Update ~ Aug.18,2016

I've been minus my laptop since last weekend, while it was in the shop getting the keyboard replaced. Not a straight-forward process for the MacBook Pro as it requires the replacement of the whole keyboard top panel (and not cheap). But I am happy to finally have it back, and being able to once again access my website editor.

The high temperatures have been a challenge in my mobile home, which bakes in the full afternoon sun. The 30+C temperatures haven't helped. After suffering through the first heat wave this summer, I was fortunate enough to find a second portable air conditioner for a great price, just in time for this second heat wave. Both my son and I won't be heartbroken to have the Fall weather arrive.

With the heat wave, I've had to keep all blinds closed, so painting in my studio space has been a challenge. I tried getting a few Halogen bulbs but was really unhappy with the yellowness of the light, the glare, and the heat which they gave off. I have a stand on either side as my ceiling is lower.

Today, after doing a bit of online reading on studio lighting, and the newer LED options, I picked up 2 - 90W (5000k) Bright White LED bulbs (floods). But they are very expensive. The colour temperature is just right and they give off very little heat. They are also bright enough that I don't need to have them focused right on the canvas and minimize glare. The colours on the canvas are true. One drawback (which isn't as bad as with other bulb types) is a bit of hand shadowing while you work.

But while I was at the hardware store, I also saw these new flat LED ceiling panels of varying sizes, that mount directly onto your ceiling. That would be perfect given my ceiling height and would give a great overhead wash of light, which would be most helpful with the coming short winter rainy days. The ones I saw were a Cool White which is too blue in temperature, but I saw online that you can also get them in a Natural White. But with the cost, and the reality of my budget, I've had to add them to my wish list for now.

A few people were concerned that I was moving away from the totem series, as I am currently working on a different subject from one of my recent photo shoots at one of the beach parks. The image drew me and as an artist, it is always good to tackle something new, recharge, and learn from the experience. I have a number of totem images waiting in the wings once I have this one completed, and the series will continue.

This one is of a grouping of old pier posts that had drifted onto the shore, complete with their old tar coatings and rusted hardware. I've been enjoying the change and it is a different process compared to the totems series.

There is still a ways to go, in working the subtle detailing and overtones.

The Sooke Fine Arts Show was a successful venture for me, and the process will begin once again in September, when it comes time to bring in 3 paintings for submission and adjudication in Sidney for the October Art Show. It too is a large show with a great many submissions by hundreds of artist. I can only hope that my paintings will fare well in the adjudication.