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I'm finally back on-line in Australia after a glorious month in New Zealand. Sorry for the delay in posting but we were having such fun that it was next to impossible for us to stop, take time to find an internet connection that worked, and had any speed in uploading photos. So I'll have to make it up to you today.

We started in beautiful Auckland, and spend a few days climbing various volcanos around the city. Little did we know that that was the start of a theme for not only February, but the year. We climbed at least 6 volcanos, saw a lot more, and of course will be attempting to summit a VERY large volcano, Mt. Kilimanjero, in Africa in May!

But, back to Auckland. What a great city--cosmopolitan, historic, well modernized, and yet very friendly. We were at the base of Mt. Eden, the tallest of the volcanos in the Auckland area, looking at our street map and trying to figure out how to get back to our hotel, when a passing car actually stopped, turned around and pulled over. The fellow jumped out and ran over to help us, saying he'd noticed us looking at our map and wanted to know if we needed help. When was the last time that EVER happened to you, let alone in the biggest city in a country? Very refreshing, I must say.

Rangitoto Island is the newest volcanic peak (about 200 years old) in the area and we took a boat across the harbour to climb it. It was probably the warmest day we had there and I was happy to have a quick swim in Auckland harbour once we got back down, and were waiting for the ferry to take us on to Devonport and North Head (yet another volcano). That was the last swim I had for a while--until I had to demonstrate my true Canadianhood in the cold stream waters of the South Island on our 6 day hike!

After 3 days in Auckland we picked up our little Rocket van named Mercury and hit the road south.

Waitomo Caves and glowworms were first, then we climbed some more volcanos including Mt. Egmont (aka Taranaki) and hiked the Tongiraro Alpine Crossing, known as one of the best one-day hikes in the world, and the best in NZ. It truly lived up to its reputation (although we had to wait about 3 days for the weather to improve enough for us to do it.

Mt. Taranaki below right

Steaming crater at Tongiraro

On the climb up to Tongiraro there is a great view of the lava chunks looking towards Mt. Ngauruhoe, an adjacent classic volcano peak.

Looking down the ash slope towards Green Lakes

Just above the Green Lakes where we had our lunch. There was a steady trail of people doing the walk on this gorgeous day.

Looking back to the Red Crater (below Mt. Ngauruhue) across another crater.

Note the lava flow in middle foreground.

Lake Taupo seen from the north side of Mt.Tongiraro below.

Then it was down to the South Island for the rest of our travels. First stop, with some Canadian friends, was Cloudy Bay--a noted wine area with lots of beauty of its own. We stayed at a DOC (government) campground at White's Bay--a gorgeous spot which evey had showers (albeit cold)--a step above most of the minimally serviced campgrounds we stayed at. Every few days we stayed at a proper caravan park so we could shower, do laundry, and cook on a real stove, as well as get some water bottles frozen to keep our "chilly bag" (esky/cooler) cool for a few more days. We were very impressed with the range of campgrounds as well as the number--it seems like it's really the thing to do to see New Zealand. Some roads (particularly on the South Island) all we saw were campervans. No local cars, no trucks, no buses except tourist buses. If it wasn't for tourists, and agriculture--mostly sheep, cattle, and grapes--I'm not sure what the Kiwis would do for employment!

White's Bay looking towards Cloudy Bay

We enjoyed visiting some wineries before we decided the weather was good to head to the West Coast and some glaciers. So off we went to Hokitaki, then the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, and south to Haast. Then we cut back inland through Wonoka, and hit Mount Cook for a night. Hubby wanted to see the tallest peak in New Zealand and we just managed to catch it peeking through the clouds that evening, before it started raining in the night.

Mount Cook, hiding in the clouds (right) with "The Footstool showing well in front.

Once again we moved on through the rain to Dunedin to explore the south east coast of New Zealand. It was another historic town, and we decided to stay on the Otago Peninsula about 30 miinutes away. There we had a lovely evening viewing Dunedin harbour, penguins, albatross, and the next day the rain lifted enough to do some walking and see sea lions on a local beach. Fantastic!

