Thursday, November 29, 2012

Hooray - I'm in the calendar

Tonight at the Art Est end of year show, Jennifer announced the winners of the calendar competition and I was one of the lucky winners. Haystacks is featured in the calendar as Miss November and besides the publicity, I also got 4 calendars and a $100 voucher towards my next art class/ workshop! Thanks to all who voted for me.


Thursday, November 22, 2012

The Blue Mountains

Most Sydney-siders would have been up the Blue Mountains, and right around the mid mountains, stood on the edge of the cliff to peer at the stupendous vista unfolding; range upon range vanishing into the hazy distance. Truly the Blue Mountains is our own Grand Canyon - and it's so accessible, really.


Well this week I decided to try and capture the feel. I had purchased a heavy gel medium and thought to try palette knifing it on the canvas to create the texture of rock face. First painted both rock face with exactly the same colours. Then knocked back the one further away using glazes. Transparent white gives that effect of distance which is so lovely.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

More Moreton bay figs

I've been invited to exhibit with the Inner West Art Group at Gallery NTK Croydon on the 8 Dec. As a consequence I've been busily painting.


This diptych was inspired by the impressionists who frequently painted figures with their backs to the light. The deep shadows are actually not conducive to the modern art of photography. But the eye does not suffer from the same problem!



Moreton Bay Figs are some of my favourite trees. Their trunks have this human limb like quality. And they are such magnificent trees, casting deep shade on hot summer days.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Art Est calendar competition

My artwork 'Haystacks' is finalist for the Art Est calendar competition!

To get into the calendar, I need votes in the form of Likes on this
Facebook page.
If you like my art, please vote for me by 12 Nov. The most popular 6 adult and 6 kid entries get featured in Art Est calendar. I suppose I'm in it for the promotional prospects although its gratifying to hear positive comments.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

More glazing techniques

This week I thought I'd get a handle on glazing by painting a favourite scene of rocks at Bronte. I also wanted to complete the piece so did it in A3 size.


The glaze is of pthalo green as water and this wonderful ink in burnt sienna which is transparent on the rocks. There is also a transparent white which I used to knock back the background water. As a technique glazing takes time and being impatient I can't see myself embracing it 100%. I'd use it judiciously and have a hair dryer handy!