The month of April has felt like a transitional month in ways that extend far beyond the weather. Teaching has come to an end with exams in the past and final grades submitted, and the Tiny Ass Art Gallery just opened with our big launch on April 30 - our tickets sold out so fast my kids didn't get in! I'm really impressed with how this all came together, led by Carolyn Parks and Della VanDokkumburg. They did an incredible job. Be sure to check us out at 8 Spring St. in St. Jacobs! We're open Thursday - Sunday afternoons. 

   Much of the art I created this month was inspired by the idea of making mini art, or trying some of my ideas in different tiny sizes. I went nuts making my rolling hills with poppies (see below) of red, pink, purple, and orange - my smallest painting is only 0.5" x 0.5", and framed it is 1" x 1". I made a set of yellow, green, and gold rolling hills with poppies, all 3" x 2". The most exciting part for me is how the different colours come together.

   I also spent time preparing my Tiny Ass workshop for May 2nd on Mini Mandala Magic. The workshop is only 2 hours, and my biggest concern is that it will run longer - paint has to dry! But I've been having a lot of fun creating my teaching tools for the workshop, including 3 samples of the design with different background colours (see below). 

   Finally, I played a little in my small sketchbook. I made a mixed-media collage that is so different from anything I've created (see below). I love all the different textures I used - a leaf, tape, a piece of used paper towel from my dot art, and crepe paper. The overall colour tone is dark, but there are splashes of colour that catch the eye. Closer inspection reveals some writing - next time. I felt nostalgic when I made it, but in a sad way, like a lost opportunity that you can never get back. 

   I also sketched a goat (see below). I've been collecting funky sticks thinking they'd be great antlers for a goat face. I was raised with goats so they hold a special place for me. I imagine painting them like my bubblegum girls against a blue background, just a closeup of their face looking straight at the viewer in mid-chew with their jaw appearing dislocated. Their antlers would be a 3D element.