W.I.P's

I am working on a new set of paintings, this time trying out a new method to begin them.

I like to start without a plan and work in layers, the first few layers are done with no control - it then takes its own shape and I work with what is on the page. I love how the finished painting looks nothing like how it started, because it feels as if it has grown on its own.

I have started an album on my facebook page showing the work in progress:

(click on image to go to album)

The Voyage

Here is a picture I call The Voyage, the work in progress is on my facebook page.

I am really stretching myself here... because I am much more comfortable posting a picture without writing anything, for you to either love or hate and perhaps not even knowing what you're looking at.

I often get asked what the story is with my characters, and why they seem sad. I usually don’t explain my pictures because often it comes from something relating to me at the time (even though it is not just my story).

The theme that carries through all my work is relationships. This could be with a partner, family, your dog, friends, enemies, strangers, the world, or yourself – anything! The patterns (which I love doing the most!), is what is really going on with the character. Their faces are not sad, but expressionless - a mask. But the invisible energy created by how we feel (the patterns) is the main part of the picture.

This image of a voyager on a boat with a companion, on a splash of patterned waves could mean a number of things (to me): taking my son to play cricket or footy, having a discussion with my teenage daughter, carrying the grief of losing loved ones, taking on a new job, making an investment, or even literally going fishing... I hope this can relate to you in some way as well.

Sometimes when we have a lot going on and thinking about it drives us crazy, an image that you resonate with can help you see it for what it is and help make sense of it, or just let it be... that is what I love most about art!

W.I.P.

On my table...

I love it when I come across a great find in a garage sale! My new drawing table gives me room to do bigger illustrations. Here is a work in progress which I will post when finished...

New Painting

Here is a painting I recently finished. It makes me think of the conversation and ideas that come up over a cup of coffee (and I do love a good coffee!)

~Coffee Break~

When I began this painting I had no idea what I was going to do, and it changed a lot -

so below is the work in progress:

I have also finished 7 small paintings, soon to be posted. Also I have almost finished a mural:

The photo is not too good, I took it in the afternoon with the sun shining on it. Unfortunately it doesn't capture the perfect day... sunshine, music and cold beverage I was enjoying while doing it!

The wall that the mural is on  is next to an outdoor bath in a lovely plant-filled courtyard :)

Paintings

Here are some paintings I am working on...

Mural

I am happily working on a mural, which is making me remember how much I love to paint, and making me promise myself that this year I will paint more.

Nursery Mural

The Nursery Mural I posted about a month ago has now been finished. And with it the arrival of a very special little niece - a very precious addition to our family!

Nursery Mural

I am going to be an Aunty soon! I have been lucky enough to be asked to paint onto a wall of the nursery for this special little person!

Here are the beginning stages of the project:

Mini Block Paintings

Some little pine block paintings I am doing...

Lots of Little Pictures

Paintings : W.I.P.

I don't seem to be happy unless I am doing more than one thing at a time...

Busy Busy Busy!

Lot's going on this week ~ apart from school holidays ~ but I will try to put something on the blog if I find some time!

watercolour so far for art show entry due this week

other entries framed

wedding invitation

but after keeping kids occupied, work comes 1st unfortunately!

Watercolour W.I.P

I am going to be brave and enter a watercolour painting into an upcoming show. Here are a few shots of the painting in progress...

More W.I.P.

I have dozens of things going at once. I have been posting work in progress for months, some of which I still haven't finished (organisation has never been my strong point!). Mostly I am still getting to a point where I can find a style that works and stick to it. But between working on paintings, I am also doing weekly illustrations, patterns,  and sketchbook ideas and things are now starting to come together. Here is another painting I have been working on which is not far off completion, acrylic and ink on canvas...

Paintings

I have been working on some new paintings... 

Here is one I have finished

W.I.P.

Next W.I.P.

Here is the progress of another painting I have been working on...