Chrissandra's Art

San Juan Islands Commission

2011-09-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

I recently finished a diptych (two piece painting) for a couple who have a cabin in the San Juan Islands. They wanted a painting that resembled the view they have from their living room window:

After thinking for a while about how I could come up with a composition with trees, beach, mountains and ocean, I drew up a simple sketch that met with their approval:

and I began the painting(s).

The finished piece:

"Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon" 36" x 72" (36x36 ea)

They were very pleased with the painting and were kind enough to send me a photo of how it looks hanging above their fireplace:

I enjoyed tackling a new composition idea and working with people who allowed me to be as creative as I needed to be. (Thanks J & C!)

Gallery 223 Art Exhibition

2011-06-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

There was a steady flow of friends and art lovers all day at the Opening on June 18.
The show runs at Gallery 223 in Nanaimo until June 30.

Jenkins Showler Gallery Opening New Location Today

2011-05-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Jenkins Showler Gallery is opening their doors to a new location today at

The Shops at Morgan Crossing

Unit 101 - 15735 Croydon Drive

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

V3S 2L5

I am exhibiting these 2 pieces for the first time at Jenkins Showler:

The Love that Surrounds Me 1 and 2 36" x 36" ea

These two pieces hanging together are 3 high by 6 feet long and give the viewer a feeling of being surrounded by lush cedars in one of British Columbia's grand forests.

Making a trip to this new location makes for a great day of visiting beautiful shops and restaurants.

Painting Two Loves

2010-10-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

I like to switch back and forth from painting my admiration of the free flowing trees of British Columbia and my fascination and love of architecture: Italian and of beautiful Vancouver, BC.

I finished a couple of new paintings of Italy after returning from my last trip there in September. They are both from the Cinque Terre region... I love painting these because the scenes put me right back there when I'm working on them... >> sigh <<

Riomaggiore Harbour 36x24

Italian Afternoon in Vernazza 24"x24"

I am continuing to work on new pieces for my Vancouver City Series of paintings this week. If you have any favourite places, views of or buildings in Vancouver that you'd like to see painted, I love to know about them.

New Arbutus Tree Paintings

2010-10-31T19:52:00.000-07:00

Better When We're Together 24x36

Dance Like No One's Watching 24x36

We've Got the Whole World (in Our Hands) 48x18

With Arms Wide Open 30x24

In with the New and Out with the Old

2010-07-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the West Coast theme, I've decided to compliment the Tree Series I am still working on, with a Vancouver City series. These are the first two pieces, more to come!

I introduce to you, The New:

"We Simply Have It All" 24" x 36"

[View of English Bay, Downtown Vancouver from Point Grey Road, Kitsilano Beach]

"Friendly Neighbours" 36" x 36"

[view from 29th Floor, Sheraton Wall Centre, Burrard Street]

As I was working, I had a story going on in my head for this painting: I was imagining the middle building to be a woman, the two outside buildings were men who were chatting her up at sunset...

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And Out with the Old, being, of course, the aftermath from focused creativity and the constant decision making involved.

So, yep... out with the Old to get ready to begin more New!

Artea Art Academy & Art Cohousing, Rome, Italy. Chrissandra Unger Artist in Residence in September

2010-07-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

Cohousing Artea Art Artist Residency Sharing Art: artist Chrissandra Unger - Residence in September. Rome, Italy

Artea Art Academy Art Cohousing website: Italian English

"The Hands of an Artist"

2010-07-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL VIEWERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

"The Hands of an Artist" (or "How to Attract a Man in 5 Minutes or Less")

My hands. Feminine they're not, they're worker hands.

I'm not necessarily self conscious of them in public, but I do make an effort not to draw attention to them either. I love rings - have some really nice hand made ones - don't wear 'em very often though.

I've been working non-stop for the last two weeks preparing for an exhibition in downtown Vancouver with Lions Bay Art Gallery: constructing panels, working with plaster, soaking rags, cleaning dusty floors, carving, painting, mixing various chemicals and materials, scraping and so on (and on...) but these digits dig it!

When one of my friends or family say that I've got "the hands of an artist", I know it's coming from a good place... they love me :)

When someone else says it, I'm not exactly sure how to interpret it...

It doesn't really matter anyway... I actually clean up pretty good.

(My dear mom bought me a manicure gift certificate - I guess she knew exactly what I'll be needing!)

Chrissandra's Art: Invitation to Vancouver Art Show on Now

2010-05-21T01:32:00.000-07:00

Chrissandra's Art: Invitation to Vancouver Art Show on Now:

WHERE: Guiness Tower at 1035 West Pender, Oceanic Plaza
on the PENDER STREET side.

WHEN: from May 17th to June 4th, Mondays to Fridays
9am to 6pm.

Invitation to Vancouver Art Show on Now

2010-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

My work is being exhibited with the
LIONS BAY ART GALLERY in
downtown Vancouver.

Go Beyond Your Wildest Dreams 36x36

WHERE: Guiness Tower at 1035 West Pender St, Oceanic Plaza
on the PENDER STREET side.

WHEN: from May 17th to June 4th, Mondays to Fridays
9am to 6pm.

Building a Mystery 20x24

Tell a friend. Bring a friend.

We're All Allowed a Little Indulgence Once in a While

2010-05-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

This is my companion and loyal friend, Buster.

Avid Reader

Self-Taught Artist

Accomplished Pianist

________________________________________________

[Brief Digression Session]

How I acquired Buster:

I used to live on Vancouver Island and had two great neighbours named Bryn and Kara. After about 4-5 years, I had to move from the Island and also give up my buddy Blue.

The girls knew how much my heart was breaking over this, so they brought joy to me in the form of Buster... low maintenance and very cuddly.

[Digression Concluded]

________________________________________________

Buster's routine is incredibly simple - if he's not accompanying me in my artistic endeavours, he just stays quiet and naps.

His idea of "tying one on" might consist of such innocuous activities such as over indulging in store-bought treats.

So anyway...

This last Friday Buster decided to have his buddy Axton over to watch the game.

He's a great pooch: affectionate, full of [real] life, positive attitude (good parenting, I'm sure). He's the alpha pooch and encourages Buster not to be so stuffy.

Fashionable Axton

But don't be fooled simply by his charm and good looks. This dog has depth.

Fisherman

Surfer

Trekker

During the evening I was busy attending to my own activities and left the two of them to do their own thing.

Being the night owl that I am, I got busy doing people stuff and kind of forgot about them for a while.

Yikes!

To my astonishment...

I walked in on some evening exploits that obviously got a little out of hand!

Light-weight Buster, crashed out early by the fire

Axton taking the party outside until the wee hours.

Axton apologized profusely with snorts and wet kisses.

while Buster slept it off most of the afternoon.

I suppose there's a first time for everything and we're all allowed a little safe indulgence from time to time - the hard part is paying for it later.

Poor pups.

My Dog Fix

2010-03-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today at Mill Lake

This morning as I was catching up with some emailing, I sent a quick note to my friend Crystal to see how she was doing and that I was going to go for around Mill Lake today. She was at work, but promptly emailed me back.

I imagined that if she was speaking to me face to face, I would see the look of hopeful anticipation on her face and a wee bit of a plea in her voice as I read: "Oh I wish you could take Dax on your walk!!! When are you going?".

Big smile on my face now! I quickly finished my coffee and met Crystal at her place as she goes home for lunch.

From Videos

(click on picture or link to see video, THEN CLICK "BACK" to get back to blog)

From Videos

(click on picture or link to see video, THEN CLICK "BACK" to get back to blog)

So, this afternoon I had the serendipitous and distinct privilege of taking my buddy Dax for walk. Thanks Crystal!

