iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

For today’s #blueskyartshow on the theme of #water I give you this peek inside my sketchbook. Painted from life, on the water, looking at the water and Pendleton Lighthouse in #StAndrewsbytheSea, New Brunswick

Shows an artists sketchbook and collection of brushes

The sketchbook sketch is in watercolour and shows a water scene of sunlight glinting off the water and a backlit lighthouse in the background

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Here something I painted recently. I saw these boats in Chester,NS, and painted them on July 1. “Flying the Leaf” 8x8 inches Watercolour

Watercolour painting of three sailboats, each one flying a spinnaker. The left sail is blue and red and white, the center one is white and the right hand one is white with a red border and a bright red Canadian Maple Leaf in the center.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

This time next week I will be painting at the #Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival pipaf.ca Parrsboro offers stunning sights: blueberry fields, tall sandstone cliffs, tides rise and fall over 40’ 2x a day, I could go on, but I’ll just paint what I see instead! #watercolour #art #pleinair

Watercolour painting of a herring weir. The beach is exposed because the tide is out. A tall fence of netting stretches from the shore on the left towards the water. Light glitters off the sea.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Good point! I’m so disappointed by the closure of 5 local libraries nearby #nspoli

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

“A Fair wind” #watercolour of the #BayOfFundy Up for auction now, in support of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, through the good graces of @teichertgallery.bsky.social and Saltscapes Magazine. Check it out: Link: www.32auctions.com/organization... #agns #halifaxns #seascape #scapes #watercolour

Watercolour painting of a stony cobble beach with white, frothy waves coming in shore pushed by the wind.
There is a rocky headland in the distance topped by evergreens

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Another beach day. I went back to the south shore of Nova Scotia to study water and how waves act. #novascotia #ontheeasel #watercolour #paintinginlocation #beachday

Shows an artists easel set up on a sandy beach with rocks dotting the sand. There is a painting of part of the scene on the easel: it shows a black rock being hit by spray with green and blue waves behind it

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

I painted on a south shore beach a little while ago on an afternoon with glorious clouds. This little watercolour has served as reference for several paintings that I’ll share soon. #novascotia #aspotogan #pleinairpainting

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

I’ve been painting lots but not posting much. Anyway, there’s a show of 2x2’ square paintings on at @teichertgallery.bsky.social in #halifax right now. Here are two of mine #halisky #watercolour

Shows four square paintings on a gallery wall, featuring clockwise from upper left: the top sails of a sailboat, a forest interior, a rocky seascape and a street scene

Watercolour painting of a rocky seashore awash in big waves, backlit with light glittering off the water

Watercolour painting of the upper portion of sails on a classic two masted schooner.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Tomorrow I will be at the Halifax Exhibition Centre for the Nova Scotia Loyal Expo. I’ll be painting with watercolours for most of the day. Come see some of the many artisans, craftspeople and painters who call NS their home. #Halisky #novascotialoyal #madeinNovaScotia

Watercolour painting of a ship sailing at dusk. The sails glow with warm reflected light against a dusky purple sky. The water shimmers with reflections of the sails and the sky.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Come see me while I paint spend a day painting at the Nova Scotia Loyal Expo, this Friday, April 24. #watercolourpainting #paintinglive There will be artists painting live at the Expo all weekend, at the Halifax Exhibition Centre. Full details here (tinyurl.com/5fwr8a68)

Watercolour painting of a boat under full sail. Other boats are visible in the distance. There is an expanse of cloudy sky above the boats, with some clear blue sky peeking through on the left.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

I’ll be painting live at the Saltscapes Nova Scotia Loyal Expo on April 24. Lots of NS arts and culture will be on display. Come say “Hi” if you are in the area! Full details here: www.poppybalser.com/blog/205785/... #Halisky #paintingdemonstration #watercolours

Watercolour painting of rocks at the edge of the ocean, one rock having just been engulfed by a wave, with streams of foam now running off it in a flurry of foam and spray.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

When I say I’m a working artist I mean just that. Here are some of the paintings I have made over the last three weeks, in addition to teaching watercolour classes and advocating against devastating budget budget cuts to arts, culture and so much more. #workingartist

Shows a board with 6 watercolour paintings of sailboats clipped to it.

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Reposted by Poppy Balser

john.in.chicago @john-in-chicago.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Complete cuteness for a #Caturday.

