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Not just a regular spring, but one with a rare total solar eclipse. If you ask me, it has felt like we've been in an eclipse since September!

Will you be outside watching the eclipse? Will you travel to Niagara to get the best view? Not to get political, but "state of emergency"??

We're so overprotected aren't we? Remember when we were kids and we ate food we dropped on the street? Or only washed our hands at dinnertime because mom said we had to?

(is this blog only going to be questions?)

What do you call it when you fall in love on April 8, 2024?

A total eclipse of the heart!

Okay, enough. What I'd really like to say is that I wish you a skip in your step and warmth in your smile as we rise from our gloomy winter caves and back to life with clear sunny skies and green lush nature. Which is always an inspiration ;)
Happy Spring everyone!
Sheila

Welcome 2024
Well, here we are....saying GOOD-BYE to 2023! Don't let the door hit you on the way out!!

I'm not saying it wasn't a good one. It was filled with discovery, adventure, hope and love! That's a good thing and a wonderful way to start the New Year!
Also something interesting....2024 is the year of the wood dragon which represents fortune and success. We could all use a good dose of those two things after the last few years of uncertainty, and angst (hence the greying).
If we turn inward, can we change the outside world? It has always felt possible that focusing on creative avenues in our own lives, somehow permeates out and inspires change around us.
I hope I've brought some inspiration over the last year and look forward to creating more and more!

My New Year's wish for you is to be fortunate in love and successful in everything you do.
:)
Sheila

PS - How many surrealist artists does it take to change a light bulb? A FISH

It's not quite the end of the year, but a perfect time to reflect.

The one thing most of us love is this change of season. I've often wondered about what it is that
makes us so happy. I mean, summer is over and only approximately 6 months of winter ahead. But yet, we feel so joyful looking at the changing landscape, the fresher air, the bluer skies. Sweater weather....it's a thing!
It's always been said that in April at 20 degrees, we bring out the shorts and t-shirts. In September at 20 degrees, we're pulling out our coats. Funny eh?
But I do love this time of year and even the thoughts of snow. Nature gives us hope since it's the one thing we can depend on when other parts of our lives may be a little upside down.
Wishing you and yours a very Cozy & Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

Hello beautiful blog readers!
This is the weekend - Mother's Day is here!
My circle of support is small and it's always been that way. In the centre of that circle has always been my mom. She is a joyful, loving and supportive woman of 6 amazing children (yes, that includes yours truly). We all have a passion for living and we all keep things close to home. Family is everything. I look at my daughter and see that I have been able to raise her with these same values. I watch her as she takes steps into adulthood (although will always be my baby ;)) and I'm so proud to see she has the same sense of family and keeps things close to home.
All the change we want to happen in the world, begins at home.
To my mom and all the moms - Happy Mother's Day 💖🌹

Hello lovely blog readers!
You'd likely agree that "Hakuna Matata" is NOT the general sentiment reflected in 2020/2021. Too much loss, worry, fear. However, desperation can often crack open a light to reveal new possibilities and ways to reinvent ourselves. I feel grateful to have had the time and space to explore and grow as an artist. It's been incredibly inspiring to witness those who have immersed themselves into what brings some joy and follow their dreams. In that, there really is a sense of NO WORRIES.
I see it in this way....if we can make it through a pandemic, fear of creating art seems quite insignificant, and surmountable.. Wouldn't you agree?

GO BRAVE!

Hello beautiful blog readers!

I was recently listening to one of my favourite musical duos - Loggins and Messina (am I dating myself??) and specifically the song "Watching the River Run". The lyrics really resonate with me and maybe you can also relate, especially during this time of isolation. They sing "when we're together, than you've got a lot, 'cause I am the river and you are the shore". So beautiful! I thought of all the challenges we face and how we're all "winding and swirling and dancing around", but still connected to the shore or those we love, on our collective journey forward. Following our passions while taking notice when we "pass by the old willow tree". Maybe another way of saying "smell the roses along the way".

Happy March! Stay well 💖🌹

Happy New Year!
(I think that sentiment is good 'til the end of January, so I'm just under the wire :) )
Reflecting over the last year, most of which we've been in some form of isolation or another, I've come to like hanging out with me. My hair colour has grown in completely natural and I like it. I've kept my sense of humour (many would beg to differ). And I've created so much more than ever before. My family make me happy and knowing we've all taken care to stay safe gives me hope that we'll experience so much joy, when we can all be together without fear.
Now more than ever I also find myself thinking about people who are trapped at "home" without any sort of outlet, maybe without a loved one or friends. Those in abusive relationships. How helpless they must feel. My heart goes out to you and the piece shown here is representative of those reflections.

