Back at it

My mind has been thinking a lot lately, unfortunately it's when I'm trying to sleep. I wake up at 3:00 am and things that I think should happen with my art business are on repeat in my head. My daughters are still on Christmas break this week so the only creative time in my studio ( aka a corner in my basement) has been when they go to bed. Today I actually left them doing Play-Doh for a few minutes while I snuck away to have me time. That quickly turned into them watching me paint and trying to do yoga on the floor beside me. I was, however, able to start a small painting that I am happy with. The last pieces I worked on were with resin so it felt nice to pick up a brush again. 

I'm thinking of working on paintings similar to "Two Houses" shown here. We have a lot of plants surrounding us in our home, I may try and add some of those as well...lots of ideas.

I signed out some design magazines the other day from the library, thought I would share some images that inspire and connect with me:

Organic forms and shapes are what I want to concentrate on as I move forward.

The colour and pattern in this caught my eye.

This is modern and has a mid century vibe which I love! Blue often finds a way into my palette.

I like the colours and geometric forms here. It's like Kelly Wearstler designed a boutique hotel circa 1985.

I recently watched the Tom Petty documentary "Runnin' Down a Dream" on Netflix. It was actually over two evenings as it was like 4 hours long! Watching other creatives write, compose and collaborate was just what I needed to see. If you like his music I highly recommend it. I've been listening to "Wildflowers" a lot around the house lately.

Pretty/Peculiar Exhibit

The name of the exhibit alone told me I was in for something special when I entered the space a few weeks ago. Danielle Krysaart aka "The Jealous Curator" recently curated an exhibit at the Alison Milne Gallery in Toronto. My husband and I travelled around the city one Saturday afternoon visiting all the art spots on my list. I'll be sharing the rest of our adventure in a few other blog posts ( I took a lot of pictures y'all...I didn't want to bore you) The photos were all taken on my phone so the quality is not the best representation of the installations and art pieces. I've included some of my favourites...not everything. The show is up until January 7th, so if you are local you still have time to see it in person.

Alison is also an Interior Designer, I was so excited to finally see this stunning space in person.

If you don't know the work of Tina Berning go look her up. Figurative drawings that are gorgeous! This framed piece greeted us when we first walked into the gallery.

A portfolio filled with drawings for sale as well as her book 100 Girls on Cheap Paper. I should have bought a copy, the images were all so wonderful & it was a steal at $35!

Visual artist Tania Love lives in Toronto & creates these delicate works of art. This installation really stood out in the room.

It's all about the details.

American artist Natalie Baxter "I create soft sculpture that playfully push controversial political issues."

Seonna Hong is a contemporary pop surrealist artist out of Los Angeles.

"Deciding How It Should Go" was one of my favourite pieces in the exhibit. These colours are what I gravitate to.

Tonya Corkey is another Toronto based artist. These gorgeous portraits are made with lint on canvas. My husband & I could not believe our eyes, they were stunning in person!

A pair of Tina Berning's Acrylic on Paper pieces.

I can't stop looking at this painting by Tina. It's loose gestural brushstrokes make me want to go create.

I wish I could have added these geometric beauties by Martha Rich to our art collection at home. The graphic pops of colour are so delightful.

Here you can see the scale, they are each 8x10". I totally agree with her on this "Original art should be accessible to all." Martha resides in Philadelphia.

This day was special. My husband and I were without kids, he drove us all over the city so I could experience art that I had only read about online. I was so inspired when I got home and I can't wait to see what happens in my studio in the New Year. 

Boho House Feature

When I first joined social media I was surprised to see how many other people shared my love of thrifting.  I remember a piece of art that caught my eye in Jo's space & it turns out it is her favourite element that welcomes you into her home. Every time someone sends me photos of their home to feature I get excited.  I have a sense of what style they gravitate towards, but the full tour is like icing on the cake. Jo also lives in Ontario, only a few hours from me. Maybe in the New Year we will have the chance to meet up and go shopping together. When she shares her latest finds on her instagram account, @jmwearing, I totally feel like she is the Canadian version of Emily Henderson. When you see her home & her styled shelves you will agree with me. She's got mad thrifting skills y'all! 

"Holly and I recently connected this year on instagram after finding a mutual appreciation for amazing art and love of décor – bonus points for being a fellow Canadian!  She asked me if I would be willing to participate in a home tour and I jumped at the idea. I have always wanted to start a blog, but am unsure if I could commit to do it, but knew this would be a really fun experience!  My boyfriend and I live approximately 40 minutes north of Toronto, where we purchased our home a little over a year ago.  I work in the financial sector where my creativity tends to be put on hold, so my home is where I am able to fully let it go."

