Win FREE Business Cards!

Can you keep up? My sponsor, Uprinting is a non stop giveaway machine! Ordering online is a snap! This Online printing company has many different templates for business cards and MUCH MORE. Ready to add ARTIST to your business card?

This week's Giveaway Prize:

250 business cards for One Lucky Winner (Free UPS Ground Shipping in USA)

Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)

Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock

Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

Restriction:Free UPS Ground Shipping in the USA. Canadian Residents must Pay Shipping and Taxes. Residents of other countries are not eligible.
These folks are so generous that I get a set of business cards as well! Watch for them!

How to enter:
Enter by leaving a comment on 'how you might use the 250 Free Business cards if you win.'
Look for the grey 'comment' at end of this post and leave your email so I can contact the winner! Additional entries -blog or tweet this contest and link to my post or uprinting .com.5!

Contest closes and winner picked by October 21, 2009.
All Business Card Prizes will be awarded by coupon code on October 23, 2009.
Good Luck !

Poster Print Winner!

Sylvie Fergusson, (Monday night) was the winner of the 18x24 poster print from Uprinting. We will get a photo to post when her print arrives.
I am getting my friend Celina to come over and photoshop an image for me then I will send it in. I am excited about the possibility that I can take a photo , not a scan of my artwork, and get a decent print. Should save tons of money.

It's Another Uprinting.com Giveaway!

First the contest, then.....read about the advanced drawing/painting classes...
The great folks at uprinting.com are holding a second giveaway!!!... a 24x36" 15 mil vinyl banner of top-notch quality and doesn't look cheap like low-end banners. Artists and creative types have used vinyl banners (with photo quality printing) for weddings,birthdays, parties, graduations, advertisements,exhibition,rallies, and art show backdrops. The banners come with heavy metal grommets that make them easy to hang for any event. The durable material and archival ink will ensure that these banners will last for years to come! A $62 Us value!! Deadline is Oct 30th Midnight!!!! Our winner will be notified by coupon code Nov. 02/09!!!

How do you win this Banner??

Leave a comment ( located at the bottom of this post- light grey in color. Press comment and fill out the screen). Tell me what you would use a banner for if you win it. Check out the banners and more about printing banners. For extra entries, blog or tweet and link to this post!

ADVANCED PAINTING/DRAWING CLASSES

At Hidden Talent the fall session is just underway. Many of the students are ready for drawing/advanced painting classes....just what is that about?

We have enjoyed painting accurately, slowly, and learning to distinguish VALUES, the basis of all art. Our general fear of drawing was eliminated by use of the age old tool- a grid. We learned blending techniques, adding color to shadows, color harmony, and many helpful hints and tips to make our painting standout from the crowd!

The next step is to learn to draw accurately without a grid...because our goal will be painting a monchromatic without a grid. EVERYONE CAN ATTEND THE DRAWING CLASSES, EVEN THOSE THAT HAVE JUST STARTED. Drawing will be ongoing. Course dates and times will be announced in the coming week. Be sure to sign up to save your spot!

Classes to follow: gridless monochramtic, drawing with a brush, painting from life, adding and subtracting to your painting, stroke development, style development.

Contest Giveaway!

For all of you that need a bit more help...click on the light grey 'comment' at the end of this post. A window will open and then you write your answer to this question in the box, -What would you do or reproduce if you won the poster???? give your name and close the window. IF you are the winner,( you'll know by Monday!) you will get a special email and instructions for claiming your prize. Please take a photo of you and your poster print and we will post it in the blog.
S'ok?

Arts Days Open House

Welcome back ! It's so good to be in the studio getting ready for students!
We had a fun 'warm up" this weekend in honor of Alberta Arts Days. So nice to reconnect with the great people ( artists) at Hidden Talent.
News: I was selected to giveaway free product! Our very first contest closes Sunday Sept 27th, so make sure you check out the last post.........

Free 18x24 Poster print!

