Happy to be home again

On Saturday we decided to go up to Ottawa to visit my
mother. My mom lives on the Ottawa River, in a spot
that is spectacularly beautiful, especially at this time
of year. I love spending time with my family. Both my
mother and my brother live near our nation's capital,
and both have properties right on the water, on
two different rivers.

You can't beat the city of Ottawa for its beauty, and its
dedication to preserving both its buildings and its
wild spaces -- something we need more of in Toronto,
but I am always glad to be back in my own home,
sleeping in my own bed, and working in my own
studio.

In the studio
acrylic on canvas
still working on it
16" x 16"

Tonight I spent more time on my little painting of
the model relaxing in the studio. I'm still working
on it, but it's got the happy feeling I was trying to
create. There's nothing like working with a cooperative
model, and thinking about the painting
during the breaks. This model looked beautiful in
every light, from every angle. I think this is my
fifth painting of her this year, eventually I could
probably fill a gallery with paintings featuring
her image.

The same is true of most of the models
I've worked with. If they can set a mood, enjoy
being around my home, family and animals, can
relax and like the work -- of course I want to
work with them again, and I do. I always miss
all of my subjects when they go, whether they're
models or commission subjects. I spend so much
time with them, that before long they act and feel
like family.

I'm tired from the trip tonight, so I'll talk
to you tomorrow.

Have a there's-no-place-like-home-day.