"One of my favourite items in this room is my framed Art Gallery of Ontario poster from 1988 of Andy Warhol’s Elvis I and II (1964), which was produced for an exhibit. I scored this off of eBay and had it professionally framed.  I love this little nook as it adds a big impact when you first walk into our house because it’s one of the first things you see."

"Our home was built in 1987, and is your standard cookie cutter subdivision home, which meant adding personality and character would be done through the decorating!  I tend to live for everything and anything vintage or thrifted. I have no idea where this came from – I only started going to thrift stores over the past 2 years, but I haven’t been able to stop.  There is something weirdly soothing about walking through the aisles of thrift stores. I love looking at items and wondering who the original owner was, why they bought the item, and how it ultimately ended up on the shelf in front of me."  

"I have, and continue, to struggle with our ‘L’ shape layout combo of living and dining room. I have a feeling this room will always be changing. The way I accumulate items means I never know what I’m going to come home with and what will change. I always thought our home would be exploding with colour, but I seem to have shifted to a very neutral palette."

This unique coffee table was one of Jo's latest finds. I love how she layers texture into her space and adds pops of colour with greenery.

Mid Century pieces are what I'm drawn to as well. This thrifted chair needed sanding & staining & looks great with updated upholstery.

I just want to invite myself over for dinner. I would stare at the photography for hours!

"When my boyfriend and I first started dating we took a weekend trip up to his family cottage. In the basement, was the most beautiful antique harvest table I’d ever seen. And coming from a mid century modern fan – I knew this table was something special. I remember making a mental note about how this table needed to eventually make it with us where ever we went.  When we moved into our house, the universe honoured my vibes and the harvest table came with us! The table originally came from my boyfriends grandparents farm and is loaded with character – boards that are starting to curve and plenty of nicks and burn spots – but I wouldn’t change a thing."

"I knew we needed to keep the rest of the finishes pretty modern so that the harvest table didn’t go too rustic. The eiffel chairs and industrial chandelier were easy choices. The picture shelf concept, four in total from IKEA, came from some Pinterest images I had stumbled upon. I was looking for an easy way to differentiate the space between the family room and dining room since it is one big ‘L’."

"The shelves have been mostly filled with photos from thrift stores, antique shops, and eBay. My favourite of the bunch is a small black and white photo my dad took with his brownie camera of the kaleidoscope pavilion from Expo ’67 in Montreal."

"Our master was one of the easier spaces to put together. Prior to us even having a house, I had a bad (…or maybe good?) habit of buying furniture and stashing it away in my parent’s basement.  I think at the time everyone thought I was crazy, but I would tell them that if I loved the item I would make it work in whatever space I ended up with. Our master bedroom is a perfect example of this.  The end tables ,lamps, and rug were all Kijiji and estate sale purchases that I made while we were house hunting." 

"And yes – we are TV in the bedroom kinda people. My dirty secret is out."

"The campaign dresser is one of my favourite pieces in our home. It came from my aunt, whose grandfather or great grandfather either brought it over to Canada from England during the 1800s, or purchased it upon arrival.  I was nervous about how it would work against the mid century vibe of the other dresser, but I think they balance each other out very well."  

The graphic black & white prints above the bed pop against the white wall.

Someone was throwing out this plant as they thought it was dead.  Jo scored it for free, as you can see it's thriving it her sunny space.

"The mid century modern dresser and mirror are vintage – my dad bought this set off of my grandparent’s best friends many, many years ago. This was in my house growing up, and was my first introduction to mid century modern furniture as far as I know. In my early 20s my parents were ready to put it out on the curb. I panicked and begged them to hold onto it. This guy ended up sitting in their garage for 5 years before we finally got our house and went to work refinishing it."

How cute is that rattan rocking horse!

I can't even pick my favourite piece from all these thrifted goodies, there are too many!

"About a year ago, we decided the office would work really well with a wall mounted shelving system. I am a mid century modern lover, and have always loved the look of wall systems/Cado set-ups. After looking for what seemed like ages, I finally came across a set off of Kijiji that worked perfectly. They were gorgeous solid teak that had been milled for the original owners in the 60s."

The Danish monkey & that gorgeous hand are high on the list.

"Fast-forward to today, after forcing black paint [Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron] on my boyfriend, and the office is complete."

