watercolour together to create one of a kind pieces that will be perfect to use as cards.

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And finally we will put it all together to create a more complex finished piece!

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learn.paigemortensen.ca

For a limited time only use coupon code
BatikLaunch25 for 25% off
(offer expires Dec 31, 2018)

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I’m excited to share your journey!
Join our Facebook page@Watercolour Batik Artists
Instagram use Hashtag: #discoverwatercolourbatik

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©Paige Mortensen 36 x 12″ Watercolour Batik

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I am excited to share your experiences as you
discover how watercolour batik really is all about the wax!

Art & Soul Show & Sale – Nov 2 – 3, 2018

Wow, October has flown by. I have been busy with commissions – a total of 7 pieces which has been awesome however that means I don’t have any new finished images I can show you just yet. 

We spent a few days near Cranbrook last week. What beautiful weather and scenery! So  I do have a lot of new reference material I can share!

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Art & Soul Show & Sale

We are home now and as soon as we turn the calendar page I will be participating in the
Art & Soul Show & Sale. I hope to see you at there!

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Unitarian Centre  213 – 2nd Street E.  Saskatoon, SK

Friday, November 2 reception from 5 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 3 rom 11 am – 4 pm


Brainsport

Stories Inside XVII ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour 24x36" $1,100

Stories Inside XVII ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour 24×36″ $1,100

Just a couple of days left to see my exhibition at Brainsport! It comes down early in November.

Stories Inside Exhibition
Brainsport Lobby
616 – 10th Street E.  Saskatoon, SK


Artists’ Workshop Open Studio Show & Sale

Also in November is our Artists’ Workshop Open Studio Show and Sale!

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Watch for a big announcement coming soon!

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October brings a group show at Hues, a show at Brainsport and more

First, Thank-you. For reading my messages, for coming to my events, for purchasing my art and  for being so supportive. I appreciate all of you!

Moose Jaw Pedestrian Bridge

Moose Jaw Pedestrian Bridge 18 x 36″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen $850


Artists’ Workshop Exhibition at Hues Art Supply

The Artists’ Workshop Group that I am part of is having a group show at Hues Art Supply – 1818 Lorne Avenue, Saskatoon. It will be up for the month of October.

Stop by anytime the store is open and/or come to the reception:

Hues Art Supply – 1818 Lorne Avenue, Saskatoon

Saturday, October 13th from 2 – 4 pm

It would be great to see you there!

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Brainsport – 616 – 10th Street E., Saskatoon, SK 
Did you know they have a gallery in the lobby?

They do, and work from my Stories Inside Series will be there from

October 3 – 31, 2018!

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Stories Inside Series ©Paige Mortensen – each is 24 x 18″

Please stop by and have a look! 

Brainsport is a great community supporter so stop in and support them too!


Watch for another big announcement coming to your email soon!

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September will always seem like the start of a new year – and this one has lots happening!

Looking Back, Looking Out, Looking In 

Friday, August 31 is the last day to see“Looking Back, Looking Out, Looking In”  at the Humboldt Art Gallery. This was a two person show with work by Jess Richter along with my watercolour batiks. Saturday we go to dismantle it. Thanks to the Humboldt Gallery for being great to work with and to everyone who has been to see it!

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Dotting the Prairie 4 18 x 36″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen


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Art friends with beautiful back yards have provided several fabulous sketching opportunities over the summer!

Now, September is just around the corner and
I have so much news to share!
See below for more details about:

Mentorship Program

New Shows

Soon to be Released –
Online Watercolour Batik Class


 

I have been selected for an Exciting Mentorship Program!

I am honoured to have been accepted as a mentee in the CARFAC mentorship program. My mentor will be Paula Cooley and I am very excited to see what the year will bring!

This 10 month mentorship program includes support from a mentor, group meetings, studio visits, critiques and will be a major creative boost! 


Fall Showtime round #1 … More about the rest next time

Art Now Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair

Many Saskatchewan Galleries will have booths at this amazing show. It started 3 years ago in Saskatoon, was in Regina last year and is back in Saskatoon. It keeps getting better!

You will find my work in the Saskatchewan Craft Council‘s area! This is 1 of 4 bridges that they selected in the jury process.

