He won the lottery.
As a mathematician, he knew the odds.
He didn’t buy a ticket to win, but for the “fantasy”.
What were his? A Lamborghini, and big house, he said.
Did he purchase the car & home when he won tens of millions?
No.
“Both impractical, really” was his thoughtful reply.
What he did do with the windfall?

He gave an enormous donation to a University in memory of his beloved professor.
Speaking of his teacher, his gaze softened, exhibiting more emotion than he had of the lotto win.
You just knew his mentor had taught more than just math.
He was a gift to me, he said.

Early in our friendship she asked for an art lesson.
“I’ll bring wine” she quipped.
“Laura, you don’t paint” a mutual friend said.
“Doesn’t mean I can’t ”she replied with a sparkle in her eyes.
Sparkle she did, in every room she wandered into.

Over a long lunch a couple of months ago we spoke of her recent diagnosis and fear.
“You know,” she said, pausing, mimicking her expression of moments earlier recalling a recipe.
“I just don’t have any” waving her fork absently in the air.
“I am not in denial. I just choose to be positive.”
She also chose to raise money for hospice.
10,000 dollars in fact.

We had another long lunch planned two weeks ago to chat about everything from fashion scarves to families when I found myself at her service instead.
“I want more.” I whispered to no one, tears streaming down my face.
I want that lunch date, and those group dinners with so much laughter.
I want more Laura stories and to feel the warmth of her hugs carrying her soft scent, her bracelets clinking behind my neck.

Inspired by her generosity, I created a painting in her memory for hospice.
Her love of gardening, Italy, and the light she brought to so many lives infused in the painting.

Lavender 14×18 original oil ~donation gift to hospice

The very moment I laid my brush upon it’s completion, an email popped up from my friend Myah’s Mom, about a fairy painting.

Fairy- original oil 6×8 ~ gift to the Windrim Family

Myah did visit my studio for an art ‘lesson’.

A cricket chirped outside my studio window as our brushes swirled.
“How nice it is”, she remarked “to listen to crickets while we paint”.
We talked about her passion for fairies and art.
Fairies don’t have names, seasons, a tie to colour or song, she informed me.
“It’s not like that”.
I wondered what her fairies were like, so she drew them for me.
Her beautiful drawing is still tacked on my studio wall.

During her last days Myah’s school friends decorated her entire stoop with hundreds of fairies.

“Myah’s Wings” raised $35,000 at Megan’s walk for Sick Kids months ago after her passing.

Whether we have known inspiring souls a long or short time,
we feel equally robbed of it.
Future memories & moments stolen from us, like a pulled rug from beneath our feet.
We want more.
More hugs, shared laughter & painting dates. More time.

But time is elusive, slipping between our outstretched fingers like grains of sand.

I didn’t entirely accept Tennyson’s quote when I was young,
“Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
I do know it’s a gift to have known such deep rich love, and people like Laura & Myah.

To honour the gift is to carry on by their example.
To live life drenched in colour, vibrantly, quietly determined, embrace passion, engage, give back, be brave, fearless,
and perhaps believe in fairies.
Their timeless gifts, like our love, live on.

p.s
Several elements need to be considered in creating a painting for hospice.
Most importantly, the people who will be in it’s midst, visitors & patients.
When people are ill, too much stimuli can be overwhelming, a softer palette is used, with the texture controlled to a minimum.

The painting needs to look well in dim and bright light, natural and artificial.
The light within the piece will glow in these varying types of lighting.
Cerulean blue is used to create the ‘glow’.
I’ve put it in the lavender and tiny hints in the sky.

The moving sway of the field is meant to mimic a visual lullaby.
Green is the most calming colour ( proven in psychiatric studies) there is a hint of it within the entire painting, even the sky.

Lavender is a herb often used in sleep aid, it’s scent a universal calming influence. Even the sight of the herb to those who have experienced the scent may induce the calming effect.
~
In memory of Laura Mantovan (53) ~ Nov 23 1961- July 30th 2015
Myah Windrim (8) ~ Aug 27 2006 – Feb 19 2015

Monet had cataracts.
Degas, retinal eye disease.
Georgia O Keefe, Mary Cassatt and Rembrandt all suffered decline of ocular vision.
Stories swirl theorizing they were better artists because of their condition.

