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November Art Salon
Gallery 1313
Queen West Toronto
November 26th - December 6th 2015


Tonight is the Opening Reception of the November Art Salon 2015 at Gallery 1313 on Queen West in Toronto! It was such a pleasure seeing my work amongst so many incredible and diverse pieces of art. Not to mention it has been a dream of mine since moving here in 2010 to see my work up in this gallery. An incredible night! I'm so very blessed. :D

Let me start by saying I live in my own little bubble. I do, I truly do. My Art Studio is in my home so I don't often have to converse with people who live by society's rules and standards. When I do socialize the people I hold close to me don't conform either. I go for walks and I look at the people, the architecture, and the nature. I try my best never to look at ads and when I watch TV I fast forward the commercials. I don't buy it. The messages they're trying to push, that I'm not good enough, that I don't have enough, are wasted on me. But when I do encounter something harmful I can't help but think of the women (and men) who feel pressured by these messages. While visiting many doctors offices and medical testing offices I have seen MANY of these types of magazines in the waiting area. Last week I came across the one featuring Kaley Cuoco (on the left) and I just couldn't help but shake my head in frustration.

First of all, how are magazines like this helpful to people who are suffering with medical problems? Really?! The LAST thing women with health issues need to be thinking of is how big their belly is or how their arms aren't "sleek". Not to mention that apparently they should be having lots and lots of sex. It's ridiculous. I find it absolutely shocking that in places of supposed well-being these are the messages that are being provided to women who are suffering both in body and mind (because let me tell you from experience, once you've been physical ill for some time your mind eventually follows). I've conversed with other women who are ill and was surprised to hear them say that when they get better they still have so-and-so many pounds to loose. I'm at a loss for words because it seems so ludicrous. Health and happiness should be the ONLY goal for these women. But how can they escape these poisonous thoughts when magazines like this are staring them in the face at every medical appointment they go to? Be strong ladies, we must be strong.

The message that jumped out at me first (probably due to the big bold lettering) is "Shrink Your Belly!". I thought as a society we were moving away from this nonsense! Shrink your belly? Really!? No woman should worry about the size of her belly. Health ... worry about health! Leave the size of things up to your natural and unique genetic makeup. I think it's rather sick (and I use that word literally) to focus on flat thin bellies at all times. Some women will NEVER have thin flat bellies no matter how hard they try. Some people aren't believing me right now but it's true. I've been very small in my lifetime but not ever did I have a perfectly flat tummy. Never. I have always had a small little bubble in my lower stomach which I used to despise and now I LOVE! It's such a gorgeous piece of my body. And what about women who have had children. Sure, some can "shrink" back down and have their pre-existing flat tummy once again, but for many that isn't the case. Muscles go through a lot when carrying a child and quite often things don't just go back to where they were. Should those women feel inadequate and unattractive? No, they are gorgeous! Their bellies are beautiful and show the miracle of growing life within them. Stunning, gorgeous, magical. And yet, we still live in a world where these women are shamed. Hiding their bellies at the beach and cursing their stretch marks. It's sad but only we can change the trend by showing we don't subscribe to their "rules" for beauty. ALL bellies are beautiful.

I also find it outrageous that the headlining message from the June Edition (Kaley Cuoco is October) is pretty much the same. It's as if they thought, "Well it's summer. Time to make them feel like shit about their bodies" .... "Well, it's been a few months, better remind them how ugly and inadequate they are". What gives? Is there really nothing better for women to read about. Is there nothing more helpful for their "Shape". How is it still all about being thin? Notice how both issues also want women to have "Lean Legs", Toned Abs", "Sleek Arms", and "Firm Perky Butts"? Really?! Who out there loves their luscious thighs as much as I love mine? How about soft arms? Yup, I love mine too. Perky butt? My goodness, no thank you! It's not that those things aren't beautiful, they just aren't me. And I refuse to feel like less of women, less attractive, because I don't fit into society's mould of what beauty is. YOU don't need these things to be beautiful. You don't! You also don't need these things to be healthy! It makes me truly sad to think that some women might read this and think, "Oh ya, my butt is awful and my arms are so fat and ugly and ...." on and on and on with the negative thoughts about their body. Because that's what this magazine is hoping for. They want you to feel awful about yourself so you buy a copy and browse through the mostly ads and then feel pressured to buy some of those items, and then buy more and more and more. This is how our current society works and it makes me sick. Don't fall into the trap, please I beg you. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Worry about health and not about looking like ANY OTHER WOMAN. Be you. Be happy. Be healthy.

