Category Archives: Uncategorized

New Year Updates – 2015

Wow, how time flies! The fall season seems to have gone by in a flurry. The art shows I participated in were a huge success, with lots of visitors and interest in my new direction in my art work. While still working on pen and ink and watercolour paintings, I’ve been collaborating with a fabric artist, Valerie MacRae, to create new pieces. Enspired by Zentangle®, the intricate patterns are beginning to show up in many of my compositions. (2 creative minds make for totally new ideas.) I’m working towards several shows in the new year and I’m excited about my upcoming venture to Rhode Island late spring, to become certified as a Zentangle® instructor.

I’m already booking workshops for the new year, so check back often to see what’s been added.
I will continue to offer workshops at the Anvil Centre and 100 Braid St. Studios, as well as more hands-on workshop at the North Vancouver OPUS store. As always, I’m available to do private workshops as well.

Upcoming Events, Autumn 2014

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

Visual Verse/ Art Squared

An art show worth a thousand words. The opening reception will take place June 7 at the River Market from 6-8pm. The show itself will run June 7 to July 3, 2013.

View event details here: http://newwestartists.com/ai1ec_event/visual-verse-2013/?instance_id=

My daughter, Melissa Nilan, and I collaborated on an entry for the show. I am doing a painting to go with her poem ‘The Road Goes On.’ I have also submitted 4 pieces for the ‘Visual Verse’ part of the show. If you get a chance, come by for a glass of wine and some snacks while you meet the artists and poets.