I was honoured to be the recipient of a Local History Award last Wednesday, April 9th, at Museum London.  "This award is to acknowledge the significant contribution you have made to the awareness of local heritage architecture by means of your drawings, paintings and your publications."

The London Heritage Awards are presented annually by the Architectural Conservancy Ontario – London Region and Heritage London Foundation. This was the 18th annual. It was a great evening at Museum London! Thank you to the awards committee, volunteers, event sponsors, and all those who made the awards ceremony possible.

The London Free Press has highlighted some of the award winners here:
​ https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/18th-annual-london-heritage-awards-winners-unveiled. 

Historic London architecture - WHY, you ask? I moved to London in the 1980s. I have lived, worked, and walked in downtown London ever since. Walking is the best way to observe your surroundings. That's where my inspiration comes from. Simply, I like what I see, and I feel the need to capture it. I currently call Blackfriars/Petersville Heritage Conservation District home. I still walk every day and get inspired every day.

You can find some of my London-based artworks and art cards at the at SHOP Museum London. You can also find many of my art cards at Magpie's Collected Creations - Covent Garden Market.

I read a lot. So my practice sketches from the last 2 days are the last 2 books I read. 
Beautiful Scars by Tom Wilson - a musician, author, storyteller, artist from Hamilton ON.
​Radford's Practical Barn Plans - a reprint of a book from 1909. 

Since Within Walking Distance has been hung and opened. (Thanks to everyone who came!) It's time to begin another project, or at least decide what I will spend my time working and creating. Been doing lots of thinking and I have no idea so far. Thoughts include dogs, barn history, urban sketching, and reportage... So, I think it may start with just more daily sketching. More enjoyment of the process and NOT focusing on the finished product. Try to change things up. 
Currently reading this book.... by Seth Godin, a bestselling author and speaker who shares his thoughts on topics ranging from business to technology to art. (check out his BLOG). The first sentence of the book "Shipping, because it doesn't count if you don't share it"  And I thought - this book is for me!

Our book is available at various locations across London. And excited to announce that our book will soon (before Father's Day, in case you are looking for a unique gift for your father) be available at Chapter Indigo North London!! (Richmond Centre, 86 Fanshawe, London, Ontario)

• Attic Books (240 Dundas Street, London, ON)
• London CityStore (870 Dundas Street, London, ON)
• Magpie's Collected Creations (Covent Garden Market, ON)
• SHOP Museum London (421 Ridout Street North, London, ON)
• Tourism London  (696 Wellington Rd. S. and 391 Wellington Street, ON)
• Online at: Amazon.ca
• Contact the artist or author