Hee Hee! That was the most fun I've ever had with a commission!!  When approached - it took me all of 3 seconds to decide... YES!  I was asked to paint these doggos (some still here & some passed) - the concept alone was exciting. The client had no idea of the direction I was going and this painting was a bit bigger than she suggested.  I asked for 3 photos of each dog and a paragraph on each dog.. then, I started & became so caught up - it was like they were my dogs, I forgot to even take photos.  The timing perfect,  soon we welcome our new baby & I have dogs on the brain.  This was hard for me to part with & harder to keep since it was already paid for haha.   It was also heavy as it is painted on wood. Thanks to Norm for his assistance.  The client is very pleased... which has me beaming.  
Painted with LOVE... it is loved.  I love to paint. More than ever before - it's this hill. It's why when I first stepped out of the vehicle on the first visit here - I KNEW, this is it. 

When I first told people where I lived - everyone asked - The puppet house? Do you have a sweet little sauna? Well.. YES! I do have a  sweet little sauna, as for puppets house, I have no clue.  Then, it was dolls of some sort, finally we fond out the house up the hill was the place that made Wrinkle dogs. Remember them, big in the 8o's? How cool & fun must that have been - VERY - when I still see people smile who said they were up years ago when they did the puppet show.  Then I researched a little further to find out the creator (rockstar) Catherine Senitt was also an amazing painter! Talk about a creative genius... it appears this woman did it all. I then found her website  Cathy Senitt & was  up all night looking over her art.  I knew it felt special.. this hill. I have BIG brushes (paint) to follow.. lol  Below is one of her works I love- birds of course but I recommend you check out her website to see how vibrant her art is!! 

I still feel Cathys energy  & am blessed because of it.  I knew it!
Each morning I wake - inspired- what shall I paint today!?   What can we create! 
I am planning a 'Tribute' painting reflecting one of Cathys, for my home (which I understand was built for her parents).   As for all her awards, galleries..  I can still dream.
I have reward enough by waking up each morning surrounded by all this beauty- thank God.

There is no contact info on her website. I hope she is still well, thriving & absolutely still painting. I'm blessed because she shared this hill & art before me. I live on a hill named after a successful Canadian Artist! Female! Ha!

I can't stop.. do what you love.  Cathy obviously did - all those puppets! Oh my gosh, I wished I would have known and visited the puppet house - as a kid... even happier to
 Be HERE NOW. 

Inspired by love you will not fail & the message that the client sent me was full of love. ;)
Yay! Support your local artists! 
with THC & TLC
​G

How are you feeling?  A little blue?
I felt blue when I started this painting...  I decided to 'go with it',  instead of fight it.
I think this is key.  Learning to GO with it.  When you supress sadness - it does not go away, it just gets deeper,  if you think about it for a moment & ask - Why exactly, am I feeling sad?
Why?   Worried about things that might NOT happen?  Thinking about pain from the past.. don't give it power.  Force yourself to become active & creative - soon you will be thinking about what you are working on and not what's working on you.  
There is no trick' to mental HEALTH- it's work.  Life is work. 

More noticably on Instagram are artists posting they feel stuck.. blue, covid, politics, financial porblems, lack..  many are feeling a little bluer than usual - I try to encourage them to work through it. You would be amazed at the difference in paintings you can create - depending on your mood.  I forced myself to start Lady Algonquin' - I was in a terrific mood by the time I finished & had a new painting to show for it & a new experience with this "style".  Just DO it. 

Another reason for Artists in particular to be a little blue... ART is a luxury.  
In a time of uncertainty when people are worried about work, food & bills - art is not a top priority.  Someone recently asked to purchase a painting, at a discount. lol  
Well,  I'll expalain for all artists:

  Our prices have not dropped on our supplies, as a matter of fact hey have gone UP.  Do you know how much one good tube of acrylic paint costs $25 approx. - so 4 colours- $100. easy.. then there is canvas,  the price depends on the quality - I'd like to use HEMP but it's still too costly - I'd have to up the price of my paintings.  Brushes - each costs from $6. - to $35. they can be much more but I stay in this price range & brushes do not last forever, they have to be replaced steadily.  Time, each painting takes me at least 3 hours. Never mind the size,  bigger can take weeks.   Some think $50. a painting is too much,  for 3 hours work? 
'If I worked minimum wage, it would be about right. NOT including shipping..
I have worked very hard to become the artist I am, endless hours (decades) of sketching, painting drawing (obviously) to fine toon' my craft.  It's worh more than 'minimum wage.  
Thankfully (not luckily- luck has nothing to do with it)  I do well, I've started to sell on line (at least one or two a week) & steady comissions.  I've decided to sell more, only because I have SO much. I pull out my binders and can't even remember 1/2 of what I've painted, so I will part with a few originals & spread the love & fun.  
It's fun to own an original- I know - lol.   

