Blue Jeans & Rubber Boots

Blue Jeans and Rubber Boots image

I have always enjoyed writing. As a kid in high school, I would get quite excited when we were given a writing assignment, and I would get it done well before the deadline. I know it's weird. In those days, we put pen to paper for the draft and used a typewriter for the final version. There was no AI to correct the spelling, only white correction tape. I still enjoy handwriting when I can.

In my blogs, I will write about topics I am passionate about: art, painting, mini Aussies, gardening, baking, travelling, and living a happy and creative life. Enjoy.

2025-05-26

I am—I admit it.

People often assume I’m organized. Well, I am… but only because I make lists.

I make lists upon lists: grocery lists, to-do lists, lists of conversations to have with my mother, birthday lists… honey-do lists. The list (pun intended) is endless.

I come by it honestly. My mother once told me my grandmother always had a list on the go. And mom’s not one to talk—she

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The Path Less Taken
making of a painting
art

2025-05-24

I often take photos of my artwork at different stages. This helps me see how far it has come, and it provides me with a reference for teaching a class.

I invite you to come along and take a look at the making of "The Path Less Taken."

"What the heck should I paint?" I have an idea, but I wonder if I can make it happen. Sometimes those big white canvases are a bit intimidating. But once I make

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The Beauty of Less
It’s about the journey, not the destination
Life

2025-03-25

In recent years, I’ve noticed a welcome shift toward minimalism—not just in daily life but in creative expression as well. There’s a strong connection between art and intentional living. By embracing simplicity, artists can create powerful, more meaningful works.

Spring is the perfect time to declutter—not only our physical spaces but also our creative minds. Clearing away excess

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Buy Canadian
Culture

2025-03-06 Last Updated on: 2025-03-07

Buy Canadian & Support Local Artists – It Feels Good!

With all the uncertainty in the world, there’s never been a better time to choose Canadian-made products. When you buy local, you’re not just getting quality goods—you’re supporting jobs, culture, and creativity right here at home. Plus, let’s be honest, it just feels good to know your purchase makes a difference!

Why Buying

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It’s a Dog’s Life
Animals and Critters

2025-02-19 Last Updated on: 2025-02-25

written by Chace

My day starts early, or as early as when my mom gets out of bed. I like to go out first thing to sniff, bark and relieve myself while my mom makes her coffee.

On a nice morning, my mom (that’s what I call her, as I don’t know her name) will bring her coffee outside and sit with me for a while. Sometimes, I need encouragement to ‘do my business’.

Once Jeff (my dad)

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Knowing Your Palette
Colour Mixing
Art

2025-02-10

Colour conveys emotion, creates depth, and breathes life into a piece.

Just as carpenters need to know their tools, understanding your palette is crucial for achieving harmony in your work as a fine artist. Knowing how your colours interact will allow you to paint with confidence and control without the frustration or guesswork of knowing which colours to grab.

I can’t tell you how many

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2025-01-31

My art students often ask me, "Where do you get your inspiration?" I usually respond with a list of various sources—my surroundings, walks on the beach, my garden, travel, and more—essentially, everything I encounter each day.

For instance, when I take my dog for a walk and notice the peeling paint on a neighbour’s fence, which shows years of wear and different layers of colour, that

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2025-01-20

As artists, we often find ourselves sticking to what we know—a familiar colour palette, a technique, or a subject we know we can execute well. Why? Because it works, it’s safe, and it feels comfortable. But what if we stepped off the beaten path? What if we tried something completely new?

Now is the time to do just that. Experiment.

Exploring new materials, techniques, or perspectives can

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What If
Life

2025-01-14

What if...

What if, just for today, you looked at life through a child’s eyes?
What if, just for today, you listened, really listened to your friends, without interruption?

What if, just for today, you did something nice for a stranger just because?
What if, just for today, you disconnected from all devices?

What if, just for today, you positively changed someone’s life?
What if, just for

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2025-01-13

I used to get up in the morning and immediately turn on the radio. In the afternoon, the TV would go on to check the weather and evening shows—and often stay on until bedtime.

Like most, over the Christmas holidays, I watched my share of Christmas movies, reruns of old favourites, and new finds. But when the New Year hit, I began to crave silence. After weeks of holiday movies and background

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