Mellissa Read-Devine

2012-01-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

The first 3 paintings for the year!

Thought I'd start out small to get back into the swing of things.

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"Cockatoo" Acrylic on Canvas 9"x5"

These should be arriving in the US very soon.

They are taking part in a group show at Creative Framing & Gallery, Oakland, CA. Opens 21st January

2012-01-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012!

I have finally updated my website. Most of the works from 2011 are there and I would love it if you woul vote for your favourites. The link is HERE

So far I have 3 exhibitions planned - May in Melbourne Australia, July in Oakland, CA USA and August in Sydney Australia. That should keep me busy....

2011-11-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

This week, I will have works in the North Shore Craft Group's Christmas Sale. Always a good place to buy and covet unique and handcrafted gifts for the season.

I also will have work at Purple Noon Gallery's inaugural "Hawkesbury Art Prize" Opens this Saturday and promises to have a great selection of works.

Stay tuned for next week!

2011-11-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

I thought after "Arboressence" was finally hung at Purple Noon Gallery, I would have a well earned rest. Why am I just as busy? Because it seems to be exhibition season in Sydney.

I am very happy to be a finalist in a couple of big shows at the moment - Eutick Memorial Still Life Prize at Coffs Harbour Gallery, and now at Campbelltown Arts Centre for Fishers Ghost Art Prize.

I have a couple of shows I am waiting on for finalist lists next week but in the meantime have a look on my page for current exhibitions (I am involved in) for November http://depicture.homestead.com/exhibition.html

2011-10-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Managed to be organised this year and put together a calender on RedBubble

It contains a selection of works from my last solo show "Arboressence"

2011-09-15T01:50:00.000-07:00

Coming up next week is The Ferry Artist's next exhibition "Conviction". There will be creations exhibited there based on The Convict Road and beyond. Opens Saturday 24th September, 4pm sharp.

Here are a couple of works that I will be putting in.

"Thief"

Mixed Media 20"x20"

(Thanks to my Mum who was vexed one day because a bowerbird stole all of her new blue pegs)

And "The Wall" (From the Rockface on the Convict Road) Oils on Canvas "48"x36"

2011-08-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

For a change (from birds & landscapes), I finished a Still Life the other day.

"The Morning Tea"

Oils on Canvas, 30"x40" /76cmx101cm

Work is currently for sale.

2011-08-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend (27-28 August) is the Hawkesbury Artists & Artisans Trail weekend.

For details http://www.haat.com.au/

A lot of studios will be open to visit, view and buy works of art.

Although mine will not be open this year, I will be sharing space with Carolyn Clarke, Redbank Road, Kurrajong.

And I still have my show on down the road at

Purple Noon Gallery.

2011-07-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hawkesbury Artists & Artisans Trail

2011/2012 Launch of the new Trail Brochure opens this weekend

Each member will be exhibiting 4 works (including myself). Should be a fun opening night, dressing up in 60s/70s gear is greatly encouraged. I for one am looking forward to the retro hors d'oeuvres, oh yes and the opportunity to wear fake eyelashes - that fashion came back too late for me to take seriously.

http://www.haat.com.au/

2011-05-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

New Linocut "Djuwe"

Part of a "Myths & Legends" exchange with Baren Forum

Djuwe is from a Northern Australian story of the Great Bowerbird who taught men how to build shelters and dance.

I have one on Ebay available for purchase.

2011-04-28T03:52:00.000-07:00

New Painting

"Slumbering"

Acrylic & Collage

20"x24"

Will be on exhibition at Art Melbourne

2011-04-20T01:29:00.000-07:00

"The Lost Bonnet"

Acrylic on Canvas 30"x30" (76cmx76cm)

Finished yesterday, and held for exhibition at Art Melbourne

2011-04-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Birds seem to be nesting in my head - painting a lot of them at the moment.

Here is a quick study of a wagtail that I have put on Ebay

Acrylic on canvas

10"x8"

2011-03-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Saggitarius

Thought I'd better put these last four (wood engraving zodiac still lifes) on the blog before I forget. Painting madly for the next exhibition in May.

.

Aquarius

Balneum Capricornus

Piscean Cookery

2011-03-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

"Faces of the River"

New Exhibition at Ferry Artists Gallery, Wisemans Ferry

I will have work hanging in the artist run community gallery at Wisemans Ferry. Would you believe this is the gallery's 10 year. Such a nice space. Every time I go and volunteer my time there, there is something new to see and covet.

