The poem that Laurel sent me as an art prompt for Week 3 made me so happy. I love spring and one of its most compelling signs is the bird symphony and activity we hear and see on our daily walks on Nicomekl Trail, a footpath that follows the Nicomekl River. I love how Laurel… Continue reading A Lent Conversation – Week 3
This is the second instalment of a Lenten conversation between Laurel Archer, my poet friend, and me providing some art. This week I sent Laurel a painting as a prompt. She responded with a poem. The Hellebore plant was new to me when I moved to the coast (we didn’t have it in Saskatchewan, at… Continue reading A Lent Conversation – Week 2
The Top Ten Sale at my art shop continues—15% off 10 most-searched paintings and note cards. Most items are originals, only one available, like this "Fortress Mountain" painting, inspired by a drive along the beautiful Icefields Parkway in Alberta. "Fortress Mountain" - original watercolor, on 140 lb. cold press Winsor & Newton watercolor paper, 9… Continue reading Top Ten Sale
Do you keep Lent? Lent is a church season—a time of sober introspection in preparation for Easter—that my faith tradition mentioned only in passing. But I do love the idea of a faith calendar where one remembers and honours each season of faith at a set time each year. In the spirit of discovering, appreciating,… Continue reading A Lent Conversation
After reading the first few pages of Amee’s Story, I wasn’t sure I would ever finish the book. That’s not because it was poorly written. Rather, it was so well written I was pulled back into  a difficult time in my own life. However, I persisted with the reading and I’m so glad I did.… Continue reading Amee’s Story – review
Everyday Watercolor Flowers – A modern guide to painting blooms, leaves and stems by Jenna Rainey © 2019. One of my favourite art teachers, particularly of watercolor, is Jenna Rainey. A couple of years ago, her book Everyday Watercolor introduced me to the wonderful medium of watercolor (reviewed here). Her newest book Everyday Watercolor Flowers… Continue reading Everyday Watercolor Flowers – review
It’s always a joy to celebrate the coming out of a new book by a fellow Canadian writer. Today is the day we fete Deb Elkink and the re-release of her prize-winning debut novel The Third Grace (originally published in 2011). It comes out with a new cover, but the same rich interior. Here is… Continue reading The Third Grace – review
If there was ever a great time to learn about art, this is it. Not only is the internet full of videos and online class possibilities, but books are easier than ever to purchase and use. For art instruction I love Kindle books. On my iPad they have a built-in stand (I don’t have to… Continue reading 15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces – review
In years past we have attended the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) and visited the barns on the fair grounds. However, I will never view them with the same casual attitude I have till now, after reading Sumi Kinoshita’s book Shikataganai—It Can’t Be Helped. That’s because those barns at Hastings Park became the home of Canadians… Continue reading Shikataganai–It Can’t Be Helped (review)
Can you believe we’re already almost halfway through January? Have you done any dreaming or planning for the year ahead? I finally got to setting down some intentions and goals last weekend. I know many pooh-pooh this new year tradition. Not I! Even the roughest road map helps me feel more purposeful and confident that… Continue reading Only a month from Valentine’s Day!
Violet Nesdoly 