Revisiting the 12 Universal Laws – Join Me

Exhibition at Modo Yoga in St. John’s, NL. Join the event on July 7th.

All in One – the 12 Universal Laws. A summary piece.

Transform Your Life from the Inside Out

A few weeks ago, an astrologer told me that Transformation was a major theme of my life. I wasn’t surprised.

My favourite movies are transformation themed. Symbols of transformation abound in my artwork. I’ve had exhibitions that included the word transformation in their title or descriptions.

And I’m constantly aware that I’m either on the verge of a transformation, in need of one, or emerging into a further stage of one.

Right now, it’s a bit of all that.

Can you relate?

The Enter the Mandala Project

A decade ago, my Team of Divine Helpers guided me into the most intensive and transformational visionary art experiences of my life – the creation of the Enter the Mandala Project.

First. they asked me to purchase 12 large square canvases. Once that shipment arrived, I received further guidance to paint mandalas of the 12 Universal Laws.

I didn’t know the Laws. I’d heard of the Law of Attraction from the movie The Secret and listening to Abraham Hicks. But that was it.

For the next year, I used the same process as in my Divine Storytelling Time intuitive readings to tune into the imagery for each mandala.

Through those stories and the 50 – 75 hours it took to paint each mandala, my Team of Divine Helpers taught me invaluable lessons on how to transform my life from the inside out. These lessons have continued to impact my life.

The collection of 12 + 1 summary mandala was unveiled during a 1-day Winter Solstice event I coordinated back in 2015.

In 2018, it was the featured exhibition of the 3-day Atlantic Visual Arts Festival (FAVA) in New Brunswick, where I was invited to be the festival godmother (featured artist).

The next week, the collection was part of an interactive mandala event I led during CB Nuit, a weekend festival in Corner Brook, on the west coast of Newfoundland.

Since then, this large collection has mostly been stored in its plywood transportation crates hoping to find a permanent home or other exhibition venues.

It’s shocking to think that the full life-transforming collection had only been witnessed live for 6 days – until now.

Feel the Energy For Yourself – This Sunday at Modo Yoga

These 13 paintings are portals to the Universal Energy Flow. They’ve had such a transformational impact on my life and on the lives of others in various ways. They’ve helped us become the conscious creator we were meant to be. The more we understand the Laws and use them to our advantage, the happier we’ll be.

Although they’ve rarely been seen live, they’ve continued to help people online and in workshops transform their lives from the inside out.

You can always visit my free online Guide to the Universal Laws to study and implement the lessons on your own.

Prints can be ordered of your favourite ones, or of the full collection – on paper or on canvas in your choice of size.

This year, I added a collection of guided meditations ($44) to help experience each of the Laws more deeply.

And God-willing, the full collection will find a permanent home soon, where its energy can nourish many people’s transformational journeys.

But if you’re in St. John’s, the 12 Universal Law mandalas are now on exhibition at Modo Yoga on Duckworth St. until August 13th. Public viewing is available half an hour before any class, which is when the doors are unlocked. You can see the schedule here.

Better yet, come experience the mandalas this coming Sunday, July 7th from 3-5pm during an open house. My artist talk and guided experience will be from 3:30-4:30pm. By donation.

Let’s continue to transform our lives from the inside out – using all the tools and resources our Divine Helpers provide us. This collection is definitely one of them!

 

 

 

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Holiday Spirit Circle Invitation

Here’s what’s come out of saying “Yes!” to a request by Spirit when they told me I had a job to do this December.

We’re co-creating an online program within a safe & sacred space for daily connection to bring the true Holiday Spirit into the lives of those moved to join this 1-month private Facebook Group  called the Holiday Spirit Circle (Dec. 1- Jan.1).

So if you’re looking to bring more of the sacred into December, no matter your spiritual beliefs, watch the video above and FEEL if you’re moved to join the circle.

  • Perhaps you’re so busy you need structure and community to ensure creating sacred space can happen.
  • Maybe you find this time of year challenging and need help co-creating a more meaningful involvement.
  • It could be that you’re looking to raise your vibration and tune into your inner guidance to create the best 2024 possible.
  • Or you’re simply inspired to join me for this inspired online Holiday Spirit Circle because it feels right for you.

