Artists Blog

You may recall from previous posts how my boy Jez had his ball point pen pieces chosen for a future exhibition. Well tonight was the official opening of the Year 12 Perspectives 2011 exhibition at the State Art Gallery of WA. Of all the entries from around the state, only 55 were selected to be exhibited. These are the wonderful works of the Graduating students of last year, and it is the 20th anniversary of this hugely popular annual exhibition. Four students from Jez’s high school were selected – a wonderful achievement for their tireless and most fabulous teacher Anna. She was just so proud of them all tonight.

The Gallery very graciously allowed “As many photos as you like, but no flash”, so I am going to show you a little taste of this amazing collection. However, you can see this entire collection online, and vote for the People’s Choice. No guesses for who I voted for!

There were some amazing installations, it made me want to get home and get into the scissors and books!

And the stitchery was out of this world! Garments, flatwork, paintings that were overstitched – I want to haul out the sewing machine as well!

Wood panel as a support allowed the beautiful grain to show through works in graphite, ink and paint.

Traditional canvas paintings are also well represented.

Along with mixed media – these french postcard stamps form the French flag as a backdrop.

The sculptural pieces were intriguing, and so well executed.

As well as being thought provoking.

Well done to all the students, teachers, and Gallery staff for bringing together such an outstanding collection. Don’t forget you can see the entire collection and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award here.

This is a photo of my morning exercise (as ordered by the Physio). Well, I had good intentions. Up and down the boardwalk steps a few times…(once)

And then a good marching pace along the length of the beach a few times…..(not even one length halfway!)

On account of all of these! (click on the image below for a big enlargement to spot all the treasures)

So many species of shells, but I think I found the most beautiful one ever today:

The top one is called a Staircase Abalone, quite different to the very common Roe’s Abalone, and so much more beautiful. It quite took my breath away. If you saw the reverse of these shells, you wouldn’t blink twice. Their pearlescent interiors flash purple and blue, more apparent in the photo at the beginning of my post.

There was also a goodly sprinkling of tumbled sea glass about this morning, here’s a small selection.

The tide was low and rockpools were revealing treasures.

This one had kelp and shells on it’s sandy floor, and I was happy watching the waves flow over and disturb the still surface. It wasn’t until a foamy wave receeded that a little black speckle caught my eye (bottom left & right- enlarged).

I fished it out of the water, quite limp & lifeless, dried it in the sun, and it sprang back to life. I released it into the dunes some 50ft away. No idea how it ended up in a rockpool.

I had the beach to myself until Jeff came down to enquire how my “brisk walking exercise” was going. Well, I had to climb the stairs again….

I’ll exercise next time…..

And for those of you who couldn’t spot the birdie in my last post – I’ve revealed his hiding place.

You may remember the Bromeliad flowering from a few posts back. I’ve finally getting around to painting it. It is still very much a Work In Progress, but at least the initial washes are laid down. The searing heat we have been experienceing has taken it’s toll on the flowers in my garden, and the Bromeliad Aechmea Fasciata is worse for wear. The image below was from when it was happier.

Honeyeatrers in particular are on the look out for unscorched flowers and their nectar. Some interloping White Cheeks are muscling in on the Noisy Honeyeaters territory. See if you can spot one in the hibiscus tree:

Here he is out in the open:

He has the most melodious voice – he sang his heart out whilst I painted in the garden this afternoon.

Happy bird = happier artist!

And for those who had trouble spotting the hidden bird – here he is revealed below. (He is looking up, with the camera facing his belly.)

Love is all around! Here is a wedding poem just completed for a couple who loves music. I drew the two little birdies up top in their colours of purple and blue, and by coincidence, had feathers just the same. Turn them one way they shimmer purple, turn them the other and they shine blue.

Here is my initial rough and the finished illustration. I thought of using the music stave nib as well, but it would have been too busy. I forgot to take the photo using the original, so only a scan is shown here.

And my quill has been extra busy with Valentine’s tasks. If you happen to receive a Letter from your Love (hand written by a dating company’s ”Cupid’s Calligrapher”) with 2 little drawn love hearts, I may have had something to do with it….

That’s my precious found heart pebble with a lovely underglow. The sunset light in my studio is so beautiful, I never want to leave the drawing table.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

My demo at Jacksons art store yesterday was lots of fun.

After I talked, drew and painted, it was time for everyone else to have a turn.

No pressure playtime is plain good fun. Trying out new materials and techniques is what being an artist is all about.

Many thanks to all who attended, Lil behind the camera, and Su & Chris from Jacksons.

Playing with pencils and scrap paper late this afternoon. Just this minute I’ve realised that my desktop dandelion casts a reflective shadow just like the iris of an eye. What a serendipitious co-incidence! If you’re free this Saturday morning, I’ve been invited to conduct a demo at Jacksons art store drawing those Windows of the Soul – eyes.

JACKSONS DRAWING SUPPLIES PTY LTD

Joondalup Store

Unit 4a, 1 Wise St (Next to Lakeside Shopping Centre Train Station)

JOONDALUP

Phone 9300 1248 

email joondalup@jacksons.com.au

www.jacksons.com.au

Saturday’s pastel workshop had everyone back in the painting mood again, with some lovely paintings coming to life. The sound of pastels being laid down  on board and paper was intense!

The good thing about workshops is that you can get a painting completed in one sitting whilst inspiration is running hot. Inga (below) created a very atmospheric piece.

Albert has a love of horses which shows in this piece. He’s working on an Arabian Stallion next time.

Lynette finished her landscape, with all the dazzling colours of the Aussie Outback.

Jackie finished her Beach and is looking forward to starting a vineyard scene next time.

Suzanne created fabulous shadows and surfer in her Mindarie Beach piece.

Here is Val proudly showing her very first ever pastel painting. Well done everyone!

My weekly classes start tomorrow  - hold onto your hats everyone!!