Artist's week ending 16th March 2014

The week started very well - with a visit from a lovely couple who came to view some paintings in my studio. Visits are always welcome - it gives me a very good  incentive to clean up!

One class for the disabled - continuing the clay platters started last week, a delivery to Woollahra Art Removals, a visit to Breathing Colours Gallery to pick up work & The Art Scene for framing & supplies.

Stan Stevens Room, Deerubbin Centre, Windsor NSW

Friends of the Hawkesbury Art Community & Regional Gallery (FoHACrg) held their Acquisitive Exhibition over the weekend in Windsor. Some very nice pieces there, (including 3 of mine!). I am please to say my friend and mentor Judy Brownlie's work won the prize and the acquisition.






2 paintings worked on this week, and I drew up a couple of linos ready for cutting. - These are going to be more in my wood engraving style, so I hope my eyes and hand are ready for the challenge!

The weekend was an indulgence. A clay sculpting workshop with Alan Somerville. Everyone worked on their own project so it was great to watch a  hare, horse, rabbits, cats, figures & torsos emerge from coils of clay. I finished a bust I designed my name in mind (Melissa means "honeybee"). I hope she is made well enough to survive the kiln in a few weeks time!

Lady with Beehive

Next week is the opening of the Port Stephens Art Prize, and "Art in the Hills" at Oakhill College, Castle Hill.

Artist week ending March 9 2014

Spent the Monday driving back from Queensland so the rest of my week has sort of been a 'catch up' after the holiday. Lots of paperwork to do, not to mention household chores - which I valiantly ignored as much as possible.

Thursday was well spent teaching a clay workshop with lovely people from Flintwood. We embossed &
 made marks on slabs then cut them into tiles for a future project. I have inherited this project from a previous teacher, and it is a bit of a challenge to take on someone elses vision. But one that I look forward to nevertheless.

"Cockatoo"

Next week will be a show run by the Friends of the Hawkesbury Art Collection. Called "Acquisitive", it is held at the Stan Stevens Studio at the Deerrubbin Centre, Windsor. 14 - 16 March I will have 3 works there.

I am also looking forward to a weekend clay sculpting workshop tutored by Alan Somerville, amazing artist and sculptor.

WORK IN PROGRESS 

Anyway, the new week has well and truly started, so I will leave this post with a piece I am still in the process of painting.

Artists Week ending 3rd March 2014

Stanthorpe Regional Gallery

"Sanctuary", my entry at the Art Prize

It was a holiday week this week! I had the opportunity to meet my husband in Brisbane and travel to Stanthorpe for the Opening of the Stanthorpe Arts Festival - the forerunner of the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival.




What a great opening, lots of beautiful entries from many different disciplines - painting, printmaking, crochet, photography, textiles, metal fabrication. Congratulations to all involved.

"Plan B" by Donna Davis

I enjoyed my visit to Stanthorpe very much. We stayed at Girraween Environmental Lodge at Ballandean - lots of lovely bush walks full of my favourite painting subjects - trees, rocks, birds. Visited artisans of other forms - cheese, wine, soap, wood.

I may be taking part in painting & drawing workshops held at the Lodge later in the year, feel free to let me know if you are interested and I will put you on my mailing list.

Before I headed inland, I visited 19 Karen Contemporary Art Space at the Gold Coast to swap some paintings over. I had a preview of their current set of solo shows that opened on Saturday - Auguste Blackman, Hugh Ford, Liesa Russell & Ray Paul. View images here

I am looking forward the their next show - Tribute to MJ's Best Film Clips, opening 2nd May at Sofitel Broadbeach. Here is a preview of one of my paintings that I finished this week for the show

"Stop Doggin Me Around" Acrylic on Canvas, 92cm sq

The Stanthorpe Art Festival can be seen at the Regional Gallery until April 13th.

Another show I have work this coming week  is at the Royal Art Society Autumn Exhibition, 7 March - 27 April

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.

Artists Diary 26 January 2014

First of all, Happy Australia Day! Its been a huge week, husband home from overseas, daughter having wisdom teeth out and Ive had a birthday, which has seemed to have lasted all week, which has been lovely.