We then moved on to wilder territory, the Catlins on the far south coast, between Dunedin and Invercargill, for another beach camping night at a remote but lovely beach. Penguins AND sea lions on this beach, on our lovely evening walk.

We then headed for Milford Sound, through Invercargill (which didn't seem to have much to recommend it), and camped for 2 nights north of Te Anau on the Milford Sound road, about 30 km short of Milford Sound itself. That was a great choice, as the scenery was lovely, the campsites by beautiful clear rivers were fantastic, and we had great access to Milford Sound (which was cloudy the day we were there) and a lovely hike to alpine Lake Marian which was sunny and quite like home to us British Columbians.

After that we headed for our final destination--Queenstown. We'd heard a lot about it but it still surprised us--beautiful, trendy and lively, too many bars and tourists for our liking--but a lot like a version of Whistler in the summer. We dropped off our van and had a nice night in a hotel before taking off for the Grand Traverse--the 6 day highlight of the month. It is composed of the Routeburn track (which is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and world-reknowned) plus the Greenstone Track which is a traditional track used by the Maoris to transport Greenstone (jade) from the coast to the interior. 88 km plus 3 optional climbs (we managed all of them) and we had great fun, met 14 lovely people, were well-guided and pampered with lodge accommodation including hot showers, drying rooms (necessary 2 nights, for rainy days) and beds and good meals. All we had to carry was our clothing and day's food and water, which is about the extent of my hiking I'd say. Good testing for our gear and clothing for Mount Kilimanjero, as well as our fitness. I think we passed! I felt lots stronger and only had to take painkillers one day! We all made it, and I think most of us are keen to do it again. There were a couple of return hikers on the trip--one Japanese fellow, 70, who was on his 4th time. Hiro told us that the Milford track was a picnic compared to this walk!

Kea (an alpine parrot)--smart as 5 year olds apparently. And some teens.

Looking across the Hollyford Valley

You could see all the way to the West Coast of New Zealand from the top of the Routeburn--from the top of the optional hike to Conical Peak

Looking down into the Routeburn Valley...another 2 hours to the lodge.

Finishing the Routeburn

After a last night in Queenstown, we caught our flights back to Sydney and have slowed down our travelling pace a little--although I still haven't had time to paint! I'll get my blog going a little more regularly--and will update you with our travels through Melbourne, South Australia and Tasmania the next time I write. I might put a few more photos up from the Routeburn when I get time too. Until then, sayonara!

Happy Australia Day everyone! I'm so happy to have my 4th birthday as an Aussie. Even though the weather's not being particularly cooperative today it's still 20 degrees warmer than Vancouver. What a great country. And it gives me a chance to update my blog before heading to New Zealand next week.

Since I last posted I've been to Queensland and back, and done some more painting. My great Urunga friend Di and I drove up to the Gold Coast with her niece and grand niece (who were doing 2 of the "Worlds"--Dream World & SeaWorld adventure parks--as a Christmas present). We didn't have the greatest weather but enjoyed every minute of it

This was from a walk we did on a jetty going out to the sea. The wind was blowing, there were bluebottles and other little blue jellyfish washed up on the beach, and the temperature was a fabulous 28 degrees. Very invigorating!

After that we took a drive up to Tambourine Mountain in the rain & mist--it was lovely although apparently there are usually spectacular views from there over the Gold Coast which we missed.

Coming back to the Coffs Harbour area we spent more time in the beautiful town of Bellingen, where I had attended Camp Creative.

This is a view from the bridge over the Bellinger River that runs through the town. A very idyllic spot, you can see the grass running down, kids swimming in the river, all peaceful & clear. This photo was taken from the bridge which is 2 lane + sidewalk, about 10 feet above the river with a 4 foot railing along it.

Maybe I'll paint this one someday?

Two days later, when we went back to pick up the print that Di had chosen to get framed, this was the view of the bridge area.

You can see the road ramp leading down to the bridge about the middle of the left side of the photo--the bridge would have run diagonally from there at the left to lower right hand side of the image!

