We all need a break from our lives to see the world with fresh eyes. Your time away awaits you here at Riverstones Studio.

three Maple Leaves is a mixed media artwork on paper — 3 Maple Leaves

I have always been a living, working artist, and I am inviting you to come and share my warm, simple, and quiet home in the hills of Bear River. You will be greeted with an awe-inspiring view of the river valley every day as the sun rises over the far hill. The Bear River is a tidal river that experiences the famously high tides of the Bay of Fundy. Each day, the river cycles in and out in 12-hour intervals, resulting in fascinating mud and reed formations that are both intriguing and soul-enriching. It’s only a hundred yards down the hill! I welcome artists of all stages in their careers – writers, musicians, painters, and more – to share in the bounty of this fabulous location and the creativity inherent in it. example of a versatile artist all my life. Come share my beautiful, warm, simple, quiet home in the hills of Bear River, (also called the ‘Switzerland of Nova Scotia’). An awe-inspiring view of the river valley will greet you each day as the sun crests the far hill. The Bear River is a tidal river of the famously high tides of the Bay of Fundy. Each day the river breathes in to fill with life and then out, in 12-hour cycles. The richness of the resulting mud and reed formations is fascinating and soul-enriching. It is only a hundred yards down the hill! I’m inviting you to share in the bounty of this fabulous location and the creativity inherent in it. Artists of all stages in their careers are more than welcome! Artists of all sorts are welcome… writers, musicians, painters, and so on…

Gulls, ducks, loons, hawks and eagles are regulars along the valley.

A view of the river at the bottom of the lane. — The Bear River at low tide

I have a little homestead sort of place. A small flock of hens traipse around and entertain you at a moment’s notice with their prehistoric antics, they are little dinosaurs after all. I have gardens to tend, growing a lot of what I eat and preserving the rest for the winter. The village is only about 2 km away, downhill. There you will find a few galleries and shops to buy liquor, groceries, art and coffeeeee. My rescue dog Naya will show you all the fun places to frolic in the hillsides.

My studio is stocked with a lifetime of supplies, materials and tools that you may borrow to create what you will. Let’s talk about it…

an image of my house on the hill — My home in Nova Scotia is a place for lupins to thrive.

I have plein air easels and there is no shortage of landscapes to discover.
Whale-watching tours are close by on the Brier Islands and they can be meaningful engagements with nature. There are hiking and biking trails nearby. Lighthouses and waterfalls figure prominently in the area. Our beaches nearby range from sandy to pebbly, to outright boulders and high tide remnants. The closest beach is about 5 km down the road in Smiths Cove. A trail to the recently renovated lighthouse is a dream come true.

come visit, create, breathe and fall in love

I will happily share my kitchen, in a respectful way, with you. We can cook together or separately whatever you wish. I am flexible.
You will have your own room, with a brand new double bed, and a studio room to be alone with your work can be arranged. There is reliable internet but little or no cell service. You can make calls though, if wifi calling is enabled, or you can take time away from the ball and chain of the cell phone…your choice

brushes on my water jar — always at the ready

Shorter stays can be negotiated too. Message me for that info…you will find my fees are quite affordable. $550 per week $750 for 2 weeks.

I like to have a little conversation with you before you come, to be sure it is a good match for you. I want to be able to provide you with the space you need to create what you want to create in whatever medium you use. I want your time here to be special.

Artists’ Retreat in Nova Scotia Canada