SYDNEY FESTIVAL

Sydney has been in arty party mode with the Sydney Festival. I stayed in town early in the week and admired the bouncy castle sculpture "Sacrilege", by Turner prize winning artist Jeremy Deller. No, I didnt indulge - I had meant to go the next morning, but it was temporarily deflated for repairs.

"Sacrilege" aptly installed in front of  St,Marys Cathedral

We visited the Spiegeltent and saw the show "Limbo" which was fantastic. "Dirty and Dangerous Circus Caberet" is the promoter's line. I have not visited the Sydney Festival before, and now I plan to get in early next year and book several tickets, and visit more venues.

GALLERY VISIT

We visited the Art Gallery of NSW to see the show "America" A survey of American painting. I liked it so much I bought the book! There are several American artists that I am not familiar with and I look forward to researching them online and maybe get to buy more books!

MOVIES

Went with the family to see "The Book Thief"  It was beautiful. I had read the book last year and the movie did not disappoint in any way. Definately several tissues worth of tears involved, I needed a quiet moment in the ladies loo afterwards to compose myself.


BIRTHDAY LUNCH

I didnt plan to review food (even though I find it a valid art form) on this blog, but I have to mention my visit to Lochiel House on Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Heights. The Tasting Plate (about 5 courses) was a delight for the eyes and the tastebuds. I will go again.

ARTISTS ONLINE

Had a discussion with a gallery owner this week. Some interesting points were brought up regarding professional artists and their image online.
Basically it was suggested that online galleries and private online selling take the business away from ''bricks and mortar'' galleries and they are not good for the artist in the long run as they tend to be plastered all over the search engines in a non professional manner.
Personally I would much rather sell via a ''real'' gallery as there is a relationship between artist, gallery and buyer/collector; but this is not helpful for artists who do not have access to a good gallery.
What are your thoughts?
Is it possible to have too much exposure online and if it is of the wrong type, will it reflect badly on the professional image the artist is trying to build up?

Did I Actually Do Any Work This Week?

Not really, but Ive had a great week. Here is a taste of one of the Hillside series Ive been working on, and a pastel portrait created this week. Cheers.

Artists Diary 19 January 2014

It certainly is hard getting back into the swing of things, the year is powering ahead and I don't think I have caught up yet.

I have had some happy news - one of my paintings has been accepted into the Stanthorpe Art Prize, stay tuned for more news about that I hope.

Went to the movies to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Being a Tolkein tragic since I was 11, I must thank Peter Jackson for making January movie releases an event to look forward to with yet another movie. I enjoyed it very much, and the additional storylines did not detract at all

I managed to finish one painting this week ("My Heart Rejoices", acrylic, 12" x 12"), and I worked on 3 other works.

 

One Postcard this week

 

"Pandanus Postcard"
Available from ArtFido.com.au

 

Coming up next week will be The 24th Art of Sydney Awards at the Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour. 24 - 27 January. Come and see if you can find my 4 paintings amongst the many and varied wonderful works.
 

Artists Diary

Dont know how long this New Year's plan will last, but here is the first week of art in 2014. Happy New Year!

Attended a meeting for the Hawkesbury Printmakers Inc - looking forward to our annual (2nd) show early in February. For details see our Facebook site

Watched "The Railway Man" at the cinema. A beautiful story of love, forgiveness, redemption. But be warned, it does have some very violent scenes (Japanese POW), a couple of people walked out.

I finished 2 paintings (on left - "Looking for Mistletoe & "Brush Turkey"), and started 2 more

I also painted a couple of 'postcards' - another New Years plan to do something creative when I am not painting larger works.

They are on temporarily for sale at Art Fido if you are interested.

Postcard from The Gold Coast I

Postcard from The Gold Coast II

So, thats my week art-wise, I still have yet to take down my Christmas decorations, but the easel is set up and the palettes are dirty - what a great way to start the year!

Remembering Spring

While half the world is freezing and the other half (mine) is sweltering, I had thoughts of cool sunny days in the spring garden at my mother's in Kurrajong, far west Sydney.

Here is the painting finished today.

