Happy Birthday Erik, Happy New Year!

Many years ago I gave birth to this dude. Today he turns 18. It can't be, but it is. Happy Birthday to the best son ever!!!

And Happy New Years to you. I wish you all the best for the coming year-and always. xoxo

Bits of My Week.

We spent family Christmas number two in Montreal. I love the colors in Montreal at this time of year. White, with a many shades of blues and greys. We always seem to have very cloudy snowy rainy days when we visit. This year we only saw the sun on our drive back.

The boutiques and cafes were busy in Old Montreal with people eating, shopping and warming up.

The view from our hotel window on the first morning we were there. It was pouring rain and very dull. The red light of the sign really caught my eye.

The buildings disappeared into the clouds.

The sun tries very hard to break through the clouds.

Good-bye 2009!

Christmas Vacation.

Hello Monday. How did you get here so fast? I could've used a few extra hours this weekend as I'm sure you could have. There's just so much to do now with Christmas in just a few days. I don't know what happened this year but it really sneaked up on me and I'm not prepared. Shopping's not finished, haven't started wrapping or baking and I was hit with a monster of a head cold so I've been in somewhat of a zombie state for a couple of days now. So today it's rest and lots of green tea with lemon and some home made garlic and ginger broth. Tomorrow it's an early start with a list and a smile. I won't be around here much as I'm taking a much needed Christmas vacation. To all my readers, thank you so much for your continued support. It's nice to know you're here. All the best for 2010.

My Friend Lynn Kelly's Art Installation.

I had the pleasure recently of seeing my friend Lynn Kelly's exhibit at the Red Head Gallery in Toronto. The Red Dot Show is a group show of the Red Head Gallery members and incorporates paintings, photography, sculpture, video and sound work. Curated by Anastasia Hare.

Lynn Kelly maintains a philosophical and spiritual narrative in her painting and sculpture. She conveys an interest in emotional and psychological effects of transient lifestyles in our rapidly shrinking world. By painting one square at a time, Kelly maintains control over what she can do. As images emerge from the viewed canvas they form uncontrollable and inevitable conclusions. The square canvas provides a neutral format that has no direction, and is automatically balanced and symmetrical. The colours reference moments of joy and times of intense emotion: cities at night, water reflections, and ice crystals.

My photographs do not do Lynn's installation justice as you can't see all the details in the paintings. You can see more of Lynn's work on her website. Lynn will also be exhibiting at the Artists Project in Toronto in March 2010.

Pictured above is Chelsea Series 2,3,4,5,7,9, City Series 1-2 No Title 2009 oil on linen and Mobile Sculptural Component, mixed media & electric motor, variable heights 2009

edited at 5:41 pm. I forgot to mention that the show closes this Saturday, December 19.

Bits of My World Right Now.

Painting time in the studio is almost zero these days leading up to Christmas although there have been art related events, discussions and meetings happening. A special thank you to Jackie of Paula White Diamond Gallery as I now have selected landscapes on view in the head offices of Open Text in Waterloo Ontario.


There's lots of prep going on for exciting news I will share with you in the new year. I've been gathering supplies for new mixed media paintings and have been inspired by the sights of the season. Metallics and shiny things like tinsel and sparkly lights. Shades of blue and grey and white. Natural elements. I'll also be painting new landscapes for upcoming gallery shows.



Time has been on my mind because it seems to be flying by faster than usual lately. Is that even possible? Erik turns 18 this New Year's Eve. How did that happen?


Looking forward to our Christmas visit with family and friends in Montreal. If it's anything like the last couple of Christmas visits, we are guaranteed plenty of snow.


Remembering to slow down and really enjoying those special moments.

Winter Sale

Winter Berries 6x6 Mixed Media on Panel
Click Here to Purchase

Hiver/Winter 6x6 Mixed Media on Panel
Click Here to Purchase

Winter Fun 6x6 Mixed Media on Panel.
Sold. Thank you.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. We finally have some of the white stuff and very cold temps. It certainly got me out of my bah humbug mood I've been experiencing of late. There's nothing like a blast of cold and snow to make me think of getting my lists together and preparing for the holidays. And here's a gentle reminder that I have plenty of original affordable art for your gift giving. Take advantage of my free shipping to Canada and the U.S. but I'd say don't delay to make sure your purchases arrive on time.

I Heart Pomegranates.

Tis the season for pomegranates. Just one look at these exotic lush fruits and I feel festive. So trendy and luckily very healthy, you know that all the polyphenols balance out the vodka in a Pomtini.

Rita's Festive Pomtini

2 0z. vodka (I prefer Absolut)
2 oz. pomegranate juice
lots of ice.
Shake all together in a martini shaker
Pour into a martini glass
twist of lime (optional)
ENJOY

Tiny tasty jewels

Pomegranates 8x10 Acrylic on Panel
$250.00

Three Pomegranates 8x10 Acrylic on Panel
$250.00

I've been buying lots of pomegranates lately as we all love to eat them and they look beautiful just sitting in a bowl. I couldn't resist painting them. Drop me an email if you're interested in purchasing.

Chance of Showers

Chance of Showers 20x24 Acrylic on Canvas
Available at Art Interiors

Well here we are, December third and it does not feel like it at all. At least not here in Toronto. November was beautiful and it was the first November that we didn't receive snow in a very long time. We have been getting our share of rain which I don't mind at all as I'm not a big fan of the white stuff. OK, I do enjoy it in December and it's always nice to have a white Christmas but for me, that's it.

Yesterday I met up with Sherry and we went to the Distillery to enjoy the coffee at Balzac's and to catch up with things in person. As we walked through the Distillery and enjoyed the decorations and the smell of fresh evergreens the sun was shining bright and it was reminiscent of a spring day.

The next few weeks will be a flurry of activity with openings to attend, dinners and lunches with friends and family and all that goes along with this time of year. I'm trying to schedule regular time in the studio and yes, new paintings are definitely coming along. I've also been planning ahead and there will be some exciting changes coming up in the new year. For now, I'll close with a little link love. Bella Rennie has some wonderful Holiday Cards in the shop and is offering free shipping for the month. Gabriela Delworth has a few copies of her book Paper Head Dresses available in her shop. The 16th Annual Festival of Smalls continues at Art Interiors.