Blog

 I spent part of May and most of June moving in to my current studio space at 146 Germain Street.  I was hard pressed to make the hundreds of loads in the Corolla and get work ready for an exhibit opening June 26th. There was no time to do anything "fancy".

   It wasn't bad. I was happier than anything to have this space as I had been in love with this studio for two years. Finally I got caught up with committed art work and putting things away.  I realized  I had some of the Cece Caldwell chalk paint to play with.  I painted a couple of chairs, a little table. The mantle and my front door looked atrocious. The whole mantle was painted the wall colour and had the tack holes of over one hundred Christmases. I used a little magic solution to fill holes and level old chipped layers of paint. I engaged in one of my favourite ways to play with paint and made the mantle shelf a faux marble.  I converted the fake brick to faux tile (it was quick and didn't cost anything). The sides I painted in a distressed antique white, highlighting the details and adding some  age and interest. I did the peeling door which had been painted with latex over oil. I used my magic solution and the chalk paint. 

   Along with working on my art, the studio painting took less than two days. If you have a mantle or woodwork, you want refinished, pick me!  I love doing them and can do several different looks. I work quickly and my fee is reasonable. I do have to see a piece before I can quote.

   With the pretty refinished furniture and mantle all finished, I looked down and thought "What now?". A little mat would be just the thing. I had played around with both canvas and vinyl mat making in the 80's and realized I actually had all the materials I needed. For some unknown reason I decided to make a large sunflower mat as a practice piece. It turned out just fine and so I made my turquoise mat to coordinate with my little scene.  I've been making quite a few of these "paintings for the floor' ever since.

   The floors are still yucky and will remain so. It is a working studio but at least I have a beautiful mantle I can decorate for the seasons and a little bit of space for visitors and clients to enjoy the space.

   Here it is all decorated for autumn.  Wait until you see what I do for Christmas!

  It's that time again. For some reason, the end of summer always makes me take stock of where I am and where I seem to be heading.  I took a few days off but still went to the studio. While there, I cleaned, did a bit of organizing, treated myself to a few days of faux painting, chalk painting and making my space pretty, basically slacking off.

  After I finished the mantle, chairs and a table, I got to thinking how nice an antique style canvas mat would look. I had everything I needed but decided to start with a sunflower mat....just because. There were a few ups and downs but I was more than happy with the result.

  I have been addicted ever since. These mats, have become a really fun way for me to express myself. These are just a few of the many and I am looking for the "right fit' to market them. Until then, they'll be available at 146 Germain by appointment or chance.

  Several mats later, I've had a few requests for a workshop in mat making and some interest in having custom pieces created to match customers decor. Loving it all! If you are interested in the workshop, you'll see a "workshop" tab at the top of my home page.

  If you want a custom mat designed for your space, contact me. Prices vary with the amount of detail and , of course, size.

   Where We Walk is a floor mat painted on canvas in a tradition that goes back to the 1700's. 

    I have used modern materials and a contemporary original painting for this work.  The work should hold up as well as most hardwood floors.  There are mats done in this manner that have survived many decades. The art itself is based on the haunted frightened trees found in many of my more traditional pieces. It is a rather abstract work depicting light and woods reflected in water. This is, of course, a one of a kind work. 

 Welcome to the school year.

 Now, summer's over and I am all settled in at the new studio at 146 Germain St.  If you haven't stopped in, I'd love to have you see the new space.  The studio is much more intimate than the Westmorland Road spot. Parking is free on my block but there is a two hour limit which is strictly enforced.

  I have had many people asking about weekly classes and "Girls Night Out" group lessons. In the new spot, I am limited to six people, maximum and four is better. I also do private lessons. You may decide to work on your individual projects or everyone may want to do a follow along painting. I have streamlined several pieces that even beginners can follow along.  I can provide all materials and cleanup. All you will need are old clothes and protective gloves (if you wish to protect that manicure).  Prices will differ based on project size and whether you or I provide materials.

  Here are a few "follow along" paintings I have designed:

I do have several others but they are more suitable for people with some painting experience. I do teach in all mediums but only provide materials for watercolour and acrylic classes.