I simply love to admire, assess, and purchase picture frames.

Broken down into bite-sized pieces, walking 1000 kilometers in a year equates to a very manageable 4 km approximately 5 times per week, all year.

The Battle is real. The word Battle needs to be capitalized. I can go for weeks, even months, busily producing art, enjoying the process, at peace with what I’m doing artistically. Then out of nowhere, the three-pronged pitchfork of self-doubt, confusion, and disillusionment comes stabbing hungrily at me.

Was this a perfect DIY? Not at all, and I can show anyone the trouble spots if asked. Let’s be honest though, who is going to notice the minutiae on a chair when sitting down at a table to eat? The food is the focus! Imperfections aside, it was neat to see my own process improve…

I have wanted to write about squirrels for quite some time. . . . Despite their frustrating opportunistic behaviours, I have a great deal of respect (mingled with awe) as I see the way these animals live.

It occurred to me recently while I was out in the woods on a snowy walk, how uncommon it is to experience profound silence.

Looking at my palette just now, I noted again how frequently I return to a few favourite colours in my art.

I was the kid making silly faces, perched in an unorthodox position like a gargoyle while everyone else looked “nice”. I certainly marched unashamedly to the beat of my own drummer.

It’s the time of year for brave resolutions, fresh starts, and “new year, new you” schemes. So I just cancelled my gym membership. And I feel pretty good about it.

Where on earth did a two of my paintings go?

My own Christmas journey covers the whole spectrum, from Christmas Enthusiast to Christmas Scrooge.

I’ve taken the plunge . . . and have my first batch of Fine Art prints matted, packaged and ready to be ‘adopted’. I’m proud of these little guys. They are 5”x7” images, matted to fit 8”x10” frames.

I have just completed a commission (meaning, I was given “an order for the production of a work of art”) featuring a type of antelope called the greater kudu. My father wanted a painting created using reference photos he shot during his time in Zimbabwe (where, incidentally, I happened to be born).

On my brisk ride that November day, I wasn’t looking particularly stunning, (not that the wildlife would care what I wore unless it was something appetizing like a bacon or peanut butter suit), but I was dressed for success on the trails!

“…as a person familiar with the feel, motion and activity of painting, I had a lot less to worry about or focus on than my classmates who hadn’t done much (if any) painting.”

Client’s feedback about the commission: Marion Aitken you have many talents and an indomitable drive to connect with people in profound ways. I have an unflinching respect for your ability to identify and paint such evocative imagery that inspires feelings of hope, challenge, determination, peril, adventure and excitement. Thank you for creating such an amazing piece. I can assure everyone, that it looks even more spectacular in person.

Who knew an artichoke could be an ode to fond family memories and connections?

Even in the wind and rain, there are great lessons to be learned, conversations to have, ideas to share and laughs to be had.

Dr. Howard Thurman’s quote resonates with me: “Do not ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”