Today was a holiday for Brisbane due to the Ekka, and I finally got a chance to paint!  I’ve got a few things in progress, but here’s one I completed:

Under the Milky Way

I’ve really missed watercolours!

I’ve also been busily uploading wearable art pendants to my etsy page today – I’ve uploaded quite a few but I still have a lot more to go!

Thanks to those who’ve stuck with me even though I’ve been quiet – I’ll try to make sure I’m not away so long again!

I’ll be at The Handmade Expo this Saturday – hope to see you there!

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I do feel quite helpless right now as it’s very hard to us to go anywhere because many of the roads near us are still cut off by floodwaters.

One thing I can do to help, however, is be a part of the fundraising effort for the flood appeal.

I’m holding an auction on my facebook page of this painting:

I will pay to post this painting (to Australia or overseas) so that ALL the proceeds can go to the flood relief appeal.

If you are able to, please bid – if not, please spread the word.

"Twilight Rain" - Watercolour on watercolour paper - 9.5" x 12.5"

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- In 2011 I plan to start the year by painting for me again – I finished out 2010 with a few commissions, and while I really enjoyed the challenge of completing them and was really proud of the results, I had a bunch of other ideas in the back of my mind that I didn’t get a chance to try out.  So this year I’m going to try to get a few of those ideas down on paper or canvas.

- Speaking of too many ideas running around in my head (no wonder I’m having trouble remembering what day it is) – I also plan to keep an art journal close by, so I can put down ideas as they come to me, so when I don’t have time to paint they don’t end up getting forgotten.

- This year I’m also looking forward to starting a commission for some friends of mine.  Last year I sold one of my favourite paintings, Colours of Nature, and while I was thrilled to have made a sale I was just a little sad to see it go.  So I’m really happy to be painting a big version on canvas for friends – that way even though I’ll be saying goodbye to it I’ll be able to visit!  I’m looking forward to getting started on it.

Colours of Nature (SOLD)

- I plan to participate in prompts like Illustration Friday as often as possible.  It’s a great way to push me out of my comfort zone to try something new.

- I’m going to try to paint at least once per week, and update this website at least once per week.  OK I know this is the type of resolution doomed to failure.  Sometimes other things (like working full time in a demanding job) get in the way.  Nonetheless, it’s a goal I’m going to do my best to achieve.  Now just stay tuned to watch the excuses come rolling in.

- Finally, one of my biggest (and scariest) goals for this year is to actively seek out places to exhibit my work, and to consider doing a solo exhibition.

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Looking back, I think 2010 was a great year – there were a lot of new beginnings and achievements I am proud of, including:

Completing 4 large commissioned paintings

Presenting a talk about my art to the Springfield Lakes Art Group (I was so nervous but was happy I did it in the end)

Participating in the Etsy DUST team’s swaps – these were so much fun!

Using my art as a way to help the community – I donated works to raise money for The Variety Club, The Cancer Council and the Cerebral Palsy League

Participating in the Handmade Expo markets and the Soulful Spring Sounds market.  One of the best decisions I made all year was to participate in these markets – they’re a much more personal way to sell my work than online.

Participating in the Summer Salon Art Exhibition with other members of Art Salon.

I’m looking forward to 2011 being just as productive – In my next post I’ll share with you some of my plans and goals for my art in 2011.

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Here’s my painting:

This painting is available to purchase via My Etsy Store.

Happy New Year everyone!
I 2011 is all you could wish it to be.

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Today the set of three paintings I’ve been working on was picked up by the lovely lady who ordered them, who I met at Soulful Spring Sounds earlier this year.  It feels great to be finished and to have a happy customer.  Here’s how they turned out:

I’m also still working on a piece for a friend, which is the biggest painting I’ve done so far.  I’m enjoying the challenge – here’s how it’s looking:

With Christmas fast approaching, I doubt I’m the only one who’s busy at the moment!  If you’re on the lookout for unique Christmas presents, don’t forget to check out The Handmade Expo on Saturday 18th December – with 120 stalls you’re sure to find something perfect!  And of course, original art makes a wonderful gift

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My swap partner was Carol from Neca’s Nic Nacs, and she definitely looked after me!  She sent a lovely set of note cards, some Christmas ornaments, and my favourite, a gorgeous knitted hat.  I’m going to have to wait a while before I can wear it though – we’re moving into the warm, humid, summery weather here in Queensland.

Many thanks to Carol for being so patient with me!  Please check out her shop, as she has some lovely goodies there!

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My art on display at the Richard Randall Studio Gallery

Wearable art pendants and watercolours

On the second day of our exhibition, we did some artist demonstrations.  It was great to be able to spend a whole day painting without distractions.  I painted outside for a while watched over by a curious bearded dragon who seemed to be posting for a painting.

Working on a commission at the Richard Randall Gallery

As always, I was very inspired by the work of the other exhibiting artists, which I think is the best thing about exhibiting as a group.

Many thanks to those who stopped by to have a look at our paintings!

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According to the seller they are from 1889 and 1899, so I was very excited to receive them in beautiful condition!

I finished my first artwork featuring one of these vintage pictures today.  The title “And Spring Arose” was inspired by the following poem:

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Sensitive Plant”

And Spring Arose

I really enjoyed working on this piece, and I look forward to seeing what I can come up with for the other pictures.

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It was a quiet market for me this month, but I really enjoyed meeting the new people who came along to have a look at my little stall, and of course enjoyed seeing my regular visitors.  Many thanks to all of you who stopped by and said hello!

I won’t be at the next Handmade Expo in October, but I’ll be there in November and December – perfect timing for those wanting to grab some Christmas presents!

Me with my newest painting at The Handmade Expo

I’m now enjoying a break from my day job (school holidays!) so I intend to get lots of painting done!  I’m working on a couple of commissioned paintings, so I’ll keep you up to date with the progress of them.

P.S. I’m wearing my brand new Kellie Christie necklace in this pic – I can never resist going and spending my profits at other people’s stalls when I’m at The Handmade Expo (even on days like yesterday when the profits are non-existent)!

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