Following My Own Quiet Lead - Terrill Welch by herself #52
The deep energetic release of having a gallery space that is now open only “by appointment” has been a strong reminder to follow my own quiet lead towards structured freedom choices. I love all the conversations and questions that come with being an independent artist and gallery owner hosting a physical space. I am less keen about unexpected sporadic visitors during the quieter seasons when what I want most is to sink into my painting practice, unless of course I have made specific plans to connect with someone. This request of art collectors and serious fans is usually well received and something that they often do anyway as a matter of course. Still, there is a culture about being in business that one is supposed to be available at the convenience of the general public. Sometimes, people will say to me - “you never know who is going to come in that will mean a sale.” The truth is, I often do know because those are the people who call, text or email in advance to ensure that I have what they want to see available and ready for viewing. These individuals have frequently been to my website, read my newsletter and posts and checked out prices in my online gallery. In addition, they likely have been following my work for a while. Therefore, the risk of lost revenue by changing access to the gallery, and me, to “by appointment” for the majority of the year is low. Yet, I still hesitated for much longer than I should have to make this change due to a fear that I, and by extension the work, would be taken less seriously. As with most fears, I ask myself if I can live with the worst possible outcome - no in-person spontaneous or impulse sales of my paintings during the off season. Just writing this makes me laugh out loud at myself. My art collectors are generally thoughtful in their purchases… and know how to find me online for a spontaneous impulse decision or to make an appointment to come and see a work in-person before making a final decision. I can indeed live with this change in service and it should result in even better service for those who inquire because I will be prepared for guests, possibly even with tea and treats if it is desired. 😉 That said, I am still working as much as ever, just a little differently.
PURPOSEFUL ENGAGEMENT WITH OPEN ARTIST CALLS
As an artist, I receive a large number of open calls to participate in various competitions and exhibitions. I have decided to selectively apply to a few more than usual. The Arts on Mayne has a call for a fall, Mayne Island members only, art show that I regularly participate in. This allows me to engage with local artists and our local community. Then I received an artist’s referral to a juried competition for an online show based in Lyon, France. This one has the potential of increasing my visibility in Europe which is necessary with the access to the United States market closed in practical terms due to a current 50% tariff on artwork imported from Canada. The third opportunity is for a juried public gallery group exhibition with monetary prizes. This opportunity is within driving distance and is such a good fit for my work that even if I do not get in, it will bring what I am doing to the attention of the judges. I will keep you posted if anything comes of these last two and provide more on the Mayne Island show as we get closer to the date.
FEATURED WORK
I was down at Reef Bay the other day and began taking photographs of the seafloor out of habit. I had no intentions that they would become reference material but rather they reminded me of a work I have already painted. It is a work that was painted at the beginning of March 2025 in acrylic on a small 10 x 8 inch gessobord. Maybe it was the calm of both moments that connected for me. Whatever it was, I have decided to feature this artwork today for you as it is a favourite of mine in the Seafloor series.
Artist notes: Sandwiched between two reefs is a shell bed with fabulous shapes and contours. It won’t last. Tides are like that. Best to savour this landscape featuring seashells in the moment.
For such a modest work, it has always held my attention, long after it is out of view. Some paintings are just like that.
More images and information at the link below:
https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/terrill-welch/artwork/low-tide-in-the-reefs
WHAT HAS SOLD
This work has left for a far away place in Ontario, Canada to another new art collector of “Terrill Welch paintings".
I am always thrilled when a painting finds its perfect place to belong. This is the eighth painting that has been sold since late July to Canadian art collectors. It isn’t what I anticipated in the middle of a full blown trade war. But it is what it is… and I am grateful for the patronage during these uncertain times.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
This coming Thursday is our “Meet the Artist” zoom call and this is your final reminder if you have registered to attend. With the mornings decidedly darker for longer and cooler, I have begun to think about the fact that we do not have a time change in British Columbia this fall. I have now closed all the windows and even turned the gas fireplace on for a bit the other day. The garden is about ready to put to bed for the winter as I pull up spent plants and consider taking the ollas out of the raised containers. There is a palatable melancholy seeping into the softer light as I pull the sweaters out for more daily use. We still need more rain at the time I am writing this. The forecast seems promising. I finally, with pencil and highlighter in hand, finished the 367 page book by Martin Gayford, How Painting Happens (and why it matters), 2024. I highly recommend it even if you are not a painter but interested in painting or you are an art collector of paintings because of his deep contextual placement of both the artist he interviews and their paintings. I am about to begin a second book by Gayford, My Heart Is This: Tracey Emin on Paint, published this year in 2026. Emin’s work is often raw and controversial due to her subject matter so I expect it to be a challenging read to undertake but worthwhile. I will let you know.
What are you reading these days? I have more time for reading by personal selection again now that my degree is finished and I am happy to consider recommendations.
I almost hesitated to mention that today is the 25 anniversary since 9/11 when Gander, Newfoundland in Canada came to the aid of United States and accepting flights and passengers at a time of dire need. Right now, with the United States administration trash-talking Canada any chance it gets, it stings more than a little to have lost such a valuable friendships between our two countries. Somehow, I never imagined that a day would come when Canada would be bullied and we would have our sovereignty threatened by our closest ally. But here we are, shoring up our human-to-human relationship between each other because we still believe in kindness, integrity and respect, no matter which side of our border we find ourselves. With this in mind, I pause to remember all those who lost their lives and their family, friends and communities who miss them.
All the best as always,
Terrill 👩🎨❤️🎨
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