Posted on February 21, 2018
The Aspire Gallery in Brisbane holds an annual competition of small art pieces.
It is a fun concept – all the pieces have to be less than 40cm x 40 cm x 40cm.
I have entered two pieces – both little water colours painted in Monte Carlo.
The opening is fun, lots of different artists at different stages of their careers, their hobbies and life.
I have really enjoyed being involved with the gallery, the curators and the exhibition.
It is open Wednesday to Sunday 1030 – 430pm.
The gallery is cute and attractive. Check it out here.
The Petite Pieces is on display until the end of February 2018.
Posted on February 21, 2018
This year is the year I throw myself into art and part of that is getting my art out in front of people.
Competitions, exhibitions, social media are all necessary in making a splash.
I guess it also sculpts one’s determination, to improve, to do better, to produce more.
Just like when I wanted to get better at swimming, I was instructed by my coach to SWIM more.
I imagine the same applies for art.
Not expecting every piece to be a prize winning piece means accepting rejections. This is hard.
Really hard!
Art is different to any other form of expression.
It’s like one is interpreting a mirage of feelings, energies and trying to relay that imprint in colour, form, shades. It fascinates me.
I really want to be a famous artist.
I want the world to see momentarily the world through my eyes.
I want to shift energy states in people.
I want people to smile and as a child I believed that one smile would ripple around the world and create more smiles.
That’s what I want to see, feel, hear, and do!
I deep down want to live in a happy world where we all contribute to making it better with the arts, with music, with smiles, with care.
Posted on January 28, 2018
A local art gallery hosts a petite pieces competition every year. I love the concept.
The submissions all must be under 40 x 40 x 40 cm.
I have lots of little water colours that I have done from all around the world that fit this brief.
These are my two selections for this years prize.
Two little water colours. Both painted with water colours when I was in Monaco for the Yacht Show.
Both framed and for sale, directly or through art gallery.
Gallery details:
Aspire Art Gallery
Posted on January 28, 2018
Alice Springs – nestled in the middle of Australia is the palpable heart beat of the nation.
I had to enter the prestigious art prize, The Alice Prize.
This is my entry, Green Turtle.
It is a mix of pastels and varnish.
Height 40.5 cm x 51 cm.
Available for purchase at $650 AUD.
The art prize will be on show in Alice Springs at the Araluen Gallery from 28th April – 17th June 2018.
Posted on January 27, 2018
The Morris Art Prize is being held on the Gold Coast Sat 3rd – Sunday 4th March and Sat 10th – Sunday 11th March 2018.
The theme for the inaugural Prize is Brisbane to Byron.
A Gold Coast centric celebration of nature, culture, people and character of the region stretching from Brisbane in the North to Byron Bay in the South and the hinterland in the West. Relevance to theme with factor in the judging criteria.
This is my entry for 2018.
The title is Snapper Rocks.
Using a mixture of pastels, gouache, paints and laquer, I like the randomness and colours.
This part of coast is beautiful, panning back to Surfers Paradise.
The Gold Coast is a clean, friendly part of Australia where the hinterland meets the ocean. From whales in winter, to world class surfers in summer, the waters offer a magic play ground for animals and people.
I wanted to capture some of it’s beauty in my painting.
Posted on October 21, 2017
This was my latest turtle street chalk as he came to life…
Posted on October 21, 2017
I have always loved turtles and more so recently.
One of my birthdays was spent in Borneo releasing baby turtles…
Last year we visited Vanuatu and experienced grown rescue turtles.
I am keen to get involved with turtle rescue – getting the plastic out of their snouts, cleaning up our waters, making out oceans safe for our ancient sea life.
It is their territory and we have tainted it.
I’m not sure where it will all lead to but I love drawing turtles and have started drawing them overseas on chalk boards.
Posted on October 21, 2017
My latest street chalk about elephants has lead to contacts in Cambodia and a rescue sanctuary.
I am hoping to help them more with some elephant drawings that might be raffled or auctioned…
Posted on October 21, 2017
One of my favourite street art chalks have been my little turtle..
With his slogan : Smile and say “no thanks” to plastic, he had a long stint on the front fence with many admirers.
Say no to plastic
Posted on August 25, 2017
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.