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Reposted by Poppy Balser

michelle mccann @michellemccann.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

it’s safe to assume every festival or event you enjoy in nova scotia is facing a funding cut. if there’s a nova scotia logo on their website or poster or social media promotion, they’re dealing with the fallout of the budget.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Me and my sign have made the 2.5 hour trip to stand up and be counted The N.S. govt is showing its disdain of the people it represents. It is time for them to stop #dismantlingdemocracy #wewontstopsinging #nspoli #itsourhouse Poster from NS Arts Coalition

Sign reading “Stop governing behind closed doors” with a drawing of an open padlock

Poster from the Nova Scotia Arts Coalition reading

“ALL HANDS
ON DECK
WE WON'T STOP SINGING
FRIDAY MARCH 27 - NOON
PROVINCE HOUSE
1726 HOLLIS ST, KJIPUKTUK / HALIFAX

Raising our voices together
We are all treaty people “

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Excellent article! Parrsboro is a great example of a town that has intertwined the arts into its structure and identity, to the benefit of the whole community. I’ve painted there often and have experienced this first hand. These cuts mean less arts programming & will hurt entire communities

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Amazing! I’m focusing on my joy that they shut it down by SINGiNG rather than my anger this was pushed to a vote so fast, when the Premier isn’t even back in the province. There’s no reason the govt can’t meet with and listen to those affected by the cuts. #ItsNotTooLateToChangeYourMind

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

I applaud the eloquent, passionate Nova Scotians who are speaking today & yesterday at the Public Bills Committee, addressing the real harms to be created with the cuts. They represent the fact that Nova Scotians care for each other. #listentothepeople #nspoli www.youtube.com/live/nGWrwNM...

youtube.com

Mar. 24, 2026 - Public Bills Committee Proceedings

YouTube video by Nova Scotia Legislature

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

I hope this week break from the Legislature has given our PC MLA’s the chance to hear from their constituents and reflect upon the impact of the proposed budget cuts. Here is the letter I sent to the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage #nspoli #fundthearts

Dear Minister Ritcey

We met at Teichert Gallery in Halifax last September at the opening of the Open Water exhibition. I was Chair of the exhibition and introduced you when you offered your remarks.

I am, by any definition, a successful Nova Scotia artist. I do not rely on grants in my personal painting practice but I do rely on arts groups such as the Annapolis Regional Arts Council, the Nova Scotia Art Bank, the Chester Art Society and Teichert Gallery at the AGNS to show my work. All of these groups have reported these proposed cuts will result in reduced public programming, less staffing or other significant changes that will reduce how they help the public engage in art.

The arts community is a vibrant community of engaged individual who support each other. Something that affects one of us, does truly affect all of us. One small example, If artists have to take on outside work to survive because of the cuts, then they have less time to volunteer. Artists are often very active volunteers in the tourism and culture activities this province is so known for.

As Minister for Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, I am sure you are aware of the value that the Arts and Culture industry provides to our province. Let me share a quote from a recent report in the Globe and Mail supports the value of artistic engagement in society:

“Canada's arts and culture sector contributed $65 billion in direct GDP to the Canadian economy in 2024, growing faster and supporting more jobs per dollar than other key sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing or agriculture. These findings come from Artworks: The Economic and Social Dividends from Canada's Arts and Culture Sector, a new report conducted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Business Data Lab.“ (1)

(I encourage you to read the full article)

Tourism is a huge business in Nova Scotia as you well know. People come here for our ocean playground, sure, but they also come for our music, art and heritage. They leave with books about here, paintings from here, singing songs they learned here. It is the rare tourist who comes here to see a shale gas plant or a gold mine.

Artists are not just people who make pretty pictures, dance, write books or make music. We are the people who give voice to the parts of us that make us human. It is hard to quantify the value of artists because so much of what we do is about creating positive emotions, raising spirits and forging connections between people. How do you put a price tag on that? One cannot, because it is priceless work. We need the province's support in our work.

I urge you to abandon these cuts to arts, culture, and heritage. The solution to the province’s fiscal health is in realizing our home grown potential in this sector. The arts industry is not extractive, and does not rely on foreign corporations (oil and gas, gold mining, for example) Restoring the existing funding to the arts industry is an investment that will pay off over the long term.