Take inspired action for yourself or as a gift for someone you know would benefit. You can buy your membership here.

Every morning, Monday to Saturday at 7am Newfoundland Time (5:30am Eastern), I will lead you Live through a Spirit Calling Card reading, affirmations, a channeled guided meditation based on your needs, and more. These daily Facebook Lives are roughly an hour long.

***You can also tune in at your desired time to watch the recordings and participate in group discussions.

The Holiday Spirit Circle is a safe and loving co-created space  (a private Facebook Group – requires a Facebook profile to join)where we’ll be co-creating sacred space to tune in and connect this holiday season.

This daily December practice is aimed at helping you to align to your Highest Good & to the Divine, no matter your beliefs. 

There will also be:

  • daily discussion prompts
  • weekly special events
  • community connection

to deepen your connection to Self, Spirit & others this holiday season.

I was Guided to create the Holiday Spirit Circle for the community and for me – that together we may experience true Holiday Spirit as we transition to a New Year aligned with our inner Guidance.

Full Price:   $111 Canadian

Spirit Subsidized Price: $44 Canadian
(only if truly required please)

 

Buy your membership here

 

 

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Birthday & Black Friday Sales Coming Up!

What better way to celebrate being born and still alive than to make it easier to share the Divine Love that is co-created through me when I paint.

I’ve got 2 sales in November that will help get more love, beauty & energy into your environment:

  1. Birthday Sale – $333 Originals
  2. Black Friday Sale – 20% off Prints & Calendars Sale ( Use Promo Code ‘ ARTsale ‘ at checkout)

Whether you’re looking for visual anchors to remind you that you are loved for who you truly are, or meaningful energy-infused holiday gifts, read on!

1. Birthday Sale – $333 Originals – November 12-19

It’s been amazing to walk into my studio after such a prolific year. The energy & beauty on my walls has nourished and supported me big time! But my paintings were meant to be shared, so that they can help raise the vibration of more than just my space. It’s time they found their new homes where they can do what they were designed to do with you.

It’s been 6 years since I’ve had a birthday sale! I’ve had special exhibitions, meditations, invitations for a collaborative tree-hugging video, but no sales.

The number 333 came to heart one morning in meditation. Looking it up, I see that it’s an angel number representing change & growth along with the support to make the right choices in life. Sounds perfect with what I’m feeling coming up in my life! What about you?

Plus it’s 3 x 111, my long-time favourite number, a reminder to trust that everything is happening together for our Highest Good as well as fresh new beginnings.

So here’s what I’ve been inspired to offer to celebrate my 56th birthday on the 12th.

All ORIGINAL paintings listed in my online shop at $600 or less will be ON SALE FOR $333 from November 12-19.

That’s the birthday gift of 111 x 3:

  • 111 for you
  • 111 for me
  • 111 for the art co-created through me

So mark your calendars and come back to my online shop starting Saturday to save up to $264 – 20 original paintings to choose from! Shipping not included.

And reach out if you’d rather pay cash or by e-transfer or need a payment plan.

P.S. For those in the St. John’s area, I’ll have some with me at the 2022 Art Festival at Murray’s Greenhouse on the 19th – 7-10pm. See poster here.

2. Black Friday Print & Calendar Sale – 20% off

Great news! I just heard from Newfoundland Canvas, my print-on-demand provider, that they’re having their annual Black Friday Sale from Thursday, November 17 to Monday, November 21.

20 % off PRINTS in your choice of medium and size & CALENDARS too!

*** Use Promo Code ‘ ARTsale ‘ at checkout ***

This is another great way to bring the Divine Love channeled through my art into your life.

Free Shipping in Canada for orders $75+, local pickup in St. John’s and great prices on international shipping.

I’ll post the sale CODE here & send in my newsletter as soon as I get it from them. I wanted to give you a heads up for your holiday shopping planning!

3 Calendars to Choose From

  • Heart to Heart
  • Angels and Saints
  • Nature Spirit

They print these gorgeous 13-month calendars on demand – takes about 4 days. These will also be 20% off during the sale (Nov. 17-21). Use Promo Code ‘ ARTsale ‘ at checkout

Regular price: $25 CA ($18 US). Free shipping in Canada for orders $75+

Watch this video and order them here.

