Another exploration....

This is another along the same lines as the one below.  I have enjoyed doing them and may consider doing 5 or 6 this size with a different floral subject for each.  These are painted on marine ply rather than masonite.  It is an interesting texture to paint on.

Just experimenting................

Have been trying to paint a bit looser and add more variation to surfaces and objects.  This is a work in progress, one that could just go on forever.

Third entry for Aspire Gallery

For Two

This is the second entry that I will submit to Aspire Gallery, Paddington in their Petite Pieces exhibition.  

An older painting....

Untitled   Sold

This is a departure from my usual work.  I had painted it for an exhibition to be held on the island (Coochiemudlo on Moreton Bay) and when a friend saw it she bought it.  The trolley is symbolic here on the island.  Everyone owns one to transports their groceries: first from their mainland car into a trolley, then onto and off the ferry, then back into an island car and home.  A task not for the feint hearted particularly in the rain.

I got the reference for this painting from the Morgue File site.

Kitchen paintings.....

'Another Crowd'

I have used this reference a number of times.  I never feel that I am repeating the same painting and of course they are never the same.  I like the composition but perhaps I should think about updating my reference material.
I am submitting this to Petite Pieces,an exhibition opening in Aspire Gallery, Paddington on 3rd February.

Another more recent painting.

One Green Bottle - Sold

I was experimenting with this painting, trying to make the subjects understated.  I don't think I achieved what I was aiming for although I did like the painting.  The painting is larger than normal for me. I entered it in the 2015 Rotary Art Show in Brisbane and was pleased it sold.

A more recent painting....

On the Wire - Sold

I took this photo from my front verandah.  There was actually only one bird on the wire but he jumped around and I managed to get some different shots of him and blend two of them.  I rather like painting birds.

Another repeat subject......

A Bunch  Oil on Ply 20x20cm

I have painted cutlery before.  This is similar but not the same reference.  

Another repeat.....

Three Quarters - Won 2nd Prize Still Life RNA Exhibition Brisbane 2015 - Sold

It's interesting to compare these two.  I hadn't looked at the original when I repeated painting. I like the composition.  I thought they would be almost exactly the same. And of course they are with the exception of the background colour, lighting and some detail.

I painted this small painting more than a year ago but kept my photographic reference and have recently painted it again.

Too Christmasy??

Humble but Just as Sweet  Oil on ply  20x20cm Sold

My husband said this little painting reminded him of a Christmas card.  I don't agree actually.  Have never seen the lowly sparrow on a Christmas card........but I know what he means.  It s a little too cute perhaps.  No matter - I enjoyed painting it.  I like painting animals and have an idea for a willy wagtail next.

Out with the Old, In with the New......Sold

Out with the Old - In with the New  Sold

This is just a quick sketch of the old jetty on Coochiemudlo Island where I live.  The black pylons in the background mark the foundations for a new jetty which we have needed for some time.  I went with a friend to do some plein air painting early one summer morning and wound up painting the old structure.  That was about two months ago. It has totally disappeared now, replaced with a new floating pontoon structure.....much more user friendly!

Repeats with same reference:

Three in the Dish  Oil on Ply   20x20cm

I have used my photo reference of these strawberries in the past.  Have been sorting through my photographs to see what I should discard. I like this composition so I thought I would do it again.

The last of five

Kitchen Corner 2......20x20cm.....Oil on Board     Sold

This is one of five small paintings that I sold at the Petite Pieces exhibition just ended in Aspire Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane. It was a fresh and cheerful show and I hope to have more similar small paintings ready to hang there in the next couple of months.   

Amber.......

Amber  40x60 cm   Oil on Canvas

My friend, Rachael, admired a small painting of a puppy that I did some months ago.  I suggested she give me a photograph of her old dog, Amber, to paint.  I painted this very quickly.....one morning and then an hour or so the next day.  I am pleased with it and so was Rachael.  She is a lovely old dog.

Exploring......

Gilly  20x30cm Oil on canvas

This a relatively new path for me.  I would really like to explore portraiture more but it is a big ask to expect someone to sit for you for 2 or 3 hours.  Photographs are just not the same.  This small portrait is an image of my youngest daughter.  I read somewhere that if you can get the eyes, nose and mouth in correct relationship and proportions then you have the face.......everything else is extraneous.  

 I have painted this from a photograph, thinking that the handicap of doing so might be offset by my familiarity with the face.  It was a good exercise.

Mary's kitchen paintings.....

    

These two small kitchen paintings, oil on masonite 20 x20cm, are for my friend, Mary.  She has recently bought a new house and these are to hang in her kitchen.  She was keen to have an old eggbeater in the second.  It was a difficult subject.

A very new development.......

Moi     Oil on canvas   40x40cm

This is a new avenue for me.  I did this from a photograph and am reasonably pleased with it. I think it would be much more interesting to work with a live model but it is a big ask of somebody.  I heard somewhere that if you get the eyes, nose and mouth in correct relationship then you really have the face.  I think it was Richard Schmid who said this in a portrait painting demonstration.  I thought that I would try it out with photographs of my own youngsters.  Even though photographs are a handicap, at least you are very familiar with the nuance of your own youngsters' faces.........we'll see!!

Guarding.........

Taking Care    Oil on Board 30x30cm - Sold

This is a bit sentimental but I actually enjoy creating these illustrative images of animals, (although looking at this, that hen's leg is a very solid grey!).  A friend is forwarding a photo of her ageing dog for me to paint.  I am looking forward to painting it.

A popular subject.....

Two on the Side  Oil on Board 20 x 20 cm  Sold

I have painted cups and saucers a number of times now.  They are always a challenge and I enjoy painting them.

