I've just posted the course outlines for classes I'll be offering at Heather's Stamping Haven from May 31, 2012 to June 4, 2012.  Check-ch-check-ch-check it ooooooouuuut.  Samples coming as soon as the new stamps are in my hot little paws. 

 Alrighty, so...

I've been working away at some new pieces for my show at the end of March and so, I sat down on Friday and decided just to have some fun play time with my artwork.  No pressure, just me, all my paint, markers, inks, brushes and a load of panels.

I thought about painting a few things that are meaningful to me...I selected Bird Face, the foster dog I cared for last year who simply stole my heart, and Ella Fitgerald, my musical inspiration.  I sketched, I inked (with Copic Multi-liner) and then I used my Tombow markers to create some watercolour effects, then I used my Copics to create a secondary layer of colour, then more Tombow watercolour, then more Multi-liner inking, then some splashes of ...

Well, before I launch into the art blogging that I'm raring to do today, I have to send out some BIG LOVE!

My girls and I went out on the town for some kibble last night and I had the best dining experience I've had in a very long time, if not ever.  We decided on Vietnamese restaurant, Tamarine on Dundas Street in London. 

http://www.tamarine.ca/

The service was incredible.  The host opened the front door for us as we approached the restaurant and seated us promptly.  We were a party of eight and the accomodations at the table were perfect for the size of group we were.  The ambiance, decor, lighting and table settings were incredibly warm and inviting ...

Well, I'm dreaming about summer today, after that wintery blast we just got over the week-end.  So, I've decided to finally get down to business on a custom painting that's been on my to-do list.

This is called Beach Path, and it is strikingly similar to the beach paths near my house.  It's mixed media on canvas and measures 36" x 48".  I can almost feel the warm breeze and hear the waves lapping...almost.

I can almost smell it, spring is coming, it really is.  yes, I know it's only January, but a girl can dream, can't she?

I am IN LOVE with the Ampersand Artist Panels!

These beauties feature a pre-gessoed surface cradled in a gorgeous, stainable wood casing.  So, you can have the versatility of canvas with a beautiful, modern finish.  Let me say it again...I am IN LOVE.  :)

I have an art show coming this spring and I will most definitely be adding a small collection of art created on these lovely panels to the roster.  Ampersand has created panels for any and all media, even encaustic.  I have found them at Currys and can't wait to get to work!  Check them out below...

http://www.ampersandart.com/artist-panel.html

Hellooooo!

It's Sunday, and I actually get to just be at home today.  I am spending the day preparing for an artwork unveiling at the WECHC Heritage Hub tomorrow.  I'm so very grateful for the chance to work with a local high school art class and the Hub to create some wonderful pieces of art to reflect community, individuality and the concept of a hub and what it means on both of those levels.  What a wonderful opportunity to get involved in something inspiring, and I look forward to honouring that at the unveiling event tomorrow.

On another note, I spent my day yesterday learning about the value of using puppets in an art therapy practice, and I also got the chance to create ...

I have a giant, huge, 28-foot ceiling, open room at the back of my house (it even has a secret staircase, leading to a loft).  It is unheated, it used to be a sheep barn attached to the house back in the day.  The house is 160 years old and has required alot of renos and fixing up and this room has yet to be re-done, insulated or fixed up.  Right now, it houses all the outdoor furniture during the winter, wood for the woodstoves, gardening stuff and random things.

I found a picture today that is almost the exact layout of this room and that I want...no I NEED for this room to become.  :)  A swing, for goodness sakes, who doesn't want a swing in their living room???

So, do you like stuff?  Here's some...

My good friend, lovely human being and instructor, Karen Daley just sent me a link for her latest blog post featuring a lovely calendar featuring illustrations by yours truly from the Sunshine Designs rubber stamp collection.  It also features the Krista Schneider Tombow watercolour technique.  So, if you're looking to brush up on your watercolour skills, learn some basics and mark the new year with a fantastic project, check it out!  If you're in the Ottawa area, call Heather's Stamping Haven to sign up for the course on January 14th. 

http://thedaleystamper.blogspot.com/2012/01/calendar-class.html

On another kind of fun note, I ...

So, I have a new favourite website for documentaries and I have definitely met my quota of documentary-watching over the holidays.  I just wanted to share one that I found particularly riveting, touching and perpective-inducing with you.  It's called The Andes Plane Crash Survivors and if you have yet to see this absolutely heart-wrenching true story of survival, will power and persistence in the face of incredible odds, you are truly missing out.  The tale of this horrific and life-altering ordeal is told by the survivors themselves and let me assure you that you'll not be complaining about anything for a while after seeing the experience of this catastrophe through the eyes...