Maybe an artist friend is struggling more than usual, if you can - help.
​BUY something, it might not pay the rent or bills but it will give them HOPE & that is priceless.  I'm going to buy original art today - just to support an artist I like & encourage them.. I know they are blue. 

If anyone is interested in this Blue 'Lady Algonquin' I will sell her for $60!
That is a deal! It took at least 5 hours. PLUS shipping.  ;) If not - she will continue to hang in my home & be enjoyed and remind me, it's just a feeling - paint it out- paint through it and give thanks for another day- blue or not.. it's a gift many will not get today.
Happy Mental Health Monday!  

Next another Canadian Female Artist who this 'hill' we live on  is named after! 

with THC & TLC
​Georgia

Something fishy going on..   lol  
I do not normally take commissions - this does not stop others from asking. ;)  
I'm glad I was asked to paint this cartoon.. I try to squeeze in a few comics still..
​A friend asked if I could create this cartoon  & he sent me a pretty good sketch - so it took little creaivity on my part.  How often does one get to paint a fish with a cocktail and smoking pipe.  ;)  If you fish for Musky in particular - you should check out Dadson blade baits, he is on Instagram.  I know Storm used them and was a successful musky fisherman.

Check these EGGS out! Cluck cluck! 

These are this mornings eggs!  I can't stop giggling and staring in amazement, 5 hens & 5 eggs... it's the cream of wheat! Sprinkled with organic hemp. I told Norm to go easy on breakfast or our chickens will get big and then starting to sing  "... he likes big breasts and cannot lie.."  hee hee  
The last egg is so big I'm painting it after Norms drills a hole so I can empty it, biggest egg I've ever seen... slightly mis-shaped, I bet it was felt on the way out... yikes.  Once you have fresh, organic - healthy & happy chicken eggs - you won't buy bland boring mass produced eggs ever again.  In  a perfect world every family would raise thier own chickens.  I feel my world is pretty perfect these days, especially after mornings like this.  
I've thanked our chickens for every single egg & will continue to do so.

Back to  the details of my newest painting,   "Maaaaaa!!!"   which I am very pleased with.  
Do you like eggs? Got a favorite recipe? Feel free to share ;)
georgiatoons@gmail.com

Shcools are returning in the fall- it should be interesting.  
I hope it's not a deadly decision...
I think I'd opt to homeshcool for a little while If I was in this situation.
Grateful I'm not, praying for thoses  who are.

​with TLC & THC

The perfect sign for this Covid-19 summer!  My deck is decked out - weeeeeeeeee!!
I knew when we bought the house it needed work & who better than Norm & I?  I fell through the old deck last year (rotten in a couple of places) and 1/2 was missing completely so stepping out the studio, I stepped out to rocks and a tiny  (not well made) bridge' to the bird deck  -was an accident waiting to happen - so DECK DAYS!!  lol
I designed the new deck and Norm got to work & it turned out Fricken fantastic- exactly what I wanted - a dream come true!

It's mental HEALTH Monday - want to know what' s  MORE stressful than covid?  
The fucking government not making up their mind!!  Wear a mask- don't wear a mask..  stay home - it's o.k. to go to to a beach/park and pack like a rock concert - Holy! WTF?  
Will the death number go UP these next couple of weeks? I think so.  
I think, I am excited to stay home and chill on the deck allllll summer if need be  & now...

Norm rocked the deck! Don't think it was all fun and games- he has me as the foreman' and everyday I was up and out of bed yelling :It's deck day!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!!  
60ish - one man one week! Ripped out the old - ppoured cement! Dug holes. shovelled rocks, cut wood.. carried wood (LOTS)  predrilled, drilled and customised - to my exact specifications! Fuck ya! Look at the railing we made. hee hee.  & yesterday, he made the mistake of starting something new- the deck could wait...  so he thought.
 NO, it could not and the bear in me let him know it. I've lived 28 years with unfinished projects at the last place- not happening here!!  A bit of grumbling - he finished and Im so happy - Im deck dancing with dogs!.. I decked it out with plants- Norm then build us a fantatic table from old pool table feet someone gave him years ago & a found cedar door that was on the property.  It won't blow over & we don't care if it gets wet.

I love my deck & Norm for building it for me- I am not an easy going client or wife - hahaha
I make sure he's not taking too long of a break and up and ready to rock at 8 a.m.!  & I don't love him because he built me the deck (in record time). I love him because he'd stop and wash the dogs, stop and make ziplock candle holders from the left over cement with me, ingnore me when I 'lose it' and yell due to the mess  I'm having to step over - lol, as I survey the job! hahaha!

