A year on the blog has come to an end,
so i write to you now in hope that i send,
This message of thanks which i type from the heart,
to help me prepare for the New Year which starts.
A great year it was, as i cast my eye back.
I can absolutely say that i gave it a crack.
Oils, acrylics and a landscape or two,
a brand new series called Le Donne in Blu.
January passed with not much of any art,
just goals that were written to ensure a good start.
Frightened, scared, limited computer skills too,
0 8 and my thoughts made their official debut.
Protestations voiced, no names will i mention,
his words of support, no doubt of good intention.
Motivated, inspired and ready to show,
perugina was prepared to give it a go.
The year slow to start kicked off with a nude,
acrylic in brown ‘bodacious’ the review.
My first work in progress a vase that was black.Some florals, gums, and a lady sitting back.
Now March was exciting a series anew,
eight watercolour ballerinas made their debut.
Prima, Brava and Curtain Call made,
Encore, Stanca and Si Riposa now stayed.
Pink tulle gowns and points, performed pirouettes,
for the people who watched them, they’d never forget.
As they danced on Arches which served as their stage,
in various poses their audience engaged.
A holiday was had in the midst of all this,
Soldiers Point where i stayed made painting such bliss.
My passions indulged here were indeed smart,
a crab meant for pasta was turned into art.
Blue Swimmer for Dinner,a painting unknown,
of seagulls on sand,
and thongs left unowned.
This holiday a creative person’s delight,
painting and drawing from morning till night.
April and May were the busiest by far,
there were pumpkins, watercolour ladies
and miniature jars.A day spent with David,
obsessions with vintage themes.
The people on forums,
no doubt did they scream,
‘No more perugina for we’ve seen enough!’
Of vases and miniatures, we need some new stuff.
So off i did go to do my own thing,
to see what new thoughts
i would have now to bring.
What to do with my ballet girls dancing in pink.
A book for little girls was what I did think.
Le Belle Ballerine is now a nice book,
for those who not know, i ask you to look.
June saw the start of the gums without trunks,
leaves painted yellow and green missing chunks.
Concerned that they looked like sardines from afar,
asking all those i knew to view how bizarre.
July had me enter my first major comp,
i knew i should try and give it a shot.
A Sculptor called Alan he wondered around,
and thought that my crab looked quite safe and sound.
To my utter surprise was given a commended,
all in all i thought it quite splendid.
July was a month meeting artists of note,
see Workshop in Oil with John Wilson unquote.
There was Alan at the Annual and Artist’s Palette magazine,
where my Watercolour Ladies featured for me was a dream.
Coco Kiss in August wins another award,
my gorgeous girl i’m sure in Heaven applauds.
i miss her still for she was my mate,
here at home as i painted her company great.
August sees other surprises in store,
a commission of sorts too hard to ignore.
Announced later on and to work i must tend,
for extensions aren’t granted and time i must spend.
Watercolour Ladies and Instruments that continue.
Suggestions for some to feature on mugs,
To those all i say is, i smile and i shrug.
My blogs there are many and some are now private,
To view these my mates are only invited.
My works there were many created this year,
Last count i think 50 perhaps more it's feared.
i would like to see these together in one go,
i hope you like the above slideshow.
A lover of Norman sees me painting a God!Two graphites, an oil and then art comes to a halt.
My furry boy Buffy not well he does fair,
with everyone helping with thoughts and their prayers.
Thank you
With the year closing fast i’ll have to be quick,
with the clacking of keys and mouse that i click.
To upload this poem which reviews this past year,
i thank those that helped me along you’re so dear.
It’s now i make mention the support i have known,
thus far on my travels in art that has grown.
Sandra and Nick and those on AAF,
you know who you are
i’m really quite blessed.
Wayne, Sweetmango to V and to L,
Helm i still apologise for i thought you weren’t a girl.
Rose, Philip and Peter,
Renate and Rory who couldn’t be sweeter.
There’s Jared who helped me with blogging and stuff,
Freda, Anni and Marion i thank you so much.
Mimi, Ayie, and Mauro my Italian friend.
Wendi, Srishti, Amy and Noel you’re so kind,
i hope i haven’t left anyone behind.
who offer support and that go unseen.
Their comments and support are equally valued,
And to them i simply say...
some were surprises and on skills I did build.
In prep for my next adventures to have,
on this path that I follow with the Gregory’s i’ll nav.
My eyes open wide i’ll be ready to learn,
more excitement no doubt with each and every turn.
With paper horded and brushes in hand,
i look forward to 0 9 with what it has planned.
Who knows what's in store,
just hope i don’t bore.
i thank you all for being here,
and i look forward to seeing you all next year!
(((HUGS & LOVE)))
Patricia
in no particular order but dear.
Each in their own giving support in some way,
be it love, friendship, in my thoughts they will stay.
Thanks for making my year great.
Photography by Juilee Pryor
Shot with her pint-sized fisheye lomo using 35 mm film, Juilee was able to keep in with the Bubble theme capturing key moments at a casual gathering graciously hosted by Rose Moxon.
Bill Fonesca and me - la Perugina
61×91 cm
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He looks a little rustic as a result, which I don’t mind.
Namaste
185 gsm
We now fight for you
We will never forget you.
These marauding dogs were left to roam the streets unleashed and unsupervised!
I have spent most of the last week emailing the Council, Local Paper (who are now writing a story about it) State & Federal Members in the area, making sure these people are made accountable for all that occurred, as well as checking on Fiona most days.