"Kurrajong Spring" Acrylic on Canvas 30"/76cm sq

If you would like to see more of the work I have completed this year go to my 2013 Poll page, it would be great if you could vote for your favourites too.

Hope this time of year brings you happiness.

Summer Flowers and a busy bee

Happy early Summer! Here is a little impression of Portulaca, a painting 14"x 12"

I have had a busy couple of weeks, finishing and delivering work to Grenfell Gallery which is in Western NSW, a lovely town to visit.

Also, delivered my painting to the Hornsby Art Prize, which opens this weekend. And The Eutick Memorial Still Life Award opens next week in Coffs Harbour where I am very pleased to be a finalist also.

(Finalist also at Hawkesbury Art Prize - Purple Noon Gallery)

Somewhere in my immediate schedule I need to finish work for Ferry Artists Circus Exhibition, and an impromptu mini show at Breathing Colours Gallery.

And I thought I was going to give myself a rest!

Gold Coast - Balmain - Grenfell

My solo show "Sanctuary" opened at 19 Karen Contemporary Art Space on the Gold Coast last week.

"Bush Garden" Acrylic on Canvas, 76cm x 76cm

 For some photos, visit 19 Karen's Facebook Page.
For more details on the exhibition and to see what works are still available - click here

I finished a new painting the other day - this one is going to the Balmain Art & Craft Fair, which is on the first week of November.

"Happiness Must Be Grown" Acrylic on Canvas 46cm x 46cm

Also in November is the opening of "Woman to Woman ..to Woman" A group show featuring myself, and established artists Julie Simmons & Marcia Rea
We are all taking our paintings inland NSW and will be at Grenfell Art Gallery

Painting 28 August 2013

Madly into exhibition painting at the moment, I have a lot of canvasses in various stages of completion. I like to work on several canvasses at once - some I finish quicker that others and I can never predict which one. Maybe the paintings themselves choose.....

Here is a small painting - acrylic on canvas, 18" x 18" (46cm square)

"Things Which Are Before"

A Landscape and an Artist's Trail

In my frantic life I have managed to finish a little landscape today, as yet unamed. There is a beautiful shrub flowering in the bush at the moment, when the sun hits it, it is a blaze of purple pink glory.

Acrylic on Canvas, 14"x18"

Next week with the annual Hawkesbury Artists & Artisans Trail I will be a guest artist at Purple Noon Gallery, Freemans Reach. All details can be found on the website www.haat.com.au

3 New Paintings on Plywood

The inlaws have a new business (Kookaburra Ply) and I asked for some samples thinking I may be able to paint on the panels.

After sanding one side of the board (Formply has a smooth waterproof surface as it is used in concreting), I then primed, sanded and primed again.

 I thought I would paint as I normally would with a canvas using acrylic paint and bristle brushes. I had painted on board a long time ago, and it did take a while to get used to the way the paint went on. I think oils would have been a better choice, because I could have got a beautiful blend of paint on the smooth surface - it would have changed my painting style considerably!

Here are the finished pieces, already varnished and off to be framed and exhibited at Purple Noon Gallery.

Telopea

Well Into Spring

Eucalyptus

Wood engraving by Eric Gill

Thought I would post the occasional work that inspires me.

Here is Anointing, a wood engraving by British artist Eric Gill - Wikipedia article

Not sure of Mr Gill's personal religious views - especially after seeing some of his other works, but this depiction of the woman anointing Jesus with the expensive oil from her alabaster jar, with the indignant disciples looking on is a great pictorial reminder of the sermon I heard the other day.

_____________________________________

Exhibitions I am involved in this week:

Currently on

"Yesterday, Today"  ASMA Miniature Exhibition at The Mint, Sydney
"From the Stockroom" Group show at Breathing Colours Gallery, Balmain, Sydney
Royal Art Society exhibition at the Lavender Bay Gallery, Sydney

Opening this week

 "The Art of Cirque de Soleil" with 19Karen Gallery & Sofitel Gold Coast opens this Friday 31 May
"Figuratively Speaking" opens at The Ferry Artists Gallery, Wisemans Ferry, Saturday 1 June



Macquarie Towns Arts Society Exhibition this weekend.

