Cold Prairie Studio

Hello friends, it’s been a while.

With the late arrival of spring, I feel a bit like a bear just coming out of its cave.  It’s been a winter.  From having my dominant arm in a sling through the holiday season to a family visit in Arizona’s winter sunshine, the lows have been low and the highs have been high.  Sometimes we learn the most from the lows though, and I came away with a new appreciation for the regular activities I take for granted, like being able to lift things, including pens and paintbrushes. 

…And while inspiration can sometimes be elusive, during the time I was away from my art, the muse was not. (Funny how that happens when we step back awhile, whether intentionally or not.) I’ve been taking inspiration in things seemingly unrelated – a college portfolio pulled from under the stairs, the giant Saguaros and red rocks of Arizona, old photographs, and the seasonal changes outside my window. Projects are underway and ideas are waiting in the wings. Are you ever surprised by things or places that inspire?

On the subject of projects underway, I’ve just posted the preview for my new show, Roadside/Wayside which will run through the month of May at Hues Art Supply in Saskatoon.  It features many new sketchbook-style works of both rural and urban Saskatchewan, as well as a few favourites carried over from Sketches from Home.  I had fun completing the work for this show, taking colour, tone, and linework in new-to-me directions.  See it all on my Gallery page. 

I always invite you to leave a comment, say hello, let me know what you think of the new work, or tell me what’s inspiring you. 

If you’re local, I’d love to see/meet you in person at the opening of Roadside/Wayside.  The details: Saturday May 3^rd from 2-4 pm at Hues Art Supply & Gallery, 1818 Lorne Ave, Saskatoon. (Fair warning: as well as a gallery, it’s an awesome art store, so don’t expect to leave uninspired or empty-handed!)

Thanks for sticking around & I’ll chat with you again soon,

Leane