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PA Train Bridge 18 x 36″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen

 

 


Station Arts Centre – Rosthern –  Birds of a Feather

1 of 2 pieces I have contributed:

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Click Clack Cluck 12 x 24″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen

The Station Arts Centre in Rosthern has a lovely gallery and tea room and the group show “Birds of a Feather” will be up for the month of September. They are open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm (closed Sunday and Monday).

There will be a closing reception on Saturday, September 29th from 7 – 9 pm.


Humboldt Art Gallery Members’ Show

1 of 2 pieces I have contributed:

Pure & Simple ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour Batik 24 x 8" $425

Pure & Simple 8 x 24″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen

This is the 3rd year for this show and the 3rd time I have participated. It is a great gallery so worth the drive. The Humboldt Art Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday 1 – 5 pm.

There will be a reception on Saturday, Sept 22 from 2 – 4 pm.

 


Releasing my Online Watercolour Batik Class

With special thanks to my video editing husband and photography pro son I am soon going to be releasing a full online watercolour batik class – Discover Watercolour Batik. Everything you need to know to create your own beautiful watercolour batiks! Over 3 hours of video instruction that you can follow along with. I am excited to see what others create!

Discover Watercolour Batik

For a sneak peak you can register for this free one – Introduction to Watercolour Batik – which will give you a quick overview of my process – for collectors or curious artists! 

Introduction to Watercolour Batik

Have a great start to the fall season!

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“Looking Back, Looking Out, Looking In” – at the Humboldt Art Gallery this summer!

Looking Back, Looking Out, Looking In 
Paige Mortensen and Jess Richter
July 3 – August 31, 2018
Humboldt Art Gallery – 601 Main Street, Humboldt SK
Opening Reception Thursday, July 5 at 7 p.m

WOW! Between life and art there is never a dull moment! I am excited to share the details about my summer show Looking Back, Looking Out, Looking In at the Humboldt Art Gallery! The show will be up from July 3 – August 31, 2018. You are invited to our opening reception on Thursday, July 5 at 7 p.m..

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Dotting the Prairie 4 18 x 36″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen


Looking In

My focus on architecture came about after a trip to Europe where I was fascinated by all the doors. These may have been ordinary doors and windows for those who live there, however I was looking in with all sorts of questions. Who built this? How did they do it? Who lived here originally (now)? What were/are their lives like? 


Looking Out

Back in Saskatchewan we seem to do a lot of driving and I was now looking out. What I see is elevators, homesteads, barns and granaries built by the settlers and reminding us of the past. This prairie architecture takes me inward to thoughts of ancestors who came to this country, to  those who lived here long before that and to how different life looks depending on which side of the window you are on. 

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Patched 24 x 18″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen


Looking Back

I am excited to be sharing the gallery with Jess Richter whose intricate paper cut sculptural works are looking back at the tumultuous histories of immigrant populations in mid-twentieth century Saskatchewan, specifically her German grandparents.  Using wintery fairy tale imagery and German folk influences, she explores displaced womens’ processes of rebuilding shattered lives and homes in an unfamiliar and often unwelcoming country. 

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Paige Mortensen - Going, Going, Gone

Going, Going, Gone 24 x 36″ Watercolour Batik ©Paige Mortensen


Construction Zone

Construction Zone

 

Speaking of architecture – we are in the midst of having our roof replaced, and skylights removed so now back to the construction zone.


So, I hope to see you in Humboldt on July 5th – or that you can plan a trip that way sometime over the summer!

In the meantime, enjoy the season!

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Friday the 13th + 13 artists = the Artists’ Workshop Spring Show & Sale

This is my third year as part of the Artists’ Workshop group! I am honoured to be able to work with this group of amazing artists every Monday. It is time for our annual Spring Show & Sale and I hope you are able to come and see all the  pieces everyone has been working on over the last year! (I know I am excited to see them finished!)

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Artists’ Workshop Annual Spring Show & Sale April 13-15, 2018

Grace Westminster United Church
505 – 10th Street East Saskatoon, SK 

Friday, April 13 7 – 9 pm
Saturday, April 14 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, April 15  12 noon – 4 pm

The show is free to attend and the building is wheelchair accessible.
Bring a Friend and Enjoy the Show!