Official Opening Saturday 26th March, 6pm

Or visit at other times, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 10am - 4pm

Pictured: Original jewellry by Rochelle Juter

2011-03-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

4 more Still Lifes inspired by the Zodiac.
Wood Engraving on Maple, 3" (7.5cm) square

The Balance

Leo's Fire

Extra Virgo

Scorpio Shots

2011-03-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Triptych" Opening Night Pics

Me with "Picnic"

Taryn Malzard with some of her works

And for a quick tour around the gallery

"Picnic"

My Zodiac still life series

My linocut series

A triptych in mixed media from Julie Simmons

Work by Julie Simmons

Beautiful peaches by watercolourist Julie Simmons

A musically inspired trio by Julie Simmons

For enquiries regarding the work or artists, please contact me, or check out our websites

Mellissa Read-Devine: http://www.readdevine.com/

Taryn Malzard : http://www.oldschoolhousepastels.com.au/

Julie Simmons: http://juliesimmonsfineart.com/http://juliesimmonsfineart.com/

2011-02-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

Invite Time!

The artists will be manning the gallery on Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sundays, so come in and have a chat.

2011-02-07T01:03:00.000-08:00

The last of the 'Margaret Preston Inspired" series (well, at least for a while).

"Dahlias, Birds and Sunflowers"

Cutting the block after drawing design with indelible ink

Inking the block (Oil Based ink)

Printing the block on the etching press

Ready for hand colouring

Click to bid for the Artist Proof on Ebay

2011-02-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

New work

"Still Life with Flowers"

This is a linocut, hand coloured with watercolour. Image size is approximately 11.8"h x 13.5"w /30cm x 34.5cm

One of the 2 Artists Proofs is currently available on Ebay

Basing this series on inspirations from Australian Artist Margaret Preston - I admired her "Still Life with Flowers" (below) - from the look of it, it is a multiple block print done in the Japanese manner. I have paid homage to it in the the top right corner of my print.

2011-01-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

Zodiac Still Life Series

I have completed one third of my task - the remaining 8 are in varying stages of completion. These will eventually debut at an exhibition at The Washhouse Gallery in March.

"Vanitas Aries"

"Mighty Taurus Burger"

"Staffordshire Gemini"

"The Crab"

All Wood engraving on maple, 3 inches square.

I have released one of each on Ebay - but will not sell any more until after the exhibition.

2010-12-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

This piece is entitled "Native Waratah" I really like the graphic quality of the American Indian (Hopi) inspired pottery. I could have explored more local indigenous craft, but at the time I liked the idea of Artistic Globalisation.

My first colouring was this:

And then I decided to create the edition in these colours:

Printed on Somerset Paper with Black Offset Printing Ink. Hand coloured with Winsor & Newton Watercolours. Edition of 16.

The Proof that is uniquely coloured (Pink) will be on Ebay for sale.

2010-12-06T22:50:00.000-08:00

For an upcoming show next March, I am embarking on a couple of series of prints. Inspired by Australian Painter & Printmaker Margaret Preston I created "Gum Blossom" a year ago:

I have now completed "Flannel Flowers"

Have proofed a 3rd, and am cutting a 4th. Will do 6 in the series eventually. Pictures to come.

If you wish to make a bid for the uniquely coloured proof of Flannel Flowers, I have released it onto Ebay.

2010-11-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Its time I review my year. I would love it if you would vote for your favourite works. 5 if possible, 10 if you cant make up your mind. (I couldnt)

http://www.readdevine.com/cardspoll.html

This weekend is The North Shore Craft Group's Christmas Sale at Thornleigh, NSW. I will have some pieces there.

2010-11-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

New Shows I am involved with this week

Christmas Gala Exhibition & Fundraiser for Careflight at The Ferry Artist Gallery
Saturday 13 & 14 November 10am - 4pm
Opening at 2pm Saturday. Auctions, Sausage Sizzle, Raffles, Demonstrations, Handmade & Produced Stalls, as well as a brand new exhibition to celebrate the coming season.

