Saturday, December 22, 2012

Watercolour- Show Off

The last of 'The Lake Illawarra' series of paintings is Show Off.

Show Off
46x71cm
Watercolour
SOLD
There are seven paintings in this series. Each one is based on photos Yvonne took at Lake Illawarra in NSW during a two day stay at a lakeside camping ground. The weather was that wonderfully calm, misty, drizzley, grey sort that seemed to last all day.The water was very clam with virtually no ripples to disturb the surface. The birds went about their daily lives whilst we watched and absorbed the wonder of it all.
The painting series records their lives over those few days.
A few days ago "Show Off" was sold to a wonderful Melbourne couple.
The seven paintings now have new homes all over Victoria and i trust they bring the owners as much pleasure as they have to Yvonne and me.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Christmas Blessings

One of the huge benefits of taking up watercolour painting is that it changes the way I see things.
In fact, the study of any sort of visual art will change a persons perceptions and observations. Everything you look at is seen with different eyes.
  • Colours are differentiated and subtle differences noted.
  • Tones are more obvious.
  • Shapes are defined and their Edges become important. 
  • Perspective is more clearly noticed.
In fact my response to the world around me has changed!
Before taking up painting, the world looked fantastic to me - I enjoyed each and every view of it.
Now though, I see it more clearly, in more detail and with a much greater appreciation.
I wonder if that's partly what God had in mind for Christmas?

The birth of Jesus the Christ allows us to see God more clearly. For those with eyes to see and for those who want to see: there is a greater depth of colour and tone to life; connections between people and relationships are more important; and we can have better perspective on the issues that surround us.
Hopefully this ability to see more clearly will change the way we live.

May this Christmas bring you great joy, peace, love and hope for the future

Sold at Pt Lonsdale

It was a real surprise but also a great delight, to learn that some of my paintings sold at the Pt Lonsdale exhibition.
It is my wish that whoever bought these paintings enjoy them as much as I enjoyed painting them.
Wednesday Afternoon
Watercolour
SOLD
The Find
Watercolour
SOLD
Thrill of the Chase
Watercolour
SOLD

Catch of the Day
Watercolour
SOLD

Precious Memories
Watercolour
SOLD

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

'Catch of the Day'

It was a privilege to have a conversation with the buyer of 'Catch of the Day' at Tussocks Upstairs Gallery at the opening of the exhibition. I was able to share the origin of the painting and the story behind it. The buyer lives locally and is a regular visitor to the gallery - she is a collector and I learned a lot from speaking with her.
Catch of the Day
26x36cm
Watercolour
SOLD
 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

The Pt Lonsdale Exhibition is on now.

It was a wonderful experience to share with the Tussocks crew, fellow painters and many friends at the opening of the exhibition at Pt Lonsdale on Saturday.
Gallery owners Bevan and Janet prepared a short youtube video to promote the show - you can watch it here: Tussocks Upstairs Gallery
The exhibition closes on Sunday 9th December.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Joyful Watercolour

Here's another image of one of the Pt Lonsdale paintings, called Joy.

Joy
28x22cm
Watercolour
Yvonne and I recently enjoyed walking on beaches like this one - long, flat, empty beaches at Sandy Point in Gippsland. A wonderful few days away enjoying the peace and quietness of the excellent region near Wilsons Promontory.

Friday, November 2, 2012

'Curiosity' sold at AGRA

One of the paintings prepared for Pt Lonsdale was exhibited at the AGRA gallery in Camberwell last week and it was one of two paintings sold. I am delighted to have sold it but a little saddened as well - it was one of those paintings that has a great story behind it. Still, there are more opportunities to paint similar images.
Curiosity
35x25cm SOLD
Watercolour

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Watercolour Exhibition

It's a real delight to have been asked to exhibit some paintings with a group of others at Pt Lonsdale next month.

I have five small paintings [300x400mm] and five medium size paintings [500x600mm] plus one half sheet watercolour painting [800x600mm] - all framed sizes.
Pt Lonsdale is a lovely seaside town on the Bellarine Peninsula, an easy drive from Melbourne. Alternatively - a round trip from Melbourne: Mornington Peninsula then ferry to Queenscliff, short drive to Pt Lonsdale, return to Melbourne via Geelong.
It will be a good time sharing with others, family and friends.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Exhibition in Pt Lonsdale

You may have noticed that there is an exhibition in Pt Lonsdale in November - I have mentioned it a bit. I'll post the advertising when it arrives. Meanwhile, here are the details:
Tusocks Upstairs Gallery,
from Monday 12 November to Wednesday 9 December 2012
open Daily 10am - 5pm
The Opening is Saturday 17 November 3-5pm

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Watercolour - Wednesday Afternoon