There was a lot of rain and the TV news people were there photographing for the evening news. They quickly left and I wondered what that was about. We took a few minutes longer getting onto the road leading back to the Pacific Highway, downstream from there.

By the time we got halfway back there was a spot where the water was starting to spread across the road and the men were out setting up barricades--so we just escaped! The road was closed for the rest of the day, and everyone was keeping an eye on the situation. Luckily the weather cleared for a while so we headed for Nambucca Heads and walked the V-Wall there. It's one of my favourite spots in Australia and you can often see dolphins there, heading into the river or across the rivermouth. Not that day, though--there was a lot of dirt and debris in the water so I don't think they'd find it any more appealing to swim in it than we would!

I've got one more painting partway done to show you:

One of the participants in my print-making class at Camp Creative was an experienced artist who did a lot of figure work named Phyllis. She inspired me to think about doing more figures in my body of work. So I started on this lovely image of a friend, from a photo.

It's not finished yet--but it could be fodder for further uses--including mermaids maybe??

And now I'll close this posting--the rain has stopped and it's time for a walk on the beach here. I've got to get training for the Grand Traverse hike in NZ on February 20. With the weather I've been confined to swimming and treadmill work--so a chance to get outside and walk briskly for an hour is very welcome!

Next posting will be from somewhere in New Zealand--hoping for some great weather & photos from there to paint as the year goes on!

Happy days!

Hi everyone!

Finally have a chance to update you on all that's been happening. It's been a very busy and active few weeks since I last posted--including of course Christmas, New Year's and long flight down under on New Year's Day. It seemed like I hardly hit Melbourne & started travelling on the long-ish drive to Bellingen for an amazing print-making course with Serafina Martin at Camp Creative.

Here's some of the highlights along the way:

Spent one night on beautiful Sydney Harbour--at old landlords that became friends over the year. It was fantastic to wake up on a beautiful summer day and see the Spit Bridge and Beauty Point ( below) from the balcony.

Then after stopping for lunch with an old friend in Terrigal I headed to Mitchell's Island where cousins & friends also doing the week at Camp Creative live. They have a beautiful house on a few acres in the country--very peaceful and idyllic for a retirement place! Inspiring to see what they've created together, and the beautiful gardens around their complex.

Next was hitting the road to Urunga where we all stayed at one of my favourite people's places for the week. Di has just moved into her new retirement home after living nomadically for almost a year, finding it and getting it renovated...just in time for 6 of us to invade her space! She made us all welcome & found a place for us all to sleep for a week--having just moved in 3 weeks before!

On the road north we had a typical Australia snake sighting...we stopped at the world-famous Freddo's Pies (the Aussies love their meat pies & this place, just north of Kempsey) has an amazing variety of prize-winning pies--crocodile, emu, mongolian lamb, beef or lamb or chicken curry--all yummy! We stopped to gather our caravan of cars at the outside deck between Freddo's and the coffee shop next door, and when I went to the next table to get another chair the fellow there said "Don't take that chair there there's a snake there...something something (I didn't catch) " so I jumped away and started looking on the ground at the edge of the deck. No, it turned out he had a snake in a bag on the table!!

Only in Australia, of course. He was travelling on a motorcycle with a snake in a bag!! So after we got over our initial shock we asked if it was dangerous and he brought it out of the bag (after looking around to see if anyone from the eateries would take offense...I think! A metre long (3 1/2 foot) Coastal Python...

Not dangerous...but both of them together looked a little scary! We quickly ate up & headed away laughing at the little dachshund at a nearby table who could have been the snake's next meal, if he didn't watch out!

Now on to the art...the Camp Creative experience was the best ever--the weather was lovely, not too hot or muggy except for the first day. Great company (in my printmaking class was one of my cousin's housemates who is an amazing yoga teacher. I'll put her link onto my website so you can check out her work, yoga cards, etc). Each day we discovered another type of printmaking--we started with drypoint etching onto perspex (a form of light plexiglass). I did 6 different plates of that, and we started printing them in the afternoon. The next day we made plates using the collograph technique which uses stiff cardboard bases, covered with a few layers of varnish. We cut out shapes to remove levels, then added levels with various materials including paper--textured, self-sticking, plastics, flat and dried leaves and flowers, muslin and other cloth, to create shapes,both abstract and realistic.

