Studio notes and stories
June keeps this journal from her studio on Prince Edward Island: new paintings, works in progress, gallery news and the stories behind the scenes she paints. Newest posts first.
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A New Website - Have a Look
A New Website - Have a Look I am so excited to let you all know I have a new website. Have a look and please let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you. If you have a photograph of a special place? Send it my way and let’s create something meaningful together.
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A Little Sneak Peek of My New Painting
I have a new oil painting on my easel - a scene from Cape Traverse, PEI. There is still plenty of work to do before it is finished, but I thought I would give you a little sne by ak peek at what I’m working on.
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Two of My Paintings Recently Sold
I'm delighted to say that two of my large paintings recently sold off of my website. It is such a great feeling to have my paintings find a home. And one of them was my most recent painting.
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Where the Red Road Leads
Where the Red Road Leads 16 × 20 inch Original Oil on Gallery Canvas By PEI Artist June Ellis Some roads lead somewhere special - and on Prince Edward Island, the best ones often lead to the sea.
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A Painting Commissioned for Christmas
Preparing for a Commission Piece I know, I know - it's only August. But if you've ever thought about giving someone a truly personal, one-of-a-kind gift this Christmas, now is exactly the right time to reach out. A custom painting is the kind of gift people keep for a lifetime.
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Grab your 25% off original paintings and prints
August Newsletter: 25% Off Original Paintings & Prints! A Special Summer Offer for My Newsletter Subscribers! So subscribe now to take advantage of the discount! And I'll send you the code. Summer is the perfect time to bring a little bit of the Island into your home!
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A Special Dog Portrait
Hello Friends, A Painting of Loki Loki I had painted this sweet Loki the other year but wasn't quite happy with it. So, I took it to the art class that I am taking with Scott O'Neil and he helped me with the proper proportions and the highlights and shading.
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Red Dirt Road Exhibition
Red Dirt Road Hi Friends, I am very excited to have one of my paintings in the “Chemins de Terre rouge/ Red Dirt Roads” exhibition, which will take place at Place du Village in Wellington from July through October 2026.
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Discover Lighthouses of PEI
Hello Friends, I wanted to share some of my lighthouse paintings and prints with you. The lighthouses have such character and history. I like to try to paint a new lighthouse each year. What is your favourite lighthouse?
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New Painting By June Ellis Artist- Have a Look
New Painting - Blue Sky Hello Friends, I just completed a new oil painting "Blue Sky". It is 16x24 on gallery canvas. It was a challenge doing the clouds and the reflections in the water, but I am pleased how it turned out. Have a look and let me know what you think.
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The Big Reveal
Hello Friends. For those who follow me on Facebook and Instagram, I did a post where I did not show the actual painting that I completed for a surprise commission. Well here it is. I am posting it here first.
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Discover Prince Edward Island Through Art – Vacation Inspiration Awaits!
Hello Friends, As vacation season approaches, I thought it would be fun to share a collection of my Prince Edward Island inspired art prints - perfect for bringing back memories of favourite places or inspiring your next Island adventure!
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And The Winner Is!!!
Announcing the Winner of a 5x7 print from my Subscribers List We have a winner. Congratulations to Kathy Rath the winner of a 5x7 print. I hope you enjoy it. A big thank you to all my wonderful newsletter subscribers and everyone that follows me.
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Getting Ready for the Gift Shops
Getting bookmarks ready for the gift shops Getting Ready for the Gift Shops It’s that time again - when I begin preparing my work for the upcoming giftshop season here on Prince Edward Island. A special part of this process is creating my bookmarks, notecards and prints.
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Exhibition at the Harbourfront Theatre
I’m delighted to share that a collection of my paintings is currently on exhibition at the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside.This series explores the beauty and character of seagulls and the ever-changing waters that surround us.
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Quiet Watcher: A Fox with a Story to Tell
Quiet Watcher: A Fox with a Story to Tell I’m pleased to share this recently completed fox commission - a painting that captures the quiet intelligence and gentle presence of this beautiful animal. This special little fox always made its presence known to David.
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A Look at One of My Commission Paintings
One of the commissions completed went as a Christmas Present. From Tina " I would just like to say thanks again for the incredible painting it is absolutely beauitful!! My friend absolutely loves it!!"
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Closing Out the Year
Hello friends, As 2025 comes to a close, I reflect upon the year. There has been so much to be thankful for. First and foremost is my family. We had a new addition, our grandson Ellis was born in August to our daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Blake.
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New Painting Release: Seagull on Watch - A Little Christmas Cheer from the Studio
Seagull on Watch - 12x16 on gallery canvas Hello friends, As we move into the heart of the holiday season, I’m excited to share my latest painting with you - Seagull on Watch , an original oil piece featuring a quiet moment by the sea.
