Recently I was playing with an app that allowed me to place my paintings in home environments which really is fun.  It's interesting how different pieces look just cropped to their image on a screen versus placing them in an 'environment'.  I think it can be difficult to imagine what a painting will look like in our homes so I always offer to allow a piece or two to live in someone's place for a few days in order to get a feel for it.  I'm still a great believer in trusting your gut when selecting artwork because I find that whenever I select something because I love it, that feeling never goes away and I always find a place for it.

Recently I had the privilege of painting these beautifully textured oil on canvas lady slippers as a birthday surprise.  It's been awhile since I've painted flowers, and I have never created such heavily textured ones so this was great fun.  And it's a special honour to create something that has so much significance to someone.

I've really been enjoying seeing these 'Nasty Women' in their homes.  If any of you would like to take a photo with your painting, please share.  I absolutely love seeing them!

Another amazing thing has come out of The 100 Day Project: Nasty Women and that is commissions...both for gifts for others or for personal gifts, which I think is absolutely wonderful.  The portraits are available on 7x14 standard canvas (like the 52 WEEKS::Heroes project) or 8x10 gallery canvas (like the Nasty Women project).  A favorite quote and favorite colours can be incorporated as well.  I just require 2-3 good quality jpeg images emailed to me at [email protected] and the completed portrait fee is $195 which can be paid via eTransfer, cash or cheque.  I want to thank everyone for placing their trust in me in this way.

I'm working on another Nasty Woman...well, several, actually.  Though these aren't officially part of the project, they have grown from it.  I'm looking forward to working on several commissions over the next few weeks while still formulating my next project which will definitely take place at a much slower pace.  Maybe another 52 WEEKS project but based on what I've accomplished in this one.  

​I spent a few days in the Rocky Mountains with my husband which was what my soul needed.  I think this time away from my studio, as much as I love it, was what I needed to ground myself in order to move forward.  I think this has been one of the most difficult transitions from one project to another that I have ever experienced, but I am glad that it's complete and I enjoyed this exhibit opening more than any other that I experienced.  It was amazing to celebrate with so many women I adore.  And now back to work. :)

Airdrie CityView / Monique Massiah

Explore the meaning behind paintings of spiritual totem animals in a new art workshop hosted by local artist Veronica Funk.

The 21 Secrets Fall Workshop is an online workshop which aims to help new artists get into the groove of painting at the same time as helping participants start the process of art journaling.

The online series began Oct. 27. Funk, one of 21 internationally chosen instructors, will be teaching a course called ‘Connecting With Your Wild Spirit.’

Funk’s workshop is based on a yearlong project called the 52 Weeks Project in which she created 52 images, one per week, of totem animals she said she connected with as a youth growing up in a Cree community in Manitoba. “Totem animals were something that was a really big part of the spiritual part of where I grew up,” said Funk.

Funk’s totem animal project is exhibited at the Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamond.
“I was taught by Cree grandmas on how to weave and bead and I took all of that and I decided to do a whole series,” said Funk.

The 21 Secrets Fall Workshop is the fifth presentation of the art journaling workshop presented by Arizona-based artist Connie Hozvicka.

Materials include step-by-step instruction, on journaling, painting and mixed media art.
The program is delivered online through a series of PDFs, videos and written materials.
“Once you download it, you have unlimited access to it,” said Funk, adding the setting allows participants to work at their own pace.
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“It was a huge honour,” Funk said of being chosen by Hozvicka to teach in the workshops.

To register for 21 Secrets workshop visit veronicafunk.com. For a chance to win a spot, please leave a comment.

​Throughout The 100 Day Project: Nasty Women along with the growing #metoo movement I've given a lot of thought to boundaries...not only setting and enforcing them, but also appologizing when I've become aware that I've over stepped them. 
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I've often wondered how to teach my daughters about the difference between over stepping boundaries and being understanding and forgiving? Being too rigid can ruin relationships as much as allowing disrespect. Where is the boundary between too little and too much? Does the difference come down to  authentic and honest but kind communication?
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I've been studying university psychology courses and boundaries have been a huge focus, which seems appropriate at this time in our world.  Knowing and communicating personal wants and needs while also valuing others is so important.  Setting boundaries has always been extremely difficult for me and though it still makes me uncomfortable to ask that mine are respected, I feel like I have been learning...finally. 
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I am so grateful to have two daughters who know theirs and are not afraid to communicate that they be acknowledged. So many of our young women & men today are leaps and bounds ahead of us in their quest for acceptance and equality. I am so glad.