Dax is looking pooped!

Lost and Rediscovered

2010-03-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

I ripped this picture out of a magazine YEARS ago, and just rediscovered it in one of those piles of stuff I seem to hang on to.

It made me smile as it did about 20 years ago when I first saw it...

... just feels like me.

Additions to Tree Series

2010-02-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

Whew! Finally finished the following bunch and continuing to work on more for the upcoming show in Vancouver. There will be some that take on more of a "landscapey" feel instead of just a close up of the trees.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Go Beyond Your Wildest Dreams 36x36

Another very similar painting, but much smaller:

Allow Your Imagination to take its Journey 16x16

Reaching for the Highest Potential 36x18

Summer Afternoon Stretch 24x12

The Wild, Wild West 24x12

Forest Sentinels at Dusk 18x24

Detail: Forest Sentinels at Dusk 18x24

Three in Harmony 24x18

Challenge the Day 12x12

NEW Painting NEW Blog, NEW Promise for New Year!

2010-01-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well... for the last couple of weeks I've had a good nudge from readers to "get on it" and write a NEW blog... so here's just a quick update.

I hereby raise my right hand and swear a PROMISE to be more consistent with my writing!

Christmas was a busy painting time for me - finishing up some commissions for clients and gifts for their loved ones. Below is a picture of a recent painting of my favourite place:

Balcony View of Mediterranean Sea (Vernazza, Italy) 36" x 48"

Right now I am working on another series of tree paintings for an Art Exhibition during the 2010 Olympics hosted here in Vancouver.

Both Lions Bay Art Gallery and Jenkins Showler Gallery will have new work of mine very soon, so stay tuned!

I'll be posting an invitation to the show which you are welcome to share with anyone you know. I will also post some preview photos of the pieces for you to see and pass on to your friends and family when they are completed.

Thanks for your patience!

Recollecting a Serendipitous Art Moment

2009-10-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

I was just working on cleaning up my computer, and I found this photo:

I was having lunch with a group of Italians at il Monazeno Ristorante a couple of years ago. While dishing some spaghetti out for myself from the first course, I accidently dropped a couple of tomatoey noodles on the table cloth...

...violà! The Latina Spaghetti Dancer was fortuitously born!

Cheap Thrills

2009-10-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

"Things that Amuse Me" or "My Tribute to a Pre-Halloween Abbotsford Psycho-Type Moment"

Filmmaker/Videographer I'm not... but I can only imagine if I had iMovie (and of course some skill) ... then I might really astound my mammoth audience.

[If you believe that, then I'm sorry to disillusion you.]

Deliveries and Donations

2009-10-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

Things to do that are part of the job...

One if by Land, Two if by Sea 36"x15"

delivered to Jenkins Showler Gallery, White Rock

Momento Espresso 18x24

delivered to Vancouver Hospice Society

Bouquet of White Flowers 24"x24"

delivered to BC Children's Hospital Foundation

My Sister Cracks Me Up

2009-10-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

My sister and I exist in extreme polar lives... She as wife, at home with husband and 5 kids, me as artist, roaming about the planet, child-free.

I sent her the following article in jest:

Actual 1955 Good Housekeeping article.

to which she responded in semi-jest (lol):

__________________________________

What is so funny about this? I do this every day for my sweet endearing darling. When he comes home I am so gay (third bullet point) that he just feels gay himself. I am just quiet and let him tell me all about his travels and exquisite 5 star restaurant gourmet dishes while I have been happily feeding 5 children frozen dinners and gaily, continually tidying the house so that I can make a nice trail to walk through.

I minimize all noise by taping my children’s mouths shut as I comb through their knotted hair and wash their faces before he arrives. Oh, but the bliss continues as I cater to him by propping up his favourite pillow behind his tired, weary head and offer to take off his shoes from a long trip. I smile as I get a cold beer from the fridge for him.

Lastly, I make sure I have put deodorant on and touch up my hair and make-up from a long day of children pulling, screaming, and joyful demands that never cease. My husband looks to me to satisfy every personal need and I am there to provide it. I am woman, joyful friend, cook, and confidant.

I do not have any needs and have been programmed by society to be a robot with no emotions or feelings. It is so wonderful and I love life as I am cheerfully wound up for a new glorious day that awaits!

__________________________________

And so another day begins for us both, each on our different planets...

(Love ya 'Cheez'! xo)

Another Path to Inspiration

2009-09-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

... and I mean "the path" literally as well as inspirationally.

You want a view? Here, you gotta earn it baby! No elevators, seniors' scooters, escalators or any other type of "UP" methods of human body transport, just what you've got on you.

Just so you know, you've it good - by this first photo, we are now half way there to more inspiration. This journey starts from just outside Susie's front door on Via San Francesco in Vernazza - she lives up a good few "stories" by this point.

Let's go!

heading around the first bend...

gotta stop and enjoy this...

heading around the next bend...

up the next path...

you gotta look over the edge to see more things...

her studio is in the former church which is also Vernazza's city hall now - the bells still echo thru the hills on the hour and half hour, the new church is down in the village in Piazza Marconi. Her studio space is in the former priest's residence before the church was converted into what it is today.

outdoor "lobby" of church

Ok. We're ready to enter the church... but we're not there yet...

outdoor courtyard inside the church

she's got a lot of free reign around here... they like her!

(courtyard)

just in case you need a rest, I haven't included yet another flight of stairs in this foto journey... you can thank me later.

pass by and overlook Vernazza's elementary school playground... (you'd THINK school would be fun with this view!)

Susie and Jake come to the door and...

yep... go up more stairs.

Oh, but WORTH IT!

Sepia tones can take you back in time. Never seen the sea so black as it was this day - it was the morn after a big thunder and lightening storm.

former kitchen... now another work space for her

her main work room... I'd love to rip up her floor and frame it! (she's laid a canvas sheet over the stone)

Charcoal sketches...

Another work space outdoors high up on the church "catwalk"... that sounds rather ironic!

Jake's "running room" on a rainy day (part of the outside area of her studio) - I had to catch him running... he's so sweet!

happy "Jake prints"

ready to start new pieces... at the moment, most of her work is at her exhibition in Genova.

Heading back down now...

Good exercise, beautiful view, gorgeous paintings - and also lovin' that floor of hers - refreshed my inspiration once again!

[even Jake has learned "il calcio" (soccer, or football for you Europeans!) ] :

Amalfi Fish Shop - A Mini Adventure

2009-09-09T03:22:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you who know me, I love fishing and all things about the sea. So, this blog is for all of you who enjoy similar things, or just simply looking at photos!

Sun coming up in Amalfi streets.

On the way to the fish market store from Amalfi. Yes, this is a 2-way street... the MAIN street.

Luigi: quiet, thinking, smoking - notice the missing mirror, most are ripped off in traffic or driving too close to rocks to avoid traffic, OR just driving too darn crazy! [Me: quiet also, foto and foto and foto taking...]

Part of the main 'drag'.

Short wee video clip... camera battery SOooo close to dying and I am SOooo not done yet!

Arrived at shop... the guys, checkin' out today's catch.

Deep plates of local fish.

Shellfish tubs.

They can't ALL be called Alice... hehe

"i Dentici"... yep, they got teeth.

Sword fish. Mmmmm.

Totani (Squid)... these are little guys - you should see the big ones!

Got lots of guts...

Looking out from the fish shop - lots of lovely Amalfi lemon trees! To the left (not in photo) is the Mediterranean Sea.

Brisk 2 sec espresso stop, then back on the windy road... I'm standing by front door, cafe is SUPER narrow, perched on the cliff...

