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.