A short Sabbatical - at home.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the bad luck to have another driver run into the back of my car. I was stationary, he was watching the lights at the intersection not  car in front of him. 

Since I would be without my car for at least this week, I decided to take the opportunity to take a sabbatical - in my Studio. There are no classes - the Studio is closed for the winter break - I have no appointments or obligations - I have uninterrupted time to draw and paint. 

I start each day with a walk in the park across the road from my home. Each morning I vary the route, sometimes walking up the road to enjoy the sunrise. The downside of this route is an increase in traffic noise, but well worth it for the beauty of the sky. Here are some images on my Instagram page - Early morning colour

Once home, I settle myself in the Studio and get busy. Mid morning I take a short break walking up the road to Deja Bru Cafe for coffee. While there, I have time for a quick sketch, then it's back into the Studio for the rest of the day.

Monday 26th June

Tuesday 27th June 

Abundance at the Lethbridge 10,000

I'm really happy that a painting of mine will be on show for the Lethbridge 10,000. It's my fifth successful entry to the annual show. This exhibition of small scale paintings, now in its eighth year, is on from 8th - 18th June at the Gallery, 136 Latrobe Terrace. The work of all the finalists is up on the website - here is a link: Lethbridge 10,000 Exhibition

Abundance, painted in watercolour on Saunders Waterford paper, is a bouquet of some of my favourite flowers. I've enjoyed working in watercolour, losing myself in the gentle colours and details of these blooms. 

 

Abundance - watercolour on Saunders Waterford  Framed 535 mm x 535 mm 

I love my job...

 I love my job - working as a full time artist and art teacher has been a dream for many years, and now is a reality. One of the special perks of being an artist is that I get do many different things so life is interesting and challenging. 

Deja Bru Cafe, a favourite local coffee shop, has been a staunch supporter. Soon after the Cafe opened I was commissioned to paint the large Parisian mural. 

 

Then I painted these collections of the delicious treats. 

Sitting in the sun with a coffee provided the opportunity to sketch the interior on more than one occasion. 

  

Recently I was asked to give a favourite inspirational sign a face lift. The hot Brisbane sun had bleached the text to a shadow of its former self. 

So here it is restored once more.

Now for the sad news - Jess has sold Deja Bru. I would like to thank her and her family for the tremendous support and friendship they have given me over the years. Jess is certainly one of the beautiful people...

My best wishes to the new owner, Peter. I wish him every success in the future.