What a great way to start off our fall session with a GIVEAWAY!

Digitalroom.com is giving away a FREE 18x24 rolled poster print to one of YOU, my loyal readers!

My America (free shipping) or Canadian (small shipping fee) readers can enter by leaving a comment on this blog on how or what you will have printed! If you don't know how to leave a comment you can email me at lwatmough@gmail with your idea and I will post it for you! How's that for easy!
Please let your friends know and have them enter as well. They may want a poster of YOUR ART for Christmas!!! Bloggers and Tweeters spread the word!

Check out our sponsor at http://www.digitalroom.com/poster-printing.html

and Digital Printing at http://www.digitalroom.com/

One of my Giclees 'La Porte' would be perfect as a poster or maybe Rosie, my Granddaughter. It''s going to be hard to choose!

A little cropping and viola! I have a Gift for some very special people! Remember that all you need is a hi -resolution photo file to send to http://www.digitalroom.com/ and they do all the hard stuff!

Have your ideas posted before Monday Sept 28 and one winner will be drawn. You may enter as many times as you wish! Good Luck everyone!

UPrinting.com What is this??

Free Business Cards? Free Canvas Prints? Free Posters? Free Postcards? Free Greeting Cards?
Now, that is something we would be interested in! Artists love having their image on cards and canvas prints. And, I definitely need some more business cards. Besides, did anyone say 'FREE'?
I have partnered up with UPrinting.com and will be offering my loyal readers and students opportunities for special rates and FREE product giveaways. Stay tuned!

FREE PAINTING WEEKEND!!

Where did the summer go? Hope all of you enjoyed the wonderful sunshine. It was great to get a change of scenery (and a chance to paint it!) BUT I am sooooo ready for classes to start and meet up with all of you!
Can't wait to start????
As a special perk to all my students that have re enrolled for Sept. classes- and celebrating Albert Arts Days please enjoy FREE PAINTING DAYS Sept 19/ 20 from 10:00-5:00.
What a great way to kick off the new term! Note: you do not have to come all day. Drop in and claim an easel and paint for the day or a few hours. Reconnect with fellow students! Paint on your current work or new ones. Bring a small plate of goodies and one of your painting to share for lunch or coffee time/gallery. Bring someone along if they are interested! Call and let me know you are coming 780-419-2055.
REMINDERS
Classes start the week of Sept 21. '
MEET Sheree, our digital camera expert. She will be taking names for more camera classes to be held at Hidden Talent Fine Art School.
Art Drive Studio's Open last weekend for the St. Albert Artists Colony members is Sept 19/20 as well! We are hoping for as good a crowd as last year!!!

H1N1 isn't any fun! Fall Plan

St. Albert's Chamber of Commerce is keeping us members up to date with all the preparations that province and individual companies should be undertaking with the growing threat that the H1N1 flu will return this fall and complicated the regular flu season.
As a result of reading many Government and local documents, I have instituted a few changes for Hidden Talent Fine Art School in order to keep that nasty bug out of our art school studio.
1. Hand sanitizer will be available and students are encouraged to use it before class.
2. Paper towels will be used in both washrooms.
3. Students will be required to bring their own "Hold It"( sticky tak)
4. Students are encouraged to bring their own brushes.
5. There will be NO REFUNDS after the second class.
6. If the instructor is ill, the students will be able to come to make up these missed lessons or receive a credit. Students who miss classes must make up missed lessons within the term.
7. Your instructor will have a vaccination against the H1N1 flu and encourages all eligible students to do the same.
8. Proper coughing/ sneezing etiquette is encouraged. Cough into your sleeve, wash hands frequently, staying home if ill, etc.
9. Please contact me if you have any concerns.
The fall is the best time of the year...outdoor painting and the start of art lessons , falling leaves and starting school brings back so many warm memories! Let's keep HT flu free so we can enjoy this colorful season! Like the song says" See you in September!!