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Holiday Cheer at the Eptek Centre - Come See our Group Exhibition
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I find myself inspired by the quiet beauty of November. It’s the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and spend more hours in the studio bringing new ideas to life.
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End of Summer, New Beginnings in the Studio
As summer winds down, I’m beginning to shift back into my studio rhythm. I have a new commission I’ll be starting soon, and I’m excited to see where the creative work takes me.
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Summer is Flying By
Yes, summer always seems to go by in the blink of an eye! We've been fortunate here on the Island to enjoy mostly warm and sunny days, and so far we’ve been spared from wildfires - let’s hope that continues.
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Happy Canada Day Weekend!!!
Happy Canada Day Weekend!!! Wishing all of you a joyful and relaxing Canada Day weekend! I hope you’re finding time to enjoy the simple pleasures - sunshine, salty air, and maybe even a walk along one of our beautiful Island beaches. In the Studio I’ve been busy in the studio.
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Lupin Flower Season
It is that time of year when the wild flowers are coming out. One of the first is the Lupins. It is so magical seeing all the pinks, purples and whites through the ditches and fields. Here are some of my lupin paintings.
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May Newsletter – New Beginnings
May brings with it a sense of renewal - it's such a joy to see fresh flowers blooming and trees budding all around us. Nature's energy is inspiring, and it's the perfect time to share some updates!
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Well, We Thought Spring Was Here!
Well, We Thought Spring Was Here! Just when we thought spring had arrived, winter decided to make a comeback! We've had plenty of snow this past week, and it just doesn't seem to want to leave.
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Welcome Spring
The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and signs of new life are all around us - spring has finally arrived! Just as nature awakens with fresh color and energy, it’s the perfect time to embrace creativity and new inspiration in the studio.
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Days Getting Longer
You would think that with the days getting longer, we’d get more done - but somehow, time still slips away! Between unfinished paintings, new ideas, and upcoming exhibitions, my studio has been a whirlwind of creativity.
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Getting Ahead of Myself or Behind?
I’ve been creating, but not finishing - one of those phases, I suppose!
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Time in the Studio
Starting the process I’ve been spending some inspiring hours in my studio, working on new paintings and letting creativity flow. It’s time to get back into the habit of sharing my creations on social media.
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It's That Time of Year
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to get ready for Christmas! As the days grow shorter and the festive spirit fills the air, I’m excited to share some of my creations that celebrate the beauty and warmth of the season.
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Artistic Update: New Paintings & Exclusive 25% Discount
"Blown Away" Capturing Childhood Moments: in this Acrylic Painting Step into the whimsical world of childhood with my acrylic artwork: a vibrant 11x14 portrayal of a girl in a yellow dress, her balloons dancing in the wind.
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Spring is Here, Try Something New
"Bales by the Bridge" - an original 12x12 oil painting that captures the iconic round bales dotting the farm fields, overlooking the majestic Confederation Bridge. As a devoted PEI Artist, I find inspiration in the beauty of our island's farm landscapes and shores.
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See Which Painting is 25% off for You
Discover the charm of simplicity in this original oil painting featuring a blue bicycle leaning against a rustic tree. Let this scene bring back memories of peaceful countrysides, gentle breezes and the carefree times when you road your own bike.
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A Deserving Discount for Subscribers
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Canadian wildlife with "Canada Goose," an original oil painting capturing the majestic presence of one of our beloved feathered friends. This piece seeks to show the grace and elegance of the Canadian goose amidst its natural habitat.
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Exclusive "Cabin in the Snow" Offer for My Valued Subscribers!
Winter has arrived in full force, painting our Island in a blanket of snow during a recent four-day storm. As the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, it's the perfect time to embrace the beauty of the season.
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Exclusive Winter Trail Painting Offer for My Valued Subscribers!
Warm winter greetings to my valued subscribers! I'm delighted to share an exclusive offer just for you. Dive into the enchanting beauty of the Winter Trail painting, an 11x14 painting that captures the magic of the season.
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Discount Offered to My Newsletter Subscribers
Northport Wharf is a painting I did sometime ago of the picturesque wharf in the western part of Prince Edward Island. It is a busy place in the summertime with the many fishing boats coming and going.
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First Snowflakes - Just Testing Us
First snowfall of the season. I better get my patio furniture in. Misty Morning is a 24x36 original oil painting displayed at Kildare Lodge along with several of my fall paintings. Listed at $600 frame included.
