Thursday 1 December 2016

New Paintings




Near Christmas

With only a few weeks left in 2016 I can reflect on this year at the Friday group where we have gathered to paint together regularly .Our group has met consistently over the year and has gone from a relatively easy to manage number to today's maximum of 14 people.I am not sure how we will manage if the numbers keep increasing as the main studio was full today.
I have had limited time to paint in the last few weeks as there have been many other commitments.However ,as long as I can keep Fridays as my one day per week to have just for painting I will be happy.
I have painted mainly in watercolour and acrylic recently but have used ink and gouache occasionally too.My subject matter has been still life,flowers and landscapes.I painted en plein air once but will try to get out more as it is very challenging if not frustrating and rewarding if the painting works well.

Wednesday 17 August 2016

Wednesday

Today's Post
I uploaded four small watercolours today.
As already mentioned ,I have been trying to use  more water in my watercolours.
I tried dropping colours in wet in wet too which I found quite effective.
When in Japan recently I went to an art exhibition of paintings done many years ago and was interested in trying to paint tonally using very little colour.I bought some graphite in somber colours and have been experimenting trying to make my painting more tonal.One of my friends today recommended using a grey scale and converting one of my photos to tones which I will try.

Lilies


Pink flower

Wet in wet

White blossoms



From a Japanese painting


Monday 15 August 2016

Pink roses


Tulips


Poppies


Poppies


More tulips


Blowing in the breeze


Tulips


Blossoms


Bunch of flowers


Blossoms


Still life


Landscape

Vase of flowers


Vase of flowers


Pink flowers


A burst of colour


Still life


Tulips


Tulips


Gum leaves and flowers


Gum nuts and leaves


Blossoms in the distance .Japan


White flowers


Waterfall


Through the window


Pink lilies and bottles


Botanic Gardens Adelaide


My trip down the Nile


Pinks and reds



A Year Later

A lot has happened since I last posted my Blog.
My husband had a bad fall on our staircase and broke his ankle and foot which required hospitalisation,followed by three months in respite then weeks in rehab.He finally came home ,promising me he would always use the stair lift in future.It has been a long year with continual trips to specialists,physios and now a Diabetic counsellor.He strives on daily doing his exercises ,riding his static bike which our children gave him and eating the correct food .
Meanwhile I have tried to paint in between visits to hospitals,respite centres and rehab.hospital.I even got the house painted out in case we had to sell.I managed to declutter quite a bit too,giving away furniture ,books etc.We have to cater for five walkers in various rooms of the house and outside in the Japanese garden as well as in the garage which has two steps down into it.Another is in the boot of the car.
I have been experimenting using graphite,watercolour pencils,crayons and various types of paper.Fun.Some pieces are more successful than others.
I have been inspired by my visit to Japan in May to see my daughter Julia...and hope to do more Scenes from there at some stage.I love the work of Shirley Trevena too and have been trying to compose paintings and work using her methods.Not easy to say the least.But,I will go on trying.
I have also been trying to use more water in my watercolour paintings.
If only I had more time.