Window to the world of Winnierose

High tea

2011-09-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with a photo of the very gorgeous Jasmine, who was having afternoon tea. I've played with this for a while now, and just need a few tweeks and it should be done. I wanted her to have a red dress, and that has led me to a fantastic colour scheme, that I would never have thought up on my own, it was just as they say, a happy accident.

The fairie princess

2011-06-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well This piece has been inspired by a beautiful little girl who had a fairy party for her 3rd birthday, It is still very much a work in progress as I just am not happy with it, I'm enchanted by it, it has the magic, but ..........there just seems so many things that need fixing. Dont know about a title.?? Any ideas ??

Going for a walk

2011-03-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

I've just realised, that I haven't posted for quite a while, and must admit I get a bit sad,when blogs that I love to follow remain in a time frame, and are not added too.

I've not been lazy by any means, and have been planning, sketching, and painting a piece that I wanted to feature in the Strathdon community's art show on the 1st to the 3rd of April, at which they have given me the honor of becoming guest artist. I've had pieces of paper lying around my home, with suggested titles for it, and I really haven't thought of much else than painting, painting painting. I've finally thanks to my lovely workmate Esther found a name for the Painting, which is now making it easier to put the finishing touches too.......well I hope they are the finishing touches, cos Its taken its time. In my spare time I have been designing a special picture for a card to a friend who is turning 50 soon, and then of course there is this little piece here in Pastel. I wanted to just suggest the parents, so that is why the heads are out of the picture......I didn't draw any !! I wanted the story to centre around the little girl, who is getting a swing from the couple while they are walking, and I wanted to try and use cooler colours than I would normally choose, without it being boring. Hopefully I will finish my acrylic piece by next week and post that here also. Thanks for keeping an out of for my blog.

Illustrations

2010-10-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Well, my childhood dream has finally been realised, and I have illustrated a book. It has 40 pages and about 34 of those have illustrations. The book was written by my sister Julie Pearce, who like me , has had a dream, and a need to express that need, and as such, Wishes for you, wishes for me, was born. Its been a few years in the making, and after many brainstorming sessions, I was able to read into what she was wanting in the way of illustrations. My Daughter Emilee has designed the web site and been a wonderful advisor on many aspects of our journey in self publishing this book, and hopefully , all going well, it should be due for release on the 28th of October. I can only imagine what Julie is feeling at the moment, as I have many emotions running around my head. I hope you get to see a copy, as I have every belief that this book will be very successful. Visit the website . www.wishesforus.com

Sipp'n Sisters

2010-06-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

I Loved this subject so much, that, I just had to give it another go. But this time, I've used pastel. I wanted to try another study in red, and I really wanted to almost silhouette the girls whilst still showing some features and making the light really glow behind them. This pastel study seems to have an emotion that the acrylic painting just didn't have.

Share Shake

2010-05-06T05:08:00.000-07:00

I've been like a dog with a bone, painting this picture. Nikki gave me permission to paint this photo, that she took of Macey and Piper sharing a milk shake. ( copyright of course, most important to get permission) I was playing with color scheme designer.com, which I could sit and become mesmerised in the colours for hours. But I digress, sorry. Anyway, I had the photo and decided, not to choose a style, to just let it flow, but I did choose 70% green tones and 30% in the hot pink tones. Never was good at maths, so I think, o.k, I know that my percentage of pink is more than 30%, but I was happy with the outcome. My painting though worried me. It didn't show my contemporary style, but neither was it realism, so even though, people have said its "lovely" I worry that it is too birthday cardish. But I could see it in a cafe or in a kids retreat. Main thing is I loved doing it. Its a fun pic. Thanks Nik ! I've got another fun one lined up......stay tuned...

And then she said...................

2010-03-20T03:34:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you've dropped in here now and then, and been frustrated by my lack of blogging.......sorry. I've been running round in circles, chasing my tail. Yep, I do have one. I have finally finished this piece, and plan to enter it in one of the local art shows. I'm sure I still have time to enter......well......hope so.
I now have my work in the Tin Shed Arts Gallery in Malmsbury.....yay! That is two galleries now, so another little bit of progress is made in putting my art out there.
This piece which is titled "And then she said........"
Is purely from my imagination. It is a sight we see all the time, or maybe one we've partaken in ?? That little sharing the goss session! Anyway, these ladies, just had to be colourful. They are colourful characters after all and you just have to like them both.......don't you??

