Abstract Expressionism

 The artists at work in their studio.

A painting movement characterized by a desire to convey powerful emotions through the senuous qualities of paint (and other mediums!)

Dragonflies

I have been working on a body of work for my exhibition titled,  Interpreting Place, to be held at Halls Gap in conjunction with the Textures Forum in February 2012.

During my research for the exhibition I came across an article that mentioned that a small dragonfly or more correctly a damselfly, called Ancient Greenling had been found in the Grampians/Gariweld. Over the years I have used the image of a dragonfly as a symbol of resilience. The insect is found today in much the same form as in prehistoric times, only smaller. It is a stayer as they say!

It was interesting for me that the insect again was beckoning me! Not only as any image to be included in a new body of work, but that I was about to return to the form of the quilt, to stitchery.  Of course, the paintbrushes and drawing equipment will not be deserted, but the lure of fabric, to print dye, cyanotype and stitch, is where I want to be right now!  That an actual dragonfly came to visit and stay awhile confirmed my direction!

Still Here !

September....teaching drawing at Grampians Brushes art seminar at Halls Gap......

September...organised 'The Moonah Stand" exhibition with 10 artists at 135 Gallery

September/October....getting the Spring vege garden up and running....

October......preparing...working towards an exhibition at Halls Gap February 2012.....and thats in my spare time between scrubbing the floors, shopping, cleaning, cooking, doing my nails and feeding the chooks!

News

Watch this space....things are happening

Lost and Found (Edges)

To learn to draw is to learn to see. Search for the lost and found edges (of the shadows) to help you gain an understanding of the subject that you wish to draw. A warm up exercise...place a simple shape like a white bowl on a dark background cloth...then to exaggerate the shadows, use a bed lamp or something similar,highlight the bowl from one side. The found edges are those where the light area meets the dark with a clean edge. ( the left hand side of the bowl illustrated) The lost edges are those where there is a gradual tonal shift from light to dark.  (the left side to the right side of the front of the bowl) With an awareness of the principle of lost and found edges draw the bowl with its black background using a range of 'B' grade pencils. 'Pull out" the light light...the reflection of the light globe with a kneadable eraser to finish the drawing........... Let me know how you go J.  !!

Remembering Margaret Olley

Promise of Spring

 The first of the Peony Roses has opened. These flowers with an old fashioned charm are a welcome sign of a shift in the weather. The plant has responded very well to a generous helping of mushroom compost around the base. Had to hurry and pick for indoors as some hoodlum young snails have been tagging, chomping petals leaving graffiti holes.