Stay well and DANCE (Motown is my personal fave and Earth Wind & Fire, which are their own genre) 🎶💕🎶

Hello and Happy Holidays lovely blog readers!
I hope all has been going well for you this year. The coming of 2021 and longer days make me a little giddy.
We're all anxious to shake off 2020's cheeky attitude. Did what it wanted and we had nothing to say about it. Just to keep quiet and do as it told us.
No one likes that - it's been a challenge.
Well...a new year is right around the corner which seems much nicer and is giving us hope. I'll take it.
In the meantime, I'll keep busy and take advantage of that extra 1 minute every day.
Wishing you a safe, HEALTHY and happy New Year!
See you on the flip side 🎉💖

Hello wonderful blog readers! 🥰
I was thinking about art (what else??) and specifically custom art and more specifically portrait art. As an artist, I aspire to capture a certain light, or mood when I create a painting and have always admired those artists who capture the essence or personality of a person in a portrait. Is the artist's understanding of the subject different from the subject and how many have been disappointed when they see the final portrait. The story goes that Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was a portrait that was unacceptable to the person who commissioned da Vinci and therefore, did not take the painting and never paid da Vinci. Who could imagine this happening with the Mona Lisa?? I would guess that this happens often, when the artist and the subject have very different expectations, even if they think they understand each other.
To partner with an artist for a portrait is definitely a leap of faith!
Enjoy the beautiful Holiday Season and stay well 💚🎄

Hello Beautiful Blog Readers! 😃
I fully remember (it was only just over a year ago!) my first big painting on canvas. I purchased a large wooden easel, that could hold a canvas up to 55". I was INSPIRED!! I quickly purchased a few larger canvases and got painting. I was in LOVE! Now, don't get me wrong, I also love working on smaller canvases, but there was something that made me feel like I really accomplished something special when I finished my first large painting. Now, by some artists' standards, a 55" canvas is not considered large, but by mine it was impressive. Magical.
I recently went even bigger to a 60" canvas and I have to say....I'm hooked!!!
If you have the wall space, GO BIG! It can be an original painting (or print) of a single flower or a special landscape or a favourite pet....it all looks amazing, fun and INSPIRING.
Stay safe and don't stop daydreaming 💖

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!!
💖💖💖

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...
💖

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!!
💚💚💚

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 💌

Hello resilient self-isolators!
May is knocking at our door, and I hope it brings a nice hostess gift of warmer, sunnier weather.
During this time, I've gone back into photos from places I've traveled and these have been inspiration for several recent paintings, but I always find joy in painting a simple vase of flowers. What is it about flowers that captivates and brings a smile? Maybe they're a reminder of simple pleasures and bring us to a place of appreciating nature..... so simple, but so much bigger than all of us.
I hope you'll find a simple pleasure to breathe in and hold onto.
💛💛💛

Hello beautiful self-isolators!
Okay, let's face it (no pun intended), wearing a face mask is the last thing any of us wants to do, and I only hope we can go back to a time, VERY SOON where we don't need them. But while we do need them, maybe it'll make us feel a little better to have some fun with it. I'm really delighted to be able to share my art printed on a face masks. I hope you'll check these out and let me know what you think. Until next time, take care.

Hello beautiful blog readers,
Here we are, 4 weeks into our new world of isolation. I personally can't believe how the time has flown. It'll hit harder this weekend, with so many of us not able to share Easter close to family or celebrate in church surrounded by dear friends. Sure, we've got ways to virtually see each other on ZOOM or Skype or Facetime Group chats...dressed from the waist up I might add ;) But hugging/snuggling our loved ones is what we'll really be missing. There are some advantages, no need to clean/dust, we can keep our pj bottoms on, and if you have special filters on your phone or computer, you can also make yourself look so much younger, or like a bunny (FUN).
WARNING, when we do all see each other again, it'll be a shock seeing how old we got.
(FYI - no special filters used in this blog)

I send out love and hope for us all to be together, in the flesh very, very soon.
Happy Easter, Happy Passover & Happy Spring Cleaning (might as well)
💙💙💙

Hello everyone,
I hope you're finding some light to keep you motivated to create. It's not always easy, but you're not alone and it WILL get better 💗
Here's where Canadian artists and freelancers can find help during COVID-19 shutdowns:
(copy and paste this link into your browser)
https://www.cbc.ca/arts/here-s-where-canadian-artists-and-freelancers-can-find-help-during-covid-19-shutdowns-1.5503360?cmp=newsletter_Hi%2C%20Art_827_9784&mc_cid=00f530395b&mc_eid=7328fda668

Hello beautiful blog readers 💚

Is being isolated from one another, for what could be weeks to come, just something we will walk away from without being changed forever? Same old same old? Thankfully NO. This is a huge opportunity for more individual growth then ever before. Never before has so much been available to us without leaving our homes. Anyone can learn a new skill, a new language....just sit down at your computer. Since there is no way around it...we absolutely need to continue growing while submersed in isolation.
Like a plant that when taken out of the soil learns how to grow in just water, we will adapt to our new environment and emerge strong and vital.
Stay well, safe, hopeful, and strong 💛

