I grew up in the 70s and 80s watching Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night on CBC with my family.  My father grew up in Montreal, played hockey as a boy and even though he moved to BC as a young man he always remained a die-hard Canadiens fan. One would think that with this kind of heritage I would have caught a smidgen of hockey fever… alas I did not…

In addition to illustrating children’s books like; Miss Emily Goes to Bat, I also paint – not walls – but canvases.   A couple of months ago I received a commission request to do a hockey painting. My client was an avid hockey Mom and she wanted a semi-portrait of her boys in uniform playing on the ice. Funny enough, I said no at first – I felt very hockey illiterate and I wasn’t entirely sure I could pull it off.  My client, however, was quite insistent (in a  sweet and encouraging manner) and I eventually agreed to the commission. I was nervous about doing this piece – typically I paint landscapes and so this one felt quite outside my box. I learned it can be a good thing to push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of… The painting turned out solid and my client loved it (which is the most important part!).

I have added a new section to our Whimsical Publishing blog called, ‘artist’s gallery’ and I am planning to post many of my illustrations, paintings and drawings there. So check back soon!

I gave my dad a call this morning to get an update on today’s hockey scene and apparently we are in the midst of the Stanley Cup Playoffs! (See how out of touch I am… har!) My dad says LA is in and now it’s between NY and NJ to determine which two teams play in the finals for the cup. Enjoy the playoffs folks!!!

~ Micheline