Artists week ending 23 February 2014

Am sitting here after a busy weekend being a student at an encaustics workshop taught by Catherine Garrod. So nice to be forced to 'play' at art making instead of keeping an eye on deadlines etc. Sigh, such a stressful life being an artist.

Little River Art Studio is going to be a wonderful new venue for workshops in the Grose Wold area. Set on a century old farmstead, amidst the green rolling hills of the region, we were treated to excellent tuition and hospitality for the 2 days. I hope to tell you more of the venue, once I am booked for my own workshops there..

I demonstrated acrylic painting for the lovely folk at Liverpool Art Society this week. Here is the 2nd painting which I spent most time on - this one I started at last weeks demo for Ryde Art Society.

Friday was spent volunteering at The Ferry Artists Gallery. An artist run space, and an asset to Wisemans Ferry and surrounds.

Saturday night I visited Purple Noon Gallery, Freeman's Reach. The first exhibition of the year opened with works by Jamieson Lawrance in his solo show Hawkesbury Mitosis. Well worth a visit. my favourite were the clouds of fairy wrens painted in an organic signature style.

Next week, is the opening to Stanthorpe Arts Festival (QLD) at which I am looking forward to attending opening night as I have work selected to be hung.

Here is a little glimpse of some paintings worked on this week that are clamouring for my attention....

Artist's Week 16 February 2014

2 Movies

My daughter suggested a night out to celebrate Valentines Day, since my dearest is currently overseas.

I wanted to see "Winter's Tale" as I am quite partial to Colin Farrell, and the story intrigued me.

Well, the visuals were wonderful - but I couldnt help thinking about poor snowbound Americans in the weather they have been having lately. There was a flying horse. Who doesnt enjoy that? especially Colin Farrell on a flying horse. And Russell Crowe being brilliant as a thuggish demonic character. But the STORY was all over the place. I wanted to enjoy it and feel the emotion of the film, but my goodness.

I later read a review of the original book, and maybe the film makers did me a favour - the book is a whole heap more complicated - I have put it on the list to read though.

A much better movie was "Philomena". I was on the edge of my seat, the story was so good (and based on true events). Dame Judi Dench absolutely marvellous as usual. I really recommend this.

Demonstration

Had a lovely morning with the members & guests of Ryde Art Society. I demonstrated painting impressionistic gardens in acrylics. As I take at least a week to finish a painting due to layers and not wanting to muddy the colours; I showed how I start a painting, and then with another already started, worked on it for an hour explaining my process and plans on how I would finish the work. 

I didnt have the forethought to take photos I'm afraid. But I believe it went well.

Exhibition - Waterbrook Art Exhibition

I had a couple of paintings in the Waterbrook Art Exhibition that opening on Friday, the theme being "I love.." apt because it was Valentines Day. Great opening, lovely paintings and I am pleased to say I am friends with some of the winners. Some of their paintings HERE

Painting

I finished a couple of pieces this week, a 12"square acrylic of a superb parrot (thats what the bird is called, I'm not saying its that wonderful), and an 18" sq acrylic of a lyrebird which I entitled "Dance to Your Own Song". I also worked on 5 other pieces including the 2 at the demo. All in all, Im happy with a productive week.

Coming Up

Next week I have a painting demonstration with the Liverpool Art Society, this time I will try and remember to take photos.

Cheers

Artists Diary - Week ending 9 Feb 2014

Exhibitions

3 Openings this week! I managed to attend 2.

The Hawkesbury Printmakers had their 2nd annual show at the Deerubbin Centre,Windsor, NSW. What a great turn out, and the quality of all member's work was very good. We had sales, but Im surprised there werent more. It is hard to get visitors to the venue on a weekend, so maybe that was it. Have a look at the Facebook page for more images.

Me and my mum Patricia Devine, with a fishy linocut of mine in the background

The Royal Art Society opened it's first exhibition for the year - Tutors Exhibition & Drawing. I was manning the sales table at the Printmakers Show, so I missed that one.

On the Saturday, I attended an opening for the group show "Brave" at Breathing Colours Gallery. I met some lovely artists and we admired each other's work. I bought my first photographic artwork - by Richard Walker - He is said to "paint with light". Cant wait to get it home and on the wall.
Here is a link to another favourite artist I caught up with - Gabby Malpas whose work I also wanted for my wall, but I need to wait till my bank account is healthier. Soon!

Rhodedendron & Yellow Teapot by Gabby Malpas

Classes

Brushed up on some charcoal sketching at Life Drawing, and on Thursday I started my class with some lovely people from Flintwood Disability Services.

Here are some monotypes from the class

Painting

After my whingeing from the week before, I am please to say I actually finished a painting - "Hillside XXVIII" and worked on a couple of other pieces.

Next Week

I am demonstrating painting for Ryde Art Society, Thursday February 13th at 11:00am  Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club Rydale Road, West Ryde, All welcome.

Waterbrook Art Exhibition 14 - 16 February, Yowie Bay - HERE for further information

Artist Diary 2nd February 2014

I DID NOT FINISH ANY PAINTINGS THIS WEEK!

There, I said it. I am aghast, and to some extent, depressed. Granted, I've been busy, but I'm always busy. Maybe I just allowed myself to take it easy. *small joke there.

Art Of Sydney held at the Maritime Museum Darling Harbour ended well. No sales for me, but still happy that unique pieces of art are being bought by the public. I helped out on the desk on Monday morning and spent the rest of the day enjoying Darling Harbour with my family.

I delivered paintings to Breathing Colours Gallery, 446 Darling Street, Balmain. This is a lovely little gallery in between Rozelle & Balmain on the main street. I recommend a visit - lovely jewellery, accessories and covet-able homewares, as well of course, some rather nice paintings.

'Brave Art'

Multiple artists

Saturday^1st February to Friday 28^th February

Celebration Nights: Saturday 8th and 15th February 4-7pm

An Exhibition that explores new directions, risk taking and the experimental

Drawing did happen this week - I took my new Christmas easel outside behind the house watertank and rediscovered the truly lovely piece of land where I live. I did spare a thought for the possible sleepy snake as I clambered over the rocks, but I was searching for the morning sun as it hit the moss covered boulders and saplings, and the subsequent shadows. My little dog was with me, as protection or bait I havent decided yet.

Whats on Next Week

A drawing and teachers exhibition is the first show on at Lavender Bay Gallery, Royal Art Society. Opens next week

As mentioned before,  "Brave", opening Saturday 8th February at Breathing Colours Gallery, Balmain.

And a special show - "All in Black & White" with the Hawkesbury Printmakers. This group was formed less than two years ago to bring printmaking and its delights to the Hawkesbury region. This will be the group's 2nd exhibition.