Nature, Art, and Life Inspiration

Yesterday was the first day back to school for a lot of kids. A great time to get back into routine, and for myself it’s the perfect time to regroup on business. Today felt like a fresh start, another new beginning (of many, in these life cycles).

It is so great to be able to walk the beach in peace again – the summer tourists have cleared out, and there’s no big tractor out raking the sand at 8AM, or music blaring from the canteen… I can hear the waves, and feel the wind, and think clearly again without any man-made interference.

I had time to sit and sip my coffee at a local cafe, and write out all my ideas and plans and goals for this year. New workshops, new paintings… new projects and new routines to support them all. Dividing my time up between yoga teaching, writing my manual, oil painting, 2020 art calendar, and reorganizing my home space and work space… Not to mention time with my kid, family and friends.

NORTHUMBERLAND STUDIO TOUR

One thing I love to do every year to inspire myself is the Northumberland Studio Tour. It’s a free self-guided tour where you can explore a variety of artists in their homes/studios.

This year I am excited to check out Steve Levinson and Shannon Wood‘s location, as well as Luke Despatie‘s work. A few of my favourites in the past have been Christine Benson, Les Robling, Patricia Papp, Pamela Tate, Rebecca Last, Kathyrn McHolm, Mike Smith and Lyn Smith.

If you have the time this weekend, Sept 7th and 8th, go explore some local artists, you may even start some early Christmas shopping!

ST.MARK’S CHRISTMAS

I will share more as the time gets closer, but wanted to let people know that I will be participating in the Christmas Market again this year. They are also extending the hours, so people out shopping during “Moonlight Maddness” in Port Hope can check us out on Friday, November 22nd from 7-9pm, along with our usual Saturday the 23rd from 9am – 2:30pm.

The new oil collection will be introduced at the market, with more Canadian Landscapes… I still need a name for this collection! These are works in progress… still to be completed over next few months.

My 2020 calendar orders will be starting soon as well (stay tuned for that blog with images and prices), and will be for sale at the show.  This calendar will be from my collection of Ontario paintings “Home” and beyond.