Finally some Updates to My Studio Blog

Hi Everyone,

Well I realize its been some time since I updated my studio blog.  It was a very busy time this past summer moving into our new home in South Africa.  The big container from Canada arrived in early July and I think spent over 2 months unpacking and settling in.  Was a really big move and I think one of the hardest moves for me.  Must  be the age...lol.  My husband was travelling quite a bit and I was pretty much alone to do it all.  Anyways, the house is done and I finally got my studio furniture and its done.  Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to really do any painting. 

In September, I was travelling with my husband to Durban and we stayed in Zimbali.  We had a wonderful vacation.  I just loved the drive from Johannesbug to Durban. 

In October I was back in Canada visiting family for about 1.5 months and sadly my beautiful Aunt Lorraine passed away.  Was a very hard time for all of us. She will always be in my heart.   On a happier note, I really enjoyed spending time with my little God Daughters Morgan and Margaux who are really growing up so fast!  They are just so wonderful.

December was a busy month and then there was Christmas and New Years.  Was so nice to have our first Christmas in South Africa with no snow.  I have to say I am not missing those long hard Canadian Winters one bit.   It is summer here in South Africa and the weather is amazing.

In early January we had our good friends from Denmark come for a visit. They really enjoyed their time here in South Africa and also went on a safari which they loved. 

After our guests left, we took a long weekend and went to Sun City and stayed at the Very Opulent African Hotel, The Palace of the Lost City. It was just gorgeous. A designers dream.  As Pilanesberg Game Reserve is right nearby, we went on a lovely early evening Safari. It was truly an amazing experience.  I will post some pics of our trip.

So now back home, I am feeling so inspired from that wonderful getaway and pretty ready to start some paintings.  Wishing you all a wonderful week. 

I have went back and added pics and posts to my blog for the past few months.

My Trip to Canada, with my wonderful little Nieces at Halloween!

Halloween, Margaux as Belle and little Morgan as Tinker Belle!

Lunch out with my girly, always giggling and having fun

Morgans 2nd Birthday party

With my Boo at Dinner, she loves to colour and draw

Look at me Sasa!  Such a happy girl with a great big loving character, she makes us laugh so much

A very Proud Margaux with all her art work from school. I think she will be an artist

Painting with my Boo, she loves it so much and I have to say for only 4 and half she is really great

A beautiful early Christmas Brunch with my mom and dad

My friends from Denmark visiting us in Johannesburg, Having an arrival lunch at our home.
It was so great to see them again since 5 years

 

Durban and Zimbali Visit

In late September my husband and I took a beautiful drive from Johannesburg to Durban.  We stayed in Zimbali along the coast at the Fairmont Zimbali Resort and it was just amazing.  I really loved our drive along the South African Country side down to Durban and also seeing the beautiful mountains of the Drankensberg area. Durban was such a beautiful city and we also drove along the golden mile coast to Umhlanga and visited the famous Oyster box Hotel. It was just so delightful and I loved the red lighthouse and their beautiful art décor hotel.  

Attached some pics from our trip:

The Beautiful Drive and Landscape Down to Durban

Arriving along the Durban Coast and the Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Our Beautiful Room at the Fairmont

Stunning Views to the Resort and Coast

Wonderful Breakfasts and Views

The Beautiful Lobby at the Zimbali Fairmont

I was in Love with all The Beautiful African Baskets

 

Beautiful pools

 The Sea and beach, the waves are too rough you cant swim here, but stunning to take a walk

 The Zimbali resort and grounds

 Beautiful Big Main Pool Area

 Little Cheeky Monkeys everywhere, they would come and take sugar packets from the table and food at the different restaurants.

 Had to make sure you kept your windows shut, once we saw them, we saw them almost every day  

Such Friendly Staff

 

A Visit to Durban City Centre, Beautiful City Square and Town Hall

 
And View to the Harbour

Walking along the harbour, so many nice stalls selling wonderful African arts and crafts

 A Visit to Umhlanga, The Oyster Box Hotel

Just loved the art deco style all over the hotel

Beautifully Decorated Bar area

The beautiful light house and view to the pool. Love the red and white





My Studio Finally Completed

Hi Everyone,
My Office furniture was finally delivered.  Here are some pictures of my studio space in our new home. Lots of nice lighting as well.  Hoping to start some new work soon.

Moving Madness

Hi Everyone,

Well it was a very busy time this past summer moving into our new home in South Africa.  The big container from Canada arrived in early July and I think spent over 2 months unpacking and settling in.  Was a really big move and I think one of the hardest moves for me from all my past big international moves.  Must  be the age...lol.  My husband was travelling quite a bit and I was pretty much alone to do it all. 

Anyways, the house is done and I finally got my studio furniture and its done.  Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to really do any painting at all.

The Day it all Came in

Slowly unpacking

 

Kitchen Finally Finished

Family/Living Room done

With some of my Paintings Hung up

Dining Room Done and Paintings Hung Up

Bedroom finally done 

Patio Area

I just Love My Patio Area

Greek Taverna Painting used Greek Festival

Hi Everyone, TGIF!  hope you all had a nice week.   I am honoured and pleased to announce that my Greek Taverna painting image will be the theme and used in this year's Greek Pensacola Festival in Florida.  Here is the proposed poster for their event.   Reference to my art work and name is given on the side of the image.