Grevillea victoriae - large painting

I enjoyed my previous painting of the Grevillea victoriae so much that I decided to do a large scale painting of the actual florescence. There are so many interesting growing formations and various hues which respond beautifully to transparent overglazing to make them glow.

I have been working diligently every day and set myself a goal to do each day, which helps me to focus and manage my time efficiently.

Here are some of the stages of the painting. It is large scale on a half sheet of 640gsm Arches watercolour paper, which is a joy to work on.

I am also experimenting with some new brushes - da Vinci Maestro series #10 which you will see in one of the images. So far, so good. They are not expensive, are retaining their lovely points and are comfortable to use.

The painting to too large to fit comfortably on my painting desk in the studio, so I have moved to the dining room table. Love the light here.

My original colour matches and basic colour study

My initial first washes

 

I love working on the detail

I leave on Saturday to teach a 5-day workshop in Grafton, NSW, so this is another incentive to get as much done as I can on this painting before I leave.

Will post more as the painting continues to progress.

Lilium Workshop

Since returning from Flores I have been extremely busy, but that is not new. As well as my Distance Learning Students work to evaluate, photos to sort, articles to write and various other activities, I did a weekend workshop at WEA Sydney on 'Liliums'.

The room was filled with glorious colour, although not glorious scents as the lily stamens have a rather unpleasant odour. The art room is a wonderful environment as it is spacious, comfortable, has all the necessary teaching facilities and superb lighting.

Most of the class were new to botanical art, in fact several had never even drawn before, let alone use watercolour. It is very rewarding for me to be able to take the participants through the Processes of Botanical Art. These are the Master Drawing, Colour Study and Final Painting.

In a two day workshop I do not expect finished paintings, especially from beginners. It is all about learning the processes, learning what to do and how to do it. At the end of the weekend they have the knowledge to finish their paintings at home.

Below are the results of some of the participants drawings and paintings. I ensure the colour studies are completed with accurate colour matching and practice components. Remembering firstly if the drawing is not right, the painting will not be right. The most important phases are these two processes and this is where most of the time and research is taken.

When looking at the work, remember they are not finished paintings and some students had never drawn or used watercolour before. This is extremely rewarding for me as a tutor to see how much they learn and how far they come in a weekend workshop.

So congratulations to all the participants. 

Remember botanical art is all about

PRACTICE

PATIENCE

PERSISTANCE

PERSEVERANCE

A-Z of Travel Sketching article

My new article for Australian Artist Magazine is out now at newsagents. If you subscribe to this magazine you should have your copy now.

It is going to be featured in following issues with more information and sketches.

Here are a few pages from the article and some sketches from my recent Fiji trip where I took a group of enthusiatic participants to Koro Sun Resort in Savusavu.

Page 26

Page 29

Bulikula Beach - Savusavu Fiji

This was sketched from the workshop room I used while at Koro Sun Resort, Savusavu

The pattern on the cover of one of my Fiji Sketchbooks represents the traditional handmade tape cloth of Fiji. These are fun ways to decorate your sketchbooks from various destinations.

Feet on the ground for a while

I have had an unbelievable year with travel and work, and love every minute of it. I have a great balance in my life so it is easy to juggle the many diverse things that I do, which are almost all art related. I have met so many wonderful people over the years through art and it is always a privilege to be able to share my knowledge with others.

Travels

This year I have been away or teaching for nine months (not all togther of course). Sometimes I even have to think where I went and when. Here is an overview:

 

• Lots of weekend workshops at WEA Sydney
• A week at Koro Sun Resort in Savusavu teaching Botanical Art and Travel Sketching. This is definately a holiday wrapped up in a workshop at the most incredible Fijian resort
•  

  

  Koro Sun Resort, Savusavu.  Some of the group enjoying morning tea.

• River cruise where I managed to do lots of my own sketching
• Visit to Prague which was an amazing experience. Really loved it.
• 2 weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam taking a travel sketching group. This was such a wonderful experience with the most fabulous sketching opportunities. Doing Cambodia again 2016
• Teaching workshop for the Botanical Art Society Queensland at Mt.Cootha Botanical Gardens
• Talks for the Australian Historical Garden Society and the Vaucluse Garden Club
• Five day botanical art workshop at Mossman, far north Queensland 
• Two back to back workshops in Perth, WA
• Four days in beautiful Beechworth. I love that place and have done many botancial art and travel sketching workshops there over the years
• Coming up - two day botanical art workshop mid November at Sturt, Mittagong, southern highlands NSW

Here are a few photos from this year:

 In between all these engagements I have my Distance Learning Courses in Botanical Art, Natural History Art and Travel Sketching. This is almost a fulltime job on its own with hundreds of students, but it is just one aspect of my working life which gives me a lot of enjoyment. I just seem to fit it in somehow, or rather fit in my other committments.