Just outside cafe, hop in car and head to the left, back to the Fiord restaurant.

Espresso with a side of water - I'm much slower at drinking it than the Italians!

Crossroad Signs

Quickly off again back to restaurant in the Fiord... an even shorter wee clip of winding Amalfi road - camera battery finally dead... :(

...but I arrived safe and sound from fun little adventure!

"Benvenuti a Fiordo di Furore!"

2009-09-08T02:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Fiord of Furore!

Furore translates to “fury” in English... here, it is the fury of the sea. When a torrent sea is present, the water rages with great force, exploding like an angry volcano of sea water through the narrow channel of the Fiord.

The following photo was taken in 1987 of such a storm:

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Every July, there is a platform set up for a diving competition on the other side of the bridge - an amazing drop of 30 meters. This poster is from 2007, the first time I lived here.

the bridge:

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Yesterday, the fisherman were going out to sea and the surf was a little too rough for them to launch their boats. They lined the beach with their bows aimed seaward, anxiously waiting for the calming of the sea. Silent and reverent in anticipation... except for the sound of the waves crashing ashore.

All of the sudden, the fishermen started shouting all at once! “Go! Go NOW!”

I quickly grabbed my camera to capture this moment on video, but of course, I got lost in the moment and kept filming and filming... that particular video is the best, but the file is too large to post on my blog!

Here’s another video that’s shorter - but it definitely lacks the drama of the first one.

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Earlier during the day I had gone for a swim out past the bridge and back. As I was nearing the shore, one of the older village fisherman whom I know, asked me if I wanted to go for a short row to see some of the villas that are hewn out of, and built up around the cliffs. [Yes... there can be benefits of being a woman in Italy... just choose wisely and appropriately!]. As he rowed, I wondered who lived in this one... what that one looked like inside... what were the secrets of their past...? I was shown the sea rock ‘carved’ by the wind and elements known as the small Madonna (lo scoglio della madonnina) who seems to gaze out to the mariners, perched on nature’s towering stone plinth. Now I was the silent and reverent one.

[Sorry, didn’t take camera swimming!]

We soon arrived at a little moorage spot close to shore to stop for a short swim. There are many of these “moorage” areas scattered about... they consist of a floating plastic container, or plastic pop bottle (anything that will float, really) with a looped rope on top to attach to your oar peg, then also a longer rope wrapped around a rock at the sea bottom. By the way, the oar peg is often just a jammed in stick, but hey, whatever works!

As I was swimming around, I headed toward the shore rocks that welcomed the gently swooshing waves that flowed around them. Apparently it was calling ME too. I knew I had to be a little careful, but there really wasn’t a lot of motion happening... only until one swoosh too many that totally surprised me (that’s how the gets us all!). I grabbed on to the rocks (ohhhh... don’t EVER do that!)... the soles of my feet, knees and palms of my hands got a wee bit scraped on the shells and corrals that are attached to the rocks.

I am told that the sea heals all wounds, so I guess I’ll simply have to keep on swimming - just a little tough to walk right now! Nothing like a little (operative word here!) raking and gouging on sea rocks to make one feel alive!

On the row back, I got my usual lesson in Italian from this singing and educating fisherman... this time about the weather and about the wind, the name of each kind of wind, depending on from which direction it comes...

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Villa Borghese by Bicycle

2009-09-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

For today's Roman adventure, I decided to walk to the Villa Borghese... not too far from my b&b, but still a good distance. I've seen a lot of the popular monuments and historic sites on previous visits, but this one was new.

As I started out, I stumbled upon a street market - so many nice things, from Parma ham, to fresh buffalo mozzarella, super inexpensive (and NICE) clothes and oh yes, those beautiful Italian shoes. Yet somehow, I... resisted. I didn't take a picture of the market - I figured it not too wise for a small blonde woman to start 'playing tourist' in this congested area and perhaps, get corralled in and away from the crowd, taken somewhere only to disappear into nowhere. [how dramatic! lol, but you gotta think of these things!]

This blog, for the most part, is a story in pictures. Primarily because I couldn't decide which photos to choose, and also because I'm too tired to write a lot.

Thus begins my day at the Villa Borghese.

The first thing I saw was TREES!! One of my favourite subjects... these fascinating umbrella pines that saturate the city of Rome.

Just then I found out that I could rent a bike and see more trees, and more statues, and cover more ground, and more things, and have the wind in my face, and enjoy a sort of quietness! [Sometimes I think that the inside of my head is noisy enough]. This bike rental place looked pretty interesting, so that's what I did: rented a 'bici normale'.

Me with my bici normale ["beechee normalay"], basket and all - feeling like a real italiana!

got a map of the Villa grounds (like this sign)...

... needed to fill my water bottle before I started...

stopped to view the Piazza del Popolo from above....

scr-r-reached to a stop when I saw this sign - it's my favourite Italian actor - you know him from La Dolce Vita and other films...

then took some other pictures of things that I just liked:

Mmmmm... ok... how about a gelato now? As soon as I saw the sign for gelato, I stopped by 'bici' and my eyes wandered over to the cooler beside the ice cream. Oh... look at that... a Corona! So, I chose that instead. A gelato vendor here is kind of like the ice cream truck at home - quick fix, but not the best fix. So I'm waiting till I can have the real thing. At least a Corona is always a Corona!

... pedalled past the Zoo...

... looked up in awe at this napoleonic statue... (don't ask me who he is, sorry)

Then I saw Leopardi (don't know who HE is either). But he looked so disheartened. All of his friends, philosophers, poets and the like were all so solemn (AND separated).

I decided to imagine that after dark, they all come to life and shoot the breeze about the issues of the day. Maybe they even storm the gelato/Corona vendor!

I figured this pigeon had the right idea - so I also took a little stroll through the sprinklers to cool down. (NO, not in the dirty bird bath).

Saw the Galleria Borghese (as well as the other Museums and Galleries) and was really not in the mood to go in - maybe next time - it almost felt like I would be incarcerating myself to leave the beauty of the outside. It was just my bike and me today!

Now tired, I decide to take the Metro [subway] home. I thought this picture was quite a contrast of subjects... modernity against the backdrop of antiquity.

The first level of entry into the bowels of the city was through here - felt like I was on the set of Star Trek or something... in Rome... ???

So... before coming "home", I bought my train ticket for tomorrow to Salerno. [Next time, let me tell you how notorious the Italians can be for budging and slinking in line ahead of you...]. I'm off to Amalfi to stay with a family who has adopted me as their sister (close to Fiordo di Furore where I painted the mural in 2007). Can't wait! The food is going to be tasty, authentic with company and conversation to match.

Don't Over-Think It

2009-08-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

I ask myself, "why am I so fascinated with the sky lately?"

Maybe the sky is an allegory telling me I'm ready to move up, move beyond...

Perhaps I'm supposed to think bigger, expand, change existing thoughts or views...

Possibly...

... whatever potential fathom of logic I allow myself run away with,

it's best to settle for something I know for sure.

The sky is a wide blue yonder that is fascinating, inspiring and intriguing me...

... quite simply, I like it.

Smokies, Wieners and Hot Doggies

2009-08-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

My friend Crystal, and her daughter Summer, have THE cutest Mini Dachshund, "Dax"...

Crystal is a loving .

Yesterday was the Dachshund Picnic and Wiener Walk in Tsawassen and she invited me to come along... my lucky day! I am devoted to dogs and was delighted to indulge in a divine date with dozens of diverse dachshunds.

As we drove along, we were comforted to see a number of these:

... we knew we were on the right track.

Alas... we had arrived.

I was quite amused that the picnic fare was hot dogs and smokies... nothing like a good mix of wieners.