Venue: Shops 1 & 2 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry

St.Josephs College 32nd Annual Art Show
Mark Street, Hunters Hill

Opening Night, Friday 12 November 7pm to 11pm (To order tickets go to website)
Saturday 13 November 10am to 6pm
Sunday 14 November 11 am to 5pm
$5 admission charge which includes catalogue

Murray Farm Public School has their show on this weekend
When: 12 Nov 10 - 14 Nov 10
Friday 12th - 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday 13th - 9am - 5pm
Sunday 14th - 10am - 3pm
Where: Murray Farm Public School Tracey Avenue, Carlingford, NSW
Cost Friday Opening Night - $10 (inc drinks & nibbles)
Saturday/Sunday - Adults $3, High School Students/Seniors $1, Primary Students - Free.

This will be the last week to visit Bowral's
David Turnbull Bequest
■Date: 27 October - Sunday 14 November,
■Venue: Bowral Art Society
1 Short Street Bowral

Redlands QLD & Sebel Hawkesbury still on.

For a look at the winners for Redlands Art Awards go HERE

2010-11-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

2 New Paintings at the Sebel - exhibition of Hawkesbury Artisan Trail Members, in bar and foyer.

Last week to visit Norvill Art Prize - see previous post.

This week Redland Art Awards opens. I am a finalist with "Across the River"

2010-10-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Three shows running this week!

Parramatta Foundation Art Awards (Opened last week) Flyer

I recieved a Commended for one of my paintings

Bright Landscape

Macquarie Towns Art Society "A Spring Affair" Opens Friday 29 Oct 7pm BLOG

Elizabeth Plays the Cello

St.Madeleines Primary School, Kenthurst ARTFEST 2010

Hillside XV

Still have work on exhibition at Kiama & Murrurundi & The Sebel, Windsor

2010-10-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

Norvill Art Prize
Murrurundi

We went on a road trip last weekend to beautiful Murrurundi; past Scone, before Tamworth. It was lovely, in between the pouring rain and catastrophic wind. (Murrurundi recorded the highest wind in the state that day). When we got to our Motel - it was announced that there was no power in town; so all we could do was go have a lie down - which was very welcome.

More welcome was the miracle of electricity which came on after an hour or so, so we could have a cup of tea and I could get dolled up and check out the Norvill Art Prize of 2010. As I was a finalist, I wanted to check out the competition - which I knew from some of the names, would be tough.

Raced into the RSL Hall (it was raining) and have a wonderful time checking out the beautiful work displayed there. Some very nice people also. Alas, I was not a winner for this one; for pictures of the prize winners check out Norvill Art Prize 2010

Some other work I particularly liked are here:

"Echoes of a Distant Land" by Danelle Bergstrom

"Golden Gully-Hill End" by Sue Smalkowski

And some more artists to check out:

Damien Baumgartner

Tim Allen

And here is the winner!

"South Coast Pastoral with Butcher Birds"

A hefty oil painting with lots of impasto by Paul Ryan

2010-10-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

"Pansy"
Acrylic on Canvas 24"x20"

RSPCA Art Exhibition

■Date: 8 - 10 October

The opening night takes place 7pm, Friday 8 October 2010 (viewing from 6:30pm).

There is a $20 champagne supper organised for the opening night with proceeds going to RSPCA Illawarra.

Enquiries, please contact Barbara Willis on 02 4257 1896.

■Venue: Br Pelin Hall

Edmund Rice College

Mount Kiera West, West Wollongong

RSPCANSW Blog

2010-09-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

Willoughby Spring Festival-Northbridge Art Prize 2010 - The Arts - Events - North Shore Times

I have a couple of paintings in this exhibition. (Pictured: "Cuckoo Dove", mixed media)

2010-09-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

New Exhibition Opens At The Ferry Artists Gallery

"Secrets of the River"

Offical Opening Saturday 18th September, 6pm

Old Northern Road

Wisemans Ferry

http://www.ferryartists.org/

My latest painting, "Cockatoo Secrets"

Mixed Media on Canvas, 24" x 20"

2010-08-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Its On Again

Hawkesbury Artists and Artisans Trail

This weekend - 28 & 29 August 2010, 10am - 4pm

Various Venues including my studio at 231 Mud Island Road, Sackville North

2010-08-21T04:34:00.000-07:00

Bookplate for Judy Brownlie

Bowerbird building her nest. "Le Nid" in the background.

Judy Brownlie is an active member of a number of arts organizations including being a Signatory Member Victorian Artists Society, Australian Guild Realist Artists (Melbourne), Sherbrooke Art Society, Royal Art Society NSW, Macquarie Towns Art Society, National Association for the Visual Arts and Friends of the Hawkesbury Art Collection.