How did Monet and Degas see?
Standford News interviewed ophthalmologist Dr. Michael Marmor on his theories.
Marmor has written two books on the subjects and co-authored The Eye of the Artist with James. G. Ravin.
He uses software to replicate what the artist may have seen.
For a glimpse, click here.

At the age of three my parents discovered I wasn’t seeing well.
An optometrist confirmed their suspicion of nearsightedness.
He believed a child under school age shouldn’t wear glasses, suggesting we return in a couple of years.

With my Dad, brother & faithful friend Tuff

I will never forget the day, years later, when I first donned my personally chosen bright purple frames.
Driving home, my face pressed to the window I exclaimed,
“MOM the trees have leaves, they have LEAVES!!”
I remember those trembling aspens and birch, leaves shimmering in the wind, bright as pennies in the sun.
I was ecstatic. Mom was crying.
She was reeling over the fact I hadn’t ever seen leaves in a forest grove.

By 16 the optometrist could no longer find frames to fit me, or make glasses thick enough.
Contacts changed my view yet again.
The world was suddenly sharper & clear, but depth perception was difficult to navigate.
I stumbled a lot.

The ‘reading glass’ era arrived 5 years ago.
I should paint with them, but don’t.

Thou I couldn’t discount my friend’s enthusiasm that presbyopia was ‘a gift from heaven’,
because she could no longer see her wrinkles,
it still has it’s share of challenges.

I was in the studio when my Client showed me the photo for this special commission.
I saw lovely natural buff cliffs and a meandering river.
After he left I found my glasses and discovered the cliffs were houses.
A whole village.

It was a surprise, and a challenge.
24×24 New oil on canvas.

The painting took about three weeks & 23 brushes.
I began in acrylic, layered with oil.
~introduced two new colours – viridian and phthalo green
~incorporated a canyon palette – destination of the couple’s engagement photos.
~ used two entire palettes of paint.
There is a little surprise in one of the towers.

I wore my reading glasses.

p.s.
Were Artists better painters because of decline in vision?
I believe scientists are missing the point.
These well accomplished artists had honed their skills & perceptions.
Masters who understood light, composition, movement and contrast.
They weren’t just ‘seeing’ their subjects, they understood them on a whole different plane~
one that infuses mystery and the unseen.
Dr. Marmor reproduces what Monet was seeing on canvas with poor vision.
What was he seeing beyond the canvas?
~
Anticipating the letters of response~
I rarely accept commissions.
It’s true this isn’t my typical genre.
He isn’t my typical client either.

Ahhh…summer holidays.

Leaving the comforts of familiar surroundings can revitalize our spirits in surprising ways.
For those who work at home, it can offer a reprieve from both work & home demands.

It can also be a catalyst for change.

“New Day” 8×10 New Oil on canvas

A friend returning from an extended wilderness trip remarked,
“I used one dish. One bowl to clean, & ta-da dishes are done!”
Wait till my husband finds out we are paring down to one dish each”.

Experiencing different environments offer us the unique opportunity to re-visit our own spaces with a new perspective.

Pining the feeling of cottage life?
What can you mimic in your home environment to enjoy the simpler way of life you discovered on holiday?
Did you play family games instead of watching tv?
Outdoor evenings spent by a campfire, no electronics in sight?
Pinpointing why certain elements are more relaxing/ energizing/ productive, is key to reproducing them.

The University of Minnesota studied ‘links the physical environments of hospitals to health outcomes’.
Discoveries like these can be applied to residential and work environments.

We pack our favourite clothes traveling.
Do they fit into one suitcase?
Fewer clothing selections reduces decision time and results in less laundry.
A study suggests we wear 20% of our entire wardrobe.
Yes, that’s 20%.

Less clutter is a reoccurring theme to increased productivity, better sleep, less stress, more cohesive environments.
Apparently, ‘less stuff’ frees us from more than just dusting.

Joshua Becker and family chose to live a minimalist life and wrote bestselling books about it.
In his blog he offers tips on how to sample living with less. Joshua points to the benefits of owning less, including a conscious choice of owning higher quality things, and displaying what matters most.

