JULY 2026 NEWSLETTER #65
Dear Friends
Many people chase that elusive thing called happiness. To be happy is a wonderful feeling but can be short-lived. Maybe it’s better to strive to live a joyful life. In Trevor Hudson’s book “Seeking Serenity” he points out while joy is most certainly a gift God gives us, it is also a lifestyle we can cultivate, mindfully turning everyday occasions into joyful ones filled with gratitude. The best way to live a joyful life is to spread the joy around.
Word of the Month
"Pettifogging"
The word “pettifogging” was first used in the 1500s. One of its meanings is “worrying or obsessing too much about details that are minor and unimportant. Petty, hair-splitting, footling and picayune.
“One who loves pettifogging has a joyless existence.”
"Rosie"
Meet Rosie. She’s Daisy’s friend. Rosie is happiest when she’s eating her favourite flower. This watercolour painting was inspired by photographs of Candice’s much-loved pet tortoise “Lady”, who lived to the ripe old age of 43 years!
R540. Watercolour on Arches paper. 26 cm x 36 cm.
Follow Rosie's leisurely joyfully in the gallery below
October Soirée
Friday 16 October Soirée & Exhibition at my Studio 112. R100 per ticket, 17h30 for 18h00 till 20h30. The dress code is smart-casual (i.e. no jeans, track suits, tackies or shorts).
There are only a few tickets left for this rather prestigious affair, with food, drinks, private viewing of the Inktober drawings, art exhibition, and of course, top-class musical entertainment. If you’d like to book your seat, please contact me via WhatsApp.
This year, Yohan Song is back by popular demand as the main act. The supporting act is singer Dave Mendes with the mellifluous voice, accompanied by Richard Pratt on acoustic guitar.
It promises to be a magical evening not to be missed!!!
Open Studio Weekend
17th and 18th October
Don’t be sad if can’t attend the Soirée as you’ll have the opportunity to view all the Inktober drawings, place your early bids, view some of my new paintings and buy some early Christmas goodies at my Open Studio Weekend in my Studio 112. All this freely available to you, while you catch up with friends over a cup of coffee and enjoy some snacks. Please diarise the weekend of 17th and 18th October! It will be here before we know it!
July Birthdays
My wish for you is that your joys may outnumber your sorrows, and that every day may be an opportunity to celebrate. Happy birthday to Eileen W, Lauren, Chantyl, Nikita, Allyssa, Ian, Caity, Fiona F and Robyn.
NB If you haven’t yet sent me your birthday day and month, please send it to me via WhatsApp, or fill in the online SUBSCRIBE form.
Workshops 2026
The Winter Watercolour Workshop on 20 June was cancelled because I was ill. Most of the participants have booked for the September Workshop, which is now fully booked. If you’re keen to join, please let me know and I’ll put you on stand-by in case of a cancellation. R300 per person, 3 hours, Saturday 9 – 12, all materials included.
Don’t miss out on the fun! Check out all the dates of EVENTS at my Art Studio 112 for 2026.
If you didn’t get round to reading some of my art newsletters, or would like to re-read some, you’ll find them under NEWSLETTERS in the MAIN MENU at the top of the page.
You can also re-visit past events by viewing photographs from 2024, 2025 and 2026.