Happy 2018 everyone! I am so excited to have crossed over into this New Year. This is a year of fresh starts, new doors and digger deeper... for me, beginning with a blank canvas.  I wanted to start off the year by announcing a new creative adventure that I am honoured to be part of.

Whenever I return home from traveling & painting on a revive trip, I go through a "re-grouping" myself at home phase.  Often this can lead to immediately having the rush of thoughts

It's been a while since I last wrote.  I have been extremely busy with life, painting, being a Mom, and balancing it all. I wanted to update you all on some NEW things in my art world!

 I have been diligently carving out time to paint everyday at some point.  With three boys, a full schedule of sports, school, house-work and life, it's been an eye-opener to say the least.

A lot has happened in my creative world since I last wrote and back from reviveFLORIDA, so I thought it was time to give you a little update.  

SPRING ART SHOW | New Original Art

On April 12, 2016 I held my own "Spring Art Show" here in my hometown of Cochrane, AB.  It was a wonderful night to showcase my new original art collection.  The central theme was "Springtime," my favourite season.  I started working on the collection back in the winter, feeling a nudge to paint the coming signs of spring.  We held the show at a local Italian restaurant, Portofino's, the room was transformed into a garden full of fresh flowers, chirping birds and rainy skies.  It was a fabulous evening!  Thank you to all who came out to support me, I really appreciate it.  To view the collection click here.

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:11-12)

Prophetic Painting Live | Worship Nights

I've been fortunate to paint live during worship here at home with Burn24-7 Calgary. I have had the opportunity to paint two nights so far, one in Cochrane, AB at King's Gate Church, back in March and one a couple weeks ago in Calgary.

Below are the two paintings I did at these events:

"In Harmony" 30x40 inches - Sold

"How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" (Psalm 133:1)

"Send the Rain" 30x40 inches - available for purchase

 "The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you." (Deuteronomy 28:8)

YOUR INVITED | Burn 24-7 Calgary | Friday, April 29, 2016 | 7pm-11pm

I'm so excited to join them again this Friday, April 29th at C3 Church Calgary West location. If you are in the Calgary area, and want to come worship and see me paint, please come out!  7pm-11pm

 I also painted live last Friday night at a worship night with our House Church called, "Rain Fall."  It was such a fun night of worship, dance, singing and praising.  I felt the Lord speak to me about painting a visual of JOY in the storm.  "Consider it Pure Joy" is an expression of finding joy in all circumstances.  No matter what storm you are facing, there is always the choice to pull on God's joy!  In Him we find strength.  

"Consider it Pure Joy" 30x40 inches - available for purchase

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

#100daysofpainting | The 100 Day Project

So what am I up to now?  After my Spring Art Show I thought I would take a little break before I figure out the next direction of my work.  I worked on updating my website with all the new original paintings, click here to check them out.  Stay tuned for new fine art prints as well!  Then I thought I would take a week off... and I saw this:

My initial thoughts were, oh man, that would be so intense!  Painting for 100 days straight, I just completed a couple months of hard work and need a break.  But, I am someone who loves a good challenge and couldn't pass it up.  So...I joined in this crazy adventure of painting for 100 days!  You can follow me in this journey on Instagram @minoaten  

The whole point is the commitment to the process.  There are no set rules, just to practice in the process of creating everyday.  It can be completing a painting a day, or working on a piece in progress... simply doing something productive each day in your craft.

Here is my progress so far:  

Day 1/100 "In the Beginning" 6x6 inches

 Day 2/100 "In the Spirit" 20x20 inches

Day 3/100 "Cranberry Splash" 6x6 inches 

Day 4/100 "Consider it Pure Joy" 30x40 inches

Day 5/100 "Lemon Twist" 6x6 inches

Day 6/100 "Lime Stripe" 6x6 inches

Day 7/100 | Work in Progress | Commission

Day 8/100 "Iced Coffee Cream" 6x6 inches

Day 9/100 "Blueberry Smoothie" 6x6 inches

Stay tuned for more artwork on my #100daysofpainting challenge...

Upcoming Events

1. Burn 24-7 Calgary | Friday, April 29th @ 7pm-11pm | C3 Church Calgary West 

I will be live painting during this worship night.

2.  Art in Action: A Showcase to Raise Awareness about Human Trafficking | June 15, 2016

I am live painting at this event and donating my painting to raise money.  Please read below for details and get your tickets:

An inaugural fundraising event in Calgary, this evening will feature a silent art auction, artistic performances including live music, dance, and a live painting, which will be available for purchase. This lively event will also feature a presentation from ACT Alberta and a chance to learn more about human trafficking and how to help. All proceeds raised will go toward ACT Alberta's programming. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Cardel Theatre
180 Quarry Park Blvd SE, Calgary, AB
Doors at 6:30 PM. Showcase at 7:00 PM

Tickets are $25 and are available online only. Get your tickets here.

3. Spring Artisan Market in Cochrane, AB | June 25, 2016

I will have a table at this artisan market showcasing my art!  Would love to see you all... come say hi and take a peek.  

Frank Wills Memorial Hall | 405 - 1st Street East, Cochrane | 10:30am - 4:30pm

Thank you all for reading my update.  It's been an exciting spring season so far.  Lots on the go, lots to look forward to.  I am also in the process of updating my "fine art print" collections on my website.  Some neat features coming soon.  You can still take advantage of my 25% OFF all FINE ART PRINTS until the end of April.  Click here to view.  Use the coupon code "spring25" at the checkout.  

I pray you all are blessed!  

Mindi