"This room really came together after I spotted the peacock rattan headboard at a local thrift store. At the time, I had a rusted out 1997 Toyota Camry and prayed this guy would fit the backseat. Once it was put up, my mind was pretty set on what I wanted in here. It has gone through several different versions, but I think the current one will stick for awhile!"

I would love to be a guest in this space, how cute is the elephant! We have a lot of teak in our home, the style is timeless in my opinion.

"The most recent purchases, the equipale chair and the batik, were scored at a great estate sale and I feel like they really polish off the room. The batik adds a pop of colour that this room definitely needed but still fits with the vibe."

"Our home, like many others, is a never-ending project. I’m sure you noticed our kitchen, bathroom(s) and basement didn’t make the cut this round! I’m sure we will continue working away, room-by-room, and have some updates in the future."

If you're like myself and love a great bargain and get excited when a complete stranger finds the best pieces, then follow Jo along on her Instagram account. You won't regret it! @jmwearing

Portland...here I come

The other day I discovered the most delightful shop through Instagram, and began drooling over every image they have ever posted. When I was a teenager I travelled with my mom to Portland, but at that point in my life home decor shopping wasn't high on my list of priorities. My husband & I would both love to hop on a plane for a weekend getaway! My first stop; Woonwinkel. "Owned by two color-obsessed women with a passion for independent designers and handcrafted objects. We carry modern, colorful, inviting pieces from all over the world, with a particular affection for makers of the North American west coast. Woonwinkel means “home shop” in Dutch."

This is in the front window, how fun is this.

If you love modern design and colour you will love this shop. (Note: Canadian's spell colour with a U) You can shop online if you are not in Portland and happen to live in Canada like myself. When I paint I'm often inspired by interior design, bold pattern's are what I gravitate towards. The more the better!

They have a blanket wall....how amazing is that!

Hand made pottery...yes please!

When my daughters were small my favourite toys were the wooden ones. You can easily see why.

Pillows & textiles,  you can never have too much.

These soaps by Wary Meyers are made in Maine and each one is a piece of art.

The pineapples are lights, so even if you have long freezing cold winters you can pretend you are in the tropics!

I'll take one of everything please.

While I'm shopping I would also love to stop into Schoolhouse Electric & search the city for some murals by artist Lisa Congdon. A girl can dream right?

Holiday Show & Sale

Artspace is having its first holiday sale and this Saturday is the opening night. If you are looking for a unique gift come out and support local artisans like myself. The show will be on until December 17th, plenty of time to pop in and check out all the goodies! Hand made gifts don't have to break the bank, all of the items are priced under $100.

One of my favourite new paintings is available in the sale "Old School" 8x10" Acrylic on Canvas.

I came across this photo on www.shyle-brandi.com As soon as I saw it I was imagining what my painting "Old School" would look like installed in the bottom left corner. The energy, style and design of this studio space all speak to me. Sure I have daydreamed of gorgeous interiors, but this time was different. The image jumped out at me & I couldn't help but take notice. I'm not sure if or when it will happen again but I can't wait, it was a fun process. If you are a creative give it a try, let your imagination run wild.

Artists I Admire

Back in my early twenties I worked in a Furniture/Design shop in Toronto. The owner had curated a collection of art that was hung in the space. It was one of my favourite elements. It was here that I first discovered resin artwork and I instantly connected with the work of Canadian artist Joshua Jenson-Nagle. His pieces were large scale and really grabbed your attention. The colours were muted and the images captured the landscapes that I have grown to know living in Ontario.

Here is one of his pieces installed in a home in Toronto.

I have only been on social media for just over a year, in that time I have discovered many creative artists I admire. I came across Joshua's name & a light bulb went off. I actually sent him a message letting him know how much I enjoyed his artwork and that I first came across it 15 years ago. For me a working artist, just starting off in her career, this gives me hope. His talent and determination has allowed him to have a lasting career. If you check out his website you will see just how talented he is. His current works are photographs that are face mounted onto plexiglass, that explore dreamy large-scale beaches. http://www.jensennagle.com/

This is another older piece that I love! Those pastel polka dots add the right amount of whimsy.

The other artist working with Resin that has inspired me is Canadian artist Christine Flynn. Her passion for vintage decor, interior design & photography makes me think we would be friends if we ever met in real life! I love how she layers in text, colour blocks and numbers to create a unique piece of art. There are so many of her pieces that I enjoy it was hard to choose. Make sure to check out her website for more information on her work. http://www.christineflynnart.com/

I feel as though I am walking on this highway, just breath taking!

Christine's shop "Love The Design" a great place to hang her latest pieces.

