A Crowd

Have been pretty busy back in my studio at long last.  This year I am determined to do more experimental work, so I don't expect I will be posting quite as frequently as I have in the past.  Apples are always a cheery subject.  They help me get back into swing. 

Leading the Charge.....

Leading the Charge - Sold

We live on a small island in Moreton Bay off Brisbane in Queensland.  At low tide there are great stretches of sand which are home to thousands of these little fellows. They are called soldier crabs and are totally harmless.  The travel across the sand in great numbers but tend to dig in if they think you are too close. 
This is a deviation from my usual themes, but I expect to paint more crabs soon inspired by Angie Renfro and her beautiful bumble  bees.

A New Technique?.........

I am trying to loosen up with my work and in an effort to do so have been learning to use a palette knife.  Looking at this photograph one wouldn't think that I have spent hours with a palette knife.  I obviously have a lot to learn! 
I have been simply amazed at the enormous talent of many American artists and have just loved browsing through Chelsea Bentley James' and Angie Renfo's sites.  It is such a priviledge to have access to so many works over the net.  And I am always grateful to the artists involved.

For Two

This, and the previous painting, have caused me grief.  I have been in a fix with painting and think I am just coming out of it.  An artist, friend and teacher, Corinne Colombo, suggested that it is probably because I am in a transitional period.  I have had to really force myself into the studio.....and this morning for the first time in months I became really excited while experimenting with a palette knife rather than a brush.  Right now I am resisting dashing out to my studio (which is in our garage)....am determined to get chores out of the way before I go out and immerse myself in learning a technique that will help me bring something rich to my paintings. 

A long time away.....

I haven't painted for some months for a couple of reasons.  The first involved a muscular injury involving my right knee and hip.  This uncomfortable condition meant that I couldn't lie on either side while sleeping.  Eventually I went to my doctor who told me that this was an injury associated with imbalance and could I think of a situation where I might be standing in a way that might cause uneven weight distribution.  Of course it was standing at my easel for hours at a time, paint brush in my right hand and weight on my right leg.  A couple of visits to the physiotherapist and a simple exercise have put it right.  Now I stand at the easel with a small uncomfortable pebble under my right heel so that I am constantly reminded to take weight on my left leg as well.......

The second reason I haven't painted from a while is that I think I have experienced a period of what is called artist's block....a scarey feeling that any aptitude I might have had has disappeared.  I have slowly, slowly started painting again and can feel the passion starting to bubble.....thank the muse and gods.