In The Deep End

Elisabeth Cummings and John Peart at the S H Erwin gallery, Harriet Goodall at Glenmore

2012-02-11T00:39:00.001+11:00

Pilbara, Elisabeth Cummings

Last Sunday, at the S H Erwin Gallery there was a 'meet the artist' with Elisabeth Cummings (see previous post) and John Peart. Both of which live and work at Wedderbern, NSW. It was really interesting to hear what they have to say about their artworks. I thought it was a good idea but I would find it quite daunting to talk to a large crowd asking questions about my art. Do we really know where the art we are making is coming from. Elisabeth Cummings how she will spend a lot of time in a landscape soaking up the colours, light and form and will paint a great deal of her paintings from memory. She said "each painting is a process of adding and eliminating. You start off with a rush, putting lots on the canvas, then you have to spend the rest of the time working with it. It is like a piece of jazz music, you are not sure which direction it is going to go, it has it's own life". When asked the question 'how do you know when a painting is finished?', Cummings said, "you just keep on working on it until you've worked it so much, you've really had enough and it's finished". John Peart answered the same question with "if a paintings around, it's fair game", meaning he would keep working on anything that's still around!

Hot iron , John Peart

In an interview in 2007, where Harry Shields interviews John Peart, he was asked the question, "your vision seems to be about vision itself, the visual experience, the way we see and how we interpret what we see? Peart replied "Well I guess I was influenced by that way of thinking, that modernist concept of reducing art to its essentials, but of course it is also about the act of painting. Sometimes it is hard to see what you are doing while you are doing it. While you are involved in the process....it tends to be more subjective, active and subjective, but of course when you get some distance from it, you tend to be more objective, not absolutely, but more objective and reflective. Sometimes you feel like you are seeing it in a new way, so there is always the possiblity of seeing it differently".

Pour favour, 2009 John Peart

John Peart works with various mediums, including collage and ripped paper. His work is abstract and colour is important too. He has worked prolifically and experimented with many different ideas. It is always interesting to follow his work and he is one of the leading abstract artists in Australia.

Tiru 23, John Peart 2011

Pink and green movement, John Peart 2011

These two works from his showin 2011 give an example of where his is now and how his work has kept progressing over the years. It is exciting to see where he will lead us next.

Mantra 23, John Peart 2011

Whilst on the subject of exciting artists and exhibitions, Juliet Holmes a Court has a new exhibition opening on 15th February 2012 at the Australian Galleries, Glenmore road.

Storm carrying spring blossoms, Juliet Holmes a Court 2011

The exhibition is called 'Icarus storm' and will be very interesting to see these paintings of Juliet Holmes a Court. Her work is dynamic and exciting, they have strong composition and use of light. Previously, in August 2011 I have written on her work and will post more after the opening next week. Holmes a Court's paintings are highly she is an important Australian painter to follow.

Still Life, Elisabeth Cummings 2011

It is still amazing how ordinary everyday objects can make interesting subjects to paint. yet I have yet to be able to paint an interesting picture of such objects. Unlike these two artists who have made unusual interpretations of jugs and other objects.

The monotypes of 'Still Life's' by Elisabeth Cummings are interesting and different to her landscapes. They make a good comparison to Giorgio Morandi's still life's.

Still Life, Giorgio Morandi

George Morandi painted many still life's, he has his distinctive style with his subdued use of colour. The colours are all similar with subtle variations and an overall effect of grey. There is something so appealing about the simplicity of his work, the colours and the arrangement of the objects. I feel peaceful looking at his paintings, with a sense of times gone by and stillness.

On Friday 2nd March, Harriet Goddal is running a basket weaving course at Glenmore, www.glenmorehouse.com.au/Home.htm , an hour outside Sydney. Glenmore house runs gardening, cooking and specialist courses all through the year. The courses are interesting and well worth a trip into the country from Sydney, especially as it is so close. Harriet Goodall's baskets are beautitul works of art. full of exciting treasures. It would be a a fulfilling and rewarding day and you go home with something you've made yourself. It is always rejuvinating to visit Genmore house, as it is a stunning location and you can see Mickey's vegetable gardens and get inspired to do other courses.

E. camaldulensis 2009 red gum woodjohn Peart

I also noticed another wonderful painting by John Peart. Making an abstract solution to the Red gum twigs. It brings you back to nature and mother earth and how soothing it is.

Waste not, Song Dong

On a different note, this interactive artwork 'waste not' by Song Dong is a wake up call as to the unnecessary clutter we have in our lives.

As I was walking in the park a few days ago, I photographed this magnolia blossom and have begun a small picture to remind me of it.

Elisabeth Cummings, Paddy Bedford and murals

2011-11-28T00:33:00.001+11:00

Elisabeth Cummings, Luminous', a retrospective at the S H Irvine Gallery (Feb 2012) and
Elisabeth Cummings monotypes at the King Street Gallery Feb 2012.

Currently at the S H Erwin Gallery there is a retrospective exhibiton of Elisabeth Cummings works, named 'Luminous'.

Landscape, Elisabeth Cummings

It covers works from the last 30 years of her life. It is quoted Cummings 'sold more of her landscapes after the age of 50, than ever before'. She is a quiet achiever and relatively unknown in comparison to many of her contemporaries. Cummings has won various major prizes during her life including the Portia Geach Prize in 1972 for portraiture and the Fleurier prize for landscapes and still life in 2000.

The music room, Elisabeth Cummings 1996

In 1996 she won the Mosman Art prize for her painting 'The music room'. In the last 10 years she hasn't entered any art competitions preferring just to get on with the business of painting

Arkaroola landscape, by Elisabeth Cummings

Her landscape Arkaroola landscape was acquired by the Art Gallery of NSW in 2005, which is always a great achievement for an artist. Cummings work is well described with the following quote "calmly restates the imperishable value of a fundamental visual intelligence".

Cummings lives and works at Wedderbern, halfway between Camden and Woollongong. The landscape is very rugged there and a constant source of inspiration. She also loves camping and paints where she sets up her tent. Long before it was fashionable she would go to the Pilbara, Lake Mungo and the Flinders Rangers in South Australia.

She won the Art Gallery NSW traveling scholarship and lived and worked in Florence for 10 years. Returning to Sydney she lived in Glebe, but was later offered to work on the property of fellow painter Babarah Romalis. Romalis and painter husband Nick wanted to dedicate 10 acres of their land to artists and Roy Jackson, John Peart, the late Joan Brassil all lived there and worked side by side.

The Blue Jug, Elisabeth Cummings

Also, running until 12th February Elisabeth Cummings has an exhibition of monotypes at the King Street Gallery until 12th February. Giving people the opportunity to buy some of Elisabeth Cumming's work. These monotypes are interesting and require time to muse and mull over. Her work has an endearing quality and the more time you spend viewing it, the more enjoyable it is.

, Paddy Bedford

Whilst browsing in the library I discovered a book which is an 'essay' written by Mikil Dolk, about Aboriginal artist Paddy Bedford. I learnt that Bedford did not start painting until later in life and has a real affiliation with the land, telling stories within his paintings of various events. He survived many harrowing experiences, including the killings that took place on Bedford Downs, he was evicted from his home at the time, roaming around and being described as the 'poorest of the poor'. Then, his children were taken from him and sent to a 'children's camp', where Aboriginal children were brought up to 'fit in' with Western society. The Aboriginal children were treated with cruelty and lived in terrible conditions.

Heart of Darkness, Paddy Bedford

Bedford's work makes reference to the massacre as this was such a significant moment., as did many artists. Below is 'Two women looking at the Bedford Downs Massacre burning place', his work is very contemporary and full of energy.

Two women looking at the Bedford Downs Massacre burning place, Paddy Bedford

Mikil Dolk wrote many interesting descriptions about Paddy Bedford..."Physically frail, yet resilient like the white cockatoo of his Dreaming, the artist has much to live for. With an ethereal presence, he appears to be both here and elsewhere. His reserve exudes authority while his smile and gentle manner embrace the company of friends. Much of his time is spent in reverie, watching the sun or moon passing over Kelly's Knob.......intensely observant and softly spoken, Paddy is a man of few words." Dolk continues on with a very apt description of his works.
"While the instantaneous presence of each of his works packs an unmistakable punch, the language that unfolds from frame to frame is richly evocative and rarely fails to surprise. The improvisational qualities of his work reveal the versatility of a subtle trickster, and a sense of humour which otherwise appears in the convivial presence of company, in jokes or the gestural play of gags. These elusive shifts of meed resonate throughout the rhythmic variation of contrasts in his painting. Composed with an austere economy of means, each work yields unexpected paradoxes and dramatic illusions of depth. For the artist, painting now delimits a space of solitude, animated by the company of memories and the imagined gaze, if not presence, of the viewer. While Paddy's complete absorption in the painting process is palpable, he may also appear casually indifferent to the results, as if the performance of painting is an end in itself".

Sketch for a Tuscan mural

I was lucky enough to stay in Florence for 3 nights and was inspired by these murals from 'Demoliart'.

Tuscan mural

Below are a few paintings I am working on, art is always a work in progress and these still have a long way to go.

winter tree

Twighlight over the Harbour

Sibella Court at Glenmore House, Billy Showell, Woollahra Sculpture Prize 2011 and Sculptures by the sea, 2011

2011-11-09T14:17:00.000+11:00

Sibella Court at Glenmore House, 27th November 2011

Sibella Court at Glenmore House, Camden

Sibella Court, renowned International stylist held a workshop at Glenmore House, Camden last Saturday. Court spent 7 years living and working in New York and returned to Sydney and opened her ecclectic shop The Society Inc in Paddington. She is currently writing her 4th book and spent the day fossicking around Mickey Robertson's garden at Glenmore and created this fabulous set, styled by Sibella Court and photographed by Chris Court (as above).

The Society Inc, Paddington. Sibella Court, Sydney

Once you visit Society Inc, you will want to spend a lot of time discovering the many items in the store. "Sibella's style is eclectic, bohemian, feminine and quirky. She's not one to shy away from bold, clashing colours, striking patterns and textures, or different cultural references. Her work has a sense of 'realness' rather than sterile, flawless beauty...each image seems to strike a careful balance between new trends and well-loved vintage style-bringing a sense of history to the work. The result is an engaging portfolio that tells something of Sibella's own colourful story."

All I want to do is emulate her style when I read this description, which is what the day at Glenmore House is all about. It is no surprise that this popular workshop sold out a few weeks ago, it is planned there will be other such days next year. It is so exciting to see how a collection of garden items can be arranged to create such an inspirational photograph, evoking a romantic feeling of days gone by, with a contemporary touch.

Glenmore

Glenmore House is set in the countryside, 1 hours drive from Sydney. There are numerous courses in kitchen gardening, seasonal cooking, specialist days (as with Sibella Court), open gardens. For further information visit the website www.glenmorehouse.com.au/

Mickey Robertson began her vegetable garden at Glenmore House many years ago and has been offering a year round course (once a month) in vegetable gardening for the last couple of years with Linda Ross. They work as a team teaching the vegetable gardening techniques. There are also day courses in seasonal cooking, (you use 'in-season' produce from the garden, and make a variety of dishes). All of the ingredients that are used (in addition to the ones from the garden) are the best quality organic. On both of these days you are served a delicious lunch in the Loggia (cooking days you eat what you've prepared).

The whole experience is a delight from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave - it's very hard leaving such an idyllic place.

So keep checking the website for details of vegetable gardening, seasonal cooking and various interesting days with specialists in many fields coming down to talk about their work or offer a day to

learn a new skill. /www.glenmorehouse.com.au/

Plums with Indian cloth, Cressida Campbell

Cressida Campbell's wood prints are some of my favourite artworks. Her subtle use of design and composition makes these pictures interesting and every time you look there is more detail to enjoy. Colour is very important to her works and the placing of the primary colours from the Indian cloth in the background of plums (as above), is striking and very effective.

Persimmon, Cressida Campbell

Campbell's attention to design and detail is unique and although many artists use printmaking as a means to produce many editions of each picture, Campbell's wood block prints are a one-off. She says of her work,"the subtelties of design and pattern are the most important element to a picture".

White Waratah, Cressida Campbell

Each print is painstakingly made and the process is described here : 'Campbell begins with a sheet of plywood on which a design is carefully drawn. "If the drawing is wrong, then everything goes wrong", she says........Next, she carves out each line with a small engraving tool, and uses small brushes to apply watercolours to the seperate segments. After several coats of paint, she freshens up the image with a spray of water and takes a single impression. The end result is one coloured block and one coloured print-it's mirror'.

Balls Head, Cressida Campbell

Campbell has spent years perfecting this method and has carved her own unique style in the art world. There was some discussion saying the actual woodblock cannot be described as a piece of art, but the beauty of the wood and it's effectiveness over ruled that discussion.

