Sydney's Drummer; Vibey Summer
Summer is here, although one might be inveigled by the odd cold snap but the coruscating sun is definitely out, interspersed with the odd rain.
My proclivity to immerse myself in any body of water is akin to an over excited natrium reaction. One might also associate such proclivities to a summer's habit but don't be fooled, I am in water all year round.
It has been an exciting few months. I have gotten to explore more artistic tangents and ideas, especially in projects that require more technical know-how. The interweb is pretty amazing source for literally anything. I have researched and created phone apps, studied spatial theory, created my version of the origami wallet, written songs and of course, played with other art mediums, to name a few.
Without further a do...
Porter's Slate
I was walking home from the shops when I was looking down at the adjacent building's new pavement slates. Well, they are not exactly new but the relatively clean and untainted grey slate tinge gives me that impression. One of the building's resident is quite the ardent gardener; always foraging; forever pruning. But the nearby trees, with their jaune-marron leaves, create their own unique collage on these pavements. Subtle, random, ever beautiful. How can I not paint you? You are my catalyst to paint.
Casa en Chile
This painting started as a cost saving exercise. Ever the spend-thrift, I detest waste. I had just finished 'Jessie and the three bears' and I couldn't possibly waste the colours that were still left on my palette (well, a make shift palette made out of an old bowl). With no preparation or plan, I quickly went about creating the background layer of the painting. I wanted to create a piece based on the traditional houses of Chile. Why Chile? It's because my friends, Alex and Cote, are from Chile and I wanted to create an abstract based on a typical Chilean abode. Anyway, the foreground image is based on a photo I researched and it fit the canvas...appropriately.
Le lac du Borget et Chambery
Watercolours have always been my bete noire. It was the first art medium taught to me and perhaps because I struggled to rein it in, this medium was never a favourite. I have always admired those who have mastered it. Beings with inertial gravitas. I have tried to improve my knowledge through hours and hours of gallery study, both in Sydney and abroad. But I discovered that it is not about control; rather it is about letting go. It is not about getting the exact definition but be content with the strokes that have been achieved, via your paint-soaked brushes.
Anyway, these two small pieces are my experiments with this medium after a ten-year hiatus. The scenes are based on a beautiful part of France. A place at its most stunning during l'hiver (winter).
Be expecting more watercolour pieces in the next ensuing months.
Ester at the Cloey
When I feel the urge of creating a watercolour effect, without the pain and frustration, I resort to my trusted watercolour pencils. First introduced to me by a former housemate, back in the nineties, I have never looked back. They are so good for quick sketches and studies. This particularly beautiful subject is the daughter of my very good friends. I wanted a simple narrative and composition but creating portraits, regardless of medium, is a tricky affair.
Journey
One of my most favourite things to do, while travelling, is to doodle. I would doodle to my heart's content. When there is nothing else to do, I doodle on. Cock a doodle do!
But this particular occasion, the result was quite strange. My family would attest that I have an affinity for eyes and faces. This 'drawing' would not disappoint them. Anyway, I never know what comes out from a doodle session and hence, the wicked attraction.
Cards
I don't generally buy cards, except on the odd occasion when I know the recipient is not receptive to 'homemade' cards (and I have experienced the wrath of such people). I thought I'd share some of the cards that I have designed. They are customised to taste and preference but normally, they are a product of my whim and mind implosion.
Last but not least, I wanted to show you what one can do with a bit of homemade latex (wonderful melange of gelatin, glycerin and water) and face paint. I must admit, it was quite an enjoyable experience. Another tangent to explore? Hallowed Eve = Create Scars To Scare.
Until the next entry....