This is one of the first ones I did with the drypoint technique. I love the gum trees in Australia and they lend themselves readily to lots of art.

With this print (and others) I deliberately did some in plain black or sepia ink, so I can colour them later with watercolour paint.

I also did another rhino etching from a photo of the rhino head I told you about last time (photo left--isn't it amazing?)

After the first day of very neutral inks being used, we moved into other colours, and experimented with using rollers on top with rainbowed colours across the print, and another type of colouring where the inks were different viscosities. This form of colouring one ink repels another, instead of layering the colour. It is only applied to some parts of the plate, by masking off some of the plate with paper, or other materials. When you put the 3rd type of in on by rolling, the last set of ink forms very psychadelic colours on the remainder of the plate and onto the paper.

The "New Moon" is a collograph plate.

Below I've put an example of the last type of printmaking we did--solar-etching onto a metal photographic plate.

This was the most exciting type of printmaking for most people as you can get a very realistic look, and capture very fine textures, on this type of plate. In fact, many people used old photographs to create a plate, then added botanicals when they came to print.

You can see more of my prints in the galleries...I'll try to get some more up next time.

Right now I'm a bit limited for internet time so this is just a quick sampling!

I'd highly recommend taking lessons from Seraphine Martin, if you ever get the chance. She led 12 of us through an amazing week, calmly guiding us, soothing our worries about how this or that would turn out, rolling the ink out beautifully onto our plates, and keeping us on track.

I'll try to get a link to her facebook page on my website so you can see her work too!

Tomorrow (after one day's rest!) I'm off to the Gold Coast (just north of Surfer's Paradise) for a few days with friends. Hopefully I'll get some chances to swim as the only paddle I've had so far has been on Mitchell Island! That after 12 days in the country--very unusual for me in the summertime. And I'm missing my pool buddies and exercise. Got an email from the company doing our Grand Traverse hike (6 days in New Zealand in late February) reminding us that there's only 6 weeks left and we should be walking every day! My time has been spent doing lots of things but that wasn't one of them! So, I'd better get my legs going, my lungs going, and be ready for that big hike which is only preparation for Mt. Kilimanjero in early May.

Until next time, hope your year started off as well as mine!!

And I'm not going to do any rhyming..this time!

My Christmas shopping is all done, some of the baking for tomorrow, and it's time to put a few words onto the computer to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, happy holiday season, and a fantastic 2012! I'm feeling very lucky and priveledged in the last year, to live in the society I do, with the family and friends and wonderful new clients I have. Also to be looking forward to an amazing year of travel, change, adventure, and art. In fact, the new art has already started, as you will see with this little story.

My husband is a passionate hunter (sad to say, to some people!) and has a great taxidermist in Surrey. We were invited to their Christmas party and saw, to our amazement, that he had a rhino head on his wall. When we asked where it came from, he told us that he had got a phone call one day asking if he wanted one, and when he asked where it was, it was on the side of the road! He went down & helped pick it up, all 200 pounds of it, and reported it to the police. After 30 days no-one had claimed it so it was his--to do some restoration (the tusks were missing and there were some scratches). It is absolutely beautiful and massive to look at & I knew I had to get some photos to use for painting--rather than trust (??) that I might (safely) get that close to a rhino when we're in Africa in May! Here's the first ink and wash "portrait" that I've just finished:

My husband likes this but I'm not quite happy with the accuracy--so I'll definitely be re-doing, and from as many different angles as I can!

I've put some other new paintings into the gallery as well, won't add them in here again. One is a second painting of Chrome Island Lighthouse that I just finished last week as well, and the third season (winter) of the Birch Tree series. Very appropriate seeings how winter is now here, in the northern hemisphere! I'm also pleased that both "Fairies Play here, don't they?" and "Faerie Woods" have sold, and that I have an excellent reproduction facility for "Faerie Woods". One print has been sold already, on paper, and it looked almost identical to the real thing. I can hardly wait to get Faerie Woods printed onto canvas with the mirror wrap and 2" frame (similar to my mermaid canvas reproductions). It'll probably have to wait until I get back from all the travels although it is possible to order one and I can arrange for it to be delivered.