After a few moments of getting acquainted with each other with a little bit of this

and quite a bit of this:

it was time to Let the Games Begin.

Dax and Crystal skillfully won first prize in a round of "musical hoops"...

were victorious in the "Dachshund Chasing Wiener on a Stick" race...

AND, just to clench their gold medal status, they aced the "Best Trick" category.

What a team! W E L L D O N E CRYSTAL AND DAX!

What a wonderful weeny-filled day it was!

Is it true, "You Get What You Pay For"?

2009-08-07T17:06:00.001-07:00

I recently flew back from 5 days in the San Francisco Bay area. If given a choice of where to sit on the plane, I opt for a window seat. As to which window, it doesn't really matter to me - just not that annoying one that's directly above the wing.

So, I did get my pick of a window seat on this flight - on the right-hand side of the plane, in economy class... (bear with me here...). The sky was clear, my camera uncased and securely placed on my lap and primed for some picture-taking action after take-off.

Following are some photos I took from California to Vancouver, and some thoughts regarding "you get what you pay for".

~~ above San Jose, California ~~

Today I had lunch with someone who was telling me how great it is to fly first class on British Airways. On long haul flights (London, England in this case), the seats in BA's first class section convert into comfy, flat beds. Passengers are supplied with (as well as various other perks), PJs, slippers, a comfy duvet, AND you wake up to a tasty breakfast... yes, they said 'tasty'. Hearing about their pleasurable experience and of the quality service they received, I'd say that with the healthy price of these seats, they got what they paid for.

Flying first class is not something that is in my budget, but when I was in my 20s, I was once bumped up (like WAY up) to first class due to an airline overbooking mistake, so when they asked me if I was ok with that, well... uh, ya... what do you think I said? I savoured every tidbit of this champagne moment and additional benefits that I would have been totally oblivious to if I was seated in '28B'.

So, using the above situation as an analogy, allow me to share my thoughts with you on the idea of "you get what you pay for":

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Aside from the pilots who have the panoramic advantage (good thing), as far as I know, EVERY passenger that sits on the left side of the plane, sees only the scenery that is visible through the window on the left side of the plane (btw, all passenger windows are the same size) - therefore, I have arrived at the brilliant conclusion that the same phenomenon exists for the passengers situated on the right side of the plane, only observing the scenery through the window on the right side of the plane. (That's if you're not 'rubber-necking' over the aisle to see what's on the other side).

Assuming this is true, the view from first class is no different from that in economy class.

[oh, and I have no problem with my 'cozy' personal space in economy. I'm short. I can stretch out or curl up quite comfortably in my thrifty, compact department.]

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From San Jose to all the way home, I had a great view from the sky and was captivated by the colourful squares and patches of land that cultivators till and manage, conforming to the wiggles and squiggles of the river...

~~ Puget Sound ~~

... the sun shining over Puget Sound

... the diverse scenery between cities and mountains, and being lucky enough to sit beside someone that I could have an interesting conversation with.

~~ above downtown Seattle, Washington ~~

~~ Mt. Baker, Washington ~~

I suppose that "getting what you pay for" boils down to what you're after, about being happy with what you can afford, using your imagination, taking advantage of unique situations and perhaps just simply enjoying the ride.

Quotes on Canvas

2009-07-22T03:16:00.000-07:00

I kinda have a thing for quotes: witty, humourous, provocative, motivating - anything to make me laugh, think, or challenge my existing thoughts.

The idea of putting a quote on a canvas came from my facebook artist friend, Sam Stephen MacAulay.

A perennial favourite of mine:

I'm going to decorate a wee corner in my studio with this 6" x 6" motivator...

Introducing Thomas

2009-07-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

I met Thomas this weekend at my cousin's 4th of July party in Lynden, WA. ...

affectionate, fun, energetic and made me laugh all day.

Now, ain't he just the cutest?

Bridal Veil Falls (noun, not verb)

2009-06-25T21:36:00.000-07:00

Not particularly sunny outside today, but I just had to get out of the house. At about 3:00pm, after jiu jitsu class, a piano student and a short, but luscious wee nap, I hit the road.

I had no plans, just jumped in the car and headed east on Highway 1. I always keep the things I find essential in the back of my vehicle: sketch book, pencil, rubber boots, rain jacket, umbrella, pillow, blanket, candle and yes, a wine opener.

As I passed my home town of Chilliwack, I thought of Bridal Falls (FYI, we 'locals' don't always use "Veil" in the title) and how I haven't been there since I was a kid.

As I mentioned in the video, the poplar tree fluff was oddly suspended in the air - looked real ethereal - too bad I didn't catch it before the breeze picked up and changed that particular aura. Too bad this video is actually too small to see things clearly...

I parked my car, donned my rain jacket (just in case), pocketed my camera and stepped out into a marvelously fresh and mossy aroma. Before going anywhere, it was a definite MUST to stop right there and take a full moment to close my eyes and breathe it all in to spark my senses.

The sign said: "Bridal Veil Falls, 15 min". Well, it wasn't even that, and I arrived at the base.

Ah yes... this is it [insert nostalgic smile here] ... remind any of you guys from CSSS of the 1983 school year book cover? Well, that's the first thing that popped into my head at that very moment... here's my similar photo of that cover:

Remember?

I started my decent to do some more exploring.

Heading back to my vehicle:

A simple, spontaneous mini adventure that guided me to unexpected memories while renewing my spirit and reviving my senses. An afternoon well spent.

Obsession with the Sky

2009-06-25T01:40:00.000-07:00

I have been intrigued by the Sky's patterns for some time now.

Various times in the day, change of weather and seasons brand the Sky as a marvelous artist. I hope She doesn't mind that I took liberties to alter photos of Her original expressions, but using iPhoto at times was just too tempting to pass up...

Vancouver Sky:

Arizona Sky:

Italian Sky:

Abbotsford Sky:

...besides, I believe that seeing as the Sky's masterpieces change so constantly, surely She won't mind me capturing Her creations and adding a bit of "me-ness" to them to share with you.

A Little Change of Attitude

2009-02-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

I was in downtown Vancouver today, around Main and Hastings. I was stuck in the left lane behind someone who decided to turn left at the last minute (that REALLY burns me - "Oh, let me see how many people I can pile up behind me, then I'll turn my left signal on" - ).

As I stewed on low heat for a moment, my pot was stirred by the addition of a pleasant ingredient:

Yes, it was the happy bus. I've never seen this patchwork transit monster before, but it sure made my day.

Seeing as I was waiting anyway, I decided to take a picture. Now I'm smiling all over again.

I forgot about my stew and decided to throw it out.

Evening Glow

2009-01-30T23:24:00.000-08:00

I met a friend tonight for a beer at the Watermark Restaurant. I've never been there... it's located in one of my favorite places in the city, on Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver. We talked a little about this and that... business, art, photography & some light talk about past moments in life. I had a good time.

As we stepped outside and said goodbye, I turned left down the path and walked toward my car.

I took a glance to my right to look down the beach and I knew I had to dig (and I mean DIG) around in my purse to find my camera. The sky was glowing around Cyprus Mountain and the beach sand had a warm reflection from the night sky and restaurant lights behind me.

As I looked around, it seemed like everything had this same warmth emanating from it. The moon wasn't full, but I suppose my senses were.

It began as a nice evening and surely ended just the same.

Emerging from the Procrastination Tunnel

2009-01-26T00:37:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is. I start off energized and excited about getting a painting started. I love drawing out the image and composing it on the board.

After I do the ground work of the black base, then I block in my color choices. It's all good... in fact, it's fantastic! I'm on a roll... nothing can stop me!

