The 2011 calendar is nearing completion and is ready to go to the printers. Pre-ordering is now available and will ensure you receive a copy. I am expecting demand for the calendars to be strong, and pre-ordering will help me determine print quantities. Orders will be accepted until October 18th for November delivery. I will not be able to guarantee deliver before Christmas if you don’t pre-order. A deposit of $10 is required with full payment due at time of shipping. Calendars are large 11×17″ printed on premium paper, with coil binding. Western black and white images of a prairie cattle branding are featured for the 12 months. Major Canadian holidays and the two moon phases (full and new) are included.

Cost of the calendars will be less than last years – $25.00 plus shipping.

Sunset Beach © Roberta Murray www.uncommondepth.com All rights reserved.

As the never ending rains continue to fall, the whir of the furnace tries to take the chill out of the house, I long to be back on the beach in the Okanagan, with sunshine on my face, sand in my toes, and my worries left behind. But it’s September and I’ve got work to do! This summer has been one of the most difficult of my life, both personally and in terms of weather. We didn’t have a summer. And now the snow is back in the mountains and it is only a matter of time before it spreads downwards and outwards to engulf the foothills, then the parkland and prairie’s beyond.

I am gearing up for the Rocky Studio Tour on September 17th, 18th, and 19th from 10am-6pm each day. You are invited to attend. 16 artist’s will be opening their studios for a unique weekend experience that promises to awaken your spirit and enlighten your mind! I will have a selection of framed and matted prints, mixed media works (including the introduction of my encaustic pieces), paintings, and transfer prints. I had been hoping to have my vino print ready to show, but the lack of sunshine means it’s still developing (and when it’s done I’ll tell you more about it because I know many of you are asking “what’s a vino print?”)!

You can read more about the studio tour and other goings on in my September Newsletter published to Facebook. As well you will find the link to download your free September desktop wallpaper there.

Mission Hill 24

I have returned from a week long holiday to the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Technically the trip was only part holiday. I had gone out there to photograph vineyards and orchards, although I ended up spending most of my time on the vineyards. I am thankful to have had an escape from our cold, dreary summer we’ve been having. Temperatures in the Okanagan averaged 15 to 20 degrees warmer than what we’ve been having at home all summer. Most days the night time temperatures were warmer than our day time temperatures here. How sad is that? I could easily move there, although the dry conditions and high fire risks would be worrisome.

I have many vineyard images to process over the coming months. Although they seem a far stretch from my usual western type images the vineyards and fruit trees fit into the overall theme of agriculture and food production.