Meanwhile all my original art (except the newest pieces) has gone into storage until next September so the only pieces that will be available for sale will be anything new that I create. Of course, I can get cards printed of any paintings you like with an on-line organization I use, as well, so the shop won't totally be closed. Hope I can continue supplying functional art to people while I travel!

So, I'll close now, and will post again from Australia in January. I'll be travelling solo until the end of the month when I meet hubby in Auckland. Looking forward to enjoying the Aussie summer holidays with all the family & friends Down Under, and doing my first week-long print-making course there too!

Hope you all have some forward looking plans for the new year--just in case 2012 is the end of the world as we know it I'm going to work hard, travel hard, and explore what we have to the fullest extent! And now...for a glass of eggnog by the fire.

Best wishes & cheers to you & yours!

Well I'm so pleased to report that the final sale was a great success--sold another 6 original paintings along with lots of magic books, calendars, cards, magnets, and magic lists. And a few fairy caves for some children to put in their garden to attract some nomadic fairies! What will I think of to sell next? Any ideas? I must have had some fairy dust on me, it was just a spectacular weekend, playing with the customers, with my cousins that have come every year for well over a decade to the sale. Maybe I'll enter it again next year but I'm going to wait until we return from all our travels to decide.

This little painting on the left went to a good home--it's been one of my favourites for a while now, and I put it into my 2012 calendar. Love the bright funky colours...as well as the title "Beets Me?" (The beets are in a few bags behind the tub of dill!)

And "The Circus Leaves" (below) also sold, as well as a poppy painting from 2006 that I've had in & out of frames and mats...well, it went off, very happily, to a home in Mission.

Another painting of Chrome Island Lighthouse, at the south end of Denman Island, that I just finished last Thursday, and didn't even get a photo of, sold too! I had done it at the suggestion of a friend from the pool, who has just bought a retirement place across the water from it, and she hadn't even seen it. I was holding it behind my table for her to look at when someone came along on Sunday morning who was looking for a water painting as a gift. I pulled it out and she recognized it as a place where her recipient had taken her on his boat several times last summer! A done deal, just like that. As an artist it's wonderful to have them be purchased almost straight off the easel/drawing board!

So, what's next, you might ask? Well, I've got exactly 25 days before I fly off to Australia. I'll be packing up most of my finished work to put into storage until next September, and enjoying our last holiday season here in Vancouver with family and friends. There are still some arrangements to be made for both New Zealand and Africa travels, and my car is on the market now so hope to get that off my plate very soon. A suitcase is waiting next to my bed, and almost every day I put something new aside to take Down Under, or to Africa, or to add to the pile for next summer's trailer life.

Needless to say my on-going to-do list is very active at the moment, and keeping me on the straight and narrow. I'll be very ready to leave the responsibilities behind and take to the open road, I can tell you!

And I'm very much looking forward to catching up with all my Australian friends and relatives again, and spending lots of time travelling with my husband as he retires. It'll be a fantastic way to start the year, and to see so many new places before we finally come back and settle in our new Summerland place, with a studio to get organized!

The Christmas cards and greetings are coming in now and at this time of year I'll take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy holiday season. My wish for you is that you'll enjoy some time with family and friends, and a peaceful start to the new year. If the fairies (or Santa's elves) sprinkle fairy dust on you (or even if they don't), may all your Christmas wishes come true!

I may try to post before New Year's...or I may post from the road!! Either way, stay tuned!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! And then New Year's...and then I fly out January 1! I've been working away over the month of November, now almost gone. Happy to have sold 7 originals (along with card, magnets, calendars, magic books & lists) this month. Since it's December tomorrow I doubt I'll increase that total, until this weekend anyway.

