Today my friend Judy & I went painting outdoors, about 5 minutes from home. Both of us are fairly new to plein air painting. We felt that today we took a step forward in our skills and were pretty happy with the day. Nothing better than to sit outside in a beautiful place with a good friend, two good dogs and paint.

This little 12 x 12 isn't perfect, but progress is being made- that's all I ask. We're going again next week!

Here's the finished painting from the photo that I posted a while ago. This painting will be in the Stave Falls group show, which opens on Oct 28th. More details on the show later.

I don't have a title for this one yet- its a 24 x 18" acrylic.

It's been a busy few days. Last Thursday night we went to my sister Suzanne's opening for her joint show with Joe Coffey. It was packed with people and a great chance for us to catch up with some old friends. The show is stunning- check it out if you haven't seen it- it's on at Granville Fine Arts for the week.

Friday night it was the Federation of Canadian Artists annual art auction at Performance Works. Tension filled the air as ticket holders waiting for their name to be called so they could choose a painting. I was choosing on behalf of some friends who were unable to attend so I experienced the pressure firsthand. All in all it was a fun event and people were able to scoop up some pretty amazing art for the ticket price of $700.00

Yesterday my husband Alan, and our good friend Mike Svob, had a show open at White Rock Gallery. A great crowd, lots of red dots and the show looked beautiful. The contrast between Alan's and Mike's work is profound- Alan; subtle, detailed and thoughtful, Mike: bold, colourful and exhuberant but somehow it all works together. White Rock Gallery has the visual presentation down to a fine art itself so check out this show if you are in the area.

We got home today from a great week at the FCA workshop on Gabriola Island. Here's a couple of small paintings that I did on location, plus a shot of one of our painting groups with Alan.

We got to spend time with some treasured old friends and made some new ones as well. I learned something from each instructor and was grateful to be able to work on my plein air skills. I'm not where I want to be yet but the work is getting better. I'll keep plugging along and see where it leads me.

Speaking of plein air, Apple Day is coming up in Fort Langley on Oct 1st. It's an opportunity to paint outdoors with a group, in a beautiful setting along the banks of the Fraser River. Email me if you'd like more info- everyone is welcome.

I enjoyed every minute of painting this little guy. Seems the painting block and discontent has lifted for the moment- what a relief! Now I feel bursting with ideas for things to paint.

"Teen Angel" 16 x 20" acrylic

Today I took advantage of this glorious weather that we've been getting to go on a photo hike with artist friends Linda and Judy. These are two of my favorite shots of the day. We took dogs and a picnic lunch and we all agreed that life doesn't get any better than being outside in nature, with good friends on a beautiful day. We all felt so blessed to have so much natural beauty this close to home.

Next week Alan and I go to Gabriola Island for the Federation plein air painting workshop. I am really looking forward to painting outdoors with the group. I'll post a few of my paintings from that on the blog if I manage to do anything worthwhile- still a beginner at the whole plein air thing.

Finished this piece today. It's a river bed in the Chilliwack area. I love the color of the rocks and tried to keep the painting fairly light in value to capture the softness of the blues and greens.

"The River's Trail" 30 x 40" acrylic

It's a hive of activity around our house. My husband , Alan, is getting ready for his two person show with Mike Svob at the White Rock Gallery. That opens on July 25th and it will be a stunner.

Also my sister Suzanne is staying with us right now so she can paint for her upcoming show with Joe Coffey at Granville Fine Arts. That opens September 22, so check it out if you're in Vancouver.

As for me, I just hung 7 paintings in the lobby of the Hollyburn Country club. They will be up for the month of September. Now I'm working on some paintings for the Stave Falls Art Group's annual show in October. They kindly invited me to be their guest artist this year. More details on that event closer to the time.