Soft Pastel painting measuring 3”x3” and mounted in a 9”x9” mat with backing support.

Avison (April 23, 1918 – July 31, 2007) was a Canadian poet who twice won Canada's Governor General's Award and has also won its Griffin Poetry Prize. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, "Her work has been praised for the beauty of its language and images."

Besides writing poetry, Avison worked a variety of other jobs, such as working as a file clerk, proofreader, and editor. She also worked in the Registrar's Office and Library at the University of Toronto. Avison worked as a librarian, was a social worker at the Presbyterian Church Mission in Toronto, and taught at Scarborough College. She wrote most of her poetry in her spare time, and chose paying jobs which left her time to write.

Avison can be considered a spiritual or metaphysical poet; "Her work is often described by reviewers as introspective, observant, and deeply spiritual." "Many critics compare her work to the great metaphysical poets of the 17th century." (Source: Wikipedia)

Each painting in this 40-day collection, Skies The Limit, is named after a famous female writer or poet who has taught me an important lesson or challenged my philosophy on life. This list includes women like Elizabeth, Charlotte, Emily, Maya, Mary, Jane, Danielle, and Sylvia whose last names are unnecessary.

I'm drawn to skies for many reasons. While growing up, my sisters and I would stare at the clouds and watch animals and faces appear as they floated by. My parents always had us outdoors and showed us how to take time to pause and notice the sunsets or sunrises. Skies depict emotions and moods. You can have a very dark stormy sky (my favorite) or a bright blue billowy, cloudy sky. I love them all and I hope you do, too. Or, at least start to take notice of Mother Nature's beauty.

Painting will ship within two weeks with important care instructions on framing. Mat included.