Stolen Moments

It has been a long while since I've updated my blog...apologies all the way round!

I have split student info resources and general fun art education from my own personal art journey.

My art and viewpoints will now be at http://www.artbylaura.blogspot.com/ . I have worked out most of the bugs as I've posted through the summer and will keep my art friends up to date with my 'interesting" paintings, events etc. if you would like to join the mailing list please contact me at lwatmough@gmail.com

I've gotten a wee break from Summer Art Camps and I am in the school studio painting studies based on color combos and warm and cool light. These are my stolen moments to paint non stop and the door will be locked!!!lol There will be a drop-in this Thursday from 6:00-9:00 as well as August 13. The drop ins have been great fun and it is wonderful to get together in a relaxed atmosphere ( especially the refreshments!hah) The studio light is very special when the large doors are open...we are painting plein air so to speak!

One of our long time students is making major life changes- Carol Ewasiuk ( Tues afternoon) has decided to move to southern BC to escape the winters! and has her condo up for sale. We hope to see a bit of her in Sept, but her new home will be ready for her in October! Good Luck Carol, we will miss you!

Our Fall schedule is posted and we are currently taking Registration . September 19, 20 will be Hidden Talent Fine Art School Open House. Sheree, the photographer will also be on hand to explain her classes offered at Hidden Talent. The Further Education Brochure will be delivered by mid-August. All times and dates are posted at www.laurawatmough.com .

You can reach me at 780-419-2055! Enjoy the last warm days of Summer 2009!

Summer Art Hours

Drop-in art classes will be held on Thurs during the summer, except for the last two weeks in August. Time: 6:00-9:00 Cost : $35 If you wish to try glazing, please bring a monchromatic painting , your paints, and some LIQUIN LIGHT ( this is the least toxic product and works extremely well). You can work on your class projects or on any other art you wish! There is a maximum of 10 spaces available, so leave me a message to reserve your place! 780-419-2055
As an added bonus, the St. Albert Artists Colony members will be hosting an open house-complete with wine and goodies. You are welcome to sell your completed and framed artwork in the Gallery that night for a commission of 30%. Drop off your art when you come!

Spring is here and are we ever busy!!
Students at Hidden Talent are finishing many paintings using the methods of the Old Masters. Join us Thursdays in July and the first two in August for a behind the scene peek at how we paint! Members of the St. Albert Artists Colony will also be there hosting a community mural! 6:00-9:00.Don't miss out!

Students Spring Paintings in Progress

More Students hard at work!!

Hidden Talent students!

Focus! More Art Tips

This week we talked about keeping our story simple and uncomplicated. CW Mundy, one of the great living Masters chose a few artists that inspired him-Schmid, Gerhardt, Puttman, Hicks to name a few. He then pointed out why these artists have reached the pinnacle of the art world.
In other words, we should try and have only one focus in our paintings.
Point Taken: too much detail can distract from the focus- keep the hyper detail for closer to the main subject and be a little less fussy leading up to it.
Point Taken: Even in a still life that is shallow, the edges must reflect distance or depth. Fuzz ( soften ) them as they recede!
Point Taken: Squint! This is the easiest way to see like an artists.

I collect the International Artists magazine and highly recommend that you subscribe. They have success stories, educationals, and are a wonderful source of inspiration.

Simple Things

This past week we discussed a still life of very simple things...three onions and a clove of garlic placed on a marble shelf. The artists desire was to instill character or personality in the onions to differentiate them. Because of the simplicity, he had to attract the onlooker with drama, detail and technique.

Point taken! In your painting have a smaller area of detail and broader areas of less demanding detail. The focus of your painitng will never be in question and you can concentrate your efforts on a smaller, more managable area resulting in quicker progress! How many of us pick subject matter that is far too busy or complex? In a portrait the background should never command as much attention as the figure, no matter how complex.

