July: in and out of the Studio

Summer is in full swing around here and with all my kids out of school this means I continue to find new rhythms for my creative work and try to be more intentional about how I spend my time during the day with my 8 year old son. So far we are spending a lot of time outside in nature, which has been such a blessing for both of us. My older boys are growing up and working hard to earn money this summer, which means they need their mama less and less as the years go by. We are in a season of transition.

My work has been focused on the print studio lately, restocking all of the retail locations that sell my artwork. I hope to move into creating my next body of work focussing on Alberta's beautiful landscapes soon. This means I get to spend time exploring the abundance of nature that surrounds me, inspiring each and every new painting. I'm looking forward to the Summer market season in Banff. I hope to have quite a few original mini paintings, prints, and greeting cards to share with you.

I've challenged myself to spend time each day in nature, even if it's just fifteen minutes. We have a path that runs the length of our community along the river just steps behind my backyard. It's such a beautiful path amongst the towering trees and lush forest floor. It's especially beautiful just after the rain when the scent of the earth is intoxicating. I've encouraged my youngest son to join me. He loves to ride his bike, gather sticks and spot chipmunks and I'm honestly seeing and feeling the most wonderful benefits like more clarity and inspiration for my work. 

If you feel pulled to join me, I'm sure you'll find so many benefits in your personal life as well. I would love to hear how it blesses your life. Nature is such an abundant gift!

Did you view the Coastal Collection?

A Collection of 7 Original Coastal Watercolour Paintings and 11 New Prints inspired by Southern California

I'd like to share a more in depth look into one original painting and one print each month to share the story and inspiration behind my work.

Featured Original:

“Foggy Morning Walks”

This original watercolour was painted when I last visited Southern California. We had just spent the morning walking along the Del Mar Sea Cliffs in the dense, coastal fog. The morning fog along the coast has a way of softening the landscape, allowing your eyes to rest as all of the layers blend together. 

My son was absolutely terrified of all the snakes that we found along the trail, hiding under all of the beautiful Spring flowers. After a little research we realized that they were King Snakes that eat all of the other scary snakes, which put some of his fears to rest. So we continued to walk along the shore until the path ended and we couldn't walk any further almost reaching Torrey Pines State Beach. I stopped to take dozens of reference photos, in complete awe of the beauty we found. I may have to revisit this location in my artwork.

When we got back to my sister's house I immediately got to work painting the beauty I had just witnessed, hoping to capture the perfect feeling walking along the foggy coast. Fog and mist are one of my most favourite effects to paint in watercolours.

Featured Print:

“Encinitas at Dusk”

My family and I love to take Sunday evening walks along the coast after dinner just before the sun sets. The kids like to grab skateboards and scooters and ride down the rail trail while I walk with my sister and her husband. It's amazing how quickly the sky changes from completely vibrant and glowing to muted and then dark, all reflecting on the ocean's horizon. The landscape softening just as the layers fade off in the distance.

This print is simple yet beautiful. Watercolours are the perfect medium to express the feeling of the cool ocean breeze as the sun turns to rose just before it sinks below the sea.

This print was created from a tiny 4x6" painting and I'm always amazed that something so small can be turned into a giant 40x60" print in perfect clarity.

We don't just choose art for our spaces because it's beautiful… we choose art that tells a story of our lives and adds a particular feeling to our homes.  To create a timeline, a remembering, a sanctuary in our spaces.

The remembrance that nature gives so freely is a calm and peace that penetrates to our very souls. This feeling is why I choose to create, and what I want to share with you. 

Thank you for being here along for the journey and for growing along side me. Your presence is felt and so very appreciated.

xo, Rebecca