Interior with black lacquer chair, Cressida Campbell

Campbell's subject matter is varied, she paints interiors, still life's, flowers and paintings of Sydney Harbour. All of these use her intricate style and she can make a few ordinary everyday objects appear interesting. Each work is so time consumming and intense, she decided to produce a book of her artwork. This book is a work of art in itself, it is beautifully presented and almost immediatley sold out on the first print run.

The Store, Berry NSW

Lisa Madigan has a lifestyle store in Berry NSW, with an eclectic mix of treasures and home decorating things to buy. She sells products such as eco friendly stationary, sustainable kids toys and 'green' Queen B candles. She moved to Berry and opened the store, enjoying the relaxed lifestyle there. Madigan is an artist who has been painting and exhibiting for many years.

Lisa Madigan

She incorporates her art into the interior and exhibits at the shop. She has an on-line site, showing and selling her linen and oil paintings, which are described as being 'organic', in the sense that the works become part of the home rather than being hosted by it.

Madigan entered a painting in the Archibald Exhibition this year and was hung. "It's a great honour to have your work hung at the Archibald, as there are at least 800 entries each year".

Peter Gilmore, Artistry and Alchemy, Lisa Magian

Vegetables, Billy Showell

The artist Billy Showell's fruit, vegetable and flower paintings are lively and full of life. She has a great sense of composition which is a reflection of her training as a fashion designer. She felt the fashion world was not for her and as soon as she discovered the world of Botanical Art never looked back. She has published many books including Fruit and Vegetable Portraits.

The book as well as showing her beautiful paintings, shows a step-by-step guide on how to paint various vegetables and fruits. Her use of colour and composition. It's very inspirational and makes you feel like painting straight away. Her love of painting vegetables is summed up in this quote;

"I know they are rather comical, but vegetables have such colour and character and you can play around with the composition a little bit more," said Billy, whose step-by-step guide includes sumptuous examples of her own finely-balanced finished pictures.

"There is something primeval about it, maybe the same thing that people feel about allotments, knowing that when I've finished painting a cabbage, I'll eat it."

Working in watercolor, Billy, who also teaches botanical painting, has used a simple palette of six prime colours to create a huge variety of hues and textures which, she insists, are accessible to beginners.

She said: "People assume they have to be very advanced to do this, but you can train your brain to observe and your hand to draw. My problem is that I can't switch off – if I see a beautiful sunset, I find I'm analyzing how to make the colours!".

Peony Roses and Agapantha, Billy Showell

Showell's flower paintings are stunning and her book on this is a must too.

Showell's sense of design and colour is strong, giving her work a contemporary edge, adding life to and excitement to her flower paintings.

Woollahara Small Sculpture prize, 2011

Last month was the Woollahara Small Sculpture Prize, held every year since 2003.

Pas de deux, Margaret Seymour

This year's winner is Pas de deux, by Margaret Seymour. It is an interactive sculpture featuring a video screen mounted on industrial castors. It can be manoeuvred around the room and invites the audience to take part in a dancing experience. The video shows feet doing dance steps, when moving the sculpture around, it is as if you are dancing with it. 'Pas De Deux' is the ballet term, a dance for two.

Margaret Seymour quotes "the phrase 'Pas de deux' reflects the give and take of our daily interactions with others.....what you are also aware of is that you may be changing your movements and responding to it".

Battery Hens, Jason Christopher

Jason Christopher's sculpture's incorporate his use of technology and industrial design. He is exploring the process of our food chain and battery hens in this sculpture and he quoted "Battery Hens juxtaposes food production technology and the natural world. As new technologies propel us further into the future we have to find ways to adapt and evolve at a much faster rate than natural evolutionary change permits. The evolution of the species can never keep pace with technology." Jason's work looks towards the future advancements in a humorous way, as starkly contrasted by the often brutal reality of our current automated food industry

Lenore, Julia DeVille 2011

This year's people's choice is Lenore, by Julia DeVille. This sculpture of a still born deer is tender and peaceful. It could be a little disturbing but DeVille points out that she only uses animals that have died of natural causes, saying the use of taxidermy in her work is a 'celebration of life'. She quotes about her work, "The title of my sculpture comes from the poem The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. The Raven follows an unnamed narrator who sits reading 'forgottenlore' as a method to forget the loss of his love, Lenore. The work is also referening a line from the poem Night's Plutonian Shore, which is Hades or the Undreworld and found that these were often animals. The reins symbolise the deer being a means of transport into Hades.

Hare, Julia DeVille

DeVille was voted for the people's choice last year in 2010 too, for the above sculpture. She describes her methods of work "I work predominantly in traditional gold and silversmith techniques, combined with taxidermy"' she explains, "I use these materials as a memento mori, or reminder of mortality, because I think it is important to identify with the concept that we are in fact mortal. I consider my taxidermy to be....a preservation of something beautiful'.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2011

Paradiegma Metaphysic, Paul Selwood

This year's winner of the 15th Sculpture by the sea is Paul Selwood with Paradiegma Metaphysic. The sculpture is an abstract steel construction and is peaceful and blends in with it's surroundings, therefore is almost missed as you walk around it. The strength of this sculpture is just that, it has a subtle presence, especially when surrounded by many sculptures which are crying for attention.

Paul Selwood quoted his "love for the architecture of the Sydney Opera House, which he watched being built as a young art student, inspired him to take up sculpture".

Byeong Doo Moon, I have been dreaming to be a tree

Spindrift, Bronwyn Bermann

Belinda Villani, The Predators in the park (detail). Woven from sticks

These are just a few of the many sculptures exhibited and I will talk about them and the artists further at a later date.

It is as much fun sorting the beads as it is to make a necklace, Xanga Connelley

I was excited to see my photo has been posted on /thingsorganizedneatly.tumblr.com/, 1st December, 2011

Tom's Sunday juice!

Shells, Things Organized Neatly, Oct 2011

Sometimes I post a recipe if I want to remind myself of it. Over the years we have made many cup cakes, triple chocolate brownies, muffins etc. in our house, but it's time to have a go at healthy snacks and one's that give you the extra burst of energy to get through the afternoon!

Table Tonic Power Balls

Table Tonic Sunday Night Power Balls

(makes around 20 balls)

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1/2 cup walnuts

250g pitted medjool dates (the fresh, wrinkly ones)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup shredded coconut

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Pinch of sea salt

1. Place all ingredients (except chia seeds and dates) in a food processor and blend on high until finely ground. 2. Add the dates one at a time through the feed tube of the food processor while it is running. What you should end up with is a mix that appears rather like cake crumbs, but that when pressed, will easily stick together (if the mixture does not hold together well, add more dates). 3. In a large bowl, combine the mix with the chia seeds. Roll into small golf balls - or you may prefer to press the mixture into a tray lined with baking paper (place in the fridge to set, then tip out and slice into squares/bars and freeze). 4. Store in an airtight container (ie tupperware or glass jar) in the freezer and eat them straight from the freezer - they'll be lovely and firm, but not rock hard as the good oils in the nuts and seeds won't freeze! Makes around 20

The Raw Brownie
Ingredients:
2 cups whole walnuts
2 ½ cups Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup raw cacao
1 cup raw unsalted almonds, roughly chopped
¼ tsp. sea salt

Directions:
1. Place walnuts in food processor and blend on high until the nuts are finely ground.
2. Add the cacao and salt. Pulse to combine.
3. Add the dates one at a time through the feed tube of the food processor while it is running. What you should end up with is a mix that appears rather like cake crumbs, but that when pressed, will easily stick together (if the mixture does not hold together well, add more dates).
4. In a large bowl (or the pan you plan on putting the brownies in), combine the walnut-cacao mix with the chopped almonds. Press into a lined cake pan or mold. Place in freezer of fridge until ready to serve (it is also easier to cut these when they are cold). Store in an airtight container.

www.glenmorehouse.com.au/

Robyn Stacey, Scott sisters, Grandiflora, Anna-Maryke Grey and Andy Goldsworthy

2011-10-29T02:13:00.004+11:00

Robyn Stacey 2009, Newcastle Regional Gallery

Currently on at the Museum of Sydney is an exhibition of still life photography by Robyn Stacey, which has been published as a book called 'House'. She has taken objects from Elizabeth Bay House, Vaucluse House, Rouse Hill House and Farm and turned them into these imaginative and luxurious still life photographs. The objects from the Historic House Trust's collection have rarely been seen before and Stacey brings them to life with a great deal of imagination.

Still life, Robyn Stacey

As quoted from The Stills Gallery, Paddington, "Robyn Stacey brilliantly uses computer-constructed photographs to give us her view-by digital proxy-of what colonial Australian's might have seen once they entered a room, sat down to eat, or simply contemplated a beautifully imagined still-life suggesting a scene from the 19th century. Stacey's images give sight to memory, substance to the half-remembered and always with the razor sharp definition of digital imaging."
These photograph's are an insight (using a great imagination) into what life could have been like in the times before us. The exhibition runs until 5th November, of this year at the Museum of Sydney.

Passion flower and butterflies, Scott sisters

These beautiful illustrations by two sister's Harriet (Hattie) and Helena (Nellie) Scott are at the Museum of Sydney. I am currently doing a painting course on botanical paintings, so this is a must to see. There are 60 watercolour's painted in such detail as above. They are beautifully executed with such detail. Including the exquisite butterfly's. Clare Stack, our teacher says "Botanical paintings and drawings began as a way to document species of plants and flowers, therefore it is important to get exact measurements and colours". Many influencial and wonderful painters of today are more decorative than precise, hence the difference between Botanical painters and 'Flower' painters.

Tim Maguire

There are many artists who paint flowers beautifully, Tim Macguire's paintings are a testimony to that, his paintings are amazing and on such a large scale. I have talked about his art on other posts, and I remain a huge fan of his and am so inspired by his works.art

Rose, Tim Maguire

I have also mentioned Elisabeth Kruger previously with her beautiful and delicate portrayal of flowers, such as the roses below. Her scale is also large, but so delicate you can almost smell the heady scent of her old fashioned roses and hear the bee's buzzing around a summer garden.

Roses, Elizabeth Kruger

In September I visited the Bell Gallery in Berrima and noticed the large and striking paintings by Diana Watson. They are very much in demand in the Southern Highlands and capture the essence of the flowers she paints.

Isola dei Fiori , Diana Watson

In Potts Point there is a very special florist, Grandiflora. This is the shop front for the most talented flower stylist Saskia Havekes. She has styled flowers at numerous prestigious events and has been flown all over the world for her skills. Her imagination and creativity are much in demand and you can see some of her recent styling in the latest book to be produced by Grandiflora called 'Celebrations'. She has teamed up with photographer Andrew Lehmann and they show us the stages of producing and working through the flowers for various celebrations.

Celebrations, Grandiflora

An image from the book

Saskia's creations with flowers are works of art and is outlined in the following quote from the book ""Saskia believes that her “passion and inspiration come directly from what Nature produces. All the elements of composition – line, texture, form, colour, and pattern – are found there and it provides a good springboard from which to then re-interpret. I am constantly amazed by what Nature has to offer and never tire of the endless possibilities one can create with natural elements. I rarely start out with a preconceived idea – I look to what is offered naturally by the floral world and then take my cue from that”.

She has styled the flowers for many stunning photography shots, including

Akira Isogowa, The Art of flowers

Fashion week Sydney

Miranda's (Kerr) fashion fairytale

These all take your breath away and to view more images of her creations visit the website of Grandiflora, grandiflora.net/

Tulips

You can also order flowers from Grandiflora, this photo is from their website too.

Still life, Anna-Maryke Grey

Another photographer who takes beautiful pictures of still life is Anna-Maryke. She creates exotic and original photographs, creating contemporary Dutch still life's. These works are striking and look fabulous. Anna-Maryke takes the flowers, shells, fruits etc and arranges them herself. She has an original and unique style and one has to give credit when this is all worked in the studio.

Still life, Anna-Maryke

The fact that the arrangements are photographed from actual life, gives these images a certain quality which can be lost with modern day technology. Anna-Maryke incorporates an interesting collection of old fashioned fruits and items within her works, capturing the feel of extravogance from times gone by. Her works sit with ease amongst some of the most important art collections in Sydney.

Her works are beautiful with a an evocative sense of the past. For more information on her art visit the website,www.anna-maryke.com/still.php . She also takes humorous photo's of her beloved pug/s, which really lift your spirits!