Fiona's injuries are on the mend, however she has been left devastated and is traumatised, suffering from constant 'flash backs'.
View Work In Progress Slideshow
blue Angel of Peace
Christmas card 2008
Deciding to continue this 'blue Angel of Peace' theme each year making it my signature Christmas Card sees me exploring a stained glass effect this year, as opposed to last year where my Angel bore a close resemblance to my ‘Ladies and the Musical Instruments They Play’
intricate in design and time consuming, it was very relaxing to paint and i truly felt a sense of peace and calm working on it with my 'O' round brush - yes the same one utilised on 'the Garden God II' ...could have another painting in it if i am lucky!
the Garden God II
a tribute To Norman
Just couldn't help myself with the slideshow...
Also... all going well, this will feature as a Work In Progress in the
Artist's Palette magazine Issue 71
Which will be out early 2009.
300gsm cp fine
Here at my home, in my
I have a large stone plaque with a face cast into it, which hangs on the western wall of the house, catching the last rays of sun each day.
Although there is no beautiful young naked maiden standing there in front of his gargoyle-like face, safely flaunting herself before his lifeless eyes…
I have nevertheless called him my “Garden God” in homage to Lindsay and his work.
'the race that stops a nation'
"Does My B** Look Big In This?"
Also deliberating on which shoes to wear with …and of course there's the all important decision about that accessory which can make or break the entire ensemble…THE HAT!
(Assuring your derrière will not rival that of the horses - a sure bet on the day!)
latest updates
This is where i am currently with
My size 'O' round TAKLON brush has served me well and up until now and it has seen me through many of my works since starting watercolours in 2007 and remains one of my favourites still.
Ron in my watercolour group is always astounded that i utilise such a small brush and has taken to asking, "Why don't you use a bigger brush?!" whenever he sees me, regardless of whether i am painting or not.
I like to use small brushes, so i shrug and laugh. Perhaps i feel comfortable with it because like a pencil, i feel i have some control.
I am in a panic about it (the brush) making it through this piece as its bristles are wearing thin, it will be a sad day when it finally gives up.
This last picture above is the closest representing the true colour of the piece as utilising the flash mode on the camera tends to bleach out the colour.
With all the leaves completed now, all that remains is touching up various areas putting in some darks behind the foliage.
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Finally I have settled into my latest WIP and its moving along. Looking back when updating its progress i can't believe this was started back in August.
Having no recollection of colours used had me playing the guessing game, “What colour am I?”
Some colours are obvious, others gave me some grief. This will teach me to record this in future.
Normally i don't like to drop a project as i have done in this case, and prefer to work day after day until its completion.
In Italian (as I often find myself thinking in these terms) if i break from a project, i lose “la mano”- my hand i.e. the flow of what i am doing and like handwriting on a page, the slope of it changes, therefore breaking the visual rhythm of it. So in picking this up again today, it is hoped that i will find my rhythm once more so the next few weeks can be dedicated to completing it.
To view progress shots from the start
To view slideshow
Perhaps the relaxed Donna Blu - Blue Lady – serene in her slumber, is a manifestation of the inner peace i am lacking presently and so desperately crave.
Instead of watercolour, with its unpredictability and capriciousness adding to my frustration , i chose to get out those beautiful smooth oil paints purchased a few months back helping me to unwind.
Pushing the lush paint around on the canvas with a large round soft brush, the swirling movements of the ultramarine blue and titanium white paint as it mixed forming her curls, giving them a delicate textural quality, (not evident here in the photo) was almost hypnotic, the rhythmic movements mesmerising… and now when I look back…
Moving my art space, and with all that transpired this last week with Buffy and although i have still uploaded the latest news into my blog, it still feels like i have been away for an eternity.
November will be an extremely busy month starting with the Rhododendron Festival Annual Art Exhibition, Blackheath, Blue Mountains, as well as being an invited artist in the Oatley 101 Society of Artists, November Gallery Exhibition.
November also sees me working on a submission and commissioned project which needs to be completed by months end, more news on this later.
With so much crammed into these last months of 2008, and with some personal health issues as well, it had me having to make some hard decisions last couple of months.
For one, having to pull out of the Northern Expressions Annual Christmas Exhibition in Fairlight, Manly.
However I am looking forward to my involvement next year and wish the participating artists all the very best for a successful show - hope to see everyone on opening night!
Also, not being able to uphold my commitment to creating the Christmas Card this year for Retina Australia - this probably saddened me the most. Graeme, President of Retina Australia, was very understanding and we have reset this goal for 2009 simply offering me words of comfort, "Things will happen in their own good time and it wasn't meant to be for 2008"
So with the Christmas decs, cards and paper already making their appearance in the retail industry signalling to all that the chaos has officially started, and with the summer break looming near, the need to tie up these loose ends so 2009 can start afresh is imperative.
Now, hopefully it’s back to the art!
SOLD
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Having a break from watercolour and enjoying my brief return to graphite, much to my father's delight. He loves my work in this medium and was taken with this latest piece. I have always loved him for the support he has given me with my art.
work in progress
latest update
The Garden God II
A Tribute to Norman
‘Garden God’
was scary and ugly and told me so, and those too scared to leave a comment perhaps because there was nothing good to say...
My first painting was truly a ‘muck about’ and it was too much fun and had me totally engaged over the two days it took.
This is a serious second attempt at it this time.
this does not provide any guarantee of success as there is still a long way to go before its completion.
His eyes are intense and his gaze fierce!
Now this is nightmare material and makes the first one look tame!