Snowmageddon is the hashtag I've been seeing everywhere on social media and as a result of the news saying there could be more snow, I decided to forgoe the opening of the NorthVan Arts Council "Art Rental" program up at Cityscape Community Art Gallery in North Vancouver.  its at 335 Lonsdale.  There is quite a hill and the side walks are well maintained.  I am just afraid I am not quite so well maintained and it might be safer to just stay put.

That being said, there are over 150 new pieces that have been juried into the Art Rental program and it will be a great show until February 15th.  I am pleased to be in the company of other artists including Caroline Dahlmanns, Jeff Wilson and Sheri Jones and so many more great artists!

I've been getting prepared for Saturday's demos.  I have the material ready, printouts at hand and now need to put together all the little bits of advertising etc. that will help make the demo more interesting.  see you on Saturday!

I am gearing up for my watercolour classes at the West Vancouver Community Center.  This year begins on January 13th with a new beginner's class.  It's going to be a challenge to attract people to a 12:30-2:30 class on a Monday, but I think there will be enough interest going forward.  In the past, other artists have been listed with this course - so there is a hurdle for the student to know who will be the new instructor.  As well, Artist Elizabeth Cox has included her own booklet to go with her course at the Music Box.

No worries, I will have handouts and samples of the 8 days of the course and included will be overviews of techniques and materials and at least half of the class time in actual painting. The art room on the second floor of 2121 Marine Drive is a great studio! large Tv to view images, white board, 2 sinks, lots og]f tables and chairs, wi fi and more.  I work with an art desk that includes an overhead mirror.  I also encourage everyone to bring their phones and tablets to record the step by step process.

On Jan 23rd, my other two classes will begin - intermediate watercolour 12:30 to 3 and Watercolour with Sonia 9-12.  Lots of instruction, pre-made templates so that the student doesn't have to worry about drawing, only tracing. For those with advance drawing skills, I welcome drawing ahead of time and even finding your own photos to paint a similar subject.

on January 18 - I will be demoing at 11 and 2pm with Opus Art Supplies on Granville Island. Happy Accidents will be all about taking the fear out of using watercolours and enjoying in this session creating a stairway and arch image I photagraphed and then developed a watercolour from.  This image was originally from my trip to Cinque Terra a few years ago.  The watercolour will also be in the online gallery at the Federation Gallery the following week in their 'works on Paper" exhibit.

There are so many great comments for 2020.  I love the fact that it ties in with the previous century "roaring" 20's and the Art Deco period and prohibition and flappers and so much more.

My 2020 vision, corrected by glasses, shows an exciting year with new Studio space at 150 McLean Ave, Vancouver.  Portside studios is a cooperative

https://portsidestudios.weebly.com/

and a great group of artists. Some artists I know through the Vancouver Sketch Club, others I work with to put on the Mid Main Art Fair.  I am very excited about this opportunity because it allows me a dedicated space outside my home studio that I can feel creative with the right space and environment. My home studio has been a struggle for light, space and creative energy.

My next show is part of the salon for the art rental program at the CityScape Art Gallery 355 Lonsdale as part of the North Vancouver Community Art Council.  This event has an opening on January 16th and runs until Feb 15th.

https://northvanarts.ca/events-exhibitions/art-rental/

Also very exciting is my opportunity to demonstrate at the OPUSart supplies store on Granville Island January 18th at 11am and 2pm both

free but requiring sign up. 

https://opusartsupplies.com/resources/events/

Starting to put my ideas on paper and getting my material ready for upcoming art classes.  It takes time and energy, sometimes the energy is lacking, but rain and adverse weather should not be used as an excuse. At least that;s what I keep telling myself!

Happy New Year! Happy Painting!