Experiences of a new expat in Albania I recently moved from Canada to Albania and applied for residency. I have learned many valuable things over the past 48 days, not the least of which is that it is easier to be a tourist than a newcomer. As a tourist, the…

Perks, pitfalls, and a letter to Santa Here it is, just a few more weeks until my flight. I have managed to dispose of the contents of my apartment and now I am finishing with the final details while living at my mother’s place. That this is really finally happening…

When you cannot find the words, find the shapes and colours. This may look like a painting about fear or trauma, but it is actually a painting about coping with those feelings. …

Six months and counting… Eight months ago, I resolved to quit my day job and relocate to Europe. I have known for my entire adult life that travel was something I wished to do. I had planned to pursue it when I retired (at 60), but working from home gave…

Cadenza - Chroma and Timbre — Inspired by a composer, inspired by a painting, inspired by a musician practicing on a beautiful September afternoon. I have a full-time day job, but that is not what I define as my work. I am an artist. Painting is not a hobby or…

It all started with a new pair of glasses In late 2018, I re-launched myself as a professional artist. I also left my marriage. Both of these changes were long-overdue, and it was impossible to make the first without the second. As I approached the age of 50, I had…

Turning a trigger into a triumph In my 20+ years of painting, I have completed a few works that I consider pivotal. They either reveal a technical or stylistic evolution in my work; or they portray a defining moment or revelation. One such work is a self-portrait, The Mask is…

Downsizing for my international move. I am preparing for my move from Canada to Europe. I will be vacating my apartment to temporary lodgings on January 1 until my flight out, which I anticipate will be in March. I am very excited about the adventure ahead. My plan is to…

(Or, click that “Like” button, we don’t just say it to annoy you) Choosing to be a professional artist has been a great joy to me. I work every day on my art, whether that means actual studio time (the best part), searching out and creating passive income streams so…