Norfolk Island

I will be taking a small group to Norfolk Island on 24-31 March 2014 for a plein air pen and wash sketching art tour. This is an exciting new venue with amazing sketching and painting locations. Having been there before, I am really looking forward to sharing some of my sketching experiences and very varied subjects with you.

 

There will be the opportunity to draw and paint flowers, architecture including the buildings of  the original penal colony, many different scenes of beach, mountains and more.

 

Slaughter Bay, Norfolk Island



Not only is this beautiful island steeped with wonderful history of convicts and mutineers, but it is a strong community where many of the inhabitants are direct descendants of the original people that came to the island.

 

To learn more about this Holiday Sketching opportunity, see my Holiday Sketching website and follow Destinations to Norfolk Island.

 

Would love to see you there......

New York here I come

Tonight is my last sleep in Sydney for the year. Tomorrow morning we fly to New York, and anticipating a fabulous Christmas and New Year on the Queen Mary 2, cruising the Caribbean.

 

 

 

I adore the warmer weather but not so good with cold. However am anxious to soak up the Christmas atmosphere in New York before beginning our cruise. Everyone I have spoken to expresses accolades of New York and with a week there, cant wait!

 

Have packed my sketchbooks and visualising myself sketching some of the fantastic beaches of the Caribbean islands, with clear blue skies, azure waters and balmy sea breezes. Not to mention trying to capture the sights, sounds and atmosphere of New York.

 

It will be a time to relax, re-energise and experience new environments. Definately time to clear the cobwebs of 2012 and begin with a clean slate for 2013.

 

 

 

 

It has been a hectic but as always, rewarding year. I have new projects for 2013, as I love the challenge of creating something new, and seeing it come to fruition. I have workshops and trips away every month except December.

 

I love what I do, so it isn't like work. I am able to choose where I want to go and what I will teach. I have much more flexibility now I am not doing my regular weekly (1 day a week) classes, but still doing plenty of workshops. My life had been revolving around term times and it was becoming a struggle to fit everything in. So after 12 years, and meeting some absolutely wonderful people, who will remain lifelong and special friends, I have now put that part of my life behind me to focus on other areas, all art related of course.

 

I still have a lot of packing and last minute things to complete today, and wont really relax until I am actually on the plane, nestled into my seat. I even have a new project I am going to work on during the long flight.

 

Some fabulous workshops and art tours are in place for next year, so it would be wonderful  to see you there.

 



Holiday Sketching Art Tours where you combine a holiday with sketching

Sketching Historic Beechworth - 16-17 March

Fabulous Fiji where I also combine Botanical Art with Sketching - 15-22 June

Beautiful Bali which never ceases to excite and inspire me. It is an amazing place with wonderful people and incredible sketching locations. 2-9 September

 

 

 India - where we explore both the southern and northern areas, experience some unforgettable sights and have the opportunity to sketch the unique country. 1-13 November.

 

All details on the sketching art tours are on my holiday sketching website.

 

Workshops

23 Feb                Pen & Wash at WEA

9 March              Looking at Leaves - botanical art workshop WEA

1-3 May              Canberra -  Australian Natives 

18 May               Pen & Wash at WEA

25-26 May          Banksias at Beechworth, Victoria

1-5 July             WINTER SCHOOL at Sturt Mittagong.

                           Botanical Art Masterclass with Advanced Techniques

21-22 Sept          Banksias Canberra

 

Details are on my holiday sketching and botanical art websites.

 

So for all of you who have read and followed my blog - I hope you have enjoyed my journey through art and life.

 

As this will be my last post from Sydney, and not sure when my next one will be (I baulk at paying $1 per minute for ship internet access) - but will try and do a post from the Caribbean and definately from New York, before my travels in the US continue.

 

I wish you all the very best for the Festive Season  

and a very Safe, Healthy and Peaceful New Year...

 

Sketchbooks & India Art Tour

I have been working on various projects lately, but it has taken a little longer as I have been unwell - pleased to report I am now back in my stride. Was up this morning at 5.30am finalising my India itinerary for next year and also editing my new sketchbook 'Fiji Sketches 2007-2012', which I am self publishing, but only for personal use at this stage. It is not a particularly cheap exercise.



Yaukolo Beach on Vanua Levu

I have taken 15 art tours to Daku Resort on the island of Vanua Levu, which is the second largest island in the Fijian group, and an absolute uncommerical hidden paradise. I consider my annual trips a pilgrimage and I look forward to each trip, where I not only take the group around to various locations to sketch, but I teach botanical art as well. There are so many amazing tropical plants around Savusavu and I source some extra rare plants from the gardens of a local ex-pat, as well as from the resort.





Above is the sketch of a bure at Daku, which is the family owned resort accommodation, and it is nestled beside the calm waters of Savusavu Bay. Just a walk across to the beach to enjoy kayaking, a swim or snorkelling. Add to that the incredible Fijian meals, the relaxing ambience and the perfect climate. Who wouldn't want to spend time here?

In between all that, I have completed a sketchbook on 'Bali Sketches 2009-2012'. Bali is another destination I never tire of. There is always something new to see and sketch, but I love the temples and in particular the Gunung Kawi 11th century temple, with its moss covered bricks, its colourful painted wooden decorations and sculptures.



A protector at Gunung Kawi Temple. Sketch on handmade paper



INDIA SKETCHING ART TOUR 2013

I am very excited about my holiday sketching art tour to India in November 2013 which is 'Sketching the Highlights of India'. This comprises 13 days travelling from Delhi in the north to Cochin in the south and experiencing and exploring the culture, the people and the country. Details of this trip and an itinerary can be found on my website www.holidaysketching.com.au



Luxury houseboat at Alleppey where the group spends a night aboard



A traditional Kathakali Dance performance

What can be better than to create a visual souvenir of your wonderful experiences?

BOTANICAL ART

I have finished the last painting in a series on botanical art commissions on Australian native plants, and it is now time for me to begin work of my own. I have an incredibly intricate and beautiful Dryandra that is begging to be painted. Not being well does not inspire motivation. So now I have my mojo back I am itching to begin this new work.

DE-CLUTTERING

Yes, I have had to spend a few hours a day moving everything out of my office/studio, in anticipation of my new built-in office. I will be unstoppable then. I have two more weeks to prepare the room, or rather to have moved out my paperwork and art materials, computers etc and have all the current office furniture and desks removed and clean up before the installation. I can do it! For a while it seemed such an insurmountable task, but I kept picturing the finish result. At present everything I have moved out is now in the loungeroom.

I will post some pictures of this at a later date. You would think I was a hoarder if you saw how much I have kept in the office, but it is all necessary and all things I use on an almost daily basis. I have been very disciplined and thrown out things I havent used in years and not likely to use again. Isn't that when you are looking for that particular item that you no longer have?

More later.......