It's finally starting to look like a mural! Yeah! Passersby peek inside the windows and the brave ones come inside to ask us questions. The learning curve for both of us is huge. It might not be the fastest way to do it but learing on the job is happening every step of the way.

A flight from Calgary to Phoenix to Salt Lake City. And finally this morning, the last leg of the trip - a five hour drive to West Yellowstone, Montana. 

Our task? To paint a commissioned mural for the Brandin' Iron Inn by this weekend. Today, day one, we waited until it was super dark outside so that the projector would give us the best image possible. Simple right? Trace a drawing on a blank wall? Not even close. Good thing I came here expecting that something might not go exactly as planned. Sounds pessimistic but it's actually quite the opposite. There are no negative thoughts involved. In fact, my approach for this project is exactly the same as I would approach any of my other commissions: the end result will be fabulous, and the costumer is going to love it! But what I try and keep in mind is that I am open to the possibility that the unexpected might happen and that I might have to make some adjustments along the way. And trust me, there were plenty!

It's an ambitious undertaking. I've never painted a mural before. I've never painted a realistic mural before! With a partner, with so much planning, with brushes, and within a time constraint. 

Thank goodness for the gold medal winner of this project. The collaborating artist, Gisele Da Silva. My mom! I am relying heavily on her skills to pull this off.

Today was about getting the drawing on the wall. And we did. Finally. Tomorrow we begin again as soon as breakfast wraps up.

A lay over in Phoenix, Arizona on our way to paint my first mural! See how I keep you posted? I said I would didn't I? And concerning the afore named scorpio sucker... I bought one. And I'll keep you posted on that too. 

Goodbye Calgary! I'm off to West Yellowstone, Montana to paint my first mural!

I love this store. Amanda, Erin, Lorette and Kayla, thank you so much for making this happen. I feel like a local celebrity when I come here. You guys treat me so well! So it's no wonder I can't wait to come back! 

On Saturday we were at full capacity. Erin graciously (and excitedly) volunteered to work on the floor because there was no more room on the tables and her canvas was huge! You go girl!

Mary drove all the way down from Calgary, and Elaine, Erin, Jodi and Lee all came back for more!

Thank you everyone for a wonderful time. Let's see if we can make this longer next time. I'm thinking a two day workshop would give us more time to have fun together and learn the concepts well. What do you think?

When I was asked to be the guest speaker at women’s retreat at Prince Lodge on Friday night I was ecstatic. Talking about the art making process and how it has empowered my life is one of my favorite topics. So, without hesitation, I said: “Yes!” “There’s just one thing”, the coordinator said; “The retreat is in Glenwood.” “Oh” I said clueless. “Is that a neighborhood in Calgary?” No. It was not. Not even close. Turns out I had just signed up to drive two and a half hours south of Calgary to a tiny village I had never heard of.

But there was no backing out. Besides, I would have driven five hours out of my way. I had the strongest sense I had to be there so I was. And I am so glad I listened. The drive in and of itself was a pleasure, and the women I met were inspiring. I hope they had as much fun as me.

The theme of the night? “Keep Calm and Carry On”. I added my own spin to this: “Keep Calm and Paint Fearless”

It's bound to happen. Did a lot of this.

The only pictures I got of me in NYC I took myself! And I did it all with paint covered hands because well, I was rushing to make the train. No time. And seriously, who cares? 

Wow. Who would have thought that four years into my personal journey as a professional artist and art instructor, I would have an opportunity like this?!! Certainly not me.

And that’s exactly my point beautiful people, if you never start, if you never take the chance, or make the leap to live the life of your dreams, how will you ever know what could have been?

Now is the time to ask yourself what is really important. Are you happy? Are you fulfilled in your career? If not? Why not? Could things be better? What would it take?

Keep in mind I am not talking from an experience-free, self-help book kind of headspace. Four years ago I asked myself these same questions. Four years ago I decided I was not living the kind of life that brought me the slightest measure of fulfillment or joy. 

I’ve been there. I know how it feels. I know how scary it feels to lave what you know for something others might even call “a crazy dream”. But if you can overcome the fear and make the leap, well, there is no telling what you might achieve, and the people you will influence and inspire as a result of your decision.

Do it. Do it now. Now is the time. You don’t have to wait until you are exhausted, sick, disillusioned and full of despair like I was. You don’t have to reach your rock bottom. You can be smarter and learn from my mistakes. I promise it will be worth it.

I was on cloud nine. When they offered me the position I had a hard time concentrating. Thankfully it was near the end of the day so I knew the hard stuff was behind me.

I decided to be ambitious and make the trip into the city. I’m so close right? I kept thinking to myself. Why not? Best decision ever. I had so much fun. Yes, it meant having to be a little brave and ask for directions, figure out the train system and memorize directions, but in the end, it was all well worth it. I made the hour long train ride from New Jersey to New York City, found my way out of Penn station and to Times Square without a hitch.

New York City is a living organism. It doesn’t ever stop moving. I found myself walking faster, hyper aware of my surroundings, and absolutely loving being in the middle of all the chaos, the noise, the people, the cars, the smell, the flashing lights, the food vendors, the $5 pashminas, the I Heart NY T-shirts, the guy playing the drums with one hand, the guys and his pet rats, the limos, the NYPD, and massive array of people and cultures coming together.

Unfortunately it was too late to go to a museum or a Broadway show (I had my heart set on Wicked), so I walked around, camera on hand, basking in the general amazingness of it all and thinking about how I just knew I would have many more opportunities to see this place again.

Starting this June actually, when I will spend not just two days but nearly ten days there for an international conference and some intense product training.

How is this a sweet deal for you? I’ll be able to answer a heck of a lot more technical questions once I start immersing myself in the literature, and as always, getting my hands super dirty.