She tutored painting at Sherbrooke Art Society and also ran own classes at Burwood. In 1982, Judy moved to Sydney and now tutors painting at the Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop situated in the grounds of the University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury.
Judy has won over 60 major awards in all mediums and tutors workshops in oil, water colour and pastel. In 1990, she won the Camberwell Rotary Travel Grant enabling her to travel extensively throughout Europe and Turkey to study and paint.
Judy has had several solo exhibitions and several mixed exhibitions and is represented in collections throughout Australian, Italy, England, Switzerland, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Holland, Japan and New Zealand as well as the Swan Hill Regional gallery and many councils’ permanent collections and corporate business houses.
She has appeared in a number of publications including 3rd Edition of Australian Artist Today, Who’s Who of Australian Visual Artists, Max Germaines Artists and Galleries 1997 CD Rom, Australian Artists Magazine, Jan. 1996, May 1999, Aug. 2001, and the Baulkham Hills Shire Show Case 2002.

2010-07-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Veronique Pengilley: From mud to stone

Opens 27th July, Hornsby

2010-07-05T02:25:00.000-07:00

"PELICAN DREAMING"

What do pelicans dream about I wonder. This would be a very good dream.

Woodcut - 44.6cm x 30cm, Oil based ink on rag paper.

You can see it at the 2010 launch of the Hawkesbury Artists and Artisans Trail opening

next Friday 16 July

7pm

Richmond School of Arts

March Street, Richmond NSW

or you could be lucky and get the one I posted onto Ebay

2010-06-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier I cut a linocut I wasnt happy with into smaller pieces. ("Chrysanth") Here is another.

"Bloom"

2.9" h x 2.9" w [7.5 cm x 7.5 cm].

I experimented by wiping colour into the cut areas of the block (with cotton bud), then I inked up the rest of the block in brown-black with the roller. Printed with dampened paper on the press.

I quite liked the texture of the pink and the green intaglio. I enhanced them later with a pale wash of watercolour.

One of the pieces will be for sale on Ebay.

2010-06-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

North Shore Craft Group Annual Exhibition

Opened last night, and will continue till Sunday. Beautiful work.

2010-05-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

Cut a linocut I wasnt happy with into smaller pieces. Here is one of them.

"Chrysanth"

2.4" h x 2.4" w [6 cm x6 cm]

I experimented by wiping colour into the cut areas of the block (with cotton bud), then I inked up the rest of the block in brown-black with the roller. Printed with dampened paper on the press.

I quite liked the texture of the pink and the green intaglio. I enhanced them later with a pale wash of watercolour.

One of the pieces will be for sale on Ebay.

2010-05-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

"Fire Coral"

Reduction linocut (4 colours)

Will be at the North Shore Craft Group challenge "Fire & Water"

I also have one of them available on Ebay

2010-05-23T23:18:00.000-07:00

Painting

Gymea Lily, Mixed Media on canvas 24" x 12"

Will be at Macquarie Towns Art Society Autumn Exhibition.

The Richmond School of Arts

March Street, Richmond, Sydney

Opens Friday 28th May, 7.30pm

29 - 30 May 10 - 4

2010-05-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

For those that were unable to visit the Washhouse Gallery, here is a link to view most of the works on display.

http://www.readdevine.com/lookingfortheforest.html

Rather happy with the show, it looked brilliant, had sales before, during and after the opening. Sold almost half of the works. (15 out of 32). Feel a bit burnt out now, maybe I should take a break.... I have lots of printmaking to do!

2010-04-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

Swamphen Trio

Acrylic & Collage on Canvas

36" x 24" / 91cm x 61cm

On Exhibition at Purple Noon Gallery (Sold)

606 Terrace Road

Freemans Reach NSW

Purple Noon Gallery

2010-04-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

"A Season of Birds" opens this week at Purple Noon Gallery, Freemans Reach.

Not only do I have birds in Rozelle (exhibition still running until 25 April) , some have landed over the river in 606 Terrace Rd, Freemans Reach.

(click on image to view full invite)

2010-04-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

Painting

"Rock Orchid"

Mixed Media on Canvas 24" x 12"

Currently on exhibition at Washhouse Gallery

711 Darling Street Rozelle

http://members.iinet.net.au/~gilliannoble/index.html

2010-04-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

My Solo Show for 2010 opened last night and has had great reviews from friends and strangers alike. The gallery (711 Darling Street Rozelle, NSW) is open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 3pm. The exhibition ends on 25 April so lots of time to come see it. Great coffee in the coffee shop also.