Anna-Maryke Grey

Storytime, Isabella Connelley

Isabella came third in the Mosman Youth Art Prize in 2010 with this photo 'Storytime' and one of the questions the judges asked after the prize was awarded was "Did you photoshop this?". Isabella told them how she had set the scene up in our garden and had not photoshopped the image. It took a long time to set up using the dolls house, white sheets and fairy lights and get the subjects to sit still and be in the photo. Isabella has never photo shopped any of her photo's and you can view her photo's on Flikr. She feels she likes her images to be taken straight from life. www.flickr.com/photos/izzysphotos123/www.flickr.com/photos/izzysphotos123/

Artwork, Andy Goldsworthy

This was posted on 'Things organised neatly', it is amazing what Andy Goldsworthy can create from nature. It's such a simple idea and so beautifully executed. He captures that sense of childhood and collecting things and arranging them in the forest.

Butterfly hat, Phillip Tracey

Phillip Tracey was featured recently in a magazine with his wonderful hat designs, this one designed for Alexander McQueen.

candy stripe roses

I bought these roses to paint at the market and wanted to record them in a neat way!

Cut flowers, Tim Walker

This irresistible photo by Tim Walker, is a must to be included. I will show more of his works in a post to follow.

Lillies, Xanga Connelley

Finally, a picture I painted a few years ago!

Back from the growers market Sydney

Philip Wolfhagen, Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, Sassy Park and feng shui

2011-10-22T23:52:00.000+11:00

‘Small Exaltation no. 6’, oil and beeswax on linen, 46 x 49 cm

I was inspired reading about Tasmanian artist Philip Wolfhagen in The week-end Australian Review. His exhibition of landscapes 'Four Exaltations', opened on 20th October at the Dominik Mersch Gallery, Waterloo, Sydney. He talks about his paintings and how he loves to paint landscapes "I feel very fortunate that I just happened to be born into a landscape that has got all the right elements for a landscape painter. Good sky, always mountains in the distance, hills, plains. Those elements are the language of landscape".

The article mentions his journal too "written in black ink in a scratchy hand, it captures the artists thoughts, sketches and colour notes, and it cries out to be picked up and read. Wolfhagen has kept this record for the past 11 years.......he says one day he might publish". It is also quoted "Wolfhagen leaves nothing to chance when re-creating the alchemy that has made him one of Australia's sought after landscape artists. He always paints in his studio, from memory, although with the help of photographs.......Six days a week he comes to his studio......whether he feels like painting or not. Just the act of turning up is critical in disciplining himself to paint productively when he paints."

Study for the Journey #2, Philip Wolfhagen

"Music, the listening to it and the inspiration that it provides, is central to Wolfhagen's success. He always listens to classical music..."I think the excitement music creates in me spurs me on to take action and fills me with the courage to take risks with my painting. Somehow it helps me forget about the huge task in front of me, like starting to paint for a show and the anxiety this fills me with, and helps inspire me to just get on with it".

"Wolfhagen works with a combination of beeswax and oil paint, applying layer upon layer on to linen with a palette knife. His attachment to beeswax came about when he was a student at Sydney College of the Arts (COFA) and couldn't afford to buy many expensive oil paints".

"Exacting and precise , he generally paints on three scales, starting on a small canvas, moving to a larger and then painting the same scene on the colossal canvases he favours if he decides the painting works".

Kinectic sculpture, we're on a road to nowhere, Jenny Bishop

We're on a road to nowhere, Jenny Bishop

The Woollahara small sculture prize is currently on display at the Woollahara Council building New South Head rd, Sydney. This small sculpture prize attracts hundreds of entries and two of the finalists this year are 'We're on a road to nowhere', by Jenny Bishop. It is a small kinectic sculpture which is interactive. It has also featured at RMIT in Melbourne in an exhibition.

Material bowl, Ruth Levine

Another of the finalists this year is Ruth Levine with her bowl made from recycled material.

"(The sculpture) is exploring perceptions of visual texture,” she said.“The fabric is perceived as a soft material but when I have constructed the bowl it visually becomes a ceramic-like surface.”. She also quotes "she likes to leave nothing to waste", hence her use of recycled materials.

Logging truck

Pipe, Sassy Park, finalist Woollahra small sculpture, 2010

In 2010 Sassy Park was one of the finalists with her sculpture 'Pipe'.

"Pipe, a hand built ceramic sculpture, decorated with images of idyllic male authority, has been selected by judges John Kaldor AM, Monica McMahon and Glenn Barkley as one of the finalists in the 2010 Woollahra Sculpture Prize. This year, forty three finalists have been selected from 522 entries" As quoted from Park's website.

Smoking girl, Sassy Park

Sassy Park lives and works in Sydney. She began with fine art painting, but has increasingly been working with ceramics in recent years. She has been exhibiting her hand-painted jewellery since 2008. Her work is very intricate with a beautiful attention to detail and it incorporates a great sense of humour.

"Her visual language draws variously upon symbolic and historical references, and the natural world. At times humorous and at other times wistful, every piece conveys a personal sentiment for the wearer. Each disc is created from porcelain clay which is sanded to shape and hand painted with coloured underglaze and a fine brush before being fired. A clear glaze is then applied and the piece is re-fired."As quoted from her website. To view Sassy Park's work go to www.sassypark.com/

Back from the beach // Passoscuro, Italy from 'Things Organised neatly'

Wreathe around the heart

Fruit salad beads

I have been influenced by a website I enjoy looking at every day, 'Things Organised Neatly'. It was featured in a magazine and ever since then I have been obssessed by patterns and layout. It's addictive and I find myself checking the posts everyday to see what amazing wonders people have created.

The next thing to test in life is feng shui, does it make a difference? Certainly when one walks into a house you get a feeling for the house. Some houses you just feel at home in and others just make you feel on edge. Is it the occupants or the layout of the house. I am embarking on an experiment to feng-shui my house and see if it has any impact on my life. My house is very 'lived in' to put it politely. I find myself writing a post instead of tidying up, so this will be a challange. Anyone who has been to my house will be laughing. I will keep you posted.

Wisteria in Berrima, garden at Cormandel Cottage available to rent through stayz.com

Tulips in Bowral

Robertson artists, Harriet Goodall and Springtime in the Southern Highlands

2011-10-13T00:59:00.002+11:00

Artist's in Robertson

Artists in Ben Quilty's studio, (painting John Olsen). L-R Alan Jones, Carlos Barrios, Justine Muller, Luke Sciberros, Olivia Quilty, John Olsen, Ben Quilty, Guy Maestri and Charles Reddington.

Last week in the 'Australian' magazine, there was an interesting article about artists gathering in Robertson. They met in Ben Quilty's studio and were painting a portrait of John Olsen. The group of artist's consisted of Luke Sciberras, Alan Jones, Carlos Barrios, Guy Maestri, Justine Muller, Ben Quilty, John Olsen and Charles Reddington. Below I've included an image or two from each artist, I will go into more detail for another post, but it's just to give an overview.

Luke Sciberras, 2011

Luke Sciberras had a very successful exhibition earlier this year at the Tim Olsen gallery. He chiefly paints landscapes, many of which were of Lake Eyre and the rain which comes rarely to that part of Australia. Lake Eyre filling up is meant to be a once in a lifetime happening. Sciberras spends most of his time at Hill End, which also featured in his paintings.

Alan Jones

landscape #3Alan Jones

On The Rock n'roll, Alan Jones

Alan Jones paints a variety of things. His paintings of people are varied and interesting, especially as he depicts portraits in an unsual way with felt and material.

Carlos Barrios

Carlos Barrios has a loose style, halfway between drawing and painting. His works are full of energy and depict many different things with human relationships.

Robertson, Guy Maestri

Guy Maestri was in the limelight with his winning portrait winning the Archibald prize in . He has recently been painting landscapes in the Southern Highlands.

Margaret Olley, Ben Quilty. Winner Archibald prize 2011

Ben Quilty is the hero of Robertson, especially this year with his winning portrait of Margaret Olley. His style is very distinctive and his paintings of people and wrecked cars are well known. They are strong images and he strives to make an impression on young men with 'dare devil' driving and drinking, which is prevalent in this country.

Aqua blue, Charles Reddington

Charles Reddington's paintings are interesting and this one portrays harbour and water.

John Olsen

John Olsen is one of the best known living artists withing Australia and around the world. He keeps on painting and partaking in life, which is inspiring to us all.

Woven basket by Harriet Goodall.

Whilst researching these artists and Robertson I discovered the woven baskets of Harriet Goodall. These are beautiful and I would love to commission Harriet to make me a special basket.

Wedding present commission, Harriet Goodall

This stunning basket was commissioned as a wedding gift to poultry farmer. There is something that resonates deep inside when I look at Harriet's hand woven baskets, it makes you feel connected to the world and our ancestors of old. She writes a wonderful blog called 'random weaving', which is well worth a read. You feel this is it, she is living the dream, beautiful children in the countryside, many animals and her amazing baskets. She also runs courses on basket weaving, I hope I will be able to do one of those before too long.

Garden at Cormandel Cottage, Berrima

We were not able to stay at Pine Tree Cottage, so found this cottage, Cormandel cottage in Berrima on stayz.com.au. The wisteria growing over the mini Monet bridge was so pretty and inspired Isabella to do a photo shoot in the garden. Spring really is a heavenly time of year and the smells of fragrant flowers is glorious.

Harry Seidler house

We were also very fortunate to visit a house designed by Harry Seidler overlooking a deep valley with the river running through it. It is one of the most amazing places I have been to with the sun setting in the hills behind.

Koi fish, by Niall McWilliam, Scotland

I have been researching feng shui and paintings to create harmony, wealth and happiness. This painting by Niall McWilliams came up when I googled abundance and wealth. Plus, the quote 'Endless supply is the first law of the universe'. If you don't believe this, think about what's holding you back and why? After all nature gives us abundance and there is plenty for everyone. But why are people still starving? Maybe there is a way to make poverty history, what contribution can you make? Every tiny step we take on our own, makes one giant step when added with others.

The beginning of a picture that lead no where.

It's time to paint over some of these canvas's and start painting some feng shui paintings before I do anything else. Also, all feng shui books say you need a clean, clutter free house to create a happy harmonious life. That is what I really need to do, start tidying up and THROWING OUT! Give it all to Vinnies.

Blake prize 2011, Kerri McInnis, Royal Bank of Scotland emerging artists award and forgiveness.

2011-09-28T01:28:00.001+10:00

Naqshbandi Greenacre Engagement

Khaled Sabsabi

The 60th annual Blake prize in 2011 has been won by Khaled Sabsabi, he won the $20,000 prize for his video installation which shows a ceremonial Sufi gathering in a western Sydney scout hall.
The beauty of this film is it is filming everyday parts of the religion, from the mundane to the more interesting. It gives a real insight into their practices and makes us understand a different religion to our own. People who understand a religion different to their own are less likely to be threatened by it and more likely to embrace it.

Centre of the universe, from her 'only human' series, by Tamara Dean

Tamara Dean's beautiful photo was also a finalist, with it's evocative title. It is a beautiful image and the figures appear so fragile and vulnerable, embracing each other in the water. Any moment the water could be shattered by an interference, as presumably could their lives. Cherish the spiritual moment we have and record the beauty. and so was this picture by Susan Baird a finalist,

Soft Approach, (Sacred Heart Church, Hill End) 2010

The following comments are taken from the Arthouse Gallery website. "Arthouse Gallery would like to congratulate gallery artist Susan Baird on her selection in this year’s prestigious Blake Prize for her beautiful painting ‘Soft Approach [Sacred Heart Church, Hill End]’"

Awarded annually for the best contemporary artwork exploring spiritual thought and religion in Australia, this year the Blake Prize celebrates it’s 60th year. The finalist exhibition is held at the National Art School 16 Sept – 15 Oct 2011

Another interesting exhibition coming to the Wagner Art gallery on 5th October is Salt rocks, ochre rocks, by Kerry McInnis. She writes about her works,

"My recent work was made in response to a trek into Walker Gorge, in the Northern Territory, a remote gorge near Tempe Downs, on private lands managed by the Luritja people.

The mixed media works were done on site. They are immediate interpretations of the surrounding arid country. The oil paintings were created later in my Bungendore studio and are interpretive abstractions of the same landscape.

The images are of a land littered with salt encrusted rocks and ochre dogs. The mood of my studio works is darker, emotive, and somewhat portentous of a mysterious and unknown future."

These paintings appear to be dramatic and interesting.

Since 2004 the Royal Bank of Scotland has held the annual emerging artists award, curated by Susan Manford. Awarding a prize of $15,000 to the winning artist and an around the world airline ticket to see the world and what else is going on in the 'art world'.

Last year the people's choice winner was Catherine Nelson. Her photographs are very interesting and give an unusual outlook to the landscape. She recently had an exhibition which was a 'sell-out'.

Having posted a shot of teaspoons from the 'things organised neatly' blog, I read how people find it soothing and comforting to read this blog every morning before they start their own work. It does relax my mind seeing these photo's and then I could move onto my work. Maybe it's a form of meditation giving the mind a break and getting it ready for the next decision in life? You can take your own photo of something and submit it to see if it is good enough to be posted. It's tempting to take a photo and send it in?!

