A Big Week

Passionate Ground

Work In Paint, Thread, Wool & Silk

20"x16"

Tonight I heard from the producer of the Cityline segment in which my work will be featured with four other artists. She was just checking in to see if everything was on que for Thursday. I have to be there at 9 a.m. with the work and even though I won't actually be "on air" I'm still crazy nervous. They have asked me to bring 3 pieces but only 2 may make it to air. It was a tough decision but it will definitely be one of the three I've just completed minus the glass. Apparently Eric McClelland of Fleur-de-lis Interior Design will be introducing my work which is super exciting since he owns one of the most prestious interior design firms in Toronto.....ok now I'm feeling dizzy. John has a couple of appointments in the city on Thursday afternoon so he is going to drive me down... thankfully. Can't risk a fender bender with me behind the wheel.

I also found out today that I'm involved in a "smalls" show at Hartley Woodside's Gallery on Saturday which will run until Christmas. We had discussed the show back when the Images Tour was in full swing but I hadn't heard anything further until today when I received the flyer in which my art was front and center........uh ohh. Since I'm already involved in the Art Show in the Village all weekend I'll drive up to Hartley's on Friday with a couple pieces. He has a very loyal clientele and they buy art.

So yes, I'm excited with so much going on right now and just a touch overwhelmed. One of my friends, upon hearing this yesterday said "Enjoy this as you've worked hard and deserve it...just take the ride and see where it will take you...life is always stranger than fiction" I'm holding that close to my heart this week.

Getting Things Wrapped Up

Wide Open Spaces

6"x6"

Headed to Toronto tomorrow so I'm doing my best to get things wrapped up in the studio. Looking forward to taking lots of photos on University Avenue as I hear the trees are stunningly gorgeous right now. Back on Friday.............

Still Cold.................

The Red Paddle

Work in Progress............

We are still in the deep freeze here in the Village as I know most of Ontario is. Come on, it's March already. Winter has just about worn out it's welcome with me. A friend of mine sent me a photo of her son this morning who just bought his first car. They live in Victoria, B.C. and he was wearing a t-shirt........now that's downright cruel.

I'm leaving next week on vacation so I'm doing my best to spend some good quality time in the studio. Honestly, I can't wait to feel some warm temperatures. Occasionally I hear from my friend Jean Levert Hood who lives in Texas. I think she gets quite the kick out of my sob stories about how damn cold it is here. Every so often she'll let me know how lovely and warm it is there in Texas .......... I think next year I need to head to Texas and take some oil painting lessons from her...........never mind Richard.

So to brighten up my sunny but cold day I do love checking out galleries on the web. Just love looking at artwork. Here's a few favourites....

The Petroff Gallery one of my absolute favourites. The most gorgeous work the city has to offer.

Distill Gallery Lots of funky art and also a great area to hang out if your ever in Toronto

Lafreniere Pai Gallery in the lovely city of Ottawa

Upcoming Events

I'm afraid there's not a whole lot to talk about today.



I took an amazing walk through the woods behind my house yesterday in the early morning which just happens to be my favourite time to walk. Didn't see a soul and it was so very peaceful. Although it was cold I didn't care because the sun was shining and that just about does it for me everytime. I think I'm going to take the above photo and begin a new piece based on it. I love the way the shadows have fallen upon the snow and the green that is highlighted on the trees due to the sun. Winter does have it's beauty!

Over at Blank Canvas, Stacey Peterson has an interesting post on making a living as an artist. Is it possible? Stacey is a fabulous painter and I check in on her blog regularly. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.

Today I was going through the short list of what I've got coming up this year.

1. I am presenting a lecture based on my work in Toronto in April

2. I will be participating in a two person show with the Ridge West Gallery (date to be announced)

3. I'll once again be a part of the Images Studio Tour in October.

I'm still interested in new representation but may need to do a bit more research in that area.

A Little Bit of Good News

Is it just me or does it seem like everything you read or hear lately is bad news? Everytime I turn on the radio, which by the way I've stopped doing first thing in the a.m. as I find it quite depressing, they are reporting on how awful everything is in the world. I came across this online the other day and by the time I finished reading a few of the short entries I just felt better in general.

What you focus on expands.

So with that said, I leave you with two things. The first coming from Al who owns the local gas station in town whose response to "how are you?" is always "Anyday I wake up above ground it a good one". In that vein, turn up the volume on your computer and listen to the amazing Nina Simone singing over the Season 4 promo for Six Feet Under. If you've never watched the show do yourself a favour and rent it. It is the most brilliant piece of television you'll ever see.