 For several years my friend and fantastic local Chef Lianna Robberecht has suggested I paint a series of pets...people's best friends. Though I've painted several for commission or gifts, I've never focused on a series, so I thought I should finally paint Momo...she reminds me very much of a family pet from years ago who was so gentle and well-loved, Cookie. It is always such a pleasure to create a painting for someone whom I admire greatly.
 As I've been struggling with what I want to focus on over the next year, I was pleasantly surprised at the incredible find at Where on Earth Antiques, my favourite place. They had come across these miniature photographs, which we guessed may have been photographer's samples, from Head Studios in London, England. Many of them even have names penciled on the back. I'm so excited with this find and know that it will be the inspiration for what I do next. For now, I will be documenting plans and ideas in my sketchbook which is absolutely perfect for me. I usually have a plan by this time in the year, but, to be honest, I've floundered a bit after creating three series through the pandemic. At least I've been having fun with teacup and travel journal painting as a way to document my days and to remain creative...that along with a few commissions and plans to exhibit previous bodies of work both locally and in British Columbia. Plus my teaching roster has become busy once again after my hiatus this summer to spend time with my girls. I'm getting quite excited for what's ahead.
 INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOUR:
AB Culture Days FREE DROP-IN / EVERYONE WELCOME! DATE: September 23, 2023 TIME: 11-4pm (drop in anytime for an informal lesson) PLACE: ASA Gallery ADDRESS: Crossroads Market, 1235-26 Avenue SE (2nd Floor) Before she left for England, my daughter created this lovely video for me.
I am such a lucky mom!  v4 Belugas have good hearing that’s why they sing and call. They don’t mind stinky seaweed … (turn page) / … because they have no smell at all. The Good Thing About…Beluga Whales is a charming, rhyming children’s book to start a conversation about conservation and to raise funds for a Beluga conservation group (Canada), a companion to Living with Koalas (Australia). I chose to paint my twp-page contributions for verse 4 using the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer watercolour markers and added embroidery to represent singing (bubbles) and seaweed. This was a fun project!
Recently my daughter & I went to Nvrlnd Art Foundation to get tin type photographs taken...it was my daughter's third time but I'm still amazed by the process of colloidal processing. It's fascinating to watch Riley at work and I love the fact that he states that he is a Photographer + Alchemist as that really is what he does. I'd love to arrange a session for my other daughter and her husband as a wonderful wedding memory as well.
 Mixed Media Mixer: Altered Books
Sparrow Artspace, 36 4 St NE, Calgary, AB Sundays, October 1, 15, 22, 29, 10am - 12pm $200 / 4 classes Maximum 15 participants Join artists Ana Zanella and Veronica Funk in this introduction to the world of mixed media art journaling through altering books. Utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials along with a large selection of supplies we will guide you in creating a beautiful and personal book while learning a variety of mixed media techniques. Altering books is a wonderful way to save books, repurpose and give them a new life in a beautiful way by recycling damaged or irrelevant books. Creating an altered book is like creating a beautiful journal filled with personal memories. The supplies required are really flexible. The fun thing with this creative process is just that…it’s extremely creative and open to all sorts of ideas. Wander through hardware, craft supply and dollar stores and pay attention to what draws your attention. Little gifts, cards or items such as receipts, paper napkins, postcards or business cards often end up working beautifully in an altered book. We will provide you with a book as well as a variety of materials available for you to use. REGISTER HERE  I wanted to share some of the treats I've received lately so I've offered a free draw in my latest newsletter (previous newlsetters here):
 Rundle Community Association 2409-50 Street NE, Calgary, AB When I returned to Alberta over 25 years ago, I initially lived in northeast Calgary and was immediately welcomed by the community. Even after moving to Airdrie, I continued to visit my Paraguayan relatives in the neighborhood, frequent the shops in Marlborough and Sunridge, delivered our second child at Peter Lougheed Hospital, and have always been grateful for easy access to the airport for visiting guests from around Canada and Europe. ..... These portraits in this mini-gallery exhibit in northest Calgary are women of Alberta, another nod to our grandmothers & their dedication to making our world a better place. Their stories are important to continue to be shared. This mini exhibition consists of 3-8x6 inch portraits with a story about each woman in order to encourage and support other women. ..... This new work that I've begun creating through much trial & error over the past year has been so much fun with this switch to watercolour/mixed media on cradled panels. I am thrilled that these 3 portraits will be exhibited by the City of Calgary Mini-Gallery through November. ..... What a terrific way to close a year. Thank you City of Calgary for selecting my work for this exhibit! 
This teacup was a wedding gift that my parents received in the mid-1960s and I'm so glad it's still around. With this teacup painting in my sketchbook, I decided to use a mixture of watercolour paint and watercolour pencil crayons as I wanted to capture more of the details of these beautiful roses. And I'm so happy how it turned out. It takes more time to work like this, beginning with a drawing, adding some plain water to blend colours and then adding more paint, but I enjoyed the process so much that I think I'll have to try it with another cup, too.
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