Author: Kirsten Neil
Under the sea
Early this morning, we ventured over to the Pacific Whale Foundation to begin our snorkelling tour for the day. On our way to our first stop at Molokini crater we watched the pretty sunrise come over the Haleakalā volcano. Once at the crater, we slid down the slide on the boat (yes, a slide) into … [Read more]
The Road to Hana
Today I experienced one of the loveliest drives in the world – The road to Hana. It was a lush, jungle-like trip that took us around 6 hours to travel 40 miles. The road has 54 one-lane bridges with over 500 curves! It’s quite a feat to finish it. During the journey, I sipped a … [Read more]
Aloha!
After three flights and an overnight stay in the wonderful Fairmont at the Vancouver airport, I’m glad to report that we made it safe and sound to Maui. The long journey was totally worth it, Maui is splendiferous! (It’s a word, I looked it up.) Once we disembarked, you could instantly smell the sweet scent … [Read more]
The holiday season is upon us
And when I say “holiday,” forget Christmas, I’m talking Maui baby! Woohoo! Tomorrow, my friends, family and I will embark on an adventure to Maui to enjoy the beaches, surf, colour, and most of all, the wedding of our great friends Denise and Greg. This will be my first visit to a Pacific island and … [Read more]
If we don’t change, we don’t grow
Oh my god! I just quit my job! Ok, now that the histrionics are over… Yes, I handed in my resignation on Monday and I am leaving Investors Group at the end of next week. It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been with IG for over 10 years. I’m going to miss the people I … [Read more]
White Orchid
For over a week I haven’t had a clue what to paint next. I was thinking weathered tree knots or rocks on the beach; something with a lot of texture. Well, as you can see, what I ended up doing was the complete opposite of that. I decided to try a simple, white orchid after … [Read more]
Alice’s Teapots
My latest painting comes from a photograph I took at the Portobello Road Market last year in London. The market is so vibrant and has lots of teapots and pictures of chickens, dogs and horses (why so many chicken pictures?). It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning in London. You can purchase … [Read more]
Blasts from the past
This week I started digging through some old artwork and brought out my portfolio. I’m not gonna lie, it creaked like an old man’s knees; it’s been so long since I opened the darn thing. Once inside, I found a few treasures I thought I would share. One of them is from 1990! 21 freaking … [Read more]
Paper Umbrellas
At home in my sun room there is a piece I completed years ago that is an overhead view of people carrying large yellow umbrellas. (Or “oh, those are pretty flowers, Kirsten” if you are my aunt Colleen.) It’s one of my favourites, so last week I set out to give umbrellas another go. This … [Read more]
Haida Totems
While visiting Vancouver this year, we took a trek out to UBC so I could see my old school. We walked around campus, checked out the old dormitory, and ended up at the Museum of Anthropology. The building’s architecture is spectacular, and once inside, you will find a rich and fascinating collection of handmade items … [Read more]