the Garden God
a tribute to Lindsay
38 x 28 cm
watercolour on arches
300 gsm cp fine
The Garden God
Norman Lindsay
Norman Lindsay
One of my many favourite watercolour works by Norman Lindsay.
i bought a print of this many years ago and each time i visit Lindsay's home in Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains, which is now a Gallery and Museum run by the National Trust housing many of his works, i immediately make a beeline to this.
Loving the innocence and unashamed abandon of the beautiful young girl who is full of life and joy, with arms outstretched, standing before this grotesque, lascivious looking, small lifeless stone figure in the garden.
To see this work in real life and to walk about the grounds of the former home of this most renowned Australian artist who has produced a vast body of work in different media, including pen drawing, etching, watercolour, oil and sculptures in concrete and bronze and ship building, is for me heaven and a must stop on my way to Katoomba and Leura.
Here at home, in my 'Upstairs Garden' 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.
Wanting to loosen up in my painting style i played around yesterday using my Garden God as the basis for this work below. I wasn't planing to get this far with it as it was just an experiment in colour and shapes. So after two days mucking about, this is the resulting work.
Wanting to loosen up in my painting style i played around yesterday using my Garden God as the basis for this work below. I wasn't planing to get this far with it as it was just an experiment in colour and shapes. So after two days mucking about, this is the resulting work.
I have yet to decide whether i will paint the remaining ivy leaves or leave them in negative as a white space.
the Garden God
a tribute to Lindsay
the killer chinchilla sleeps!
quick pencil sketch
Sunday 24th August, 2008
Warning!
Image below may disturb some viewers.
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He is one great big ball of fluff...it is his beauty and his curse!
He hates to be brushed resulting in very matted fur and as a result needs to be clipped each year under a general anaesthetic.
It is not a pretty sight, but i adore him just the same.
He is my little angel!
work in progress
cropped and done for now!
Well i didn't give it away, however i have cropped it quite dramatically from the original sketch and dulled her hair by washing back the colour.
There were things that went right with this and those...well...that didn't go to plan.
On a positive note...
I am keen on attempting this again and to perhaps start on some ideas for a series in the same Italianate style.
Had fun manipulating the image in a photo programme and have included some of them below.
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work in progress
goddess
Just mucking around with painting facial features and finally 'open eyes' this afternoon after i finished the gums leaves.
I'm excited about this one. Nothing like getting stuck into a new work!
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work in progress
goddess continues this evening.
Well looks as though I just couldn't stay away from my easel. Would rather paint than watch television anyday.
My latest instalment tonight sees me still working on her hair and some background.
It is slow going, howeveri am a patient person and love to be transported into this magical colourful world which reveals itself to me slowly.
work in progress
my work is done for today.
I spent much of the morning sketching out the rest of this which I will not reveal just yet because of its raw state and my undecidedness in its design.
I just jump in, ruled by the heart and not my head in the planning and watercolour is much about the planning.
Even those wonderful loose watery works which look as if they have been painted with spontaneous abandon by top artists are well planned and thought out.
I love stained glass windows and would like to achieve this here. Remembering for me this is also very much a learning exercise in colour, design and the handling of watercolour washes.
Putting this out here, as it progresses has me feeling vulnerable and exposed. When i embark on a work in progress i take my shots and post them up as i go. I do not have the work sitting here finished with photos waiting to be posted at intervals -this is, as it happens.
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work in rogress
This is looking rather Botticelli-esc with her hair.
This is looking rather Botticelli-esc with her hair.
Perhaps not!
Just wishful thinking on my part.
Work today consisted of more sketching trying to get as much of her hair finished and getting a start on her torso.
work in progress
I'm going to persevere with this.
My work continues and I'm not very happy with its direction. I am trying to capture that Italianate look in the figure and also in colouring.
The poor planning in the composition has resulted in damaging the delicate surface of the watercolour paper from all the erasing.
Although not very visible here...there are very fine craze lines in the watercolour work which IRL spoils the pure and fresh look of a watercolour - an important lesson.
I've decided to crop the top of the picture so her hair seems less voluminous. I will keep going for a little longer however i have almost reached that point i am going to give it away!
beneath blue mountain gums
for the love of the mountains
for the love of the mountains
no 3
1020mm(h) x 660mm(w)
watercolour on arches
300 gsm cp fine
I've finally put this one to bed!
Will hang it up where i can look at it over the next few weeks to decide where it needs a few minor adjustments with regard to tweaking the colour...no rush!
Suggestions are welcome.
On to the next project... yeah!
work in progress
My time this week is dedicated to completing this very large work on the
below.
A few hours of which was spent today making a dent in the 100 leaves needed to be painted.
what i do best
a loose watercolour exercise
27 x 27 cm
watercolour on sketch paper
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I always admire those watercolourist that can achieve a loose work with beautiful mingling of colours.
Continuing to capture my beautiful boy Chocky and restricting myself to a limited palette once again. I continue my experimentation in shape and colour allowing the watercolour medium do its job.
I regret not using my regular Arches paper, however as this was purely an exercise in working out composition and colour scheme.
