J    BLOG    J

WILD! OPENING RECEPTION
April 26th, 2008
Thanks to everyone who joined me to celebrate the opening of
this exhibition.  The gallery was wonderfully warm filled with the
richness of colourful paintings and an enthusiastic audience.



For photos of the reception please click on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110085&l=c7eee&id=715295437

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THE WILD! COLLECTION IS FINISHED!
April 20th, 2008
I have to varnish, title the backs, frame them and do the paper work yet
... but the real hard work is done - painting the sixteen oils.


Here I am coming down from a jump for joy!

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PAINTING AT WEBSTER GALLERIES
April 12th, 2008


Friends, Don and Ann, were among the folks who stopped into watch me paint.

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SURROUNDED
April 7th, 2008
Prone to leaving things to the last, in the final weeks before a show opens my time
spent in the studio is considerably lengthened, and highly intense.  I like believing in
the adage that diamonds are created under pressure!  As opposed to starting and
finishing one painting at a time, I like to start many.  Then they haunt me, begging to
be finished.  I'm at the stage where paintings are being completed at a dizzying
rate and it's electrifying to be surrounded by some of my most favorite animals,
the world's majestic wildcats! 




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EASTER
March 23rd, 2008
In my world we enjoy themes.  Easter provides another excellent time to decorate
and cook.  Both activities are simply other outlets for creativity and play!


I am especially playful with sister, Linda! 

To see our Easter photos please click here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101522&l=0fa49&id=715295437


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PAINTING WORKSHOP
March 15th and 16th, 2008
I had a most rewarding weekend instructing nineteen members of the
Cochrane Art Club.  The keen artists gave me their undivided attention
as I demonstrated my process of using acrylics to under paint for an oil
painting, and they then painted their hearts out implementing my methods.

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PAINTING AT WEBSTER'S
March 1st, 2008
This was my first day painting at the Webster Galleries.  With plans to make it a
regular, but random, event my next date will be announced on the homepage, a
week or two prior, so please check back.

 


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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
February 11th, to 27th, 2008
Flying into and out of Palm Springs, Bill and I had a wonderful journey
through some exciting, new territory.  Hiking in Joshua Tree National 
Park which encompasses part of the Mojave and Colorado deserts was a
highlight.  We spent time in San Diego and traveled up the west coast to
Carlsbad.  There was a side excursion from Palm Springs to Beverly Hills to
visit our dear friend and Saltiel cousin, Selma, part of our reason for going
south in the first place.  Re-entry to winter and life at home is proving to be
quite difficult.  Perhaps it's time we joined the ranks of the Snowbirds?
I was also on a quest for opportunities to study wildcats and I was able to
see them more closely than I could ever have imagined - such a thrill!   



There is an amazing pride at "Lion Camp" at the San Diego Zoo's off-site
Wild Animal Park where the above photo was taken.  This exquisite male has
two lioness sisters who delivered litters only days apart at the beginning of
November.  Our timing couldn't have been better, the seven cubs are now
comfortable being "on exhibit" full time.

For more photos of our trip please click on the following links:

CALIFORNIA HERE I COME:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=41123&l=08004&id=748615700

SAN DIEGO AND UP THE WEST COAST:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=41966&l=afe22&id=748615700

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CELEBRATING LAURA'S 30th BIRTHDAY, AGAIN!
January 25th to 27th, 2008
The family rented a great townhouse at the base of the Kicking Horse
ski hill, in Golden, B.C., where we had a private celebration for Laura.
It was a wonderful weekend!



For a photo album of the weekend please click here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=87678&l=58438&id=715295437  

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I HAVE A NEW GALLERY!
January 22nd, 2008
I have delivered eleven paintings to WEBSTER GALLERIES and am
delighted to report that they are now representing me in Calgary.
Please take a look at their wonderful space, click here:
www.webstergalleries.com 



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I am pleased to announce that I have three paintings included in
Jane Lytton Gooch's lovely Mount Assiniboine book which was
released in December, 2007:

For details click here then scroll down on the Special Projects page

 
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BACK TO WORK
January 7th, 2008
I have started painting Anoushka, the resting tiger, for my spring solo show
 


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HAPPY NEW YEAR!



On January 1, 1978 our baby, Laura Anne Marshall, was born.
This New Years Eve, for her 30th birthday, Adam and Tanya hosted
a spectacular and most fun Murder Mystery party for her.



For more photos click here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80294&l=7de59&id=715295437


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CHRISTMAS 2007
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CREATIVITY
In 1972 I made the original felt Christmas stockings for Bill and me.  On their first
Christmases, in 1975 and 1978 respectively, I sewed one each for our daughters.
Other close family members have theirs but it's been a very long time since I made one.
I was a bit rusty in my skills as I made custom stockings for my sons-in-laws this past
Christmas.  I had forgotten how to chain stitch.  The entire project was a three-day
epic event, but Larry's and Adam's appreciation made it all so worth while!