I recognize your government is the one proposing these cuts, but I am asking you to oppose to them and advocate for their reversal.

Sincerely

Poppy Balser
Digby
Nova Scotia

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/markets-news/Newsfile/35764058/arts-and-culture-sector-contributes-131-billion-to-canada-s-economy/

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Today’s sunshine has me thinking ‘bout boats and being on the water. Now, I like sailing, but I do not understand why the province can find $1-2 million to give to SailGP but cannot afford $335,000 to continue to put professional artists in schools to work with kids. #NSpoli #makeitmakesense

Watercolour painting of three classic sailing vessels on the water in front of the downtown core of St Tropez, FR. There are streaks of colourful clouds in the sky and the sails are mostly warm coloured.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Teaching Assistants (TA’s) at NSCAD have not received a raise since 1984. 42 years ago! Excellent reporting by the @halifaxexaminer.ca that shows the dire straits of staff at NSCAD who are on strike. #fundTheArts #nspoli www.halifaxexaminer.ca/education/ns...

halifaxexaminer.ca

NSCAD staff strike in response to failed negotiations, low wages - Halifax Examiner

The rally took place outside NSCAD's Fountain Campus at Granville Mall.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

My snow drop flowers have broken ground, glad to be free of snow. I painted this last year when they were in full bloom “Spring Thaw” 8x10” oil Available from Teichert Gallery, Halifax. #BlueSkyMonday #SignsOfSpring #nsarts

Oil painting, done from life, of snow drop blossoms in a blue glass pitcher. The pitcher sits on a softly rumpled cloth. The background is soft blue-grey and greys.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

She speaks the truth. The #budgetcuts will hurt artistic production across Nova Scotia, and will have wide spread ramifications beyond our borders. #nspoli

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

I spent the afternoon working on advocacy against government budget cuts. Frustrating use of time, when I’d rather be painting. I’d like to see our money used in support of Canadians, not multinational corporations. Anyway, I taught a watercolour class yesterday. Here’s my demo from class:

Watercolour painting of rocks at the edge of the ocean. A wave is striking the rocks, which glisten where they are wet from the spray.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

This is infuriating and so short sighted.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Went to the New Budget Now rally. Amidst the signs, chants & music there was good news: government has walked back SOME cuts. YET: museums, arts & youth programs, climate action, & much more is still on the chopping block. Speak out, write your MLAs, keep the pressure on! #nspoli #nsbudget

Rally signs from a rally in front of Province house in Halifax. Signs say “the bridge toll is currently thousands of N.S. jobs” and “stop the cuts”

Photo of paper mache rat puppets at a rally against budget cuts to arts and other social programs, held in front of Province house in Halifax N.S.

Protest signs including one says “cut the crap Houston not the arts”.

Protest signs from a rally in downtown Halifax, demonstrating against proposed budget cuts to many social programs

These posters show people are unhappy with the premier including one that says “Houston we have a problem. Keep Nova Scotia vibrant. Support arts and culture “

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Here is some art, because art matters and #cultureiscritical “Inward Rush of the Tide” oil, 10x20”

Oil painting of a cresting wave approaching a rocky shore. Clouds of mist and spray from a previous wave obscure the base of the wave, and fill the air around it.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Guess I’m off to Halifax again Deep cuts to education, arts, environment &more The Premier’s budget priorities show who he thinks matters in the province Fact is our arts, environment and young people are the beating heart of what makes N.S. our home Do better, Mr Premier #nspoli #nsbudget

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Arts/community groups NS are facing drastic budget cuts What to do? Share with your MLA in specific detail how you will be affected. Use numbers ($ & cents) if you have figures available. Personal stories make a difference. #nspoli #novascotiaart #cultureiscritical #newbudgetnow

Watercolour painting by of Carters Beach on the south shore of N.S. This is a much loved Provincial Park.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Bright warm late winter light, hopefully melting all the snow… Gouache on paper, 9x12”

Gouache painting of snowy trees on either side of a sunlit stream in a winter landscape. Gouache is like watercolour but opaque, meaning brushstrokes of gouache paint cover up and hide whatever is underneath.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

To this I say #taxmedaddy & The rally was organized by Arts workers who, I am sure, would’ve sooner been doing their joyful work of making art of all kinds instead of standing in the cold, shouting at the walls of Province House, but there we all were #artworkisrealwork #artistspaytaxestoo

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

And now for some art: “Coastal Drama”, 16x20 inches Watercolour painting of Point Prim, NS , one of our many wild and beautiful public areas maintained by volunteers and community groups who rely on government funding. #novascotia #fundthearts #defendns

Watercolour painting of a cloud of spray after a large wave hits the cliffs at Point Prim, NS

Mist hangs suspended in the air and water streams off the rocks.