Newly evolved “Crimson” 22×28 original oil on canvas.

Visiting dwellings & galleries, I note what invites me in, and what makes me feel like staying.
I may learn by observing the efficiency an artist’s work area during a studio tour.

Upon my return, art, studio & home are viewed with fresh discerning eyes. Paintings are re-discovered, necessary purging completed.

A spirit lifted from the reprieve, is replenished with
new vision.
A clutter free studio is prepped for creation,
possibility emerges in the sparkling light.
~
Note: Living simpler can be beneficial to our health and a wise environmental choice.
After de-cluttering, donating items to those in need, becoming a conscious consumer is empowering.
No longer a slave to media driven dictated way of life, we are free to refine priorities based on our needs & individuality.
Similar to taking control of our nutritional & physical health, it’s liberating.

Nestled in a quiet rural North Carolina mountain valley
sits a studio immersed in the forest where molten glass swirls in dramatic kaleidoscopes.

Glass expertly klinformed by award winning Artisans Simona and JJ.

Sparkling hues stole my breath in awe during my recent visit to Fyreglas Studios.
Remarkable work crafted in elegance, from J.J’s intricate complex woven patterns, to Simona’s free flowing glass landscapes.

We met the talented pair at the Southern Highland Craft GuildFair last autumn, instantly feeling like old friends.
I was absolutely taken with their brilliantly accomplished designs.
Our first piece “ Snow lifting in the wind” brings me great joy.

Now I crave the Fyre element in every room of my home.

Ocean – shown with backlight and daylight.

J.J’s red pattern glass with handmade raven pillow ( Canmore)

It isn’t an easy answer to say where my inspiration comes from.
It’s never a one ingredient response,
such as ‘viewing a stunning mountain scape’.
Inspiration is created in layers of experiences, like cycling up that mountain, in the soft mist of morning, clouds hung low, the sound of birdcall as I peddle up the incline.

Inspiration, like a chef’s recipe, combines flavourful ingredients, not just to satisfy the palette but enhance the experience.

Inspiration is discovering Fyreglas’bright rainbow designs, flowing into your spirit & alighting your soul.
It’s meeting artists like JJ and Simona, with admiral dedication to their craft.
It’s their warm welcome and humble appreciation, delivered with Simona’s refreshing homemade iced tea on a summery day.

I left my paints behind on my visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains 2 weeks ago.
I didn’t open my journal or turn a page in my novel.
Pencils stayed in their box.
My camera remained unusually silent.

It’s in stillness the flames of inspiration may be encouraged.
It’s in focused discovery without distraction, pencil or pen.
At times, the camera needs to be absent for beauty to unfold and resonate in your heart.

It’s in the exploration of mountain passes, art studios & weavers looms.

Weaving- Crossnore School.
Dawn at Moses Cone Art& Craft Center.
It’s witnessing cascading wild rhododendrons visited by dancing butterflies.
Hearing the roar of a mountain waterfall or children’s laughter by a natural rock pool.
It’s in the scent of a spring shower, and echo of raindrops on forest foliage.
It’s in a friendly smile or handshake, from one artist to another.
A hand that crafts another paints, or molds, or shapes.

Collecting art which speaks to you personally, intimately, can have a profound effect on your well being.
We have been fortunate to collect pieces from potters, weavers, painters, quilters, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and glass artists.

walnut chair & table- Marc Banning. Pottery Canoe- Al Pace. blanket gift. Glass, Simona of Fyreglas, wood bowl K. Gillespie.

There is a timeless quality and rewarding pleasure knowing most of our furniture, functional and decorative items are made by our own hands, and inspiring people we have met.
Artists whose hands we have shook, and spirits have alighted our own.

New 4ft x 3ft original oil

~ This post could be long as the string of award ribbons displayed in Fyreglas windowed office.
I wanted to write about a most surprising fact:
Simona & JJ presenting their private collection of other artist’s work, before showing us their own.
A gesture which speaks volumes of their character.
I could write about the music of the blue mountains, incredible varied art & weaving and then there is the cycling… ohhhhhhh, the cycling.