Quality Prints

Every year, I invest in high-quality photographic scans of some of my paintings to provide you with the highest quality of prints possible.

Check out this video to give you an idea of what’s involved. I find this fascinating!

Go to my print-on-demand portal and save 20% OFF Nov. 17-21 with Promo Code ‘ ARTsale‘ at checkout!

 

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Success! – Jeux de l’Acadie en région

The most popular post on my website is the 2015 Guide to Intuitive Painting (available in French & English), getting an average of 4000 visits a year. It goes over the paint layering technique I taught during that year’s cross-province tour with both francophone children & adults. Those workshops were roughly 3-hours each.

On October 14-16th, I got to go back to the Port au Port Peninsula on the west coast of Newfoundland to teach intuitive painting to 9 francophone youths (ages 12-13 + our volunteer’s 8 year-old) during the Jeux de l’Acadie en région (regional Acadian Games).

This time, we had 14 hours together to go deeper into intention setting, painting techniques, visioning meditation, and integration of the techniques into a second free-style painting.

As you’ll see in the video below, my 9 girls did amazingly well, learning the technique and then adding their personal artistic voice to the final piece.

We also created the group painting above on Sunday to thank Gaston Létourneau, the coordinator of Franco-Jeunes Terre-Neuve et Labrador, who gives so much of himself to the youths of this province.

So enjoy this short video I created on the 2nd day to include in an upcoming online exhibition for the parents. Note that only the paintings that were finished at the time of filming are included. All the students’ paintings will be part of the slideshow on participant & parent night.

Embracing the Challenge

Are you ever presented with a challenge you feel is too daunting to succeed at? 

If so, you may want to add the song “I Believe in Miracles” by Fearless Soul to your playlist – I love it when it comes up on my morning dance shuffle.

I’d been organizing this workshop for months. The Games had had to be postponed, so it had given me more time to envisage the flow for a multi-day workshop. I was confident and enthusiastic about that.

But on the morning of the 14th, I found out that there had been a mixup with the truck rental. Instead of sharing the driving of 1 large vehicle with Gaston for our team of 4 and all our stock, we’d have to rent 2 smaller ones. That meant leaving a couple of hours late and having to be the sole driver for 9+ hours from St. John’s to Grand’Terre (Mainland) to get there on time to open the Games & teach.  

With only a few quick breaks, we arrived just in time to set up (thank goodness for volunteer help!) and then teach from 8-10 pm, when I’m usually in bed. Yikes!

My workshop continued 8:30 am to 7:30pm on Saturday, and from 8:30am -1pm on Sunday. The youths had a few extra hours after that both days for sports. Intensive & fun!

Having a support team of volunteers and staff was invaluable. Thank you Josette & Kyle and Gaston & Elizabeth!

Luckily, the participants of the culinary workshop helped their leader prepare delicious meals to sustain us during these Games. We not only fed on the creative energy of the process, but great food too.

During the slower 12-hour drive back to St. John’s on my own through rain & fog on Monday, I reflected on how amazing it feels to rise up to a challenge and to witness the fruits of creativity blossom. And blossom they did!

The children did great! I did great! Together, we gave it our all during this intensive weekend, and I believe we’re all better for it. Success!

So although the scheduling was a stretch of my comfort zones, I’m glad I said “Yes!”.

In addition to our group experience, I’m also grateful for

  • the gorgeous fall colours on the drive there & back,
  • the beautiful suite & great hospitality at the Inn at the Cape in St. George (25 minutes drive from the school), where I could recharge my introvert batteries
  •  my 2-hour break on Sunday afternoon (see video below). My exploratory drive brought me to a kitchen party in the next village, where I got to waltz with a gentleman of my father’s generation and boogie with some friendly local women who were intrigued by a stranger at their weekly gathering. How fun to stretch my comfort zones again for some local culture.
  • having my own vehicle (go figure!) for added freedom and a more relaxed drive home.

The lesson for me was:

“Remember that when a task seems too daunting for success, take it one breath at a time. You’ll be surprised at the resources (yours and others’) you can pull from to co-create something amazing! Just believe that everything happens for a reason, go with the flow, smile, and stay aware of your mindset.”

Hope this story gives you courage to embrace a challenge and stretch your comfort zones too. You just might get a great dance out of it too!