Sunlight and shadow make long streaks across the mist.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

If you don’t understand why artists, community groups, Black, Indigenous, disabled folks, and more are SO MAD, here’s the math on the mean-spirited austerity budget proposed by the N.S. Premier. Thanks to @joanbaxter.bsky.social for all her terrific reporting! #nspoli #fundthearts #stopthecuts

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Great to see this view from above of part of the crowd protesting cuts to arts funding (and to so much more) The arts in NS are responsible for more jobs than fishing, agriculture and forestry combined. Arts workers are workers with jobs who pay taxes just like other workers. #nspoli

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Lots of beautiful creative signs at the protest against the proposed austerity budget. Great to see lots of people out supporting artists of all types!

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

I’ve been nattering on about arts funding cuts. How ‘bout some actual art? Art, whether painting, writing or music brings joy to our lives. It is necessary. These are recent #watercolour paintings

Watercolour painting of a blueberry field in June. Summer haze lies over the hills in the distance. It is a quiet, peaceful scene. The field is green, the hills are pale green and blue and the sky has a warm glow.

Watercolour painting of an immense cloud over the ocean. Islands and sailboats dot the horizon.

Watercolour painting of two sailboats sailing toward the viewer over blue water. The sailboats are both close hauled on port tacks, heeling slightly due to the pressure of the wind. The white sails shine bright against the green hills of the background

Watercolour painting of the Avon River in the Annapolis Valley. Billowing clouds fill the sky and reflect off the water.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Keep the pressure up! Rally tomorrow at the Provincial Legislature at noon, and also locations across the province. See here: visualarts.ns.ca/save-arts-an...

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

MARCH 4 Halifax Rally for the Arts: Stop the budget cuts to Arts and Culture on Wednesday, March 4, 12 pm at Province House, 1726 Hollis St, Halifax. More locations across the province found in thread … 1/4 #nspoli Planning, graphics from Visual Arts Nova Scotia visualarts.ns.ca/wp-content/u...

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

I’m a professional working artist. I paint our stunning natural Nova Scotia landscapes and seascapes and send my paintings out to exhibitions across the country and beyond. This painting (of my driveway) will be in NYC in April. I represent our province with every trip and exhibition… 1/n

Watercolour painting of a snowy road through snow covered woods. Done outside on location
Shows shadows stretching across the snow and glowing sunlight on upright trunks.

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Reposted by Poppy Balser

Yvette d’Entremont @dentremy.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

‘We’re not giving up. We’re not backing down’: Let’s stand together against the greed "It's only by standing respectfully together, Shoulder to Shoulder, that we are going to oust the greedy bastards that are ruining this place for all of us," writes Sadie Beaton. Halifax rally planned for March 3

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

We survived the blizzard, didn’t even lose power. I watched the weather forecast with memories of waking up to 3’ of snow after White Juan, not having even known it was coming (was busy, had a 9 month old at the time.) Anyway, skies will be clearing and the weather will be getting warmer soon.

Oil painting of clouds breaking up after a snowstorm, over fields dotted with brush and trees in the distance. Sunlight lays over the landscape at the horizon.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Here’s a marine painting from a few years ago.

Watercolour painting of a yawl— a classic sailing yacht — under full sail, as seen from behind. It has a large olive green spinnaker sail and three white smaller sails visible, a main sail, a mizzen sail and a smaller spinnaker. There are several boats ahead of the main boat in the scene. There is a landmass ahead of the boats.

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Poppy Balser @poppybalser.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Here’s a reminder that spring is coming, even though we have another dump of snow headed for us on Monday. #springiscoming #flowers #snowdrops #oilpainting

Oil painting of snowdrop flowers in a blue glass pitcher. The pitcher is resting on a slightly rumpled linen cloth, and the background is varying hues of soft grey

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