It's been a busy time for me recently and I haven't been on top of everything in my world either as a parent or person. So, maybe it's something people can do towards me or I can remember when I am upset with something or someone the importance of this saying?

A recent project in our art class was based around capturing emotions and feelings in our paintings. This is a very simplified explanation as it had a lot more depth of knowledge and skills and Juliet really taught us some inspiring things.

Vienna, Sustainable living, Marnie Ross and change.

2011-09-12T22:38:00.000+10:00

: Portrait of Johanna Staude, Gustav Klimt, 1917-18

Having studied decorative arts at the City and Guilds College in London I am really looking forward to visiting the exhibition currently in Melbourne on the Viennese artists from the early 20th century. One of the most recognised painters is Gustav Klimt.

Gustav Klimt

with his unique style and use of gold and decoration on his paintings. His style was very different to the other artists at the time. The work of Egon Shiele,

Egon Shiele

is also represented at the exhibition. This work shows his use of line, and the paint is thin like watercolour. The hands are painted in a typical Shiele pose, long, boney and awkward. Sheile's nudes are very explicit and can be confronting, especially to the early 20th century audience.

decorative furniture

Decorative furniture was part of the movement and is represented too. Every article I've read highly recommends the exhibition and there's not long to get there as it finishes on 9th October 2011.

Marnie Ross and

Marnie Ross and Julia Kennedy-Bell are exhibiting at the Kaleidoscope Gallery in Danks Street, Sydney from 22nd September-5th October. The exhibition is called 'Surface' and I've seen Marnie's work at her exhibition 'Shadow' last year.

Marnie's work is delicate and peaceful. Composition and shadow play an important part in her work and the use of colour. It will be interesting to see what Marnie has been painting in the last year. Julia Kennedy-Bell's work is also interesting with her use of colour and shapes, the two artist's work appear to compliment each other well.

Yesterday, 11th September was sustainable house open day in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney. We visited the sustainable home of Cameron Rosen, built last year. The materials used are recycled and chemical free, which is very important to Cameron and he is quoted to say how he wants his children to grow up in a healthy atmosphere free of chemicals.

The house is beautifully built with a peaceful ambiance and I went away feeling I would like to re-design our house into a sustainable house. I particularly liked the central courtyard giving the feeling of outdoors with the practicality of an indoor room. This room has the feature of an indoor wall covered in plants, not only is this healthy, bringing extra oxygen inside, but also aesthetically very pleasing and delightful to live with.

Blue pool, Jenolan Caves Blue mountains

A few week-ends ago I went to the Blue mountains, we went to Jenolan caves and walked around the Blue Lake. The colour of the water is an amazing turquoise colour, created by the light reflecting on the minerals brought into the lake from the water seeping through the limestone caves. It is like it is out of another world, such a pretty colour and especially ethereal in this photo.

If you always paint, try sculpting or if you sculpt, try painting. Do something different, learn a new skill.

Juliet Holmes a Court among other things mentioned this week how important it is to see things with a 'fresh eye', especially if you have been working on a painting or artwork for a long time. One way is to leave the picture and return to it at a later date and maybe do something completely different. My grandfather's favorite saying was 'variety is the spice of life' and he was so right. There is nothing that takes away one's zest for life more than the same old routine. Changing just one small thing can give us a burst of energy and a new lease of life.
Sometimes as a reminder to appreciate what we have in life, we can do everyday things differently. Especially the jobs we take for granted, ie if you always clean your teeth with your right hand, try cleaning them with your left. It makes you concentrate on the job at hand and is a new experience. A new experience can help us appreciate what we've got and what we can be grateful for.

Pretty things organised neatly really appeals to me, I remember as a child lining toys and cars in rows for hours. People who know me now would laugh as I am far from neat, but still would love to sort things into colours on a rainy day! If only there were two of me I could get twice as much done!?

Fred Williams, Aboriginal Art prize, 2011, Barabool Hills retreat

2011-09-03T00:09:00.004+10:00

There is currently a retrospective exhibition of Fred Williams paintings at the National Gallery in Canberra. The poster they have used for advertising the exhibition is very enticing, with it's blues and use of light. He was born Melbourne, then spent many years overseas painting in Europe and London. He did many degree course's whilst overseas. Then he came back to Australia with a fresh eye and painted the landscape with his unique and original style.
He found the landscape so different to Europe and hence he adapted his style of painting. He painted the landscape as if from above. He was influenced by the Aboriginal's, they paint their sacred ground as a map seen from the air. He also tilted the landscape leaving little or no sky in his paintings. This is very effective and refreshingly new at the time.

He later developed his interpretation of the Australian landscape with his strip paintings. He painted the same landscape in 'strips', showing the light at different times, as above. He painted many influencial paintings during the course of his life. Sadly, he died at the age of 55 and his friend and fellow artist John Brack said of him at his funeral

Fred brought us a new vision of Australia’s landscape at least as valid and impressive as any of the two or three major illuminations which went before it. He changed the way we see our country: an achievement which will live long after all of us are gone.

—John Brack

[edit]

richard wastell, king street gallery 2011

Richard Wastell also paints the Australian landscape in an unique way. He is influenced by patterning, as in the painting above from the 'she' oaks exhibition on at the King Street Gallery. This has evolved over the years, as you see in the painting below from his previous exhibition.

Richard Wadstall, 2009 (with trout and gum tree's) 2009

The 2009 painting is representational of the gum trees and trout, whereas his latest work could appear as a totally abstract and decorative painting.

During the week I was looking at a sale of Aboriginal art. There were some beautiful paintings and one caught my eye from the Western Desert. It was too large for the space we were intending to hang it in, therefore we didn't take that particular one. This has wetted my appetite for Contemporary Aboriginal art and I will keep researching and studying to find more information.

Barabool hills retreat

A few weeks ago I had a wonderful stay at Barabool Hills retreat. It is a delightful place to stay and reminds me of being in England. I arrived to a nice cup of tea and biscuit and later went out to Geelong. Returning to my quiet comfortable room, it is wonderful to be in the countryside and I slept like a baby. Whilst eating my breakfast I was able to chat to the owner, Lorelle about her two recent exhibitions.

One was of photograph's by a British artist called Warren Fox. ( This small image does not do them justice, as they are beautiful photograph's of flowers and plants. )

Plus, James Collier was exhibiting his works, they are also stunning, the most popular being photos of a 'ute' truck, abandoned in a field. They depict country life, as well as some of city lights, over the water at Geelong, Victoria. He captures the landscape and things in the landscape with a sympathetic eye and brings it all to life.

calves at Barabool Hills retreat

As I drove up the drive I was delighted to see the calves. You really feel you've arrived in the country and what a great escape from the metropolis of Geelong. I really enjoyed my stay there and found it very peaceful. 'Home from home'

Lucy's quilt was worth all the time and effort to make it. To have something you have made and can use is priceless.

Juliet Holmes a Court, Mad Square, German Expressionism at the Art Gallery NSW and Anita Tesiorer at the NG Gallery

2011-08-17T14:32:00.008+10:00

Voyage over land and sea on a wing and a prayer, Juliet Holmes a Court, 2009

Shading through darkness whilst soaring up, Juliet Holmes a Court, 2009

Juliet Holmes a Court's paintings are wonderful and it is interesting to see how her work has evolved. She is very versatile, over the years having painted landscapes, abstract forms, portraits and excellent drawings. She has had many solo exhibitions, plus exhibiting in a large number of group exhibitions. She has been artist in residence at Waverley Woollahara art college, Hill End and Bundanon. Plus, has been selected and hung in many presidigious art competitions, including the Archibald Art Prize, Portia Geech Art Prize etc. She has won various awards, including the John Kaldor Award, plus Highly Commended at the Waverley Woollahara Art Prize.

2006, Juliet Holmes a Court

Juliet's landscape painting has evolved and become more abstract, "Her body of work pays its dues to abstraction and the idea that the surface of a picture can be a site for contemplation and self reflection, and no need not bear any deliberate relationship to the outside world.".This is a quote from her website and you can see how amazing the use of light is in her paintings. One thing Juliet is always talking about is how important composition is in a painting and this is evident in her own work.

2008, Juliet Holmes a Court

.Juliet is often talking about finding your language, as a form and style of painting and this is reflected in a quote of hers from 2002,

'BEING AN ARTIST is about wrestling with shape, colour, composition, and

the sheer stuff of paint, and how you can learn to work it so that it becomes your
language to communicate.' This is very evident in her own work, part of the beauty of her work is the fact she has contemplated each painting in such depth and her strong use of light.

We are all looking forward to her next exhibition in February 2012 at the Australian Art Galleries.

Juliet Holmes a Court, currently teaches at the Art Gallery of NSW and Waverley Woollahara Art College,. Plus, running courses at Hill End and Bundannon. (Go to Art Gallery NSW website).

Juliet Holmes a Court is not only a brilliant artist but also a very inspiring teacher. I have attended her painting classes on and off for many years now. She puts a lot of time and effort into the topics and techniques we learn. Plus, the artists and art movements she refers to are well researched and knowledgeable, often artists I am new to. I really enjoy the art history, which is so important when learning. It is amazing how every time we do a new exercise, each person's individual style shines through in their work. With a whole room of students and the same criteria and instructions, people's works are so different. Juliet has an amazing ability to discuss each persons art with an instructive, constructive and complimentary way, leaving you feeling inspired and worthwhile on your individual journey as an artist.

The artists and work I discuss on this blog are my individual path, it is separate to the lessons I learn with Juliet. This is a personal path and I am working with my own individual style, always learning and hoping to improve. The blog is more about the journey. As the saying goes, 'enjoy the journey, not just the end result'. I keep having to remind myself of this!

Mad Square Exhibition, currently showing at the Art Gallery of NSW

Also, the latest exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW is very exciting and I am really looking forward to seeing it. We learn a lot about expressionist art and the German artists during these times. Berlin was a place changing rapidly with many weird and wonderful people, shown to the world through art.

Towelling Dry, Anita Tesoriero 2011

Another exhibition I would like to see is Ocean to Asphalt, by Anita Tesoriero at the NG Gallery (until 3rd September, 2011). Anita is a very talented painter and high school teacher. She is very inspiring to the girls she teaches and is full of energy and enthusiasm for art and learning. I enjoy the beach scenes, capturing the essence of life on a summers day.

Rushing Home, Anita Teseriorio, 2011

Plus, her paintings of city life and concrete, capture the feeling and elements of the city, people and relationships. You can really feel the rainy day and 'wetness' on the asphalt and the sense of being wet, where umbrella's hardly do the job!

A painting from her last exhibition, in which part of the theme was dogs and people

Cy Twombly, Poussin, Sam Haskins and Letting go.

2011-08-05T15:48:00.006+10:00

Hero and Leander, Cy Twombly

On 5th July, Cy Twombly died. Just after the opening of an interesting exhibition in Dulwich Hill, London of Twombly and 17th century painter Nicolas Poussin.

Although their art seems very different there are a few things in common. The theme of the exhibition is their reference to their use of classical myth and allusion. They both moved to Italy aged 30 and of course the big question is "Can abstract art ever be the equal of figurative art"? Their paintings compliment each other bringing out the beauty in both.

detail of Sydney harbour, Margaret Olley

I saw on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald, Margaret Olley's last painting. She was determined to finish this landscape of Sydney harbour before she died. Becoming very close to the owners of the apartment from which it was painted (Barry Humphries). One of the best things we have are goals, setting small goals keeps us going.

Sam Haskins

Sam Haskins is well known for his photo's 'Cowboy Kate'. He took the series cowboy Kate in 1964 and his photo's have been copied and used for inspiration ever since.

In 1972 he published Haskins Posters, a series of beautiful nude photographs, influenced many people in the future.He started in Johannesburg and now lives in the Southern Highlands, working as hard as ever with commissions and shows of his work.

Installation, Andy Goldsworthy

When you look at the installation work of Andy Goldsworthy, it gives one a sense of peace and connection to the landscape. He would need a great deal of confidence to follow through, as his work could just seem like a pile of leaves, if taken the wrong way? Yet it is beautiful, so delicate and impermanent.

Letting go is hard to do. At the beginning of last week I was feeling "why am I writing a blog, why am I painting, what's the point?". It seems to be a natural part of life to feel despondent from time to time. But, after all the trying I had been doing, as soon as I let go and said "why?", life showed me some subtle hints. Firstly, a few people enquired after the blog and gave me some compliments. That really cheered me up, then I got an email asking to put some of my paintings in an exhibition in Victoria. How exciting, suddenly from despair and almost giving up, to elation! I've now got a goal, I've got 2 weeks to do some more paintings or improve on the one's I've started. Plus, I will keep writing my blog, I really enjoy it and it keeps me up to date with art and events.