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Welcome Home – the painting, auction & event

Want to win this painting called “Welcome Home” (11″ x 14″)? Read on…

This is Come Home Year in Newfoundland & Labrador, when so many who have left this island are coming back to visit or maybe even stay.

I’ve called this province home since 2011. I love it here! I’ve been here longer than anywhere I’ve lived as an adult.

It’s true that I’ve loved all 3 continents and 5 provinces that I’ve called home in my lifetime. Home is where I am, in the moment.

But I’m thrilled I haven’t received a Spirit Call yet to move away from Newfoundland & Labrador.

There are many reasons I feel so at home here. Like in most places, I’ve been blessed to make a few close friends on these shores.

It’s also where I finally became a full-time artist after decades in recreation and teaching English as a Second Language.

And the abundance and proximity of nature – especially the ocean-  so nourishes my journey in this chapter of my life.

So when I was invited to create a piece to donate for a silent auction to raise funds for a new group of artists I’ve recently joined, this is what came into being.

First, I received the vision of the trees embracing the ocean and the moon embracing the sun.

Next came the trio of people waving and embracing the arrival of loved ones. Although they most obviously represent family & friends, they also hold the energy of friendliness which has been my experience of Newfoundlanders.

I’m thrilled with how this painting evolved and the joy it brings me every time I see it on my wall.

If you’d like a chance to bid on this 11″ x 14″ energy-infused painting, keep reading. You don’t have to be in St. John’s to participate.

Icebergallery – the Group & Upcoming Event

My natural tendency as an introvert is to hermit in the studio or spend time alone or with 1 or 2 friends out in nature. 

Back when the pandemic restrictions were relaxing here on the island, I decided that it was time I became more involved in my community.

This intention is what inspired my April Community Spirit Treasure Hunt, in which I had almost 60 paintings in 11 locations, encouraging folks to get out and play.

That got me out interacting with local business owners and participants, but I was open to more.

So when I heard about Icebergallery, I immediately signed up. 

IceberGallery is a non-profit visual arts organization focusing on the talents of those within Newfoundland and Labrador, with the home-base of the organization being in St. John’s, NL.

This artist-run organization is focused on providing entrepreneurial, educational, and collaborative opportunities to local visual artists, no matter the medium or experience level.

IceberGallery operates based on a network of artists, with all of it’s opportunities being exclusive to those within the network for little-to-no-cost.

The IceberGallery Artist Network is free to join.

Our next event is happening this week online and at The Space, 72 Harbour Dr, St. John’s, NL A1C 1B1

Free Exhibition & Brunch

Saturday, August 6 (11am – 7pm)

Sunday, August 7th (11am – 5pm) – Brunch (11am – 1pm) – mimosas at the bar

That’s where you’ll get to see the 30 pieces on silent auction as well as a second piece by each participating artist, most of which are for sale.

The SPACE by Wonderbolt Circus is located at 72 Harbour Drive in the same building as Eastern Edge Gallery. Please follow IceberGallery signage.

Online Silent Auction

 30 pieces including “Welcome Home” by Dominique Hurley

August 1st – 8pm August 6th

Proceeds from the silent auction will go towards IceberGallery’s programming initiatives.

Update: Thank you for your bids. “Welcome Home” raised $594 for Iceberggallery.

Artist Gala

August 6th from 8-11pm

Live music by Kelsey Arsenault.

Bar services available. Snacks provided.

IceberGallery is inviting the public to participate in our Feels Like Home Artist Gala. This is a reception to celebrate the artists within the IceberGallery Artist Network, the work presented within the Feels Like Home Gallery, and to announce the winners of the silent auction.

This is a Come Home Year 2022 sponsored event.

 

 

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Passion, Play & Purpose – the Paint Party Story

Have you turned your passion or play into your profession? Bravo! There are so many benefits to doing what you love! But that’s not what I’m moved to write about today.

You’ve likely heard the expression “Healer, heal thyself!

The classic movie image of a doctor smoking while eating junk food from the vending machine comes to mind.

You’ve likely seen plenty of other examples of experts who don’t always practice what they preach. 

Are you a nutritionist so busy with clients that you have no time to cook?

Have you neglected your inner-child because you’re overwhelmed with parenting chores?