Finished Aprhodite.

2010-02-17T05:09:00.001-08:00

Aphrodite, the greek goddess of love and beauty. She brings love and healing to those around her, through grace and confidence. As roses bloom and apples ripen, so does the self acceptance grow to supreme love.
According to myth, she emerged as a nymph from the waves and immediatly drove every male god wild with desire.
I am valuable
I walk in beauty.
I am free to be myself, I accept myself as I am.
Hope she does something for you.

APHRODITE.

2010-01-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite emails to receive is Anita Revel's- Goddess.com.au over the time, that I've received her newsletters, I've read about countless goddesses, and read the affirmations, the mantras, the stories, and the modern energy. And I've always wanted to draw a goddess that inspires me. Quan Yin, was one that I played around with, but this time Anita's words stirred me and my version of Aphrodite has emerged.
Her Story:
Aphrodite is also known to the Romans as VEnus. She is the goddess of doves, swans, roses, apples , arts and all things graceful, inspired and creative. According to myth, she emerged as a nymph from the waves, and immediatly drove almost every male god wild with desire.
I would love some feed back here, as It is still very much a work in progress, I know what she represents to me, but does it catch Your attention??? What would make it more mystical do you think??

Google Anita Revel and discover outing the goddess within, or check out goddess at play.

Did you find the swan? Looking forward to your feedback

And She said..........................

2010-01-02T01:11:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love to see a good story being told? This is a work in progress. I'm having fun with these two ladies.
I'm actually feeling a bit left out of the conversation !!!

Coffee time.

2010-01-02T01:06:00.000-08:00

I've had to cope with artist block for much of this year. Its quite frustrating. But, its all a learning experience. With this piece, I was trying to instill a feeling of calm, of which my mind is not. And although there is a relaxed feel about this piece, there is no story to go with it. Its cute, but that's all there is to it. Therefore its being shelved.

Twelve Weeks till Christmas........

2009-10-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

If I'm not organised with anything else, I DO have my christmas picture done. I wondered what I would do this year, for my christmas card, and tried to summon up an incy wincy little spirit of xmas and have come up with this, which is titled.........."The joy is in the giving."
Aussie christmas of course with thongs and short sleeves !!

Of course same goes as last year, email me with your address to be on my xmas card mailing list !!!

THE SLEEPOVER -updated

2009-09-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

I've been mesmerised doing this piece, but I think it's time to move on to something else. I seem to let myself just DOT, and therefore I dont have to think. It's a bit trancelike. My escapism if you like. But my mind is screaming out to express itself and only other artists would appreciate this thought. So many, many other thoughts and ideas are whiring around, and I'm trying to jot down ideas, so that something clearly jells. I'm jumping between painting, drawing, sketching, and fiddling with dots. LOL.
This is where I'll leave this piece. I didn't manage to convey the lightheartedness and fun of a sleepover, so maybe I'll try again later.

THE SLEEPOVER

2009-09-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

This is a Work in Progress, and something thats been in the back of my mind for some time. Have been reading a book by the name of " drawing from within"-unleashing your creative potential. And one thing that gave me a bit of a kick start was a chapter which concentrated on artist block, and he virtually says........draw, just draw and draw, and something will happen. Stop waiting for the masterpiece, just draw, so, I called for a bit of inspiration to practice on, and remembered Teone, suggested I paint something relevant for her age group. So Teone if you happen to check this out, its not finished, but its coming along, dont you think. As a drawing excercise, its been fun, because, its not really realism and its not really contemporary.....yet.
Stay tuned

THERE'S A COW ON MY PLATE. work in progress

2009-08-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

Don't know if youve picked it up or not, but, I have always had a thing for asian art, and was absolutely delighted to find in a second hand bookstore a prize book for my art collection. It's called Japanese graphic art and it follows the work of the original masters who transferred their original designs onto a wooden block from which many impressions can be made. One of my long time favorites is in the book- " Beneath the wave off kanagawa" often just referred to as the wave. by hokasai.
Anyway, I have had the most wonderful time studying the paintings and to think they date back to 1765, it is very humbling. So thats where this piece really started. I was inspired to try to follow the lines of the japanese artists. And by now after reading this you will instantly notice the hair has been influenced by my book. Anyway, I've added thongs and darkened up the cow alittle. The left hand wall is worrying my, but, I dont want to much detail, as it may take away from the picture as a whole. I may just leave this for a while and next time I look the answer may be staring me in the face.