Hello all fellow self-isolators!
Here we are, inside trying to keep healthy, stay busy and stick to a newly created TO-DO list. It's scary, but there's a strength and hope that comes from knowing we're all connected and going through this together.
I mentioned in my previous blog that this is a great time to use the angst as your muse to CREATE, whether it's writing, painting...blogging... or even just rearranging your furniture.
Here's my IDEA for your consideration....
If you're home with family (or even by yourself!), how about creating a "Quarantine 2020" ART WALL? Everyone creates a simple Paining-a-Day and then dig out old frames that aren't being used ( we all have a box of these ;) ) and hang them! OR... writing something about what is happening in the world or at home everyday, then frame these thoughts and hang them.
***No judgements***
I hope that you'll find, when all are complete, framed and hanging, it will bring you JOY and mark this incredible time.
💙💙💙

There's no getting away from how acutely aware we have become, that the state of the WORLD is scary right now and many are struggling, in self isolation, social distancing or just plain catching up on Netflix. But what a time to write, or create art...even if you've never picked up a paintbrush before. Our angst is tangible....our MUSE comes from the emotions that are overflowing right now. There are a lot of stories to tell or paintings to create that are important to share and maybe bring us all a little closer.....while we keep our distance.

Love IS in the air! Our desire to shake off the cabin fever winter brings is so intense now....it's in our DNA. The hibernation period is coming to an end and we can emerge from the dark, cold days and welcome longer, warmer days. As artists, we have loved the snowy landscapes but seriously, enough already...can I get a HELL YEAH!
There is a surge of energy (love) pulsing and inspiration to paint the pure, vibrant greens only found in the youth of spring. I'm excited, and anticipating all the fresh and inspirational art 💗💗💗

There is nothing more centering, soothing or emotionally cleansing than creating art.....MOST of the time.
I think if you're reading this and you've ever created art, you understand what an emotional rollercoaster it can be. I've heard some describe as a BATTLE!
We start out full of optimism, with a powerful commitment and intention, then somewhere along the way, we loose sight of it and it can be a fight to bring it back. But we DO and then there it is...this BEAUTIFUL ART we created......3 days later....OMG it's going in the garbage.
The more we create, the more we LET GO of control ......there we can find the OM 🙏

ART is evolving for me (ie. a work in progress) but as a relatively new artist, I find myself exploring a variety of styles - you may have noticed ;) And LOVING the process. Once a painting is complete, I feel thankful, then send it out to the world to be judged, hoping it brings a bit of joy. Sharing my art was scary at first, but has gotten easier, even exciting.
When you're looking for original art, it isn't hard to find....Instagram, Facebook, FAA, Etsy, Saatchi, Amazon...ETC. ETC. What an incredibly diverse world of inspiring art! And what amazing tools to help buyers and sellers of art.

I wonder....would Vincent van Gogh have sold more than one (yes only ONE!!) painting, in his lifetime, if he was able to utilize all of these platforms????

Happy Valentine's Day!
Over the last couple of years, I've had the pleasure of teaching art to students who aren't necessarily pursuing a professional career in art, but love art and how it FEELS to paint. Dipping the brush, the mess, watching the brushstrokes bring the subject to life... the quiet. For some, there is no judgement and it's a simple pleasure to paint. For others, there can be a lot of frustration because we want to put on canvas, what we so clearly see in our minds eye and it just doesn't seem to work that way. ART has a way of doing its thing and we need to allow some wiggle room. Sure, there are technical applications to create a photo-realistic painting, but we want to CREATE our version of reality. Maybe become the next Picasso, even when our intention is to become the next Rembrandt. anyone? no? okay, I'll get back to the point....the point is that we want to paint just for the LOVE of painting. No end game, be in the moment. Completely creative and joyful. Just Paint!
Until next time...wishing you LOTS of LOVE for Valentine's Day!

Happy Friday!
I guess I've been painting "seriously" for almost 5 years now and sold my first painting April 2015. It was very inspiring and encouraged me to continue to pursue my art. The process of finding my"style" is so interesting and almost impossible to me as I love trying new methods for almost every painting. Because i work with both oil and watercolour, I'm constantly changing my methods. I love to see artists who find their niche and to see the common thread that connects all their work. At this point in my journey with art, I have to say that I love taking little risks and trying new things.
My abstract paintings evolved from my daily sketches, which I brought to life on canvas. RADIO (image) is a fun example of getting out of my comfort zone and exploring new ideas. And you know what? It got my heart racing...in a good way!
Do you have some deep desire to try something new, but fear losing some fans? Maybe just do it for the love of art?

'morning! thanks for checking out my very first blog post. I will be posting once a week to start and see where it goes. It's all new and definitely a work-in-progress.
The first thing that came to mind when asking what to write here, was the notion of painting everyday.
I would say, for me and my schedule, I don't actually paint everyday, but I try. If I'm not painting, I'm sketching or framing or shipping, or prepping my palette or posting on SM...
In other words, I'm focused on my art and all the things that go into getting it out and making it accessible to my current collectors and new buyers. When you're selling art, unless you have someone to manage all the peripheral work, there needs to be time set aside to do all of this. It gets easier, but I'm still trying to find the best way to do this. I mostly find that when I finish a painting, I want to post it right away and move on. But maybe it's better to allot a certain time of day/night/week for posting on SM.
Do you paint everyday? How do you stay organized and on track?