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This is a detail of one of my new Rooftop paintings currently underway.
Looking up at the tops of old buildings, mostly untouched by renovation,
with the blue sky beyond – is such a contrast to the ground level we see every day.
There’s a whole world of many beautiful things to look at when looking up!
More details about the paintings will be posted here soon.

The Inner West Open Studio Art Trail is an annual event where artists of Sydney’s Inner West open their studios
to the public for just one weekend. This year its on May 13-14. My studio will be open on both days from 11am-4pm.
I am launching a new (never seen before!) collection of Very Small Paintings depicting rooftops and power poles
of the Balmain & Rozelle neighbourhood. There will be a few small White Bay power station gouache works on paper
as well. Very small means “very affordable” and coming to the studio also means you get “first bite at the cherry”
because they won’t be seen anywhere until after the Trail closes. So drop by to see some great work (of mine) and a chat!

95 Beattie Street Balmain
Saturday & Sunday May 13 & 14 only
11am-4pm

 

As part of the Inner West Open Studio Trail, The Collective Art Show
is a mixed exhibition of new work by some local artists who
have exhibited at Gallery 503. I will have new rooftop paintings for sale
in my studio from the Very Small series, but I’m exhibiting a pair of new
power station paintings in The Collective show.
These are close ups of the coal loader (detail at left) you can see from
Robert Street in Rozelle. Rusty, crusty and rich in texture and ochres and
terracotta colours. They are individual paintings but look stunning as a pair!

Join us for drinks on Saturday 13 May, 4-6pm.
Gallery 503, Balmain Road & Cecily Street Lilyfield 2040
Exhibition dates: May 11-25

Bowral in the Southern Highlands. The Milk Factory Gallery was a a hub of activity with two gallery spaces
hosting exhibition openings at the same time. People were milling about pre-opening (a good sign!),
and there was local media coverage as well. 37 artists are showing an eclectic mix here, painting, works on paper,
some really amazing ceramics, jewelry and sculpture. Very worth a look if you can call by.
And The Milk Factory Gallery is open every day!

I have been invited to participate in an exhibition “Where are they now?”
at the Milk Factory Gallery in Bowral.
The gallery contacted the women artists who have exhibited in the gallery since it opened in 2005.
My first solo exhibition was in 2009 in this gallery, so I have a soft spot for this lovely space.
At the time I was worried about the commission that galleries ask – but then I was amazed at
what I got in return. They did everything! The gallery looked after me like I was their child (well, almost).
Marketing, media, invitations (to relevant collectors), the opening, and all the followup and sales
for the exhibition period. I could never have done that alone. The gallery was packed (it’s a big gallery)
and the exhibition was a great success. So for me, the commission charged by the gallery is just fine.

There are 37 artists in the exhibition showing the work they are doing now.

Milk Factory Gallery33 Station Street Bowral
This exhibition is now extended until May 15 – open: 10am-5pm seven days

 

This is the latest update on White Bay Power station from Urban Growth. I don’t know what “site testing” is,
I guess they are figuring out if the grounds are contaminated with anything toxic. All is still very quiet about the future here.
Maybe they don’t know…or maybe they are not telling… the plot thickens as we must wait. And wait…

Christmas will be upon us in just a few days…
Thank you all for supporting me, following me, and making 2016 a great year.
All your great responses have been a wonderful inspiration (much need for an artist!).
Wishing everyone of you a safe and Happy Christmas & New Year festive season, followed by an excellent 2017.

I don’t normally paint figurative but this was a special request from a photograph.
Sam was a gorgeous child I actually met after the work was completed. It was nice to
paint a person for a change, and it’s funny how you seem to already them really well
when you first meet the subject of the work. He was a pleasure to paint.

Disused oil on canvas, 31 x41 cm.  I painted this in 2013 and no one showed much interest at the time.
Too dark, too depressing they said. I was going to keep it – I like the brushwork, the colours, the light – but then a year
or so later it sold to a like-minded client in Victoria. I’m always a little sad to see my favourite paintings go.

It’s good to look at the older work in the archive section. Older work doesn’t always mean “less good”, it can show
a change in direction or how the current work has developed. An artist’s work evolves/changes over time and
looking back can trigger new ideas for the artist as well, because you look at things in a different way.
Someone was looking in the archives recently – and now this work has inspired a large commission for 2017.
I’ll be working on the studies in February!

"Jane Darling" oil on canvas. 31x31cm. Framed. On show: 12-13 November at Balmain Art Show

This new series of 12 paintings explores the rooftops we see everyday but don’t really notice.
Most feel familiar, but at the same time, some are hard to pinpoint. Many village rooftops display
a rich mix of colour and decorative architectural detail that will never be replicated,
yet it’s those ornate features that add unique character and charm to our local community.
I hope you come along to see them and enjoy them as much as I do!

The Balmain Art Show : November 12-13 (only 2 days)
2 Eaton Street Balmain
Opening Friday November 11:  7.30-11pm (ticketed event)
Exhibition times:  Saturday 9am-4pm & Sunday 10am-3pm