Art with Oliver

This morning, I found a Concordia University alumni newsletter (yes, I went to our "other" English university 😉) that highlighted an online art class. I thought it was a cool idea (Oliver was less enamored) but I signed us up anyway... He did really well (better than me!) and had a good time. Bonus was that I got to feel like one of those productive mothers for the 45 minute session... bigger bonus was that I didn't even have to do anything for it... just log into Zoom. Darn.. should have thought of that one earlier 😉 The session was a bit like the Wine and Paint nights... but in the daytime... and without the wine... and with a shorter companion. Maybe mine would have been better if I had poured a glass 😉

Happy Monday! Love being sent to you <3

Ollie in action

Oliver's work of art

My work

Hope

Not sure where the rainbow in the window started or how far this extends in the world (maybe it is local?) but people here put rainbows in their windows to provide comfort and remind others that we will be OK. Andreas heard about this and put our resident artist on the task. Anyway, we now have our lovely window rainbow up, made with love and good wishes. Andreas told me that I should also put up a bottle of wine in the window too... some of my fellow mothers might appreciate that one as well ;)

Sending love and rainbows (and wine) to you all xox

Oliver's art gala

Oliver has a teacher who is really into art. I guess she struck a chord with him because he is now determined to be an artist. Even before school closed for the boys, I had promised to buy him an art set for his birthday in May. On one of the last days before the non-essential stores shut, I figured it was probably the best time to pick up a bunch of art supplies as an early present (aka something-to-do-while-school-is-out and a-way-to-preserve-my-sanity-at-the-same-time). Let me tell you, he has become a machine at painting.
Last night, he told me that he wanted my help so that he can put together an art gala. His school has one every year to fund raise for the Home and School so I guess that he figured it would be a good idea (full disclose: I said no to buying him some stupid skin for Fortnite. Guess this is what he wanted to raise money for 😉). Anyway, today we put together his art gala. Oliver arranged all his canvases in the hang out space under his top bunk bed. He even put up Christmas lights to make it more art-looking (he takes it very seriously 😉). He raised $14 dollars by charging $2 entrance... his grandparents in Sweden got a discount because it was by Skype... only $1 for them 😉. Fund raising for stupid Fortnite skin successful 😉. At this point, I don't even mind so much. He put in a lot of effort and did a good job at setting up his gala. Maybe he can even set up an art gala for our retirement fund raiser because Andreas wants to buy a boat 😉or, more realistically, to cover our "teenage boys snacking at home because they are bored" grocery costs 😉

Here are some pictures of his art gala... without entrance fee... lucky folks 😉

Happy Saturday xox

The sea/sky canvas isn't by Oliver... he put it there to support other artists ;) 

Oliver's artist look

Beautiful mail

Usually, when I open my mailbox, I get a few bills... advertisements and, on occasion, a package from Ebay (bummer that the bill comes later) ;) Yesterday, in the post, I was delighted to find an envelope... a beautiful envelope... with actual writing on it... and stamps from the Netherlands! What a treat!
You see, I have a very clever and creative friend, Ageeth (her blog is here). One of the things that I love about Ageeth is that she invests time and thought into her beautiful crafts, crafts that become works of art that she sends to people in the mail. A bit of loveliness that can brighten up the darkest and crappiest day.... and, yesterday, I was so lucky to find one sent my way :)

Thanks, Ageeth! Your thoughts mean a lot! xox

Art and other activities....

My poor ignored blog ;) This past week has been jam packed with correcting (for me), end of semester stuff (for me), class tests (for the boys)  and their school art gala. Every year, as a sort of fundraiser, my boys' elementary school holds an art gala where the children can show off their talents (the parents even get wine and cheese- I love our school)! Each class has a theme or an artist's style that they incorporate into their work. It is always a success and their art is impressive! Oliver's daycare does not hold an event like that (yet- I am trying to give them the idea ;) ) but, nonetheless, he picked up the art theme as well :)

After this past week, I am looking forward to a quiet Saturday night... wishing you all the same xox

Oliver's Lego creation

Not sure what this is called but it involves a man, ants and big spiders ;)

Nicka showing off his creation :Je vous offre la vie (the earth in the palm of his hand)

Alexander's bamboo themed work

Oliver, colouring at the art gala.

Oliver and his balloon

Oliver loves balloons. He especially loves to draw on balloons. This poses 2 problems: 1) the balloons often pop when he colours on them (= bad for him) and 2) he uses washable markers, which means that his balloons leave markers trails all over the house when he plays with them (= bad for me). Anyway, given his love for his unique kind of art, we deal with both of those problems and just keep lots of back up balloons (and cleaning products!) on hand.

Here are some pictures of his recent masterpiece.... it popped about 15 minutes later but, at least, I captured it!

Happy Monday to you all XOX

Many faces!

Faster marker in the west ;)

Serious work!

A red Ninja

A baby

See?