2010-03-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Painting

"Banksia"

Mixed Media on Canvas, 24" x 12"

1.Collage and image blocked in with thin paint

2. Blocking in more colours

3. Colours, including darks and lights, with a bit of 'drip'

4. Nearly finished

Wanted larger areas of colour and less detail, also enriched the colour values.

2010-03-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

Mosaic

Have had a few setbacks. Because my calculations were out (despite the computer - must have been my measurements) we ran out of tiles. So am still waiting for them to arrive.

We have completed 3 of the six panels and for the last couple of days we were grouting and polishing. The excitement got the best of people and I had a phone call yesterday to tell me they had installed one of the panels! I was a bit taken aback because I was not ready for it to go, but its up and I am excited to see the rest of them.

2010-03-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

Workshop

Had a lovely time with the ladies at Ryde Art Society. We had two days of photopolymer printmaking (solarplate). Here are some photos of the weekend.

Some of the work produced

2010-02-19T00:28:00.000-08:00

Mosaic

Becky hard at work

Here we are not so hard at work

Finally, here is panel #4 done (the first panel completed) It took a lot longer, because of lack of time and helpers (thankyou to Becky who did half of it!). Have to wait for my techical help before I grout it. We need to find out where the screws will be approximately when it is screwed into the wall studs.

The next panel is already started, and I have more people working on it. Next problem is how to keep it consistent with different mosaicists.

2010-02-15T03:31:00.000-08:00

Painting

"The Walk North"
20"x20"
Oil on Canvas

Quick sketch of landscape in thin acrylic

Blocking in colour

More lights and darks

The Finished image, I kept it quite 'blocky' liking the shapes and colour movement.

2010-02-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Painting:

"Brush Turkey"
Mixed Media (Print collage & textured paper on Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper, & Acrylic)
24" high x 12" wide

After collage has dried, block in areas with dark wash of acrylic

Adding more darks, developing image

Bringing in light areas

Lost my turkey, gotta go find him again.

I like bringing warmth into the painting.

There he is - shame, just after I started to paint him, the real brush turkey went away. Probably not a good place to start a nest/mound.

2010-02-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Mosaic

My team of helpers has been quite small - me actually. So progress is slow.
I have started on panel #3 of 6 so we can install from the middle out.

Looking extremely abstract at the moment, but I am hoping it will turn out... Cant wait to finish this one and grout it!

2010-02-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

Wonga Crossing

The fabulous Wonga Pigeon is seen occasionally wandering about the place - much prefers to walk than fly. Here are some pics of the different stages of this painting.

Mixed Media (Printed & Paper collage, Acrylic) on 300gsm Hot Pressed Paper (Fabriano)

The Finished work, 24" high x 12" wide

2010-02-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

MOSAIC

SUCH a long time sorting out those tiles (58 colours!) Thankyou to an ample supply of takeaway food boxes. Since I bought from 3 different suppliers, they all had to have new code numbers assigned, so alot of work there.

So many pretty colours!

All safely boxed up

I finally started yesterday. After sealing the sheets of fibre cement, I tentatively started the bottom part of the mural. I usually like to start in the middle, but because I was not sure of the measurements and I had an exact grid to work by I had to start at the waterline of the design. (So it will line up on all the panels).

Lucky I did, as I had a made a miscalculation with the mosaic program sizes. I will have to widen the design somewhat by cutting some of the tiles. - This will add size by the spaces in between the pieces. And look better too in my opinion!

Its a start!

2010-01-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

Evolution of "Cuckoo Dove" Painting

Mixed media on paper (collage & acrylic). 24" x 12"

The placement of collage materials on hotpressed watercolour paper. - some of the collage are pieces of 'failed'prints.

The Finished Painting

2010-01-26T19:42:00.000-08:00

S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g!

No, nothing quite so frightening as excersise, or even torture (are the two one and the same?).
Spent my time in the studio stretching and gesso-ing some canvasses which I am ready to paint nowassoonasIgetthetime!

2010-01-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

Wood Engraving

Finally put my fairy wren on the block ready to cut. Here you see the sanded maple block, wiped with a layer of gouache with the design pencilled in.

By the end of the evening, I have inked in most of the design where I will not cut. The large uninked area in the top left will be carved freehand. This design was tricky, I plan to have two blocks - similar to what I have done in the past ("Currawong" pictured), so I have to work out what will be white, brown and black before I start carving. - the Brown block will be traced, drawn and carved after this one.