I recently heard about a landscape architect whose property was a disaster area because he spent all his time transforming other people’s spaces.

You get the picture. Does it apply to you in any way?

The Universe Conspires

I’m a firm believer that challenges happen for us, not to us. 

It doesn’t mean I don’t have my share of resistance when they happen. But eventually, I can see the silver lining. Even the pot of gold!

I’d spent half a day setting up my studio for a paint party for 2 of my friends before heading off to Ottawa to be with my father for December.

This paint party was my birthday gift for Leslie and Christmas gift for both she & Kerri.

I was excited to share my passion and play with them.

My intention, however, was to set them up with academic grade canvas & paints while I created a piece with my professional supplies … just in case I wanted to sell it. 

But the Universe had other plans.

I’m not saying I caused the water boiler to die, spilling half its content on our basement floor before we realized what was happening.

I am saying that what first appeared like a really disappointing change of plans, turned out for the best. 

Once my house-sister and I took care of the water crisis, with the wonderful and speedy support from a plumber friend, I packed up the painting party supplies to take over to Leslie’s house.

If you watched last week’s Artsmarts video, you know that it’s an elaborate process with a lot of supplies. There’s no way I wanted to traipse up the 30 steps to the car with all my professional supplies and tools as well…. so I didn’t.

This was going to be a painting just for me. Forget potential income. Just play, Dominique!

The Paint Party – Sacred Play

No matter if I’m painting a channeled piece to sell or for a client’s Soul Energy Portrait Experience, I love what I do. I get great benefits from allowing any piece of art to be co-created through me.

But there’s a certain freedom that comes from letting professional expectations and subconscious pressures go to just play. 

After all, that’s what I teach in the intuitive painting process – no expectations, no mistakes; simply layer after layer of expression and exploration.

So play we did – the kind of sacred play my friends and I love to partake in. This time, it involved paint.

I led them and my inner child through the intuitive painting process, incorporating ceremony and intent throughout.

What joy! What discovery! What beautiful sharings about the messages we were receiving from our process, all related to our original intent for 2022.

11 hours later, we were all thrilled with the love & light we allowed into our day and into our art. 

What a great way to set the tone for the coming year.

My painting now hangs in my bedroom, anchoring the energy and intention I set for 2022: “I am open to giving and receiving love.”

It may be unsellable to my standards … but that’s a good thing! 

Bring Your Passion Home

How can you bring some of your passion back home to yourself this holiday season?

Is it time for some self-care?

Is there a project you’ve been craving to tackle, just for the fun of it? or for the function of it in your life?

Remember that often, the gift you give yourself has benefits for those around you.

The reverse is also true – the true gifts you give others often gives back to you too, especially if that isn’t the motive.

I wish you a very happy & fulfilling holiday season doing what you love and being from that space of love – whatever that means for you.

Public Paint Party – Tune In to Your 2022

If you wished you could have been part of our painting party, I’m offering a rare opportunity this January in the St. John’s, NL area. It’s been a long time since I’ve offered a workshop in person. Here’s your chance.

Treat yourself to a full-day of sacred exploration through intuitive painting.

In this full-day workshop, you’ll infuse your painting and your life with meaningful intention while listening for the guidance that comes through the intuitive painting process. 

No experience necessary. Really! No matter if you’re completely new to painting or a professional artist, you’ll benefit from this joyful way of exploring and expressing your heart’s desires and intentions for 2022.

This workshop dives deep into the sacred art of intuitive painting – beyond the technical to the transformational.

You’ll leave with so much more than your uniquely-you painting, unlike anyone else’s in the class. 

Join me, Saturday January 22nd from 8:30am – 6 pm (open until 8pm if you need extra time to complete your painting).

The Birch Centre, 120 LeMarchant Ave. in St. John’s, NL

Maximum 6 participants. VaxPass required.

$225 includes lunch and all painting supplies. Register here.

And if you’re not in the area and want to give it a try, check out my Guide to Intuitive Painting for the techniques and add your own ceremonies throughout. Enjoy!

