Blog

It's hard to believe that over a month has gone by since I last wrote. This morning rather than sitting down and doing my usual (well, most days!) journal writing I thought I'd better just go directly onto the computer and update my blog. How's that for efficiency? Probably good, although when I work out the writing on paper first the flow might be a little better!

The first thing on my mind right now is the next show I'm in, November 4-6.

I've been busy getting a couple of pieces framed for it, as well as pushing myself by entering a painting that I hadn't completed...no, hadn't even started yet! So for the last two weeks I've been working on getting that entry painted, and it's almost there now. I'm not sure if I'll be bold enough to do that again!

It's been a good eye opener to be part of this very established art group--they have wonderful demonstrations (just saw brilliant watercolourist Marney-Rose Edge on Monday night)and are extremely organized about their annual show. I will have 4 framed originals hanging and catalogued, and hope to have about 10 other pieces available for sale (smaller ones, matted but not framed). I think of the 100 members almost all of them are working as part of one show committee or another. It's great to network with other artists, too. "Like-minded folk" to soothe the spirit.

Of course the big work continues about moving house to the Okanagan for next year. I've packed away some of my art things that I won't be using until next September, as well as all the paintings that AREN'T mine around the house. I still have lots around as the next show, the Coquitlam Christmas sale, will require more of my art than the Port Moody Art Association will. And then I'll be packing up almost all of my art and just taking my travelling paints and paper away for 8 months.

The other interesting thing I've been doing is taking a weekly collage course from Vancouver artist Robi Smith of Blue Lantern Studios. She's a wonderful creative soul who does collage and acrylic art, as well as being a very good professional writer. She's introduced me to author/collager Nick Bantock who is famous for the best-selling series of books about Griffin & Sabine. A little surrealistic and a lovely adjunct to my art, I think--although I can't pretend to comprehend what it's about (yet!). Next time I'll post a couple of my creations. Robi has some great ideas about process and creation, and very practical ideas about putting things together. I've loved working in her studio as well, it gives me some ideas about how to put my new studio together next year!

I'm also very pleased to have Comox Valley Art Gallery Gift Shop wanting more of my calendars, magic books and magnets for their Christmas sale. It's been a goal of mine for a year to get other outlets representing my work and they are a good start. I love going into their shop--the Comox Valley is full of very creative people and the shop represents them well. If you ever get a chance drop in!

And my calendars are selling reasonably well--I'm looking for other outlets too so if you have any suggestions let me know. And if you want your own 2012 calendar and don't have one yet email me and we'll make arrangements!As a reminder, they're about 5" X 10", fit nicely into an envelope to mail as a gift, and are $12.50.

Well, that's about all for now, I'm off and running until next time! Cheers until then.