THERE'S A COW ON MY PLATE !!!!!

2009-08-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

This is a work in progress, and I have chosen green to write this in, Because, it's a green Piece..........so to speak. Of Late, I've been educated on the life of a Vegan, you know- basically- don't eat anything that has, or comes from something that has a face. Went to a party the other week, and All , as in each and every piece of finger food, consisted of meat, or chicken , and three of the guests seated oposite me, did not get to eat anything. I thought, how aware we have to be nowadays- make sure we include light beer, and lemonade for the non drinkers, and orange juice for the diabetics, etc, etc.....but no one seems to cater for those who choose not to eat animal product. I hear tell, that salad offerings, can get a bit monotonous. Anyway, enjoy this piece done once again in my pointalism technique that is so mesmerising to me, hours go by before I know it.

And she read past midnight !

2009-05-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

Its taken a while, but I have finally finished this piece. Now I just have to come up with a suitable title. I think " And alice read until midnight" is a bit long. As is " one chapter led to two" But " Riveting book" is possibly too short. I dont know......give me some ideas if your wouldn't mind.
I love doing pieces like this. But, my family, dont seem to like my " cartoon" pieces as they call them. Its the same old unspoken " and when are you going to do some real art" that drags me down a little. Its hard to explain, that, I am these whimsical people that I draw, I model for them, feel what they are feeling, and bring them to life. . They make me feel the child within, and I'm automatically feeling hopeful inside, that life is a wondrous thing, and there are lots of good things out there waiting for us.

Alice couldn't stop at one chapter !

2009-03-27T04:04:00.000-07:00

Funny, how things inspire us out of the blue. Alice came to stay in the xmas holidays, and I said to her one night, " why dont you hop into bed and read a chapter of your book." At midnight I went in to turn the light out, and there she was propped up in bed, book in front of her face with just her eyes peaking over the top. When my eyebrows went up towards the roof, she offered this little statement......."Do you think this would make a great painting. Me looking over the top of my book ??"Good one Alice, my mind was diverted immediatly. Well I dont know about Painting, but, I've used a technique that I used years ago. To me its like doodling, only more enjoyable. It is 0.5 fineliner on cartridge paper. There are no lines in this picture, only dots. So this is my work in progress at the moment. I will keep adding dots, until I build up , shading etc. I still plan the picture as I go, so I dont know whether to add things around the bedroom or to just leave the focus on the little girl in the bed ? I dont really know a title. But I do know this. I may be lacking motivation in my painting at the moment, But this technique is vey rewarding for me, as I see a picture develop before my eyes. I dont really have a plan, just a mental sketch. I know a lot of you dont like my contemporary work, but it is good for my soul. * enjoy*

Group Exhibition

2009-02-19T03:45:00.001-08:00

I paint with a group of girls ( women) who paint primarily in pastel and we have named ourselves Innovision. We've decided to put on an exhibition of our works, and this exhbition opens on Sunday the 1st of March at 5 pm. Lady hawke cafe - 1365 Mt Dandenong tourist rd, Mount dandenong. ( mel 66 G1)
The exhibition will continue from sun 1st march to sunday 29th march. 9am-5pm open thursday to Monday. ( closed tuesday and wednesday)
Would love to see you there. If you cant make it for the opening, treat yourself and a friend to a scenic drive up the dandenongs and stop at Lady hawke for either coffee and cake or a meal.
The hospitality is just lovely, and the art works..........well. they speak volumes.