I think I am going to put my paint brushes down until the New Year & focus on my second collection of resin based pieces. I look forward to sharing process shots from my studio with you over the next few months.

Breakfast, Lunch & Art

I had the opportunity last month to hang some of my original paintings in a local restaurant in town called Two Dishes. They will be on display over the holidays so you can tell your loved ones they can enjoy dinner and shop at the same time. Sounds pretty easy right!

This is one of my husband's favourite pieces "Overload". He is always honest with what he likes and dislikes, which I appreciate.

The exposed brick attracted me to the intimate space and I couldn't be happier with how the collection has come together. Since that time I have received some lovely compliments on my work and I am excited that my local community will have access to my paintings without having to go to an art gallery to view them.  Here you will not feel intimidated if you just want to look around. The other day Heidi shared a photo of herself in front of one of my paintings on social media and had this to share with me;

"As a fan of Holly's art, I was pleasantly surprised that on a recent visit to Two Dishes, her work filled the walls! I recognized Holly's distinct style immediately; there was no question it was her work. The bold colours that are somehow soft, the texture, everything I love about her work online only better in person! The art, instead of standing alone and viewing it from a distance, became part of the experience of breaking bread with a friend. It added to the warmth of the morning in a lovely way."

In this casual environment if someone has a connection to a piece they can come back to visit it again. I am always open to bringing paintings into homes to see if they work in the surroundings you had envisioned them in. Art is very personal and in my opinion if you love it you will always find a spot for it. All of these paintings are originals, there is just one like it. If you have any questions please contact me.

A variety of sizes to add a pop of colour into your home.

"Hanging work in a new space is like sending children off to university. New surroundings, you have to hope they can stand on their own two feet. By that stage you’ve done all you can. Put it out in the world and the other side of the deal is up to someone else." quote by artist Alice Sheridan.

Highlights of the week

I've been busy lately teaching art classes, filling Birthday loot bags, and trying to maintain a house that keeps me sane. I always feel more relaxed when the space I'm in is tidy, especially in my own home. Halloween decorations & costumes were piled in my laundry room until Birthday decorations went up. Christmas always sneaks up so quickly I ought to start thinking about getting out the tree ( yes it's a fake) and putting out lights before it snows. Amongst all of this I'm trying to remind myself to do the following;

This tea towel is a rag I use in the studio. It keeps getting better every time I pick up a brush.

After a trip to Home Depot I got all of the materials I needed for my booth at the Make It Indie show this Saturday. I prepped all of my paintings for hanging, and decided on names for each one (sometimes it's not that easy) Loving these stickers from MOO!

"Everlast" 9x12 Acrylic on Canvas

I dropped off four new paintings at Burrow, so if you are looking for a gift or want to add it to your holiday list stop by. Recently I was having a good day, I even told my husband how happy I felt mid afternoon. My day got even brighter when I read this message.

 "LOVE your pieces!!!   I've been in Burrow checking them out and following you now on instagram.  I know one day I will buy one.....but it will be the "perfect one" for our home....I also have my husband's approval(since we share a space...lol)

I am deeply fascinated by your art....it's like finding a song that you feel connected to."

As an artist I've never really thought of that connection before, it was like a switch was turned on. Some days you just need to know that you are connecting with others and that what you are doing does matter. I love seeing where my artwork goes to live after it leaves my studio, keep sending me photos folks!

Make It Indie

I'm so excited this year to participate in my first holiday art market. Shopping local and supporting small businesses is a wonderful thing to do. I hope you can stop by to check out the vendors. You can even enjoy a beer while you're shopping, my husband will be pleased with this. Chatting with collectors and art lovers in person is something I am looking forward to. Some new paintings will be avaialble and some special sale prices will be in effect for the one day only.

A selection of hand painted glass ornaments will be available.

One of my new paintings done on wood panel.

Come out for the day and get your shopping done early. Don't forget to stop and say hello!

All I want for Christmas...

I'm not a big reader and last year was the first time my adult self asked for books as gifts. Most of them were art related and it turns out very useful. For years I have relied on reading articles online, going to the library and browsing my favourite design magazines.

The holidays are approaching and I have already completed my list. There are no clothes or jewellery included, just hard covers. I hope I'm lucky enough to get some hand made items from my daughters as well, you can never have too many of those.

 I read Danielle's last book "Creative Block" this past summer and I couldn't put it down. Even though I was not stuck on a lack of ideas at the time, it was refreshing to read other artists talk openly about their struggles. Being a full time working artist is not something that comes easily to everyone. The cover totally screams...put me on your coffee table lady!