Yes, the last sale of the year starts on Friday afternoon (consider yourself invited by the poster!) and at the moment I'm feeling quite confident that I'm prepared...either that or I'm avoiding doing more work on getting ready! Sometimes it's hard to tell with me. In my daily (well, almost daily!) journal writing I notice myself popping up constantly rather than staying focused on completing the writing. There are so many distractions around and it's easy for me to get caught up in them, thinking...well, I could just put the laundry on & it would be going while I'm writing... I need another cup of tea...oh, before I forget, let's send that email/pack up that calendar to mail/add to my "to do" list--or knock something little off it.

Lately l've been reading some books on happiness-- "The Happiness Project" and "Spontaneous Happiness"...not that I'm not happy, in fact the opposite, since I have been developing my painting career...just that I notice so many people seem stressed and unhappy & I'd like to be able to shed some light on that, somehow. One of my goals for the year was to assist people in fulfilling their dreams--it's certainly making me very happy to a) have some dreams and b) feel that I am progressing towards accomplishing them.

Both books are excellent and, if you followed the recommendations, would make a difference. (Somehow that seems to require diligence, structure, and that 4-letter word work...!!) However, at least being conscious of when you are happy, or unhappy, and starting to unravel the causes, is a good start. That consciousness is sometimes hard to find when all the events of life start to get me on the treadmill so that I feel I've got to run to keep up with all the "to do's". I am such a "doing" person--not conscious of who I'm "being"...so much of the time. One of the key things I picked up from "The Happiness Project" was the importance of having learning/striving/development/training going on. I think that's something that adults sometimes forget to work into their lives--it requires being less than competent as something to learn it, and that's how most adults like to feel, or show themselves to be. It's kind of counter-intuitive that when you do that, you can feel happier!

Anyway, I digress from the art world and what's going on there...although maybe you're happy (see paragraph above?) to see something a little different? Do let me know, I can ramble on about lots of stuff!

I can hear Australia calling me these darkening winter days--it's chilly out, the street lights are on at 5 pm, and I find myself ravenous like a bear, most of the time. That doesn't bode well for my training regime for Mt. Kilimanjero--which as I counted today is only 5 months away! I hope my pool training is going to work out! And once we get down to southern climes we'll plan lots of hikes for New Zealand, from January 31 on, especially. We're doing the "Grand Traverse" out of Queenstown for 6 days at the end of February which will be a good test for Mt. Kilimanjero 2 months later.

As the year winds down I like to look back at what happened, compared to what I planned, and then look forward to setting some ideas out for the next year. I can't believe that process is getting so close--so it may well drift into January when I'm away. There are so many friends to catch up with before we leave Vancouver, and while I've gotten a handle on the packing up (& it's very great to live in a minimalistic fashion) there are a few more things to organize in order to be nomadic for 8 months. It's still not sinking in, with all the lists, that we're going to be in New Zealand, and Africa--for so long, New territory always excites me--one of my personal archetypes is that of a pioneer--and the preparation is starting to overwhelm the anticipation! Isn't there always something to observe!

It's been a bit of an philosophical blog, so I'll end here, and get back to my preparations. Hope you're enjoying the end of 2011 and getting ready for the holiday season, wherever you are!

It's less than 2 months before we head off on our big adventure and I've been juggling lots of balls in the air! So far I don't think I've dropped anything--but there's still time! Along with packing up the house, cleaning, getting it on the market to rent, and making travel arrangements, I've been preparing for 3 shows and getting some painting in too! I hope to keep time for painting and have registered for a 6 week life drawing course which runs until December 21, as well. Looking forward to working with models and pencil or charcoal, for a change. Nothing like keeping myself busy, eh?

Here's some samples of what I've produced in the last 6 weeks (and there's more under "new work" in the Images tab of the website)...

I was so happy to have 4 weeks of collaging with a great Vancouver artist, Robi Smith of Blue Lantern Studios. I created 4 collages and learned a lot--some of which will have to wait until we move into our new place in Summerland to continue with, but in the meanwhile I really got a better sense of composition and pattern from the work we did in class.

