Back from Christmas at Pender Island with my parents.The weather was wonderful- I took the photo of Mom and Suz on the beach on Christmas day. The beach is about a 3 minute walk from the house and is one of my favorite places- I have painted it many times. Later Suz and I wore our matching jammies for dinner.

Alan and I are getting ready to go to San Miguel de Allende in a couple of days. The challenge is figuring how to carry all our stuff on the plane. Alan has cut small panels out of door skins for us to paint on. I spent today gessoing them. They are very light and thin, so good for travellers. I haven't painted on them before- will let you know how it goes.

Spent two lovely days with Carol and Jeannie in Gibsons, and now I'm back to work. Painted the studio interior today, with the help of beloved sister Suzanne. Alan took this shot of me finishing the skylights.

Just finished this-" Green Lake Reflections", 24 x 30" acrylic.

A busy time around here- as I'm sure it is for all. I'm working on a new painting of Green Lake at Whistler. Progressive pictures here. The top half of the painting is getting close to finished although I'm considering upping the color saturation and maybe changing it in places. My work is always an exploration and I don't know what I'll get until it's finished.I will post the final image when it's done.

The studio continues to evolve. The drywall guy is here and I should have my pine ceiling by the end of the week.

Happy news today- this little painting, "Green Lake, Whistler" [11 x 14" acrylic], just won the Bronze medal at the annual Federation of Canadian Artists Signature members show.

This is my most recent painting- "Chorus Line" 30 x 30" acrylic. Just delivered it to the Federation Gallery in Vancouver. Also had to show you my beautiful shingles.

Spent the past two days putting shingles on the upper gables of the studio. Looks really cool but my body is barely moving right now. Our builder hung one of my red french doors today- it needs a second coat of paint- put that on the list. Insulation and wiring going in today.

So I have jumped on the bandwagon of creating small square paintings. It's really fun and a great way to loosen up without the pressure of a major painting. These are the three most recent ones- they are 8 x 8" acrylics.

So here's the big excitement around our house right now- my new studio!! Not quite finished but coming along nicely. I have been painting in a tiny bedroom in our house for 20 years so this will be amazing. It will 450 square feet- all mine.

Here I am with my best buddy, Blue. He is an Australian Shepherd and goes with me just about everywhere. We are heading to San Miguel d"Allende in January and he will be coming along. We 've rented a house with good friends Rick and Diane and plan to paint like crazy while we're there. Look forward to getting away from this endless rain for a while.