Point taken! Paintings are everywhere and can be the simplest thing. We don't have to wait for the 'perfect' photo op, we can orchestrate it from our own kitchen. Some other ideas are Christmas ornaments, silver ware, perfume bottles, children's toys, collectibles, your favorite chair ( thanks Melanie for the idea!), golf shoes, garden decorations, acorns or weeds, coffee cups etc.

It is important to know that art class is a sanctuary where you can paint with no interruptions and where you can paint and do NOTHING ELSE! Some students want to paint their monochromatic at home, but never get around to it. Too busy, too tired, unexpected things happen!Don't feel bad! There is no homework in art class.....there is no need to try and find the precious time to paint at home. Classes are here to give you the time to paint your monochromatic undisturbed! If you do paint at home, consider it a gift of time well spent!

Digital Camera Basics for Artists

We survived! We learned! WE ACTUALLY READ OUR CAMERA MANUALS!

Photographer extraordinaire, Sheree Zeilke gave us great insight into our camera menus and what our DSL's and Point and Shoots could actually do. There were plenty of " I didn't know my camera could do that!" and 'How did I do this?" "cooooool" and " look how easy they made this for us!"

This afternoon was the last 2 hours of getting to know our camera....very important equipment for artists. Sheree gave us helpful handouts, special photography tips for artists, cheat sheets of terms and how to explore the scene mode etc!
The big realization was that we have alot more going on in our cameras than AUTO!

Sheree will be holding a second class due to high demand on Sat June 13/20 from 1:00-3:00 limited to 12 students. If you don't get into this class please leave you name and number...we may hold a third class for those that missed out!

Sheree is also ready to do DSL Only and Point and Shoot Only classes if enough students sign up. Sheree does photo safaris and personal mentoring sessions as well.( This is FUN STUFF!)

Check her out! Sheree has her work posted on www.flickr.com name: hadassah28 . We saw her photographs of a vixen and kits taken in Riel Park a few says ago. Her photos has gotten world wide attention on the Flickr site!

While you are at Flickr consider opening up a Flickr site for yourself and share photos of your art work / other things with a world wide community!

Many thanks Sheree! It was a blast!

PS Sheree has published a book of her photographs and the stories/inspiration behind them. She also writes a travel blog -www.blog-picajet.com

Day One Mona Lisa Art Show!

The third annual Mona Lisa Art Show `Brush Strokes` is only half way through but... What a great turn out! With the warm weather finally here, we were surprised at how many art friends took the time to visit our wonderful show! We brightened the day of quite a few first time selling artists! Congratulations! It is such a wonderful feeling when someone purchases your art and you know they can`t live without it!

Thanks to Mayor Nolan Crouse for taking time out of his busy day to drop by and enjoy the art!

Inspiration for Artists

Wellington Greenhouse, Edmonton

Happy Easter!

The quick and welcomed change in the weather always seems to invigorate me and sends me cleaning up my studio and refreshing my focus on art. I have learned that this is my best time for original ideas and productivity. I paint longer with more enthusiasm when I come out of hibernation!!

Getting back into yard and garden work reminds me that I have a half done Iris painting begging for a brush stroke.

After talking to fellow artists, I have a list of things that inspire them...and hopefully you. It is hard to keep the momentum going and, for me, a quick review of the list helps me focus.

1. Visit a sanctuary; this means that if you like gardening, visit a place like Wellingtons beside the Odeon Cinemas on 137 Ave....heaven on earth! They actually hire a designer from Vancouver to come and arrange garden paraphernalia , antiques, linens and gifts as well as bedding plants. I have asked and they do allow plein air painters into the gardens . This is definitely on my " to do" list for this summer. Who would like to come with me?

Another refresher could be a gallery visit. The Spring Art Walk is in April .(Edmonton on 124 st. ) This is always a source if inspirational and wonderment...How did they do that? How did they get into a gallery? What color did they use etc!

