Them's the Breaks

 HORRENDOUS pun mainly at my daughter's expense. I suppose the last couple of weeks Ive been a bit preoccupied with my teen-adult daughter's broken hand and helping her get to places etc. And the title also fits the fact that more show rejections have made their way into my inbox. Its ok, I will appreciate the opportunity to develop a thicker skin, and having some painting sales softens the blow to the ego quite a bit!

For the last two weeks I have been working on a still life - I know, its a garden. But it is ALSO a still life - see the potted succulents? Ive been wanting to do this painting since I started work for my garden exhibition a couple of years ago, but never really go into it until now. Off to Bowral for the Pirtek Still Life prize it went.

"In Situ" Acrylic on Canvas, 92cm square

 Then I thought I should challenge my eyesight somewhat with a teensy little scraperboard etching (scratchboard) for a coming miniature exhibition. Five centimetres across, using mainly a drypoint needle and a scalpel to scrape away the black pre inked surface. I am planning a double exhibition using this medium later in the year. Maybe I should be kind to myself and work on some larger pieces as well...

"Miyako" Scraperboard miniature

I managed to finish a little commission. Peewees or Magpie Larks are a smaller than our magpies and are common in suburbia and out of town alike. Love their busy long legs.

"Peewee" Acrylic on canvas, 30cm square

Whats on Now

PIRTEK STILL LIFE PRIZE

Sponsored by Pirtek Southern Highlands

An exhibition of still life works in any media

24 July - 02 August

BDAS Gallery, 1 Short St Bowral 

ART ON BOARD

Artshine Gallery, Darlinghurst

Whats Coming Soon

I also have a painting demonstration Wednesday night 5 August with Castle Hill Art Society. All Welcome.

The Good Life

A rather marvelous couple of weeks. Tony and I went to Hobart for a well earned break. Why Hobart? I wanted to finally visit the Museum of Old and New Art - MONA. Probably the new artist's pilgrimage - definitely a must see; which I now have seen! You can follow the link to see more about the museum - its styling/branding is marvelous and I adored the whole experience, from the boat trip down the Derwent (the "Posh Pit"), to exploring the amazing structure that houses the collections. The art itself was not entirely to my taste - the underlying themes of sex/life & death, but great as an overall experience.
We also ate far too much, walked a lot and enjoyed ourselves very much, thankyou Tasmania!

James Turrell - Amarna behind Wim Delvoye's Concrete truck

Back to work, refreshed, and I was able to complete some last minute works for shows coming up. I have had several rejections from large shows I have entered, but I am in a serene frame of mind and look forward to the next show that I get to be a finalist in. I have also had some sales, so that evens things out somewhat.

I have just come back from a glorious day painting in the haven that is known as Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden with members and friends of the Royal Art Society. The garden is a delight and a treasure. Tomorrow I will have another look at the paint sketches I did and see if they are fit to show to the public (ugh, vanity is speaking).

Joel Elenberg sculpture, Wendy Whiteley's garden

New works this week - including a miniature!

So, my house is a mess, and I have tax to do, but the art machine seems to be running smoothly; and that makes me happy.

Coming up:

Camberwell Art Show is on at the moment

Art on Board at ArtShine Gallery is on, with the offical opening Saturday 18 July

Singleton Art Prize opens next week