At their wedding, my daughter & her husband had guests add words and images to a large stretched  canvas which I then added an image of the two of them and their dog. It incorporates images of the pompom garland my daughter's grade 3 class made for them, the tree that they were married under, their dog, the farm cat (Six-Toes), flowers from the prolific garden (including sunflowers to represent the sunflower house my dad would plant for her in the summers and petunias, which was his nickname for her), symbols for Love & Friendship (the title of the painting), mountains that he hikes through annually, and other meaningful images for the couple. This was such a fun project and so meaningful!

I have been loving painting my teacups in this sketchbook. Still loving the handbook journal co. book (Speedball), and really enjoying the different ways of painting...direct watercolour, sketching first using a compass, sketching loosely using watercolour pencils, and sometimes using a white or gold gel pen. Next, I want to try out the watercolour markers...this will be fun!

Recently I was contacted about contributing a couple of images to an upcoming children's book which will be in support of a Canadian conservation group. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to try out the Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer watercolour markers. So far, so good! Next I want to add some embroidery...a little nervous but more excited.

I was thrilled to receive a package of Albrecht Durer watercolour markers, brushes and Hahnemuhle paper from Faber-Castell and have already been using it on a special project to which I was invited to contribute. I can't believe how much I love them! Nice, vibrant colour that can be used directly on my substrate but it can also be scribbled into my palette and used like my other watercolours. I love that! What a fantastic gift!

I have several things happening this fall/winter in my art world, which has been interesting to think about as I thought I was taking the summer off when it appears that I have continued to prepare for autumn and winter. Such is this life!

• A mini gallery exhibition with the City of Calgary
• An altered book workshop with Ana Zanella at Sparrow Artspace (love these amazing women!)
  
• An exhibit at Vintage Caffeine Co. in Kensington
  
• A documentary that I was honoured to take part in
  
• A new Mastruis group begining in September once again
  
• Alberta Culture Days watercolour workshop at ASA Gallery in Calgary
  
• Leading 2 high school portrait workshops
  
• Two illustrations for an upcoming children's book
  
• And a demo at Sirocco Golf Club in the beautiful foothills
  

Plus I hope to take a few more Literature classes through university. My goal is to finish my undergrad by the time I turn sixty...fingers crossed!

I have now completed 7 travel journals which encompass several years and many places. From the Lake Louise & Banff to Montana, the desert of Drumheller to Sylvan & Beaver Mines Lakes, Kelowna to San Francisco, and an amazing trip to Nova Scotia, I've been able to capture the feelings of each trip in my little paintings.

I have learned which watercolour paints I prefer (either M.Graham, although they can be a bit sticky in hot weather, to Daniel Smith or Joan of Art - a Canadian female owned company). They need to reactivate and set quickly. Plus, I like to put them into small mint tins for weight & size, though I also like the Art Toolkit case (I have filled it with M.Graham warm & cool primaries) as it is originally a business card holder.

My favourite sketchbooks are the Handbook Journals by Speedball...I like the fact that the pages don't wrinkle too badly (I don't mind a bit of character), I like the creamy colour, and the shapes available work well for me. Plus, I do like a hardbound book with an elastic to hold it shut (or open, if needed). I also find the 3.25x5.5 perfect for my shoulder pouch (and less weighty for long walks) or the 5.5x5.5 (great shape if I'm not walking far). 

I also use a Pentel mini waterbrush, a small rag (or cotton bag) and a butterfly clip (again, to keep pages open). Finally, I include a red Faber-Castell pencil crayon (cut short) that I use for my original drawing, a sharpener and a fountain pen filled with red D'Atramentis Document Ink...I love the red against so much cool colour (lots of blue, green & purple in the outdoors) and the ink is permanent. My favourite pen has become the Kaweco Sport pen as it collapses quite small & I also use a converter that I can refill regularly. 

Often I will begin my drawing on site and then take a photo so that I can continue it when we stop for a beverage or a meal. It works very well as I usually travel with a family member or a friend. Sometimes the images are even completed once I arrive back home or while we're travelling in a car or airplane. I'm so glad I finally found a process that works well for me.

Beaver Mines Lake in southern Alberta is one of my favourite places to visit. There are no amenities, is totally off-grid and the lake is wonderful for swimming; every time we're there I feel absolutely refreshed. This time I took my travel journal and documented the mountains, the lake and the wildflowers that surrounded us. It was hot and a little buggy, but we really enjoyed the refresh.

My eldest daughter and her beau of 10 years were married last weekend. It was a weekend filled with laughter and happy tears on his family farm of several generations. And the weather was perfect (in between 2 rainstorms)! Her sister made both of their dresses and she even got to ride a 1960s Landrover...as a History major she was thrilled! And my best friend since college even got to celebrate with us. We are so happy for them. xo

I've been so happy to see portraits that were painted over the past couple of years finally reaching their homes. I am so fortunate to be able to paint such incredible women who inspired so many. Thank you for sharing these pictures with me, nothing makes me happier than these happy faces!