Blog

I see that I am falling behind on my blog posting schedule! Never mind, better late than never, and I've been very busy behind the scenes of my website.

Where to start? I guess with my studio development!

As October has raced by, I've gotten the floor restained to my satisfaction, as you might see from the photo. The wood stove in the back has been hooked up & tested today, as the weather is getting cooler. I sat out there for a while, looking around, trying to imagine some furniture--what and where? It was almost toasty! I noticed the ceilings are a lovely 9 feet high, which makes the studio seem even bigger than the 600+ square feet.

The banner I use for my outside sales fits perfectly under the window so I've ordered a couple more...just 'cause! and I'll be looking for more cabinets for storage. Last trip to Vancouver I brought back a hanging system which needs some finishing before I can hang it up. I hope to get one panel done before I leave for Australia January 1. The rest will wait until I get back, when I'll be really getting the studio into shape for the 2013 Summerland Art Studio Tour weekends.

I was delighted to be welcomed into the group of artists that has been organizing 2 years of studio tours, building an event that I will be participating in next year. The weekends were set at the meeting last week--May 25 and 26, 2013 and November 2 and 3. Promotional flyers with maps and addresses will be out early next year, as the studios are open most of the year, in some cases (like mine) by chance or by arrangement, with a focus on the 2 weekends where there are demonstrations and goodies for visitors. I hope to add value to the group and encourage lots of out-of-town friends to come up to the Okanagan for those dates. More on that in future postings!

Of course, in the meanwhile, I'm getting ready for my first sale this year, this location--"Santa Presents" in the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, this weekend. It's sold out (for booths) and is apparently well-attended--and I'm most excited to get out there in this new community. Come on out, and bring your friends, 10-5 on Saturday, 10-4 on Sunday!

And of course, my 2013 calendars (left) will be available until they are sold out. They've been going really well, with the biggest sale being to a local realtor who got 10 last year and has increased his order this year. They're $12, if you would like one or more, come to a sale or let me know and I can pop them in the mail.

This year I've again got a wide range of works in them--watercolours and ink, of course, some drawings of animals, a collage and a couple of original prints from my printmaking course last January.

I'm looking forward to seeing how my prints are received at the two sales I'm in before Christmas--they are small and well-priced and just the thing for a little Christmas gift as they are easy to get framed.

I have been getting some painting done, along with all the other things--and I thought I'd give you a preview of something that I've been working on. I think it's coming along nicely--it's source is an autumnal walk in the woods in Milton, Ontario, a couple of years ago. I've been looking at the photo for a while and decided to use a creative technique that is a little abstract/impressionistic in style.

I haven't thought of a name yet, but it's getting close to the time! If you have any suggestions let me know.

Meanwhile I've ordered my first canvas wraps of "Faerie Woods" and they've turned out fantastically--so I'll order some more for the two Art Gallery gift shops that sell my work, in time for their Christmas galleries.

A couple of other activities: Hiking and enjoying beautiful Giant's Head that can be seen from our balcony:

Here's the view from one time up there--certainly worth the hike, and worth a stab at painting too!

And the other thing I've been painting--not so much fun!

Walls and renovations--as can happen when you move into a new place!

There will be a few more of those type of things to paint but I'm doing my best to hold them off and play with the watercolours!

Anyway, hope you're enjoying the last two months of the year, and I'll try to find time to post between "Santa Presents" and my next sale, in Coquitlam, November 30 to December 2.

Happy trails until then!