When I moved to the Hawkesbury region in 2001 one of the first things I did was find the local Art Society. It has been a great support to me, both in friends, information, and opportunities to show my work.
This weekend MTAS are holding their annual Autumn exhibition in Richmond NSW.
For further details their blog is HERE

Gold Coast Group Show opens 31 May

I have a few shows coming up in May/June. This one is in conjunction with 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace & The Sofitel, Gold Coast.

The invite details for opening night are as follows:

Please join us for the opening of our group show, The Art of Cirque du Soleil  , hosted by The Sofitel Gold Coast, on Friday 31 May, 6-8pm.   This exhibition will showcase the works of 22 artists - Amanda Shelsher, Anne Smerdon, Beck Wheeler, Carmel Debreuil, Carole King, Clare Toms, David Green, Elisa Pettenon, Jacqui Doran, Jason Brynat, Jennifer Murray, Johnny Romeo, Juliet Foxtrot, Mark Warren, Melissa Hartley, Mellissa Read-Devine, Michaela Kloeckner, Midge Johansen, Rhonda Goodall-Kirk, Richard Denny, Sarah Beetson and Sonya G Peters.   MC for the evening; Kylie Mitchell-Smith of Mitchell Media   Featuring performers from CircaNICA, Inspiring Contemporary Circus   To be part of this exciting evening- RSVP (essential for catering purposes by the Sofitel) by 24 May Email; info@19karen.com.au or phone; 07 55545 019   Click here to view the on-line gallery     For other exhibitions & shows please see my website: http://depicture.homestead.com/exhibition.html

A successful exhibition and an amazing week

Brought home the remaining paintings from the show yesterday. Left 5 in the gallery for a future stockroom show.

Very happy with the show. It looked fabulous, the gallery staff were lovely and enthusiastic. LOTS of visitors off the street. I ended up selling a third of the exhibited works, so economically it was a success also.

For those who would like to see the works, they are online HERE

"Through the Branches Swiftly"
 

And as an extra  God given reward to several months of hard work, I also was fortunate to win:
1st prize for miniatures at Hawkesbury Agricultural Show
as well as Highly Commended for printmaking
1st prize for Contemporary work at Port Stephens Art Show
1st prize for Portraits at Drummoyne Art Show.

Now I just have to start working again for the next shows.... easier said than done.

 

Happy Artist

It doesnt take much to cheer up a depressed artist. Say meaningful nice things about their work. Visit their exhibitions. RED DOTS ON THE WALLS.


Opening night at Breathing Colours Gallery was lovely. I was running late due to traffic, so that did not help the anxiety, but once I got there and was honoured to have so many visitors - both people I knew and others I didnt. I finally began to enjoy myself.

Ended up having dinner with family and friends, and eventually got myself home exhausted, but serene. Actually I'm still exhausted 4 days later.

Didnt have a chance to take photos on the night so here are a couple from the day before and today.

My wonderful daughters in front of "Through the Trees Swiftly"

Myself in front of the gallery window and "5 Choughs"

In case you would like to know - I have currently sold 5 paintings, with interested parties negotiating for more. Exhibition ends on Sunday 21st April. (Closed Monday, open Tuesday - Sunday).

The work is done, now the anxious wait

I delivered my 25 paintings to Breathing Colours today. BC is a little gallery on Darling Street between Rozelle & Balmain. It has the most wonderful jewellry pieces and quirky objects, as a well as a very nice exhibition space that is available to artists whose applications are accepted.

My exhibition will be hung on Monday and open to the public on Tuesday 9th April. Opening is on Wednesday night. Thats the anxious moment, when you wonder if a. will anyone turn up, and b. will anyone actually buy anything. All artists would tell you that the worst thing that can happen besides not selling anything, is that noone will turn up. ah, the angst is setting in already. I'll let you know.

Later into the exhibition I will post a link to an online gallery of the show.

 

January Sale

I have put on heaps of prints on Ebay this month. Trying to make some room for up coming works.

I dont usually put so much on the auction site like this, so it will not be a common occurrence. Some works have a very low starting price. All $5 - $10.

Next week is my birthday sale of paintings so stay tuned!

 Link to Ebay site is HERE