It was great fun to play with shapes and colour, and delve into Robi's

generous collection of paper-based materials, such as stamps (both postage and ink), acrylic paint, images, and pages from old books, as well as old maps. Then the challenge was to put them together with some sort of cohesiveness. Robi has worked with Nick Bantock, the author of the "Griffin & Sabine" storybooks (highly recommended for both story & illustrations), and has taken some of his slightly surrealistic artistry into her work, & thus into ours.

Then I have renewed my acquaintance ( & love) of working with india ink, both in conjunction with watercolour and alone.

Here's one piece, looks a bit like a watermelon but it's actually a squash that was part of a large collection of autumn squash that my husband brought home for me to paint, & then eat, a few weeks ago. There's a painting of the "Turk's Turban" in the "Images" section under new work, as well. Such an interesting shape they have--a lot more complicated than this one!

The next one (below) is one of a series of two (so far) initiated by a friend who is married to a Swede--she asked me if I ever did birch forests as she wanted a painting of the Swedish countryside--so I did one in watercolour (again, see the "Images" section) & I liked it so much I did another with ink & watercolour.

Look at them both & tell me which you like best!

It's been suggested that I do a series of 4 to represent all the seasons--and I may just take that on!

Meanwhile I've been doing a bit more traditional work including the candle here. I've always wanted to try to paint fire and there was a great demo at the Port Moody Art Association. A few days later I tried out the technique & am reasonably pleased with my first attempt.

I've finished one show already for the fall--the afore-mentioned PMAA 44th annual show was last weekend. I was really pleased to sell two paintings there, amidst several hundred well-done works of art by about 40 artists. This show was originals only, and there are some very talented artists in the group.

Next I'm getting geared up for a large private show next weekend, and then the last sale of the year December 2-4 in Coquitlam--the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Sale, at the Civic Complex on Poirier Street.

Please come and see me there, get your 2012 calendar (some quantity left @ $12.50) and I'll have cards, magnets, magic books (journals and sketching) and lots of original pieces too--framed and unframed. I have a new spot, in a different room, this year, next to my two cousins (a potter and a stained-glass artist) who have been in the sale for years--if not decades. This is the last year for them both, and probably for me too. We're all going to be other places--they've got places in Arizona and I'll have to think hard about whether I want to make the trip down from Summerland next winter. So come on out to see me, before we head off on our next adventure!

Until then, I'll be "Painting Away in the World"...and getting ready to practise the art of globetrotting!

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.

What a summer it's been! Finally the sun came out and I feel like I've had the most fantastic summer ever. Since late July I've spent 5 weeks out of town travelling, closed the deal on our new retirement place and studio in Summerland, and spent two weeks there enjoying, gardening (what a garden!) and dreaming about what it's going to be like to live there. Here's a couple of photos for your future visits!

We have a fantastic view of Giant's Head Mountain over the neighbouring orchard, and it's a 5 minute walk to the local beach, through that orchard, across the street to the park with tennis courts, and you're there!

There was a lot of work to do on the garden beds, and just sorting the house out a little, before we turned it over to tenants for a year. I spent some evenings riding my bike around the neighbourhood and admiring the houses, the beach views, and chatting with locals, neighbours, and getting to know a little bit about the wonderfully vibrant local arts community.

I can hardly wait to move up there now! There are a few local artists who do a studio tour (which I'll hope to join once we get there--probably summer of 2013?), and the Shatford Centre in Penticton has just opened, providing fantastic creative support and encouragement for art, music, drama, pottery, woodwork, and who knows what else!

On the creative front, I was delighted to have the opportunity to blow my own glass ball in a studio in Skagway, Alaska during our Alaska cruise.

Our instructor (or gaffer, as she was called) had actually studied with Dale Chihouli in Seattle and worked at some other prestigious glass-blowing studios as well. She was amazing!

It was unprecedented for me to be able to do some of the work myself (although she did all the tough stuff and kept a close eye on everyone's ball). I've been on a couple of other glass blowing tours but they never let you anywhere near the danger zone! I think I might have to look for a place that does some lessons--here or in the Okanagan.

