Artists Blog

Yesterday’s pastel class produced some wonderful work. The subject matter encompassed Mindarie Beach here in the West, through central Australia’s Uluru, right up to FNQ’s Mossman Gorge.

And Joy’s kitty was just beautiful.

All the girls are doing so well on their pastel learning journey. And we mustn’t forget that during class chocolates and coffee are some of your most important painting tools!

There was an extra guest during Saturday’s pastel workshop. This Southern Old Lady Moth was quite happy to crawl about my pastel stained fingers.

I took her outside and off she flew. Even though her colours were not as brilliant as the moths and butterflies of our last home, her patterns and wing “eyes” were just as captivating as the Ulysses below.

Word has spread about our backyard bounty…..

Recently I received a pack of Winsor & Newton acrylic paints to trial. These are a different type of acrylic, as they do not change colour as they dry. Regular acrylics do have that horrid habit of drying darker – a real pain when trying to colour match. These new Winsor & Newton paints were rather lovely to work with.

Eternal 91 cm x 91 cm (3′ x 3′)

It’s been a while since I last painted and I really missed it. This is for an upcoming juried exhibition, I’ll find out next week if it’s been accepted.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

On the weekend  the Calligraphy Guild members got together for a Calligraphy on Fabric workshop. It started out with fabric, but calligraphy ended up EVERYWHERE!

We DID actually put down some calligraphy on fabric. Gaye demonstrated with her wonderful transformation of a carry bag with luscious lettering.

Everyone got stuck in with fabric and paint.

We were even treated to some Chinese calligraphy by Edward.

There were some special treats as well. A very talented fellow has kindly offered to hand carve pen holders for us, made from beautiful Australian native timbers. Guess which one I’ve ordered? (The top red one missing it’s label is Jarrah)

If anyone would like to join in the calligraphic fun, we always welcome new members!

Thunderstorms predicted tomorrow, hope the weather where you are is treating you kindly.

Thank you all so much for your well wishes for Jez.. Happily he is on the mend and back for his last 5 weeks EVER of High School. A torn liver means no physical activity for 6 weeks, and he’s counting down the days.

Even though Spring is not officially here till Thursday, the garden has got a jump start. There is a rosy red blush to almost everything. The strawberries are something else and are as big, sweet and juicy as apples.

I didn’t need many to fill the sassafras wooden bowl which I bought for only a $1! The strawberries cost marginally more at $1.75 per punnet.

The bowl had been neglected, but with a good wipe, and a couple of coats of Satin Varnish it has it’s honey glow back.

My Fuschia Tree is around 8 foot tall, as I didn’t prune all of it back over winter. I duck my head to avoid branches full of buds.

The South African Forest Lillies are flowering under the Fuschia Tree, multiplying every year with lots of new bulbs.

The Anthuriums thrive in the low light around my pond, red lights shining in the dark.

Dragon Wings Begonias blooming away.

The Hibiscus know that summer is not far away….

I hope everyone’s week is a happy one!

It’s been a very difficult few days.

My son Jez had a serious accident on Friday and is in the High Dependency Unit in hospital. He’s doing OK and is keeping his spirits up.

 Just a few days ago we attended the opening of the Angelico Exhibition in the city where his ballpoint pen self portrait is on show.

I won’t be around for a while, but will let you know how he’s getting on a bit later.

Thanks everyone.

Saturday morning I was at Jacksons Art Store giving a pastel demonstration. About 19 eager pastel enthusiasts assembled for instruction and chocolate. Those in my classes know that choclate is essential for hand-eye-art co-ordination!

The image was of Mindarie beach, looking south at sunset.

There was a “Hands on” play session afterwards, which gave everyone a chance to try different pastel brands and papers.

Thanks to all at Jacksons, and to those who came.

Did anyone spot a subtle difference? Yep, I’ve had my hair chopped off. What was going to be fringe only trim turned into totally different style. I feel 3 kilos lighter!

“Serenity” Pastel on Board 100cm x 70cm (framed)  40″ x 28″

You may recall seeing a snippet of this painting from a recent post. It was one of my pieces on show at the Pastel Society’s Annual exhibiton held over the weekend. It has gone to a new home where I hope it brings much joy for many years to come.

Below are some detail images.

Opening Night was great fun. Lots of people passionate about pastels in a beachfront building full of amazing work.

Can hardly wait for next year!

If you’ve ever fancied trying pastels but don’t know where to start, or just want to pop in and say “Hi”, I’ll be doing a  free pastel painting demonstration at Jacksons Art Store tomorrow morning at 11.am. Just RSVP to Jacksons (ph or email details at the end of this post) I’d love to see you there!

Lots to do today with the opening of the Pastel Society’s Annual Exhibiton. It’s right on the beachfront at the Maureen Grierson Centre – directly in line with the Observation Hotel. Opens at 7pm – might see you there as well!

“River’s Journey” Acrylic on Canvas,  91cm x 91 cm (36″ x 36″)

I finally finished my second piece for the City of Belmont’s Art Exhibiton just in time for the official opening this week. Below shows the rambling journey my paintbrush made over the canvas. The exhibiton runs until Saturday 20th August

I am typing this with great difficulty as my right hand is swathed in plasters. I wore my fingreprints out completing a big pastel piece for the upcoming Pastel Society Exhibiton which opens this Friday.  Nothing like a bit of deadline pressure…again! It’s being framed tonight by my long suffering Framing Wizard, who is always co calm in times of Framing Emergencies.

Here’s a sneak peak, will show you the finished piece tomorrow.