Grand Prix d’Art Winner – 2nd Place in the race! What a supreme award at the end of an already great day. Such energy and fun as artists headed to the streets in Qualicum Beach Canada armed with paints and easels. The Old School House Arts Centre has hosted this popular event for 22 years. I thoroughly enjoyed this splendid day as the excitement built while working on my piece. I found it to be perfect weather with a mixture of sun and clouds, even wind and rain. Wind can be the greatest foe, since your painting can act as a sail if you don’t have your easel secure. As a water colourist, rain can be your friend if it comes at just the right moment, sprinkling texture into wet paint. A little providential help from the skies added that extra touch! From start to finish the day was filled with laughs and great people helping out at The Old School House and everyone together made the whole day a “winner”. I look forward to next year! The paintings now hang on display at The Old School House Arts Centre so don’t miss all the fabulous work.