Seaweed key on the footpath!

On a walk this morning I saw this seaweed that looked to me like a key, maybe the key to life and the beginning of a new phase!

Mosman art show present and past winners, Tim Maguire, Guy Maestri and life

2011-08-02T13:53:00.005+10:00

Out on a limb, Kerrie Lester winner 2011 Mosman Art Prize

Kerrie Lester won this year's Mosman art prize with her painting 'Out on a Limb', described as quirky and whimsical, 'one of a kind'. She is a local living in Mosman and has been painting for the past 30 years. She had an exhibition this year at the Australian Galleries.

Robertson 8.30pm, Guy Maestri,

Highly commended, in the Mosman Art Prize is Guy Maestri with his picture, Robertson #V. He has done a series of paintings in the Southern Highlands and South Coast for his recent exhibition at Gallery.

Still Life, 1947, Margaret Olley

The first winner of the Mosman Art Prize was Margaret Olley in 1947. It was judged by Lloyd Rees. The prize in that year was 20 guinea's, compared today to $30,000. I do not have an image of the winning painting, but have shown one of her paintings from 1947.

Having picked up my painting today, from the Mosman Art Show, I saw a whole room of rejected paintings. This is a good thing from one point of view, I need not feel too despondant at rejection. But, on the other, there are so many talented painters. I have so many canvas's, some are finished, some unfinished? Is this art to pass on to one's children or will I do something with it? The next generation will probably only want one picture each? Juliet Holmes a Court told us one day how she felt deflated after an exhibition and said she was about to paint over a picture that hadn't sold, when she received a phone call from a buyer asking to buy that very painting!

Poppies, Tim Maguire

This shows the scale of Tim Maguire's paintings.

Also, I was reading a book on Tim Maguire and he was talking about his painting techniques, having referred to images of paintings of the Dutch Master Still life paintings. He then enlarged sections and used a solvent to spray and tease the paint. A particular point I liked was the fact he works on several paintings and ideas at the same time. They are not always the same and he is working with different ideas and styles together all the time. I find I like to work on something detailed followed by an emotional, stormy painting. It is my therapy, you feel so much better to let it all out and hopefully produce a masterpiece one day!!

I saw a photo someone had taken with this written on, it inspires me so much. Even if you are from a different belief you can adapt it, 'thanked the universe for'? I am always harping on, the more grateful you are, the more good things come to you.

Lucy's 4 season's quilt, just the edging to do now.

Three recent deaths, Margaret Olley, Lucian Freud and Amy Winehouse

2011-07-27T00:12:00.012+10:00

Margaret Olley painting in her home

Sadly today Margaret Olley died. Her health had been failing and it's no surprise to hear of her death. She lived a very full life and was dedicated to painting and being an artist, throughout all of her life. She had admirers, but art always came first.

Poppies by Margaret Olley

Basket of oranges and jug, Margaret Olley (her last still life painting).

Margaret Olley is best known for her still life paintings, often incorporating household objects in her work. Olley is also well known for her paintings of interiors. She was a Paddington icon, well liked in the area, although not afraid to speak her mind when necessary. She had many friends of different ages and will be well missed. Ben Quilty won the Archibald Portrait prize with his painting of her this year

and over 60 years ago William Dobell also won the Archibald prize with his painting of her as a beautiful young woman.

, Margaret Olley by William Dobell

I enjoyed reading 'Not such a still life', written by It is an excellent biography of her life to that point.

IB and her husband, by Lucian Freud

Lucian Freud also died recently. He describes the things he paints as 'painting the familiar', 'painting people and things he knows'. Here he has painted his daughter and her husband lying on the bed. The scene looks intimate and the walls, plus the bed spread, look rather dirty. He captures the essence of genuine love, in rather squalid surroundings. Freud is known for his depictions of reality, leaving nothing to the imagination.

Amy Winehouse, photographed in this wonderful dress, for the portrait she has been cleaned up, but sadly not in real life.

Amy Winehouse is the third person to die. Sadly it appears her death may have been drug induced, even if it was by accident. I enjoyed her music and her talent will be missed, but not her sad lifestyle. It appeared as if she found life and drugs a struggle.

Anne Thomson, Bernadette Trela , Beryl Miles and Rustic coast

2011-07-26T00:42:00.003+10:00

Anne Thomson

I have just been introduced to the work of Anne Thomson, and she quotes “ When I work I’m in a state of knowing. I forget everything else. “. This is what I would like to achieve, then one could paint with true emotion from the heart not the brain.

Hearts Filthy Lesson, Bernadette Trela, winner Waverley Woollahara Acrylic art prize, 2011

Congratulations to Bernadette Trela for winning the Acrylic prize at the Bondi Waverley art school (also known as Waverley Woollahara art school WWAS). You keep wanting to look at this painting and study the cloud and the relationship of dark to light. Plus, the title 'Hearts filthy lesson' draws us into the painting, making us reflect upon the pollution we are causing to our planet. Bernadette is an inspiring teacher at the same art college.

Beryl Miles

There was an article in a recent Sydney Morning Herald magazine on Beryl Miles and the loft she is living in. It is interesting to study her landscape paintings. There are so many contemporary landscape painters (especially women) who are producing exciting and interesting works.

Rustic Coast

A business that is growing and sells interesting things is Rustic Coast. The furniture is bought and given a make over and you can buy direct from the website Rustic Coast. These stools are fun and look great, especially if you live in Sydney!

It's amazing to think we can bring the outdoors to our computers, so painting en plein air can be done at home. Maybe catching these waves in a canvas will be too much of a challange!

Meditation and finding a silent time for 15-20 minutes a day can lead to a better and more fulfilled life.

There was a study of 350 meditation experts who lived on Rhode Island for 3 months. They meditated every day and the results showed a significant drop in crime, stress, less alcohol was consummed etc. There is evidence if silence or meditation is held in groups at the same time, for 20 minutes, all around the world this may make a difference for a more peaceful world? If only 1% of the whole world did this at the same time there could be a significant change. It's worth thinking about.

Sara Roney Gallery, Martine Emdure, Les Etangs de Corot and Twice (Plus more!).

2011-07-22T14:56:00.002+10:00

Iceberg, Jean Pierre Bratanoff-Firgoff

I often pass the Sara Roney gallery and noticed this amazing photo taken by Jean Pierre Bratanoff-Firgoff. Having just walked past the Iceberg's pool this morning, it caught my eye. At the same gallery I also enjoyed the recent exhibition of Tino Sand's photographs.

Cross-Country, Tino Sand

Tino Sand captures a certain energy in his photo's, they appear almost to be painted. They evoke a certain feeling of times gone by.

Martine Emdure

One of my favourite Australian artist's is Martine Emdure, it would be amazing to own one of her paintings and be able to get lost in the surreal world of underwater every day! It is fascinating to see the journey of her work and how she has evolved. From painting the waves, to people in the sea and people under the water. It is a challange to keep evolving as an artist and not to get caught up in painting the same images, especially if they sell instantly and for a great deal of money.

Aquabumps

The Aquabumps web site send me photo's almost every day, all you have to do is log on and you can sign up, receiving emails every day and a good dose of Bondi life. I just couldn't resist this underwater photo, giving the sense yearning to get lost in this underwater world.

Les Etangs de Corot, near Versailles, France

An article in this month's Australian Vogue Living shows this amazing hotel just outside Paris. Les Etangs de Corot, means the ponds of Corot. The bedrooms are decorated beautifully, the one featured in Vogue was decorated by Sophie Albou, the founder of Paul & Joe.

Corot

Corot loved to paint the lakes, although it looks a little less built up in Corot's day.

Also, run by the same family is Les Sources de Caudalie. The photo above shows the Lile aux Oiseaux. You stay in this bedroom perched on the lake to see all the amazing birds. That would be wonderful to wake up here. The hotel has a health and well being centre and Caudalie is well known for discovering the anti-aging properties in grape seeds. You can have a beauty treatment with a spa filled with vino and grape seed oil. Very relaxing and good for the skin and maybe intoxicating? I would love to be there now!

Gardening accessories from Twice.co, St. Andrews, Scotland

Twice has a wonderful selection of things from clothing, to the kitchen to the garden. If you press on the photo it will link you to their catalogue. Or if you are in St. Andrew's, Fife you can visit the shop in Bell Street. It was started selling vintage things, hence the name Twice.

It's raining in Sydney, pouring and pouring, again. I love to visit the sea when it's really rough and you meet all the die hards in the downpour running and dog walking.

One wet dog! I met a lady on the walk, who said she tried to get her dog out of the car and it wouldn't come! She ended up leaving it in the car and taking herself for a walk instead. When I got back to the car I didn't have a dog towel, big mistake! Not only did the car get wet and smelly, but the dog was shivering and looked miserable. Is that why we love dogs and pets so much, they can't complain, imagin if that had been one of my children. Cold and soaked through and no way of getting dry, there would have been a lot of wingeing!

MONA Tasmania, Gloria Petyarra, bicycling in France and Jamie Oliver's Tasty Crusted Cod

2011-07-19T13:40:00.002+10:00

MONA, Hobart Tasmania

I have heard a great deal of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which opened in January 2011 in Hobart, Tasmania. The article in July/August Vogue Living Australia has further wetted the appetite to visit both the gallery and Tasmania.

David Walsh, by Geoffrey Dyer

David Walsh has funnelled most of his personal wealth into the building of the museum and the collection of Contemporary Art. The painting above of him by Geoffrey Dyer, depicts the carcass's of meat that deteriorated as a contemporary exhibition (a little gruesome, but he says he likes the dark side of some Contemporary art?).

Gloria Petyarre

It is very exciting to study Contemporary Aboriginal art and this recent painting by Gloria Petyarre is full of life. Her work has so much energy and you can feel the movement and vitality on the canvas.

Every year my old school has a magazine where we write about our lives. One story captured my eye, of a couple who decided to bicycle around Europe for a year, as their children had left home. They set off with a bike and a back pack each. "The wandering grey" syndrome with a difference. They recorded their travels on a blog, (Vivi and Alec's travels) and returned just in time for the birth of their first grandchild. This can go on my bucket list as I've never really relished the idea of staying in campsites and with 30 - 40 kilometers a day of exercise you can try all the delicious French cuisine without feeling guilty!

I spent ages looking for this recipe as I couldn't remember what it was called, so decided to add it here. It's delicious.

Jamie Oliver's Tasty Crusted Cod, Mashy peas and Tartare Sauce (30 minute meals)

Jamie Oliver's Tasty Crusted Cod, Mashy peas and tartare sauce from Jamie Oliver's 30 minute meals.

Serves 6-8

Mashy Peas:
4 medium baking potatoes
1 head of broccoli
500g frozen peas
a large knob of butter
1-2 dessertspoons mint sauce

Tartare Sauce:
3 coronations
1 heaped teaspoon small capers
a small bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ a 30g tin of anchovy fillets in oil
1 lemon
½ a 400g jar of good-quality
mayonnaise
sweet paprika, for dusting

Cod:
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 x 600g (or 6 x 180g) fillets of cod, skin on, scaled and pin-boned
200g chunk of white crusty bread
4 cloves of garlic
½ a 30g tin of anchovy fillets in oil
½ a 280g jar of sun-dried tomatoes
in oil
a small bunch of fresh basil
½-1 fresh red chilli
40g Parmesan cheese
1 lemon
balsamic vinegar
a couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary
a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme

Seasonings:
olive oil
extra virgin olive oil
sea salt & black pepper

Salad:
6 rashers of pancetta
4 cloves of garlic
5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 x 100g bag of prewashed watercress
1 x 100g bag of prewashed rocket

To Serve:
a bottle of chilled white wine

To start:
Get all your ingredients and equipment ready. Fill and boil the kettle. Turn the grill on to full whack. Put a large saucepan on a low heat. Put the standard blade attachment into the food processor.

Mashy Peas:
Quickly peel the potatoes (or leave the skins on if you prefer) and chop into 2cm chunks, add to the saucepan with a pinch of salt and cover with boiled water. Put a lid on the pan and turn the heat to medium. Trim and discard the bare end of the broccoli stalk. Slice the rest up and add to the potatoes. Break the florets into even-sized pieces and set aside.

Cod:
Put a few good lugs of olive oil into a large roasting tray, sprinkle with salt & pepper and scatter over a teaspoon of fennel seeds. Rub and toss the fish fillets in the flavors, then place skin side down. Drizzle with olive oil, then put under the grill in the middle of the oven for 5 minutes while you make the topping. Roughly chop the bread and add to the food processor. Whiz, adding 2 peeled cloves of garlic with a drizzle of oil from the tin of anchovies as it's whizzing, then tip the breadcrumb mixture into a bowl. Put half the tin of anchovy fillets into the empty food processor with the drained sun-dried tomatoes, 2 cloves of peeled garlic, basil, chilli (stalk removed) and the chunk of Parmesan. Finely grate in the zest from the lemon, then squeeze in the juice. Add a couple of splashes of balsamic vinegar and whiz to a paste. You may need to scrape round the sides between whizzes. Get the fish out of the oven.

