A video of the creation of a "Woodstock Streetscape with Capitol Theatre" a section of Dundas Street in the City of Woodstock. (Note to Self: My video creation and editing skills could use some improvement!)

The love and appreciation of built history started after a trip to France in 2007. As an avid walker, living in the Blackfriars Heritage District in downtown London, I started to take notice of the visually-interesting buildings right here at home. I have been documenting the rich tapestry of buildings in Southwestern Ontario ever since.

​After a little more research and I found some images of the Capitol Theatre, before it met the wrecking ball. I think this was the most beautiful building on this block. My final illustration captures todays streetscape with a black and white drawing of the demolished building, using a little imagination and guess work to complete the image. You will notice some history on the marque and you will also find "YOU DID NOT SAVE ME" strategically placed on the façade.

​Spring is that time of year… time to clean and organize. Starting with my studio, which was quite a disorganized mess, I must say.  And it’s amazing what you find. I have so many drawings that I have forgotten about. These little graphic illustrations we all created in 2016, and have been sitting in a box ever since.
These are all golf-related. Some are specific golf holes and some are based on places I have played. If I choose to create more, I think I should leave off the actual golf course reference, as they really could relate to many other courses and holes around the world. Some of the locations are Blue Springs Golf Course, Emerald Hills Golf Course, and Heron Point Golf Links. The illustration with the bridge was based on a hole from the World Tour Golf Links in Myrtle Beach. This particular hole was inspired by the 12th at Augusta National, one of the most photographed holes in the world.
It is the season to think and dream about golf!

​International Women's Day 2022 Exhibition at Westland Gallery. 
February 22nd - March 12, 2022

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. I was honored to be included in this exhibition. Many London and area women artists were also being represented. And it was fun to attend a (small) opening again, completed the afternoon with a beverage and some great conversation. Looking forward to be included in the Plein Air Show Group Exhibition @ Westland Gallery from June 7 to June 25.

Participating Artists Included:
Angie Quick, Margot Ariss, Kelly Greene, Pat Deadman, Danielle Hoevenaars, Meredith Milton, Patience Morrisey, Rosemary Sloot, Erica Dornbusch, Kerry Ferris, Agneta Dolman, Donna Andreychuk, Antje Laidler, Jen Hamilton, Bonnie Parkinson, Valda Christine Glennie,  Selma Popovic, Marcy Saddy, Genet Hodder, Cheryl Radford, and Johnnene Maddison. 

I really do enjoy being at home.
Some rambling thoughts about home...
All my stuff is here, meaning all my art supplies. And I have dedicated studio space. It’s the basement, which means its cold in the winter (small space header helps that) and it’s best for short people… you need to be less then 66 inches tall (or duck).
Location. Location. Location. Living in downtown London by the Thames River means a peaceful walk with lots of trees and the sound of the river is always great. It a short walk downtown to pubs/restaurants, library, museum and the list goes. It's a longer work to work, but the exercise is great. 
Our house is not too big and not too small. Built in 1920 means it has character, along with character comes older home issues: repairs and upgrades and nothing is straight. There is enough space to get away from each other. A room with a TV with sports channels can keep a husband happy, while I have space for studio and even a dining room rarely used for dining, but is great space for the winter project, a puzzle that is also a source of inspiration. Easy parts first and now - not so easy parts.

​It has been a full year of COVID. There were challenges, disappointments and frustration, but also positives.

1. Started a “sketch every day” routine on April 8 and still enjoying this. It helps with my mindset of being an artist. Playing in a sketchbook, just for fun, with no pressures of finished product or pleasing anyone.
2. Made homemade charcoal from willow trees for sketching golf courses. This may have opened up a new door, just a sliver at this point, but I see potential with this new direction. It gives the sketch of the golf hole more of a story.
3. Appreciate being at home more. It may have made me more of an introvert, if that's possible. I know I love working at home, and being by my self doing artwork or bookwork, whatever needs to be done.
4. Started working 3 days per week in October. That comes with a smaller pay check, but money is not everything. The extra day is devoted to my artwork. Totally enjoying that.
5. Despite lockdowns and restrictions, I got to play golf on a regular basis, usually with my sketchbook in hand.
6. Started attending Urban Sketching events on a regular basis, even starting posting the results on SM.

Looking forward to a new year, new goals, new energy, new artwork, new direction....

I played my final round of golf for the season on November 13 (only front nine was open). 9 Holes + 4 extra, just because the opportunity was there. Played one of my best front nines of the season. Probably because - I was not expecting to play, it was quite cold, too many clothes for golf, so I had no expectations. It was relatively warm, when the sun poked out a few time, but temperature dropped as we were finishing. One final post round beer and we look forward to next season of golf!
For the next five months or so, I have so much time to do artwork! And now I have an extra day at home (no work Wednesdays) I have even more time. My "artwork to do" list just keeps growing. Check back to see my progress and new works.