charity

Rocking Art Show Coolangatta

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The second week in June heralds the fun rockabillia weekend at Coolangatta known as Cooly Rocks On.

With thousands coming from around Australia, the four day festival is a step down memory lane celebrating all that was the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Gals and guys dressed in swinging outfits the calendar of events includes vintage cars, dancing events and memorabilla of the era.

This year Bay Street Gallery will host Samantha Beau’s art work and will celebrate ART in a rocking way.


The opening night is Thursday 10th June 6pm and will host a fun evening of arts, wine and conversation. Take yourself to the local events after the opening then come back and enjoy the art works over the next three days.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday open 11am – 4pm.

This is the last time the pop art gallery at this address will be open. Be sure to visit and not miss out.

Stay up to date and RSVP with the face book event page.

Bay Street Gallery

2 Bay St

Tweed Heads

Luxury Whitsunday Resort Hangs Samantha Beau Originals

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As an artist you always want that “BIG” gig, the one that gives you world class exposure and traffic.

My opportunity came 18 months ago when I was asked to paint two pieces for the refurbishing of luxury hotel, Coral Sea Resort in Airlie Beach, gateway to Australia’s premier islands, The Whitsunday Islands.

The brief was for two pieces, both using charcoals and subdued tones, a particular red and reflecting the reef.

Obviously the less ambiguous the better however this request did through me for a brief moment.

I presented a few concepts trying to artistically capture what was within the interior designers mind.

Finally we got there. Two large abstract pieces, flowing in nature, indicative of the Great Barrier Reef with it’s channels and bright flecks of iridescent blue.

Coral Sea REsort
Commission

The resort is amazing fringed along the foreshore leading from the main port to the Coral Sea Marina.

The Rocks is a pool bar that offers music with the setting sun, a cracking wine list and bar style food. I recommend staying at the resort but if you can’t stop by for a Sunday session and watch the sun go down after exploring my art works.

The first of Mystics are in the board room and the second you will find on the second floor by the lift.

I have a third piece in the hotel and my favourite by far.

I painted it to reflect the reef and water and was my submission for the 2019 Luxembourg Art Awards.

The Great Barrier Reef Samantha Beau
140 x 170
Commission

You will find this beauty in suite 201 which is a grand room with views over the Coral Sea, islands, pool and with it’s own gallery.

The resort is uplifting and the spa rooms amazing. I highly recommend staying and exploring the region and my art works.

Click here to make a booking and click here to follow me on instagram.

Nike the Greek Cat

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Nike the Greek Cat

Nike the Greek Cat is the story of cats in civilization.

Over 9500 humans started domesticating cats. Despite our feline friends being fiercely independent the humble cat obviously enjoys his privileges and rights.

On a short visit to Greece before the Covid-19 lockdowns I enjoyed a trip to Athens and Mykonos. The beauty in the ancient world captured my intrigue and imagination. As did the cats.

Nike is the iconic cat, patrolling the ancient pavements with it’s nimble agile gait.

Oil on canvas

Black float framed

$3000 AUD

Samantha Beau and Street Chalks

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My front was converted to a community chalk board in 2015.

Whilst painting the fence in a very traditional coat to match the homes in my street, my friend suggested putting up a chalk board space.

At first I was ambivalent and concerned about unwanted graffiti (you know the sort I mean) but the excitement and potential fun aspect took over.

The chalk board became a suburb icon with many people stopping to draw, or have their photos taken, or even just to talk while I drew.

I decided to have 2 separate boards – one for art and prompting conversations around art, and the other for animals and causes.

The results were amazing.

The concept a massive success and was featured in the newspaper. The full article is here.

These are some of the images over that time

Painting for charity

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This eclectic warung/bar opened by Putu last year is set amongst the rice paddies in Ubud.

You need to know the secret walk way beside Starbucks.

The secret rice paddy walks connects lots of hotels up the road…

It’s a leisurely walk and once you are on it, it’s easy to find Sweet Orange Warung. Just follow the rubbish bins…

The beers are cold, the atmosphere relaxed and there’s plenty to see or not see.

I am interested in Putu’s gardening efforts  – she is trying to grow lettuce at the moment in piping.

Her other crops look fantastic and include eggplant, chilli, spinach, paw paw, corn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am going to make this a regular check in when I go to Ubud.

Mainly to get out of the hustle and bustle of Ubud and also to support an entrepreneurial female in a third world country who has managed to create an awesome venue!

ADDIT:

I did go back to visit Putu last week.

After the first visit I thought I would paint the hanging coconut heads.

My crazy idea is that I would paint the coconut heads, and ask Putu to hang the painting with the aim to sell the painting.

 

I have been giving money to a local Balinese man, Wayan, and his family, for a few years.

He was struck by bamboo six years ago and has been a quadriplegic since.

Unable to walk, move and being bed bound, has made life very difficult for Wayan and his family.

To my surprise last week, when I returned with my painting, Putu and her husband, Nyoman said they would buy the painting.

They told me how they support local causes and believed this was a good cause.

 

 

So gratefully I accepted their money, and for now, the painting of that fantastic warung, Sweet Orange Warung, will remain hanging above the welcome sign.

Make sure you go and check it out!

OH YES – they make awesome spring rolls too.