Spoon and spread this paste over each fillet in a thick even layer, then scatter over the breadcrumbs. Drizzle a little olive oil over the thyme and rosemary sprigs, then lay on top of the two fillets and put back under the grill on the middle shelf for 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Mashy Peas:
Add the peas and the broccoli florets to the potatoes, and put the lid back on.

Salad:
Put a medium frying pan on a medium heat and add the pancetta. Leave to crisp up, tossing occasionally.

Tartare Sauce:
Quickly rinse out the food processor and add 3 coronations, a heaped teaspoon of capers, a small bunch of fresh parsley and half the tin of anchovies and their oil. Pulse a few times with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the zest and juice of ½ a lemon. Whiz until fairly smooth, then transfer to a small bowl and add ½ the jar of mayo. Mix well, adding the juice of the rest of the lemon, tasting and tweaking as necessary. Sprinkle with the sweet paprika, drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and take to the table.

Salad:
Once the rashers of pancetta are crispy and golden, turn the heat to low, then crush 2 unreeled cloves of garlic into the frying pan. Take the pan off the heat and add 5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Add a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and shake the pan about. Use a wooden spoon to break the crispy pancetta into pieces in the pan.

Mashy Peas:
Drain the veg, let it steam dry for a few minutes, then tip back into the pan. Add the butter, a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt & pepper, 1 to 2 dessertspoons of mint sauce and roughly mash about ten times. Put in a serving bowl.

Cod:
Check the fish, and when the crust is golden and crisp take it out of the oven and straight to the table along with your bowl of mashy peas.

Salad:
At the very last minute tip the salad leaves into the pan of warm dressing and toss quickly with your hands. Take to the table in the pan and serve with chilled white wine.

Lucy found and cooked this dinner for us one night and it is delicious, we are having it for dinner again tonight! I had better get off the computer and off to the shops to buy the ingredients.

Closing In, Xanga Connelley

Monday 18th was the due date for entries for the Mosman Art Prize, I finished another art work but couldn't get it framed in time (it was on a thin canvas). So I entered 'Closing In'. Lucy had a dentist appointment next door to the Mosman Art Gallery, it seemed providence was at hand. I wanted to go home and keep working on the painting or put another one in and return at a later time before 7pm. But, Lucy said just do it and drop it off. Otherwise all I would have probably done would have been make a mess of the painting and wish I'd left it alone. When is an art work finished and when do we need to stop before we ruin it? This is a big question for me and maybe many others? Jackson Pollock knew exactly when he had finished his paintings he quoted in the film 'Jackson Pollock', when asked the same question, "It's like sex, you know when it's finished"!

It is said that the wealthiest people in world are the greatest donators to society? So, thank goodness we are all different and there are a few eccentric, people who invest in art. I am not sure I could donate so much money to a folly without a conscious. Beating world poverty would come tops for me.

Diane Arbus, Seraphine Senlis, Jaume Plensa and White Rabbit Gallery

2011-07-12T23:42:00.005+10:00

Mia Farrow, by Diane Arbus

I have been watching some interesting films about artists recently, introduced to me by Isabella. At the moment she is painting, designing and sewing for her end of year school exams (HSC). The practical part is due in a few weeks time. One of the films was called 'Fur', an imaginary film about Diane Arbus. It introduced me to her work, depicting photo's of the time, with her sensitive approach to her subjects. She really did take pictures of the strange and unusual, as well as her family.

Candy cigarette, Sally Mann

Compared to Sally Mann who took romantic pictures of her children. Mann was criticised for showing her children in a provocative way, in reality she was just recording those precious moments of childhood in a beautiful way.

Seraphine Senlis

Seraphine was another interesting film, it is amazing to think Seraphine was given a gift from God, in her eyes. She would just pour these images onto the canvas and look what she produced.

I find it hard to just let it flow and take over without constantly analysing the pictures I am painting.

Wire mesh heads, Yorkshire Sculpture park, Jaume Plensa

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Jaume Plensa

I was introduced to the amazing work of a sculptor Jaume Plensa with these images of his works in the Yorkshire sculpture park. The large mesh heads are riveting the way they appear to be translucent. You can't quite work out if they are there or not? The figures hugging trees are mesmorising and if you look up close they are made from words all around their bodies.

Gao Rong

Rubbish mountain

We were also lucky enough to stumble across the White Rabbit Gallery, a private gallery featuring contemporary Chinese Art. There are many exciting works to view, the above two are just a couple in a myriard of exciting artworks. You can't miss the giant sculpture made up from Chinese drink containers, it states 'China is producing mountains of rubbish from the consumerism that is starting to spring up all over the place'. Plus the doorway by Goa, from a distance I was repelled by this work thinking it was just showing an old entrance in China, with dirt and rust all over the walls. Up close you notice the entire thing is made from material, including the dirt marks. My perception changed from one of almost disgust, to a fuzzy feeling of warmth for the space, use of materials and general cleverness of it. I wanted to stay in the art gallery and be near the sculpture.

Far Below!

Rose had fun colouring-in mandala's Although she would complain about the storm last week, its wonderful to think I had a special time with the girls, playing games etc!!

Quotes I have been working with "are we just cause and effect?".
Plus, abundance can be tapped into by anyone, and the more grateful you are of the things you already have, the more things will come to you. The world is an abundant place and most people can reap the
benefits of abundance and give to others too.

Mosman Art Prize, Adrian Lockhart, storms and Happiness Institute

2011-07-08T00:22:00.077+10:00

I remember you as you were my beauty, Craig Waddell, winner Mosman Art Prize, 2010

Mosman Art Prize, entries due Monday 18th July.

It's a good idea to look at the previous finalist's and winner's of the Mosman Art Prize before I decide what to enter. There are so many well established artists who have their work hung that it would be an honour just to get one's work accepted. Anyway it's got the creative juices flowing thinking of ideas. I always find the thinking the best part, as when I try to paint my ideas, they never look the same on paper as I had imagined them in my head.

White bowl, Adrian Lockhart

I drove past the Bell Gallery in Berrima last week and remembered an exhibition by artist Adrian Lockhart which I enjoyed. His paintings of bowls are amazing with a spiritual light shining through, he is a real inspiration. This was the day before wild storms swept through the Southern Highlands on Tuesday.

We were playing board games when our neighbour knocked on our door to say a tree had fallen across our drive and our electricity was cut off. Thank goodness he alerted us, so we were able to gather candles, torches and get ourselves ready when darkness came. We were stuck in our cottage for 3 days, which like most things was a bit dramatic but with benefits. It was quite an adventure walking through the hedge and up through our neighbours property into town to buy supplies for the evening. (It was too dangerous to walk up our drive with the electric cables snaking through the fallen branch). Plus, this is the first time in a long while I've actually had 3 teenage children playing board games without me asking and no TV, no dvds, no facebook and no mobiles (all out of charge). I will remember this time as special and it felt like we had been away from everything for ages when we drove back into town.

photo from the happiness institute.

Every Monday morning I receive an uplifting newsletter from the Happiness Institute. There are inspiring stories to keep me going all through the week. It was started by Dr Timothy Sharp (aka Dr. Happy). He spent 10 years at University studying and has been dedicated ever since to the pursuit of happiness in our population. How the effects of positive phsycology and many other positive ways of thinking can benefit our society. This week there was an article on stress, how to manage it and how to limit it. One way to limit stress is by being organised throughout the day (something I find hard). Generally people who are organised and know where they are going experience less stress. They need to be adaptable as he quotes, "you cannot control life and stress, but you can control how you react to it".

Strawberry load, at Redbubble, 'Xangac' !

Here's a light hearted picture for the little child within!

One needs to relax sometimes and not take things too seriously. After all anyone who meditates, or is interested in the spiritual side of life may realise that 'enlightenment' means 'to be light and lighthearted'. If in doubt laugh, (with other people, not at them).

Lucy Culliton and Rachel Fairfax and Morton National Park

2011-07-03T21:38:00.000+10:00

Interior, Lucy Culliton

There was an interesting article in a Sydney magazine about mentors, two of the people featured were artist's Lucy Culliton and Rachel Fairfax. Lucy Culliton has been working for a long time and is opening the upcoming exhibition at the Ewart Gallery, of the National Awards for Miniature Art. Lucy Culliton had a picture in the Archibald prize this year, (among other years) and above shows one of her interiors. Since I am studying interior painting I used the above as an example.

Larapinta Trail, Rachel Fairfax

Rachel Fairfax is an up and coming Sydney artist and her works are being shown at the NG gallery, paintings from the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. Her work is exciting and makes me want to go on this walk even more now.

Landscape, Michael Cusack

Whilst researching Beryl Miles I found the abstract landscape's by Michael Cusack very interesting, plus Beryl Miles's work too. She was very influenced by Elisabeth Cummings.

Evening light

We've had some great skies and cloud formations recently at Pine Tree Cottage, with the dramatic winter branches.

Morton National Park

We had a wonderful afternoon bike riding in the Morton National Park, except we took a wrong turn and ended up going down a steep path and had to carry the bikes up a steep and long natural staircase! Lucy (15) carried the bikes up the steep bits!

Made by Others, Moss Vale

On the way home we went via Moss Vale and passed the shop Made by Others at Moss Vale. I've always wanted to go and next time will make a special visit to Moss Vale as it is packed with interesting and unusual things. Plus, they have a cafe which looks yummy.

Crewel flowers, 2011

A small and quick picture for fun!

Bruce King, Suzy King and ice skating at Bondi!

2011-06-30T22:27:00.000+10:00

Ice skating at Bondi Beach, photo by Aquabumps (something different for the surf lifesavers!)

Anyone who doesn't live in Sydney may wonder why we have an ice rink on the beach at present. The sun is shining, the waves are breaking and you can go ice-skating! It's fun though and is part of a winter wonderland promotion to get people to come here, shop and generally frequent the area. We never get snow or ice in Sydney and this is the coldest it gets! For a girl from England I would never believe they would do such a thing, wonders may never cease.

Cricket at the Beach, Suzy King. She won the Cricketer's art prize 2010 for this painting.

Suzy King paints wonderful beach scene's from the Central Coast area Terrigal, Kilcare etc. Having been on a summer holiday here it feels nostalgic and I hope to return for a holiday again soon. Lazy summer days.

Horses, Bruce King 2011

Bruce King paints these fabulous paintings from his imagination and the area he lives in the States. They are inspired by the Indians and their way of life, horses and hunting and live with nature. There is a wonderful 'you tube' showing his method of painting and it really brings his art to life.

Clovelley 2011, John Bokor

Now showing at the King Street Gallery is artist John Bokor, with his painting (as shown) of Clovelley beach. His work uses bright colours and is uplifting. I love Clovelley one of the many wonderful variety of beaches in Sydney, especially delightful for snorkelling.

lace boots at the Powerhouse museum, July 2011

A new exhibition to come to the Powerhouse museum is 'Make Lace not war'. Having seen the painstaking way of making lace at the Craft and Quilt fair last week, it's refreshing to see it put to use with artworks. With so many things mass manufactured today I am surprised the art of lace making is still so strong, it must take hours to make and I am not sure I would have the patience!

I've just read Paul Kelly and Paul Grabowsky are working together for a concert on 25th July at the opera house. This will highlight Paul Kelly's spiritual side and after looking him up on 'you tube' found a wonderful recording called "peace", with fantastic visuals depicting the peace sign.

We had one of these 'fish in a tank' treatments in Thailand last year. They nibble away all the dead skin, it's tiggilish!

Meditation and peace are so important. Paul Kelly works towards making

Poverty history, especially as we live in Australia, 'indigenous poverty history', quote.

Saturday at Bondi, Quilt Exhibition, Miniature Art and Jollybe painted cakes

2011-06-29T01:27:00.000+10:00

exotic mushrooms, Bondi Produce markets

Fresh fruit and veg. The stall holder is from Mexico, therefore there are a few unusual delicacies, ie cactus

Sydney on a Saturday morning at Bondi after a surf in the sea, in the middle of winter, you can visit the produce markets which have recently started.

Just a few of the surfers waiting for a wave last Saturday.

An example of a quilt made from men's ties!

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Craft and Quilt Fair last week, the amazing array of quilts is worth seeing. They are so detailed and must take so long to make, Lucy has almost finished a quilt which looks stunning. It's still got a few more things to complete, then we can show it. There was one quilt made from men's shirts and ties, what a great idea!

