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I'm thrilled to have two of my "True Beauty" artworks (Nici Shipway & Tia Brazda) hanging at Duke's Refresher + Bar (located on Gerrard off of Yonge). When Del Mahabadi contacted me to ask if I'd participate I was completely overwhelmed with other things (posting about my Solo Show, setting up new commissions, etc.). But when she explained everything to me; that my work would be up for a MONTH free of charge and with no commissions taken, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. And I'm so glad I didn't because I've had the pleasure of chatting with Del twice in the past little while and she is just absolutely lovely. :)

My works have been up since March 1st 2015 and will remain up until April 4th at midnight. Speaking of APRIL 4th; on that evening Duke's Refresher + Bar will be holding an AMAZING closing night event starting at 9PM for anyone 19+. There is NO COVER, there will be $5 beers all night, free cotton candy, and recently SIDE LAUNCH Brewery has agreed to sponsor 'My Wildest Dreams' with complimentary beer tastings all night! It's bound to be lots of fun and I hope to see you there!


Join the Facebook Event
HERE

In the summer of 2014 I was approached by Ben Navaee Gallery about doing a Solo Show and I was over-the-moon ecstatic! I spent the next 7 months planning and preparing a whole new body of work entitled "True Beauty". I also decided to included some of my other beauty inspired pieces to complete the show. It ran from January 30th to February 12th 2015; having been extended an extra week before the show even began. Seeing all of my work fill a gallery (and in Toronto, no less!) and host an awesome opening night was a dream come true. I will never forget this amazing experience. :)


Learn about my TRUE BEAUTY series:
HERE

See the VIDEO of the Opening Night:
HERE

See my BLOG POST about the Opening Night:
HERE

On January 30th 2015 I opened my very First Solo Art Exhibition at Ben Navaee Gallery in Toronto! My new "True Beauty" series looked lovely and it was incredible to have a gallery filled with my work. That alone would have been satisfying, but the amount of people who walked through the show that night makes me burst with gratitude. Local friends surprised me, many from the art community had my back, family and friends traveled hours to make my day extra special, and new admirers stopped by. Well over a hundred people saw my art that night ... it boggles my mind! I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for making this one of the most amazing nights of my entire life. I am still overwhelmed. I could not have asked for more. :)

A special thank you to Alexandria Karakis of FotoFlares for capturing the night in an awesome video! Also thank you to Frank McKinney from SNAP for photographing and doing a piece on the event. :)

"True Beauty"
January 2015
Mixed Media on Canvas
(Acrylic and Oil Paint)
Sizes Vary


I am very excited to release my new body of artwork, which includes 16 portraits of Canadian women, entitled "True Beauty: An Untouched Project". With my First Solo Art Exhibition booked at Ben Navaee Gallery in Toronto, I set out to create a series that would reflect my greatest message; that ALL women are beautiful. Using social media I sent out a call for un-retouched photos of everyday women. "Everyday women" meaning every single woman, whether they be a model or not, as long as their images were not edited. The number of responses I received, which was well over 100, is something I hold dear to my heart. When I began my career as a portrait artist it only made sense that women were not sure about my abilities to capture them and so I often resorted to models and actresses. The fact that so many women now trust in my skills and ability to capture them is a true indicator of how far my career has come and is so very exciting. Choosing at random from those who submitted a photo, my series soon began to take shape. With colour and symbolic iconic imagery I hoped to represent an aspect of each women's multifaceted spirit. In so doing, I wished that anyone viewing the series would not only see each woman as uniquely beautiful but also see the beauty within themselves.

If you'd like to know my thought process behind each piece please continue viewing this blog. :)


Detailed Shots of the Entire Series:
HERE

See the "True Beauty" Exhibition:
HERE

See the Opening Night Reception:
HERE

Watch the Opening Night Video:
HERE

A sneak peek of my "True Beauty" piece featuring
Delena Providence not yet released on my blog!


Since I posted my new Facebook profile picture on Monday (March 09 2015) I've had quite a few questions and comments about my hair! Haha! You guys have really made me feel like a star, let me tell you! :P

What do I do to my hair?
Pretty much nothing! I wash it 1-2 times a week. I know some people are thinking that's gross. Some are like, ya ok. And some are aware of the new "no wash" thingy that's being talked about. Is my hair oily at the roots? Ya, some days. Does it stink? No. It's super long and thick, hard to wash, stays wet forever, is impossible to brush when wet, and it's cold! That's why. But that being said, I do think less use of chemically shampoo is better for it. That's my experience, anyways. Other than that, I brush it everyday and usually put it in a braid or bun, keeping it safe from the elements. I style it once in a blue moon with hot curlers and spritz a bit of hair spray if it needs to stay for a while, if not, then I don't. That's it! I'm a no fuss kinda gal. :)

It was really nice to hear some kind comments about my hair because I feel like I'm often told it's too long or old fashioned. It doesn't bother me because I kinda like the thought of being old fashioned. I grew it because it reminds me of princess hair or elvish hair. I'm a nerd when it comes to stuff like that and personally don't follow what's "in style" (I have no idea what's "in" right now! lol). It's nice to know some ladies feel the same. What or who inspired your hair-do?

