A Sneak Peak of my Next Collection...

I’ve got a few announcements this week!

I’ve been accepted to showcase my art at the Sheep River Library this October and November! I’m really looking forward to sharing my work locally, especially now that the Dominion and Wonder collection is complete.

And that’s not the only thing brewing — it’s looking very likely I’ll be teaching a 6-part mixed media class through the Sheep River Arts Council this winter. It’ll be my first time leading something like this in the community, and I’m already dreaming up ways to make it special. I think it should be finalized by next week so I’ll share the details incase you want to learn more and potentially sign up!

Also… I found out this week that I’ve been named Best Emerging Artist in Alberta by a review site! I’m so honoured (and also a little surprised, if I’m honest). There’s a press release coming soon and I’ll share links once it’s all live — I’m very grateful for the encouragement.

Dominion & Wonder Collection: Official Titles

This collection has been close to my heart. It’s all about the awe I feel when I’m in nature — not just its beauty, but its divine order, its quiet power, and the way it reflects something eternal. I’m so excited to finally share the titles of each piece and a glimpse into their meaning:

• “Still Seen” (Magpie) — for when you feel overlooked or misunderstood

• “Veiled Strength” (Wolf) — a quiet power that doesn’t need to prove itself

• “Delight” (Brown Bear) — joy in the unexpected; playful, unguarded

• “Carefree Dominion” (Moose) — a light-hearted glimpse of majesty without the weight

• “White as Wonder” (Polar Bear) — the holiness and joy of a clean slate

Each one was painted with prayer, purpose, and a sense of awe for the land and creatures that share this place with us.

What I’ve Been Painting…

After many months of procrastination and second-guessing, I finally finished the portrait of Autumn, my daughter, from when she was just a year old. The piece is soft and full of light — I finished it using oil pastels to give it that dreamy, magical feel I had envisioned all along.

Funny enough, finishing that portrait unlocked something. I finally figured out how to complete a painting I had started a long time ago (originally meant to be part of the Firmament collection). I’ve pulled it out again, and the ideas are flowing.

Sometimes it just takes finishing something meaningful to get unstuck. It’s not quite finished yet but it’s getting there:

A Tiny Sneak Peek

I’ve also almost completed all my digital source images for my next collection (in fact I have too many now and need to narrow it down) — something a little different and likely more complex than anything I’ve done before. I’m not quite ready to reveal the whole concept, but I think it’s going to stretch me creatively in the best way — I’m nervous I won’t be able to do it justice. But I’m reminding myself that’s how I’ll improve in the long run. Here’s a little peek at one of the images I’ve been working from:

I’ll likely get started on this collection in the next week or two! So exciting!

Thank you, as always, for being here and following along. Whether you’re collecting, commenting, or just quietly reading — I’m so thankful for your support. Truly.

Warmly with love,

Martina