Then, then there is this horrible stage that almost always emerges. It's the real decision making time. What kind of sky? Day? Night? Sunny? Cloudy? How do I want to develop the rocks (because they will reflect the nature of the sky)?

Half of the problem is that I get so enthralled with all my ideas, that I start too many paintings at one time and overwhelm myself. I know this. But I do it every time.

This time I had eight on the go at once (which is not at all unusual). After my inevitable bout of hair pulling and indecision, I had to put four away (their backs to me so I cannot see them - in fact, they are in another room). I will rediscover them after I finish the first bunch of four.

So after a few days of languishing, anaylzing, shrugging and doubting myself, I somehow emerge from this tunnel of procrastination. Although, it doesn't feel like I'm actually procrastinating because I seem to spend a lot of time thinking... thinking, then thinking some more. I'm not quite sure what good it does, but none-the-less, that's what I do "Dream a Little Dream" 18" x 36"

Now, tonight, I have finished these four and will deliver them to Lions Bay Art Gallery on Friday.

"Early One Morning" (left)

24" x 6"

"Quickening of the Nite" (right)

24"x 6"

"Conducting the Symphony of the Sea"
36"x36"

Now, I'm tired. But surely I will begin this process all over again after I finish the other four paintings that were banished earlier to make way for these four.

An Unexpected Day

2009-01-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

It's been foggy for the past few days here at home in the Valley, on the West Coast as well, but yesterday (Saturday) it finally burned off, or blew away, or whatever it does.

Seeing as the sun was shining and the air was crisp, I decided to go for a mini escape out to Vancouver.

As I drove along the highway further into the city, the fog started up again in thick patches. I felt a little disappointed as I wasn't going to see the sun glistening off the ocean, but I kept driving, looking forward to getting out of the Valley.

I arrived at Dundarave in West Van. at about 2:30pm, parked and breathed in the heavy air. I imagined I didn't know the area or what lay beyond the bank of fog that blanketed the ocean.

The sound of the fog horn was consistent and comforting.

Mist surrounded the pier and Beach House, stuck to the trees like cotton candy... Mystical, mesmerizing, mysterious...

I hadn't walked in this neighbourhood for about 15 years or so and hadn't seen the mini art displays imbedded in the rocks just outside the sea wall path.

Small tiled mosaics sporadically decorated the piles of rocks beside the walk. They were the colourful bits of joy that made me smile and think of only good things.

My smile turned into a private chuckle when I neared these driftwood reptiles propped up on the beach facing me and the passers-by.

The afternoon was refreshing for all my senses. The sunny day I was expecting to experience turned into a whole 'nother one. Somehow I just saw things differently...

Inspiration from the Internet

2009-01-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

I felt that today was a total write-off as far as making art is concerned. I just couldn't get into it. But alas, I spent some time surfing other artists' blogs and facebook pages, and have been re-inspired to create. Tonight I'm going to get a good night's sleep, wake up refreshed and get to work.

Sometimes we should allow ourselves some down time to get revved up again.

I loved seeing the variety of work, thoughts, methods and colours. Thanks to all you artists out there!

Family Appreciation during Tough Times

2009-01-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

I don't have kids and I don't know anyone who has had a sick child, therefore, I never realized how special a Children's Hospital is...

Last week my mom and I flew to Alberta to visit my sister and her family. My sister's newest family addition, only a few days old, contracted meningitis - scary surprise for everyone. So not only were my mom and I going to see the new baby, we were going to see them in the hospital and spend a lot of time there as well...

All the soap dispensers are the decorated with the "Soapy Soap" guy - makes you wanna wash your hands often because he's so cute! Then don't forget to use the hand sanitizer before you hold the baby...

I don't think anyone has ever taken a picture of me holding a baby, but here it is! What a sweetie - she's so small, light and CUTE!

The hospital had great places to make families feel comfortable and "at home" as could be.

The girls made some cards and stockings for mom in the hospital's art room and the crafts were displayed in her room. They really miss her!

We hadn't celebrated Christmas together yet, so we had it at the hospital as sis and baby can't leave until the treatment is finished.

My brother-in-law ordered a couple of yummy pizzas for our Christmas in the Family Room. So my sis and baby walked, strolled and rolled (all "connected") down here to be with everyone.

This was also our "pre-game" dinner before we went up to the Hospital Theatre room to watch the Flames game on the big screen...

In case you didn't notice, they are avid Flames fans! In fact, my nephew knew all the trivia question answers during the commercial breaks.

The hospital had prizes for correct answers and he won a little stuffed Moose for all of his sisters... even the baby! What a sweetie!

Great bunch of kids... love 'em tons!

There's a lot of work with a family this size... I'm amazed at how strong and resiliant my sister and her husband are. Wow!

The older brother and sister have been incredible by helping dad to keep the household going while mom is finishing her 21 days in hospital with baby.

Latest news is that the meningitis was caught in time and the baby is doing fantastic. I'm thankful for Alberta Children's Hospital and so blessed to have such a great family! xo

Elemental Links

2008-12-09T22:19:00.000-08:00

I can't remember exactly what day it was, but I know it was a Sunday because that's when my neighbor, Helen, has a day off. I ran into her downstairs at the front door of our building as I was leaving to enjoy a walk around Mill Lake in the early autumn afternoon sun .

We did our regular "chit chat" kind of thing, told her where I was going, what I was planning on doing... then headed out on foot with sketch book and pencil in backpack - looking forward to purchasing a double, non-fat latte to accompany me on my journey...

After my coffee and I joined forces, we walked a short a short distance and arrived at Mill Lake, found an empty picnic table to settle down on, and began to share the moment. I started to create some sketches of a few nearby scenes - I am now recalling the typical autumn smells of that day and can even sense the fresh, cool tip of my nose. As I am sipping and sketching, I hear the familiar voice of Helen... apparently she also decided to take advantage of this glorious day to explore her artistic interest: photography. I am always impressed with her compositions and creativity.

Helen doesn't have a website [yet!], but I am confident that she can and will do well with her photography - she definitely has enough dynamic images to compile a magnificent body of work to share with her adoring public!

With permission, this blog is filled with her photos...

I am continually intrigued with the integration of the elements of the arts (music, poetry, photography, painting, etc): composition, dynamics, texture, tone color, dynamics, primary triads (3) and primary colours (3), the musician's crescendo resembling the photographer's grey scale, rhythm, movement, contrast, unity, variety... the list and discovery of their harmony continues... I love it!

These united fundamentals (I believe they are apparent in all humans in some form) surface in one way or another to ignite our senses in a describable yet also at times, in an INdescribable way... probably it's just because we innately know what we like or don't like - what works or doesn't work for us without necessarily putting anything into words.

Thanks for sharing that autumn moment with me Helen!

Anthropomorphization and Mennonite-ism

2008-11-21T00:41:00.000-08:00

[Anthropomorphization: endowing with human qualities; attributing human characteristics to something that is nonhuman]

I enjoy titling my paintings to anthropomorphize the subject of my work.

Recently I've become quite interested in the history, enjoyment, ethnicity and necessity of dance. Maybe because my Mennonite heritage doesn't allow such "sinful behaviour" of natural human movement and expression. Maybe because anthropomorphizing an object could be misconstrued as a multi-god worshipping kind of cult. But none-the-less, I am enjoying my exploration of this natural human liberation/release.

Some time ago I saw the movie, The Tango Lesson. I can't say that the movie was particularly compelling to me, but I was engrossed in the protagonist's desire to learn the tango. Then there's the movie, "Frida"... who can forget Salma Hayek's sensual tango with Ashley Judd?

