I am ...

  • inspired
  • Inspired by everything around me, at every twist and turn in my life, my journey with Art began in my native England, where in 1985 I gained a B.A. hons Degree in Fine Art.
  • I have since pursued a varied career as a freelance artist both in England and for the last twelve years in Ontario, Canada.
  • mesmerised
  • A "mesmerising" season spent painting in Italy in 1990 was inspirational for a resurgence in my passion for art in general, and all things ‘’time-worn and evocative’’, in particular.
  • intuitive
  • Using paint and mixed media collage as my ultimate response to the beauty and questions that abound, my paintings evolve through expression of colour, texture and revealing form at a later stage. Each piece is born spontaneously and intuitively. Generating its own expression, it is offered with my passion for colour and innate curiosity for creative possibilities. The portrayal of paint (my first medium) and the versatility and tactile response of mixed media collage affords me the greatest opportunity for exploration. Offering the element of fun and possibility, it persuades me to ‘’play out’’ my passion for colour, depth, physicality and mystery within its layers.
  • boundless
  • An interest in recycled and found objects over twenty years ago, sparked a fascination, which today still stimulates me with the boundless possibilities celebrated in the work of many collage artists. In the spirit and pursuit of my own creative expression, I endeavour to encourage others in the discovery and ‘’unearthing’’ of their creativity. I find opportunities abound through the workshops I offer, to share and celebrate a unique creative expression.
  • with vision
  • My vision for and dedication to, further self-expression, ensures that I am in a perpetual state of revelation and joyous discovery whilst on my own colourful journey.
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then to now

Art and creativity are my life. Raised in Lincolnshire, England it was the one thing I did well, and the only thing I returned to over and over again. I studied Art later in life, in my mid twenties and after five years gained a B.A Honours Degree in Fine Art from Wolverhampton in 1985. I lived the next seven years in London, experiencing everything it had to offer ... moving constantly and getting caught up in the fast pace and excitement of the big city. Fast forward many years, today I am happily ensconced in the town of Newmarket in Ontario, Canada... married and living in a gorgeous century home ... a reflection of my passions ... my dream of being an Artist and teacher AND having my own Art School is now realised. Creativity is the biggest part of my life, in all it's forms and facets ... I over-indulge in the colour ,textures and possibilities of a broad spectrum of Creative Endeavours (music, jewellery design) ... I am excited each morning with what the day may hold for me .. .I treasure my creative moments, shared with students, or alone...always sensing the joy within ... the ideas, the imagination .. .that can take you for a ride beyond where you are and into that special realm of Creativity.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my site.

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Trips, Travel & Tops

10 AUG 2011
When was the last time you spent an afternoon in Toronto's Kensington Market. Recently spent a beautiful but sultry Toronto day there and was transported to a place I can only describe as, elavated!! The senses are tingling!! My mind is zooming and racing ... the people, the sounds, smells, coffee..(oh, the coffee ... and the coffee shops ... more on that later ... I promise!) ... if ever I need some inspiration or motivation ... this is where I go ... preferably ALONE ... then I do , be exactly as I please ... rummage through all the wonderful, exotic vintage clothing, (have ANOTHER coffee .. and more writing in my journal) ... fabulous fruit and veggie market, specialty shops ... watch the beautiful saris blowing in the warm summer breeze ... have you been to Europe? Italy, France, Amsterdam, Spain, Greece, London???... it is like all of these ...and more!! It is arty and hippy and colourful ... and relaxed ... but with a life all of its own ... that's what it is ... it is ALIVE!!
10 MAY 2011
Raine's family loves to make music"It's a family affair"! We love to do this, just like at home on a Saturday night. On this occasion we entertained at the Good Times Cafe in Newmarket. This photo shows all five of us - my step-daughter Sarah on vocals and guitar, son-in-law Brent on bass guitar, adopted family member Joseph on lead, and husband Joe at the back on rhythm guitar and oh yes, me on congas (birthday present this year). Talk about the Partridge family!!!
20 JUNE 2011
Raine & Joe Davis and Anna Leeming at Covernotes - Richmond Hill, ONHere is our band of 3 'Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters'. Joe my husband, and good friend Anna Leeming performing at one of our 3 gigs we did at Covernotes in Richmond Hill.
On the back wall is a wonderful expressionistic piece of artwork by my long time art student extraordinaire, CAELAN McCOMB. (his first solo show)
22 JUL 2011
Cottage time is more to me than BBQs and beach time.I may look like I am day- dreaming but instead my thoughts take on images, shapes, colour, form and before I know it, an idea developes. Our rustic environment allows for medation and it compels me to sit with my thoughts, no where else to go, nothing else that needs doing for the moment ... just soak up the beauty and simplicity of the moment.

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