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Hello again lovely blog readers!
Here we are, at the precipice of FALL 2020. Is everyone okay? Have you been enjoying a great summer?
Many things have changed including the world of art. With shopping online gaining popularity, it makes sense that shopping for art online would also become an option.
WHAT?! WAIT....I need to see the art, smell the art, be there in person to feel the energy and decide if I make a connection with the art! All that is still often true for most people. I myself prefer in-person shopping to online. But what do artists do to get their work seen by those interested, during a time when there are still so many restrictions and we're all more than a little skittish about being anywhere other than the essential?? Virtual Galleries/Exhibitions have become an answer.
The geek squads of the world have united in brilliant was to keep many markets alive and thriving....ONLINE in 2020 and beyond. I believe virtual galleries will become the norm. Virtual galleries reach a world-wide audience and with such great detail being captured with our digital devices, art buyers are able to see incredible details.
And just watch - one day, in the not-too-distant future, they will be able to create the smell of the art...it's happening!

Until then...continue to stay vigilant, safe and happy end-of-summer!!
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Hello again beautiful blog readers!!
Amazing changes....and all by design. The biggest for me, was taking the leap of faith and moving into a new home/studio. It's been an amazing process over the last couple of months and now that I've settled in, things are falling into place beautifully. I found that stepping away to focus on moving, has given me fresh perspective and a lighter frame of mind. First on the docket is preparing my submissions for the Newmarket Juried show coming in the fall....I'll keep you posted. I'm excited to have 2 pieces that were accepted and ready to deliver to Colborne for the 8th Annual Juried Exhibit Sept-Oct. Also, working on a couple of commissioned pieces. Creating art is more than paint on canvas and will probably always be a mix joy and pain....but I'll take it!!!

Maybe the pandemic is causing us to realize how fragile and fleeting it all is, so we have to follow our hearts without delay... and say I LOVE YOU as often as we can.
Until next time...
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Hello again lovely blog readers! 💛
WOW - time is flying by faster than ever. Crazy. Just days away from my studio move and the focus has now become the never ending, always evolving To-Do list. Creating art has officially taken a back seat to the demands of this list. It will be so exciting getting back to painting and all that goes into creating art, but for now I'm trying (yes, it's an effort) to enjoy this part of the journey because there's always joy to be found in the chaos. While packing/purging, I've rediscovered so many keepsakes and photos that have been tucked away in boxes and it warms my heart and inspires me to pour over these and remember. There's that one thing you bought, tucked it into your closet, forgot and then joyfully find it again...or wonder why?!! Some things I've held onto, I'm now thankful and ready to let go.
I make a silent promise to enjoy the moment, keep life/love simple and hold onto the passion 💗🙏
See you on the flip side!!

Welcome back lovely blog readers!
Can I just complain about the heat? Wow! It's draining energy, discouraging outdoor activities and just generally making me (and others ;)) testy. We've all been suffering with cabin fever after isolation since the middle of April and now....well Good Lord. It cuts short a good night's sleep, and cooking is not happening, I mean who wants to turn on the oven?? We're not sleeping right, not eating right and the air quality makes it so we're not breathing right. So what's the remedy (if you don't have air conditioning, a pool, or a sail boat)?? A shade tree!! (and take-out). There's something healing about being in the shade of a big oak tree, where there always seems to be a gentle breeze.
I feel better now that I've vented. Hope you don't mind me letting off a little steam. I'm going to cool down now. Had to air this out.
Stay cool and stay cool 😎

Hello lovely blog readers💚
If ever there was a time to embrace change, it's now. Easy peasy lemon squeezie. Not really all that easy to get out of our comfort zones. On a personal note, the last few months have been incredible! Scary, isolating, inspiring and a huge evolution. I'm completely grateful to have an amazing daughter, family and friends who lift each other up and encourage each other, who see exciting things in their futures and strive every day to be better people.
WOW!
I could never have imagined all the things happening - no one could. But as long as it may take - it will be a better world!
On the note of change and evolution....I'm soon moving into an amazing studio i'll also be calling home, while my beautiful daughter leaves the nest to begin a new and exciting life. She's my angel, inspires me every day and I couldn't be happier 🎉😍💚

Cheers to all your hopes and dreams - hang on tight!!
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Hello lovely blog readers! 🤍
Here we are, the first day of summer and the longest day. Although I think we felt the longest day was some time after March 13th, when we all went into isolation (some with young kids!)
This image of Hydrangeas I painted in watercolour from my garden, is a bit symbolic. The name comes from the Greek words hydros, meaning water and angos, meaning jar. This is so appropriate because hydrangeas need lots of water which is exactly what we all now need (I don't mean the beach, although yes, that too), water or nourishment and plenty of it! I recently had a visit with my family (2 meters apart), and I had no idea how nourishing it was for my spirit. There is something important about seeing the people we care about in the flesh and look in their eyes to be assured that they're okay. It's time to plan more visits to "drink in" the joys of family and friends.
I wish you love, joy, laughter and a safe summer....until next time 🤍

Hello beautiful blog readers ❤
We're all going through our personal challenges and at the same time, embracing a new understanding, a way of thinking and living.
Isn't it the most amazing time that we're ALL in and....paying attention. We've been given a moment in history to really consider all of the challenges people face every single day of their lives. If you're like me and not sure how can we make a difference... we can take the first step to simply listen....

Here are some podcasts that my daughter recommended, for which I'm grateful and wiser for having listened. I want to share them with you.........

1619 in The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.html

COLOUR CODE by the Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/colour-code-podcast-race-in-canada/article31494658/

Brave hearts are bringing a new day ❤

Hello beautiful blog readers!
Since we're already forced out of our comfort zones due to Covid-19, why not push it a little more. I surprised myself recently with this painting you see here, with a little more of a carefree attitude. I asked myself, what would I do to this painting, before I wipe it off the canvas completely?? That gave me a freedom to do anything. And you know what? I love what happened AND it sold right away. There's an energy people feel when looking at a painting. When you're carefree as a painter, the viewer feels it. I've had that experience with every painting by the Great Impressionists. These artists knew that to make a change in the art world, they had to take risks and try something new. And look what happened.
All the BEST things happen OUTSIDE of your COMFORT ZONE.
Enjoy. Take a leap. And build your wings on the way down.

Happy Victoria Day Everyone!
it's kinda funny that we've all been isolating, many of us not able to work, but the long weekend is still exciting. It's tradition. This weekend begins the garden season. It begins the outdoor patio season. Cottage Season. The days are officially longer and the warmth is seeping into our weary bones. Whether or not we need the extra day off, let's celebrate a new season and shake off the cob webs. It's been a struggle but slowly, things will get better and we need to stay healthy for when the pace picks up again. Or maybe the slower, quieter pace has us considering....
sending you warm thoughts of brighter days with big bear hugs

Hello beautiful blog readers 💚
There was amazing light streaming through my window shutters early this morning from the full (super) moon. The brightness actually woke me and all I could think was how would I capture that magical light and the dark, warm shadows on a canvas. I wondered if anyone has ever actually painted plein air, in the dark and I wondered how many people around the world and artists in the past found their inspiration....at 4 am. I was also wondering when would be the best time to get groceries...

Wishing all the beautiful and inspiring mothers...especially my very own incredible mom...a very, very Happy Mother's Day 💌