Parting with my paintings

2009-01-18T03:59:00.000-08:00

I received word today, that I have sold this painting, which has the title of "Me Time". Its one of my favorites.
And so this afternoon, I have been reflecting on my feelings. I am excited that it has sold, and I wonder who loved it enough to buy it. A sale of course reinforces my belief that my art is acceptable . ( family and friends of course are my most loyal supporters but a real sale does wonders for morale)
But at the same time I feel a tad melancholy. I drew from the depths of my soul an emotion that I could express on paper. This is me in my most relaxed state, and I have expressed to the viewer what joy is to me. I closed my eyes and summoned up this feeling, so what you see is...............me. And now I wont see it again, I say goodbye to it.
And my only comfort is, that I imagine it has gone to a kindred spirit, who probably as I write this has kicked her slippers off, poured herself a wine and is reclining on the couch, smiling up at her wall, on which hangs her latest acquisition.

Happy new Year !!!

2009-01-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

Dec 31

“ May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. —

Neil Gaiman

Domestic Goddess

2008-12-22T04:17:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that I have to pack up my studio and turn it into a guest room for xmas? With my little magic wand, I need to spirit away paints and brushes, frames and paper, half finished canvasses and god forbid- dust ! Pastel of course !!
But I cant do it. I think I've got a bit of a sulk up. It means while the Christmas festivities are on, there is no sneaking off to be by myself. Maybe, I can hide a sketch book somewhere, just in case I find something amusing and just need to get it on paper. So instead of creating, I will turn into a domestic goddess and attempt to handle all that the festive season throws at me. So please enjoy my latest painting which is a 17cm X 13cm acrylic titled just that- Domestic Goddess

First cuppa for the day !

2008-12-04T03:54:00.000-08:00

I've had the best fun this week. On the australian art forum, one very hard worker, organised an art swap for the festive season. It didn't have to have a xmas theme at all. Our names were put into a hat and we were sent the address of someone on the forum, that was participating, and by the week of the 1st of December, we were to post off our surprise piece. My person was Belinda lindhart, who is a wonderful artist, and specialises in colour pencil. I had no idea what to do, and then I thought, well, we all love that cuppa to wake up to, so out came the paints and......voila. I finished it, and wrapped it up with some green glitter and hearts, using gold tissue and nice ribbon, then off to the post office to send it off to NSW. On the forum tonight , Belinda said she loved it, and displayed a photo of it. So I was happy, that I had made her smile. Still waiting for my xmas swap. Good things come to he who waits. Its getting exciting, wonder what I'll get. ???

Christmas spirit

2008-11-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well here it is , one month until xmas and so I shall unveil my xmas card, that is to be sent to friends ( and galleries....hi remember me?)

When planning this painting, which is acylic by the way, I had to get in the zone and conjure up memories past of christmases long ago, sifting through them all, concentrating on finding one memory that whispered "tradition"
The tree went up and had the usual school made gold coated shell pasta decorations,etc etc, but every year, my daughter held staunchly with the tradition that she place the star on the top. It was a manky old star and every year I would sigh and say that I had to replace it and every year she- mesmerised by the sparkle of silver and the honour or maybe it was, the thought of the magic in that star would place it at the topmost point of the tree, Silent in her own thoughts on how christmas should be for her.

I decided to replace a fairy for the star, so here is my card, and if youre on my Christmas mailing list, youre sure to recieve one. If not email me, and I will add you.

Love, Light, Peace and Happiness

Art show 17th,18th and 19th of october.

2008-10-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

For all of you that have been following my work, you may like to know that I have entered into an art show at Mont Albert Primary school . If you have a spare hour or so, Head down to Barloa rd Mont albert, just google maps.com.au to get the details. Fri is 7.30-10. sat is 10-5.pm and sunday is 10 am until 2 pm. There is 200 paintings so it should be a good show to view. I myself have four paintings entered. If you cant make it. Please wish me, lots of red dots !!

Viewing my work

2008-09-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in purchasing any of my work, they can be viewed at koko Lime in Alchester Village. Shop 20 A, Alchester cres, Boronia.
I can highly recommend this cafe for a great ambient meeting place, Good coffee and delicious food, not to mention great service. Oh and did I mention the awesome paintings on the wall ?? Feedback is a wonderful thing.

EMPTY NEST

2008-07-13T04:37:00.000-07:00

Well, we all get to that stage where our kids have grown and one by one they leave the nest, and we are defunct at mothers as we know it. With mixed emotions we take stock of our lives and think what next? I could have done this picture with a sobbing mother throwing herself from her lonely empty nest.....but, I've decided this mother is proud of the job she has done , she has raised a well rounded child and its time to let her baby fly unaided. ( champagne of course is on the picnic blanket hidden below)

Your own personal Fairy Tale.