Speaking of health, I know some of you might be thinking, "Oh but it's unhealthy to be overweight"! To you I say, "You know what's unhealthy? Constantly berating yourself over what you ate. Criticizing your body. Comparing yourself to others. Counting calories and focusing on a number on the scale or measuring tape. THAT's unhealthy!". People are constantly thinking of the body and only the body when it comes to health. Our minds are INCREDIBLY important to our overall health. So much so that your thoughts can actually make you physically sick. Imagine how much damage you're doing to yourself when you are constantly hating on yourself. Don't. Don't hate yourself over what society (a money making machine) is telling you. Please don't. HEALTH comes in all different shapes and sizes. YES, you can be "overweight" and healthy. Eat well, exercise, go outside, smile and laugh! If you do these things you're on a healthy track! I don't want people to think I'm condemning those who make changes in their life in order to get healthy. Far from it. But please don't loose weight so you can have a small stomach or a tight bum. Don't do it to be sexy or beautiful. Do it for longevity, do it to feel good; because you're already beautiful!

The world we live in wants us to think that we are never enough. That in order to be worthy, in order to be beautiful, we MUST be thin. This is so false. Whatever you are now, whatever you have been, and whatever you will be; you are ALWAYS beautiful. It's your unique features, character, life experiences, and heart that make you beautiful in a way that only you can be. Whether you feel broken or on the rise, you are beautiful just as you are. You don't need to be thin, you don't need to be a certain colour, you don't need to have expensive things, or wear makeup, or sport the most fashionable hairstyle. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL just as you are! I mean it. Becoming a bit of a recluse has allowed me to take our society's blinders off, if you will. Once you've done that, once the brainwashed messages are removed, you will see just how beautiful you are and just how beautiful EVERYONE is. Kaley Cuoco and Jessica Alba (on the covers above) are gorgeous! No doubt about it. But so are you. There is only one you. You're special. Never forget it.

"Jasmin"
November 2015
Acrylic and Oil Paint on Canvas
9" x 12"
COMMISSION

When I first began creating this adorable portrait of little "Jasmin" I was concerned that the blurry and shadowy reference image would hinder the overall look of the piece but quickly discovered that would not be the case. In the end I LOVE the results and am very fond of the crisp bold lines making this sweet baby "pop" out of the background. Not to mention her cute expression will certainly melt hearts. I hope her parents will cherish this piece for many years to come. :)

"Lucy"
November 2015
Acrylic and Oil Paint on Canvas
9" x 12"
COMMISSION

This adorable portrait of little Lucy was such a pleasure to create despite the challenges of working with a somewhat blurry reference image. I definitely feel her smile and character shine in this painting and I hope it will bring joy to her family for many years to come. :)

“Rowan And Karan”
November 2015
Oil Paint on Canvas
9″ x 12″
COMMISSION

I’m thrilled with the results of my adorable commissioned portrait “Rowan And Karan” which clearly expresses the love between these two brothers. I hope that this piece will make their family smile for generations to come.

"Why The @#&! Do You Paint?"
Gladstone Hotel
Second Floor Gallery
Opening Reception October 22 2015
SHOW RUNS UNTIL DEC 7th 2015
12pm to 5pm DAILY!


One of my artistic dreams came true last night! When I moved to Toronto in 2010 I quickly discovered that the Gladstone Hotel was one of the most happening places for arts and culture in my area (the Art & Design District). I attended concerts, exhibits, and Art Battles there and every time I would think to myself "wouldn't it be amazing if my work was shown here some day?" At this time I was doing art very part time and the thought was almost comical. I'd have to prove both my skill and my presence as an artist in this HUGE city. How many are lucky enough to achieve that? Five years have passed and I can truly say I have! Two years after being part time in Toronto I took the leap into a full-time career and have watched my practice blossom rapidly ever since. When I saw the call for a painting exhibit at the Gladstone Hotel I figured, why not apply?! I was absolutely ecstatic when I received my acceptance letter! My dream was coming true!

