Well, I never thought that 8 months would fly by so fast.  So here I am struggling to write about 8 months that have completely disappeared therefore I have decided to let myself off the hook and I'm going to keep it simple.  

I am going to offer a tip that many artists always seem to ask me about.  "How do you get your paintings so smooth after varnishing?"  I have even had someone ask if I use epoxy.  No I don't.  I paint in acrylic and once the acrylic has cured for the 48 hours required (I live in a dry climate so I find the 72 hours is not necessary).  I put two coats of Golden's Isolation Coat on.  I think this helps "smooth" out the texture of the weaved canvas.  Then after the curing time of the isolation coat I then put on two coats of Liquitex Gloss Varnish (or the varnish of your choice).  But because Liquitex is a slightly thicker varnish I do think this helps achieve the smooth finish.  I have started mixing a combination of the Liquitex Matte and Gloss together (half and half) and I am loving the results.  It creates an interesting depth to the piece that a regular semi gloss/eggshell varnish does not, don't forget this is my opinion only.   I will be using this combination for the next while.  

If you have any questions or I am unclear in my instructions, please don't hesitate to drop me a line.  

Happy painting!!  xo

I have never in my life written a blog before so hold on tight!  We are both going to experience something brand new.  

After choosing my word for 2022 - Journey - I have certainly accomplished that.  What a journey this year has been.  I promised myself at the beginning of the year that I was going to get myself out there and apply to as many shows as possible.  I wanted the exposure for my work.  In this new world of social media and all the amazing technology that comes with it I figured I would take advantage and APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!  We are now in the month of November and I am up to my eyeballs in paintings.  It truly has been a blessing.   I currently have 5 shows in different stages this month.   At times I think I may have taken on more than I can handle but I am managing to make it work by some miracle of fate.  I even worked in a workshop with Heather Pant and some friends joined me;  Heather Kinahan, Mavis Gauchier and Brandie Cormier.  We had a blast!

I will take some knowledge and walk away from this fall season knowing that I can accomplish many things especially with the love and support from my family and friends.  They all knew my lofty goals and have lifted me up and supported me when I have needed it most.  My family has also put blinders on so they don't see the massive amount of dog fur floating around in the house lol!  Guess what I'm doing in December?  

This is the first Holiday season that I have not worked in the retail industry and Holiday decorating will start at a normal time for me. Whoo hoo!  I am so excited for this!  In retail the Holiday/Christmas season usually starts in September, yes! I said September. 

This December will be a month of hugging my family, reaching out to amazing friends and decorating with complete abandon.  And maybe a little painting just for me.  *wink*

All before the new year starts and I get to choose my word for 2023.  

Happy November Friends