Our group includes artists working in a range of mediums including:
watercolour batik,
oil, acrylic, watercolour,
pen and ink, graphite,
and textiles
!


Saturday is Slow Art Day

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Saturday, April 14, 2018 is Slow Art Day making it a perfect day to come and spend some focussed time with art!

They say the average amount of time a viewer will look at a piece of art is about 8 seconds. The idea of Slow Art Day is to let go of our need to move quickly and spend some time with a few pieces. The organizers of this global event are suggesting 5 – 10 minutes with one piece of work.

When you take the time to spend with a piece you will make new discoveries. These discoveries help to unlock your own enthusiasm, creativity and appreciation for art!

Come, spend some time with the art and then lets talk about the experience!

 

See you there!

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HomeStyles 2018 and more news

HomeStyles Home Show 2018

I am very excited that the Saskatchewn Craft Council has selected 6 of my watercolour batiks for their booth at HomeStyles 2018!

St. Louis Reflections

St. Louis Reflections 12 x 36″ Watercolour Batik @Paige Mortensen

Paige Mortensen - Fall in the Pond

Fall in the Pond 10 x 20″ Watercolour Batik @Paige Mortensen

Show Hours
Thursday, March 8 • 3 pm – 9 pm
Friday, March 9 • 1 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, March 10 • 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday, March 11 • 10 am – 5 pm

Location
Hall C, Prairieland Park, 503 Ruth Street West, Saskatoon

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Gull Lake 48×12″ Watercolour Batik @Paige Mortensen

   

The Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC) is returning to HomeStyles Home Show 2018 to showcase Fine Craft and Saskatchewan’s artists. Our booth will be located in Hall C across from the Main Stage. Visitors will have an opportunity to explore how Fine Craft contributes to making a home a place of self-expression. Fine Craft can be part of your daily life, enhancing everyday experiences with its beauty. Featured vignettes will include a child’s room, a foyer, and a cottage and outdoor patio. 

The SCC booth will feature works in wood, glass, textiles, photography, metal, visual art, and ceramics. Pieces will be available for purchase at the Saskatchewan Craft Council’s Online Gallery Shop (saskcraftcouncil.org/online-store) from March 8 to March 16 or in person at our booth during the show.
 

This booth is supported by Creative Saskatchewan, EPR Saskatoon, and Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.

Paige Mortensen - Floating

Floating 10 x 20″ Watercolour Batik @Paige Mortensen

SCC is excited to present a panel discussion on integrating Fine Craft into your daily living space on the Main Stage at HomeStyles Home Show 2018. Handmade Home: Collecting & Using Fine Craft will take place on Thursday, March 8 at 6 pm. Crystal Bueckert of Big.Studio.Inc, a design and architectural firm in Saskatoon, will moderate. Her guests will include home owners who incorporate art into their homes, providing tips and ideas on how to find and select the right pieces to help you develop your home’s personality.


Out of Town Group Shows

Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival Show

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Borden Bridge 24 x 36″ Watercolour Batik @Paige Mortensen

This is a member’s show and we were each able to submit two pieces. I am excited to say that this Borden Bridge piece won an award for Accomplishments in Watercolour!

Show is on now until March 24, 2018.


Art Gallery of Regina – Annual Salon Show & Sale

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Shirley’s Poppies 10 x 20″ Watercolour Batik. @Paige Mortensen

This is my first time submitting to this show and I’m excited to have the opportunity!

March 14 – April 26, 2018


Watch for more exciting news coming soon!!

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Artists’ Workshop Open Studio show and sale – Monday, Nov 27th from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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You are invited to our

Open Studio Show and Sale

Monday, November 27th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Grace Westminster Church Auditorium
505 – 10th Street East     Saskatoon, SK

Every Monday from September through April I meet with a group of artists for a full day of creating and art-making in the auditorium at Grace Westminster Church. Please drop by our open studio to see how we work as well as what we have created.

I will have many of my small watercolour batiks, perfect for gift giving! Other artists work in a variety of media so there will be acrylics, oils, watercolours, pen and ink, mixed media. Something for every taste!