A Message from Kerri

“I am so grateful to have such a beautiful friend and gifted artist in my life! Dominique’s ability to intuitively nurture your highest self from within you to an expression of yourself on the canvas is nothing short of amazing!  She helps you tap into the creative well within you to find your own presence and then helps you transform it from feelings to paint! (even if you don’t think you are creative!)  The layers of love and life that are intertwined in your canvas will always be special to you every time you look at your artwork!  The beauty of Love is within each of us and Dominique’s Love of beauty empowers your highest self to shine! If you don’t know what to gift that someone special in your life – this is one they will never forget!  A gift that honors their highest self!”

Kerri Best – Flourish Energy Wellness

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Invitation to Radiant You Online Retreat – Bite-Sized Daily Inspiration

Have you been feeling run down? Has taking care of your mind, body and spirit ended up on the bottom of your to-do list?

If you’re ready to reclaim your radiance, then I invite you to join me and other leaders for this Radiant You Online Retreat.

The retreat starts on New Moon Saturday, March 13th until Full Moon Sunday, March 28th.  You’ll receive access to 2 mini workshops a day.

Click here to register.

During this free online retreat , join me and a diverse group of powerful women from around the world as we explore how to feel confident, inspired and energized no matter what is going on in our lives and the world.

We’ll be sharing bite-sized mini workshops that will help you feel motivated and empowered in 30 minutes or less. We’ll be nurturing our selves with meditation, creativity, and more!

During this FREE virtual retreat, we’ll be

  • Taking time out to slow down, relax and nurture ourselves.
  • Experiencing simple practices to feel confident and connected throughout our daily life.
  • Tapping into our creative selves to feel inspired (you don’t have to be an artist to do this!).

This is for you if

  • You’ve lost touch with what lights you up.
  • You’re searching for a way to tap into more inspiration and energy.
  • You know it’s time to start putting yourself and your joy at the top of your to-do list.

When you join the Radiant You Online Retreat, you’ll get to 

  • Attend retreat sessions on your own schedule (watch anytime)
  • Join a global community that is saying YES! to themselves, their joy and their personal growth

This isn’t just people talking about transformation. It’s hands on experiences with tools you can use everyday. The best part is it’s totally free!

Click here to come with me.

Love & blessings,
Dominique

P.S. I know how it feels to have a lot on your plate. This retreat is an easy way to fill your cup, to recharge.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

20% OFF Energy-Art Prints November 19-25

Feel the Shift. Raise your Vibration.

20 % OFF All Energy-Art Prints
Your choice of size & Medium

Free Shipping in Canada
Great Shipping Rates Everywhere Else!

November 19-25

It’s Easy to Order Online
1) Go to https://prints.dominiquehurley.com2) Find your favourites. Click on them.

3) Choose your medium, size & extras. The price changes as you make your choices.

4) Use the Wall Preview link.

4) Add payment & shipping info.

5) *** Click on “Apply promo code” & type ARTsale to get 20% OFF.

6) Use the chat bubble for questions & Newfoundland Canvas will get back to you.

ORDER NOVEMBER 19-25
Free Shipping in Canada

& great rates elsewhere!

Thank you for adding my energy-infused art to your home and gift-list!

Dominique

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

FAVA Sketch Challenge Experience

What an intensive and fun 4 days in Quidi Vidi representing Newfoundland & Labrador in the Atlantic Visual Arts Festival (FAVA) Sketch Challenge. Want my sketchbook? Make me an offer!

I spent over 35 hours drawing in the Christ Church Airbnb, in the village, on the clifftops and at the lake, – 5 sketches a day in all sorts of lighting & weather conditions.

As soon as I’d completed a sketch, I’d email it to the Festival and they’d post it on their Facebook Page, sharing my stories & videos too,

As you’ll see in this 13-minute video, there were several memorable moments:

  • discovering a 2nd keyhole in the intricate bedroom lock
  • finding a dry spot inside the Quidi Vidi Plantation
  • sketching in the dark during 4-hour sunrise time-lapse filming (very freeing!)
  • 60-90km/hr winds on top of the cliffs and at the lake, causing great splatters and stray marks on blowing pages
  • holding back on eating my blueberry harvest before sketching it
  • not holding back on the Mallard Cottage chocolate cake … and therefore not drawing it
  • pacing around a concrete island 100 times while time-lapsing the sunset over Quidi Vid Lake
  • all the head bobbing needed when sketching via observation – something I hadn’t done in 6 years!
  • spending another 3 nights in the Christ Church Airbnb – thanks to my sponsors Gordon Martin & the owners!

