December 2014 Newsletter

Best wishes from me to you as we near the end of another eventful year. It has been challenging some days to continue my mantra of ‘life is good’, but it really is. All I need to do some to remember is to pick up a brush and turn off the news. Spending time painting and watching paint dry is enormously pleasurable, especially when the paint has responded to my touch and done something that meets or exceeds my desire!  At the top of this newsletter is a detail of a mandarin orange painting that I did as a demonstration during the Contemplative Watercolour Course at UVic last weekend. It is always a relief and a reward when a demo turns out better than expected. 

Mandarin oranges wrapped in green paper always remind me of Christmas too.  So please accept my wishes for a wonderful holiday season and at least two evenings spent doing only what you want to do! 

Brief update on the Mason Jar Series:  I have posted some more images on my website. The grant application has been sent in to the BCArts Council along with two wonderful letters of support.  Two exhibition applications have gone out.  AND I am have now completed 101 images!  

Upcoming  Exhibition: 

January 1- Feb 15: Discover Coffee on Discovery Avenue.  Featuring works about Francis King Park and the Artist in Residence there.

Upcoming Artist Residency:
February 7- March 21, 2015 I’ll be artist in residence at Francis King Park.
Planning is well underway for the residency.  I’ll be offering some courses for the public (adults, youth and children), painting on site in the rangers cabin and sketching outdoors. I’ll have the loan of some stuffed critters, some bones and access to all sorts of wonderful trees, lichens, mosses etc.  I’ll post my times in the park closer to the dates and update on my website if changes are made.

Winter Classes:
In My Home Studio:  January 7th – March 25th – 12 weeks

These classes are for students of all levels, the program develop with student input at the first class and two project days for those subjects passionately wanted by one and not others.  Technique, colour, encouragement, critiques etc.  Priority given to continuing students.
Wednesday mornings: 0930 – 1230 
Wednesday afternoons:  2 pm – 5 pm

12 weeks.  $270.00 Class size limit 6 students.   To confirm your space contactme to be sure there is space and then send me a cheque dated the first day of class or arrange to pay by VISA or MC.   Supply list and map sent out upon registration or before is requested.

CB55+  Expressive watercolour:  exploration, splashing, dripping, experimenting and generally playing with watercolour in a free way with a bit of composition and colour theory thrown in for structure.  Suitable for beginners or those who are ’stuck’ in a rut.  Come prepared to move about as you paint and wear an apron!

4 Monday afternoons in January. January 5, 12, 19 and 26. 
$100.00 for the 4 sessions- all supplies included. 
must have a CB55+ membership and register through CB55+  call in the mornings: 250-658-5558

UVic: Beginners Watercolour Weekend- a great way to jump into Watercolour painting.  January 23 – 25th.  Register through UVic Continuing Studies.  $150.00
https://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/Course/Watercolour-for-Beginners/ASVA019/

Though Royal Roads University: Art as Spiritual Practice: a weekend retreat at the Hawthorn.
Art making is uniquely human. Why do we do it? We’ll explore one possible motivation: that art making moves us closer to the divine. Through a mix of hands-on art making activities and lectures that include excerpts from writers, scientists and artists you’ll experience the creative process in a sacred new way. No previous experience in art making is required.
$675.00 includes accommodation, meals and tuition.
http://cstudies.royalroads.ca/courses/TATE3925-Y14.htm

Gallery Representation: 
I now have only one local gallery- The South Shore Gallery in Sooke.  Jessie has a great selection of my paintings and a wonderful selection of art and jewelry by Vancouver Island artists.  There are also some really good restaurants in Sooke, so it makes a good day trip.