This podcast she was featured on is great, check it out. http://www.johndalton.me/podcast/ep-63-danielle-krysa/

My friend Kandyce has already informed me how inspiring this book is as she posted this great photo the other day. I am seeing it everywhere which means it will definitely be a great addition to the pile of art books in my studio. A group of women sharing personal stories on how they have succeeded, yes please. Following your dreams and not allowing others to interfere with creative path...2017 goals for many of us. I need to add that it just made the New York Times Best Seller List. Way to go Grace!

I enjoy looking through domino magazine for colour combos and inspiration for my artwork. An entire book with beautiful vignettes and styled homes is hard to say no to. Making this the last book on my list this year. If there is a book that you love and I need to know about send me an email I would love to hear from you.

The Creative Local

When Nicole asked me if I would like to be featured as her "Creative Local" interview I jumped at the chance. Uniquely Women is a place of creativity, exploration, and inspiration. Nicole helps business ladies, entrepreneurs and any one who is creative feel good about themselves. I think we all could use a little bit of encouragement and positive thinking in our lives. Check out my interview here: http://uniquelywomen.net/the-creative-local-holly-young/

Download available on Nicole's website.

House Feature - Ashley Izsak

I am so excited to share my first Canadian house tour with you. Ashely is a professional organizer and I'm so envious of how she can edit a space and still have it look so good. I am the opposite and like to display lots of collectables and thrift shop finds that require lots of dusting...which everyone knows is no fun.  She is also a talented weaver. Her work is bright and whimsical, adding that perfect pop of colour to any room.

"When I met Holly (virtually), I instantly felt we'd be friends. I mean she lives in Peterborough - a city I frequented very often in my childhood and her house + art is amazing! So when Holly asked if I would be her house tour, of course I said yes." I work from my home studio where I live with my husband, twin daughters and two felines. In my spare time you may find me sipping wine and weaving. Oh and I have this thing with organizing spaces! Now that you know a little bit about me, hop on over and browse my etsy shop or email me hello@ashleyizsak.com to request a commission."

The pattern on this circular rug in the entry way is great and the large mirror is on trend. We do have similar taste and I know we would chat non stop if we were in the same room.

"I will preface this tour with one statement: our home is a work in progress. When we purchased the house two years ago, it screamed country dwelling. The bones were good, it was open concept and the yard left us speechless, so we took a leap and went for it. We live in a three bedroom high ranch bungalow in the village of Osgoode, Ontario. Our former home was a town home in suburbia and we sold 90% of our furniture on kijiji before moving. We wanted a fresh start and furniture that was more comfortable yet still our taste - and we'd raised twin babies in that house, as well as run an at home daycare. I will admit, transitioning to such a square living space, offered some challenges. Also, furnishing an entire home from scratch, is a daunting financial task."

I can see how Ashley's family were sold on this outdoor living space. A large lot with trees, privacy and a play house, what more could you ask for?

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The bright white walls make the home so light and airy. I would so love to sit and enjoy a cup of tea in that vintage chair...I adore it!

I enjoy a good mix of furniture, and the end table with the brass cap feet really fits perfectly. Here you get a peak at one of her weavings...so lovely. This rug is amazing and the colour palette is what I often paint with.

"Our living room is where we spend most of our time together. For a long time I tried to keep the toys hidden. More recently, I've just tried to build them into the decor and so far I'm happy with it. We painted all of our main living spaces Farrow & Ball Wevet and I still love it. I prefer to commit to coloured accents, not large pieces. With the white walls the colours really stand out."

A framed print fits in with the living room decor and has a theme her daughters will enjoy. The placement of it is perfect here.

Ashley has created a multi purpose living space that the entire family can enjoy. Adults can hang out at one end, while the kids sit and do crafts and draw at these tables. At my house my daughters usually take over the entire dining table with colouring books and markers. Ashley can easily move the Wishbone chairs to the eating area if extra seating is needed.

 This bright open window pours in natural light.  I have always had a love/hate relationship with curtains, this simplistic style looks great just the way it is.

Bananas wearing sunglasses! I want to steal that pillow for our house. A view of the master bedroom is seen down the hall.

Here you can see how easily Ashley has incorporated the girls artwork into the space. I think it's a wonderful idea hanging it low at the girls eye level. The other element that my eye is instantly drawn to is the architectural detail of the stained glass. The colours contrast nicely with the area rug.

"The kitchen was our primary focus that we (thankfully) tackled before moving in. We removed a whole wall of upper cabinets to ease the transition into the dining and living areas. The walnut floating shelves are one of my favourite features of the space and that giant glass ball is actually a vintage Pyrex beaker that my mother bought for me while we were antique shopping in Montreal."

