All Aboard the Art Train!

Some days are chug chug and others are choo choo, but we are coming along! The site is launched and I do checks and updates as I find things that need to be corrected, updated or changed.

I am quite pleased with the Wix website platform - it's simple to use, which means quicker to achieve the results that I need and more time to focus on what I really want to be doing - which is painting!

Seeing double and triple!

You'll notice that I often prepare the same painting in a variety of ways. I do this to demonstrate that you don't have to paint exactly how and what I am painting. You can change up the colours, the types of trees, the shape of the silhouette - so many variables that will help you make the artwork your own.

My approach is to help you tap into your inner artist with your own unique style and colours that you enjoy. Having said that - it's perfectly ok to follow exactly what I am doing, too. I do this when I am trying something new to get comfortable with the techniques before I take it in my own direction.

The classes that I've been offering at the Lodge have become the most popular staff activity! Just over a year ago, I started out with small groups of 2 - 6 and now we are packing the house each month with all 20 spots filled!

Arts Appreciation

Classes in town are starting to become known and I've had a few small groups at the Jasper Community Habitat for the Arts run by Marianne Garrah.

Can I just take a moment to appreciate all that she does for our art community?! We're incredibly lucky to live in this magical place that supports the talented artists in our little mountain town.

More fun with Friends!

Everything is more fun with friends. You can laugh together at some of the 'happy accidents' and marvel at each other's amazing results, so make sure you bring a few to your favourite classes. Gift cards are a great option that give you something to look forward to in the New Year.

Private Events

Private event requests are rolling in with holiday, birthday, going away, and other parties. I've updated the FAQ with information about planning a private event. Our Jasper Royal Canadian Legion/The Stand Easy offers a welcoming space for groups with access to food and beverages and easy set-up/clean-up.

Speaking of the Stand Easy

Another incredible supporter of arts in our community, the Legion operated by Sue Henderson, hosts a monthly paint party on one Thursday each month. Yours truly will be taking over the classes in January as our beloved local artist, Karly, will be moving away from Jasper. Stay tuned for dates and images as we move into the New Year!

This Caboose Can

Though it looks simple on the surface, getting started has taken time - it's been over a year since I offered my first paint class. I've learned a lot, researched and launched this website that allows me to share upcoming classes, updates, and take sign-ups and payment online.

This Was Not a Happy Accident

I am a big planner. Every day I review what I have on my 'to-do' list and try to check off something that will move me even the tiniest bit closer to the goals that I set.

I've kept organized using the draft copy of My 5 Year Planner which I have been editing and updating throughout the year so that I could release the 2nd Edition with several improvements. It is now live on Amazon!

Invitation to you!

I invite you to join me this year to work on your 5 year plan. Do you have one? Do you want one? Is it something that you find hard to wrap your head around?

As Meghan Trainor says, me too!

I created the "My 5 Year Planner" for myself. I wanted something that fit my needs and I think it's so awesome, I decided to share it with the world. The 5 year version is quite the large book and not everyone wants that, so I also have the 1 year version which includes all of the helpful planning sections at the front.

One of my personal goals is to write one blog per week as part of my process for actively working on and reviewing my own 5 year plan. This is a bit daunting and scary because it's a big commitment, but a goal should be a bit scary because it pushes us to be better!

Each week includes one of my photos and a unique inspirational quote. I will be using these quotes as the topic of the weekly blog to inspire and support you on your journey.

A Year From Now

The first quote that I will be talking about is "A year from now, you will wish you had started today."

I hope that you will join me at www.lisanantais.ca whether your goal is to complete one painting per month, walk 10 minutes per day, save for that trip you've always wanted or try something new. My goal is to inspire you as we learn and grow together!

A year from now, what will you have achieved?