 

With the parents at the center and in order to alternate red and green it's interesting
to note that the placement of the stockings is the same as how we are positioned in our
family photo below.  To view our Christmas photos click here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79030&l=bfeca&id=715295437

The family at Emerald Lake Lodge, November 24, 2007
(Mary Beaudet's and Brent MacDonald's wedding)



A WEEKEND OF COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CHEER
West of Claresholm at New Oxley
December 14th - 16th, 2007
It was a glorious weekend.  We had the Chalmers/Lannan family all to ourselves
on Friday.  On Saturday they hosted an excellent, down-home Christmas party
with wonderful food (including a de-boned turkey!), musicians and plenty of
singing.  On Sunday we skated on the thick, mirror like ice on Willow Creek.



Sundown on Willow Creek

For more photos, please click here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=77145&l=3a48c&id=715295437

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PAINTING FROM A LIVE MODEL
November 1st, 2007
Over three hours, the exercise was to paint a live model quickly and repeatedly.
We then wipe off each pose and start again using the same panel.  The most time we
gave ourselves was 20 minutes.  It is exhausting to work by the timer.  Oddly enough
my oil sketches didn't get better as we increased the time!  The purpose is not just
to paint faster but to capture the essence of the model, the pose and the setting with
fresh spontaneity.  I feel that I often extinguish the original spark in many of my
paintings with over finishing details.  It is exhilarating and of enormous value to
explore new ways of painting and so we plan to do this once a week! 

Sarah and Liz painting our model Leslie	My first attempt, 5 minutes
10 minutes	another at 10 minutes

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING
October 5th, 2007
Our family celebrated early this year because Adam is now on his way to
Nepal and Tibet for a month.  He will cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu.  We were
also celebrating the sale of the Weiner's house in Dundas, Ontario.  Now, Bill's
sister, Linda, will join her husband and son who are already living here in Canmore.  


Denise, Bill, Larry, Alice, Laura, Adam, Ron and Todd

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LARCH TIME AT LAKE O'HARA
September 18th and 19th, 2007
The Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild's stay the Alpine Club of Canada's
Elizabeth Parker Hut was reduced from four nights to two this year, but the
hiking, painting, eating and good times remained the same as always!  Half of
the artists spent most of their time painting.  Although I brought my paintbox,
I never opened it, choosing instead to join the hikers.  There were nineteen
of us including two guest artists, Peter Shostak and Brian Buckrell with their
respective, lovely wives, Geraldine and Cathy, from Comox, B.C.

Rainbow Rock Riders on the Odaray Grandview Ridge
Bill, Alice, Richard Lamartine, Anne and Joe Martin, Patti Dyment and Katie Anderson

To view photos of this trip please click on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56964&l=133c8&id=715295437

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THE BEST BIRTHDAY
September 15th and 16th, 2007
Last week I turned 59; it's pretty exciting to be this old!  Our family is privileged to
capitalize on Bill's alumni status with Kananaskis Country and be able to stay at
patrol cabins.  This year we hiked in on the Ribbon Creek trail to Ribbon Lake.
The weather couldn't have been better and the kids couldn't have thrown me a more
exquisite birthday party.  They decorated the cabin; there were cup cakes with
candles, sparklers, gifts, birthday hats and a tiara for me.  The following day I wore
it up and over Guinn's Pass, out along the Galatea Creek trail.
         

Denise, Larry, Adam, Laura, Alice and Bill at the Galatea parking lot
September 16th, after we had walked around Mount Kidd, pictured behind us

To view photos of my birthday please click on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55105&l=2473f&id=715295437

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MOUNT ASSINIBOINE LODGE


MOUNT ASSINIBOINE LODGE


MOUNT ASSINIBOINE LODGE
September 5th to 7th, 2007
Sarah Kidner, Liz, Wiltzen, Gaye Adams and I flew by helicopter into Mount
Assiniboine Lodge for two nights.  As soon as we'd checked in, we painted along
 side our cabin, and just as we stopped forest fire smoke rolled in and changed
the look of everything.  Our small hike before dinner was atmospheric.  The rain
during our first night cleared away the smoke and we were treated to an exceptional
dawn.  Liz and Gaye chose to hike to and paint from the Niblet while Sarah I opted
for a hike guided by Rick Kunelius, who took us to the summit of The Towers.  Among
the other lodge guests (who joined the hike) were a couple of fellows who loved to sing
and play guitar and so the second evening was rich with the fun of joining them in song.
A more gentle dawn graced our second morning.  After breakfast there was time only
for a short walk along the shore of Lake Magog.  Clouds moved in and it even tried to
snow.  It was a short trip filled with powerful impressions!


Painting from the porch of the Nub cabin

For photos please click on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52444&l=07ec9&id=715295437

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THE WEDDING
August 25th, 2007
I continue to digest and savour the events leading up to the wedding which
included the bridal shower, welcoming out-of-town guests, the rehearsal dinner,
the ladies spa, decorating the hall, and having the bride and "her maids" here
the night before.  Denise and Larry did a flawless job of planning and hosting the
most polished and beautiful wedding I have ever attended.  And then, the day after,
there was the incredibly fun, impromptu gift opening party, in my studio.  

 
With pride, Bill and I walk our Denise to Larry

For photos please click on the following links:

THE WEDDING WEEK: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50038&l=db7a8&id=715295437

THE WEDDING: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50309&l=2b813&id=715295437

WEDDING RECEPTION: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51868&l=b5e5f&id=715295437

WEDDING GIFT OPENING: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51901&l=5d569&id=715295437