CHANGE

Modern drawing made in the style of Petrykivka painting by Natalia Stasiv-Garko

It may seem that time is unchanged. More than six months have passed since the last publication. During this time, many events have passed that can be packaged in one word – change.
The Chinese, when they want to wish something bad, say that you should live during changes. They make sense because this is the most uncertain time, which slows down any planning, postpones things indefinitely, interferes with meetings and postpones events. But what to do, when this happened to you.
Therefore, I will briefly summarize my post.

I’m sure many people have found themselves in this state.
Today I am only talking about the present tense.
The large collection of wood paintings I created in the traditional Ukrainian style was shown in August and had both positive and negative responses. I may return to the positive ones, but I’ll dwell on the negative ones in more detail.
This is my first time painting on wood. I have not done this before. If we approach the creation of the project technically, then its goal was to create mutually complementary objects that together would create the same composition.

Composition of the drawing, completed in Petrykivka style and presented for teaching drawing techniques in a book about Petrykivka painting

The critics felt that I did not perform the traditional Ukrainian Petrikovsky painting correctly, or to put it differently, in an original way. Well, although these critics do not know how to draw and have a superficial understanding, they decided to consider me a failure.
I am not defending myself and I am not going to argue. But thanks to the first women (Petrikovsky painting is known for the fact that the first women who mastered it were women who painted the walls of their houses) who painted cockerels, birds and flowers in an absolutely free style and decorated their houses with them, we now have a whole galaxy of artists of this style. If you look at the works of each of them, they are very different and they have in common the creation of a composition around several symbols.

One of the founders of Petrykivka painting in Ukraine Maria Prymachenko

Years have passed and this style, thanks to modern graphic programs, has reached absolute perfection. Moreover, many schools and courses have appeared that are ready to teach you this skill for your money.
And yet, based on primary sources, I would advise you to remain tied to the three fundamentals of this painting – creativity, composition around symbols and image technique.

One of the famous paintings created by Maria Primachenko


That’s why I wished and wish today to everyone who is fighting for something, look at the primary sources and add your creativity – you will succeed.

Another painting by Maria Prymachenko, the founder of Petrykivka painting


The most interesting thing in learning any folk painting is mastering the principles.
Although I will now be criticized again, the founders of this type of painting did not interconnect the composition; many objects of the composition were, as it were, separated. If you look at photographs of one of the first creators of this type of painting, you can see how stamping, the creation of separate drawings, which are located one next to the other.

Modern apartment decor in Petrykivka style

Two centuries ago, the goal for artists was to create a drawing that would create coziness in the room, protect it and harmonize with everyday life. Therefore, cheerful roosters and hens, wonderful bright princes with colorful plumage and long multi-colored tails, flowers of unusual shapes and color harmony appeared on the walls.

It was rural folklore, the art of the country people who decorated their homes.
And today, Ukrainian artists have supplemented and improved it and created masterpiece collections of paintings, introducing this type of art into the traditional Ukrainian folk art.
I’ll return to my collection. Drawing on wood requires its own skill. Technically, this is a more long-term work, and I was also required to create compositions on two chests, several kitchen boards, kitchen wooden shelves, souvenir wooden houses, Christmas tree decorations and sections of wood. I also tried painting on bags.

Photo from exhibition where was present my new collection.


I liked the combination of animals with modern elements. I took the cat as a symbol on the bag. That’s why I received criticism.

Another part of the collection among the exhibits on display


I’ll wait until the passion to ruin someone subsides and all this settles down and still, I’ll remain silent.
Someone else criticized that I was too confident in myself.
Friends, no. I hid, broke all my brushes, threw away the paints and am sitting waiting for something else to come to me.
I would like your problems.
Today I have donated several works to auctions and I believe that they will be useful.
Tomorrow is not predictable for me, I will say one thing – only those who do not do and do not create are not mistaken.
And I am again full of news and ideas, which I will tell you about in the next post.
All the best

Best from 2019

Not the end of the year yet, but I can summarize the year 2019.

In my opinion, my best work painted by me over the past time is this painting.

Best from 2019

Very gentle work. I drew it quickly and did not correct at all.
In general, I really like the whole selection of paintings of that style and time.
There is movement in it, there is tenderness, airiness. There is a search for femininity

It is on sale on my website www.helenpolishuk.com and if you like it, you can buy it using Paypal.

The best thing that I have in my house is the camera.
Best from 2019 (2)
It takes me a lot of pictures that I publish.
I am active on my instagram page @polishukelena
On the page you can see both my best photographs and find out a lot of news about me, where I went, what I love/like
A lot of very beautiful photos and of course there I publish my stories
 Connect with my Instagram page @polishukelena
My best photo that I posted on the page on Instagram is this work
Best from 2019 (3)
I rate her as a very beautiful photo.
It was made in Toronto in a park near me. It was made after the rain. The flow of water in the river increased and it turned out like a waterfall.
Very beautiful photo.
My best photo posted in my posts here on the blog is this photo.
Best from 2019 (4)
It speaks of my character – stubborn, invincible, desperate, adventurous and very funny
My best and most favorite phrase that I never tire of repeating to you, which has no expiration date and with which I go through life, is this phrase
…………………I love you……………………..
Best from 2019 (5)

Don’t get tired of repeating it and repeating it.
Without it there is no meaning to life
Your little, funny, desperate, very kind and always smiling …..Helen Polishuk
P.S.This is my best photo from this year ))
 best from 2019

St.George’s-on-the-Hill

I often pass by this church. St.George’s-on-the-Hill.This is my neighborhood, this is the history of my city.
Only today for the first time I was able to look into  and get to know her history closer.