Last night, October 22 2015, I attended the Opening Reception for the "Why The @#&! Do You Paint?" exhibition and it was AMAZING seeing my work up on those walls next to many other works by talented artists! With this goal on my list checked off, who knows what's next!

Continue scrolling to see photos from the evening! :)

2015 Emerging Toronto Artists Awards
Palais Royale
October 20th 2015

3rd Place Winner for Technical Excellence!


October 20th 2015 was an exciting evening for many of Toronto's best Emerging Artists! The Second Annual ETA Awards (Emerging Toronto Artists) were held in the beautiful historic Palais Royale and this year the theme was La Belle Epoque! The talent showcased during the event was absolutely spectacular and everyone had a wonderful time.

I was thrilled to take part this year as a featured artist having won 1st place Technical Excellence last year in 2014. I was absolutely over-the-moon excited to win the 3rd place Technical Excellence award this year and though this is my last year competing I hope to join the event next year as a judge.

Continue scrolling for more photos of the event or watch the video below ...

Join The Facebook Event
HERE


Your attendance to the ETA Awards is really important to me this year! Thanks to your online voting I am up for the BIG Top Emerging Toronto Artist Award!!! The award will be based on the online voting (Thank you), TEXT2VOTE at the event (I NEED YOU THERE), and the judges marks! This will be my last year taking part in the ETA's so it is MY LAST CHANCE to win this prestigious award! If you can make it out, PLEASE DO! :)

On top of being in the running for the Top Emerging Toronto Artist Award it was also announced this morning that I have been nominated by the judges to be in the running for the Technical Excellence award! I was extremely fortunate to win the first place prize in this category last year, and since I feel this is where my work really shines, it would just be AMAZING to win it again. :)

Making it out to the live event will not only give you the chance to support me but you'll also have the pleasure of seeing 70+ incredibly talented artists and their work as well as live performances! I sincerely hope to see you there! :D

Access the Facebook Album
HERE
And start commenting!


For the first time EVER I've decided to make a calendar filled with my beautiful artwork! When I set out to choose which art pieces I would include it was just too hard! I'm hoping you'll help me choose your top 12 favourites to include this year! Those who don't get chosen this year may make the cut next year. Please be sure to share the album with your friends and ask them to take part in the fun! Not only will it help me choose but it may also help me sell more calendars! Win/Win! The calendars will be $25 + Shipping! If you'd like one please contact me for purchase details. Message me on Facebook or e-mail me at Info@MalindaPrudhomme.com! Thank you so much for your help and I hope you enjoy browsing my favourite works of art! :D

"REversion"
Figurative & Portrait Art Exhibition
Super Wonder Gallery
October 9th - 14th 2015
Opening Receptions
Friday Oct 9th 8pm-2pm
Saturday Oct 10th 8pm-2pm



Last night I enjoyed an AWESOME first Opening Reception for "REversion" a Figurative and Portrait Art Exhibition taking place at Super Wonder Gallery in Toronto! It's probably quite obvious that my favourite genre of art is Portraiture. Being in a HUGE gallery filled with beautiful and impressive portraits was literally amazing! It was so wonderful to see how each artist stood out with their unique style even though we all capture the same genre. Seeing my work up among the greatest talents in this city and within my field was very inspiring. It opened my eyes to the fact that I truly have developed my own unique style over the years and that my work does stand out. What people mention most often is my fine detail which requires a lot of time and is something I am very proud of. On a person level it was also really wonderful to meet some artists I had only previously known online and talk with some other artists whom I had met but hadn't had the chance to really have a deep convo with. Among them are Ramona Nordal, Eryk Harvie, Andres Silvera, Daniel Anaka (also the curator of the exhibit), and Alexandria Karakis. I couldn't help but take MANY photos of this exhibit so I hope you enjoy them! :D