In February, I taught an introduction to oil painting class. I really enjoy seeing students developing a joy of painting. That’s more important than producing artwork, tbh. We need joy in our tasks, especially these days. This canola field was our final project. I just finished mine yesterday. Enjoy. And wash your hands to #FlattenTheCurve.

Ron and I visited the Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary over the Labour Day long weekend. This fellow graced us with his presence as he hunted in the grasslands. We saw many other species of birds but this great horned owl was the most impressive.

I decided to paint this lovely old barn in watercolour. It’s based on a photo I took last fall west of Marwayne, Alberta. I love poking around in the country, looking for reference material for painting. It brings me back to my farm girl roots and so many great memories. Hope you enjoy!

Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. I guess this is me dreaming of a lovely beach vacation :). We saw many scenes like this during the 3 weeks we were on the beach in Japan this summer. Looks inviting!

I recently bought a little jar of cold wax medium. This painting is the first I’ve finished in oil/cold wax. I absolutely loved how I was able to work in the clouds with this medium. I used only palette knives (metal and silicone) too so cleanup was easy. This project was a great antidote to the cold outside AND the cold inside. My newly acquired nebulizer machine should have the wheezes and coughing under control soon. I hope. Get your flu shot!!!

.The North Saskatchewan River Valley is about 40 kilometres north of Lloydminster. It’s a lovely fall drive and we caught the height of the golden fall glory on an early evening drive. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree”. Emily Brontë

A fall drive always helps me get my head around the coming winter.  I enjoy the sights of farm equipment busily taking off a crop and the fall foliage that the countryside wears with such flair! 

I visit an alpaca farm near Hillmond, Saskatchewan at least once each summer. In addition to the adorable alpaca crias (babies), each July brings views like these. Lucky alpacas!

I’ve just returned from spending 3 weeks beach-side, surrounded by the jungle in Japan. It was wonderful to spend time with our daughter and her family there.


I put together this abstract which, for me, evokes memories of the light enjoyed by the residents at Takayama Beach Company on sunny summer days. I hope it makes you think of summer too!