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October - Changing of the Leaves
Mill River Lane is a print from my original painting. This is of one of the many beautiful quiet paths in Mill River, Prince Edward Island. I recently did a poll of the most popular season and most people voted for the fall.
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Getting Back to a Routine
Days End is an oil painting that sold some time ago. It depicts the end of a long working day for fishers. Our warm summer days are coming to a close (prints are available). To see more, drop over to my website.
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Summer Coming to an End
Farm and Sea is an oil painting that recently sold on my website. It is always a great feeling when a painting goes to a new home to be appreciated. Thank you to the buyer. To see more, here is my website.
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Mid-Summer Festivals
Beach Rocks at Darnley is an oil painting I created some time ago. The original sold, but there are various print option sizes available. It was recently showcased at the Summerside Arts Festival drive-thru art exhibit.
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Summer is Here, Enjoy It!!!
This oil painting called Girls on the Beach is a painting the I created some time ago. The original sold, but from that I have made small prints, large prints and very large prints. I encourage you to take the time this summer to jump in the waves and have fun.
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Getting Ready for the Galleries
This oil painting called Cavendish Beach is one of the paintings that I will be hanging in the Kensington Art Gallery, PEI. It portrays the soft colours of the Island beaches located along the North Shore of Prince Edward Island.
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Back Into the Swing of Things - A PEI Artist
This oil painting called "Farm and Sea" is one of the paintings that is hanging in the gallery for sale at The Dunes in Brackley, PEI. It portrays the soft colours of the Island landscape located near the turn off to Montague.
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Our Sister Trip Across Canada
This newsletter is a bit different from my usual ones. I wanted to share with you my wonderful once in a lifetime experience - Sister Trip Across Canada. (and no we didn't fight even once) We started on our across Canada rode trip on April 23rd, leaving from Ottawa.
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Take Time for Yourself
I hope you get a chance to take some time for yourself this year. Whether it be on a trip or to relax at home. We all need a little time for rest and to recharge our batteries. This scene will be one of my future paint nights coming up this year.
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Painting Finding a Home
This painting will soon have a home. I had it for sale on my Etsy Store and a mom purchased it as a gift for her daughter's upcoming wedding. Whispering Sands was painted from a reference photo of my walks on the beach close to Twin Shores, Prince Edward Island.
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Spring is Around the Corner and So are the Muddy Roads
The first day of Spring will be here in a few days. Hard to believe as we just had a snow storm this past week. I think spring should be moved to a date in April, at least for the Atlantic Provinces.
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Canada Games - So Proud of the Young Athletes
A congratulations to Dorothy who won the draw for the 5x7 print from my newsletter subscriber list. She chose the Lighthouse at Summerside Harbour. Congratulations. A thank you goes out to Bruce MacDougall who gave me permission to use his photo as a reference for the painting.
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Red Fox on the Trail - Winter Scene
"Red Fox on the Trail" is an oil painting that I did a few years ago. It sold at the PEI Fox Den in North Bedeque, PEI.
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Making the Most of Your Winter
"Tyne Valley - PEI" is an oil painting I did many years ago. I was driving to work one morning and saw this scene. I turned around and went back and asked the gentleman if I could take a photo of the barn and tractor with full intentions of painting it.
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Reflection and Moving Forward
"Winter in Tyne Valley" is a scene behind the library in Tyne Valley, PEI. It is the dam and the river that flows through "The Valley" as we affectionately call it.
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Did You Make Your New Year's Resolutions?
"Winter Trails" is a scene of the many winter trails on Prince Edward Island. One of my New Year's resolutions is to enjoy the outdoors more this winter whether it be snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing. What are your New Year's resolutions?
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - and the Winner of the Print is!!!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. May the season bring many happy memories and the making of new ones to share with your family and friends. May the New Year bring good health and prosperity. Take care and talk to you in the New Year. June The Winner of the 5x7 print is Jayne.
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A Draw for my Newsletter Subscribers
Even the Grinch has to get ready for Christmas. This is one of the themes I offer for Christmas paint nights. It is always lots of fun getting together with friends to do something completely different. My participants always surprise themselves in what they can do.
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Getting Ready for The Winter
"Canada Goose" is an oil painting capturing the grace of the Canada Goose. It is that time of year when they are leaving for some place warmer. (wouldn't that be nice!) We too are preparing for the winter, whether it is getting our wood in or putting on winter tires.
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Remembrance
"Poppies" is a textured oil painting capturing the flowers that symbolize Remembrance Day.
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Fall Reflections
"Fall Reflections" is an oil painting capturing the reflected fall colours on Prince Edward Island.
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Fall is Such a Beautiful Colourful Time of Year
"Fall Leaves" is an oil painting capturing the exquisite fall colours on Prince Edward Island. The original is available.