I suppose the trees in the following two paintings were subconsiously born from my desire to learn and feel the dance... perhaps the dance of life.

It was only after the creation of the paintings starring these so-called "inanimate objects" that the titles came to me... perceiving the entwined Arbutus limbs as a somewhat seductive display of affection and closeness

Two to Tango 18"x36"

and the suggestive curves of this Arbutus as it yearns to wrap around the trunk of the Fir.

Shall We Dance 36"x12" [Lions Bay Art Gallery]

Funny, I met someone very recently who mentioned his desire to Tango. I'll have to remember to continue this conversation next time we talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[I've recently had my website professionally remade by The Graphic Garden, but I haven't added titles or sizes to the site yet... these can be found on websites of the galleries that represent me (see side bar)].

Autumn's Ocean View

2008-11-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

I'm sipping on a glass of red wine while writing this, remembering when I was in White Rock a couple of days ago. I was dropping off a few new works at Jenkins Showler Gallery on Johnston Street.

The evening sky was full of dynamic, expressive clouds waving across the ocean to their new destination somewhere else in the world.

An artist had spent several hours, I'm sure, on balancing these rocks - they were the audience for the setting sun.

I always find it so lovely on a quiet Autumn day when the air chills your nose and its smell is of dried leaves and saltiness...

Forest for the Trees

2008-11-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

Whew!

Been real busy these last few days, so ... just a quick blog to show off a few more new pieces! All are available at Lions Bay Art Gallery...

An Artist's Space...Mine

2008-10-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, you have been cordially invited to have a short tour of my live/work studio space... at least that's what I call it now since I moved my studio home. It was a challenge paring down the spralling 900+ square feet of studio space, into my 150-ish square foot den at home. BUT, it works and I am loving it.

I have a great view and the light is fantastic all day - no it's not north facing (the artists' preferred light), but to me the west is best! I get a beautiful sunset in the evening and a nice breeze too.

It feels great saving the extra rent money each month that the studio was costing me, and I'm also enjoying the quick moments when I can add a few brush strokes to a painting between piano students. I can keep up with emails, have tools on hand, watch movies, etc. - multi-tasking in a fun and efficient way.

I generally use the wall as my easel and there is very limited wall space in this room - one wall is windows (which is gorgeous), one wall is sliding french doors into my living room (which makes the room feel open), another wall is mirrored closet doors (which reflects that gorgeous light and sunset and makes the room feel even larger) and another wall (as seen above) is a door (now closed off) and glass brick.

This photo makes the room look abominable, but it's just a reflection of the room (yikes, eh?) Can you see me waving in the back? (lol) Those are the mirrored closet doors I was mentioning. I keep a couple of paint/paint brush carts in the middle of the room - kind of like a kitchen island. Oh yeah, I like cooking too, and the studio is also close to my kitchen!

Just in case you were dying to see inside my closets, I thought I'd save you the curiousity and just show you. Above is "panel one" moved aside. Below, the "middle panel".

Here's the last "panel". It is actually quite organized, I must say. There is a place for everything and everthing is in it's place. I even have a fire extinguisher ...

This room is on the other side of the glass brick wall - my music studio where I teach piano. It's also nice having the piano close by too - more multi-tasking activities!

Paintings are stored everywhere! These are beside the piano, outside the studio.

These (blank, waiting to be painted on) are outside the sliding french doors of my studio, leaning against my sofa.

And alas, I have some stacked & squished in the electrical room (shhhh) in the building hallway on my floor:

I hope you have enjoyed your virtual tour of my space. If you would like to help me make more room for myself, simply buy a painting or two!

New Work, New Show

2008-10-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Art Show Invitation Open to All

Lions Bay Art Gallery Exhibition in Downtown Vancouver

Where: Terasen Centre
Address: 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
Date: October 15-31
Time: 9am - 6pm Mondays thru Fridays

I am SO-O-o-o-o excited to have finished a new tree series:

the crooked, forever shedding Arbutus tree - no two look the same.

The inspiration comes from vacationing on Vancouver Island for years and also living in Nanoose Bay (on the Island) for 4 years. This tree has been winding it's way through my creative grey matter and meander-doodling around my sketch book for some time, but it has now finally appeared as a series of paintings.

Because they are curvey and bear little red berries, I envision them as females, whereas the Garry Oak (also particular to the Island) conjurs up the male species for me. This impression came to me when I saw an Arbutus wrapped so lusciously around a Garry Oak on one of my forest walks. The looked like lovers.

The Arbutus is a messy tree. They don't shed leaves in season with other trees... just when you finish raking up the fallen autumn leaves, nature decides that the Arbutus needs to rebel to the expected cycle and cast its left overs on the ground! The deep red bark peels like fine paper, leaving a constant mess everywhere, but creating an incredibly smooth and hard under greenish bare type of bark.

"Unobstructed Ocean View" 30"x6" (above) SOLD

"Good Ol' Boys" 24"x20" SOLD

As soon as I finished the first two paintings seen here above, Alice had already sold them!

"Reach Out and Touch Someone" 20"x24"

The last few days here in BC have produced a balmy autumn with the warm red, orange and yellow leaves still hanging on to trees limbs. Soon a gusty wind will race in, and whoosh them on their first and last flight through the air, then float them gracefully to the ground, leaving the boney sticks of naked trees exposed.

Today was rainy and a little foggy as I was hiking around Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver and Whitecliff Park in Horseshoe Bay. The painting below reminds me of many days that I've stood by the ocean and watched the sky darken as it approached me...

"Storm Watcher" 12"x36"

... kind of my favourite days - fresh salty air, the sound of waves on the sand and not many people on the beach. Love it.

Lions Bay Art Gallery - Art Show Sept. 26, 2008

2008-10-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

The evening of September 26 at Lions Bay Art Gallery was a fun mix of people celebrating 20 years of Michael and Alice Tickner being in Lions Bay, and me, the new artist in their gallery.

Alice displayed my large tree painting "The Friendly Giants [Look up... Way up]" at the entry.

The town is not large, but Alice knows how to draw a crowd! I'm disappointed that I don't have a photo of Tony, Val's husband (photo of Val below), who filled everyone's glass with wine whenever they were empty.

My paintings can be seen on the wall in the window above the bench.

Here we are: Val (Gallery Assistant), Alice, Michael and me, enjoying the evening in the gallery that resides up the hill with an incredible view of Howe Sound.

Michael and Alice Tickner surrounded by Michael's vibrant work.

He is currently working on a painting of "The Squamish Chief" which was on display as a "work in progress"that evening. It's always so interesting to see how another artist works and the method he uses.

My painting below, "Autumn Sway" 18"x24"), is a new type of tree scene for me which I hope to pursue. It was bought the next morning by a man who saw it the night before and couldn't get it out of his mind! Alice did her "magic" and sold over 10 of my paintings, along with Michael's as well.

Below is a picture of Alice and I close to the end of the evening... my feet were just KILLING me, so I had to take of my boots and walk around in comfort!

Michael and I with his paintings.

Just a couple of crowd shots... Richard Tickner (their son on far right) is also an artist and was there with his fiance, Kate, as well... lots of fun to meet them as well.

When It Rains, It Pours

2008-09-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well... as the saying goes, "When it rains, it pours". Such as it is for me at this time - probably for most people in the arts. The pay cheque isn't steady, but when it's happening, you've just gotta move.

Right now everything is happening at once. The owner of the gallery that is representing me, Alice Tickner of the Lions Bay Art Gallery, is keeping me super busy! The tree paintings shown in this blog have all been sold within this month, and in two weeks I'm having an opening show in Lions Bay AND she's hosting a show in downtown Vancouver for October 15 and another one on November 27 (I'll keep you posted)...

