Good Morning! Everything is so shiny, fresh and lush! The 3rd is not dusty at least and I also am guessing that because of the rain, it's also fairly quiet in the ATV department.

The Canada Geese that live in the pond the other side of Ledge Hill Rd have finished molting, and the goslings look like geese. The nasty old Gander still is vigilant though, and attacked my car bumper the other day as I slowed down to take a look at his kids. The very first time he did this was 2 years ago - I thought he was going to fly right in at me through the open truck window! I did learn my lesson from that day, I don't drive by with open windows anymore!

Lately, we have seen several Great Blue Herons in the goose pond. They are braver than I am. The watercolour I did of a Great Blue was from an estero (small river running into the ocean) in the town of Guayabitos, Mexico. He was very fierce looking - perhaps to keep the crocodile away?

This piece is a watercolour done on cold press 140lb stock.

Currently unframed.

I am pricing it unframed at $79.00 CAD.

Painting is a very intense process for me. I painted with pal/mentor Sandy the other day for 5 hours and it was like some kind of time warp, because it sure went by quickly! Not only did she throw me a couple of new techniques to practice ... she video'd me! Uck! Much chewing on paint brush! But, I did frame up the three little paint sketches I did ... they look great. Thanks Sandy!

These two photos are from a series I did this spring. The barn is on Somerville Conc 9. I love the lines and the weathered wood. There is a nostalgic feeling for me in regards to these photos, my friends' that own this property have just sold it. I took a lot of photos there. Guess they will provide the memories of good meals, good laughs, and good friends!

I have set dates finally for artistic gatherings at Bob Burns Books, in Fenelon Falls. Tuesdays at 10 am. For approximately 2 hours, and of course weather permitting. Should you feel so inclined, you are welcome to bring your personal supplies and perhaps a chair, and come be creative! Plus, Bob makes a mean cup of cappuccino! Oh, the oatmeal cookies made by his mom Norma are a wonderful companion to coffee. Hmmm ... better get going!

This peonie was in my sister's in law's backyard near Mitchell Lake.
I was totally thrilled that the noon day sun created deep enough shadows with the resulting background becoming almost completely black.
So far, this is my favourite photo of the summer. I will be featuring this photo at the Victoria County Studio Tour in the fall - but, it will also be available on note cards and as an 8x10 photograph.
My husband and I are considering severing some of our property up here on the 3rd. We are interested in building a new house that will be totally off the grid! So happens that where we are geographically located here in the "City", that the development charges are the least expensive! Guess there will be more blogging about this in the future!
Today I painted in the garden of Bob Burn's Books in Fenelon Falls (multi tasked as I was also doing laundry next door at the Solar Heated Laundromat!) and people who chatted with me were happy to see someone doing this, they all politely asked if they could disturb me, which I thought was so great, and so Canadian that I loved it. Was working on a piece with lots of cumulonimbus clouds in it. Seems to be all I'm seeing lately.
Let's keep wishing really hard for NICE summer weather!
Over and out, Tosia

The wonders of digital photography and other electronics have opened up many opportunities for myself. I can capture on "film" any subject that interests me, then download them to my laptop, and there I use a software program to edit and or discard with the greatest of ease. And, if those pictures really do something for me, I can then print them out onto photographic paper and instantly see a color hard copy. The same goes for my artwork - this is a bit more of a process as I currently no longer have a scanner, but thanks to friends (or Staples Business Depot) I can have my artwork scanned and save them to disc, or have them kindly emailed to me! (Can you guess what this picture is of?)

Of course I could also photograph my art then download directly to my camera but that doesn't quite capture the images as I would prefer. Now, I can give you a quick look at a piece of artwork I just finished.

With the guidance of friend Sandy and her excellent manner of passing along instruction to me, I did a quick sketch of her shed and then used the technique of laying down the dark colours first (oh! - that's a light bulb flashing in my brain), and very deliberately leaving white space.

I always want to paint the whole canvas, no little spot uncovered. Hmmm...

Sandy, thanks a lot for the help - can't wait for the next "flash"!

Today I am off for more camera fodder - that is, a 4H show that is being hosted by the owners of my old farm near Bobcaygeon. Here is a picture from previous horse show endeavours.

Software gives me the ability to play with the way a picture can be viewed as - in this case it is called "cut out".

I am offering my notecards with customized photos or copies of artwork. Discounted prices will be given to orders of 6 or more. Email me to discuss this.

Beside this paragraph is a photo of some of my work, and example pieces that are available for sale.

Currently, my art and photographs are available at Harmony Cafe, on Hwy 121 just south of Kinmount. A lovely drive for great food and an eclectic gift shop!

Wishing shiny happy thoughts to everyone.

OK, time to go enjoy the sun!

VICTORIA COUNTY STUDIO TOUR

Today I attended a Studio Tour meeting. We covered some interesting ground - in part; the Legion in Fenelon Falls has very graciously offered us space to display art at key times of the year (Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day) for Shows and Sales. This is something I feel should be utilized - it's free! My thought is any time that is given to an artist to show their "stuff", should be used. It makes me as an artist have: a goal date, concentration for a specific project, face time with the public (buying and otherwise), helps me understand what people are looking for in the way of purchases...

This meeting has also given me a chance to interact with several local artists, which is something I also feel is important to my personal artistic growth.

As another way to interact with other artists and the public, I put forth the idea of painting with other artists at a local intown business garden - where we were invited to partake of the tables and just hang out and do art. Again, for free! I am definitely up for this. Any other artists of any media that can easily be done out of doors with a minimum of space requirements is welcome to join me in Fenelon Falls. Dates are yet to be determined. Please contact me to discuss dates and the location.