Final Drawing Project of 2023

While on my final art retreat of 2023, I started an idea of mandala tree rings - 44 rings for 44 years old.

I had no idea if I would even like this idea, but I prepared for it anyway when I packed to stay at up north at my friend’s remote home for two weeks. I thought I’d at least try it, and if I didn’t enjoy it, then I would still have plenty of trees to draw!

Some thoughts as I created:

- Washi paper is alive. It guides me, must go with the flow. It’s an Organic flow, working in tandem with the medium, tools, and surface.

- I have control over the design as I go Yet I cannot predict a line that is magic vs. an oops (then making the oops magical). Sometimes it feels as though my hand is being guided divinely.

-Memory … starting to think back over each year of my life, what stands out from what i can remember, with fondness remembering so much.

-The first 5 years are quick and too easy… rings get more difficult and longer around 25-30 (such as life!)

-Natural in consistency: inconsistency. The pressure I use starts light, gets heavier, and stressed as I get into my late 30’s -40!!! Realizing this in the second piece, so intentionally softened my grip in the last few rings. I’m sure there is a connection to life in that awareness!

-As per the last note, paint was far more controlled and ‘finer’ than drawing!!

-SLOWING DOWN. I feel Peaceful. Present. Intentional. Patient. Interacting with the medium, myself.

-I enjoyed the process, and want to create one that is very disrupted with cracks in the spirit of real wood and one with more expressive design elements in the spirit of a mandala. I have some ideas for more where each represents something specific about my life so far: relationships, hair colours, addictions/mental health/therapy… I have 8 more months to explore this meditation, which may turn out to be a series, but truly, it’s just for me xx

A LOVE STORY & Winter Art Offerings

We live into what we imagine. Imagine the world as it could be. Paint that world. Sing that world. Invite it into your dreams. Practice that world in the space available to you. 
-Valarie Kaur

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEARS

Sending all my love to you for these holiday times. Over the years, I have cultivated a ritual, an art retreat and hibernation of sorts underground, where I cook and do whatever feels good for me. My fairy godmother and life coach supported me, and it has been a good thing, I hope you do this too! 

ARTROPOLOGY GAME • NEW YEARS DAY 
I'm hosting a game Monday, January 1st 2024, 2 PM EST on ZOOM • CA$15.00. For all those who would like to start the new year painting, this game is fun and educational, and one of the best ways I can think of to bring the New Year in with creativity and joy all are welcome. Click link for game rules and material list.

The winter for me will be spent in Japan, learning Mokuhanga as a student, and experiencing Eastern culture and Washi exploration. I will share all of the things with you when I get back into teaching.

ZOOM ART CLASSES SPRING 2024
BONE WIND FIRE
These classes explore the lives and works of Emily Carr, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe. These incredible women followed and listened to their own voice at a very interesting time in art history. They were all defining their own vision for themselves and had a connection to a spiritual, creative drive and process….which we are going to delve into and take awesome inspiration from!
Materials to be explored: studying the masters with mixed media - your choice! 

DESERT & UNDERWATER
Experience the light, colours and spirit of the desert and sea with inspiration from my recent art residency in Arizona. Take a deep dive to explore all the wonders below and above, focusing on technical and conceptual such as colour palettes, layering textures and creating magical compositions of unique landscapes, creatures and remarkable diversity.
Art materials to be explored: water-based paint, charcoal and open drawing media such as soft pastels, coloured pencils, and ink.

 

EVERYONE WHO SIGNS UP FOR ANY ZOOM CLASS (6 classes, 12 classes, or 24 bundle) will be admitted to a FREE ZOOM WORKSHOP ‘ THE ART FILES’:

The Art Files
FREE workshop for ZOOM students. 
A workshop on digital photography, storage, editing, saving and archiving artwork files for your success no matter where you are in your career/passion. This workshop will be experimental, customized, and interesting! CRITIQUES are offered.

The Love Story of Ping!* written by my fairy godmother, claudia jean mccabe xxxxxx

God and the angels had long ago had a most thoughtful chat. He had told them how he had been contemplating the personification of magic but couldn't seem to get the formula quite right. One twinkling starry night (after what seemed to be an eternity) God sent out the joyful news that he had created Ping, quite miraculously and just like that. When this magic child opened her beautiful eyes, all of God's creation heard the sweet Tinkerbell sound of ping*! in the air, and God said...."Magic. Pure magic!".
The next night, one of the smallest angels tugged on the Father's heavenly gown. "Yes my child? What is it?". In the softest of voices, the angel said, "Dear God, what about creating Love?" God gently replied, "I created Love millions of years ago. Without Love, I could not have created Magic. But there was a missing ingredient in my magic formula which was revealed, at last, when we heard the sweet sound of ping*! filling the night air with twinkling starlight."
And so it was the divine plan was revealed....to all those who can close their eyes and see.
So when a certain magic fills your heart up to the very brim, be still, close your eyes....and listen. Ssh. Listen. When you hear that lovely ping*!....it will be the love in the magic you've found. Most of all you will have found the sparkle in you. Magical, love-filled you.

I love you
Ping!*

Clarkson Art Group

The Magic of Charcoal • Demo / Workshop

A charcoal-focused workshop to show its versatility in mixed media applications on a range of elegant surfaces. Expressive demonstrations of treescapes will provide clarity and confidence to layer dry media with water-based paints (ink, watercolour, gouache, acrylics) and how to choose surfaces for desired techniques. Embrace lively discussions ranging from traditional to experimental, inspiration from nature, mixed media, digital scanning / archiving / framing final works, and why it's important to have a lot of fun in the process!

January 24, 2024

The East Central Ontario Art Association • Art Share

The East Central Ontario Art Association has monthly ArtShare demonstrations for its members, and I’m honoured to share my love of charcoal on mylar in their next session!
Friday January 27, 2023 at 11 am on Zoom

This demo will overview the technical mastery to render dynamic depth on mylar film - exploring mixed media possibilities with a focus on the expressive characteristics of moody winter skies and trees. We will discuss traditional and symbolic inspiration from nature, experimental mixed media, digital scanning / archiving / framing final works, and have a lot of fun!

Check out the ECOAA website for more information on membership and activities.


charcoal on mylar

Fall Review 2022

Teaching these past months has lifted my spirits with such wonderous creating, conversations, connections, and growth! I feel very blessed to share some of these joyous moments of inspiring student artwork and memories with you. From Lush Earth Oasis Retreat, to Clinehouse Studios, Holy Trinity High School and Zoom classes! Keep up the great work, showing up for yourself in creativity and community. xx

Happy Winter • Stay safe in your cozy nests, and please stay in touch. I welcome you to join my Facebook art group for co-inspiration and look forward to seeing what you create this season with the possibility of creating with you in the New Year 2023!