Summer has flown by and it’s been a busy one. We had a fun time in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, where the landscape, indigenous culture and local arts scene inspires many artists and artisans. We visited numerous galleries and spoke to many local artists, took lots of photos of the scenery and watched the variety of birds from our hosts’ front porch. We also enjoyed a glorious week camping at Quadra Island late July. I managed to include some sketching time while at the campsite, and when picnicking at the winery on the south end of the island. We did some kayaking, short bike rides, and of course, lounging on the beach. I completed a commissioned pen & ink drawing, part of a fundraising event that took place in early July, and then had some fun experimenting with Zentangle® drawing using pen & ink then adding colour with layered coloured pencils.

Sunday, Sept. 14, 12 – 6 pm, is the opening of the new Anvil Centre down on Columbia Street in New Westminster. This modern convention centre will include a theatre, New Media Gallery, and studio spaces for all the arts. I will be teaching a Pen & Ink workshop in the fall in the new studio, and have signed up as a volunteer docent in the New Media Gallery. Check out the class offerings at   http://anvilcentre.com/be-in-the-loop/news/arts-heritage-programs-anvil-centre-register-now/

I’m booked for a demo/workshop at OPUS Art Supplies store in North Vancouver on September 20th, and will also be teaching classes at the recently opened Braid St. Studios in New Westminster. Check out their website at 100braidststudios.com