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.

All's Well.......again.

All's Well 3.........Sold

 

I have painted this subject earlier.  It was on exhibition and sold.  A visitor to the gallery  was disappointed that it had sold.  She wanted it as a Christmas gift and asked if I would paint it again.  It presents a bit of a dilemma actually and raises a few questions as to whether you, as an artist, should repeat what was originally a unique work.  Of course you can never paint the same painting twice and in fact, it is an interesting exercise to compare the two.  My teacher dismisses the idea of any problem about painting the same subject twice and referred to Monet and his wonderful water lilies.

I hope the recipient enjoys it.

 

The last for a while

The Bottles and Me ....51x61cm.......Oil on Masonite Sold

This is my last post for a while since I want to get a few chores done around the garden before Christmas.  I have entered this painting into the Border Art Prize which is staged in the Murwillumbah Art Gallery every second year. 

The painting is larger than my usual posts.  I found it quite challenging painting on this larger scale but overall I was pleased with it.

Waiting

This is the last of four small paintings that I am putting in an exhibition in Cleveland, Qld for a few weeks.  I have actually tweeked it a bit since taking this photograph, providing a bit more length and contrast to the fork. 

Another kitchen sketch

 

Friends..........................Sold

 

I am not sure about this.  Red is such a vexing colour.....it is either too saturated or flat as a tack.  It's a good exercise to put it up on the blog.  I see things with fresh eyes.....and often a 'wild surmise'!  Will think about this one for a day or so.

A Repeat

 

Cheery Cherries 2......................Sold

 I have painted this small painting before from a photograph I took of the cherries last summer.  My 9 year old grand daughter asked if she could have it.  So I have painted it again.  Cherries are very rewarding.....I think they have attitude!

Pieces

Three Quarters...............................Sold

I have done a couple of paintings using the same reference for these apple quarters.  It is a simple painting and I enjoyed doing it

Family

All's Well ...30cmx30cm....Oil on Canvas Sold

I have painted a number of works with chickens and hens.  I always enjoy doing them 

Bossy Boots again.....

Just Listen Up!.......Sold

 

Here is my Australian magpie in a different context than the previous magpie painting.  They congregate on my verandah begging, even demanding, food.  Some beg, some bully!  Their song is glorious, so rich and evocative. 

Am not certain that I have finished this one.  Will let it simmer for a while and have another look.   

An enquiry.......

 

Ready for Breakfast     Sold

This small painting is the first I have completed since returning from holidays.  While I was away a lady emailed me about my paintings and I explained to her that I sell most of my paintings locally and that I haven't set up systems to sell them online.  I suggested that she email me if she is interested in purchasing one.
During our exchange of emails I explained that I generally frame the small kitchen paintings before selling them.  I told her that I would upload a picture of a framed painting to demonstrate the type of frame I use.  (I have simply put the framed painting on my easel in front of a piece of masonite since I am not a good photographer.) It is very simple.

 





Back in Business......

View from our breakfast table in Udaipur

 

Well its good to be home and back in my studio.  But I have had a very interesting and very busy couple of months.  David and I went to India....well to Rajasthan to be exact; just a smidgen of India really.  We had a wonderful trip.  I was enthralled and, at times, almost overwhelmed by the colour and form that bombards the mind and eye.  The deliberate juxtaposition of designs and colours that I might have thought quite discordant, in fact, proved rich and utterly pleasing.  I hope I am fortunate enough to return some day and explore more of this huge and exciting country.

 

Before leaving for India and after posting my last painting, I actually painted the interior and verandah of our house....a huge job.  In fact this is the third house we have owned and I have painted all of them at one time or another.  This is the second time I have painted the house in which we now live.  But it is definitely the last!  I have decided that this is a job one outgrows in the most literal sense.  My joints no longer tolerate up and down a ladder.  The muscles in my right arm screamed repetitive strain injury and my neck burned furiously as it supported my head while I tackled the ceilings.  Never, ever again.....from now on only canvas and boards for me!

 

The last for a while.....

On the Table



This will be my last post for quite a while.  I am currently painting the house.....not an easy job but a rewarding one.  After that my brother will be visiting from Malawi and then we are going to India for September.
I have plans to paint as soon as I return. The ideas are already going around in my head and I look forward to getting back to it.

Another entry to the Creative Alliance exhibition

Almost a Tangle 2                                Sold

This is actually a rework of a painting I posted some months ago.  The drawing was incorrect in the original and it annoyed me.  Rather than painting over it....I repainted it.  

Ready for Tea....

Still Life...20x20cm.......Oil on Masonite......Sold

This little painting was one of three that I entered into the Redlands Creative Alliance exhibition currently on show at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.  I love painting these small paintings.  But at present I am taking a break from creative painting and am instead painting the house.  We are going to India early in September and I am determined to have it all done by then.

Bigger gossips......

'Bigger Gossips'                    SOLD

I have painted these apples in various contexts and sizes.  This is larger than my usual still life paintings.  It was selected as a finalist in the Clifton Art Prize exhibition. Afterwards I exhibited it in an artspace called The Artist Tree that has recently opened in Cleveland, a centre not far from where I live.  Apparently a young woman bought it as a birthday gift for her husband. I hope they enjoy it.

Ready to flee....

Another True Ozzie..... Sold



This is another entry to the 'Ekka'.  I just love these appealing little creatures but unfortunately there are none on the island on which we now live. We lived in Canberra years ago and this little Brushtail Possum used to come down to the base of an oak tree in our back yard to be fed each night.  I fed her fruit and veg and she became quite familiar and would let me pat her.  On occasion she would open her pouch and I could insert my little finger and draw out a tiny, tiny limb. I felt very priviledged to be able to keep tabs on the infant which in no time at all accompanied its mother down the tree on her back.

Another Ekka entry - A True Ozzie

Beggars and Bullies..............Sold

These Australian Magpies gather along our verandah railing hoping and begging that we'll feed them.  I try to resist since they can become very cheeky and are likely to come into the house.  We have a lot of bird habitat on the island but very, very occasionally if it has been raining for a long period I do feed them. They are very picturesque and I intend doing another of them with the second bird warbling.  They also have a beautiful voice.
Postscript:  This painting was awarded third prize in its section at the Ekka.  I was pleased.

A Pair of a Pair of Pears



A Pair of a Pair of Pears..............Sold

I have been pretty busy trying to get four paintings ready for the Queensland Show which is held in Brisbane and fondly known as the 'Ekka', (as in Exhibition).  Primarily, the Ekka was, and still is, an agricultural exhibition although it now incorporates a wide range of cultural displays as well.  I love spending a day there and pass much of the time roaming around the the arts and crafts pavilion.  The fruit preserves,  the baking section and the cake icing displays are spectacular and the knitting and needlework exquisite. Its so heartening that these skills continue.  I usually wind up the day with a hotdog on a stick, a strawberry ice cream and munch away while I watch the sheep dog trials in the central arena.