Artists Blog

After the previous post’s slant on painting the natural world, and feathers in particular, I thought you might like a look at another artist with passion for the subject, but on a grand scale.On until this Sunday is Stephen Delaney’s wonderful exhibition at the Monart Studio and Gallery in Dalkeith. The amazingly detailed and massive paintings are just exquisite. I was in heaven taking in these HUGE works (2mtrs / 7ft high). The breathtaking dragonfly at the back is 2.4m (7.9ft) wide.

The feathers are amazingly beautiful – the shape and colour are all perfect.

The gum leaves and insects are mind boggling also.

And more treasures await you.

In the centre of the room a laden table awaits with original specimens and magnifying glasses.

Feather envy, insect envy and gum leaf envy!

It was like stepping into a Natural History museum from Victorian times.

Get along to see it before it closes – you’ll be in awe.

On the weekend the Calligraphy Guild got together for more calligraphic adventures and a Feather painting workshop which I conducted. You may remember the Feathered letter C from last year, which was the inspiration behind this workshop.

The choice of feathers was amazingly different. Some more difficult to paint than others – Gaye was extraordinarily brave tackling the Peacock’s tail!

I had severe “feather envy” over Elizabeth’s Red Tailed Black Cockatoo feather. Her painting was fabulous.

Martin worked well with some “28″ parrot feathers.

More feathers from the same cheeky bird. I found myself admiring everyone’s watercolour boxes.

Rainbow Lorikeet feathers. Down by the Indiana Teahouse in Cottelsoe these birds roost at night in the Pines and their feathers are everywhere. It’s so sad about the fatal shark attacks there recently, and at Rottnest Island.

Trish got right into the spirit and brought in the most beautiful Ventian feather calligraphy pen.

Severe pen AND feather envy rolled into one!

The ducks in my pool kindly donated this feather that Leonie is working on.

Everyone did so well with their paintings, especially those who had never painted with watercolours before. I’m here with Sue who did a great job.

And Wendy who’s never painted a feather before produced an exceptional piece.

You know everyone is concentrating when it goes all quiet….and they comment on how silent it’s got!

Well done all – it was fun!

If anyone calligraphically inclined would like to join us at our monthly get togethers, you are more than welcome. Just drop me a line.

This week my art classes resumed, with some new students joining our happy group. Returning student Inga was happy to have finally finished her Mossman Gorge pastel.

Joy 1 was pleased with her storm over North Hillarys pastel painting.

Joy 2 (both Joys sat at the same “Joyous” table this morning) is well underway with her next charming cat painting.

Kelly Ann who keeps us all laughing is working well with her Agaves.

New faces Cathy, Val and Derek are painting with confidence already. Below Derek and Val at about an hour into the lesson.

And again an hour later. Next lesson they will well and truly have this one finished and have made a good start on their next piece.

Cathy was happy with her first foray into the world of pastels. Here she is first hour in.

And here she has two hours of pastel experience under her belt. It’s amazing what a little confidence, coffee and chocolate bikkies (Oreos today) can do!

Click here for this term’s Class Schedule.

I’ve had a lovely weekend – plenty of paintings and breakfast by the beach on a hot hot day. As promised I’ve put together a step by step of my last river painting.

The last two images show the difference varnish makes – the colours appear deeper and more saturated. Click on the thumbnail image below to see the super enlarged version.

Beach was mandatory yesterday – hot 36C (97F) winds whipped up the waves at Burns Beach. Summer is just around the corner!

Have a great week everyone!

Tranquil Waters     48 ” x 36″ (122cm x 92cm)

My latest painting, one of three which will be exhibited at St Mark’s Annual Art Show in Hillarys over the weekend. Tomorrow I’ll show the step-by-step processes involved.

Opening Night Fiday 14th October, 7.30 -10pm, with fine wines, canapes & music. Tickets on sale at the door. Around 500 pieces of amazing artworks (including sculpture, glass & jewellery) on display.

Continuing with entry by gold coin donation on Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4 pm.

I’m absolutely shattered……need sleep…..zzzzzz

You may remember my friend Renata, the very talented watercolour artist from my previous post. Jacksons Art store invited Renata to demonstrate their new Hydrus Watercolour Inks on the weekend, for which I shot the photos.

It was so interesting to see how these watercolour inks behaved. Renata demonstrated traditional and new techniques. Here the inks are diluted with water and applied with a brush.

As well as straight from the bottle (eyedropper in lid) onto dampened paper.

They hold their colour brilliance perfectly whilst bleeding.

Renata showing how rock salt will draw moisture from pigment puddles so that you’re left with a mottled effect when dry.

And then it was Hands On play time for the spectators – fun!

A great demo Renata – many thanks to you and Jacksons!

A great way to fire up your art enthusiasm is to spend time with other artists. The North Coast Art Club get together to paint, chat, enjoy chocolate, and share ideas, tips and inspiration. Yesterday’s theme was “skyscapes”, although it’s quite alright to work on whatever you like.

I started a pastel which would have the late afternoon clouds changing colour.

Layering and blending different ultramarine hues to build up sky and cloud. Then tones of Prussian Blue for ocean.

Dunes are built up with the last rays of the sun highlighting the highest points. Not quite finished (as I was so busy admiring other’s work!), but will be shortly.

Such a variety of artists, subjects and mediums.

Hettie’s lion in oils. The palette is gorgeous as well!

All ages attend, both boys and girls. It’s sometimes hard to get the boys along if they think they’ll be outnumbered!

Catherine with her big cats Work In Progress.

And you can always count on Renata to have an interesting watercolour on the go.

If you’d like to have a go next time we meet, you don’t need to be a member. Just drop me a line and we’ll have a cuppa waiting for you!

Spring is the time for flowers and weddings. Some literally on your doorstep.

This afternoon a mini convey of American convertibles pulled up outside of my house. Car 1 with the Bridesmaids, Car 2 with Bride and Dad. There is a beautiful lake with gentle waterfalls a few hundred yards from my home, the scene of many a wedding.  They opened up the roof, the bride made a phone call, and they sat in the sunshine for a while. This bridal party said “the Bride does not want to be on time!”

Elsewhere drifts of Everlastings, or Paper Daisies, are nodding their heads in Kings Park and around the state.

The big flowers and buds of the Mallee are amazing. Like fireworks going off all over the tree.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

A day of fun firsts. My first Pastel kitty – a work still in progress. We recently visited the zoo on a very windy day so all the big cats were up and about. It’s been fun painting a big cat in pastels, I’m sure I’ll work my way through all the species eventually!

And the other big first – Jez finally got the keys to his very first car!

How old do I feel??

Carrying on from my last post about the pastel students, here are some pieces from the watercolour bird students. Some of these students had never used watercolour and gouache before, so the results are quite something.

Above are Deb’s birds, the one on the left is on Illustration board, the other is on Claybord.

Vera’s just about finished her portrait of a cheeky bird she met on an overseas holiday.

And Thea’s not got long to go with her Gang Gang Cockatoos.

Great work by all!