When you add that extra “la” (and some vintage sheet music), there is something musical about this piece.  Think spring love songs in Paris or songs of the rose blooms in England.   Currently on display (and sale) at Artzi Stuff Gallery & Shop in the Old Quarter, Nanaimo.

This one also started with some vintage

sheet music, as well as some old maps and some words

about spring birdsong (how fitting that I finished it on the

first day of Spring). Somehow my France travel

dreaming got mixed in here along with my

recent historical fiction reads about the French

and English monarchs in the 1400’s.

“ooh, la, la” indeed!

Here’s a peek of sunshine from my work at home perch in my third floor studio earlier this week.  Even when I am stuck at my desk doing work, the visiting LIGHT cheers me so.  I am so blessed to have this space and a job that allows me to work from home….now if only the painting corner across the room would stop calling to me while I am on work time!

There are no words to adequately express my gratitude for this past weekend getaway to the West Coast.  Two days in Tofino with a dear friend (no kids!), two days of walking big beaches (wind and waves and sparkling sun waking up my soul), two nights of tea drinking, painting & collage making (lots of glitter), two days of chocolate and birthday celebration (we both turn 40 this year, another reason to eat cake!), two days to rest and revive and remember who I am (reconnected, balanced, I am now better able to give of myself back in my day to day life).  M A G I C !

Truly, this getaway was a gift from the sea that must be re-gifted!  I took the book of that same name with me and I recommend Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s wise words to you.  In Gift from the Sea, she provides every woman with an insightful (and timeless) glimpse into the how & why to recharge and reconnect with your incredible self.

On this trip, I had another incredible coaching session with Gina (my getaway companion).  When it comes to recharging and reconnecting with your true self, following your big dreams and working through the little goals along the way, her support and guidance are so powerful! Perhaps you too might be interested in working with her to help you move forward in your life with beauty, strength, truth and love! Gina will truly help you SHINE!  P.S.  Please contact me if you would like me to introduce you to Gina.

Imagine my surprise when I was greeted with this news on the first day of spring:
Hello Christy,
You won the free spot in the Creative Kismet Expressions class!!

This gift came to me via a giveaway I entered on Jamie Bark’s blog  (thank you Jamie). You can read all about the giveaway here.  I also encourage you to check out Jamie’s incredible art!  The course is being offered by another very talented artist, Regina Lord.  I have a pendant and a wee painting of hers that inspire me and I am so very excited to be working (playing!) alongside her for the month of April in this Expressions mixed-media portrait painting e-course.   Maybe you want to join in too? Regina is generously offering my blog readers a discount on the class (use coupon code CHRISTYW for $15 off)!  We start April 1st (but private access to the class will be open until the end of the year).  If you have yet to try an online art class, you will be amazed at how fantastic they are.  I have done a few, each time learning so much, making new friends & working at my own pace.

I don’t know about you, but painting/drawing faces does not come easily to me! In fact, it is something I go out of my way to avoid (large hats, umbrellas strategically placed, faces turned downwards… I know every trick in the book).  This class will certainly take me out of my comfort zone, but I just know it will lead me along this journey in such a juicy way and I am very excited!  Excited about painting the human face??!! Who knew I could feel this way?

I will keep you posted about my progress and try to share some regular posts of my facial creations.  Maybe soon I can paint some portraits of my girls with a bit more expression!