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And the Winner of the 5x7 Print Is!!!
of her choice from my website. And she picked "Retired" http://www.juneellis.com A question for you, which one would you have picked?
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Milestones in Your Life
This painting was done 13 years ago and the wind and tides have eroded away The Teacup Rock making it much smaller than what is shown in the painting. https://www.juneellis.com/product-page/rock-at-darnley We take photos to capture memories and important times in our lives.
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Family Reunion Time
This is one of the beach paintings that I completed several years ago. I make prints of most of my original paintings. Some small prints and some very large! We recently had a family reunion. It was great seeing people we haven't seen for a very long time. It was long overdue.
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Summer is Time With Family and Friends
Our Family pictures were recently taken. I am so very proud of my family. They truly mean the world to me. Recently my father-in-law passed away, an exceptional man in our lives. We were all very close to him and will miss him dearly.
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Summer Time - Beach Time
"Girls on the Beach" is an oil painting capturing the excitement of the little girls playing in the waves at Twin Shores, Prince Edward Island. The original sold, but there are prints available. There is no better place than the beaches on Prince Edward Island in the summer time.
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Lots of Lupins for Us to See
To keep in the theme of Lupins, I completed of lupins at St. Martin's Church, Cumberland, PEI. Lupins are so beautiful this time of year with their pinks, purples and the occasional whites. I have seen some photos of yellow lupins. I didn't know that they existed.
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What Plans Do You Have For the Summer?
This painting sold some years ago, but the print is my most popular. If you ever go to Mill River Resort have a look at the entrance to the dining room. There is a very large print there on your left. I wanted to dedicate this newsletter to lighthouses on PEI.
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What Do You Like About the Month of May
Sorry to be late with my newsletter this week, but I had 'grammie' time with this little guy. He melts my heart! "Loons" This is a painting I did in 2002. It hangs in my son's home. There are so many things that I like about the month of May!
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Fishers and Farmers Busy at Work
"Going to Sea" is an original oil painting of the lobster boats heading out for the first day of the season. "Farm and Sea" is a painting of the bales in the rolling farm lands on our Island.
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Happy Mother's Day
Mother's Day Giveaway to my newsletter subscribers. To show my gratitude for all your support, I am giving away a FREE 5x7 print to one lucky winner. The draw will take place on May 5th. You get to select your favorite from my online store, and I'll ship it directly to you.
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Happy Easter Weekend
Easter and Lilies seem to go together don't you think? Pink Lilies is an 11x14 framed oil painting (available) https://www.juneellis.com/product-page/pink-lilly-s Happy Easter I wanted to take a quick moment to send my best wishes to you and yours for a Happy Easter weekend.
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What Can We Do Each Day?
As I sit down to write this newsletter, I can't help but think about the devastation in the Ukraine. There are so many questions and very few answers. The big question is why is this happening?
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Braving the Elements
Yes, spring is just around the corner and the clocks will soon be springing ahead. The Canadian Geese will be here before you know it.
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On the Downside of Winter
The lucky winner was Donna Hansen-MacKendrick. Congratulations Donna a deserving winner for sure! In the Studio Well we are on the downside of winter. I hope you have been able to get out in nature and enjoy the winter. The trails are so nice for snowshoeing or hiking.
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Because You Are Special!!!
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and as an appreciation for being a part of my painting work, I plan to give a 5x7 print to one lucky winner. Random draw to take place February 14th. Good luck to you!
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Making the Most of a Long Winter Month
The original sold this summer at the Fox Den in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island. Happy winter trails to you. In the Studio Like the fox on the trail, we too need to make the most of this long winter month. The days are cold and sometimes downright miserable.
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Where Will the Red Dirt Road Lead You in 2022?
There are many red dirt roads on Prince Edward Island and this is one of them. One of my resolutions for 2022 is to follow some of those quiet country roads and see where they lead. Who knows, there may be a beautiful scene worth painting.
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Happy New Year - May all your dreams come true
Happy New Year The start of a New Year can be a very moving experience. It is a time when we reflect with gratitude on the past and set our hopes and intentions for the days ahead. A New Year can give us the enthusiasm for chasing our goals and dreams.
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Merry Christmas and the Very Best in the New Year
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. May the season bring many happy memories and the making of new ones to share with your family and friends. May the New Year bring good health and prosperity. Take care and talk to you in the New Year. June
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December Flash Sale for My Newsletter Subscribers
Are you looking for a truly PEI gift to send to that special person this Christmas? Would you like free shipping, gift wrapping and a personalized note sent directly to your special person?