What I Do Best is an apt title for this work. Chocky very rarely sleeps and would rather be coursing through the house at warp speeds!
Being a two year old Burmese (& greyhound cross), is it any wonder i prefer him this way - asleep! Hence avoiding trouble.
chocky
a loose watercolour study
38 x 28 cm
watercolour on arches
300 gsm cp fine
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I always admire those watercolourist that can achieve a loose work with beautiful mingling of colours.
This was sketched out last night while watching the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games with Chocky asleep on my lap.
This morning i set to transferring this onto watercolour paper. My aim, to render it quickly and loosely exploring colour and allowing it to form the shapes and contours of his back.
He has the biggest set of ears, we are always having a joke saying, he still needs to grow into them.
Funnily enough it's his ears I am happiest with in this painting.
Head Detail Pencil Sketch
Fur Detail Pencil Sketch
8th August, 2008
work in progress
latest update
This is where I am currently at.
Working through this in Watercolour Group this term.
hael
Angel of kindness
no 2
42 x 30 cm
watercolour on arches
watercolour on arches
300 gsm cp fine
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Continually experimenting, each brushstroke sees me gain confidence and hopefully brings me closer in my quest to finding my style.
I am utilising the same subject & composition for this piece, deciding to treat the segments making up the design individually with graduated watercolour washes.
I love stained glass windows and it is this look which i hope to achieve this time.
hael
Angel of kindness
preliminary sketch in pen
42 x 30 cm
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It started last week as a doodle on scrap paper whilst on the phone.
Refining the drawing in my watercolour group last week and today after an exciting weekend, with Second Prize for 'Coco Kiss', I've knuckled down getting back to some work and have a sketch close to what I feel happy with, it goes without say however, this can change when the paints come out!
Oatley 101 Society of Artists 9th Annual Members Exhibition 2008
Mara Marston - Boni Awarded Third Prize
Those who know me, can imagine how thrilled I was to receive an award for this work.
Freda Surgenor is also featured in this month's August 2008 Issue of Australian Artist magazine. Congratulations Freda on an exceptional feature!
Here pictured with me, is another artist who i had the pleasure of meeting and a fellow countryman of Italy from the Basilicata Region (a small world it seems & ci siamo fatti anch' una bella chiacherata in Italiano!)
Marco Stigliano also a member of the Bankstown Art Society.
Awarded Second Prize
'coco kiss'
a tribute to her life
(2005 - 2007)
Judge
Colina Grant
"I feel drawn into the whimsy by the composition and handling of detail of this tonal study. Love it!"
Mara Marston - Boni Awarded Third Prize Diana Garth - President of Oatley 101 Society of Artists
Daryl Melhan MP Member for Banks, Patron of the De Haan Gallery, Bankstown Art Society
Freda Surgenor - Awarded First Prize
Patricia La Rossa - Awarded Second Prize
Those who know me, can imagine how thrilled I was to receive an award for this work.There were many exceptional works from the 150 works entered by many talented artists.
This award I dedicate to my gorgeous girl Coco, she lost her life quite unexpectedly last year leaving me devastated under unusual and unfortunate circumstances.
I drew this shortly after she died as I felt compelled to pick up my pencil in order to help me with my grief. I am also sure that she was with me every step of the way.
Freda Surgenor won First Prize for her Acrylic work Moored In Shallow Water which is testament to her dedication and skill in creating these realistic works.
Mara Marston Boni won Third Prize for her work "Morning Light"
If you have a moment please click on the links to see their works.
It was really wonderful to meet Freda and Mara last night and to stand beside these accomplished Australian artists was a thrill unto itself... Freda and i discovered each other on Redbubble before realising we were members of the same art society.
Highly Commended was awarded to Julie Rose Bowen
Commended award was won by David Lake.
Congratulations to all.
Freda Surgenor is also featured in this month's August 2008 Issue of Australian Artist magazine. Congratulations Freda on an exceptional feature!
Here pictured with me, is another artist who i had the pleasure of meeting and a fellow countryman of Italy from the Basilicata Region (a small world it seems & ci siamo fatti anch' una bella chiacherata in Italiano!)
Marco Stigliano also a member of the Bankstown Art Society.
workshop with John
John Wilson is a highly respected and sought after Australian Multi Award Winning Artist and tutor.
I have been talking about this long awaited workshop for what seems like ages!
Today, albeit out of my depth in landscape painting and oils and totally awestruck, I finally met the man who's artworks I adore!
How could I not love them when they
depict the Blue Mountains I love.
Not only a talented multi award winning artist being able to capture their unique magnificence on canvas but also lucky to reside up in the mountains.
The workshop was based on his large work
called
Misty Gums
Shepparton
Victoria
120 x 100 cm
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This one that features above is the small version John painted today as the demonstration which was painted from scratch, guiding us through the workshop.
Being my first ever workshop and my second landscape ever, in a workshop meant for those who have mastered the basics in oil and want to build on their knowledge of colour especially as it specifically pertains to the Australian landscape.
It covered tone, temperature, colour mixing, composition, atmosphere, highlights, reflected lights and reflections.
It would probably be very accurate to state, I struggled through this and was highly stressed pretty much from the get go!