2008-05-13T04:25:00.000-07:00

I am in my adult life, the way I am, because of all the influences on me as a child. I was an avid reader, and had read every fairy tale that possibly interested me. In my mind, I pictured each scene, but also imagined my future life. At the same time. I believed then, that if I followed the rules and learnt the etiquette of life, that one day- my prince would come. Of course, we have to grow up and face reality that fairy stories are just that.......fairy stories. But there are Dreams.The best ones happen whilst ironing or vacuuming......I've called this one, Dare to Dream, I think nowadays the fairy story goes something like........once upon a time, there was a website called RSVP.............

Loving unconditionally.

2008-03-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

With this piece I was trying to involve you in the emotion of loving unconditionally. I'm really happy with this piece, and the colours. The baby had to look as serene as the ....well it could be anyone couldn't it? It could be The Mum, An Adoptive mum, a foster mum, even a loving aunty or friend. I go with the Mum idea, adoptive or otherwise though, as they are the ones to love unconditionally. Double click on the picture to bring it up larger for extra detail.

touching base

2008-01-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

If youve visited on a whim and are disapointed that I haven't posted any work lately, well, youre not alone. I disappoint myself. I need to be more diligent, but on the other hand, I am doing workshops, life drawing, etc and am soon to do one plein air in Bendigo, with my very first art teacher Barbara McManus, who is taking a group of us for the long weekend. ,which is exciting for me, as my lovely mum lives there and I will be able to catch up with her once again. I'm reading art and visiting art galleries, and have just this day seen the exhbition" Australians in Paris" which was very interesting, as one of my favorite women artists Agnes Goodsir was strongly represented. I still draw each day and plot and plan for my joy exhbition, and in the meantime glean information and take whatever lessons come my way re realism. So keep visiting, you never know, one day, something may take your breath away.

Happy, happy Joy, Joy

2007-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Apart from when you've had a few glasses of wine.........when do you experience that feeling of joy, without a thought in your head ??? I want to bring in my works that feeling. So that the viewer for even 30 seconds, can relate or remember pure simple joy. So I pondered and tried to remember that last time when I didn't have a worry in the world, and came up with a memory of swinging so high and the wind in my hair and I was in control of how high I went, and even though I knew I had to come down, I could go up high again.........without a worry in the world.

New Works......dah dah............

2007-10-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since uploading my last work, but apart from floral design, I have been painting also. And whilst I'm passionate about certain things, ie: Australia, friends, art and pastel to name but a few, I've decided to hedge my bets and try acrylics. So this is my first acylic in the yummy mummy series. Frustratingly slow, not nearly as forgiving as pastel, but I'm happy enough with it. And the idea behind it? When do you know that love is unconditional? At what moment ?? Well for me, I think this is the moment, " The beginning of unconditional love".

Thanks for visiting.

2007-09-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

If you've popped in to checkout if I've updated, I do have works to post, but just have'nt had the time to upload them as yet. Have shared my art time with floral design lately, which I do prefer to keep to working hours, but when things inspire you be they floral or otherwise, you just have to run with it.
Dont hesitate to leave a comment if you have an idea for me to draw up.
I love looking at things through other peoples eyes .
Visit again soon, and I'll promise and update !!

Up date on bellydancing babe.

2007-08-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

Bellydancing babe, won first prize at the pastel society monthly members encouragement award. And no, I didnt get anything for first, just a certificate, and the warm fuzzy feeling that other artists voted for my painting. !!

Bellydancing Babe

2007-07-30T04:43:00.000-07:00

"The Gypsy Dancer appears to be free from the societal constraints. The Gypsy as the Wild Woman archetype has magical powers, powers which make her dangerous. She is out-of-control, or at least beyond the control of the patriarchy. She evokes fear, especially in the subconscious where the Wild Woman lurks within us all. We are afraid to let her out because we may loose control." ---Laurel Victoria Gray

Bring on Summer.

2007-07-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Love the warmth of the sun. Yummy mummies of course can get away with using a sun reflector.