It was very cool to plunge the huge pincers into the molten glass and then twist it, to create the vortexlike swirls.

Here's the final result--albeit upside down (it has a little loop that you can hang it by--you can see it on the bottom left), but I thought the white background showed up the colours better.

Looks like the earth, covered with cyclones!

On the creative front, below right is one of the paintings I finished this summer. It's quite different in style (which just shows you that I'll never settled down into any style, I think!) for me--very intricate, funky, letting my imagination run a bit wild...like the leaves and tendrils creeping over the

edges of the dress, the wings, and the paper!

Just a little fantasy to go with my summer!

I've put a few new paintings up on the "What's New" page--so please go see them & let me know what you think.

There's a lot for me to do in the next year--organizationally (logistics of packing & moving, keeping out what we need for 6 months travel, organizing that travel, arranging for our house to be rented out for a year), sales-wise (more calendars than I've ever ordered before to market, lots of new paintings to mat, frame, show at 3 more shows I have going on, to help pay for the travel and the new studio!!), and creatively (I guess I'm just one of those people who has to keep moving, pushing the envelope, exploring new territory--so I'm going to embrace it!)

My current show details:

Later this month I'm going to take a collage course with one of my favourite artists--Robi Smith of Blue Lantern Studio in East Vancouver. I've done a little collaging before but have been waiting for a mixed-media type course to come my way, so stay tuned to see what I get up to. I can hardly wait myself!

Don't forget to order your 2012 calendar & get yourself organized for next year!

Until next time, ciao for now!

Since you last read this blog, I've been a few places and they've all been fantastic. Time for painting? I hardly think so--but I've gathered lots of reference photos and will be spending the next few weeks tucked away at our new place in Summerland so might get brush and paint to paper there. I've sold quite a few paintings over the last 3 weeks, too, and since my 2012 calendars have just arrived it's time to get the word out about them in case I want to re-order.

Here's the March page, for an idea of what they look like on someone's desk--maybe yours? They're $12.50, or buy 10 get one free (and I'll throw in the postage for 11). Every year people come back for more--they make great gifts and fold down flat and small so they are easy to mail, for just a bit more than a regular envelope would cost. There are 13 paintings in total, one for every month and a cover page too. This year I've paid attention to include a variety of work including watercolour, ink and watercolour, florals, landscapes, and Canadian and Australian scenes. I've also got Canadian, Australian, and US holidays marked, as well as a few from the UK and France--to help with the global theme of my life!

I'll just post a few more photos from my travels of the last 2 weeks so you can get an idea of what I've been up to. Unfortunately the first week, in Alberta (Seba Beach, near Edmonton) and the Canadian Rockies including a fantastic day of hiking on the Iceline Trail at Field, I was without a camera. (Can you believe it? The most beautiful scenery in the world and I forgot my camera!) Had to rely on family to fill in the gap--which they did--but all the photos are on facebook so far!

After that it was off to cruise the Inside Passage to Alaska. Even more stunning scenery, along with whales, glaciers calving, incredible food (my training for Mount Kilamanjero took a beating!)

Here's how the cruise started:

I think there's some fodder for painting here!

Then we cruised into Tracy Arm, en route to Juneau Alaska

The icebergs were amazing, as were the steep walls of the fjord and the waterfalls running off the sides. This is my littlest niece on deck about 8 am, enjoying the hot chocolate between pointing at icebergs!

The piece de resistance was Glacier Bay and seeing a 19 storey iceberg calving right in front of us. It wasn't on my bucket list, but if I'd have known how spectacular it was it would have been there. Anyway, it's crossed off now!

Along the way we saw orcas, humpback whales all over the place, seals, sea lions, and bears. We got withing 10 feet of one at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre (along with about 30 other people) as they were feeding on salmon along a stream below a walkway we were safely on.

Well, that's all I have time for tonight--I've unpacked, washed laundry, and have to repack for the next few weeks of retreat. I'll probably see you later in the month, or early September. Maybe my life will get back to a quieter pace then?