Meanwhile... my gallery in Naniamo, Gallery 223, is having a show for me for this week of Sept 17-24. The cruise ship season is beginning this week, so BAM! I need to have more small paintings ready.

On TOP of this, I'm moving my studio from one location to another. YIKES!

It's all good... just a little overwhelming sometimes. If you're in the same boat, drop your oar (email me) and let's paddle together!

San Francisco art installation: Thom Ross' "Buffalo Bill Cody on the Beach"

2008-09-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Many of you may be wondering what in the world I was doing in San Francisco for another artist's art installation. Others may wonder "What's up with Buffalo Bill on the Beach?"

The best way to describe it is to direct you to the article by the San Francisco Examiner as it has the best explanation and some great photos as well.

The artist, Thom Ross, is a rabid fan of Wild West American history - alas his devotion (and huge financial expense) to the creation of this project that was 2 years in the making.

What he has done with this project, is recreate the original 1902 photo taken of Buffalo Bill Cody and his travelling Indian Show that was taken on this very site: Ocean Beach, San Francisco. I learned a tremendous amount about this time in history... about how Buffalo Bill Cody took the Troupe (including Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull) all over the United States and to Europe. Queen Victoria even saw them! Thom has an interesting historical photograph of Cody and some of the Indian Chiefs (in full 'traditional' clothing) travelling in the gondolas of Venice, Italy... DEFINITELY something I never knew or have seen before!

Thom invited a group of his friends and artists to help him set up this installation - some flew in from New York, Montana, Southern California, Seattle... and me from Canada, who drove down with the caravan. There must have been about 30 of us bustling about setting up this display starting at 5:00am on Sept. 5.

We started in Seattle where Thom (below) is based. He rented 2 Penske trucks full of his creations, hardware, ladders, Indian spears, tools, tents, etc.

Here's a photo of our caravan group driving from Seattle to San Francisco:

After we had all arrived and assembled from our various destinations, we went out to San Francisco's garlic-crazed The Stinking Rose for dinner - whew! At least we ALL stunk the next day!

As we were setting up, we had some great press from the San Francisco Chronicle that got the buzz humming! It was quite humorous to watch people everywhere on their cell phones telling their friends to "Get down to Ocean Beach! You've gotta check this out!"

Here's a link to a photo of me helping to set up one of Thom's masterpieces. ALSO...please visit the official photographer, Patrick Bennett's website for more awesome photos - from sunrise to sunset and everything in between... including photos that Patrick will still be adding, as the exhibition runs until September 15.

I had a very inspiring learning experience and given the chance, I would do it again!

Thanks Thom!

(I thought this little guy was cute)

Mission Accomplished

2008-08-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with you all that I have finally finished the

giant painting (4' x 8') I have been labouring over for months!

Here is the grand "unveiling":

"Rhythm of the Night" 48" x 96"

Lions Bay Art Gallery

Plein Air Inspiration

2008-08-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Kirkland, Washington... art opening at Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery
[He carries some dynamic artists' work... REALLY worth a visit]

The road trip I took to Kirkland on Wednesday was fabulous. The day was sparkling on the lake, on the people, and I think a little on me too. I plunked myself down under a tree here and did a small pen and ink sketch of this scene:

The water, trees, sunshine, boats... all things that inspire me and make my spirit feel calm.

These two painters below really inspired me for my upcoming plein air painting weekend in Whistler with my artist friend, Lori.

I had a short chat with these artists about my fears of people looking over my shoulder, making comments (positive or negative) and how they handled these remarks when painting in public. Their response to me (another "intruder"!) was that they just keep on doing what they love to do. From some of their stories, they have received some rather strange criticisms and tips from "know it alls", but generally they said that you just have to let it run off your back and keep to your vision of the moment...

____________________________________________________

Whistler Weekend

We drove up separately because we filled up our vehicles with a lot "just in case" materials and paintings. I remembered the cooler of food and my hat too...

The traffic was pretty smooth flowing seeing it was a Friday and the fact that they're doing construction. I know this photo isn't the greatest, but I love the Howe Sound view while driving up the Sea to Sky Highway.

We got up early on Saturday and walked up to the Upper Village... a little nervous at first for fear that we would get "kicked out", but people loved us being there... we loved it too!

This is the view across from where we were painting... we had a little lunch there. I thought it looked so European with the flowers and umbrellas.

Heading home on Sunday, I stopped in at the Lions Bay Art Gallery. I've wanted to visit last time I was up that way, but the timing didn't work out. The gallery is run by artist Michael Tickner's wife, Alice Tickner. I have always been a fan of his colourful, cheerful work and have seen a lot of cards and prints of his paintings on Granville Island.

Seeing as I had my truck full of art, I decided to show Alice. We chatted for about 2 hours or so about art, art careers, spiritual matters, artists... lots of stuff - she's so easy to talk to. She loved what I showed her and decided to represent my work. I'm pretty excited about it!

"Long Tall Sally" 24"x12"

Lions Bay Art Gallery

Out and About with Art

2008-08-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, I'm going on a quick jaunt to Kirkland (just outside of Seattle) to visit Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery. It's the gallery that I show at and I just love meeting up with all the artists. Gunnar is very generous and also puts on a good show that everyone enjoys. Great networking and socializing.

I love the road trip down there and being close to the water again. I'm going early on Wednesday morning... after my Valley Business Networking group meeting at 6:45am (we're reading a GREAT book right now: "Eat That Frog") and after teaching piano to my summer student (she's such a young, confident girl!), then I'm hittin' the road down south with sketch book, pencil and watercolours in the back seat.

I'll take lots of photos.

Next art trip: back to Whistler this weekend where my artist friend, Lori, and I are going to "set up shop" somewhere on the grass or something, paint and display our paintings. I can't wait to go and enjoy the mountains again.

I'll take lots of business cards and promotional materials - looking forward to meeting lots of people and getting to work outdoors, "plein air" painting...

Until then... happy art adventures once again!

A Day at the Show

2008-08-08T20:20:00.001-07:00

My friend Tracey and I went to the Abbotsford Air Show on a gorgeous Friday summer day. She received some tickets from a friend for the VIP tents - an all inclusive kind of day. We arrived there at about 11:00 am all fresh and ready to start what was about to become "our adventure"...

Here we are with our lovely host, Shakuntla, from the Pacific Newspaper Group.

The show started out with parachuters garishing Canadian flags and one jumper with an American flag.

After the opening ceremony, we decided to go "walk-about" and check out some of the other tents. We didn't go too far as we saw that directly to the right of us was the Snowbirds' and Thunderbirds' tent. We mustered up some courage and walked in. Well well well... we found a volunteer to take a photo with us. I took a picture of Tracey with her phone, so I don't have it here.

After speaking with Thunderbird pilot, Kirby, for a while, we spotted Major Charla... the totally amazing OBGYN surgeon and F16 pilot! What a personable, accomplished young woman - we were so impressed and asked her every question we could think of.

The Thunderbirds getting ready to display their talents:

After their show, the Snowbirds were up:

Hmmm... we decided to stay close to "home" and wait until the Snowbirds were finished to get their autographs. I found one here and asked him to sign his autograph on my skin (he he he). No go... apparently they don't do that - or sign flags either... So, he signed my name badge. (awe... c'mon!)

As the afternoon progressed, we became mission oriented and were having a blast seeking out the men in uniform for photo ops!

ALAS! A man brave enough to ink my skin with his autograph! Too fun!

Tracey had her thigh autographed! He made our day... apparently we made HIS too!

OK...next mission: see what other tents we can get into! We went to the President's Club tent and tried to walk in like we owned the place.