2. Visit a website. For those of us with limited time seeking out other artists websites or 'how to' sites can be not only educational, but change the way you view your work. Google 'realistic art' or 'painting a day' or "oil painters organisations" and lose yourself!

3. Look for competitions. Nothing like a deadline to get you to the easel! Many times my deadlines are self imposed, sometimes not. I know myself good enough to realize that I do my best working under pressure...

4. Take photos. Many photos. Visit flickr and other photography sites to see what has captures others eyes. Learn from their compositions.

5. The spring trip to the art store...... yes, my art friends turned out to be art supply junkies! A new color of paint, a few new brushes, and maybe even an odd size of canvas gets the gears in motion!

6. Look at the art book at Chapters...not necessarily the ' how to' but the 'already done'. Try the Old Masters.. I have library that continues to educate and stretch my approach to art.

7. Paint your monochromatics at home.I know it's easier said than done. Try for 1 hour a week and schedule it.

8. Find your other passion. This is research. Do you love old cars, wine, hiking, wildlife, prairie scenery, barns, kids, travelling? Incorporate this into your paintings and you will be more than inspired...you'll be hard to stop!

Showing off at the Trade Fair

Sylvie Fergusson and June Haring attracted lots of attention by painting on the spot. Next year we will devote much more room for painting , as this was a wonderful opportunity for both artists to explain and promote their work.

The Artists Brigade ( all our volunteers) walked throughout the fair and handed out info and did an outstanding job. Many Many thanks to all of you that helped out!

Trade Show 2009 Set UP

I am soooo tired, but sooo happy. This was a great year at Servus Place. We had good attendance, we had a penalty box to put our coats and drinks in, we had the BEST display, and the greatest volunteers. In fact, many exhibitors said they heard at least two pitches from different apron clad women ....they were so convincing that they had to come by and see the art! I hope you enjoyed the pictures and will come and be part of the fun next year! There is always room for another enthusiastic artist!

St. Albert Artists Colony- Ground Floor Opportunity

We are currently looking for a limited number of artists to join the St. Albert Artists Colony!

This is the second year that the Colony will be showing artwork at the Spot Light Gallery in conjunction with the St. Albert and area Art Drive brochure. We would love to have you be a part of this fun and rewarding experience!

For two Thursdays a month for July and August and at the 'Studio's Open' event in September, the Colony members will be introducing the public to the world of the artist! We will share an evening of refreshments and relaxed conversation as we paint on our current projects and display our artistic efforts in the Spot Light Gallery. We also have plans to have special art events through out the year!

We want you to join us if...

* you will be participating in the Art Drive Brochure.

* have 4-6 artworks to show over the summer.

* enjoy meeting people.

* enjoy the support and friendship of fellow artists.

* like No fees-only pay a low commission if your artwork sells!

Laura has more info for you! Have fun and paint with us this summer!

call 780-419-2055

Trade Show Art Walk

This year's artworks are incredible! I am so happy to be able to put them on display at the St. Albert 'Spring into Spring' Trade Show. There are over 50 and still counting as the last ones trickle in the studio door. The pegboard has been hauled out from the back storage area (we need to update to something half as heavy for next year!) the paperwork is almost finished ( brochures, business cards, handouts etc) and I have 'the men' in place to help build the booth display.

Our faithful volunteers are signed up- this should be a fun and exciting weekend! I really enjoy showing the unbelieving public what fantastic art our students are creating. It is surprising how many students started after seeing us at the Trade Show. We are the ONLY ART WALK FOR THE OVER 10,000 PEOPLE THAT COME TO THE TRADE SHOW! We are going to WOW them! Check out last years set up....

Our school isn't just about learning a timeless technique-it's about the support and encouragment that the students offer each other. The ultimate goal of an art school is to build a community of artists that thrives and inspires many more to push past their limits and discover what beautiful things can be at the end of their brushes. For me, having the opportunity to share the world of art with you has been a priviledge!

