Hobart weekend

A night in beautiful Hobart. Even a cloudy day is spectacular. This was the view from our hotel.

New deck and toilet reno

This area was a total disaster and we have given it a makeover.  New loo and installed a handbasin.  I think it's come up really well.

Our little beach cottage now has a deck at the front. I was in the area working yesterday and can't tell how good it was to sleep over. Off to Hobart today to see our eldest son and his family.  Have a nice weekend!

Farewell Margaret Olley

Farewell Margaret Olley
Dear Margaret Olley passed away aged 88 this week. An amazing Australian artist. Last year my husband and I flew to Sydney to an exhibition of her early works which depict her travels to Europe. It was wonderful and I have the coffee table book to enjoy. I love Margarets still life paintings and rather hope I end my days painting away at home like her.
This picture with Ben Quilty the winner of the Archibald prize.

Rug

This huge rug hanging in spotlight reminded me of a story my parents told. When they first married they made large rag rugs for their home. I'm not sure if theirs were looped. I love this idea. Does anyone know how to make one?

Tasmanian walnuts in Tasmanian honey

I've had fun making up these jars.  Il make some for Christmas gifts but in smaller jars to be cost effective. Il be interested in your suggestion for serving.  My ideas are, on pancakes, cheese platters, through yoghurt, What do you think?

Artworks by Bella

My little grand daughter Bella has been painting with me since she was first able to hold a brush.
Bella is now 4 and soaks up my art instruction like a sponge. This week she was painting wet on wet watercolor, and immediately understood what I was on about. 
Recently when Bella was sick, all she wanted to do was paint.  I'm always happy to let her use my paints and high quality paper. I'd like nothing better than to spend more time encouraging children to paint. 
In a perfect world, I think children should paint and sing everyday. I feel we suddenly stop most of the fun things in favor of other school subjects.  Learning through play can be a life long pastime if we participate!

I missed the exhibition opening

I missed the exhibition opening, due to some awful bug.
I'm home sleeping it off, but my husband and our friends went along.  Our friend Vince sang at the opening.  They are all at the shack working on the deck but I just can't pull it off. I'm missing a great dinner tonight too!!
Don't you just hate winter colds and flu. Hope your all ok out there. 

Acrylics

Acrylics are so easy to use! They wash out in water, have a nice thick texture and can be mixed with a medium to build up heavier texture.
I recently bought some acrylics that can be used with water like watercolours. I use a cross over of brushes with acrylics. I rarely paint on board, preferring canvas.
 This painting is done in acrylics with a varnish over the top.
I really enjoy painting with my grandchildren using acrylics.
                    
                                                     Come into the studio for tea.

Oil paints

My husband gave me these Italian oils for a Christmas gift.  When my children were small I avoided oils, as I was constantly getting paint all over the house. Oils are messy but the effect is great.  I was chatting to an artist friend last weekend and both agreed that if acrylics had been around in the days of the masters we are both sure they would had been used. Would the paintings have survived for hundreds of years?  Not sure.  Time will tell.
The mixing of paint is a skill that takes a long time to master , hence the apprentices the great masters employed.
We are so lucky to have so many great products on our doorstep. All artists have their favourites and their favourite suppliers. It's a bit like cooking and craft where the tools and product make a very big difference to the outcome.
I always use the best quality just in case I produce a masterpiece!!
Have you ever painted in oils?

The water colour road

Thought you may be interested to see some of my tools and hear a little about what each medium involves.  This is my water colour table.  My little dishes for mixing paint. My beautiful brushes(. I refuse to use sable as I won't be involved in the cruel practices involved).
My travel set and a picture I'm working on.  I use high quality cold pressed paper. Will talk about paper another time.
Paper is usually taped down but this painting is dry. Thanks for dropping by. 

Letters from a friend

When I first left school I became a hairdresser.  A profession I remained in until was around thirty. During this time I was befriended by one of the kindest  ladies I've ever known.  Much like a mother figure, Bev was such a great support to our family.  Over the years Bev has sent so many cards and letters.  Through all our family illness and loss. Yesterdays letter was such a shock, as Bev wrote about a terrible car accident she and her beloved husband had suffered. My legs could hardly hold me up as I read the letter.  To think of my dear friend in this situation was unbelievable. The letter made me stop and think that over the years people everywhere have received letters containing pain and bad news.  This was my first. I've only ever associated letters with good news.

Bi carb uses

I'm very interested in this
Book and the uses for bi carb.

Walnuts in honey

On a recent trip to Hobart, I bought a jar of walnuts in honey.  So yummy on pancakes!
I'm now about to try my hand at making some.
I have some jars ready and plan to heat the honey. Any further suggestions?  Il keep you posted.