2010-01-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

Have spend hours (days actually, this is afterwards!) playing with a program called "Tile Creator" , putting in scans of my paintings, learning the program and coming up with very nifty grids. The downside is that this is not for traditional mosaic, more for small squares of tiles in a grid that makes the pattern. I still hope to cut some tiles - especially for areas like tree trunks, but this way is probably quicker and easier for people to help me glue the tiles.

Part of my painting in grid form.

I also had to cut down the amount of colours to use (which was hard for me). I managed to get it down to 60 different colours.I still wanted to use as many possible!

As of today I have ordered my tiles from 3 different stockists. I LOVE Bisazza glass tiles, but to save some money, needed to get mostly the cheaper Asian tiles. Am still getting some Bisazza.

Where am I getting the tiles from? All over Australia it seems: Sydney supplier All Boxed Up, Melbourne supplier Mosaic Matters, and Canberra supplier Mosaic Tiles 4 U. One of them (Melbourne) needed direct deposit instead the brilliantly convenient Paypal, so I have only managed to pay it now, but they all have been very helpful, and the Canberra people have already sent part of their order!

2010-01-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

Mosaic Mural

Since the Health Retreat is overlooking the Hawkesbury River, I decided not to go the traditional 'pool/water theme' (as the mural is in the indoor pool house); rather I wanted to bring some of the local beauty in.

Looking over the river to Sackville

It works out nicely that the works I am painting for my exhibition are of the local landscape. So with the two projects in mind I set out and painted two large canvases of the river view.

These will form the basis for the mural.

The pool has a great wall - behind which the change rooms will be; I plan 6 panels, each 190cm High x 90cm wide. I have the cement sheeting, I have ordered the tiles, I have use of an air conditioned office (most important!) and I have a supply of willing? hands to help out. So looking forward to this.

2010-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

Thought I would put the Blog to good use and chronicle the highs and lows of a few important projects I am embarking on. Could get confusing (will give you some idea of my many works in 'on the go'); I may just whinge on how hard it all is, but right now, I'm excited. Here is what I have to do:

Solo Exhibition: Deadline April 4, Washhouse Gallery, Rozelle (Opening 8th April - please come!)
Mosaic Mural: Deadline ASAP - new Health Retreat opening sometime in Feb/March.

Will take lots of pictures, and hope that you will enjoy the journey.

Call for Artists : Richmond Art Gallery 4th Annual Artist Trading Card Exhibition

2009-06-29T16:45:00.001-07:00

Call for Artists : Richmond Art Gallery 4th Annual Artist Trading Card Exhibition

Shared via AddThis

2009-03-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Too Busy to Print or Paint...Gasp!

Well I did manage a little Artist's Card (2.5"x3.5") to keep me from getting withdrawal symptoms. I have been spending far to long on websites like Etsy, Printsy, Ebay, OzNatureNiche, and that odious Facebook, all horribly addictive and taking up too much of my time.

That other 3 day a week regular pay job cramps my style too. Maybe I should get up earlier...

2009-02-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

"Into the Woods" Acrylic on Canvas.

Currently on exhibition at The Ferry Artists Gallery, Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry.

Exhibition "Wax, Paint & Print" opens this Saturday 28th Feb, 4pm to 6pm and runs until 22nd March.

2009-02-17T22:43:00.000-08:00

"Flame Flower" A wood engraving on maple. Very small, about 5cm x 6cm (2.5"?). Had a wonderful experience using Megalo Print Studio's Vandercook Press for the first time. Wish there was one closer to home. (4 hours drive!)

2008-12-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all! and much peace for the New Year! Here is a little linocut of a native Australian plant that is in flower in the Christmas season. We call it Christmas Bush and you often see it here in Sydney being sold on the roadside.

I have posted most of my work for the year on my website page

http://www.readdevine.com/cardspoll.html

I would love it if you could take the time to vote for your favourites.

2008-01-06T02:43:00.001-08:00

2 Block Wood Engraving
a first for me - also using maple, another first!

Very fitting for the 'first' work of the year!

"Kookaburra"
10cm x 7.5cm

2007-11-27T03:06:00.000-08:00

Two Paintings from the same Still Life

"Schlada"

"Tagine"

Both Acrylic on top of collage.

2007-11-12T03:56:00.000-08:00

Finally I can post my "Year of the Pig" Prints!