I can hardly wait for the Spring session to begin...

Torrit Grey is Here

You can now pick up your tube of Torrit Grey at Delta or Paint Spot! Since Edmonton and area is considered the hotbed of underpainting - let's get started! I must say that I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to win Gamblin products....my new favorite color is ashphaltum, a rich Van Dyke-ish dark brown, but oh so creamy. The new Manganese Blue that Gamblin sent out is a close second.
What will you paint? I am trying to stick to my dessert theme and am stumped! any ideas?

Spring MUST be coming SOON...

Winter session is coming to a close. We will have a short break then back to the easels by April 20th. A trend to larger paintings made it a bit of a challenge getting the canvas into the studio without turning it into a sail! This session saw wonderful paintings including many florals, more buildings than usual, Violins, animals and even a few portraits....the quality of art has never been better.

During our breaks we talked about what a juror looks for if you enter a competition-Contrast, Color, Composition. We've done well.(winners!) , but remember winning a competition is only an easy start....to win consistently is the goal. Develop your skills, keep taking lessons and who knows where you will end up? Even students who have no desire to sell their works can benefit from entering....many paint faster and more precise when there is a deadline, many are more creative in their approach simply because the art will be judged.

Don't pass up the opportunity to show at the St. Albert Trade Fair..... Another FREE event for Hidden Talent Fine Art School students . Art work should be in this week, call if you will be delayed!

THANKS FOR A GREAT SESSION. TOGETHER WE CAN DO SOME AMAZING ART!!

Losing Time- Learning to Paint Bettter and Faster

Seems to me that every time I pick up a paint brush, the clock goes twice as fast. Students often comment on how fast the three hours of class time whizzes by...and to think I started out teaching only a two hour class!

The obvious benefits of coming to art class are...

1. The challenge: Isn't it nice to know that no matter what great booboos we make, it can always be fixed? Nothing is permanent in oils.

2. Concentration: It is so absorbing that everything else disappears from our thought and we experience a higher level of concentration.

3. Accomplishment: After only a few classes I can actually see my students realize that ANYTHING is paintable-portraits, scenery, their dog, the grand kids, the favorite location, the vacation picture.

4.Education: how exciting it is to be learning a fascinating and complex subject at your own pace! When you look around at the other students work, you can see where you've been and where you can go...it's only a matter of time! Who knew how much thought and planning went into painting?

5. Feedback: It has been scientifically proven that painting in a group accelerates the learning process. Students learn not only from the teacher, but also from fellow students. The whole is more than the sum of the parts.

6. Realism: The return of a valued and respected art form is so welcomed and vital to us, and our society. The pendulum has swung back from just expression to expression with technique and thoughtfulness! How fortunate we are to live in such exciting times!

When you come to class I hope some of these wonderful things happen to you!

Student NEWS! Reserve Your Place for Spring Session

We will be having a break from classes from the end of March until April 20th. In the mean time there is the St. Albert Trade Fair April 3,4,5. Hope to see you and your painting there! Please sign up to volunteer. I promise it will be loads of FUN.
Dates and times for the spring session are posted on www.laurawatmough.com under Fine Art Classes. Register now to keep your spot...

Congratulations to Bette Hogg for winning a ribbon in the Orchid Show this year! She painted her entry at home and did a fantastic job. I will try to convince her to hang her winning entry in the gallery for all of us to see. WAY TO GO BETTE!!!

Heather Dundas is featured on the www.icangarden.com website.
Her inspiration for her painting is a photo from this website. Heather obtained permission and her 'painting in progress' is features under pix, painting in progress. Great Website, too! WELL DONE HEATHER!

MONA LISA CLUB MEETING this SAt March 7th. IF you can`t make it and would like a mini critique, please bring it to class and I will have a look.

