This summer, my family and I moved to Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
We are slowly settling into our new home, although “settling” might be a generous description. I am currently working from a desk in the basement, surrounded by boxes, while we turn the detached garage into my new art studio.
A New Art Studio in Campbell River
Right now, the garage has no electricity, a sloped concrete floor and plenty of cobwebs. But plans are underway for power, lighting, level flooring, north-facing windows and French doors that open outward.
After years of painting in basement studios, I am incredibly excited to have a dedicated studio above ground with natural light. Eventually, this unassuming little building will become the place where my next collection of Vancouver Island landscape paintings takes shape.
The detached garage that will soon become my new art studio.
Painting Before the Studio Is Ready
In the meantime, I didn’t want to wait for the perfect studio before I started painting again.
Instead, I started learning gouache and waking up before the sun. Each morning, I step outside and paint whatever the sky offers, with the exception of a few downpours.
So far, I’ve completed 15 sunrise paintings. After living in six different basement suites on the Lower Mainland over 18 years, waking up to a view feels pretty special. Documenting that view in paint has made it even more meaningful to me.
A selection of small sunrise sketches from my daily gouache painting practice.
Painting the sunrise has given me a simple way to keep creating through the chaos of moving. The light changes quickly, so there is no time to overthink the painting. I have to choose colours, make decisions and respond to what is happening in front of me.
I also made a video about the experience and what I learned after my first week of early mornings.
Finding a Home for My Paintings
My last collection release happened during moving week, and I was completely overwhelmed. One highlight was getting to meet a few of the collectors in person before packing up my studio for the move.
Three paintings from that collection are still available as I write this. For now, they are hanging in our new home while I wait for the studio to be finished. I’ve really enjoyed living with them and seeing how naturally they have become part of the space.
Can you spot Walter peeking from the stairs?
You can view the available original paintings here. If you have questions about a painting or would like to see more photographs, please feel free to contact me.
A New Chapter
Now that Walter is starting school, I’m hoping to find a more consistent rhythm and share more of this new chapter. I have lots planned, including plein air painting adventures around Campbell River, the studio transformation and the new paintings inspired by Vancouver Island.
I’ll also be looking back at what I’ve learned from 20 years of selling my art.
Yes, 20 years! I sold my first painting in 2006.
It feels fitting to mark that milestone while beginning again in a new place.
