This painting did not come easy. I loved the beginning but kind of lost my way in the middle. Consulted with my genius sister who made a few color and value suggestions, and now I'm pretty happy with it.
"Sanctuary" 24 x 48" acrylic.

Here's how I spent my birthday- doing my favorite thing- walking around a beautiful place with dogs and some of my dearest women friends. We were at Pitt Lake in Pitt Meadows.

The light was not great for photos but I did get a few good shots. Will go back when it's sunny- it is a gorgeous location for subject matter.

Just finished this piece- the second Cheakamus Trial one. I started it while up at Whistler last week.
It was a busy weekend with Alan's birthday, Father's day and the opening of Alan's solo show here in Fort Langley.
"Cheakamus Trial II" 20 x 30" acrylic

Class reunion at Whistler

Just back from my class reunion at Lianne's beautiful home at Whistler. It was really fun to paint with the group. We went for a 2 hour hike on the morning of the second day.
All my favorite things in one place- creative friends, dogs, great food and a spectacular natural setting
Thank you, Lianne, for making it happen!

Just finished this guy. Good timing because I'm taking it to Whistler tomorrow. The image is the Cheakamus trail in Whistler so I'll probably be walking there in the next couple of days.
I'm going for a reunion with some of my students- we will paint, eat and probably watch the hockey game- go Canucks!

CheakamusTrail 20 x 30" acrylic

Here's few pictures from last weekend's event at Painters Lodge in Campbell River. Me with my friend Sue, expressing my opinion on the chocolate dipped strawberries, me with Arthur Vickers, checking out the texture of each other's hair- his feels like a hedgehog!, and me painting in the tent.

The main event was eating, followed by goofing around and yes, I did do a little painting.

In all seriousness, we had a wonderful time , as usual and I think the caliber of art there was even stronger than previous years. We are over 30 artists in residence now. Chief Tony Hunt was the chosen one for this year and he was a great addition to the group.

Every time I go to Painters, I come away with the understanding of how important it is for we creative folk to have time together. To see what everyone is doing, to talk about ideas, to talk about the struggles and the triumphs, to laugh together- this is all like gold to me. Next week I'm going to spend a couple of days in Whistler, painting with a group of my students- it should be more of the same good stuff.

Yesterday the sun came out and it was glorious. I spent the entire day outdoors- mostly working in the garden. I had hoped for a little studio time too but didn't make it that far. I have a new piece on the easel that is close to finished. I'll be posting it soon.