I have just begun a new work for the 2016 Botanica exhibition which will be in the Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens. I will try to get three paintings done this year. I am working on birds as pollinators and have almost finished the initial drawing. Will blog the progress.

Here is my 'bird' painting from last year's exhibition - Eastern Spinebills (male, female and juvenile).

I am loving painting birds and insects in conjunction with my work as it gives me a new challenge, expands my repertoire and enhances the botanical subject.

Eastern Spinebill birds on Bongala Spinebill Grevillea

Details of birds

London & Venice

July 2014 - beginning - Mittagong, Southern Highlands NSW

At the beginning of July I taught at Sturt Winter School in Mittagong, which is one of my favourite venues. Winter School is so relaxed with half as many students as Summer School, wonderful morning teas delivered to us each day, fantastic staff and a really wonderful week.

July 2014 - end - London & Venice

At the end of July I flew to London, where I spent some time as a 'home base' and I taught various workshops in Botanical Art. All my botanical art students are so enthusiastic and motivated, it makes my work so very enjoyable. After teaching managed to get some free time and went to Venice.

Everything seems so close when in London. It is a Travellers Delight. So inexpensive to almost fly in and fly out. Here are a few sketches I did while in London. Love the architecture!

Kensington London

 Here are a few sketches from Venice. Every corner, every bridge, every street is an artists paradise. I love the colour, the vibrancy, the architecture and also the serenity.Would love to spend more time here. Having been many times before, I never tire of Venice. This grande old dame changes with the seasons and the sunrises and sunsets. Always magnificent.

Looking from St Marks to Giudecca Island, where coincidentally George Cluny stayed in the Cipriani Hotel for his wedding.

Sketching Historic Norfolk Island

This was an idyllic week, pen and wash sketching with a fabulous group of ten enthusiastic participants. Every road on the island took us to yet another panoramic and beautiful location.

 

The light was wonderful, with morning sketches catching the early light on ocean, cliffs and beaches, while the afternoon light from the same location gave a golden glow but the scene was perfect to sketch looking in the opposite direction.

 

And the sunsets were amazing. One evening I collected orders of fish and chips (which were some of the best we have ever had!) and we all sat on the clifftop of Puppies Point watching the sun rapidly sink into the sea.

 



The lookouts on the island afforded uninterrupted views, but - as lookouts tend to be - were a little windy. Once the group began their sketches the wind was forgotten while recording the beauty of the place.

 

Sketching at Anson Bay

My pen and wash sketching tours focus entirely on the individual participants. My teaching philosophy is that everyone pays the same amount and everyone has the same amount of my time and individual tuition.

 

While it is not a sketching holiday for me in the sense I spend it teaching and not sketching myself, I do manage to find some spare time to do some quick sketches, even if they are only outlines, and I can work from the photos at a later time. Well, in theory this sounds feasible, but in reality I often dont get the time to revisit the photos, despite every good intention. Life just gets in the way once back home. However I do travel extensively without groups so that is "my time".

 

I loved the view overlooking Kingston and the penal colony from Queen Elizabeth Lookout, which also took in Philip and Nepean Islands. Every person dipicted this is a very different way, from a slightly different place.

 

Each sketching session finished with a review of what had been done. This not only helps as I give lots of advice and comments about what works and how it can be made even better - but everyone also benefits from looking at how the others approached the scene.



Sketches from Captain Cook Lookout



 

I only take a maximum of ten participants, which ensures the maximum of learning opportunities. So have booked the next tour for 2-9 March 2015.  It was a truly fabulous week in all ways.



Fiji in May

I will be taking a group to Fiji 11-18 May for a glorious week of botanical art and holiday sketching. The mornings are devoted to botanical art, and we paint from high on the hill in the yoga shala, with 180 degree views over Savusavu bay, Daku resort and the mountains. A soft tropical breeze wafts through the shala and it is the most incredibly relaxing experience.

 

The afternoons are spent at various locations such as beaches, visits to a Fijian village to experience traditional singing and dancing, town visits to shop, look around and sketch.

 

You can do as little or as much as you like. All skill levels are welcome and there is plenty of individual tuition and demonstrations. Non painting friends and partners are more than welcome and join in at all activities.

 

I have been doing this for 7 years now and have taught 17 courses there. The beauty and tranquility of the place is amazing. We stay at Savusavu in a family run resort. In Savusavu time has stood still in this hidden paradise. No hustle and bustle - just go with the flow. Still a few places left so would love to see you. www.botanicalart.com.au and www.holidaysketching.com.au

 

The evening sunsets are to die for
 

Some of the students paintings from last year

The view from the shala

 



Art Tours & Workshops

I am just having a little break from packing - as will leave home 7am tomorrow morning for the airport, and my flight to Norfolk Island for a week where I am taking a group of students for a very self indulgent week of sketching and painting.

