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Do you remember my confusion with NFTs?? Well, I found out that this is basically another platform, with a different currency. At least that's what I know up to now. One can post any type of one-of-a-kind asset, apply a crypto-value on it and see what happens...https://opensea.io/SheilaRomard (lol - called Open Sea...good name)
There is much to learn, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

There's a lot of tension created when you step out of your comfort zone and I'd like to think that I live uncomfortably at least a little every day. Creating art has it's own tensions and evolving as an artist can be daunting. Will I achieve the emotion I hope? Will the results be according to plan (make no plans)? Will it be valued? Will my followers think I'm crazy? Will I think I'm crazy?? (I already know the answer to that one).

But it's a love affair between us and our adventures and no matter what anyone else feels or thinks, it's only you and me that gain from going through the discomfort to arrive at the new discovery.
I'm a little crazy about this new painting and could easily find a cave (and by cave, I mean an incredible studio with awesome natural light, tall ceilings, and endless wall space ) and just create!

Call me crazy, but anything's possible with a little love!!!

Have an adventurous and love-filled summer :)

Spring is considered by many as the beginning of the new year.
That makes sense to me, since it's the time to shake off the dirt from the entry mat, start paintings with a new palette, make amazing new plans to be more active.....and of course a lighter, brighter wardrobe (this may be the most important element ;) ).
This year in particular is incredibly energized, with a new purpose. If we all remember back to last year at this time, we (and by we, I mean me) were still very weary about getting out into the world, making plans or being involved. I hated it. But this year has been much fuller, more active and lots to do....as it should be!
Now that spring is here, I have an incredible desire to cast my net further and take on more and more. Inspired by not only my beautiful daughter, who is so brave, hard working and adventurous, but also all the women over 50 ...okay over 60, who are crushing it!!!
I'm wishing everyone a Happy "New Year" and wonderful new beginnings with less fear and more success for many years to come!

Be kind and have fun!!

Sheila

2022 has not been as robust as predicted, mostly because we're still feeling a little cautious about how much we travel, or mingle. Maybe we're forever changed, and feel better about having and doing a little less. Spending more of our precious time with loved ones and not so much with things that have become less important. I know that has become very true for me.
I love what I do and the people in my life (including all of you wonderful people!!) and have been enjoying all the beautiful Christmas Season has to offer and especially looking forward to all that is coming in the new year!
And what's to come is more ART!!! of course - what else?? heehee

for a little jolly...
What's Santa's favorite type of music?
Wrap

ARTIST: I'd like your opinion on my work
CRITIC: It's worthless
ARTIST: I know, but I'd like it anyway

See y'all on the flip side, with wishes for a wonderful holiday season and all the very best for 2023

We're still intoxicated from the hazy lazy daze of summer, and then ragweed so rudely sheds its pollen into the wind and BAM, eyes and noses are reminded of the change. Suddenly there's so much to do and the calendar is full into November. November's the month to pause before the Christmas Season....good lord...sorry, I'll get back to fall, even though it's still summer. Summer's busy, but busy with FUN.
Other signs of fall....Leaves starting to change colour, fall fashion on display and summer bits and bobs go on sale, back to school excitement and most importantly - Pumpkin Spice lattes are now available!!!
As soon as leaves start changing, so does art. Artists get inspired by the changing landscapes. I think we all look forward to renewed energy that comes with each new season. We love the layering of sweaters, and fashion scarves, without being bogged down by winter coats. The cooler, fresher autumnal air without the frigid snow. And here in Ontario, Canada, we have the most incredible landscapes in the fall! The mass of green turns into an incredible kaleidoscope of colour. There are WOW moments everywhere you look.
We're hopefully past the worst of COVID and happy to be focusing on the small joys that come with changing seasons and looking forward to fall - maybe even getting started on Christmas shopping (stop me).

Have a great last daze of summer!
Sheila

Greece - what a trip!

I recently returned from a 2 week trip to Greece...specifically the island of Limnos (Lemnos). More specifically Lychna, a small village with a population of 110 (the same as a small condo). The villages on the island of Limnos are very old and some remnants of ancient structures still exist. They have uncovered structures that date back to the Archaic period, which is the end of the 6th century BC!

The Limnos hillsides are dotted with grazing sheep and every morning we woke at 5 am, to the sounds of roosters, donkeys, sheep, and dogs, all in complete harmony. It was incredible.

My main reason for travelling to Greece was to support my awesome sister, who was visiting her late husband's family home for the first time after he passed away. They had completed a major renovation, after the earthquake in 2014 had left theirs and many villages on the island, with extensive damage and their ancestral home, unlivable. It was a huge task, with lots of loose ends to tie and finishing touches to tend to in the house. But what an amazing job they did! The reno is complete and ready for visitors! Not only is the house quaint and beautiful, the village is made up of great neighbours and one of the best restaurants on the island. Needless to say, we ate and drank like royalty.