Me Time.

2007-07-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

I don't enjoy winter.....one bit. I've had to concentrate hard to picture what would make me happy.......what makes others feel good? And then I knew.......it's Me Time. Reading a book or gardening or walking or ....... sipping a wine, whatever you choose, Me time is important........Put your head back and breathe !!

caught in loves net.

2007-07-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

mmmmm, I've had to work hard to get over the 'sads" ! This seems to be the worst winter yet. So I decided to get my arse into gear and paint to get me out of it. But what.........so I looked up proverbs, and one inspired me about being caught in loves net, I got so inspired, I quickly got out the sketch book and ......well, came up with this one, but when I tried to google my proverb to put with it.......gone !!. Somethings are just meant to be, and I was meant to read it at the time, or I wouldn't have come up with caught in loves net. Enjoy.

painting for Love.

2007-06-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Got an invitation to one of my best friends 50th, OMG- I have friends that old??? LOL. I live by the saying- Growing old is mandatory, Growing up is Optional-
Anyway the little mind did back flips, what will I get her for a present? Nothing came to mind, tried to think of what she loves and doesn't and came up with the fact that, apart from her daughter, she dotes on her dogs- panders to them in fact. So, I set myself the challenge of painting " the boys". Her daughter, kindly emailed me some photos, hardly studio friendly, but hey, this was a challenge and I could always go and buy her a large bottle of brandy , if it didn't work out- which is much more sharing friendly !!!! But slightly out of the budget of a poor starving artist !! If you're interested in viewing the painting-: click on my complete profile on the right hand side of this blog, and go to the road to success is always under construction ( hey, if you have time to look at this blog, you have time to frig around finding my other one.) You see primarily this blog, was to be solely for my yummy mummies.......
Oh.....and post note, got another invite to another friends 50th on the same night....strewth !! its not gonna happen.....she gets a bought present.......fifty for goodness sake........when I turn 50, I think I'll just hide in the wardrobe with a bottle of prozac !!!!!

Bollywood Twins

2007-06-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hey!! remember dress ups? Holly and Emily are obviously having fun. Who wouldn't want to paint them in their Bollywood outfits.

Goin shopp'n

2007-05-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

The yummy mummy of course goes shopping efortlessly. She usually has one child that takes after her beautifully. And as you must know me by now, I cant believe that life hasn't dealt her a few curly ones along the way. I've given her the overtired toddler, in the trolley............But shes not fazed.......nothing upsets the yummy mummy on shopping day!!

Yummy Mummy- multi tasking

2007-05-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my favorite of all- so far. I was driving along and all of a sudden, I my eyes drifted to this sight, and I laughed to myself, and thought I wish I had a camera. The image stayed with me, so I came home and did a little sketch and it worked. So out came the big sketch book and I elaborated. By now, my mind is flitting from one image to another and I was just itching to start. So I locked myself off from the world for the weekend and "played" But, I surprised myself. I planned it. I wanted movement. I wanted your eye to rove all over it. I wanted your eye to follow from the dogs tail thru the babies dress up to the mummies hair. But most of all, I planned for you to feel as carefree when you look at her, as she actualy looks. How Did I do ???

Dear to my heart.

2007-05-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when youre passionate about something, it eats at you. I feel I need to express what I'm feeling at times. And well, its a fact that I wasn't born with the gift of song, But, I was slipped a bit of a talent to tell a story with pictures and so, that is how my next picture evolved. I wanted to put into a picture, something that was uplifting, a tad humourous. light hearted, and not boring. One of my most special people in the world was diagnosed with Bi-Polar. You know, that Mental illness that people whisper about behind closed hands.?? Did you know that for years its been called the black dog or black dogs disease........Cos that is what it is......dis- ease. I wanted to paint her a picture, that she could look at, that would remind her. Hey........you could try to take control of the black dog today. So I thought, what about, if I drew her at dog obedience school with her black dog.And she was smiling and in a good place, cos she had taught her dog a lesson. And maybe, by looking at this painting, people will spare a thought for those inflicted with mental illness and make a note to be more tolerant.

On the beach.

