Spring in the Alberta Foothills

Last week we had snow, rain and sun. Temperatures in the high 20's and low teens and frost on the weekend. The perennials are up in the garden - never ceases to amaze me that they will survive through our winter. But I won't be getting any annuals until the end of June. We can still get frost in June and into July and even the end of August! So - why do I love living here....don't have to go far for endless inspiration (out the front door), can walk the dog without a leash, have a meadow full of wildflowers, the deer and moose are showing up with their new babes, our horse and mules are just at the bottom of the drive and when the sun shines and the temperatures are in the 20's is my kind of paradise. So while I wait for some blooms outdoors painted some indoors. Wherever you are may you be enjoying 'your' paradise!

'Spring at My House'
12"X12"
Acrylic mixed media on canvas 

Cleaning off the Palette and Spring is Finally Here!

After I finished the 5 small paintings titled 'Prairie Red' I still had some paint on my palette. So like many of you I grabbed another piece of paper and 'used' up the remainder. I came back to it yesterday and added some collage and continued painting. I don't know if it is because spring is finally here, but I seem to have a new energy for exploring and experimenting with my painting. My father and my husband both worked in the oil and gas industry and I have a background in agriculture. So you are probably wondering what that has to do with painting? Well, when I look at a landscape I am not just thinking about what I can see, but what I can't. Soil profiles, rock structures, root systems - 'what lies beneath' - all food for fodder.

Thanks for taking the time to visit and wishing you a day filled with inspiration!

'Folded & Faulted'
6"X6"
acrylic mixed media on
hot press watercolour paper

Holiday - Horseback Adventure

Block Mountain

We are home from our 5 day backcountry riding adventure. Spent 5 days riding in Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada) with Banff Trail Rides. My husband and I are experienced riders - we have our own horse and 2 saddle mules - but we did not use them on this ride. Our group was 7 in number plus our guide. We rode to three base camps over the 5 days. No electricity (yay! - ie. no phones, computers, etc), sleeping in canvas wall tents, no running water - although we were able to have a brief shower with water pumped from one of the rivers and heated. Our personal gear was transported to the different camps using pack mules. We did not have to cook - thank goodness and the food was excellent. Our weather ranged from pouring rain to sun, but with proper gear we were able to ride comfortably. I would have loved to have had a couple more days, but all good things must come to an end. So much inspiration for painting - where to start! We are already planning our backcountry trip for next year!

On the trail to Flint's Park camp

Mountain stream

Flint's Park

Rainbow Lake Elevation ~7,400'

Flint's Park Campsite Mount Brewster in background

Our guide with mules and spare horse

Dennis
One of our 'baggage handlers'

Rest stop
40 Mile Pass

Mountain meadow view

Knitting - A Change of Pace

I've been taking a break from painting the last couple of weeks and have taken out the 'needles' & yarn.  I like to change up my routine every so often and work with other materials.  I am still creating - albeit in a different way, but it does keep the creative juices flowing and I can recharge my 'painting' side of the brain. I have made a couple dozen hemp dish/face clothes - I use these for dishes.  These are the best - can reuse again and again and you can throw them in the laundry - they wash up like a charm. Have also completed a couple of pairs of fingerless gloves. I usually carry a bag of knitting 'stuff' with me (and a small sketchbook too!) when heading to the city for appointments, etc. For me there is nothing worse than sitting somewhere and waiting with nothing to do. I love going to yarn stores and checking out the different yarns and colours. There are so many beautiful colour ways available.  I find them very inspirational. Some of my favourite yarn companies are Malabrigo, Manos del Uruguay, The Verdant Gryphon and Noro. And for the record....I am not a great knitter! My knitting repertoire consists of scarves, mittens, fingerless gloves, hats, cowls, the 'washcloths' of course and the occasional lace shawl. The shawls only happen once in a blue moon! I like to knit for family and friends and try to have extra knit goods on the shelf for gifting. Now...if I could only find someone to weave the ends in for me!

Hemp Washcloths (hemp for knitting designed by Lanaknits) and
Fingerless Gloves (Noro Nadeshiko yarn)