Here's my little work space. It's a cold sunny morning. Perfect for working, yet here I sit on the computer instead! Off I go.

This is yet another I've started. It's part of my "Kids Holding Disgusting Creatures" series. I'm thinking my next one will have a tarantula in it. I love spiders and can't leave them out!

I've accidentally worked this painting on the rough side of the paper. It sucks up a lot more pencil and takes more elbow grease, but will be different, so that's a good thing I guess. I'd like to think that sometimes great things happen through accidents, but since I'm a "glass half empty" kind of gal....well, I can't.

Hello again darlings,

I wasn't expecting to be posting again so soon! The next couple of weeks looks like a real thrill. I'll be heading out to Boston, England and possibly either Sweden or Switzerland. Wish me luck! Hopefully I'll look as fabulous there as I did in Korea!

Hugs and Kisses,

Vicki Stripes
xoxoxoxoxox

I've delivered my first portrait to a client for review. Big sigh. She was happy with it despite the fact that I had not yet chosen a colour to paint in for the background. I was expecting to consult with her and then complete the piece. She liked it just white the way it was. I forgot to photograph it. Live and learn. Once any touch ups are done that may be requested, it will hang in a business on the dark side of the river.

Now that I've started a new piece all of the feelings of self-doubt, uselessness and self-depreciating thoughts can resume until I approach the end stages of the next painting.

On to Day Three

Two of Four

The summer pictures paid off! I've started one of Two of Four. It's on "Madstone" paper. I'm thinking I may not use it again! I only bought it because they were out of Stonehenge at the local Wallack's. I hate to try to venture downtown with a vehicle just for a piece of paper at the other location, so, oh well. Better luck next time.

I'm finding my style has changed slightly to adapt to the new paper. This picture will be a more free, airy kind of painting. Not so photo-realistic.

Elections

Cannon at the back of Parliament Hill. Guess where it's pointing....(giggle) .... Quebec!

Yeah Harper!

I know adventurer, but, I couldn't vote for the Bloq. They're only in Quebec, for Quebec and I'm not French enough for that yet!

As Mr. P. says, "How can Elizabeth May be truely green when she doesn't look like she walks, bikes, or runs anywhere." There's a couch potato if ever there was one. Plus she's convinced that anyone that doesn't agree with her is just plain wrong. (I think that way about my beliefs, but in my case I'm right;-)

Ahhhh, dear, dear Stephane Dion. I couldn't understand him in French or English. I think that we're taxed enough without adding some bogus carbon tax boondoggle. Plus he was just so all round silly I had to giggle every time he popped up on t.v. The Preston Manning of the Liberals. Maybe he needs a makeover just like Preston.

Jack Layton, among other things, was promising more doctors and nurses. WHAT? Was he going to create them in his lab? How can you hire MORE doctors and nurses when there aren't any TO hire! Nice little trick that. Make a promise to do something that can't be done right now, but can't come back on you.

Above all else, if I hear one more person whining about carbon credits and environmental change (notice it's not called global warming anymore!) I'm going to have to slap them silly! I've been sitting here freezing my tata's off after one of the colder, wetter summers we've had of recent years while places like China and India are polluting the world and poisoning the people with their little chocolate coins(China). Go bug them first. I show no pitty for any country that poisons such important staples such as milk, grains and chocolate!

That's my rant.

Yeah Stephen!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Bike path under Parliament Hill. That's the Supreme Court (of very ridiculously ridiculous Liberal judges) of Canada on the Left. Quebec on the right.

Oh, and just because I can, a little plug for tomorrows election....GO STEPHEN HARPER!

Parliament Hill

After a humbling morning of expressive drawing of a nude figure in art class, I decided I needed to perk myself up. I haven't enjoyed the photography side of drawing until recently, but, now the bug has bitten me!

I've been in the Parliament buildings, through, on top of, in front, underneath and at the sides of Parliament Hill, but never directly behind. I had heard tell of a feral cat sanctuary directly at the back of the Parliament buildings. After trudging along with about 30lbs of drawing and camera equipment I was about ready to give up! I had found a daycare, oodles of foreign speaking tourists, statues coated in bird poop, RCMP officers and Public Servants, but no Stray cat joint. Just as I was ready to give up, there it was! It actually does exist. I've gotta say though, turns out the MP's aren't the only fat cats up there!

P.S. Doesn't that raccoon look like the cat that ate the canary!