The National Awards Exhibition for 2011 is on at the Ewart Gallery in Sydney. It's amazing how much detail some of the miniature artists can paint in a 10cm x 10cm square. I always thought painting a miniature would be so much quicker, but as with most art it still takes a lot of time, thought and effort.

Chrysanthenem, from Jollybe cake decorating, USA

We have been trying a little cake decorating, it is a fine art and takes a lot of practice. I once read some of the cakes at the Easter Show take 3-4 years to make, what must they taste like inside and how could you ever eat them. Anyway, these cakes are amazing on the above website, with many designs and decorations painted onto the cakes.

Rose Bay Beach, Pixie 2011

Finally, when its hard to get on with anything in the morning or afternoon, taking Pixie for a walk on Rose Bay Beach is a pleasure to behold. Dogs are so easily satisfied, throwing a stick and running with them just gives them so much joy. If only everyone and everything was that easy to get such happy results!

A quote from Mahatma Gandhi

"Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn".

Friday goal, 1 image added to Redbubble.

Mosman Art Prize

Small Sculpture Prize

Wayne Fogden, Tuesday's with Morrie and Guinea Pigs!

2011-06-27T01:21:00.000+10:00

Bronte Pool, Wayne Fogden,2011

Wayne Fogden's exhibition of images of Bronte Pool are ethereal and dreamlike, currently on at the Iain Dawson Gallery in Oxford St.

cast of Downton Abbey

Plus, Sunday nights on TV are interesting with the series Downton Abbey, directed by Julian Fellowes. It was filmed at the huge Victorian pile, Highclere Castle where Lord and Lady Carnarvon live. There are between 200-300 rooms, with the cost of upkeep unbelievable.

Also, I am reading an amazing and inspiring book Lucy is studying at school, 'Tuesday's with Morrie'. It is a quick and easy read and could inspire anyone to change their lives. It makes me feel like pursuing something worthwhile in my life. Maybe have spirituality or meaning in my art, or even more fulfilling, teaching art and see if painting can anyway be a healing mechanism to people?

Year 9 students at Geelong Grammar School, (Compass, ABC)

'Compass', on ABC TV had a fascinating story on positive education at Timbertop, Geelong Grammar School. Following the 5 students in year 9 at Timbertop and how positive education guided them and what impact it had on their lives. Martin Seligman was involved with the positive education philosophies. It was very inspiring and what an amazing year of their lives living in the Australian bush in Victoria.

And finally, I have no need to worry about my vegie clippings as my 3 guinea pigs (Pipsqueak, as above) eat all of the scraps and more. I can hear their squeaking now as they are hungry, living in a run in the garden, we move the cage from place to place, so they are easy to keep clean.

Goal: 1 picture for Redbubble, + pursue deeper meaning in art.

Woollahara small sculpture prize, Research, volcanic ash,

2011-06-23T15:08:00.000+10:00

Archie Moore, Humpy Goona, winner 2010 Woollahara small sculpture prize

Every year the Woollahara sculpture prize is interesting to visit, anyone can enter with their small sculpture. Last year's winner was Archie Moore, with special commendation Milk machine, Jason Christopher. (unable to show image, see Woollahara council website to view). Entries are due any time from now until 5th August 2011.

Kendall Murray, Community Opportunity, Woollahara small sculpture prize, 2010

There is something that takes one back to one's childhood with this sculpture, the land of small and make-believe. Isn't there a part of all of us that wants to connect to imaginary places? Maybe that's something to strive for in painting, to take the audience to somewhere deep in our souls? That's what I haven't achieved yet?

When under pressure the mind goes blank and losses the ability to produce something from within. But on the other hand, sometimes we need pressure to produce anything or we just float around being distracted. I was advised to do more research, from a teacher at art college, and I feel this is true.

Giotto

Giotto's fresco's were very advanced for their time with perspective, before that they used to paint everything flat with no perspective. Today we look at these fresco's and feel at home with them, as contemporary art has turned full circle and it is ok to have no perspective again!

Wine makers, Goya

Goya used rich colours and a great use of light and dark. I have been researching his paintings for their use of colour and his use painting of light and dark.

Art is so emotional and artists really have to put themselves out there, hence the winner of the Sulman Prize this year with a self-portrait of the artist being gutted (literally). (I don't want to put that image here as it's not my favourite picture). If an artist of any kind has a bad non-constructive criticism they can feel gutted.

Jacob Marrell

I have been researching the work of Jacob Marrell (Dutch), with his paintings of tulips and flowers for inspiration, among other artists.

volcanic ash from Chile, June 2011

Among other strange things of today, flights are being interupted in Australia due to volcanic ash from Chile. This phenomen has being going on in Europe, with flights being delayed and cancelled last year. Is this something new or does more advanced technology mean we are aware of ash clouds being dangerous to our flight paths?!

Sunsets are beautiful in Sydney at this time of year, we've just had our winter solstice. A time to reflect and be still in the cold winter months with less daylight.

Heidi Jackson, Contemporary Aboriginal Art,Bondi surf and other recent exhibitions

2011-06-17T00:42:00.000+10:00

Untitled 8, Heidi Jackson
Heidi Jackson is exhibiting at the Damien Minton Gallery from 21st June, 2011. She has interesting landscapes in Travelling Light.

Sea scape, Vivian Falk

Vivian Falk is part of an exhibition at Spectrum 8, Art Atrium. I just get a real sense of the sea here and getting lost in it. It is hard to paint the sea and achieve the real essence of it.

Light Touch, Christine Godden

Christine Godden had an exhibition recently exploring light, called Light Touch.

Contemporary Aboriginal Art

Contemporary Aboriginal Art is very exciting and influencial. We have to be careful not copy any Aboriginal art or way of painting as it is sacred to their culture and has specific meanings.

Card for printing with red bubble

I was introduced to the site, red bubble, where you can add images of your works. Everyone can access them and get them printed as either cards, prints, t-shirts etc. The above image was added to red bubble under the name xangac (type in xangac and search). My current aim, along with a painting a week, is to have added 50 images by May 2112. Try viewing the red bubble site and order some cards, that way you are supporting artists instead of commercial giants. I've placed an order and they end up being very reasonable.

Live Today Well, so you can look back on a lifetime of days well lived.

The Sea is wild between Bondi and Bronte

We are so lucky in Sydney to be able to take a morning walk along the coast and listen to the soothing sounds of the sea. It was huge today and there were many people sitting on the edge of the water with large camera lenses waiting to take amazing shots. They were all waiting to snap the surfers catching the next wave. I feel it lift's my spirits to walk beside the rough seas, now back to the studio to be inspired to paint.

I need a haircut!

Pixie has been dropped at the hairdressers before her coat becomes one huge knot, she goes more than I do!

2 hours later, very smart!

A few words of wisdom taken from a current song, by Bliss N Esso, ' Addicted'

'Cause my thoughts are way too precious to waste on the negagtive, ......
Every dawn is a chance to make a new change'.
These are only a couple of lines, with many more interesting ideas, despite the mandatory swearing of today.
.

Early Australian artists, Sarah Baird, Sophie Digard and Don't tell my husband!

2011-06-12T17:12:00.000+10:00

Aboriginies usijng fire to hunt kangaroo's byJoseph Lycett

We were asked to paint a picture in response to 3 paintings before 1850. I replied without thinking "it wouldn't be an Australian artist!" I felt a little ignorant after such a comment and decided to research some early Australian painters. A couple of examples are the above artist, Joseph Lycett

Corroboree, John Glover

and John Glover.

John Sell Cottman

These paintings were at the same time as artists such as John Sell Cotman in England, who loved to paint the Norfolk landscape and sea.

Sarah Baird

Whereas contemporary landscape artist Sarah Baird, who is currently exhibiting at the Art House Gallery in Rushcutters Bay was worth visiting. We have come to appreciate the atmoshere in a painting and the emotions we receive from looking at a picture. Plus, light and colour always play an important part in paintings.

Yesterday, I was able to get to Pine Tree Cottage and do some well needed gardening. I arrived and saw for the first time a beautiful rainbow stretched across the valley. It doesn't really show up here as I had my i-phone and no time to fetch the camera.

I ended up cutting back a tree as the sun was setting and the moon rising. I love being in the garden when it is almost dark. It is still easy to see outside, until you turn the lights on and it looks almost pitch black outside the windows. By Friday I will try and see if I can paint something that's a response to the landscape and the early painters of the 19th century.

Sophie Digan, uses 80 strands of thread.

It was too wet to make it to Mickey Robertson's walk and talk through her garden, but she told us she has many items of Sophie Digard's for sale. They look amazing and if you do a gardening or cooking day at Glenmore House (see ad picture on right hand side of page), you can visit Mickey's shop and
have a look for yourself.

Finally, the funny/sad corner (don't tell my husband!) - Let me know if you have a good story too.

As I mentioned I hadn't been able to visit Pine Tree Cottage for almost a month by my calculations. It was so lovely to go there and be in the country. But, I had my daughter and her friend and we had to rush out of the door to get to a cross-country running race they were in. I was horrified to find I had left various items of clothing I had been searching for all month, a fridge full of food and the heater was still on! You can either laugh or cry, I did!

Highlands Foodies Group, Waverely Art Prize winners, meditation in Avalon and life drawing

2011-06-07T23:50:00.000+10:00

Garden at Glenmore House, Camden

It's the June long week-end this week-end and I have just heard about the Highlands Foodies Group trail (Sat and Sun,- if you google them you can download a brochure of events). One of the places on the trail is a walk and talk at Glenmore House with Mickey Robertson, it is a beautiful place an hour outside Sydney. You need to let them know if you are coming and you will be walked around the garden at the alloted times (see brochure). It's well worth a visit.

Plus, Suzi Poland is running a very special meditation and drawing class in Avalon on Monday of the June long week-end. Click on the picture for 'Vignette de la vie', on the right of this post which says 'meditation drawing classes in Avalon'.

Also, on Saturday is world knitting day, so get the yarns out, get together with some friends and knit a square to make a rug for charity.

Waverely Art Prize.

Table tennis, Stephanie Burns, winner 2009, Waverely Art Prize

He's a little mixed up, Ben Smith, winner Waverely Art Prize 2010

Having entered a painting on Friday to the Waverely Art Prize, I pose the question? Should I have entered something I hadn't spent hours reflecting on, or just pushed myself to get it done on time? I find my work is often so much better at the very beginning stages, more lively and full of life. I did get an image of my picture in on time but, had I researched some of the winners beforehand I may never have entered anything at all, maybe losing my nerve. Personally, I feel a real sense of achievement having submitted something and can aspire to improve all the more by next year. Who's to know what the commitee will decide to hang!?

Life Drawing
We did a life drawing/painting, which I find challenging, as well as rewarding. We were working out how the skeleton fits in the body and how clothes wrap around the body. Both need to be remembered when painting or drawing a human body. With life drawing one tends to get worried about all of the marks we make on paper, but Julian Ashton said, 'let the wrong line show you where the right line should be'.

This is just to remind me of what we did, drawing with watery paint (black, white, earth) and charcoal.

Bill's chocolate chip cookies, Masterchef competition, Bondi-Waverley Art Prize.

2011-06-03T22:41:00.000+10:00

Bill's chocolate chip cookies, from Sydney Food.

I have to write our favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe, so we can use it any time. Yes, the book falls open at this page!

125g butter, unsalted
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, tightly packed
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Pinch of salt

1. Pre-heat oven to 180'C, beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add vanilla and egg and beat again.
2. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt until just combined. It seems like a lot of flour but it will combine. Fold through chocolate chips.
3. Place spoonfuls on lined baking tray (allow room for spreading).
4. Cook for 10-15 mins, until they are pale golden brown. I take them out slightly under done and leave them on the cooling tray for 5 mins so they cool down and harden up.

These are simple and delicious, yumm. they don't last long in our house, we warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds and serve them with a cup of milk.

Tomorrow, I want to enter as many of the competitions as possible on the Masterchef website, trip to London, dinner with Matt Preston and many more things to win!

The sea is rising, by Xanga Connelley

I entered a painting for the Waverley-Woollahara Art Prize. It is nerve racking, but luckily you have the image on a cd or printed as a photo, so everyone can't see your work as you bring it in. I felt nervous, but the best bit of advice we've been given recently is to pretend you are a different artist and take on board their confidence. I was pretending I was someone else today and just thought 'what the heck, just go for it'!

We are lucky enough to have an open fire and burn the branches that fall off the gum trees across the road. It is mesmorising watching a fire and really makes a difference on a cold or wet winter's night.

Rain, Elisabeth Cummings and Ampersand

2011-06-01T23:47:00.000+10:00

It's been raining in Sydney, very heavily at times. Some areas have been flooded and although everyone thinks it is good, reports say the dams still aren't rising enough. Bondi is exciting with wild weather and you can rely on Aquabumps to take a wonderful photo.