This neutral design is timeless. I love how the walnut shelves play off the warm wood tones in the room. Her cats really are at home here as well. 

With all the natural light that this home has I can see why Ashley enjoys working from home.

Don't we all wish we had a sky light in our kitchen? A perfect spot for her twins to enjoy a snack.

Ashley and one of her daughters at Thanksgiving. In Canada this holiday was last weekend in case you are confused.

"My studio is currently located in bedroom number three ... but I am brainstorming on how to incorporate it into our living space, since my husband and I are hoping to expand our family shortly. If anyone has any suggestions on how to add a fibre studio to a living room, I'd love to hear them!"

Can I just say that plants add so much life to your home. They are an inexpensive addition to any space and your children will appreciate having them around. My daughters usually name ours after their favourite cartoon characters!

Ashley has some pretty amazing pieces. I personally love the ones that are geometric, like this little beauty hanging here.

"Shockingly, our master bedroom is my favourite place in the house. It probably looks empty to you, but it is my zen space. I regularly roll out my yoga mat, shut the door and look out at the trees. We do have plans for wall sconces and floating bedside tables eventually, but for now, I'm happy here."

The one detail I noticed is the hardware on the closet doors as it is very unique.

This vignette has so many interesting pieces to look at. I love the casual vibe achieved here by leaning the mirror and artwork. The dark wall colour is a nice contrast since the room can be seen from the main living area. It helps to create an intimate and cozy feeling.

"Our daughters are five and they share a bedroom. It's bright, full of dolls and they love it." This rug immediately calls my attention and helps to anchor the girls twin size beds. The woven butterflies were purchased on a trip to the Mayan Riviera, they add the perfect pop of colour.

I want to thank Ashley for sharing her home with me. I know I've said it before; social media has allowed me to connect with creative individuals all over the world. I truly appreciate the friendships and relationships I have made over the past year. Make sure to check out the links mentioned above to see more of Ashley's work. I look forward to your next trip to Peterborough so we can have a girls night out!

Friday Introduction

If you are new around here I thought I would share a bit about myself. This is going to be very casual and hopefully you feel like you know me a bit more after reading it. In no particular order let's begin; First off I hate the smell of coffee & have never drank a cup of it. For my Birthday I was recently gifted tea & beer, perfect gifts that you can't go wrong with. Cream of Earl Grey is hands down my favourite, you need to try it folks. 

We no longer have cable and I don't miss it at all! Netflix & John Oliver keep my husband and I entertained for hours on the weekends. I'm very sad that Arrested Development and Parks & Rec are no longer around. The Mindy Project is a comedy I have only recently fallen in love with. I watched a few seasons last summer to catch up. I am not into reality shows at all. 

I feel old when I hear current music on the radio in the car and have no idea who it is...lots of artists sound the same I think. I would rather listen to Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac or some Indie artist on Spotify.  I am a mother of two daughters who are complete opposites of one another.

I'm not techy at all, I usually get my husband's old cell phone but recently got a fancy phone so I can take artist quality photos to share with you all on social media. Our current home has a beautiful kitchen with high end appliances. I thought this might turn me into someone who enjoyed baking and cooking more...3 yrs later and the answer is still no. I do love to decorate but I am not into seasonal decor, we will get pumpkins & a tree at Christmas don't worry I'm not Scrooge! I am very chatty and not shy at all. I've been teaching painting classes for 2 1/2 yrs and have enjoyed the social aspect of it a lot. Painting by yourself in your home studio can often get lonely, good thing I have my dog Dublin to keep me company. It is a long weekend here in Canada, Happy Thanksgiving!

Release of Daydream Series

I am releasing the body of work from my Daydream series into my online shop September 30th. Thank you to everyone who has given me feedback and support while I was working on these pieces. They truly were a labour of love. I have a limited amount currently available and will start my next series in October, which will be using photographs of animals. I'm moving away from pink for a bit! Keep checking my social media for posts of my process. If you are interested in a piece from this series, I will do some commissions and offer larger sizes as well. Please contact me if you would like to chat.

These ladies share in my excitement!

Artsweek

Peterborough is an incredibly vibrant arts community that supports the development of a wide range of artists. Today is the beginning of Artsweek and lots of free activities are available for you and your families...so get out there and check them out! Tonight I look forward to visiting galleries and the opportunity to meet other makers.

I have a few paintings hanging in the group show at Gallery in the Attic. The Kawartha Artists Studio Tours are also on this weekend, shop local and buy original art folks!

