Sweatshop

Todays blog is only entitled such because we in Sydney have been having some pretty hot days lately. I WISH it was because I have been producing a lot of work. Soon, soon..

Brush Turkey

Took a few works to the new visitor centre at Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Gardens this week. I look forward to getting some plein air work done there.


Wednesday night saw me with the artists of Drummoyne Art Society for a painting demonstration.

Demonstration works 

 

I had also just found out I was a finalist at the Blacktown Art Show (one out of 2 entered), so I was on a bit of a high.













Christmas prints with my group in Richmond. We drew in foam sheets, rolled them up in ink and printed. We plan to hang them as bunting to decorate the centre.

Drypoint on foam plates

Spent a hot Friday at The Ferry Artists Gallery. Hooray for Air conditioning! It was understandably quiet, but I got some work done.

Works drying

Saturday after picking up the one rejected painting from Blactown, I popped in to have lunch with the Hawkesbury Printmakers at their get together at the picturesque studio of Greg Hansell. I was extremely envious of Greg's platen press. "Press Envy" I'm sure that's a thing.

The inking table

Joy Myers Creed at the press

Sunday was sweltering, but church is airconditioned - Hallelujah! It was a great day actually. My daughter's engagement was announced (13 weeks to plan a wedding gulp!). Very exciting.


 I also visited the studio of Julie Simmons and also saw another artist friend Judy Brownlie to collect their works for me to deliver to a coming show.

Julie at her beautifully displayed studio

So, what does the coming week hold?

Opening of the 9x5 exhibition at Lavender Bay Gallery, Royal Art Society

The Ferry Artist Gallery also has a show opening.

 AND I will finish some paintings!

The Opal and the Axe

Had a wedding anniversary this week. We both chose our presents - apart from being very pleased with mine! - how lovely that they are both handcrafted pieces from Sydney craftsmen.
An opal and silver ring from jeweller Rachelle Juter, and a tomahawk made from a railway spike from blacksmith Wayne Wagstaff.

Picked up unsold paintings from Balmain Art & Craft Fair (sold one!). I hear they were pretty happy with the show. Also had more works framed at The Art Scene for some coming shows.

Delivered work to Blacktown Art Prize in Friday's 43 C degree heat. Will have to wait and see if they are accepted. I also delivered finalist work to the Hornsby Art Prize on the Sunday.

Patricia Devine with her work (on wall)

I was an official person of importance on Saturday night. Was very honoured to be asked to open the exhibition of lovely artist friends (including my mother). I hope my speech wasnt too vague. I go into performance mode and end up  not remembering a word that I said. It is a great show and is currently on at Purple Noon Gallery.









I managed to get a little painting done - most dissatisfied that I havent finished one for a couple of weeks. I suppose I have had a visitor from Overseas, so thats some sort of excuse.

Works currently in progress

Coming up:


Demonstration of painting at Drummoyne Art Society Wednesday 19 November, 7.30pm

Hornsby Art Prize Opens

Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Gardens Visitors Centre Opens

North Shore Craft Group Christmas Show (I dont have work there this year, but always great show!)

ASMA Miniature Exhibition opens at Salerno Gallery, (again, I dont have work here, but I AM the publicity officer so I'd best mention it! Im looking forward to visiting,)

Just to remind you of the coming season!
Centrepiece made by one of  my classes at Community Arts Workshop

Inspired and Being Inspiring

Do you find it hard to be inspired? Don't know what to paint? Just look around you and force yourself to SEE something of interest in your immediate "landscape". Be it the pile of unfolded washing (it'll get done eventually), or the messy corner of your garden. I have been watching a friend's daily "Plein Air Challenge" - see Julie Simmons, and you really can get some great subjects by not trying too hard for the '''perfect one"

I myself keep a huge list of ideas. And an even huger collection of photos on my computer. And so many unstarted series in my head! Maybe that is why I can appear so vague at times.

I have managed to paint - actually finished another piece. - Back into my "Hillside" series - this one is Number 29! I am working very hard to try and get some fresh new works into my galleries in Queensland (19 Karen Contemporary Artspace) and Melbourne (Tusk). The problem (and it certainly isn't a problem!) is that Ive been selling very well - I will try and not offer for sale the new pieces until they get delivered!

Unfinished canvasses

 

Hillside 29

Suzanne Curtis

I popped into Breathing Colours, Balmain during the week - love the new show they have on at the moment! "Heading South" with Suzanne Curtis.

The Balmain Art & Craft Show was also held this week - happy to have sold work there again.








Had a HUGE weekend at Little River Art Studios, Grose Wold. (this is where I got to be inspiring). Took a dozen artists/students on a colourful journey of brush strokes and vivid colour. I loved so many of the works that were produced. Was a great time catching up with friends and making new ones. EXHAUSTED on the Sunday night (and all of Monday if truth be told).



Fabulous work by everyone

 Coming up,

 I am proud to say my mother Patricia Devine and some other lovely artist friends are having an exhibition at Purple Noon Gallery - opens this Saturday.

The pitfalls of "Last Minute"

A dire heading I know, but it seems I had spend all of the week trying to catch up to things, and getting things wrong probably due to haste. A good lesson to have from time to time.

It was mainly the stress of getting my paperwork in order to send to the accountant for the end of financial year deadline, PLUS the quarterly GST that was due early in the week. I had a program that wasnt working for me too well - I need to change back to one I am more familiar with. I also lost my passwords etc which was a bit of a hindrance!

The other last minute vexation was in not reading an entry form correctly and getting my framing wrong. Printed, hand coloured, framed and posted the works during a heatwave in time for deadline, only to find out my mistake later.

Anyway, most of the week was rather brilliant regardless. I had a visitor to the studio who bought a framed wood engraving for a special gift. I played art judge & critic for the Hawkesbury Camera Club, and I found out I am a finalist in the Hornsby Art Awards.

Hawkesbury Camera Club

I also managed to paint, pick up and deliver works from various events, and did a days duty at the Ferry Artists Gallery.

Ferry Artists Gallery

Macquarie Towns Arts Society at Pitt Town Sporting Club

Coming up is a weekend workshop in Grose Wold NSW and the Balmain Art & Craft Show. My motherinlaw is also visiting from the USA, so I look forward to some social time.

Wonderful clay creations from my disability class

Works in Progress - Watch this space!