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Snowflakes Falling
Yes, I saw some snowflakes falling today. But that doesn't discourage me to still think of the beach and lighthouses. This painting is still one of my favorites. Northport Lighthouse is actually a privately owned lighthouse. Who wouldn't want to live in a lighthouse?
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More Colors to Show You
We experienced Summer weather in October, don't let it fool you. I can wait awhile for the white stuff. Fall Colors depicts the rich foliage of fall. This painting is a 20x16 acrylic on stretched canvas. Available.
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Enjoy the Fall Colours
Fall is here in full swing with the abundance of gorgeous colors. This painting is a 16x20 oil on stretched canvas framed in a floating frame. Available. In the Studio I have been busy finishing up a couple of paintings in the studio. One of them is below.
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Back to School! Back to the Studio
"Canada Goose" is an 11x14 framed original oil painting. It is definitely a sign that summer is over when you see the formations in the sky. One piece of trivia that I came across when I was researching Canada Geese for my painting. "They mate for life."
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Wouldn't Change a Thing!
This is a big day for my husband and me. 39 years ago today that we said "I Do" Over the 39 years we: Built a new home together, raised 6 children (with all their sports), have 5 grandsons and built a farming life together all while both of us working off the farm.
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New beginnings, Let me show you!
New Beginnings. I just had to share a picture of this new little guy at only a few days old. Lenny is my fifth grandson and so happy to have him as part of the family. A whole new world for him and his parents! You can do it Nathan and Danielle.
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What a year it has been!!
Summer Retreat is an oil painting on 10 x 20 stretched canvas. I have to admit, beach scenes are my favorite things to paint. I think it is the peaceful feeling that comes over me when I paint them. And if something isn't working right, I can change it.
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Are you trying something different? Something new?
Learning something new? If not, why not? I just turned 61 a couple of weeks ago (yes another birthday, but who's counting) and I am a firm believer in trying something new a few times a year. Last summer, I was determined to learn to drive a motorbike.
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How are you spending Islander Day?Just checking in to see what your plans are for Islander day.
Girls on the Beach is a painting I did some time ago. I was walking down to the beach at Twin Shores one windy day and came across three little girls playing in the waves. It was a painting I just had to do. The original was sold to a lady in New York. (prints available).
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Something Special For Your Family And Friends
Something Special for Your Family and Friends Winter is going, and we will be looking forward to summer once again. Our last summer was not great for many of our family and friends that could not make it home to spend quality time on our Island.
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A surprise draw for those who sign up for my newsletter
"My Lady" is an original miniature oil painting (5x7), a $65 value. I am extending an invitation for a chance to win a miniature original oil painting (5x7) of a lady slipper orchid flower, Prince Edward Island's floral emblem (valued at $65).
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Focus on what is important
Doing less of what is not important! Get focused on what is important! Passing of time is an oil painting I did for an art exhibition some time ago.
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New Year's Resolutions, is that for you?
New Year's Resolutions, is that for you? Happy New Year!! The Beach Awaits is is one of my many beach paintings. Original oil 10"x20" on stretched canvas. Did you make your New Year's resolutions? A new year is upon us, new goals, new things to learn. Be sure to write them down.
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Silver Lining
Silver Lining To 2020 2020 Silver Lining This year has been an upside down year. My heart goes out to those who have suffered so much this year due to Covid and to those who have been forgotten due to Covid. The front line staff must be truly exhausted.
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Merry Christmas to Everyone
Hope Santa finds you! 🎅 Merry Christmas to you and the very best in the New Year!! It has been a year to remember! I hope you have remained healthy and coping well with all the shut-downs, isolations and distancing that we have had to do over the year.
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The Twelve Days of Christmas
June's Easel - PEI from an artist's perspective The Twelve Days of Christmas were fun to do. Going through my paintings to get the right number for the right day. It started to get harder the higher number I got to.
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Something special for locals -November 7th, 2020
June's Easel - PEI from an artist's perspective Fall Reflections is an original oil painting of one of the many beautiful scenes on Prince Edward Island, a location close to where I live. Yes, I am still into the fall colors.
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Fall Colors - October 25, 2020
This is an original acrylic painting of one of the many fall scenes on Prince Edward Island. Fall Colors captures the vivid colors of the season. It is 16x20 on stretched canvas.
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Happy Thanksgiving - October 10, 2020
This is a painting is of one of the many pastoral scenes on Prince Edward Island.
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Welcome to My Newsletter - September 25th, 2020
This is a painting of Milford House in Nova Scotia. A friend of mine usually goes there every fall with her family. When I saw her photo, I just had to paint it. The vibrant colors were what captivated me - oranges, yellows, reds.