Perhaps, thou, discoveries like these are best met on your own adventure.
Inspiration, after all is an individual quest.
~
The Ashville, Blowing Rock/ Boone/ Banner Elk regions of North Carolina are a cycling, art, and nature mecca, home to the origin of bluegrass music, and blue ridge parkway.
The nearby Appalachian Trail delivers a feast of the senses.
If you are visiting the region, a few links to help plan your stay.
https://www.blueridgerentals.com

Blue Ridge Parkway Home

http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/blue-ridge-parkway/

~ Studio NEWS~
New evolution in the work~ I have been experimenting with big brush painting, loving the soft contrasts with splashes of bold impasto colour when layered with small brush texture.
~
Recent projects include entering my first art contest- a design for Canadian Mint- watch for your opportunity to vote on the best design for a new Canadian coin.
~
Kelowna’s Hambleton Galleries New Artists Exhibit opens next month!
~
“ Aglow” Sold this week, finding a wonderful home. Three other paintings are on hold with new Clients in the US & Canada.”GBay” 14×18 is off to an auction fundraiser. Email me for details.
~
Website transformation coming soon!
Talented web designer Paul is working on implementing new features.
The blog is growing in popularity, we are making it easy to sign up, find popular posts, and scroll thru concentrated glimpses of the blogs.

Email me your favourite post and I will include the top 5 in the next blog!

When did you first know you wanted to be an Artist?

We think these clarifications arrive in dramatic epiphanies.
In reality it is a trickling, a creek that builds to the strength of a river, fed by passion and hard work.

At one point I realized I have a responsibility to the work and collectors, to pursue it at a greater, more focused level.

New Okanagan Pumpkin Field 9×12 Oil on canvas

I think natural genius is extremely rare. What I have discovered is that some are born with a passion and they work at it relentlessly. They are driven with unquenchable thirst to evolve with a desire to master.
That’s me.

The day I chose to commit to an art career was an absolute defining moment.
I knew choosing art as a career would be a longer, more challenging journey, rather than choosing to paint for a living.
12 years ago I formulated a plan to bring it to fruition.

Decisions on my direction were made based on longevity, ethics, responsibility to the collectors, building relationships, and dedication, always, to the work.
At my plan’s core was (is) to become the best artist I could be, continuously evolve the work & challenge myself.
To make a difference.
To work with the best in the industry.

Only a handful of galleries in Canada match the criteria I look for in an art dealer.
Some of these qualities include:
~ How they treat clients and represent the work.
~ Their extensive knowledge of artists/ art & the industry.
~ If they are informed on the secondary market, and attend auctions.
~ Have good working relationship & network with other dealers.
~ Sell both historical and contemporary work.

Hambleton Galleries in Kelowna BC exceeds these qualifications, and it’s
an honour to formally announce the gallery is representing my work.
After applying nearly a decade ago at the suggestion of Bill Mayberry, it’s an enormously exciting thrill.

New Valley Vineyard 18×24 Oil on wood board

Stewart and Tracy Turcotte are familiar names in the Canadian Art Gallery industry. Both artists, they have been the owners of Hambleton Galleries since 1999.
The gallery is recognized for high standards, quality work, and outstanding service.
The Hambleton represents an extraordinary group of leading Canadian Artists whose works presently grace many national and international private and corporate collections.
They also specialize in historical Canadian art from acquisition and sales to restoration/conservation and appraisal.
Though known to carry a collection of historical work, their aim is also to provide the platform elevate the next generation of Canadian Artists.

I asked Stew about his work, and the kind of experience clients may expect at the Hambleton Galleries.
“The most rewarding thing we do is matching the client to the perfect piece. Clients have burst into tears when the piece is hung on their wall. You can never forget that.
I have had the gallery for 16 years now and love every day, surrounded by art. Sharing it with others is an absolute pleasure.

We offer clients a real Canadian art experience. It’s a part of our job to help clients understand what Canadian art is all about. We engage every client entering the gallery making an effort to put them at ease.
Clients are encouraged to bring young people to the gallery, it’s important to expose them to the significance of art.
Viewing art is very personal. While we assist informing the client, we don’t instruct them on what they should buy, and there is no pressure to purchase.