Northwest Originals is the gallery hosted at Capitol Ex this summer. Are you interested in showing??? This is a great opportunity and the venue has been upgraded significantly. It is now at the entrance to SIP, the most popular exhibit in Hall A. Only original artwork will be hung, and there is a fee of $100 and 30% commission.....well worth it for the exposure. Included are tickets to the private chairmans opening and you can invite your clients to the Northwest Originals Brunch; PLUS free gate entrance and you don't have to stay and babysit your painting!!Both are stellar events, great decor, divine food, fantastic networking. Make sure your best work will be there. Contact Stephen at sliley@northlands.com . Make sure you request the SIP Gallery.

There may be an opportunity to paint at the Capitol Ex as part of the "entertainment". Would you be willing to join me ? More details later...

Some Camera Help!

As artists we need to know how to take a great photo for reference.....many of us glaze over as soon as the manual doesn't have any pictures on the page!!!! Does your camera have to much stuff on it? Do you use only 10% of the features of your camera??

WE CAN HELP YOU!

I have booked Sheree Zielke, (http://www.visualsbysheree.com/) professional photographer, who specializes in helping us use our cameras to the fullest! We had to book in May as this lady is in high demand! Digital Camera Basics will be held at the studio for owners of point and shoot as well as DSLR (the fancy camera with the interchangable lenses). Bring you manual, a highlighter, and extra fully charged batteries! Be ready to use the info you use in class. Class limited to 12-sign up now! Sat May 9/16 from 1:00-3:00. Advance payment in cash only!

An Artist's Story-Cheryl Wilkes

Cheryl Wilkes is a dedicated painter and has been chosen to show one of her works at the McMullen Gallery in Edmonton. Her work was chosen from over 190 entries and I'm sure it will the one that stands out!!
This is Cheryl Wilkes' story on why she is an artist; an inspitation to us all...

I remember receiving an old wooden box of oil paints and used brushes from my grandfather when I was 12. He had included some turpentine for thinning and cleaning and my parents provided me with an easel and a canvas. The summer days were warm and endless as I sat behind my rickety easel in the backyard painting a beautiful night sky picture from an old Christmas card of a glistening creamy moon peaking out from behind inky blue clouds. I imagined myself to be a famous artist dabbing away at the canvas and could feel a suave Parisian accent welling up inside of me. Of course we lived just 20 miles from Montreal so the accent wasn’t difficult to muster. I recall being so relaxed and feeling so carefree as I painted while listening to the birds singing and the squirrels scolding in the trees of my backyard. Certainly, the fumes from the paints and thinner may have played a small part in creating my feeling of tranquility, however, the sheer joy of replicating on canvas a small piece of this earth’s splendor was like a sweet elixir to my soul. That rapturous feeling kept me coming back to my easel, day after day until summer waned and my days were filled once again with the rigours of school.

Now I am much older and have seen many summers glide swiftly past. As a Registered Nurse, Wife, Mother and Grandmother, I have felt the weight of countless weary hours caring for clients, tending to family and struggling to survive in a ferocious world, which has left its mark on my body and my psyche. Unquestionably the joyous days of everlasting summer have ended for me and the gift of childhood oblivion has long since disappeared. The cold, harsh reality of life now dictates that I must choose daily to seek out the happiness that once upon a time was so easily grasped. I have chosen to return to painting again in an attempt to regain some of that cheerful tranquility that I had as a child and to provide a tangible balance to the rigours of daily life. Unfortunately finding time to paint is not paramount in my life as the clamour from demands of work and family quite frankly overpower the little voice that says, “Take some time for yourself.” In order to ensure that I do take the time, I have signed myself up for painting classes where I attend at least once a week. There are many evenings when I would prefer to stay at home with my feet up on the couch and forego class, but I coerce myself to attend, knowing that as I paint I will feel renewed, reenergized and at peace. The hardships of the day will be forgotten with each stroke of my brush and I am assured that I will be physically and mentally healthier for having taken some brief moments for myself to rejuvenate today, so that I may be better equipped to serve others tomorrow.