Sometimes we walk at nearby Surry Park, an old disused clay pit and brickworks. The pit now contains water and makes a lovely little lake. Not only do ducks and other waterbirds enjoy the space, so too do model boat enthusiasts. We came across this elderly gentleman testing out his creation - he has a wonderful story and now spends many happy hours with his boat and the ducks before packing the boat away in the purpose built timber carry box.
Wednesday Afternoon
36x26cm [14x10in]
Watercolour
This is a painting that will be exhibited at Pt Lonsdale in November


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Watercolour - Curiosity

Remember the fascination of water? Does the chance to stretch out and gaze into the depths still draw you? It was a thrill to share this little guy's enthusiasm as he spotted small fish and tadpoles in the freshwater lake.
Curiosity
36x26cm [14x10in]
Watercolour
Thgis is another painting for the November exhibition in Pt Lonsdale in November.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Watercolour Exhibition at AGRA



I have just delivered five of the paintings scheduled for Pt Lonsdale to the Australian Guild of Realist Artists Gallery in Camberwell for a short exhibition by the Watercolour Special Interest Group. The exhibition starts on 10th October and ends on 21st October. Here's an opportunity to see some fabulous watercolours by a number of great watercolourists.

The paintings I have submitted are:
Thrill of the Chase

Catch of the Day

Precious Memories

Curiosity

Wednesday Afternoon

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Watercolour - Pt Lonsdale Light

I guess that I need to paint a painting of the iconic Pt Lonsdale Lighthouse for the exhibition to be held in Pt Lonsdale in November. I suppose it's a bit predictable but - there you go.
Pt Lonsdale Light
36x26cm [14x10in]
Watercolour

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Watercolour - The Find

There is something about exploring along the tide line that excites us with anticipation at any age. Sharing the discovery of interesting items, makes it even more special.
 The Find
36x25cm [14x10in]
Watercolour
 This is another painting that you'll see at Pt Lonsdale in November

Friday, September 28, 2012

Watercolour - At Rest

The Lake Illawarra series was a great delight to paint. "At Rest" is a new painting for the November exhibition. The richness of bird life at Lake Illawarra was really unexpected but has proven to be a great delight as we review the photos and memories of a wonderful couple of days.
At Rest
21x29cm [7.5x11.5in]
Watercolour

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Watercolour - The Sentinel

On a calm evening the sky does some amazing things. We came across this guy as he was retsing and enjoying the sunset just as we were. I can imagine that if he was on the lookout as he prepared for an evening of rest.
This is another painting for the exhibition at Pt Lonsdale in November.
The Sentinel
21x29cm [7.5x11.5in]
Watercolour


Monday, September 24, 2012

Watercolour - The Board Rider 3

At last - built up the courage to get on the board.
The Board Rider 3
17x26cm [7x10.5in]
Watercolour


Saturday, September 22, 2012

Watercolour - Board Rider 2

Here's the second of the three paintings of our intrepid board rider.
The Board Rider 2
17x26cm [7x10.5in]
Watercolour


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Watercolour - The Board Rider 1

I'm preparing a series of new paintings for a shared exhibition to be held in Pt Lonsdale in November. As space is limited, these are smaller paintings.  At the moment most of the finished paintings are figurative. I'm enjoying painting people and of course, at the beach, there has to be children totally engaged in their activities.
The first in this set of three is an adventurous board rider ready to face the waves [not that there were many and certainly not of any size]. Still, imagination is a wonderful thing - to be cherished and not lost with age.
 
The Board Rider 1
17x26cm [7x10.5in]
Watercolour

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Walk in the Fog Watercolour




This is the second of six paintings for the people series. 'A Walk in the Fog' on St Kilda pier one early morning  in July. It was cold and damp but a surprising number of people up and about, walking, fishing, taking photos .....

 A Walk in the Fog
Watercolour
35x25cm [14x10in]

Monday, September 3, 2012

Back to Watercolour Painting

After a period of no painting it's time to get back to it. The new workspace [aka studio] is up and running and works quite well.
I have begun a series of paintings featuring people - hopefully each painting will tell a story without words.
Curiosity
Watercolour
35x25cm [14x10in]

 Curiosity is the first of a series of six I'm hoping to have ready for an exhibition at Tussoks Upstairs Art Gallery, Pt Lonsdale in November. Watch for more details soon.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Watercolour "Hanging Out" sells at Box Hill

It is always a pleasant surprise to walk around an art show and see a red sticker on one of your paintings.
Today I found a red sticker on "Hanging Out" at the Rotary Club of Box Hill Art Show. I'm so pleased that other people have found enough pleasure in one of this series of paintings that they bought it. The series certainly brought me a lot of pleasure - both in the painting and also in the observation of the birds on the shore of Lake Illawarra.
I now have only one of the finished paintings from the series left at home.
Hanging Out
Watercolour
23cm h x 73cm w
SOLD





