“What are you going to do when you retire?” they said.

The best retirement advice I received was, ‘Think of what you enjoy spending time doing right now, in retirement you will just be doing more of that.’ Celebrating 10 years retired (wow, really?) this year and I have not yet run out of things to do. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to pursue activities I enjoy. Looking back could I not have imagined how my art has and continues to enrich my life.

My days are pretty full. I’m fairly active, most mornings I like to get out for a long walk or head out on my bike. I try to spend some afternoons in my studio, in amongst whatever life throws my way.

Do you have a passion? Something that brings you great joy? My wish for you is that you can carve out time to enjoy it.

Since my last update…

I really enjoyed my two day plein air workshop with David Goatley in Ladysmith August 7-8th. Turned out to be a smaller class which was nice, more time one-on-one. I learned a lot which I hope to incorporate in my work moving ahead. Here’s a couple of my efforts, so much to learn.

Most enjoyable, albeit very warm days so even using my stay-wet palette my acrylic paint was drying quickly 😅 spray bottle a must!

Back in my studio I decided to try to mix up my palette using some new paint colours introduced to me at the workshop.

Here’s a couple of pieces created since the workshop.

changes coming…

For a while I have been finishing the edges of my pieces by wrapping the image over the edges of the deep canvases which honestly can take a considerable amount of time. After completing the edges on these last two pieces above I have decided to try painting the edges with a solid colour (either complementary to the piece or neutral shade of grey perhaps). I have debated this issue for a while now so will see how it goes.

Show time!

I have submitted this piece for consideration to https://www.ladysmitharts.ca/ to join in the Nostalgia Show coming up in October. I will keep you posted with dates after jurying finishes.

Fine Art Show & Sale in October

Mark the dates, 3rd ANNUAL FINE ART & ARTISAN SHOW on October 19 & 20th, 10-4 at Holy Trinity Church, 6234, Spartan Road, Nanaimo, BC. I am one of 25 artists participating in this show (including paintings, sculpture, fabric and jewelry art). Hope you can drop by to see some of my latest work. I would love to see you!

Nanaimo Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists Fine Arts Show

I will be submitting 4 pieces plus a small piece as my fifth piece for jurying. Results will be announced October 23rd. My first show opportunity as a member of this chapter. Eager for jury results as well as seeing the show in person November 14-17th (mark your calendars). Watch for more on the show early in November.

Til next time,

Jenny

To stay up-to-date on upcoming shows and places you can view my art in person (the best way!) subscribe to my blog by clicking below. I promise not to inundate your mailbox with emails, only blog updates about my art which I try to post monthly. Thanks!