2020 is here, a time for reflection as well as planning. I’d like to take this time to share what I have been up to, both professionally and personally. This time last year I was just beginning to take on a new to me media – cold wax. Now, I have 3 workshops in this medium under my belt. I have learned that not only do I love cold-wax, I love learning from the abstract artists who have taught me. From my observation, they all had something in common that was greatly appealing to my learning – an intense interest in play, fearlessness with experimentation, and a gift of curiosity. During the classes there were no strict rules or expectations like I’ve experienced with the many oil painting workshops I have participated in (I doubt I am not the only one out there who has gone to an oil painting workshop and left feeling completely overwhelmed for a variety of reasons???) In these workshops we played, we tried new things, some things worked, some things didn’t, we didn’t take ourselves so seriously. It was actually fun!! I finally feel like I have found my tribe with who to look for when it comes to instruction.

Learning from these instructors and taking on this new media has changed how I approach my own work time in the studio. I now bounce back and forth between cold wax and oil painting. Tools and strategies I am learning from cold wax are weaving their way into my oil painting. I will wipe out areas, apply texture, use squeegees and other mark-making tools. If I find myself getting too serious about a painting, I go back to a few hours of cold-wax play, just to free up my mind and cool my brain down. I hope to attend more cold-wax workshops in the future, I’ve also had a couple of artists come to my studio to play since I have many tools and a space to do so. If you are interested, drop me a line! Happy for visitors 🙂

Behind the scenes there is a delicate balance of creating art while navigating and staying current with the internet…(snooze…but essential) This work requires the other half of my brain to work, figuring out the technical stuff. Luckily I have someone who does the website set up for me, but the learning curve is still there to maintain it all. I am excited to announce that upcoming soon, customers will be able to buy paintings directly from my website, no more clicking away to a third party…yay!! I have also caved to signing up to an email list with Mail Chimp. However, I have yet to figure out how to add the link here to allow you to do so.(🤣)…I will get there. I questioned the relevance of having an email list for quite a while as I myself feel bombarded by email spam on a daily basis. However I do have a select few artists who’s emails I signed up for, and I always read those. So perhaps I have a few out there too. Let me know if you are interested, and I can add you.

Lastly the personal stuff. In November my son, husband and I travelled to Japan, Singapore and Bali. We travelled the circumference of Bali, it was an incredible cultural experience to say the least. My son, now 14, has taken up scuba diving. It was magical to see him experience the ocean and all that is within it. At home in Portland, we are undergoing a major house renovation. We have been living in a 900 sqft rental for a few months now and eagerly watching the progress and pitfalls (ha!) of construction unfold. We hope to be back in our house by April…??? As far as art shows go this year, I am still deciding what to apply for and where I best see myself and my artwork in 2020. However, I am always looking for new models with stories and owners willing to share their connection so I can continue to be inspired with new work. If you happen to have an equine model, and I are interested in learning how to have your horse featured in a series (even if I have to travel to get to you! sometimes my travels back to Canada allow me to take detours) please email me.

I think that is it for now. Thank you for reading and for following my progress as an artist. I am truly grateful for friends, clients and fellow artists who support me. Sometimes it’s a lonely journey so all your comments and emails help me through immensely. ❤️