Alex Bierk's mural  "Passing Cloud" was just installed downtown. This is just a section of it, you need to see it in person; it is amazing.

It's all happening...

That's a quote from one of my favourite movies "Almost Famous" and that's how I'm feeling these days. I am making the work that I want to make in the studio but, some details are still not complete. I'm waiting on some finishing touches for new packaging and as well as more business cards. I don't want to rush to get the pieces I have completed on my site so, I hope you can be patient if this series interests you.  A peak into my thought process...get ready!

I'm learning as I go and everything is not always the way I wish it would be. When I paint I control the medium and if something looks like crap I have the option to paint over it. With resin; things are not in my control as much as I would like them to be. Last week for example it was so humid the pieces were not going to cure properly so resin pouring didn't happen. Some pieces need more coats than others and after some time, I make the decision to leave them, or continue on. Air bubbles occur and my heat gun only takes away some of them. Other lines, marks and dust particles settle, and as I look at the finished piece I tell myself "it is a handmade piece of art". When the resin and hardener are mixed I only have a certain amount of time to even out the surface before it starts to harden. Listening to fast upbeat music has me on high speed when working. 

The other thing I'm debating on is how many pieces I want to produce of each image? I currently have been working with three sizes as I want to keep the price at a certain amount and not make it a hassle to ship worldwide. Affordable art that someone can add to their home or gallery wall interests me more than making huge pieces that collectors have to save years for.

Another topic for discussion is how difficult it is to photograph resin...that shine is intense. Here you can see me and my Nikon hard at work today. 

If you are new to my website it just got a makeover thanks to my amazing hubby! You can now sign up for my newsletter & my blog posts are a little easier to browse. House Tours are adding up & I thank all of my friends for letting me share their beautiful homes. 

Highlights of the week

The girls are starting back to school next week and my new series "Daydream" will finally get completed. Resin is time sensitive and shouldn't be rushed, layers need a few days to dry in between coats. I will have more time in my studio soon and I'm looking forward to it.

I've already decided the theme of my second series and animals will be featured. I have an amazing photograph of Zebras I'm excited to play around with. It seems Zebras are a fun subject matter for several artists as I see them everywhere now. Artist Anna Church has done this piece "Party Animal" above and has several other stunning prints on her website. You should check her out, she is currently living in Toronto. http://annachurchart.com

Design Sponge has a full studio tour of Light Lab online, it is a must see! This seating area is gorgeous. I want to pretend it's my house, I love it that much. http://www.designsponge.com/2016/08/studio-tour-light-lab.html

While I'm creating art or making dinner we always have Spotify playing in the background. The girls love to dance around the house, and discovering new artists is half the fun. I've been listening to Band of Horses on repeat for a while, you should check them out....so good. Roosevelt came on the other day, I was immediately drawn to the ombre effect on this cover as it reminded me of my current body of work. https://youtu.be/ToyuZwTO068

The lovely Emily Henderson & I share a Birthday which happens to be today. Yesterday she did a blog post about getting older, it was a good read. I'm the big 39 & she is turning 37! I like to think if we were at the same Flea Market we would meet & instantly hit it off. She's a fun gal & I love her style. https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/turning-37

Studio Scenes

When I stand in front of a canvas nothing is planned out, the brush strokes are spontaneous and come together to form a layered composition. For the photo based series I'm currently developing I'm looking everywhere for inspiration.  Experimenting with new techniques and materials is very structured and precise. I'm enjoying the creative process and can't wait to see where it takes me. 

I've had these photographs in an envelope in my desk for years. They capture my Mother's parents back in the day. Even though I was not born when they were taken, they still allow me to reflect back on memories and see things in a different perspective.

When my second daughter was born 5 years ago I took out my sketch book and started to journal my ideas about doing a photo based series with vintage photos and collage. This series has never been made but it has led me to where I am today. I am finally making the time to explore a photo based collection and trying out various mediums on the images themselves.

Playing around with spray paint and shadows.

A photo taken from the plane on my recent trip to Boston. Right now I'm into landscapes with fluffy clouds that have a daydream blurriness to them.

Experimenting with chalk pastel, and my love of pink.

House Feature - Kim Merritt

Kim's style is the perfect example of timeless minimal design.  Located in Sonoma County California, this modern home sits in the countryside on several acres. Kim and I began an online friendship a year ago, both sharing an adoration for art and interior design. Even though we have never met in person, I value her critiques and advice. Now let's dig into these stunning photos shall we!