Limnos had some of the most amazing vistas in the world (I may be bias). But really, it was one of the most inspiring trips I've taken to-date.

So, you may have already guessed that for the next little while, you'll be seeing my paintings reflect the beauty of this quaint and inspiring island of Limnos. I hope you enjoy!!

Have a wonderful, safe and adventurous summer!

:)

Sheila

painting - St. Peter's Chapel, Moudros, in watercolour

Are we entering an age of digital art? Or have we already been there for the last few years, and I'm just late to the party? Is it a passing fad, or here to stay? Will digital art replace traditional art or will we always have both? They said the telephone was a passing fad and look at how telephones became commonplace (and continue to develop over time), as well as the radio....and the list goes on.

I've been doing a little digging trying to understand, because if NFTs are here to stay, I'm definitely jump-ing and building my wings on the way down. As an artist, wanting to find new and exciting ways to reach audiences and collectors around the world, I see it as an important part of the mix of platforms, which include both online and brick-and-mortar galleries.

So, you may already know about NFTs, which are "non-fungible tokens". When you start to learn about this type of marketplace, it's a language all it's own (I'm certain it's meant to confuse the rest of the world). You buy assets with Ether, using a Metamask, stored in a Blockchain and you pay from your wallet (now there's a word I understand)...they have a different word for everything!! lol

As overwhelming as it may appear, I will, however, be working to utilize this platform in the near future, because I believe it's part the future.

What do you think????
Are you already using this platform and do you have any advise for us newbies?

Sheila

Hello beautiful blog readers! We're into February, and the days are getting longer!

It's the small pleasures that keep us hopeful and moving forward.
A much bigger pleasure....we can actually say that we're on the flip side of Covid and start looking forward to making plans for spring and summer!!! I'm itching to walk into anywhere without a mask. Simple pleasures.
The last many months have been a combination of chasing my tail and chomping at the bit due to all the cancelations, and isolation. Plugging along but with the sense that it's all happening inside a bubble. Planning, but uncertain if these plans will come to fruition. Fingers crossed.
As a bonus for me (and I know I'm not alone in this, because I see your IG posts lol), there's been a deeper connection with nature and a desire to capture this in my art. In many ways, the life we've been experiencing goes against our natural rhythms and instincts and has held us back from being connected with our communities. BUT....has brought us back to a deeper part of our nature, which is nature itself.
We're going to get back to what we had! Or will we all go forward having changed things with a promise of something different/better?
Please send me your thoughts - I'm always happy to hear from you.

Sheila

Happy 2022 beautiful blog readers!

"you are the river and I am the shore" a line from one of my favourite songs by Loggins and Messina - I date myself ;)

So symbolic to me at this time as we've all been somewhat adrift for so long, but now we're coming back. Back to the people and things we enjoy. That list of most treasured things has changed (become shorter) for me. Have you reassessed priorities? Changed your direction? Maybe where you live? Many of these things in my life have changed and I love to say, it's been an invaluable and exciting adventure in many ways. Sure, I'm a little scared of what this year will look like, but I've always said (my daughter will attest)...don't let fear stop you.
This painting represents the "coming to shore" as we collectively, cautiously and gently embrace our faithful shores.... "winding and swirling and dancing along...."

From my family to yours, wishing you a warm and joyful Holiday Season, with lots of hugs, chatter, tears, laughs and delicious food (ie. chocolate, wine, chocolate BTW - wine and chocolate are delicious together ;) )

I hope 2022 will kick 2021's ass and boldly take back everything we've lost, and that you get caught up in the knockdown.

BTW - Our art exhibit that was cancelled in May of 2020, is now being prepared for May 2022 - IN PERSON. Please watch for more info to come.

Thank you so, so much for all of your loves and I hope you continue to enjoy my journal of inspiration.


Have a very Merry Christmas and a Bold & Happy New Year!!! 🎄💖

Art is fun! Supporting the local arts and donating money for an incredible cause helps to lift our spirits and hearts. Food Banks Canada has been doing amazing work for the growing number of people who have found themselves in need of their service during the pandemic. I hope 2022 will be better for everyone, but until then my goal is to help make a difference during the Holiday Season and invite you to join me.

Throughout the month of November, I'll be creating a unique series of floral paintings and taking up the challenge of a painting-a-day for 30 days. Each painting is a 6" x 8" ink and watercolour and will be ready to frame (standard size). I'll be providing a Certificate of Authenticity for each painting.

Price per painting is $75.
***includes HST and shipping within Canada
***$25. from the sale of each painting will be donated to Food Banks Canada
You don't have to buy a painting to make a difference - make a donation directly to FBC, or share my daily posts with your friends. This is an awesome gift idea and can arrive in time for Christmas. ***another great option if you'd like to
purchase as a gift , I'll ship directly to them and include a personalized notecard.
DM me for more info

Follow me on Instagram @sheilaromard to see daily posts and leave me your welcomed comments!