I've been working on some videos lately and find that listening to my voice and seeing my facial expressions can be very interesting at times. The more I do these things, the more comfortable I become but it certainly is a learning process. The most fun part of the entire thing is actually getting more work done in my altered books, which I love to do but because they require small steps and lots of drying time with a variety of media, I tend to avoid them.  Silly, I know.  I guess this is why I'm deadline driven...if I have even a self imposed deadline (which I do in this case), I tend to get to work. I think that's also why I like to work in series. This afternoon I will be sharing my inspiration & process at the Forest Lawn Library from 1-2:30pm...everyone is welcome.  And, please bring questions. :)

I haven't hosted a studio sale in quite some time so I thought it might be nice to share a handful of larger paintings on canvas at a discount.  It's always interesting how much fun I have dong this and wonder why I don't do it more often.  Anyway, if you'd like to see the paintings available, click on my newsletter sign up and view the October 2018 studio news.  You can also register to receive the eNewsletter here.  I don't share any information and you are certainly welcome to unsubscribe at any time.

My 'Hoodoos' bench has found a home at Iron Horse Park...funny, we've lived here over 20 years and I have never been so this is a great opportunity to visit a popular landmark in my community.  Every Christmas season our girls got a ride on one of the trains when they were at the Festival of Lights at Nose Creek Park and they absolutely loved it!  I really should have held one of my daughter's birthday parties there as the kids would have been so happy.  Anyway, I hope I can find it after this early but not uncommon dump of snow we received.  It's been looking a lot like Christmas! :) 

Living so close to the Rocky Mountains often means unexpected weather and this month began with a bang...which means lots and lots of snow.  It's a mess getting out and about but so very beautiful looking out my studio window. I have to say that this season certainly motivates me creatively, not that I struggle to be creative, but it almost forces me to stay in the studio...in a good way.  I mentioned recently that I am thinking of painting whatever tickles my fancy rather than working in series but now that I've begun painting these 'Fashion Plates' (hmmmm....a new series title?) I am so excited.

I have always loved the idea of personal style and fashion as a form of self-expression.  I don't believe it's vanity at all but a way to increase self-confidence and develop your own way of being in the world.  It's comfort and beauty and luxury and simplicity, really a personal art form that we each get to carry around with us. 

Back in my art college days I had applied to study fashion design in Toronto.  Needless to say, I stopped in Manitoba on my way and began dating this really cute guy - we're still dating 30+ years on :) - and I never ended up going further east.  Over time we ended up back in Alberta and I've continued to study visual arts but am still living my dream through my daughter who designs and sews and is currently studying Fashion Technology.  Because of her great love, I get a lot of opportunity to photograph her creations which seems to have my creative juices flowing.  Win-win.