The warm wood tones help this design blend in with its natural surroundings. They moved into this brand new house a year and a half ago. Kim is an artist and also works part-time, her husband Rob is an architect. You can check out her website at www.artstudiokm.com and her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artstudiokm/

"Most people ask if he (Rob) designed our home but no.  It’s a lot more modern than both our styles.  It's our home for now but we hope one day we can design our own place.  I would say our top styles for our home would be more rustic modern inside and out. Most likely 2 level and just a bit cozy.  But you can’t have it all."

The structure on the left is the main living space. To the right Kim is lucky to have this gorgeous space to create in. I'm jealous of all that natural light!

The outdoor dining area acts as an extension to the main living space.

A great spot for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family.

One of Kim's favourite things about her home are the sliding doors that are all along one side of the house. They open it up and enjoy a fresh breeze and amazing view.

Lets step inside and see the interior shall we!

One of Kim's beautiful paintings is reflected in the mirror.

The space is filled with warmth and texture, the neutral colour scheme allows your eye to travel from one vignette to another seamlessly.

The simplicity of Kim's styling and the cacti print make this wall come to life.

The addition of plants and flowers add so much to this minimal design.

 The rooms are calming and uncluttered, she is curating every piece in her home with intent. Her husband and her have designed a clean-lined space that’s still infused with meaning and character. Kim tells me that her taste five years ago was the total opposite. She is quite content living with fewer material objects and has no problem waiting to find the right pieces to add in. 

"Growing up I loved to decorate my room and I would decorate with so much stuff. I have changed since then and now enjoy purchasing only things I really love and keeping my home as decluttered as possible."

Bringing natural elements into your home is an easy and inexpensive way to add texture.

The transition from one room to another is subtle. There are no bold or graphic elements from details such as wallpaper or ornate floor coverings. Allowing the floor plan to feel more open and inviting.

The family dog Ollie gets comfy on the slipcovered sofa.

"I do have several items I would like to add to our home.  1. An overhead light for our dining table 2. We still need 2 more dining chairs 3. More light fixtures — love Schoolhouse fixtures 4. Cowhide rug for dining room.  It’s nice to know it doesn’t have to all get done at once though.  I like making a home come together over time.  It really makes it feel more special. Not like you just went to West Elm or Crate & Barrel and just bought it all." 

The kitchen is functional and stylish with a neutral palette.

A single bloom adds the perfect pop of colour.

 "I enjoy many styles of decorating and right now my home is just more modern.  My main goal is to add a couple decor antique pieces + some items when we go to New Mexico in September.  I am really loving that ethnic feel.  I want to add a touch of both of these."

Layered textiles help add that coziness Kim loves.

A peak into Kim's private work studio. Her inspiration wall is filled with inspirational photos and quotes.

A relaxing spot to sit, enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine.

Just looking at her surroundings allows me to feel a tranquility and ease that is hard to describe.

My taste is quite the opposite of Kim's. I love colour, pattern and lots of collectibles. When I opened up her email and saw the photos of her home I was blown away. I wish I could live in a home like this and surround myself in nature. I can't wait to one day come and visit in person.

Highlights of the week

Just returned home for a few days, after a few days away, before we fly to Boston next week. I thought I would share some of my favourite parts of our road trip to Rochester. 

We stopped here for drinks and a quick dinner with our kids. The food was yummy and the atmosphere was contemporary and casual. No complaints from this gal!

A flight of beers. 

We enjoyed an interactive exhibit at The Strong Museum with butterflies, fish, turtles and birds. The Star Wars exhibit was enjoyed by all, the girls have already decided who they want to dress up as for Halloween!

This is a detail of a series of wall hangings that caught my eye at The Science Center. The colours were gorgeous and the textiles are amazing in person.

Established in 2012, Atelier Stella is an ever changing collection of unique ceramics hand made by Stella Baggott in Brighton, England. I purchased this amazing vase at West Elm, its got a retro vibe that I adore. I love how they collaborate with artisans and makers all over the world. It's already found a new home in our living room.

"My work is modern, stylish and brings a smile! I lovingly design, hand build, fire in my kiln and glaze small batches of work to give you a truly unique, one of a kind work of art, so if you like a piece grab it while you can! I design pieces for those who like vintage finds."

A friend who I met though Instagram who is from the area told me we had to eat here. We did and it was so delicious!

Glen Edith Coffee Roasters had a great atmosphere and the decor was a great mix of natural and modern elements. My tea was GOOD and the girls had no problems making themselves at home on that sofa.

It's a long weekend here in Ontario...enjoy!