St.Georgeos on the hill (1)

This church stands high on the mountain (hence the name) and is distinguished by a high spire and very unusual architecture.
In 1844 land was given by William Gamble,owner of the grist mill on the banks of the Humber River.
 St.Georgeos on the hill
Toronto have a lot interesting architectural buildings, including the unique buildings of churches.
St.Geogre’s-on-the-Hill church built by William Tyrell in 1844 with large windows and  spire with tin sides.
In 1847 the RT.Rev’d John Strachan,Bishop of Toronto,dedicated the building on October 17.
St.Georgeos on the hill (6)
In 1865 Bishop Strachan dedicated the baptismal font,which is St.George’s oldest memorial.
Over the back wall of the entrance door a tapestry with the image of St. George .
The church is named  him.
St.Georgeos on the hill (7)
It depicts St. George, who kills the dragon.Very unusual image that I see for the first time.
Next to it is a small painting that shows how the church was originally
St.Georgeos on the hill (8)

The church was very small  and later was expanded, rebuilt and added side walls.
It is a small but very unique church by stained glass windows.
St.Georgeos on the hill (5)
At the entrance on the left and on the right, beautiful stained glass windows tell about the life of Jesus.
St.Georgeos on the hill (10)
St.Georgeos on the hill (11)
There are also scenes from the life of Christ.
St.Georgeos on the hill (12)
These are very beautiful stained glass windows. They are made with a special pigment. Were recently restored.
St.Georgeos on the hill (13)
In the central part of church,in main part, instead of the altar, also,stained glass.
St.Georgeos on the hill (14)
In 1976 The Four Seasons window in the chancel was given in memory of Elizabeth Holdsworth.The brass chancel railings were given in memory of Phyllis Goudge.
In 1996 The Christmas window in the west entrance was given in thanksgiving by Lorne and Ellen Matheson.
In 1998 The Nazareth window in west entrance was given in memory of Walter and jessie Goode
St.Georgeos on the hill (15)
St.Georgeos on the hill (16)
A Casavant Freres organ was installed in 1973 and in 2015 was refurbished,the metal screens were removed and new oboe stop installed,enhancing the sound of the organ.
In 1847 two acres of land were purchased for a cemetery.This was dedicated by Bishop Stratchan.
St.Georgeos on the hill (3)
If you look at the inscription on this monument, then there is a raised finger.
 St.Georgeos on the hill (2)
The St.George cemetery is old.
St.Georgeos on the hill (4)
From pioneer days to present,the cemetery has seen approximately 4000 burials.During the last 25 years,cremations have become increasingly common
This year St.George’s-on-the-Hill church in Etobicoke  is first open for viewing in the Door Open may 25&26 2019

The Allan Gardens

 

When on the calendar December, a lot of worries and preparations for Christmas and the New Year.
I really love this time.

The Allan Gardens
He gives a good mood, drifting the last year and h
elping to plan the coming year.

 

It turns out that not only me preparing for this holiday painstakingly and intensely.
My  city Toronto is also preparing for this holiday.

The-Allan-Gardens


I realized this by visiting an exhibition of flowers in Allan Gardens, dedicated to Christmas.


How many flowers needs grow by this month, then to decorete everything beautifully and accurately in the collections and present them to us.

 

 I invite you, my readers, to walk with me along the Allan Gardens instead of gossip and fantasies.

The_Allan Gardens

I am suspicious of mass events, but today I violated the usual rules and visited Allan Gardens on the day of his invitation to Toronto residents for an exhibition dedicated to Christmas.

The -Allan Gardens

I must say that the weather so far just helps to walk and enjoy nature.

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The temperature slightly drops. It’s not sharp, as usual, but gradually, as if playing with us.
Today, for example, at night there was a thick fog that enveloped all Toronto in a continuous tangle and was played this way until midday, when the sun dispersed the clouds and warmed the city.

Walking in Toronto on such days is just a pleasure.

 

Usually for December slush, dampness, rain or snow. But the year does not happen for a year and this winter while we are pleased with the warm weather.

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Only after opening the doors of Allan Gardens, you immediately get into the embraces of greenery, flowers and plants.
A huge number of different varieties of flowers and plants live in this unique garden.

 

We must thank the workers of this garden for their hard work.


Exhibited very interesting collections of cacti, hydrangeas,roses and various varieties of tropical plants.

 


Some of them are so planted that intertwine with each other and make a bright rainbow of colors.

 

Decorate their wooden bulls, bridges,  flowerpots and garlands of Christmas lights.

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The third year in a row at the Allan Gardens  opening of the Christmas Flower Show.

 

There are free cider and cookies inside garden.

 From activities there is  a wagon ride around the park.

 

 

It is line with children and parents to horseback riding.
It’s not just a walk, you have to sing a Christmas song.
Of course it’s cool and cheers up.
Some people walking in the park in old clothes from
Toronto Streampunk Society.

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They are friendly, they smile cute, posing in front of the cameras and make  good atmosphere walk in the park.

There are two places where the workshops is held.

The-Allan_Gardens
In one you need to make a decorative toy on the tree with your name.

The _Allan-Gardens
In the second it is necessary to cut out a toy and decorate it with ornaments.

The -AllanGardens

 

It is popular in Toronto to conduct workshops at the events of the city.
It helps create a family atmosphere, entertains children, helps adults.

When in the middle of winter, cold and gray, you get into a tiny green, well-groomed piece of Allan Gardens, it’s like you get into a fairy tale.

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Of course, this is an amazing show and I thank its organizers for this idea.

The exhibition’s location:19 Horticultural Ave.,Toronto.

From 1 p.m to 5 p.m