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Today’s art of the day is this painting of a classic car titled “Talbot Lago” by Al Van Mil. I am currently in an area where there seem to be classic cars in almost every garage. Here in Florida cars are not subject to the salt on the roads of our northern counterparts and hence they last longer. It appears that custom cars are a frequent hobby in this region. so if you cannot own a classic car how about owning a painting of one?
Symphony by Al Van Mil
I’ve selected this painting by well-known Canadian artist Al Van Mil for today’s “Art Selection of the Day” because it matches my mood. The title of the painting “Symphony” creates a sense of melodic movement in the trees and captures my imagination.The painting measures 40″ by 26″.
Check out our website for more of Al Van Mil’s paintings.
It is often very difficult to find the right item for that special man in your life on Father’s Day. www.MadeInHaliburton.ca has created a list of possible gifts for Dad and we will soon have downloadable gift cards available so that you Dad, or anyone else for that matter, can choose their own special gift. There are plenty of one-of-a-kind gift ideas .. so, why not take a look at the list.
There are gifts in all price ranges … this “Hole In One” wall hanging, by Larry Holden, would be great for the golfer in your family while this rain gourd, by John Proctor, would be wonderful for the man who love to make music. For those of you looking for a very special gift on a bigger budget how about the “Follow the Leader”, by Tracey Lee Green, metal and wood sculpture or picture of a vintage automobile, by Al Van Mil .. both great ideas for men of differing interests.
Al Van Mil grew up in an artistic family, learning the art of traditional oil painting from his father, an artist and teacher from the Netherlands. Al continued his study of art at the Ontario College of Art and Design and the University of Guelph. Al’s artistic interests and techniques are always evolving as he experiments with new and old artistic techniques. Al was a co-founder of a commercial art compnay in 1980. In 1986 this company was named one of the three top architctural model makers in the world. In 1990 he sold this company and began painting again on a full-time basis. Since this time he has gained popularity as is evidence by his artwork has been exhibited in the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, in addition to many privately owned galleries. In 1998, as a member of Collaborations with artists from the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada he began painting on stage, in many live theaters across Toronto. Consequently he designed the sets for two Canadian opera productions: Die Fledermaus in 2009, and La Boheme in 2010. A large variety of galleries presently exhibit Al’s paintings in Ontario, Quebec, New York, and London, England.
Al’s family moved frequently after his arrival in Canada. He fortuitously spent 2 years of that time in the Haliburton Highlands and attended the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School. He and his family always remembered those 2 years with great fondness and Al had a yearning to return to the Highlands. A friend encouraged him to consider teaching at the Haliburton School of the Arts. His first experience at the Haliburton School of the Arts was about 15 years ago and he has continued to be a part of the program ever since.
Initially, he stayed in rental accommodation, purposefully selecting accommodation in different locations with the goal of finding the right place to purchase. In 2005 he and his wife, Annette, purchased their cottage and studio on Miskwabi Lake. He retains his residence in Toronto in addition to his cottage home. He states that some of his recent works reflect “the sensual heart of the highlands”.
Over the years Al has become more and more involved in the Haliburton Highlands artistic community. Al participates in the Haliburton County Studio Tour which gives people an opportunity to see his cottage studio and the surrounding area that helps to nspire his artistic vision. He has also worked with the Highlands Opera Studio to create sets for their productions.
