Chatting with Jann Arden.

"Feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward, be yourself" Jann Arden's music and lyrics inspire me and make me feel good. I've been a fan of Jann Arden for many years. Her music is honest and real and it touches my heart. She, like her music is honest and real, and very open with her fans on Facebook and Twitter. In Toronto today to promote her new book and CD release, I got the opportunity to chat with her again for a few moments. One of my paintings hangs in Jann's home and she's been very kind and supportive of my painting over the years.

And judging from the huge crowd all waiting in line, books and CD's at the ready, Jann is as popular as ever. She's everywhere these days. On television, on the radio, even on top of the CN Tower with Rick Mercer!!

PS To the Ryerson student that interviewed me (I'm sorry, I tried to get your name but you disappeared into the crowd) I hope you do well on your assignment!! :-) Drop me an email, I'd love to read your article.

More condo shots-an Empty Canvas.

Our wonderfully large balcony with bbq and planter boxes. I'll be planting an herb garden with some cherry tomato plants and maybe lettuce. Definitely some hanging baskets with flowers and patio table and chairs for dining al fresco.

Looking into the master bedroom and ensuite.

The master bedroom faces west.

I've never had a walk in closet with built ins before. I'll be enjoying getting dressed in clothes that aren't permanently wrinkled.

The master ensuite. No more waiting in line to do what one must Yay!!!

These photos of our new condo show an empty building that will soon become our home. An empty canvas if you will. I look at them and think of all the possibilities, not just in decorating and what can be done visually but what the future holds for our little family. In all the years E and I have been married this is our 7th move and I remember saying out loud just after moving into this apartment we're leaving, that the next time we move it will be into our own home-one that we own. In 22 years we've shared some wonderfully high moments and survived some horribly low ones as well. I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life, our lives, as an adventure full of possibilities and I'm moving ahead with these words playing in my mind "feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward be yourself"

Thanks for singing these inspiring words Jann!

Busy, Busy and Loving Every Minute.

I can hardly believe that just three months ago I was thinking that I'd have a very slow summer (artwise) with nothing much to do but work on some small pieces for my online shop, blog and just enjoy the laziness of the hot and humid days. Boy was I wrong!! I have been going non stop since April, painting and preparing for four shows, keeping up the shop, and trying to post on here more than once or twice a week.

The Leonardo Group show "Out of the Green" is in full swing and goes until August 16th. This past Sunday was a "driving" day and we made the trip out to Bayfield Ontario to drop off my paintings for Marten Arts, which starts this Saturday. The drive was beautiful even with the rain and I took lots of photos for a new series. More on that later. I'm just finishing up the last two paintings for Arts on King and have been asked to work on a commissioned piece as well. After I'm done with that, then I can start on my three 12x12 paintings that I'm putting into The Square Foot Show at Awol. I've got my freshly brewed Starbucks and some great music to keep me going.

Erik (my 16 year old) made up a playlist of music he's listening to these days. Love his playlists!!! Just the right combination of fast and slow to keep me standing at the easel for hours. What am I listening to these days?? Coldplay, The Verve, Radiohead, Beck, some downtempo lounge on Shoutcast Radio, a little Disco (yes Disco!) and of course my friend Jann Arden. How's that for an eclectic mix!!

The above painting "Quiet Drive Home" 36x48 will be at Arts on King. You know I love a good road trip!!

Whirlwind

This has been a crazy week so far. A whirlwind!! I have been working on new paintings. I was hoping to have had at least a few finished and photographed by now. There are seven canvases in different stages spread out around the studio and spilling into the adjacent living area. My work table is covered with sketches, color charts that I've made, dozens of my reference photographs. On the floor off to one side are small masonite squares 6"x6" in progress for another project that I'm working on. Jann Arden is my music of choice for today and plays rather loud in the background. "Into the Sun". Makes for lovely chaos.

I heard from Leonardo Gallery today about the Toronto International Art Fair. The gallery didn't make it into the show. It's a numbers game. Too few spaces available and too many galleries applying to get them. I'm a little disappointed as I was to be one of six gallery artists to exhibit at that show. Oh well, I'm staying optimisitic. As they say when one door closes another door opens.

The above painting is Sunset Path 36"x48". I painted this a couple of years ago but it really is one of my favorite paintings that I've done. It sits happily in a private collection.