Yes, he loves me too - big time.  
The proof of our love is in the details of our home... look at that railing. hee hee.
It's a differnet love than it was 28 years ago (OMG - 28 years!?)  it's stronger...  it should change - it does change. The lovey dovey crap- gone... the loyality & love for both the men in my life - watch out- mess with my son or husband and you'll meet mamabear.  I don't know a harder working guy & I'm glad he's here - even thou some days I tell him to:
Get out of my face!  
Love is.

We talked about all 'this stuff' before Norm moved here & we continued this journey together... I dont know anyone else I could live with, art with - we are a good team.  Time to paint a portrait, plant a garden & chill on my lovely dream deck!  The  bird railing is for art, provides the illusion of being up high, it's only 2 feet off the ground!  
Time for a nice glass of  grape juice with soda & a big fat joint our on the deck!
 
For my mental health - I'll stay home to avoid confusion and germs!
I'll keep busy & garden, draw, paint & explore. I'll nap too. 

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Everyday this month I'll try to paint some LOVE.
I want you 'to see' my love, for whatever I paint.  I believe it shows.  ;)
These two were inspired by my newest portrait.  

It's so relaxing painting all the tiny hairs watching it appear before me then glancing up and seeing this winter wonderland.  
Norm and I are very busy - even with all this snow, we never stop planning and improving, enjoying all this nature.  Both of us feel - in our element. 
I KNOW, I'm finally where I am meant to be - submerged in nature.  

I giggled when I told Norm my studio will be a 'working studio', the more I think about it...   I don't want to be on any studio "tour".  I'll be too busy painting.  The only tours will be to friends, family & the occassional client.  So excited.  I get exhausted from planning.
Naps are good.   Thow on more wood.  I've mastered the wood stove. hee hee
I can throw on wood 'piled precisely' at 11:pm & get up at 6am and still have embers, no match needed to start the next days heat & adventure.  Woman  - not man, I think first invented fire.  They probably cut down the trees tho.. 

I ABSOLUTELY love my new community, I'm overwhelmed with kindness from the cable guy bringing in the wood, to the guys at the hardware store telling me they will come and start my generaor for me if Norms not around.  & several have given me their phone numbers (wink wink.. all white haired handsome old guys - hahahaa -kidding) in case I'm out and ever stuck - someone will come, "wait patiently in your truck"  I'm told..
It's easy to paint love' when you feel so much love. 

I love me, too.  Finally.
I love my son & think I'll paint his protrait again soon - it's an enjoyable to spend the day when not able to be with the ones you love.

I love the next protrait.  I would like the recipient to see it first. 
Have a lovely day!
With THC & lots of TLC
​
Georgia

Valentines day will be here soon. There is a different 'mood this year lingering.
The Corona Virus ('Corona' beer -not good for advertising, who thought of the virus name? ) is here & I think it's going to get worse before it gets better.    

I've been following, I believe  China did know sooner than they let on.  
I read people were being arrested for trying to educate about  it on Facebook.  
What is wrong with governments putting people over profit.
The fear of loss of $$$ will lead to the loss of life.  This is life NOW.

Travel brings us together - in Love... in sickness & health.
Love is love.  Valentines day is here & it is an opportunity  to educate. 
Keep your saliva & germs to yourself... especially if you don't know who you're dealing with.
Wash your hands, please.  If someone 'loves you' - they will love you when this is over.
IF you are sick, please keep it to yourself.  Even 'if' you love me.
Storm had the idea for the kissing booth card after our morning chat. 

Several  cards have been created - they all make me giggle and not...  I wish it were not the case but it is.      Want a 'truthful Valentine' for your 2020 valentine?
These cards would be good for those in the medical industry too! 

Check out @Forever grateful greetings (later today)  for more cards - waiting to be sent to your honey - for  only a little money - ready to frame & cherish for a lifetime.  
Love is.

I'm currently painting a portrait that I'm really pleased with - it makes me SMILE!
It's a gift for a friends daughter & I want her to see it before you do.. so.  

It's -27 today with the windchill - the sun is shining so we will be out on an adventure soon.   
Please look after yourself! WASH your hands, blow your nose & NO hugging.
TIS the season...   NOT to hug & spread germs.

With TLC & THC 
​Georgia 

Treasures from God..   Rocks, seeds, birds & the bees.
Open your eyes & see all the beauty and treasures around you.  
I do. 