A Return....

Apple Blossoms

Oil on marine ply  30 x 30 cm

Well, I am back again after quite a long period.  This has been a strange year.  I have not spent as much time painting as I have in previous years.  Instead, I have spent many hours in the garden.....thinking about painting.  And strangely, I think that has been exactly right for me!

The painting above is painted on marine ply.....a very pleasing surface to work on.  I have used it material before and find it better than masonite particularly in one respect: if you accidentally drop a masonite painting and the corner is bumped the masonite crimps.  And it can't be fixed.  Marine ply is much more forgiving.

I don't think I have quite finished this little painting but I am sort of pleased with it.

Back again.....and again...

It seems I've been years away from painting.  But really it has only been four months.  I have had a painful knee injury......a medial collateral ligament tear.  It took absolutely ages to heal and I think that standing at the easel for hours on end may have caused it.  I have my palette on my right and turn/twist towards it when I want to apply paint to my brush.  I suspect that it has been like a repetitive strain injury......but this was my knee that was gradually being damaged....not a wrist or elbow. 
Anyway enough of ailments. A friend of mine, Kerry, gave me a photo to paint.  The subject was her partner's dog, Sasha, when she was a puppy.  The mature dog lived to a ripe old age but finally had to euthanized late last year.  Her partner really misses the old dog and Kerry thought a painting of Sasha at her cutest would be a heart-warming birthday present for her

Almost in line.....

Almost in Line  20x20cm Oil on Board Sold

Have only just returned to painting.  I have been catching up on the garden after a couple of years of neglect.  It is a very forgiving business......things perk up in no time with a bit of tender care.  Am hoping to gather a small collection of kitchen paintings so that I can concentrate on a couple of larger works.  I am currently doing a bit more work on the table below.  It is a big painting and I am experimenting with working by palette knife.  It uses gallons of paint!

Waiting.....

'Waiting' ...20x20cm....Oil on Board  Sold

I think I have a little more to do on this.  I only see the shortcomings in a painting when I put it up on the page.  The actual reference has a lovely golden glow which I seem to have missed.  Mushrooms have a wonderful lustre and pearliness - difficult to capture.

Together.....

These are the two together.

The other half.....

This is the other half of the small diptych that I have just completed.  I have enjoyed painting it.  Will try apple blossoms for my next one.  I remember having an apple tree in my garden in Canberra some years ago and the blossoms were just exquisite with a touch of pink around the outer rim of the petals.....very delicate.

The First of Two....

This is the first half of another small diptych that I have almost completed.  I had a bit of trouble photographing it although I did it in good fresh morning light.   

Seasick.......

 

 

Table 3





This evening was the last opportunity to photograph this painting.  Unfortunately, the chair I stood it upon was on a very slight lean.  When I straightened it with the photo editor, the floor line took on the lean.... of course! The setting sun didn't allow for a second try! This aside, I really enjoyed painting this table.  I hope soon to do another of a small, simple but elegant bamboo and ply table I have on my verandah.

 

Variation of the same theme.....

Bed of Roses....Sold

This painting is detail of a larger one that I painted some time ago.  I actually enjoyed painting the fabric but I don't think the composition works as well here as it did in the larger work.  Am still working on another table and will post it when it is complete. 

A Crowd of Plums...

Plums....Sold

Have been painting a couple of small paintings in between trying to complete a larger painting of a table....another one.  It is very helpful to have 2 or 3 paintings on the boil at one time.  Recently I rearranged my studio area so that I can have two easels operating.  This was actually a feat of genius since my studio space is fairly restricted.  But it really makes a difference and was worth the upheaval. The advantage is that when I am painting a larger work I find that after around 3 hours work I begin to feel stale and start to find the task laborious - not good for a creative endeavour.  However, if I switch from one painting to another I tend to develop fresh eyes and can return to the larger work within 30 minutes or so with new vigour. 

Tentative....

 

More than a Pair.....





Am not certain that I have finished this small painting.  I think it needs a little more light in the foreground and bit more texture in the background.  One change triggers another!  Will sit on it for a day or too and have another look.

Together.......

 

The final result.......Sold

Spring+.....

This is the other half of this small diptych.

Spring.......

This is one of a small diptych that I have completed.......just about. I will post the other half and then the two together.  They are fairly loose and simple and I enjoyed painting them.

An old favourite....

A Crowd..........Sold

 



Have been spurred on to do some more smaller paintings.  Apples always help me to get back into swing.  I have also been doing a small diptych of roses which I will post in the next couple of days. 

Another rework....

This is another rework that I have also entered into the Ekka.  It is of my husband and, while he claims it is not as flattering as the original work which I posted 27 November 2011, I think it is a better likeness.  Mind you he is two years older here.

A replacement........

 

Table 2.......Sold

 

I am replacing the painting below with this one.  It is a reworked painting that I posted on August 13 last year.  I was never happy with the composition and eventually painted over the bowl of fruit and simplified it.  After some consideration, I am going to enter this into the Ekka rather than the other.  Despite the amount of time I invested in it, I am simply not happy with it at the eleventh hour.  Will probably scrub it and start again with a bit more shadow and contrast.

Another for the Ekka....

 

 

This is another painting that I have entered into the Queensland Exhibition Art Section.  It is the same size as the previous painting.......but it took me much longer.  I actually saw this table with the Chinese bowl upon it in India in a very grand hotel.  The table stood again the wall of a colonnade that ran around a courtyard.  The arrangement was in stark, but breathtakingly beautiful, contrast to the Indian architecture surrounding it.