 I have had these panels and frames for some time but was uncertain, and perhaps a bit intimidated, by how to use them. Yet, once I committed to creating something in my surroundings that inspired me daily, it was simple. All these little things make me so very happy. It was a treat to use Beam Paints, Case for Making, Art of Soil, and Letter Sparrow handmade watercolours...all created by women-owned companies. I really have to remember this and to have fun with the work I create as not everything needs to be a commentary on anything. In fact, I think I will be taking this forward with me in some way.
 For a number of years I have been the recipient of the prettiest little tins. The small Altoids tin was gifted to me by my husband when we were about to travel to Nova Scotia several years ago. I managed to fit three large watercolour pans in which I fit primary colours to use with my travel journal...hansa yellow light, quinacridone rose and Indanthrone blue. Those were the closest colours I could find at my local art supply stores, and they happened to be on sale so I was thrilled. It taught me that it does not really matter which "primaries" I use, as long as they are a version of yellow, red and blue. It was a good lesson and a practice I still adhere to today. The other vintage record player needle tin which was a gift from a friend and is used to store my kneaded erasor. It brings back memories of my childhood and I love the fact that it hails from Montreal, Canada.
 On our last trip to Mexico, and on the last day of our trip, my husband returned from a walk along the beach with a seashell for me. It now lives on my desk and is a lovely reminder of a wonderful trip with my daughter and son-in-law. No matter what the weather does here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, each time I look at this shell, I am reminded of warm breezes flowing over the ocean and the softest sand underfoot. It really is the smallest things that gives me the most joy.
 When my husband and youngest daughter travelled to Germany a number of years ago, they stumbled upon a handcrafted exhibit in a castle that they were visiting with relatives. When they saw this mug, they knew it was for me, and it has been my favourite ever since. It is thrown so well that it is light in my hands, and the smooth, round shape of the bowl of the mug warms cold fingers. It has made an appearance in many paintings through the years and so I thought it was important to include it in this series of special little things.
 Many, many years ago, I received this thoughtful Japanese teacup from my sister-in-law. No matter how many times I have moved homes, even across the prairies a couple of times, this little cup has always travelled with me. When they were younger, my girls were often treated to special drinks out of this tiny cup, and, so, it carries with it many wonderful memories. It has held my pencils on my desk, served me many warming cups of green tea, been used for milk and cookies after a busy day in elementary school, was filled with water for little plants, has been filled with tiny snacks, and even on occasion, has been used to measure ingredients for meals. I am often fascinated by how something so small can come to mean so much.
 This bowl is another treasured gift from my husband. It means so much to me because it is designed and created as part of a series of work by Canadian Indigenous artists so it was important to use my Beam Paints to capture this little image as they are also created by a Canadian Indigenous artist. From the west coast to the east, I am inspired to create and to support the work of these incredible people. As I grew up surrounded and educated by the Cree community of northern Manitoba, I recognize the value of continuing to support the work of the First Peoples as it is such a privilege.
 Life as a watercolour artist is often found in these small, quiet moments...tubes of paint scattered across a well-used table, brushes stained with colour, and a painting slowly emerging through layers of water and pigment. This scene reflects the balance between control and spontaneity that defines watercolour practice. The soft blooms and flowing washes in the dark background reveal how water has a mind of its own, while the carefully painted paint tubes show the artist’s patience in observing ordinary objects with attention and care. There is something deeply personal in transforming familiar studio materials into art itself, as though the tools of creativity become the subject of reflection. The painting captures not only the physical space of an artist’s workspace, but also the rhythm of creative life — experimental, imperfect, thoughtful, and quietly rewarding.
 Celebrating the beauty of Canada through one of its most iconic symbols, the canoe. My latest painting, "Rainbow Fish," is a tribute to the lakes, rivers, and vibrant spirit that connect us from coast to coast.
Layers of colour, shimmering fish, and a well-loved canoe come together to tell a story of adventure, community, and the joy of being on the water. Whether you're paddling at sunrise, casting a line with family, or simply soaking in the beauty of our wild places, I hope this piece reminds you of the moments that make Canada feel like home. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Canada Day! 🍁  This watercolour painting captures the quiet charm of vintage sewing threads, celebrating the timeless beauty found in everyday craft materials. Soft washes of pastel blues, lilacs, and greens create a gentle atmosphere, while the carefully observed spools evoke memories of traditional handiwork passed through generations. The worn labels and delicate strands of cotton thread suggest stories of mending, quilting, embroidery, and patient creativity. Surrounded by scattered spools and an Art Toolkit painter’s palette, the composition becomes both a tribute to craftsmanship and a reflection on the enduring appeal of handmade arts. The transparent nature of watercolour perfectly complements the nostalgic subject, allowing light and softness to enhance the sense of warmth, simplicity, and treasured domestic tradition.
 My daily sketchbook is a collection of quiet inspirations gathered from ordinary moments: a takeaway coffee cup, a seashell found by the shore, vintage spools of thread, handwritten words, and the familiar scatter of paints and pencils across my desk. I’m drawn to the small details that often go unnoticed, using watercolour to capture their softness, light, and memory. Each page becomes a gentle reflection of everyday life, where simple objects hold stories, emotions, and fleeting moments of calm. Through these daily sketches, I practice slowing down, observing closely, and finding beauty in the little things that surround me.
|
|