Monday, July 2, 2012

Box Hill Rotary Art Show

Just delivered three paintings to the Rotary Club of Box Hill Art Show. 'Hanging Out', 'Show Off' and 'Precious Memories'. The Show is on from 5th to 8th July at Box Hill Town Hall. Lots of great paintings - why not go along and support a worthwhile organisation.
Hanging Out - watercolour

Show Off - watercolour

Precious Memories - watercolour

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Watercolour Painting: Taking a Break

I've had so much fun with the Lake Illawarra Series of paintings and it's really great that others are also enjoying the paintings. I've just been informed by good friends in Bright that 'Taking a Break' has been sold. This is the fourth of the seven framed paintings from the series that has sold.
Taking a Break SOLD
Watercolour
30x53cm

Monday, April 30, 2012

Bright Autumn Art Exhibition

Precoious Memories, Watercolour
I have paintings in the Bright Autumn Art Exhibition this month. Bright is a wonderful place in Autumn as the colours of the trees attract many thousands of people to the Festival. This is the first time I have entered painting here. If you manage to get to Bright look out for Precious Memories and Taking a Break in the Art Gallery.
Taking a Break, Watercolour


Monday, April 23, 2012

Strathdon Art Show

I entered three of the Lake Illawarra series paintings in the Strathdon Art Show last weekend. Strathdon is located in the adjacent suburb and it has been great to meet residents and wonderful volunteers at the exhibition.
I'm really pleased to say that "Look at Me" from the Lake Illawarra series, was sold on opening night!
Look at Me, Watercolour, SOLD
The other paintings on show are also from the lake Illawarra series: "Show Off" and "Hanging Out"
Hanging Out, Watercolour

Show Off, Watercolour

Saturday, April 21, 2012

New Studio

Not doing much painting at the moment as the house is being renovated and a new studio being constructed. Hopefully it will be completed in a couple of months. Meanwhile we're in a mess with builders / noise / dust / interruptions / no space / can't find anything! If you've lived at home during renovations I'm sure you'll understand. Still I'm dreaming and planning layouts and euipment - hopefully the result will be a good as my dreams!
The builders are wonderful people and are doing a great job. As you can see - lots of south facing windows = lots of light.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sold Today

Have just returned home from collecting paintings from the Rotary Club of Korumburra Art Show where I was delighted to find that two paintings had been bought. The entered paintings were Look at Me [previously called 'Morning Preening']; Showoff; Takeoff; Taking a Break and The Fisher and His Dinghy.

The paintings that sold were Takeoff

and The Fisher and His Dinghy.












The Rotary Club of Korumburra put on a great art show in the Korumburra Art Gallery. The Club members offer that wonderful country hospitality and are very helpful. One interesting aspect of this show is that the paintings are hung in catalog number order. That is, each artist has their paintings grouped close together. I really appreciated this as my five paintings were part of The Lake Illawarra Series and were of a common theme, so they looked great gouped together.
Next year will be the 36th Annual Art Show at Korumburra and I'm looking forward to entering more paintings.


Monday, January 30, 2012

Work in Progress - Torquay Stroll

Here's another work in progress. Again, if you see it and would like to offer constructive comments and critique, please do so.
This painting is based on one of Yvonne's photos taken at Torquay. I was looking for the relections in wet sand as well as distant gathering rain clouds behind the sunlit dunes.
I also tried M Graham paints for the first time. I really like the way in which they retain their softness and are easily reconstituted after a few days in the pallette. The pallette is really limited [Yellow: Hansa and Cad; Red: Cad light and Quin Magenta; Blue: Ultramarine and Cerulean].
I've learned a lot from this painting so far and am sure that the subject will be repeated . Clearly lots more work to do on reflections, waves, distant dunes, figures, and so on and on .......

Torquay Stroll
Watercolour
54x34cm

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Beach Walk - Work in Progress

I'm taking a risk here - posting work I'm not satisfied with and which is not complete. If you happen to see it and would like to feedback some constructive observations and critique, please do so.
This painting is an attempt to capture that early morning walk on the misty beach where the tide is turning and water swirls through dips in the sand.
Beach Walk
Watercolour
54x34cm

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Precious Memories

It's amazing what we keep. My sister has a vase of roses on a cupboard in her living room. Now some may throw them out because they're past their prime - in fact they're dead!
In their withered and shrunked buds are memories of a special event. The essence of former beauty, colour and perfume remain there for those who can see. These dried out rosebuds hold wonderful and precious memories. Every time they are seen, they are a reminder of times past.
Sometimes we're all to quick to discard that which is old and no longer beautiful. We readily toss away things - and people - that connect us with our past and keep it alive for our future.
They are too good a subject for a painting or two.
Here's the first - actually the first painting for the year.
  Precious Memories
Watercolour
54x34cm
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