-
2025 A Year of Color and Attention
Looking back at this year of painting I painted a lot this past year. Twenty Seven paintings. Holy Moly! Some paintings were so easily created that they almost painted themselves. Then there were others where the whole process was a struggle and a bit frustrating. Some work may hover in the almost done stage for weeks and is looking for more patience than I thought I had. I have previously mentioned that I do have a lot of “impatience” especially with myself! Color (really value) continues to lead the way as it almost always does with me. Without realizing, I leaned into it more boldly, trusting instinct over planning. Detail…
-
Sea Shells at the Sea Shore
Collected Treasures, Collected Memories One of my favourite destinations is a visit to the beach. It has always been one of my sanctuaries. Where I like to go to think. The sound of the waves, the salty smells and the scenery are very much healing. I make sure that I take time to absorb all of it. I love to experience the beach fully – it’s such a refresh for my soul and senses. Interesting enough this absorption happens naturally when painting en Plein Air as you are totally absorbed in the moment. I really don’t head to a beach planning to collect anything other than photos but somehow some…
-
Muscles, Mussels and More
Well it’s been an eventful bit of time between rendering mussels, nurturing muscles and more. Gathered by the Tide The shore has always captivated me. From my early years in Cape Breton to the many beaches in New Brunswick – the shore has always been an important part of my life. There is something mesmerizing about the quiet beauty of a beach scattered with shells that were Gathered by the Tide. Treasures waiting to be discovered. The way the light catches the shells revealing their iridescent blues and purples. This painter’s delight! The salt-worn edges that contrast with their smooth interiors. It’s a subject that I will always keep returning to.…
-
Sunny Serenade, A Lilac story
Lilacs: More Than Just a Pretty Flower I was recently asked why I love to paint lilacs. I think because they evoke an emotional response when you see them. They certainly do for me. It’s like they transport you back to a simpler time. Lilacs are mood-setters. Their soft purples, lavenders, and lilac tones feel like nature’s way of giving us a big, cozy hug. In art, they’re all about springtime vibes, fresh starts, and a hint of nostalgia. Much like when you catch a faint floral scent on a sunny day. And this is an interesting that when I’m painting lilacs I feel like I can actually smell their scent.…
-
How is it July already?
How is it July already? I am in shock at how fast this year is going. Please summer, won’t you slow down just a little for us? The moods of Lac Cameron, PQ We recently travelled to Ontario and then to Quebec to visit with our family and to help them build a deck at their lakeside cottage. The lake of course, is incredibly beautiful and ever changing. I did not paint on days when we had torrential rains (well, maybe before the rain started) and with high winds. I never really considered that high temperatures would also be a deterrent. Biting bugs I understand and I regularly hide form…
