Christmas Greetings

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and good health and happiness in 2014.

 

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Where did 2013 go ?

It is said that the older one gets the faster time goes. 

Perhaps it's the awareness that the road ahead is undoubtedly shorter than the road already travelled; perhaps it's because there are so many projects still to do; or it’s the realization that there aren't enough days left to accomplish everything.

Then you know that each precious day should be treasured and filled to capacity.

As I look back on 2013, I realize that it's been a busy year - the highlighted words link to the images and blog posts.

 

Here’s what I've been up to: 

Postcards from Europe - oil on linen -910mm x 1200mm ©2013 Carol Lee Beckx

• Postcards from Europe - this painting captured special travel memories for my client.
• Testing the Stillman & Birn Beta sketchbook - there's an album of these drawings and paintings here on Flickr.
• A major website re-design was a lot of work but very rewarding.
• Two different portraits were delivered - such fun!
• Exhibiting at The Rotary Art Spectacular - my first time at this prestigious exhibition
• Lethbridge10,000 - I was so pleased to be an artist selected for the gallery exhibition.
• Re-creating a client's Greek holiday memories - and here are the paintings. 
• Painting a portrait of a dear Grandson - I would love to do more portraits next year - I still have so much to learn...
• A painting with a difference - Time for Pizza - a painting for a patio with a new pizza oven.

• Art classes were held throughout the year and a number of one day workshops:

Ink and Wash; Composition; Watercolour - New Directions; and Introduction to oils

• And a successful exhibition with cARTwheel Collaborative at Percolator Gallery, Paddington in October.

My good wishes go out to all my readers over this holiday season.

I wish you a Happy Christmas.I hope you will have time to stop and relax; to enjoy the company of family and special friends; and may you have time to dream a little… 

Mist and evening light

Kloof, Kwa Zulu Natal is an area known for frequent misty conditions - it makes driving difficult but it's so beautiful I had to share this image.

A day later, and the evening light was equally beautiful.

Appearances are often deceptive you can see from the blurred roses, the wind was blowing strongly.

 

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Working holiday

A couple of months ago I made a flippant remark to my sister about holding a workshop while visiting family and friends in South Africa. She had lamented the fact that Australia was a bit too far for her to attend when I had advertised a recent workshop.

The off hand remark became reality on Wednesday with the one day workshop "Ink and Wash".

Before I knew what was happening she had booked the hall and had a full complement of 20 participants signed up! Whew....

So my packing list for the trip had to include pens, ink and watercolours.

The workshop was a variation on a similar one I had held in Brisbane. I knew some of the people but a lot were new to me so trying to set a level for the class was a challenge. I decided on some fun to break the ice and get everyone out of their comfort zones..... A blind contour portrait of their neighbour - and to add a twist - using only a twig pen and ink!! The twig pens, were again my sister's hard work - she collected them and cleaned off the bark; sharpened the ends - she deserves a medal...(and this is in addition to doing all the admin for the day - maybe I need her in Brisbane?)

I had a wonderful group - enthusiastic, talented and prepared to experiment with some wonderful results. Here are some examples of the work done taken during the day.

A special thank you to my sister and her sister-in-law (she helped with the catering) and all the lovely artists who helped make the day so enjoyable.

The experience of the day reinforced the realisation that my decision to make painting and teaching the focus of my life was absolutely the right one - I do so love what I do!

 

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Travelling in South Africa

Evening sky

Some images of this beautiful country...

These were taken last Friday soon after my arrival in South Africa on the drive from the airport to Potchefstroom in North West Province. Love seeing this familiar countryside again.

 

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Nelson Mandela - an icon for South Africa and the world

During the night the sad news came that the people of South Africa and indeed the world have been expecting for some time - the passing of our hero Nelson Mandela - Madiba - Tata - father. It is especially poignant for this to happen while I am visiting from Australia.

As I move around the country visiting family, and as I experience the bustle, the crowds, the chaotic traffic, the warmth of the people it's as though I haven't been away.

As the country mourns the loss of a special man, a man without equal, our thoughts and prayers go to his family. May his legacy of love for all people and his enduring wish for peace be a lasting gift to the country and the world.

Rest in Peace Madiba.

 

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