Bush

These pictures are of eucalypt forest in Australia, or bush - a totally underwhelming term for the reality of this plant lovers paradise. I found the colours, shapes, smells and textures unfamiliar and beautiful. Particularly the smell of the eucalyptus oil, I wish my paintings could capture that.

I'm thinking/planning a new painting, which will be large, tall and thin, based on these forests. I painted the watercolour from the balcony of my boyfriends' uncle and aunts' house, they live near Woy Woy on the Central Coast, which is basically unbroken forest and gorgeous coast a couple of hours north of Sydney. The second drawing was done recently, from memory and photos; recollecting particular trees and plants. The way that plants in Australia are adapted to fire is amazing. I particularly want to try and capture the feel of the peeling bark. We saw a lot of trees which had been burned, the most impressive were in the Blue Mountains. Enormous trees which are smooth white or silver grey underneath, with ribbons of cinnamon coloured bark hanging down. Even the photos make you want to reach out and touch them.

Recent life drawings

The three drawings were made with charcoal and a putty rubber taking 5 mins (pink paper), 10 mins (blue) and 15 mins (yellow). I covered the paper in charcoal, drew in the main lines, then drew in the highlights using a putty rubber. The older and mankier the putty rubber is, the better; accrued dog hair and dirt gives added strength to it, allowing you to make sharper lines.

I spent about 2 hours on the painting, although I think I overworked it a bit. The 'brief' I set myself was to go back to basics and paint with just three colours, using it tonally rather than realistically. I cheated a bit and used two blues, (in order to get a nicer green), however, I like the colours a lot. I'm less sure about the finished picture, I took it home and stuck it on the mantlepiece for a while and realised it looks like an illustration for a Mills and Boons novel. Woops.

Challenging 'challenging' art

A quote by artist John Keane in the June edition of the A-N Magazine:

"...Who is going to challenge the hegemony of 'challenging art'? I long for the day when a commissioned artist, out of sheer perverse bravado, might fill the lofty and intimidating Turbine Hall of Tate Modern with delicately crafted watercolours...'

Me too! Why is contemporary art only considered worthwhile when it is 'challenging'? Why is figurative art still looked down upon, undervalued - art which is based upon hard work and skill developed over years of practice and study? Why are artists who make a living by selling their work considered of less artistic merit than conceptual artists?

Jonathon Jones recently discussed this in his article 'Painted into a corner'. Worth pondering upon, especially if you are stuck at home feeling bitter with a cold and unable to actually paint!

A gleeful fiddle player

The last couple of days I've been working on an illustration for a book cover - 'Joy Till Death' by Zsolt Staník. It's about the residents of a retirement home, some of whom form a band. This pen drawing shows Bert, a fiddle player, and I have been attempting to convey what was described to me rather awesomely as 'ecstatic, devilish, glee-type joy.' I love drawing expressions as I find if I am drawing someone smiling, it makes me smile - especially as I often use a mirror to try and work out the facial expression.

Life drawings

Some recent drawings in charcoal and pastel.

Splatter Happy - Abstract paintings by Silverdale Art Group

I was really impressed by the beautiful paintings produced at this afternoons workshop with Silverdale Art Group. The group was so enthusiastic - it's very rare to have an art class silent with concentration, and I always know the class has gone well when you have to wipe down the furniture afterwards! (Although, fortunately, the playgroup meet in the same venue so they can take the blame).

I also received the nicest feedback I think I've ever had: '2 hours of pure joy'

Thank you!

New sign/logo for Ellel Artists' Studios

I've been having way too much fun this afternoon playing with ink spatters in Illustrator, designing a logo and sign for the studio. While I was away in Australia some charming child (well, I hope it was a kid) broke off my little handpainted palette sign. The new sign will be hung up high, out of reach.