Monday, 1 August 2022
Poor neglected blog!
Monday, 13 December 2021
Oh Boy Bok Choy
Some of my favourite commissions have been for restaurants - Milk Cafe was one. This commission grew from an urban sketch I had done in the cafe years previously. More about these paintings can be found here. and here.
In August 2020 I had been invited by the lovely owner of Farmhouse Kedron (previously the owner of Milk) to conduct a drawing and sketching class at the restaurant. This was a great way to interact with students in person after using Zoom for months.
A new venture for the owners of Farmhouse was their new baby - Oh Boy Bok Choy located not from from the Kedron restaurant.
I was asked to paint Bok Choy to be used in a backlit box above the bar. Bok Choy is a wonderful vegetable to paint and to eat as well.
Incidentally, if you haven’t ventured to the restaurant yet, do yourself a favour and go - now - the food is fantastic!
And just to whet your appetite a few of the delicious dishes…
Top LH: Wok tossed pad see ew, Bok Choy, Gai lan, tofu vegan oyster sauce,dark soy (VG)
Top RH: Wombok veggie dumplings
Whisky Tamarind Pork Belly
Oh Boy fried rice
Crispy Silken Tofu, Red Dragon sauce(vegan)
Bottom LH: MYO Bao buns with pickled salad & crispy pork
Bottom RH: Oh Boy Prawn toast, yuzu mayo
Friday, 10 December 2021
A special anniversary - eleven years in Australia
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a time of reflection. A time of taking stock and planning for the time ahead. I am reminded once again of the anniversary of my arrival in Australia now it’s eleven years since I landed at Brisbane airport to start a new life.
And what a life it’s been. In July, six months later I moved into my own home and started teaching in my studio. Thanks to the wonderful support from loyal students I have been able to earn a comfortable living and as a bonus make really good friends along the way.
My home with its little garden has been a comfortable haven. When I moved in the garden had nothing but vigorous weeds and a few tall trees. With the help of my son in law, Craig, the garden was transformed into a lush haven, the water feature encouraging local birds to come for a drink or bath.
Eleven years ago - the garden in the process of construction.
My colourful visitors
Recently, I gave the front garden some attention adding a bed of bromeliads and Agaves. The struggling lawn was given a makeover with Sir Walter grass, now it’s green and soft underfoot. The perfect spot for my early morning coffee.