Cleaning Out And Came Upon These.

It's so easy to forget what you've done over the years. Going through an old portfolio in a spring clean up was cathartic for me today. I found old farewell cards from animation students, images my daughter had done when she was very young, and some old sketches and paintings from holidaying or just going off to some part of the garden and laying down some marks.

Not All Is Bad In Paradise.

COVID and the lockdown made me reflect on all that is beautiful. Despite some beautiful things being man-made and unnatural, they can be often quite aesthetic and calming. I especially love vineyards, not for what they grow but for the marvelous scenery they have. I've been to many vineyards and been spoiled for choice of vista to take in. Here is a couple of paintings I've completed recently that I really enjoyed taking the time to paint.

Storm Over Curse 2020

This year hasn't started off great, with Australia's devastating fires, rising conflicts, and viruses linked to overpopulation and modern living. It's got me thinking about the state of the world, so I started a painting called "Storm Over Curse."

I used to live in the Riverina region of Australia, in the lovely city of Wagga Wagga. The stunning landscapes there always inspired me. But, despite the beauty, not everything was good for the land. Since white settlers arrived, Australia has dealt with the negative effects of introduced plants. One of these is Salvation Jane, or Patterson's Curse. It was brought over to feed sheep and did well during droughts, making it a valuable food source for sheep and goats. Sadly, it turned out to be toxic for horses and dairy cows, and now it's become a big problem.

My painting, "Storm Over Curse," reflects on these issues by combining two curses: the invasive weed and waste plastic.

The Worldwide Problem With Collecting And Recycling Plastic

The Collection Still Grows

I started the year finalising a collection for a small exhibition. The theme is likely to be more about urban landscapes, some abstract expressionist and colourful, and impressionist artworks created with recycled plastics and papers. I've been trying to gather works of a similar size that will hang together with some shared style rather than ones that make statements. Here are several new additions...

A Start On 2020 Art Pieces

The New year sure is shaping up to be dismal for some. I am keeping an eye on the fires in Australia and praying that this is a one off event. My spirits are high as I am feeling very creative and have started doing more art. I have 3 new bowl pieces that I will post here soon, and I am waiting on confirmation of being chosen for the Adams portrait prize which I had entered a self portrait. This is a start to "getting myself out there" as I have been told to do by friends. Here though is two new artworks.