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My first day at the artwalk was much hotter than anticipated. I was ready for wind and rain but the heat seemed to go right through my umbrella onto what I now like to call my tomato face. Other than the sun, however, the day was amazing. People came from all around to visit and stopped by for a chat (thanks everyone!) and I met a wonderful group of artists living in the city (once again making me feel sure you can make a living doing what you love to do). My friend came and bought a group of us fruit smoothies which hit the spot like you'd never believe while another came and bought up a stack of cards... and retrieved some needed change for me.

The artwalk is so far about discovering the true bond of friendship and generosity among artists. We are not shy it seems to lend one another a hand or to tell our trade secrets to each other. With over 200 artists competing for business I could never feel more than the exact opposite about the experience. I am enriched by this experience already.

But the sad news is I didn't prebook a ticket to harry potter and so had to drive my sisters standard back to my house. Stalling, cursing and wondering which pedal was which (the clutch is on which side?) I'm just hoping I didn't give the poor little car a one way ticket to the garage...

Thanks everyone for coming to the artwalk thus far to visit! (I'll remember to bring my camera tomorrow so I can post pictures).

I stumbled apon this great rates calculator for freelancers (link above). As it turns out I am charging almost exactly what I should be to live on. The only thing that really got me was the question "what is your billable hours percentage". I figure I'm only at 50% right now which means I'm still spending more time than I'd like to be marketing and looking for clients. Of course, this will all come in time and honestly the entire adventure of it all is very rewarding and fun! Meeting new people, discovering the world of fine art (which as it turns out is indeed different than illustration afterall) and signing contracts for new jobs...

The last couple days I've been setting up my studio outside on my deck. Painting under my new umbrella (bought for the Artwalk this July) with the birds at my bird feeder and the sun pouring around me... I swear this is my dream job in every aspect.

This weekend I am doing an artwalk preview on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, Alberta (starting at noon). Look for me right outside of the paintspot where I will have select prints (including some limited edition) for purchase as well I will be painting something on a new canvas!... not sure what yet (stay tuned I guess). If you can't make it out this weekend either wait until July 13-15 and see me live on Whyte ave, click the link above to purchase through my online store, or email me asking for a print ([email protected]).

I'm currently working in my sketchbook every minute I get as I'm trying to develop a solid look for my "little kids". Just thought I'd post some for funzzies.

This is a little sketch portraying "diving" suit. I also thought of "swimming suit" but as I havn't looked through the links yet I'm sure I'm not the only one!

As Greg (my husband) so rightly put it yesterday, "I feel the winds of change a blowin". Maybe spring is in such full force that everyone is reexamining their lives or perhaps it's just everyone that I know, however, it seems so many amazing things are happening to the people around me. People are making hard decisions to better their lives, or at least in the hopes of. Perhaps it is in this spirit that in the excess hours of my day (late at night) I decided to update my website to something a little more "me" as they say. It features bigger pictures and less "gobbly gook" on the sides. It's very simple, not too flashy, and yes, I am aware that I need to work out a couple bugs (*not all the buttons work... he he he). You can log onto my website via the title of this blog.