I created several designs throughout the year - Collagraphs made from cardboard and enhanced after printing, with watercolours.

Then I was onto "piggybanks" so I created a linocut featuring three gorgeous ones.
"To Market To Market"

Here is one that I have handcoloured.

2007-10-02T22:06:00.001-07:00

Sunflower Dance

An oil on paper monoprint with pastel

10" x 8"

2007-08-07T05:07:00.000-07:00

Workshop at Wiseman's Ferry

Here are some pics of my latest workshop. I love teaching. It is so exciting to see what each student will come up with. And they were all brilliant! Thankyou to Ian Elton who lent us his proofing press. It made things a lot quicker.

.

2007-05-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

"Plein Air"

3"x2"

My first experience with the Wood Engraving substitute "Resingrave". It was quite easy to use. Of course, you dont get that lovely feeling of slicing through wood.

2007-04-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

Dogs win Prize at the Show

My very relaxed dogs are hanging at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and have just feasted on 1st Prize in Printmaking. I am very humbled - remembering what the competition was like last year. (havent seen this year's yet)

"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" Linocut on 'Bark' Paper

2007-03-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Naked Carrot - As I rarely do 'nudes' and my gallery is having an "In the Raw" exhibition, I have submitted a little wood engraving entitled "La Carotte Nue"

5cm x 5cm (2"x2")

I also had a go at hand colouring, here is the naked carrot in all her glory.

For my inspiration, check our Manet's Olympia

2007-03-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

Noisy Cloud

30" x 40" Mixed Media on Canvas

Process: 1.Had a marvelous time with inks, acrylics, water and acrylic medium on 300gsm hot pressed paper. Sprinkled urea onto wet areas for interesting effect.

2. Paper horribly buckled

3. Ripped up painting

4. Glued pieces of painting onto canvas, along with other collage papers such as ripped up woodcut prints.

5. More acrylic, medium & water

6. Developed image with acrylic using local landscape and photos of cockatoos as subject.

7. Yay, finished. Celebration. Onto next project.

2007-02-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

Another supine dog
"Sleeping Pup" Linocut.
Looking forward to a day in the shed when I can print some more dogs that I have quietly cut away over the last few weeks. And there is another small pack hidden in the uncut lino.
Then I shall put some of them together and print as one picture. Its good to have a plan isnt it? Hope life doesnt get 'busy' again...

Oh yeah, there's one of these babies on Ebay

2007-01-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

Doggone it

Must be on a 'doggy' theme at the moment since I finally finished my Baren Year of the Dog 2006 Print . Here he is in linocut:

Then I created this one: "Sleeping Dog"

and this week, a monotype: "Shaggy"

Planning more, as I cant imagine life without dogs. Even though my two are currently in disgrace for various misdemeanors.

2006-12-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

Thankyou to all who partipated in my cards poll. VERY interestoing to see other people's choices. To see results click here.

Finished a commission last night. Yay! in time for framing before Christmas too.

"Tina" 12"x 9", Watercolour, Ink & Pencil

2006-11-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

An Advent Event

The Ferry Artists invite you to a Mixed Media Exhibition

Opens Saturday 25 November 3.30pm
Join us for drinks & nibbles!
Exhibition continuing through to January 2007

The Ferry Artists Gallery
Old Northern Road
Wiseman’s Ferry
Ph: 02 4566 4385

Hours: 10am – 4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

(pictured: "Taking Flight" Silk by Barbara Schey)

2006-11-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

Very busy trying to avoid the fact that Christmas is around the corner. But now (which is a blessing) I have a commission to do in time for that unavoidable date. sigh. Better get cracking.
Heres a painting from the weekend. Trying my hand at 'plein air' work. Its rather fun, and a good discipline.

"sandstone native" oil on board, 9"x5"

2006-11-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

First monotypes! Thanks to the inspiration of artists like Belinda del Pesco I have finally had a wonderful afternoon of playing with monotypes.

"The Odd Couple"

1st state - wiped with cotton swab & toothpick

2nd state - coloured with pencil

2006-11-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

The Twelve Sent Out

Acrylic on Canvas, 30" x 40", an ambitious project for me, so much fruit & veg in a hot shed, so little time! An allegory based on Matthew 10:5-6.

2006-11-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

For anyone interested, I am holding my 2006 Cards Poll, click here. I need help to make up my mind which artworks will feature on my yearly set of notecards (6). If you like your opinions noted, I am listening!

Thankyou

2006-10-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

"Commended" for "White Faced Heron" Pastel on paper.