"Bryan's Beautiful Baby Girls"
December 2014
Mixed Media on Canvas
(Watercolour Paint and Pencil)
8" x 10"/each
COMMISSION


With my First Solo Exhibition finally finished I get a chance to share some projects I managed to complete during all of the hustle and bustle! Bryan contacted me before the holidays to ask if I had time to squeeze in a custom portrait series he would be giving to his wife for Christmas. With little time on my hands, having already decided I needed to skip my holidays with my family to work on my new "True Beauty" series (made especially for the exhibition), I offered to create these little mixed media pieces using watercolour and pencil. Bryan expressed that he liked the look of old black and white photos and wanted the artworks to match his wive's black picture frames. So I decided to use washes of black, grey, sepia, and brown watercolour and varying tones of pencil to capture their beautiful baby girls. I also finished off the sides with black paint so that the 8" x 10" canvases would match the frames already up in their home. I've since heard from Bryan and he tells me his wife really loved them! Creating cherished custom artworks such as these makes my work so rewarding. :)

This style is very affordable! Contact me at Info@MalindaPrudhomme.com for a quote on your own custom mixed media portraits! :)

I have been anticipating and working towards this night since Ben Navaee Gallery approached me in June 2014 and I can't believe the big night is almost upon us!

If you haven't heard the news, this Friday from 6-9pm I'll be hosting the opening reception of my very FIRST Solo Art Exhibition "True Beauty" at Toronto's Ben Navaee Gallery on Queen St. East! There will be complimentary wine and snacks to enjoy while you check out all of my gorgeous portrait paintings and eye paintings. But the most exciting aspect of the night is that I will be revealing my new 16 piece series (also titled) "True Beauty".

I have been working long days, nights, and weekends for almost 6 months attempting to create this brand new series of 16 portraits which express the unique beauty of 16 Canadian women. The style of these pieces is what I call "pop meets renaissance" because they combine bright colours and iconic detailing in the background with smooth realistic portraits. The purpose of the series is to express that all women; regardless of age, size, ethnicity, or personal style; are beautiful in their own unique way. I currently have 14 pieces completed and hanging in my home, one that is on the verge of being completed, and another that should be done within the next few days! I cannot wait to see the whole collection up in the gallery! I know it will be breathtaking. :)

Over the weekend Darren and I went on a little adventure to purchase a few boxes of wine (woohoo) and put up posters along Queen St., especially around the area of the gallery (Leslieville). If you happen to be out and see one please take a photo and post it on social media using the hashtags #TrueBeauty #MalindaArt to help spread the word!


I have to admit I've never worked so hard towards something. I am one really darn hard working gal and always have been my entire life but THIS is something special! This will be one of the biggest moments in my life! I'm sure I will be bursting with emotions! If you can make it out it would truly mean the world to me! If you can't make it, then just know that I appreciate any support you've shown me and I hope you continue to enjoy my beautiful artwork. :)

I was very fortunate to meet Neil Shelton, the publisher of HOLR Magazine, over the summer. He was really impressed with my work and appreciated my goal of making all women feel beautiful. He offered to include some of my artwork in the premier issue back in August and, although it seemed too good to be true, I was soon holding a beautiful crisp national magazine with my work in it. As if that wasn't amazing to begin with, he remained in contact with me and was determined to keep my lovely female portraiture in the magazine throughout the year. To that affect, my beautiful "Preeti Ruby Indian Bride" has been included in the second issue which is now available at Chapters/Indigo stores across Canada. It is so surreal walking into a store and picking up a magazine with my work in it! I could not be more thankful to Neil and the whole HOLR team! Be sure to pick up your copy at your local Chapters/Indigo! :)

On November 30th 2014 I awoke and found a lovely post waiting for me from one of my most supportive fans, Lindsay-Ann Hodder. She was very excited to tell me that my artwork "She Connects And Strengthens Us" had been chosen to advertise Plan Canada's 2015 Gifts Of Hope Calendar in their catalog (see images below). I was so excited! I was soon contacted by Plan Canada and told that my work was not only used to advertise the calendar but was actually given the entire October page! I was over the moon happy! I couldn't wait to get my copy! When I did .... I couldn't believe it ... they had used my image as the COVER of the calendar as well! What an incredible honour! It really means so much to me that my artwork will help raise funds for children in developing countries. :)

Want a copy? You can get your 2015 Gifts Of Hope Calendar for $20.00 at the Plan Canada Website HERE.

In November 2014 I very happily joined the Trillium Gallery community and was thrilled to be a part of their newest publication; the 8th edition of their magazine. The incredible owner/operator of Trillium Gallery, Maureen Maliha, decided to host a Cover Page Contest! Being a very new member I wasn't expecting my entry to gain much momentum but thanks to the very supportive members of the group, as well as ALL OF YOU, who voted for me, I was awarded the cover! What a beautiful sight!

Also included in this issue is a "How to Create a Realistic Portrait Using Oil Paint" tutorial I wrote which is accompanied by progress photos and official photos of my pieces "Beauty And Her Butterfly" and "A Love Filled Project". I hope my advice can help novice painters feel more at ease with the concept of portrait painting. :)

If you'd like to buy a copy of the 8th issue of Trillium Gallery Magazine click HERE to securely purchase it through Lulu! Thank you all so much for your support.