If clients are collecting for investment we can provide them with the full background and necessary information.
We represent about 50 contemporary artists.
The most popular are doing the most colourful artworks. In a world where interior design calls for neutral tones, general areas lack colour. A few well chosen colourful paintings, the space (home/ office/ venue) springs to life.

We have a fair number of historical or investment pieces at any given moment.
I enjoy working with collectors who are passionate about building a collection of great pieces.
Right now we have art pieces by A Y Jackson, Franz Johnston, Jack Shadbolt, Alfred William Davey, Tony Onley, Daphne Odjig, Norval Morrisseau, Zeljko Kujunzik and Matisse.
Historical pieces are attracting record prices of all time.
Good art generally goes up in value and gives you three possibilities; gift it to a public collection and receive a tax receipt, this is particularly good for individuals who have a huge tax burden, give it to your children, or you can sell it, either through a private dealer or through an auction house.”

During the last decade I have observed Hambleton’s remarkable dedication to Canadian art, their clients and artists.
I have complete faith walking thru the door of Hambleton Galleries you will be treated with respect and discover an enthusiasm for art that is unmatched.
As for my work now being hung among the great of greats adorning the walls of the gallery?
This career artist is ecstatic.

~
Dealer goodwill and friendship are keys to thrival.~ Robert Genn

~ Special thanks to Stew, Tracy and Jessica for their tireless work and kind spirit always welcoming my calls.

~First shipment of paintings include, Tundra, Hills of Gold, Luna, Water, After the Storm.

New Okanagan paintings will be shipped when dry.
~

When Northern Lights dance across the night sky, they quickly disperse and flow.

When & where does the painting begin?

It’s in the evanescent whispers where the painting heartbeat is born.
The flash of brilliance essence & light so fleeting, you question if you really witnessed it.

Northern lights- from my Dad’s deck May 12.

Art connects people emotionally to the natural outdoors.
A reminder of what’s out there, and the richness of its spirit.
Powerful moments in nature flow in the painting, and to you.
My work isn’t expressing experience, it’s sharing it.

8×10 sky study

charcoal tree studies

In the last weeks I’ve been working in the rock garden of Mom’s design,
built by my parents.

Mom’s blue eyes would sparkle when she spoke,
“The yard is the greatest project & accomplishment your Dad and I achieved.
I am supposed to say you two were, but it’s the garden.”

While I lifted rocks, troweled dirt and divided sedum,
I thought about her doing the same.
Her hands placed each rock, selected and held every plant.
Gazing at the textures and colours she chose,
admiring the sweeping curves of the pathways she created,
it stirs all my senses, and moves with life.

The garden is a legacy of hers that lives on to inspire and comfort.
Working in her living masterpiece,
it struck me deeply how much art makes a difference in our lives,
and for generations that follow long after the Artist is gone.

Grasping my trowel with purpose,
the thought resonated with me so passionately, my hand trembled.
What we do as Artists, it matters.

New Sky,Water,Land 24×36 Original Oil.

There are times in our lives when we feel stuck & uninspired.
Many situations may contribute to this state of mind & heart.
You read that correctly.
Inspiration isn’t tangible, it’s a state of being.

What brings you joy? makes your spirit soar?
gives you peace?

Hills of Gold 11×14 New oil on board.

It is especially helpful when I am far from the wilderness that I love,
to fuel my work and life, with other sources of inspiration.
It isn’t just necessary, it’s essential.

“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” Pablo Picasso

“Inspiration motivates our action” Joel Zaslofsky writes via Mark McGuiness of Lateral Action.
Joel was describing the children’s book,”Hank Finds Inspiration”, by Craig Frazier.
It’s an insightful story of a snake named Hank who seeks inspiration and one of my favourite books.
I thought it would be fun to share my other favourites for adults and children alike.
Among them, “The Dot”, “Ish” and “Sky Colour”, by Peter H. Reynolds,
and “Journey”by Aaron Becker,a beautifully illustrated storybook without words.

I enlisted my friend and fellow Artist Amy (7) for her opinion on my collection.
She arrived sporting a new butterfly bag filled with her markers and book.
“It was white when I got it.” she announced.
Her artistry has dressed it up considerably. Fashionable, and useful.