Good try, but we were asked for ID pretty quickly (darn!)... shoed away like common people! (lol) Next... why not try the Executive Club tent.

Again... a no go.

Well... we tried. One thing that was a "for sure": we had a great time! We're looking forward to more silly, youthful adventures - hopefully we'll never stop being young!

Pemberton Festival

2008-07-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the media's mega coverage of all that went wrong with this event, I'm sure we're all a little "Pemberton-ed Out", but this is MY little story...

[I have quite a few fotos and a few videos to show you, so let me know if you had trouble viewing this blog.]

I was invited to go at the last minute for the last day (Sunday). When I was young, I didn't go to a lot of concerts and never to a biggie outdoor one, so how could I say no?

The photo above is how is how I've always seen the Pemberton/Whistler area in summer... beautiful, green, pristine...

I really had no idea what to expect but I certainly didn't expect this:

(yikes! a garbage mine field - some plates still full of left over food which left for some squishy steps if you weren't looking.)

Yup... it was a mess and yup, the traffic was crazy. We all heard a lot about it on the radio and TV, but that is ALL I am going to say about the negative stuff. I have to give the organizers kudos for putting together this HUGE event for the first time...

My friend and I were REALLY there to see Cold Play and the rest of the bands were a bonus. Sunday started off with Vampire Weekend - they were fun, trendy and had some great tunes. [I am not a very articulate music critic, just basic and to the point!]

After Vampire Weekend, N.E.R.D. was up. As one concert ended and the next began, we had a chance to move further to the front to wait for Cold Play. The crowd grew restless as N.E.R.D. showing up became less of a possibility. It was kind of neat as the crowd spontaneously started to sing "O Canada" as we waited [and waited and waited].

N.E.R.D. finally came on minus 2 band members - uhh... great excuse guys: "we were stuck in traffic". How about preparation and wouldn't they be travelling together? Whatever...

This was a totally new experience for me, especially seeing as the crowd was oh...maybe between 18-26 years of age and my friend and I are in our 40s... clearly strange fish in this pond! This band really got the energy of the crowd moving - amazing how a small group can have such control over the masses. In my naivety (being so close to the front), I was all of the sudden in the midst of "slam dancing" and "surfing". Wow! I had 3 guys land on my head and got bounced around like a rag doll!

I was actually having a blast in this new youthful experience!

Death Cab for Cutie was up next and at least I knew a bit of their music. They were more on the mellow side, a little break between the rappers.

Here's a little clip of Jay Z. It's really tough to take a proper video when you're being shoved and bounced in every direction... but you'll get the idea.

All in all though, I've gotta say that it was a good crowd... everybody was truly enjoying themselves.

Ok... so now my friend decides that he's gotta do one for the "bucket list" and try to crowd surf. Oh heck, why not! All the college kids were totally egging him on and before I knew it, he was on his way... RIGHT to the front...

Lost him... but now Cold Play was next and I was corralled closer to the front of the oxygen deprived stage area. It's tough to get some air when you're so short!

Here a shot of Cold Play's arrival on stage:

AND... a wee clip of them starting out...

I finally found my frient by the bus shuttle line up, and by that time, the line up was unreal and the traffic, crazy. We decided to walk back to the airport (like a lot of other people) where the car was parked. I just had to get a snap of these trees... don't really know why... maybe I liked the fence behind them.

Made it back to the car eventually and the next day, took the long way home through Mount Currie and the back roads of Lillooet Lake through to Harrison. A little dusty, but GORGEOUS!

Anyway... there's always lots of stories and I'm not much of a writer. I'm learning to write and express myself through blogging - a great exercise so far!

Meeting on Kits Beach

2008-07-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

I Meet Up with an Italian group in Vancouver once or twice a month to keep up with speaking Italian. We're a chatty group of people that love panninis and espresso. Usually we meet at Cafe Rustico on Main Street, but this time we did something a little different... Kitsilano Beach. Seeing as I don't live by the ocean and love it so much, this a meeting that I was definitley going to attend!

It was a perfect evening when arrived yesterday. Just look at that sky!

I couldn't find 'il groupo' in the place we were supposed to meet, so I kept walking up to Starbucks on Cornwall to get a latte and sit by the water. All was ok as I was so totally in the moment!

This is what I like about the city... so many people gathering by the ocean and sand... outdoors, playing sports, visiting, eating, drinking... enjoying themselves.

I finished my coffee and continued my walk around what used to be my beach neighbourhood about 10 years ago.

As I'm walking along I see a bunch of people sitting/lying on blankets on the grass under a big tree. They were playing guitars and singing and having a great time...

HEY... wait a minute! That's my group... singing Italian songs! I sat down and joined them - some new faces - always nice. I got so involved that I forgot to take a picture of all of us. We sang some more, talked about art, music, Italy, food, wine, travelling, we all have a lot in common. We are meeting again soon to continue this spectacular evening - more singing, guitars and possibly a few more 'refreshments'! Then I MUST remember to get a shot of us all.

As we said our 'ciaos' and 'arrivadercis' we soaked in the last of the sun's rays of the evening and headed home...

...can't wait till next time...

Follow up, Recap and Updates in a Photo diary...

2008-07-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

FOLLOW UP 1:

In my very first blog *"How Long Does it Take to Paint a Painting" [June 8, 2008], I mentioned how I'm struggling with my giant (96"x48") tree painting. As promised, I've uploaded a snap shot on how it has been progressing.

I feel a certain sense of satisfaction of how it has evolved these last few weeks, but I still need to work on the water area...

FOLLOW UP 2:
[from "Whistler Art and Adventure" June 30, 2008]

I finally received the rafting photos in the mail from when my girlfriend, her son and I were in Whistler. After voraciously ripping the envelope open and looking at them, it got me all jazzed up to do it again!

Update 1:

I set my mind to making some small (6"x4") samples to send send out to galleries ["Painting Samples" July 2, 2008]. Below is a photo of the sample - I made 11 of them, all the same-ish and

enclosed them in this folder. I also included my CV, artist's statement, personal statement, business card and pricing list.

I've sent out three packages so far and have a few more in mind that I will address shortly.

Update 2:
The Art in the Park event happened this Saturday in Abbotsford. It was a lot of fun meeting new people and seeing their work. I'm back at it again on Saturday, July 26.

These two photos are the of the nice shady space I had. I have a tent, but really didn't feel like setting it up! The shade looked just fine and what a gorgeous day too!

Last Update:

A few friends and I (and their dogs, of course!) went on a hike up past Chilliwack Lake. We hiked up to Lindemann Lake:

the colours of blues and greens in the lake were spectacular!

AND... of course, more tree photos! I had fun taking this shot at an angle... looks kind of weird!

Here's the "normal shot" of the above photo...

This is the last leg of the hike up to Greendrop Lake.
All together, the hike was just over 10k. We all had a great time and have a few aches and pains, but it was all WELL worth the enjoyment and inspiration of the day!

Art in the Park

2008-07-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Mill Lake in Abbotsford is having Art in the Park. I'll be displaying a variety of my paintings such as the ones below: (as well as some tree paintings that I've been working on recently)

Invitation details:

Event: Art in the Park

When: Saturday, July 12 at 12:00pm
Where: Mill Lake Park

To see more details and RSVP (if you'd like to), follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=639760336&k=ZVA6YXW53X3MYG1IQDXXX

(there is a map on this link)

If you're unable to drop by on the 12th, there will be another Art in the Park in the same location on Saturday, July 26 from noon to 4pm where I'll be participating as well.

It's a beautiful walk around the lake with your kids, your sweetie and/or your dog!

See you there!