Hello and Happy Holidays,

Dreaming of a true getaway? One where you get to create beautiful paintings, practice an enhanced way of seeing the natural world, savor chef prepared delicious meals, enjoy both alone time and camaraderie with fellow artists, explore a quaint coastal Canadian town tucked into a stunning peninsula, and enjoy countless evergreen trails? It is not too late to take advantage of the Early Bird Special which, due to the holiday fervor, has been extended from Jan. 1 to Jan 15th! We have three rooms left (can be doubles or singles).

I am available to answer any questions to help you decide if this retreat is a good fit. Just send me a note to get in touch here.

Here’s to a healthy and happy holiday season to you! Warmly, Laura

Announcing the second annual art retreat in St. Andrews-by-Sea, Canada

Registration is open now open for the “The Joy of Travel Art: Drawing and Painting in Coastal Canada” June 2-7, 2026

We will leave with new connections, and with a portfolio of paintings to remind us of each lesson, each delightful sight, and each day roaming the grounds of Kingsbrae Gardens and the town of St. Andrews.

What’s Included:

• Arrival welcome reception on the beloved Kingsbrae International Residency for the Arts (KIRA) back porch

• Comfortable accommodations at beautifully restored, historic KIRA

• Daily 3-hour morning art excursions at Kingsbrae Gardens + art demos

• Daily afternoon studio time for painting with one-on-one instruction

• All art supplies

• Daily group breakfasts (5) and dinners (5) + gratuity (lunch is not included allowing for free time for students to hike, visit restaurants, nap, make art, whatever you choose)

Added to the calendar - a one day workshop on Harbour Island!

XO Studio Sale XO

Instead of the usual art quote down here at the bottom, I’d like to say thank you. Thank you for reading this newsletter. Thank you for collecting art and signing up for workshops. And thank you for the notes that simply say “Great job on this one! Keep going!” Your kind comments, your interest in art, your feedback, and your friendship are vital and deeply appreciated.

As another year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about community, about why I continue in the arts, and what I hope for in the coming year. I hope to make my best work. It will likely be somewhat political in nature, about women’s bodies, about our need to control, and about how to see each other with grace, acceptance and respect. I hope to teach more workshops and earn enough from the teaching that I can cover the costs of yearly artist residencies and preparing exhibits. I hope to connect with a thriving gallery that nurtures a collecting audience who is seeking the work I make. And I hope the upcoming year is one of growth, health and connection for us all.

If you want to write back with your hopes for 2026, I’d love to hear from you. Who knows, maybe we can work together in some way. Thank you and happy new year!