Artists' Workshop Open Studio

Artists’ Workshop Open Studio

Sketching in Artists’ Workshop member’s the back yards, driving around Saskatchewan, travel to other parts of our country; all provide inspiration. On our travels I stopped at the Japanese Paper Place in Toronto to learn more about the origins of the Ginwashi paper that I use for my watercolour batiks. Unexpectedly, the stop provided a different kind of inspiration – shape. This change in shape started me thinking about composition in new ways and I have created a collection of 2 x 14” pieces perfect for small spaces.

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@Paige Mortensen 14×2″ pieces in folding hangers

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Paige Mortensen 14×2″ pieces on wood panel

I also discovered some tiny clips and a new way of mounting that highlights the journey my pieces take in their creation. All of this reminding me to be on the lookout for inspiration everywhere.

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Yellow Flowers ©Paige Mortensen in 7 x 5″ Shadow Box frames

See you on Monday the 27th!

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“And Art Gallery” opening in Davidson, and more gallery news!

I have exciting gallery news to share!

AND ART GALLERY

 

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The first piece of exciting gallery news is that I am now represented by AND ART GALLERY in Davidson! The owner, Gail Prpick, is also fellow  member of the Artists’ Workshop group. And Art Gallery, at 112 Washington Ave, Davidson,SK is housed in a century old brick building that use to be a bank.

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The AND ART GALLERY grand opening is:
     Friday, November 17th from 5 – 10 p.m. and
     Saturday, November 18th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I’ll be there Friday evening to celebrate with Gail and the other artists and to chat with you.

These are my pieces that are there and will be hung by now!

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Preparing to hang work by Paige Mortensen


Saskatchewan Craft Council Boutique

I dropped some new pieces off at the Saskatchewan Craft Council Boutique and they are hanging already! It is exciting to see them amongst all this wonderful art and fine craft!

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Saskatchewan Craft Council Boutique 1

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Saskatchewan Craft Council Boutique 2


Black Spruce Gallery

The Black Spruce Gallery is on winter hours right now but there is still lots to see! My watercolour batik birds and other pieces are on display!

It is located in the NorthSide Antiques building on Highway #2 at Northside, SK. I suggest you call ahead to confirm the hours (306 982 4222).

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Birds by Paige Mortensen at Black Spruce Gallery

Tall & Sunny 1 ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour 12x30" Available at Black Spruce Gallery

Tall & Sunny 1 ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour 12×30″ Available at Black Spruce Gallery

Enjoy the Galleries!

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Portals opens at the Mann Art Gallery with Reception on Friday, May 26th at 7 p.m.

Portals

I am excited to share that my show, Portals, opens this Friday, May 26th, 2017 at the Mann Art Gallery in Prince Albert with a reception at 7 p.m.! 

It would be great to see you there but if that doesn’t work for you the show is up until July 4th so hopefully you can stop in sometime before then.

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We have been fortunate to have been to Europe a couple of times and I found myself drawn to the doors and windows. The big tourist destinations are spectacular and yet I was more interested in the architecture and homes of the ordinary people. These buildings were built centuries ago, before all the tools of today. I found myself asking questions like:

Who built this?
How? 
Who lived here then? 
What were their lives like? 
Who lives here now?

Stories Inside XII ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour 18x24" $700

Stories Inside XII ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour Batik 18×24″

I came home with a mass of reference material and this series began. The series was originally called Stories Inside because of all the questions I had about the stories of the people who built and lived behind these doors. 

Stories Inside IV ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour 15x15" $350

Stories Inside IV ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour Batik 15×15″

Lately we seem to be doing a lot of driving and I have been paying more attention to some of our own prairie architecture. The grain elevators and barns could not have been easy to build without today’s equipment either. So my work has been moving closer to home. And I ask the same questions about my more recent ancestors. 

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©Paige Mortensen – Memories of Grandpa … Gull Lake Elevator

All of these are Portals. Doors and windows that remind us to be curious and hopefully connect us to different times and places. 

 

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Black Spruce Gallery

I’d also like to invite you to drive about 1/2 hour north of Prince Albert to Northside where you will find Black Spruce Gallery and more of my watercolour batiks. It shares a building with an antiques store so you are bound to find all sorts of interesting treasures. I was just there and the gallery looks fantastic!

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Humble Greeting ©Paige Mortensen Watercolour Batik 12×18″

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I hope you can include some art in your early summer plans!

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