Back again.....

Stranded.................Sold

I had great amibitons to go for a painting a day.  It was my New Year's resolution - but no such luck.  Have been working on a larger painting that has taken considerable time.  Have managed a few 20x20's and will put them up over the next couple of days.  I return to classes this month which will be a good discipline.

A second take on Luscious

'Still Luscious'............SOLD

I painted a painting similar to this earlier last year and a friend and fellow artist bought it.  At the time somebody else asked me if I could do a similar painting for them.  I arranged and photographed this collection of apples and while they are pleasing, I don't think the composition is as good as my earlier work.

Cheery Cherries

Back into still-life.....it's so nice.  There is such a variety of very paintable fruit available here at the moment and I hope to get a few paintings in before the season ends. Nectarines, peaches and plums are particularly amenable for still life. I hope to post a little more frequently if the hot weather doesn't deter me.  My studio is in our garage and even though it is well ventilated it gets very hot once the temperature exceeds 30.

For Meg

I've given many paintings to family members but never one to Meg, my sister.  She complained about it finally and said she would like a simple painting of tomatoes on a bush for her kitchen.  I have done this small painting for her.  She lives in Canberra and will be coming up this way in a week or so. I hope she likes it.

Island Residents

'Watchful'...20 x 20cm....Oil on Board.....SOLD

Coochiemudlo Island where I live has a large population of bush curlews.  The birds frequently rest and shelter in residents' gardens.  They are more active during the night and their cries, not unlike a child's scream,  often alarm visitors. Sometimes when approached, the mother in an effort to ward off any threat to her chick, launches into what looks like an elaborate dance.  She spreads her wings, bobs her head up and down and steps lightly around while issuing a gutteral hiss.  Despite knowing how helpless the birds really are, I am always taken aback by this formidable display.

A fellow resident and friend recently bought the small painting of the two chicks below.  He asked if I would paint a picture of a curlew chick to accompany it.  I found painting the chick harder than I expected. I hope he likes it.

Jemima

My daughter, Gilly, asked me some time ago to paint her old cat Jemima.  She photographed her sitting on a couch (black with red stud-buttons).  Jemima played the part and posed perfectly.  I hope I have done her justice ....she is a very beautiful though a very fat cat....with a bit of the prima donna lurking in her attitude.

This is my first post for 2012.  I have been painting some exercises to try and warm up.  I'm always fearful of a blank board after I have had a break from painting.  Feel certain that the muse has abandoned me! Jemima has helped me feel more comfortable getting back into it.  Hope my future posts reflect a positive outcome!

Happy new year.