2007-05-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Dont you love summer? the sun on your face? A good book, the sound of the waves lapping. I must admit, I'm loving this pic. Every time I look at it, I breathe in deeply and put my head back, and I can almost feel the warmth of the sum.

yummy mummies-power walking.

2007-05-08T03:43:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce a yummy mummy past time- powerwalking. I imagine the short one is Effie, she is a little dyed blonde girl of greek origin. And are'nt they all the epitomy of the yummy mummy? Good looks, great figure, although, artistic licence and a sense of humour has allowed me to slap an extra curve on her backside, alah jo lo style of course. ...........

work in progress yoga mummy

2007-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought and I thunk ! I brainstormed with people, I had the suggestion of a hat stand, with a scarf draped over it. I did suggest to someone maybe a old wicker chair with bras etc hanging of it, I mean she may look serene, but dammit, she has to have a bit of disfunction in her life. But nothing worked. Then I thought of Kristine saying she loved my dogs, and I made a concious decision to put a dog in every work. I used to have a St Bernard, who sat with her front legs crossed, and all of a sudden, my thoughts went haywire, and the next minute, I had the faithful hound, perched atop a cushion, legs crossed, with a waft of oil crossing past its nose. Her tail sweeps across to link with the yoga mummys meditation position. Terrianne suggested peach colours coming through the window, I think it needs to be softened off, I may need to ask her advise... I was going to put the om symbol on the wall above the dog, but, I didnt' want to overdo it.......time to walk away and return afresh.

An excercise in realism

2007-05-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

I took a photo of Jo and Jessica, because, Jess, looked so cute, and I thought, she would make the perfect tot in my yummy mummy series. But, I just had an impulse to paint it how it is, before, I escape with her in my imagination. Do I like what I've painted? Well, I like how I have been able to capture her looking like she can't sit still, and I like how I've captured Jo. Her personality is so spontaneous and warm, I think it shows, and she clearly adores motherhood. I had fun.

work in progress- Yoga Mummy

2007-04-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

Well, at times I frustrate myself. Its like my Mind gets over excited when I get an idea. Take this piece for instance, what, I say to myself. If I have a yummy mummy, sitting on top of a fit ball. Every yummy mummy, owns a fit ball. What if she is sitting on top of a ball, in the lotus position at one with herself. Sun is shining in the window- warming her back. Oil burner, is wafting, soothing oils. So I sketch it up, and begin to paint straight away, I cant wait to plan anymore, its urging me on. And here I am..........pondering, and annoyed with myself, that I didn't plan the sketch, and use restraint, for just a few more hours. Because, its boring. There is no point to the picture. I dont know how to save it. The only thing, I can think of is an armchair to the front right of her, in which her other half so to speak, is slumped in the V.B position, with remote in hand. ..*#+@ sigh !*#%*.

Finished piece, " The school run"

2007-04-28T04:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you work on something for so long, it s hard to see the glaring mistakes, and times like that its best to leave well enough alone. I've taken some comments on board about this piece, and I'm happy with the outcome. I've given the dog a face, and put the lead on the other side of his face. I've dropped the foot on the yummy mummy, as it was in line with the teddy and distracting, I've lightened the road going off into the distance, and also the trees. I've put a touch of the sky colour in the trees . The footpath and trees closest to the kids has been darkened. I will crop this picture just above the traffic light, and in line with the waiting cars.
But all in all, I'm happy with it. It conveys the carefree feeling, that I was originally attracted to.

w.i.p. The school run.

2007-04-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

Every morning, I inevitably got the red light at the pedestrian crossing. And every morning, the lollipop lady would waddle out in front of me hold out her stop sign, and with a short whistle across would come the procession. 5 Kids in a row like ducks all holding hands stretched to breaking point, and attached is the yummy mummy- lithe body, more often than not decked out in the fitness outfit, jewell sparkling in the belly button, head back, sun on the face, not a care in the world. I'm jealous of course, I was never a yummy mummy, we had the skin tight leggings with socks rolled over the top and the oversized top, that hid everything, even a figure if you had one. And we ran, always late.........yes, I'm jealous of my yummy mummy, but she makes me smile, and when the green light goes, I drive off, drawing it in my head, and I can never remember the last part of the trip to work, but I know I cant wait to get home to put this picture in my head onto paper.