OMG

Whoa what a week that was! We moved ourselves, (four adults), my husband has a truck license fortunately, with a lot of help (much appreciated) over the course of the last week. What a mammoth task that turned out to be. But we made it, now its just the unpacking blargh! On a fantastic high note, in the middle of all the chaos, the Armadale Artists Society, of which I am a proud member, held their 25th Anniversary Exhibition. As usual they put on a wonderful show and I was so honoured and humbled to pick up not only first prize, but the Patron's Award and the Manse Award (sponsored by a popular local restrurant). 'The Watcher' won the Patron's Award and 'Security' won first prize and the Manse Award! To top off a great exhibition I sold 3 paintings - The Firebreak, Security and Home (which was supposed to be not for sale but there you go!). I have a fantastic new space for my studio, with access to the house and to the garden with a clear roof and glass on two sides, now I just have to find my stuff! Anyway I hope to post some finished work this week and get myself back into a good routine...:)

Downstairs Creations

While I am waiting to get back to painting, I thought I would share some of the wonderful Art Blogs that I have been lucky enough to find. John Brisson's Downstairs Creations is one of my favs. John finds the most inspiring and thought provoking quotes and his blog has introduced me to all manner of interesting art forms such as woodcuts and lino cuts. John also posts some lovely watercolours and pastels too. I have tried to add his link to my list of favourite places but its not working so I will add a link here: downstairscreations ...enjoy! :)

on the move

Its official, we are on the move to our new home, moving day also coincides with opening night at My Art Society's 25th annual exhibition ( typical) in which I have 8 paintings entered. I guess at least they will be safer there than packed in with all the furniture :) so I probably won't be posting much for the next couple of weeks, but as soon as everything is set up I am sure I won't be able to keep myself away from the easel! Anyway, wish us luck! yippeeeeeeee

toot toot

I'm sorry if it sounds like I am tooting my own horn, but I am so excited, these are the Judges comments from my prize in York (still haven't come down to earth yet). Also the Town of York have purchased the painting to hang in their permanent collection, I feel so honoured!

Cat. 4.  Pastels, sponsored by Dr Rosemary Turner with Local Businesses & Community

Leesa Padget, "Beef Cake"     

 

Judges Comments

This arresting profile of a cow is beautifully created with its very successful play of warm and cool colours. 

The treatment of the subject, particularly the soft and atmospheric qualities, demands the viewers’ empathy. 

The accomplishment of the artist is evident in the application and use of colours to portray an intimate interpretation of the subject.

The time of day and the surrounding environment is beautifully captured through the play of light on the cow’s head and back.

Pastel Prize

Yay I am so excited, last night I found out I won the Pastel Award at the York Society Art and Craft awards for my bull painting 'Beefcake'. This morning we are driving out there to accept it, and it looks like we have finally sold the house as well (fingers crossed) so happy days all round ;). Cant wait to set up my new studio, then I am going to have a go at the 'Daily Painting' thing...

Nicky Road Farm (panorama)

I have painted this farm a couple of times now, it is a long abandoned intensive chicken farm. Although in its day it was notorious for its poor treatment of the unfortunate birds, since then it has been closed and nature has begun to reclaim it. It is now quite a lovely spot (how long before it becomes houses, who knows :( ). The morning light hits the silos, and they glow, the long grass is golden and lovely and birdlife and insects are abundant. There are actually 3 or 4 silos in real life, but for the sake of the composition I chose to paint just two. This was a challenge for me to paint smaller and the panorama was really tricky...

'Nicky Rd Farm'
 35cm x 80cm white colourfix with pastel and alcohol underpainting

Julie Ford Oliver

My apologies for not posting recently, I have been so busy with life in general, selling house, family etc, but I hope to have a new finished piece to post soon. In the mean time I would like to introduce you to my new favourite oil painter, Julie Ford Oliver. I am not normally into  still lifes, but you really must have a look at her work, it is so different from anything I have seen before. I bought the Artbyte Julie made on her technique which she calls 'fracturing' and I can't wait to try it out when I have my new studio setup...Also she is a wonderful teacher and seems to have time for everyone :)

On a completely different note, let me introduce you to the little houseguest we recently found behind our couch, isn't he cute? I think he/she will definitely be the subject of a painting or two!