Man’s Best Friend

Over the years I have painted Man’s Best Friend a number of times so today when I was asked to send images of my work I decided a blog post including the doggie portraits would be a good idea. 

Norbert - watercolour on paper 

Kinsey’s pup - watercolour on paper


Laura’s pup - watercolour on paper



Laura’s pup - watercolour on paper

Blaze - oil on canvas 

Dakota, above and Belle below - both oil on canvas 

 

Calendars for 2018 - yes already!

Last year I had some calendars printed which showed examples of my paintings. I can’t believe it’s time to plan for the New Year already!  I’ve just finished designing a new one for 2018. 

There will be both a Wall calendar and a Desk calendar. If you like to add special dates and anniversaries then the Wall version is ideal. I like having a Desk calendar around for those days when I can’t remember what day it is!

These calendars make lovely Christmas gifts and a good way have some shopping done early. 

Here are screen shots of the two versions. The resolution is not great but will give you an idea of the images.

Wall calendar - Flowers and Still Life

Desk calendar - Flowers and Still Life

If you would like to order one please let me know either by replying here on the blog, by email - info@carolleebeckx.com or leave a message on my Facebook Page. 

Botanique on show at Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

Botanique, and exhibition of all things Botanically inspired, is on this weekend in the Richard Randall Gallery, Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens, from Friday 15th September at 1.00pm until 3.00pm Sunday, 17th September.

I will have a selection of paintings, a couple of large ones and a few small, gift-sized paintings. 

Peonies - ink and watercolour on Saunders Waterford paper

Orchids - watercolour on Saunders Waterford paper

Australian Bouquet - watercolour on Saunders Waterford paper

In addition, there will be some cushions and tote bags. These bags are a good way of introducing ourselves to using reusable bags instead of the throw-away plastic kind - and much more attractive too!

A view of my corner at the Richard Randall Gallery 

I've also printed a selection of cards which feature some of my paintings. 

Artichoke cushion 

2016 - looking back on my year

   Coolum Beach Panorama - oil on canvas 610 mm x 1210 mm

A few years ago, I compiled a list for the year summarising my activities for the year. I decided to do one for 2016. (The highlighted text indicates a link to the relevant blog post.)

- Exhibitions: Rotary Art Spectacular 2016; Lethbridge 10,000; Botanique 

- I've written 52 Blog posts here on Art Matters - and kept to my plan of posting an average of one per week.

-Recreating Family memories – I painted images from a family album as a  Christmas gift. 

-Red Bubble – my online shop was set up showcasing several products with  images of my work.

-Etsy – new paintings were added throughout the year

-Website makeover – predictably this was a time sink, although it was worthwhile in the  end.

-Experimentation with process videos – ongoing – there's lots to learn...

-Portraits – continued exploration – my Portrait of Dan won a prize at Nundah  Art Exhibition – and experiments with a new surface – Ampersand Claybord 

-Tasmania – a wonderful short, inspiring holiday

-Illustration commission to re-create old photographs for the Highlands House  commemorative booklet.

-Plein air sketching throughout the year – not as often as I would have liked, perhaps something to plan for in 2017.

May your new year be filled with happiness and an abundance of creativity.

Botanique Christmas Bazaar at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Here is a last minute reminder about this exciting event in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, Brisbane.

Artists and artisans will be showing a wide range of wares over the weekend, opening this evening with a preview at 6.00pm. The show continues until 4.00pm Sunday 24th November.

I will be showing some botanically inspired paintings.

 

 

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One Hundred Posts

It's taken me a while to get there but this post marks the 100th since I started this blog. 

                           Work in Progress Detail: Nymphea - oil on canvas - Carol Lee Beckx ©2012 

In the intervening time I have:

• Sold and packed up a house 
• Sold my share of a family business
• Bade farewell to family and friends
• Moved continents - South Africa to Australia
• Discovered many inspiring blogs and made virtual friends worldwide
• Moved into my new home
• Set up my studio
• Started art classes
• Built and planted a garden (with help from my kind son-in-law)
• Learnt to swop some words i.e. "jumper" instead of "jersey" and  some new expressions  "no worries, mate"
• Painted a number of paintings 
• Won a few prizes 
• Set up an Etsy site and made a sale
• Made so many new friends - and this is the part that really makes me feel at home. 

Thank you, Australia for the warm welcome.


The image is a work in progress. I started this painting shortly before I received the Paris commission. 

It's been great fun to splash out in full colour. 

Deciding to move.

In May 2008, I made the decision to relocate to Brisbane, Australia. Now, over two years later, the move is becoming a reality. It's strange to be in neither one place nor another and it's almost as though one's life is in limbo.

Although I studied art at high school and later trained as an art teacher, most of my life has been spent following other career options - more out of circumstance than a specific plan. I have been amongst other things: a landscape gardener; a mosaic artist; a book illustrator; and at one time junior and high school teacher teaching a variety of subjects - English, Maths, and History.
For the last 12 years I have been the owner of a retail shop that has no connection with the "art world" at all.

I taught art formally for relatively short periods, but have lectured and demonstrated for numerous art groups. Although  making art has had to be done alongside other occupations, and has often taken a back seat, I've learnt to be very productive in short bursts when a gap appeared in my day.

I plan to change this and now, eventually, do what I love - paint, draw and teach art.

A new beginning...

Art matters - it has mattered all my life and I hope that in this blog I'll give you an idea of the importance it has for me. However, art hasn't always taken centre stage as I have done so many other things along the way.



The creation of this blog marks the beginning of a new stage of my life. My new website is going live today - life is really so exciting - please have a look - www.carolleebeckx.com
I'll be posting images of new paintings as well as a selection of drawings.I'll be sharing the adventure of the coming months as I face huge changes and new challenges - that's such a creative word for problems don't you think?