Amy is rarely without art supplies.
At 3, she toted a Princess lunch box filled with crayons and dog biscuits for her furry friend Duffy.
At 5 she painted a portrait of she and I in my garden still displayed on my fridge.( I am the one in the blue dress).

Last summer, Amy created her own little studio retreat,
equipping the tree house with a tote of art supplies and comfy chair.
She added cheerful pink curtains, colourful butterflies, and a decorated beach mat.
I understand her brothers were slightly horrified and no longer play there.

We began our session with Hank the Snake.
Amy saw what many would overlook.
Hank lives in a world with green clouds.
“Well, that’s kind of neat, and inspiring.” she said.
We were on page one. Hank hadn’t even started his journey.

Amy loved the beauty of “Journey” with it’s incredible illustrations,
and perused “Sky Colour”, and “Ish.”
“The Dot” was her favourite.
It is a great story of, Vashti, a little girl who is encouraged by her teacher to ‘make her mark’.
Vashti’s enthusiasm takes her to endless possibilities with her art.
Author Peter H. Reynolds writes “It is a book that encourages us to be brave about expressing ourselves. It gently reminds us to start small and explore the IDEA.”
It is also a story of sharing and encouraging each other, teacher, student, friend.

Twenty minutes after Amy left, she returned with a portrait of us drawn on a big Red Heart.
The inscription concluded “it was a happy day”
Yes, Amy, it was a happy day, Thank you.
~
PS: The Dot is a personal favourite, given to me over a decade ago by a shy little boy who came to me for an art “lesson”.
Joshua left, it seems, inspired.

“Whatever you think your boundary is, if you can get to that point
but then step a little bit further, the whole world opens up again.” Mike Cotty. ( Anchor & Leap)

New 11×14 oil on board- photo research credit Deborah Malin

The story of Mike Cotty and the Col Collective is quite fascinating.
In less than a year since it’s launch in 2014, the company has been featured in numerous magazines, blogs, and podcasts.

“The name The Col Collective came about when I initially thought up the idea of creating this video library of climbs, the French word ‘Col’ meaning pass, married up with the collective of videos we were creating just seemed to fit perfectly.” he says.
Some of those videos have reached over 50,000 views.

I was captivated by the incredible landscapes and was immediately a fan upon seeing the first video.
Intrigued just as much by what the videos didn’t include, as by what they did.

1) They lack annoying hammering music and suffer-fest display one often sees in a cycling video.

2) The Col Collective site displays an educational feature, complete with gear information, and cycling techniques a recreational cyclist like I can understand. Mike’s stretching routine would suit many, including artists.

3) They supply site- specific information, for those who want to explore these incredible places. Col Collective delivers details on the climbs.

4) Artfully filmed with breathtaking panorama’s~
they’re like an extraordinary moving, living painting.

5)The mountains steal the show.
Col Collective created the videos with just that in mind.
Even Mike’s commentary is reminiscent of sanctuary.
“Ease into it” he says softly as he cycles up the mountain.
“Relax and enjoy the view, it just doesn’t get any better than this”.

With Videographer Michele and photographer Deborah collaborating as a powerhouse creative team,
together they bring the videos to life with Mike and Jérôme, their (Canadian) Graphic Designer.

Mike’s path to the Col Collective and Media-24 (his company), is nothing less than remarkable.
You can hear about his journey in the Rich Roll podcast, here.
It’s inspiring stories like his that continue to express dreams come to fruition thru hard work, persistence, passion and faith.

Rich Roll called him both Athlete and Artist in his podcast interview.
I asked him how he felt about that.
“It was the first time anyone had described me as an artist, most of my creativity came through writing before The Col Collective so I hadn’t recognized that in myself.
When he used that simple analogy, Deborah said to me after the interview, “wow, that is exactly who you are and why you are so unique”. It was a huge compliment, as I put as much time into the creativity as I do the athletic training if not more, so to be recognized like that by someone totally independent was humbling.”

