Some may remember  seeing the "first wash" of this piece at last years Open Studio. There was a lot of discussion as to what people could see. It took a while for the story to emerge as I started seeing birds. They were all birds I had come across on a recent trip to the Snowy Mountains and the painting started  to take shape. The four mini slide shows help you to "See what I see". Still a work in progress...

As children we play without prejudice, we link and hold hands and make friends easily. We grow up and are influenced by those around us as adults I could only wish that we would focus on the colour of our shadows to unite us in this ever changing world as this is what we pass on to our children. 

I used the simplicity of the childhood activity of the paper doll chain replacing the paper with multi-coloured felt symbolising our evolving genealogy as society weaves us  together and copper wire to depict our monotone shadows that  link us to the past and the  future.
Suspended between two perspex panels, additional shadows form from various light sources representing the many different people that influence us to make us who we are.

I  hope that someday I create a piece that is provoking and makes a difference to the world we live in.
This is one of two pieces that emerged for 2020 as my attempt to produce pieces that have a deep and meaningful message to send out into the world.
Simple but with a powerful message.

This piece definitely started the conversation last weekend.

"You Ruffle My Feathers" is a favourite of mine. It's story began as does so many of my works in watercolour and Inks with splashes of colour and then the images and story slowly emerge. "You Ruffle My Feathers" is a love story. Ospreys predominantly mate for life and nest in old dead trees or man-made structure high in the sky above the waters edge. In this piece if you can "see what I see" there are elements of a darter and dolphins that are also found in our waterways.
To complete the "Bird Wall" my Kookaburras"Stick the Landing" and "Egrets Walk" prints also sold as part of this collection. 

This time last year…What an unexpected year 2020 has been but for all the differences and changes I have actually had a great year and would love to share some of it with you

The best ‘good news story’ was the safe arrival of our twin granddaughters which has really thrown the balls up in the air but in the most delightful way.

This year’s studio open will be equally different as 2020 has been.

The collection that I will be presenting has taken me on quite a few tangents.

I have written and illustrated a Children’s Book but the twist is, it has Adult content as well...Curious?

I have plunged into a series of textile mixed media art inspired by our mining history and unique landscape with 4 completed artworks and 1 in the making for you to see in its conceptual stage.

My “Fire” collection has a mixed media piece that has a story to tell along with my Pastel smoky fire scenes.

Then there are some “Conversation” pieces where I get a bit ‘D and M’ where life imitates art.

I hope you will join me and accept my 7th Annual “Invitation to be Curious” at my Open Studio and Garden for each Sunday in November from 10 – 4
(There are 5 Sundays to choose from)

I hope this finds you well and hope to see you soon.

Last note please be aware of new parking restrictions on our street. Parking is only allowed on one side of the street so please use our driveway or park by the river and stroll up to the studio.

I must like Ducks and I'm not the only one as 2 pieces sold on Sunday.

Actually they are birds so it is not that surprising but it turns out I had 3 paintings of Ducks in my Bird Gallery and 2 Photos.

The painting titled "Ducklings" found a new home as well as the photo titled "Mother Duck" along with other paintings and prints.
 
Photos may be ordered by contacting me below.

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday if you haven't had the chance to visit already to enjoy the "New York Gallery", "Bird Gallery" and "Country Gallery" paintings.

The working drawings that define the shapes found within the background layer