Flexibility

Tomorrow I'm off first thing in the a.m. to take a yoga class at the Y with my friend Diane. She is a member and has a free pass, one of which I used last week to take a Pilates class with her. The next morning when I got out of bed I felt as if I'd had a C-section in the night. My abs are still sore. When they say "work the core" they're not kidding. Speaking of yoga......

little known fact about me is that I'm a certified yoga instructor. Yes, I keep up a practice every day at home but it sure is a treat to take a class. Flexibility becomes even more important as you get older in both body and mind and believe me, I'm older so I know.

I've got three paintings to varnish before Friday. The Silverbridge Gallery wants to take some bigger pieces so I'm headed up to cottage country then. Truth be told I really hate varnishing. I just feel as if I'm going to totally screw it up and ruin my work. I generally use the brush on kind but am seriously thinking of the spray. Anyone out there with any advice?

New Work

Higher Ground

12"x16"

Dancing With Myself

For the past few weeks I've been surprised to find myself in the studio during the evening hours. Most of my work has generally taken place during the day with morning being my favourite time but I have to admit, I'm really liking the night. Not that it changes the work but it most definitely changes the vibe. I can't quite put my finger on it but there's something about the darkness that fuels me creatively but also mellows me out. I just recently saw Mara Korkola's work on Bravo's show "The Artist's Life". I am in amazement of her night time paintings of Toronto. So many of them remind me of driving down the Gardiner Expressway into the heart of the city. That is how I feel when I paint at night.

With all that being said......paintbrush in hand and ipod on.....I work and dance.

The girls find the dancing part disturbing. My oldest pointed out just last night that anyone walking down the street could look through my window and "see me". Oh no! Will they be scarred for life having seen me dance? Now I quite understand that fact that I won't be auditioning for "So You Think You Can Dance" anytime soon but come on......I'm not like Elaine in that Seinfeld episode.

Think I'll download some more music for tonight and invite the girls in to dance with me. At some point they'll realize the old saying "if you can't beat 'em ........might has well join 'em".

Simple Things Make Up A Great Day

Just Beyond

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

16"x16"

Yesterday did not go altogether according to plan..............

John and I both needed to renew our passports and since he is headed to Colorado for a fly fishing trip in July we figured we should visit the passport office in Toronto in person. My passport photo is probably the worst photo I have ever had taken.....yuck.......I look like I just returned home from the asylum.... and no, I can guarantee you it will never be posted here.

So other than I fright I gave the passport clerk when I pulled out my photo, all went smoothly. $165.00 poorer.

John had an appointment so I dropped into Chapters........books and a chai latte... deliriously happy.

Lunch ended up being a fantastic little Indian restaurant just north of the city. We were planning on eating at the King Eddie but it was getting late and we decided not to drive downtown. So as were sitting there, across from each other, the only promise we made was to not talk about the kids. This was our time to discuss our stuff. We talked about how well things were going lately with my work , his work, a bit about politics but mostly about us.........

Note to self: Need more romantic lunchs with the man.

We we arrived home there was an email from Michelle at the Silverbridge Gallery letting me know she had sold two of my paintings today. Good news!

So here I sit ......... happy in this moment.

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.............

So What's With Your Messy Kitchen?

Crimson

8"x10"

I'm sure you are all wondering why in the world I'm photographing my work in my kitchen. And if I am.........why is it so messy in there? The simple answer is the lighting. No where in the house is the lighting as good as in my kitchen, on the countertop right after breakfast. When I download my photos I don't have to touch them up at all other than of course some cropping. It makes my life so much easier than running around the house trying to find the right light. I have tried taking the photos outside on an overcast day but nothing beats this. So the dishes that are hanging around are generally from breakfast......maybe next time I'll tidy before snapping my pix but knowing me I probably won't.

I've had a few emails regarding when I'm going to put the small 6"x6" paintings up for sale on the blog and all I can say is when I have some time. I'm currently working on paintings for both Ridge West and Carriage House so when that's done I will focus on some smaller works. Thanks for your interest.

Have a great day all!

Back Tomorrow

Will be back tomorrow with a full blog post. Trying to get paintings ready for both Carriage House Gallery's group show as well as Ridge West.