Letting Go of Ego

If you saw my introduction post, I was honoured to be invited to represent my province and also a bit nervous. Yes, I accepted the challenge and was excited about it.

But I also felt like a kindergarten child on a very public stage doing something I wasn’t used to doing.

Unlike the other 3 Atlantic artists whose daily offerings showed distinctive artistic styles and superb sketching skills, I played with all sorts of mediums and styles, making all sorts of mistakes.

I confess, I felt the imposter syndrome kick in that first day, but didn’t like how it felt, so gave that up. Yay! 

My Higher Self quickly reminded me not to compare myself – as so many do on Facebook in all sorts of areas. I certainly saw the danger of that.

From the start, I had to let go of ego, not caring what people thought of my sketches or wonder if anyone was questioning my worthiness as a representative for NL.

My job was to sketch and hopefully to inspire others to give it a try, seeing how I went about exploring subjects, styles, and tools.

So that’s what I did – some sketches taking 2 hours and others 20 minutes.

I had fun, and ended each day tired and aware of all I was learning on so many levels.

Interestingly, the easiest to draw, psychologically speaking, were the ones in the dark as I was waiting for the sun to rise. This was closer to how I paint from what I see with my eyes closed – less details, more feeling, more energy. Very freeing!

Sketchbook For Sale

This is no ordinary sketchbook! Within its 20 pages, you’ll witness an evolution, a process, a healing energy of exploration & expression.

If something moves you to want this sketchbook, email me at [email protected] with an offer. It’s still up for grabs.

Which is your favourite and why? Please comment below.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Am I a Sketchy Artist?

If you’re going to stretch your skills and comfort zones, why not do it on a very public stage? That’s what Spirit seems to have in store for me, so I’m passing the challenge along to you too. Let’s all participate in Atlantic Sketch, part of this year’s online Atlantic Visual Arts Festival (FAVA). Trust me, all skill levels welcome!

My Invitation

When I got the call, I was honoured and thrilled to be asked to represent Newfoundland & Labrador in this year’s online version of the FAVA. After all, my 2018 experience as godmother to the festival in New Brunswick was the highlight of my artistic career!

When I was told what it involved, however, I couldn’t help but both cringe and laugh. Yikes! I don’t qualify for this… do I?

One artist from each Atlantic province will be sending 3-5 sketches a day to the FAVA Facebook Page as part of the Sketch Atlantic facet of the festival (September 23-26). 

Now if you know me well, you know that I was scared of drawing. It’s part of why Spirit called me to the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art in 2013/14, so I could get over this fear, this block.

I may have been loosely painting what I saw with my eyes closed or what emerged from the layers of liquid acrylics since the 80s, but when it came to drawing something real, like a person or 3D object in front of me, I’d get all anxious.

Vienna did wonders for that, but I haven’t sketched since … 6 years.

Not coincidentally, I’d decided to bring my small sketch book and pencil kit to Ireland for my planned 2-month solo backpacking trip there. 

That didn’t happen because of COVID, so the Universe found another way to encourage me to fulfill that intention … this time on a very public stage.

How could I not say YES!!!

What a great opportunity to let go of the ego! I accept this challenge to just be & sketch without worrying about “what people will think”. Does that sound sketchy to you?

If my facing my fears and doing it anyway can inspire even one other person to do so in any area of their life, then great!!!

Your Invitation

There’s a public facet to this challenge for all Canadians.

Join in no matter if you’re a professional artist, do observational drawing for the fun of it, or want to try it for the first time.

If I can do it, so can you! You don’t even have to represent your province -lol!

Atlantic Sketch is on now on the Sketch Atlantique Facebook Page until October and there are great prizes.

You can read more about the guidelines here.

Send your recent observational sketches (not from a photo) to [email protected].

Reclaiming the Joy of Sketching

If you’re feeling sketchy about being an artist, this storybook video says it all!

It made a difference in my life when I was introduced to it during a drawing class in Bali in 2014.

What a great reminder before I embark on this very public presentation of my own sketches.

Tune into the FAVA Facebook Page Septembre 23-26 to see my sketches roll in along with those from the other Atlantic representatives.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.