This box took a week!  All on it are 'Ontario' related from the Beetle to the Morel so it took a bit of research.. then it took time just painting each tiny box - is a tiny canvas. I took all the drawers out to paint them and must share - there is one spot that only takes ONE drawer.
Amusing...   Frustraiting!  It took me about 15 tries to figure it out.  lol I had to make sure I did not have two brown items side by side.. then I had to touch up the edges that hold the boxes.   The tops & sides have been painted as well - a bit of an illusion happening.

This box turned out sweeter than I imagined ;) It will hould treasures that will be found on everyday journeys.  It 'kinda' made me wish I had a grandchild to give it to. hee hee hee
Would I want a grandchild?  ;(    I don't know some days...

What a weekend - it was one of those days & this moring I noticed  I'm feeling aggitated.
It's beautiful here, Norm & I had a terrific weekend - except for the Nucular Power plant melt down warning.  LET me tell you first hand, when you hear that signal on the radio
and those words uttered, you stand still and think WTF?
I looked at Norm & thought where's Storm?   Not in Ontario.
I was actually grateful instantly, thinking: he'd be spared.
That's what happens - in less than a minute  -  Ooooops.. false alarm! Yippie!!! 
Thank God.
WTF!!!?  So there's that.. 

A plane 'shot' out of the sky killing countless Canadians and more. WTF? 
Human ERROR!?  I can't even think about it without tearing up.
Who's to blame - TRUMP!
The animosity he creates at this point simply by breathing is obvious. Countries are shouting 'Death to Americans' in the streets.  The anger he generates - he is the fuel for the flame. The familys suffering with the loss of loved ones - shot out of the sky... knowing it was a "mistake".  I can't even pretend to imagine how they feel.

Yep, no wonder I'm feeling slightly down today.  
Time to focus on God.  Pray for good.  
Grateful to be alive - thankful to be feeding &  painting the birds at the feeder.
Thankful for you - who is still alive & reading this post.  

We all have another day to try to be better, to serve &  another day to SHINE.
I can't wait to find treasures to fill the drawers! 
​
With TLC & THC
Georgia

It's Holiday ornament craft time!
This cute little idea was inspired by a visit to the library.  Tis the season! Tike to get creative - pull out the glue gun - grab the glitter it's time to get crafty! All you really need for this one is scissors, a bit fo glue or glue stick, some hemp string to hang it & I folded it so it would be a neat little sample - shold I decide to give it to someone - you'd have to rib open the "decoration" tho to get at it- oh well! Thats' what Christmas is about! Opening gifts.
It's the thought that should count, Christmas is not a good tim to go into debt.

Trump - Impeached- Well there's a Christmas wish come true - no gifts needed. ;)

Check out the  litttle Jingle decoration below - click on the image to print your own - 
colour own for extra creativity.  *You could also put int a tiny amout of bud to hang for someone on the tree.. weee!  Edibles are legal in Canada this Christmas - have you got yours?  I can only imagine sales & stockings being filled.  Don't hang too close to the fire.

Happy Holidays. 
Seasons Greetings & Merry Christmas 
Have fun - Joy & Peace...     impeachment will help!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia 
 

What would a bear in the woods be doing? Catching snowflakes of course.
My nature painting with a  touch of Beatrix Potter ;)  Have youu seen the movie about Beatrix Potters life?  I rented it from the Stanhope Library & it's a new favorite.  

Who does'nt catch flakes? Especially the big beautiful ones? 
It would also make a sweet Christmas card/gift - sitting on a shelf.

I also painted a box for my owl slice - created by Stepehen Boehme. Glass artist. Google.
It now holds my owl in a decorated display box  & has a bluejay slice inside.  
I prefer it, as it can be handled & admired.
I'll paint a new box for my other slices too I think.  
In my spare time... when not watching bluejays & snow falling.

Time to get busy with my Christmas Craft to Download!
​Just in time for all to colour & hang on the tree - weee!

Stay tooned.
With TLC & THC 

I went out to the porch to see the dogs surrounding the seed bin - only to find a DEER mouse inside. I was happy for a live model!  Needless to say - it was not alive for long - it returned & met Daisy a few days later.  
Nature - doing nature. I see the bluejays fighting - understanding they are teaching each other.  Nature.   There was only one mouse,  I painted three different poses. 

​I was warned about the dangers of deer mice (disease) from a follower on Instagram- no worries- I don't plan on inviting them in my home or making them pets. 

I took some beautiful winter photos this week.
Today, I'm painting Thank you cards, Christmas cards & a fox on wood.
EXCITED for the adventure before me. - Glistening inspiration is all around.
​ What are you creating? Baking? Making?  Tis the season!

With TLC & THC 
Georgia