I think by the time we had a break for lunch i was ready to go home reaching info overload!
forget the coffee, I need a real drink!
Norma, who I sat next to, was muttering to herself throughout, thoroughly enjoying herself and I just kept saying over & over in my mind Patricia, just get on with it!
Not to mention that large 'pink blob' of a colour that appeared on my palette not knowing from where it came, even shocking John... this was the moment I asked God for Divine Intervention
or at least something that resembled a tree!
Nevertheless, i did survive as best as I could, learning a little more along the way.
Linda & John
Norma
It was amazing to watch John...
...there was a picture which appeared where only moments before there was just a blank white gessoed board!
I had three assignments today...
Two of which I accomplished!
Sandra... I will call you later!
The third... I'm not so sure about.
Work Measures
28 x 36 cm
I will work on this a little more in the next few days, starting with getting rid of that terrible orange in the tree behind the main one.
During the workshop, I tried to take down as many notes as possible and will take some time tonight while it is still fresh in my mind to refine them so i can perhaps attempt this again when recovered from this extremely intense workshop today.
I was on the Mount Everest of learning curves! But by the end i was so tired and so lost! Even as adults you can get to a stage in information absorption...where like a risotto...you know when it's cooked!
It certainly was a wonderful learning experience on many levels and it was just so great to finally meet 'the man' behind those magnificent works.
Artist's Palette
Issue No 64
I was thrilled to have been chosen to feature in Lang's Gallery, a section of Artist's Palette magazine seeking to give Australian's producing art an opportunity to showcase their work, whether they be accomplished or emerging.
In the this current issue, Lang's Gallery features my ongoing series of Watercolour Ladies, four of which appear in this popular Australia wide publication. Adorabella, Alexia, Nadia and of course my Signature Lady representing the series Pamela.
Every little bit helps, and it's magazines such as this, allowing opportunities for those of us who perhaps may not have other means of representation, to get a little further down the path of pursuing their art which i am passionate about.
Thank you Trevor, the Editor of Artist's Palette magazine for publishing some of my female figures from the series
A Celebration Of The Feminine
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took the kids to the gallery !
Dad was unwell the night of the presentations and he was so disappointed he couldn't be there, however, i was thrilled to have Mum there on the night.
Happy he was feeling better, i gathered "the kids" up, this is what i call them, and spent some of the afternoon perusing the other wonderful works at the exhibition.
'blue swimmer dinner'
Commended
Bankstown Art Society
50th Annual Art Awards 2008
my first landscape in oilsHartley Vale
Blue Mountains NSW
Oil on
Canvas Board
35 x 45 cm
35 x 45 cm
In preparation for
John Wilson’s
Landscape in Oils Workshop
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Norma Jones, my watercolour tutor, gave of her time and expertise today to go through colour mixing techniques and her knowledge of painting the Australian landscape in oil with me, in an all day painting session in her studio at home.
Norma Jones, my watercolour tutor, gave of her time and expertise today to go through colour mixing techniques and her knowledge of painting the Australian landscape in oil with me, in an all day painting session in her studio at home.
Realising that the upcoming Workshop with John Wilson would be very advanced for me, having no experience in painting landscapes let alone Australian landscapes. Norma thought I would benefit from a quick run down 'crash course!'
I had a wonderful day painting this from one of her many photo references. We painted together, each setting up a canvas side by side.
This private tutorial starting with equipment, laying the paint out, through to sketching and painting. The only thing we didn’t do was sign the bottom of each of our works on completion.
I was not expecting to leave with an actual oil painting of an area i love and painting this today had me feeling quite melancholy and with distant sounds of the Currawongs i was transported there if only momentarily through this painting porthole!
I had a wonderful day painting this from one of her many photo references. We painted together, each setting up a canvas side by side.
This private tutorial starting with equipment, laying the paint out, through to sketching and painting. The only thing we didn’t do was sign the bottom of each of our works on completion.
I was not expecting to leave with an actual oil painting of an area i love and painting this today had me feeling quite melancholy and with distant sounds of the Currawongs i was transported there if only momentarily through this painting porthole!
A big thank you Norma, for your generosity,time, kindness, patience and passing of your knowledge and most of all your support. Her love of art transfers itself and is very contagious. I like you Norma, love it all, and it is as you say... "there is just not enough time!"
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Norma Jones, is a Sydney based artist.
She is currently an active member in the Bankstown Art Society where she tutors and exhibits, as well as other art societies in the Sydney metropolitan area.
Her early academic training was as a commercial artist and dress designer.
Norma has a passion for art and has worked across a variety of mediums including watercolours, oils, pastels and charcoal. This enthusiasm transfers itself in her classes and her vast experience is a valuable asset to those she instructs.
Norma has a brilliant eye for draftsmanship and her knowledge of composition, colour and painting skills combine adding interest and drama to her works in both contemporary and traditional styles.
Her works have been successfully exhibited in Sydney and rural New South Wales winning numerous awards.
Norma is sort after for workshops and demonstrations in both watercolours and oils.
Her work is represented in many private and public collections here in Australia and overseas.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her on her awards at the Bankstown 50th Annual Art Exhibition.
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