Mike exudes a quiet humble confidence that transpires in his interviews.
“Some of what we (Media-24)are doing is about trying to get people back into nature, back into that feeling, because I think that is the most powerful feeling in the world. (Anchor & Leap 2015)”

I agree with Mike. It is the most powerful feeling.
By finding ways to bring people back to nature, we can make the world a better place.
Discovering nature by participating & immersing in it, we connect with it in a deep way.
Whether we are on a bike, in a canoe, traversing on foot, or painting outdoors.

Photo- Col Collective- Deborah Malin

“Every time I ride in the mountains I feel a certain serenity that’s beyond words. It’s like I feel safe, inspired and energized by life all at once. The landscapes are so beautiful, every one tells a different story and teaches you something new about yourself (even if you may not realize it at the time). I really wanted to try and let each mountain speak for itself, to bring the emotions that I feel when I ride to life in a way that can help people experience that little piece of escapism and freedom again.” He wrote.

Whatever your ‘mountain’ may be, the Col Collective inspires you to take the leap. Believe in yourself and possibilities.
To reap not just hard won efforts at the top, but to enjoy the journey, one step or in this case, pedal stroke at a time.

~ Special thanks to Mike Cotty, Deborah Malin & the Col Collective for generously sharing their incredible photos, and kind response to my questions.

New Italy commission 9×12 Oil Sold.

How does an artist healthfully maintain energy, productivity, beat fatigue, burnout, avoid repetitive use injuries, stay motivated?
We don’t’ often talk about the actual physical demands of painting, or the toll it can take on the body.

I thought it would be fun to show you how I incorporate my fitness training into how I work.

Running shoes would be included at the top of the list of my important Artist’s tools, and I don’t sit to work.
– video intro~

“Sitting is the new Smoking” an article in the Toronto star article Feb 20/14 stated, featuring
Dr. Greg Wells, a kinesiology professor at the University of Toronto and author of SUPERBODIES.
He says “If you sit for eight hours a day, that actually damages your health, and if you do an hour of exercise in the evening, that’s great for you, but it doesn’t necessarily counteract the damage you are doing by being immobile.”

Dr. Wells mentions 85 % of the population does not get enough activity.
He brought up a rarely discussed topic, those who exercise for required amount daily don’t realize they are at risk.
It’s a common attitude, even among athletes,
an article in Canadian Running magazine suggests.“Running more doesn’t equal less sitting”.

Dr. Greg Wells has an easy solution to incorporating movement in our day.
“The rule I recommend for people is 20-20. For every 20 minutes of sitting, get up and stretch for 20 seconds..”
“If you have something really important to do during the day, mentally it is great to do 15 minutes of exercise right before that,” Wells said, noting that it activates areas of the brain associated with learning, problem-solving, concentration and memory.”

New work “Winter Dawn” 11×14 Oil~ Sold~ in the collection of Dr. Greg Wells.

Exercise is critical to my work.
Nutrition is the foundation, setting the platform for a great productive work/ LIFE plan.

Structure your day taking care of the three E’s: eating/ exercise/ emotional (mental) health, and you become your own powerhouse.

Shannon Wenkoff (Dec 2014) writes “ Set up triggers that get you into the rhythm for a routine of creating.
In her post “ 7 Rituals you should steal from extremely creative people” she continues
“of the artistic clients we’ve worked with over the years have done everything from meditating, to singing, to running, to even doing two-hour long workouts immediately prior to working on their creative projects.”

My methods on mobility:
Begin the day with exercise, ( cardio/ strength) and specific stretching –include areas that take an extra toll, shoulders, neck, chest, etc.

Keep moving in the workspace with efficiency for your productivity:
My palette & tools are 3 steps from my canvas. I move every time I load my brush or gather tools.

I run up 14 stairs every time I need to refuel. ( food & drink)

I don’t sit. Stand, pace, and if the music moves you, dance. It’s the energy that infuses the work.

End the day with a workout that releases tension, stretches muscles, soothing mind & spirit.

Remember the three E’s.

~ ps.~ Our culture on the topic of nutrition & exercise is often short sighted- focused on short term goals: vanity.
We have a responsibility to our own health care,
it directly affects others, our families, workplace, and our community.
If we focus on the bigger picture, living a long healthy happy life, having more enriched relationships, at home & work, being of service to others, it may make the transition to better health easier, and longer lasting.
~