It's nice, isnt it; when you get a mention from a judged exhibition.

Made my week.

The Exhibition is in Parramatta until Friday. info click here.

2006-10-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

Collagraph - "Tony S"

Collagraph - Intaglio & Relief, printed with Etching Ink and coloured with watercolours.
Available on Auction

2006-10-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

Open Studio 2006
After much cleaning up and clearing out, I finally opened the door to all. A fabulous 4 days, brilliant weather (thanking God considering the week before there were local bushfires), lots of people - even those I didnt know! ;-) , I swanned around looking arty, even painted during the quiet times, nibbled on cheese & olives and talked my head off. Sold work too!My two dogs were exhausted and so was I, took a couple of days to recover. I think this is why I only have one a year!
For more pictures go to my website

2006-09-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Botanical Workshop with Patrick Mathew

A great day had by all that attended the wonderful workshop hosted by the Ferry Artist's Gallery & Wiseman's Ferry Retreat. Patrick Mathew, notable local botanist held us in thrall over the diversity of plant life in the area. We went for a walk after lunch, along the river and I saw the parkland trees in a totally new light!
Very inspiring and informative.

2006-09-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Steve Irwin, an amazing life

I am a bit shocked, I have just found out about celebrity Steve Irwin's fatal accident. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Thanks Steve, for brightening our lives.

2006-08-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

Passaro e tomate

Getting a bit concerned - my Open Studio is a month away - 'spose I better get Paint'n & Print'n! Here is a painting I am very pleased with - havent done a still life in ages and I got caught up with the juicy colours. Must do more....

2006-08-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

"Rebecca's Lamb"

another little hand painted linocut. For a very young lady named, you guessed it, Rebecca.

#20/20 is on Ebay

2006-07-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Callicoma serratifolia

Wood engraving 6.5 cm square. Sometimes known as "Black Wattle" it is a local tree, the leaves & twigs apparently being used in the 'wattle & daub' buildings of the early settlers.
ebay

2006-07-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Thought you'd like to see the painting that started me onto my cubistic head series. Originally was just playing around with an ATC (3.5" x 2.5" trading card) and thought it was good enough to put into a national miniature exhibition. Well it received a "Commended" and was sold! So I was encouraged to carry on!

There is a lot of detail that the picture has not shown, lots of layers and colours. Title: Alisonimo, Medium:Acrylic

2006-07-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Portrait of Queen Alexandra

Well, vaguely. Even more linear than the last 3, I used pastel as part of the inking up procedure. The plate (not pictured) is now a most beautiful shade of blue, I think I should frame it - although the letters are backwards.
Print on ebay

2006-07-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

"Minnie"

another collagraph - (well, if I'm going to get glue everywhere I may as well do a series). This one has some handcolouring with watercolour.
On ebay

2006-07-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

"Olivia"

Another collagraph to keep company with George.

On ebay

2006-07-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Meet "George".
A creation a la collagraph based on an old military photograph. Oil based ink on Rives BFK. Tiny edition of 3. I loved discovering the texture and had a wonderful time trying out different coloured inks and hand coloured a couple with watercolour. Available on ebay.

2006-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

"Sophie" has colour.
At night, when the rest of the family were lolling around in front of the telly I sat at my desk, labouriously hand colouring over 20 versions of this little scene. Mad I know, but I knew if I didnt do them all together, they would never get done. Played around with several colour schemes until I decided on this one.

2006-06-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

What am I doing this week? Here is young "Sophie", a linocut awaiting hand colouring - I think. I am very hesitant to add colour after being happy with the black and white design.

Also, have to print a woodengraving, working on two reduction linocuts for a couple of exchanges, my dog Jontyto be immortalised in lino, and a new baby in church warrants another print to be developed for "Rebecca". - to see other prints created for babes in my life go here

2006-05-23T23:43:00.000-07:00

Meet the new addition to the Devine Family.

Name: Jonty Rhodes

Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback X Australian Kelpie

Age: 9 weeks

I have a "Year of the Dog" Print in progress, but I think I will change my mind and use this handsome young man as my muse.

2006-05-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Wood Engraver: Engraving... Eventually

2006-04-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here is "Amelia" a hand coloured linocut I made to celebrate the birth of young Amelia Castle. Looking up the meaning of the name - it means hard working. A worthy virtue but how to portray it attractively?.

I have also joined the 'Etsy' club, I love this site!