Waiting for the parade

Watercolour, ink and pencil.April 13 2013.

I started going through photos from last year's Apple Blossom Festival Parade in Kentville.  As usual, everything I want to draw is hiding behind what I was taking photos of.

Hello there.

It's been a while, so I should start with a few explanations.

1.  Just about a year ago I joined the team at The Lunenburg Makery (see drawing of building above).  I lot of my creative energy and love has gone into my work there which means after a great start to 2012, I instantly started neglecting my blogging duties here.  I've been up to a lot of exciting things over there though.  You should check it out.

2.  In three weeks I'm starting an artist residency in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland.  For one month I'll be residing in the town of Woody Point and soaking in all the wonderful things the natural world has to offer.  I have a lot to do to get ready for this adventure which brings us to number three.

3.  Sketchbook!  Unless I'm traveling somewhere I've not been a great sketchbook keeper.  At the start of April I picked up a new sketchbook and started picking away at it.  This new practice coincided with my new years resolution to rejoin a local life drawing class.  It was tough getting back into practice, but once everything fell back into place it felt simply wonderful.  It is a great reminder to see everything around you as if you were traveling in a new place.

I just received a copy of Julia Rothman's Drawn In: A peek into the inspiring sketchbooks of 44 fine artists, illustrators, graphic designers & cartoonists.  Exploring this book has hammered into me the importance and freedom that comes with keeping a sketchbook.  I picked up a small 7 x 10 inch book which means starting a new page isn't intimidating, not that drawing scares me.  It is failure to draw scares me. 

I have a new goal to do one sketch a day until my trip.  I could promise to post a sketch everyday but that would just make it scary.  I'll try to post a sketch a week, that's reasonable, right?

Images from me, here and here.

Springtime on Vinegar Hill!

Spring is my favorite time of year.  I've said it every year since moving to Lunenburg County.  Here is my lovely little house in all its springtime glory. 

Rhubarb is sprouting, the forsythia is in full bloom and the blue jays are hogging the bird feeder.  I'm jumping the gun but I've already started on a summer piece.  It's a productive way to channel my excitement for the upcoming seasons.

SPRING UP! Halifax Crafters Market

It's that time of year again!  I'm packing up all my goods and heading into the city for the Halifax Crafters Society handmade market.  Check out Halifax Crafters' website for the list of vendors and a sneak peak at some vendors and their fantastic handmade offerings.

I had some time this week to design and print some of these lovely bags to raffle off to help raise funds towards covering the market's costs.  Grab a raffle ticket at the door for your chance to win!

Sunday quilting

What happens when I have a little extra time on my hands.

Thanks to my little crafting sidekick Willow the kitty, and Lucas for taking the photos.

On Saturday March 31st I'll be a part of a day-long gathering of printed matter at the NSCAD Port Campus. Come by and say hi if you're in the neighbourhood!

Crocheting at The Makery

Tomorrow I'll be teaching a drop in workshop at The Makery in Lunenburg. They recently posted this interview with me on their blog. Check it out!

Hope to see you Saturday!