Recently I discovered a new magazine, a very informative Art magazine. You learn all about the history of art and exhibitions. I heard the editor Alice Gage (who started the magazine) talk, saying she had this dream and passion to publish the magazine. With wonderful results, it's well worth buying and keeping these editions forever.

Day to Dusk, Elisabeth Cummings, 2008

Vessel, Elisabeth Cummings2011

Elisabeth Cummings has an exhibition at the King Street Gallery, William Street which started yesterday. Her work is so insperational with her abstract way of looking at the world with colours, shapes and lines.

Rose or Lucy took this photo. How can you paint a picture of this photo without it looking corny? With some caption beneath!

Head on photography, Sydney harbour and a painting on Friday 27th

2011-05-28T14:53:00.000+10:00

Is there a point to being an artist, does an artist have a responsibility to communitcate something important to their audience? A painting can stir your emotions, it touches on a part of ones psyche you might otherwise not be able to connect with. So, I am always posing the question, when is a painting good? ie how will I know if I am painting anything worthwhile? I would imagin when I am conveying something to the viewer they want to keep looking at and it stirs up an emotional response, then the picture has a value to me or someone else.

Petals, by Catherine Cloran

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Anyway, the Head on photography exhibition is on in Sydney and I visited some interesting galleries. There were a few in Danks St, including the Connie Dietzschold gallery with three photographers, Russell Wong, Stephen Roach and Catherine Cloran. I am so lucky my daughters are all interested in art and this motivates me to go to exhibitions, it is always worth making the effort to spend some time viewing art.

Gilbert Garcin

Plus, the Australian Center for photography is worth a visit. Again, portraits and an exhibition by a photographer Gilbert Garcin who only started taking photo's when he retired in his sixties. He uses the sense of humour and absurdidty among other people of Charlie Chaplin and Samuel Beckett. I am so lucky my daughters are all interested in art and this motivates me to go to exhibitions, it is always worth making the effort to spend some time viewing art. Especially when its something they are interested in too.

Yesterday afternoon was a beautiful afternoon in Sydney with the sun setting over the harbour, after I had a wonderful day working on some paintings and stories.

Lloyd Rees, riding and exhaustion antidote

2011-05-23T14:53:00.000+10:00

coloured mirror wall, AG NSW, May 2011,
John Caldor wing

It was a fantastic interactive day this Sunday at the Art Gallery NSW, the open day for the John Caldor wing was full of wonderful art, talks and music a feast for the ears and eyes.

After talking about J W Turner, two inspirational artists who were influenced by his work were Lloyd Rees and

Northwood, by Lloyd Rees

Brett Whitley. Lloyd Rees said that Brett Whitley was the next great artist at the age of 22. It put too much pressure on him, maybe it is hard to be told we are really good at something, then we feel the pressure to succeed.

Finally,
view from balcony 2, Brett Whitley

I always wanted to be the best at something, but then they say it's hard to stay at the top. Maybe it's always good to have something to strive towards, someone or something to aspire to?

The beginning of a painting is such fun, a wild burst of energy

Finally, the article below was written in our school magazine. I haven't recorded anything from the 12 years we have been there, but this is one I would like to remind myself of. Especially since sometimes I think I am exhausted, for no reason and yet a week later I have less sleep and more interesting things happen and I feel full of energy. Also, I would like to remind myself that it is important to have times when we do feel low on energy, this is the natural cycle of life.

An Antidote for exhaustion. (from our local catholic school newsletter),
"I said to Brother David, speak to me of exhaustion. He said a wonderful thing. It turned my whole life around..he said 'The antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest... it is whole-heartedness.' You're so exhausted because all the things you're doing are just business and there is a central core of whole-heartedness, which is totally missing from what you're doing.. There's something about whole-heartedness courage that comes from 'coeur', from heart that has to do with coming out of hiding and having a conversation with others, with life, and that none of the changes will happened without the conversation."

This fragment, from an address by poet, David Whyte, reminds us being "unreal" is exhausting and being real is nourishing and protective. We will find that if we concentrate on living in the present and being fully open to everything that surrounds us, the results will surprise us. While working to "save the world" at a non-profit organisation David Whyte found he was burning out until Brother David pointed him toward "whole-heartedness". In a few months he found that he had become much more effective. David connects this act of being fully present to your colleagues and to your environment with the spiritual resourcer, courage. Sometimes, courage is manifested by merely keeping silent when you are aching to protest or dispute another. At other times, courage is expressed by suppressing discouragement and trying one more time to reach out to another. Being whole-hearted calls us to take the risk of speaking to the other over our own discomfort, trusting in the power of real conversation to effect change. And to end ...

Rose riding in the park on a sunny Sunday morning.

Whilst I run/walk the dog round the park and noticed these shadows on the tree trunks, maybe some inspiration for painting or designs?

shadows and vines

What a nice surprise to see a duck in the middle of the city in our neighbour's pool!

Turner, Twombly and art confidence

2011-05-17T12:07:00.000+10:00

The fighting Temeraire, pulled by a tug before it is demolished after it's last journey,J.W. Turner

Three studies of Temeraire, Cy Twombly

It is always so exciting not to know everything, there is always more to learn. This week I learnt that this painting was the basis and inspiration for Cy Twombly's painting in the art gallery of NSW. In the beginning J.W. Turner was not popular as an artist, he showed too much emotion in his paintings, showing the full impact of a storm. He was working class and put movement and grit into his storms, whereas other painters of his day only painted what society wanted them to paint, staid replicas of ships and calm seas. Turner's paintings stir up emotions with the dark clouds and dramatic storms.

Snow storm, Hannibal, J.W. Turner

Is it easy to paint Abstract art? 'To make it childlike, not childish'. The hardest thing is to explain it to somebody who does not understand, nor appreciate Abstract art

I am finding it a challange to paint abstract art and it is not a good idea to show it until one has the confidence it is what one wants to achieve. Does it look good, who is to say it looks good? So, the advice is to step into another artists shoes and pretend to have their confidence when painting a picture. I will try this, just be someone else and have a load of confidence. Plus, when I have a day to paint, just get on with it, every artist is faced with the day ahead and producing work, either a writer, painter or musician. All alone in a place of work, it is so easy to procrastinate and so hard to get going. Maybe I will have to accept it's enough to do some pictures relations will enjoy in years to come, but it's always a buzz to sell something!

These are just memory joggers as to keep trying different styles. Drawing and/or painting and blocking out areas as did many of the great abstract painters.

untitled, Bill Henson. In the exhibition

Plus, the group show at the Robyn Oxley9 Gallery of photographers on until 11th June, 2011. This looks interesting, still the dramatic cloud makes dramatic art.

Yvonne Audette, tree removal and masterchef!

2011-05-11T14:24:00.000+10:00

We were learning about an artist I did not know about until this week, Yvonne Audette. Her work is abstract with many different stages. When she went to Europe in the 50's she went back to basics and did some very realistic portraits, only a year later back to completely abstract. This is her language for painting in and her work is beautiful. We also looked at the work of Tony Tuckson, how he tried many styles before he found his painting voice. Plus, action painting with Franz Klein.

Also, at Pine Tree Cottage the vast Radiata pine trees lining our drive have all got a disease and had to be removed with a giant crane. These trees were completely rotten inside having been healthy 6 months ago. It is a huge job to remove them and very costly with the crane being hired daily. Some of the trees weighted 4 tonnes, it will be strange without them down the drive.

Rose put herself up for the masterchef challange, so is madly cooking to get as much practice as possible in case she gets an audition. Her application is number 2, 935, so it's unlikely, but you never know!

This is my effort from our class this week, we had 2 weeks of roughly an hour each week on this picture. The idea was to draw a picture, abstract it, outline it in dry black paint, then paint a bold background colour (warm yellow), paint large areas of white or off-white on top and block them out. Add small amounts of other colours. Add to the painting, pull back. Have a relationship with the painting, working things in, pulling back. Not a 'one night stand'!!

"Abstraction can be representational through our individual interpritation". quote, Juliet Holmes a Court.

Moran Prize 2011, Autumn and Sarah Armstrong sailing

2011-05-03T23:44:00.000+10:00

Moran Prize 2011, runner up. Rex at Maroubra,Nicholas Harding Rex Irwin.
Nicholas asked to meet Rex at Maroubra as he often goes to this beach. He was so at ease he just opened up his book and started reading.

Winner 2011, Moran prize. Vincent Fantauzzo, Baz Lurman

The sand burial of Maya and Heidi, Natalie Grono. (Moran 2011)

Man's best friend, Ian English. (Moran 2011) Life is pretty good at Palm Beach.


Winner Photography Moran Prize 2011, World rare disease day, Steve Waugh with 3yr old Sarah Walker

Quilting in Robbo

We had fun in Robertson, quilting with relaxed lazy days, it's fun in the country going for walks, having friends to stay and eating yummy food. A time to chill out and recharge the batteries.

Autumn 2011

Even though I didn't grow up with the Easter bunny, it's still fun to have a treasure hunt and find all those eggs in the morning..

I have included Sarah Armstrong as I heard her this morning on radio National, meet the listener. She has spent almost a year sailing with her family, hubby and 2 boys (6 & 11). They will return in November 2011, there are a couple of families sailing together. She says they are using home education to school the boys and they work in the mornings. The incentive is for all of the children to finish their work so they can all go kayaking. I would have loved to have done this with a couple of other families, challenging at times but what an amazing thing to do.

Art works, by Xanga Connelley

2011-05-02T14:18:00.000+10:00

Ripples, 2011

hung up, 2010

six, 2011

miniature chest of drawers, 2011

wooden photoframe, 2007

Sea, February 2011

Abstract clouds, April 2011

Cherries, 2010

Tomatoes, 2010

Pears, 2010

Pomegranetes, 2011

Cherries 2011

Ripples, 2011

Life's Journey, February 2011

bowl 1, November 2010

original bowl, Sept 2009

metal bowl, February 2011

Royal wedding, England

2011-04-28T23:58:00.000+10:00

At the time this was a perfect romance.

Kilmeston 2005, a typical Spring day

It's predicteded to be the wedding of the century

Here's my piece of England in Oz

Well, the Royal wedding is upon us and I feel very nostalgic. A bit homesick as it brings back memories of Diana and Charles's wedding. I was working in London at the time and had an amazing view of the carriage with Diana in from Admirality House, right in the center of all the action! Am I missing something but I don't see many British things in the shops and Tom wants to watch the Swans play instead of the wedding!!!

Visiting the Easter Show 2011

2011-04-23T00:20:00.000+10:00

It's the first time I've seen the largest pumpkin, how can anything grow this large and how do you transport it from a to b?

This painting in the marine section looks like a photo, the colours are amazing and it sold for $6,500. I didn't take note of the artist.

My favourite decoratedated cake!

Pinch the Earth, Mehemet al Uysal & Archibald 2011

2011-04-18T11:13:00.000+10:00

Pinch the earth,by Mehemet al Uysal at the festival of the 5 saisons in Belgium

Margaret Olley, winner 2011 Archibald prize, by Ben Quilty

Ben Quilty, Winner of the Moran prize, 2010

How exciting he's from Robertson.

I really enjoyed reading the biography 'Far from a still life', by Meg Stewart on Margaret Olley. She dedicated her life to art and being an artist, when most women got married and had children.Gorgi

Japanese wind flowers and Don Rankin

2011-04-06T23:40:00.000+10:00

Picture from Don Rankin's exhibition currently at Eva Brewer Gallery. I love his paintings

Autumn is the time for Japanese wind flowers in our garden

When's it my turn!

Isabella's Photo's

2011-04-06T20:34:00.000+10:00

Early film photo's, these are magical

Isabella's Archive

2011-04-06T12:01:00.000+10:00

Easter Show 2010

2011, Easter show, portrait painting, King Lear

Easter Show 2011, King Lear

Competition entries, 2010, Mosman art show, 3rd prize

Rose's archive

2011-04-06T11:22:00.000+10:00

2010, 2nd prize photography

Lucy's archive

2011-04-06T11:18:00.000+10:00

2010

Xanga Easter Show Archive

2011-04-01T10:52:00.000+11:00

2010

2008

Xanga, 2009

2008

2007

2006

2009

. Life is an evolving journey, each stage is important and leads to something new.

Drawing Meditation Classes in Avalon

2011-03-28T23:31:00.000+11:00

I recently had a wonderful morning painting in Suzi Poland's studio, on one of her courses. It was very inspiring and she is offering many more interesting things, such as meditation drawing classes. Just use the following link http://http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=198855950146753&mid=3f77d3fG2672a5deG62add3cG7&bcode=uHCZBxu6&n_m=xangaconnelley%40yahoo.com.au.com for further information, google, Vignettes de la vie, Pittwater Spirit. (Suzi Poland)