 

It has been an incredibly busy week - I had to finish my third painting in a series of Australian native plants - this time of the Cooktown Orchid, which is the Queensland floral emblem. Only three more paintings to go but am on track for my deadline.

 



 

 

I taught a workshop on Saturday at WEA Sydney, which is always a joy to do - such lovely students and a great teaching venue. I have been teaching there for over 12 years and was doing regular weekly 3 hour classes, up to three times a week. Recently I have given the weekly classes up but still love my regular workshops on all sorts of topics. It helps students keep motivated and inspired, and of course to enjoy the company of like-minded people.

 

 

One week after returning from Norfolk Island I am headed up to Mackay Qld, to teach a workshop at the Botanical Gardens on all aspects of leaves. John Ruskin said "If you can paint a leaf you can paint the world." This is so true.

 

I know students want to get into something 'gutsy' but should think about the basics. If you cant observe and draw, if you dont understand colour and colour mixing and matching, and if you cant apply an even wash, or gradated washes - it is time for Back to Basics. My leaf workshops covers all this and much much more.

 

So I am looking forward to a wonderful workshop with the lovely ladies of Mackay.



Banksia Workshop in Canberra

I have just returned from teaching a Banksia workshop in Canberra, a place I always love visiting. This very successful workshop kept me on my toes, with 15 motivated and talented participants.

 

"It is all about the process" I kept reminding them. When tackling a subject that at first appears to be complicated and intricate, just take it one step at a time, rather than feel it is beyond your capabilities.

 

The subject I chose was originally Banksia prionotes, which is a banksia I have recently painted and I felt it was absolutely achievable. The banksias that arrived for the workshop were Banksia hookeriana, which although similar in construction, are smaller and have thinner leaves.

 

 

Banksia hookeriana
 

The hardest part of any botanical work is the drawing. If this isnt right, nothing else will be right. So the first morning was spent working very hard at getting the drawing correct by working with the Fibonacci Spiral.

 

One of the student's drawing of the Fibonacci Spiral of the B.hookeriana

 

Pay close attention to the "information" on the plant. Work out the Fibonacci sequence. Draw what you see.

 

The next step was to do a colour match, and a colour study. This ensures there are no mistakes when beginning the final painting. All the various components of the subject are practised and perfected before the painting.

 

The above student's  work shows the colour study and confirmation that the Fibonacci Spiral works. It is very easy to "see" the spiral formation on the subject.

All of the class began their final painting on Day 2. They were all feeling confident and were all very happy with what they had achieved over the 2 day workshop.

I continue to get an enormous amount of satisfaction out of sharing my skills and knowledge with others, and to take them on the journey of creating a wonderful botanical painting.

Masterclass at Sturt Winter School

No sooner was I home from Fiji when I went to Sturt to teach my Winter School course. This was 5 fabulous days of a Masterclass with Advanced Techniques and lots of drawing and painting.

 

The North Wing of Sturt Winter School, where my classes are held.

 

I couldn't have wished for more - a great class group, incredibly beautiful weather and the chance to catch up with other tutors. During their presentations they showed images of their work and spoke about their art practices. It makes me feel so humble. They are all truly inspirational!

 

This is also a very important part of the Winter School and a must for all students to go along and see what other art forms are out there.

 

Just a few students (unfinished) work from the week.

 

The Process

Working with botanical art is all about the process which consists of:

1. An accurate tonal master drawing
2. Accurate colour matches
3. A colour study painting various subject components
4. Transferring the drawing on to the watercolour paper
5. Beginning the final painting with initial washes. At this stage there is no guesswork. You understand the colours and the techniques.
6. Layering of washes is continued until the desired intensity of colour is done
7. Finish off with fine details

The week long course at Sturt is not about finishing the painting, it is about the correct processes for producing the absolute best work that you can. I was thrilled with the final results, and I know everyone in the class learned a lot, and were also surprised by the very high standard of work they achieved.

 

 

 These are just some of the paintings produced. This student exhibition also includes a master drawing and a colour study.

 



Botanical Art & Sketching in Beechworth

Just back from my second visit to Beechworth Victoria in 3 months. Beautiful place. This time I taught a workshop in Drawing and Painting Banksias.

 

The "secret" is all in observation, and the Fibonacci Spiral. Draw what you see. Understand the plant and its construction. I have a second Banksia workshop planned for Canberra on 21-22 September. Should also be lots of fun.

 

Details of Banksia menziesii

 

I actually managed to find time to sketch the Beechworth Post Office on my recent visit. I love the architecture of Beechworth and have, over time, managed to get some of the beautiful historical buildings sketched.

 

Each year I also take a "Sketching Historical Beechworth" workshop where we (naturally) sketch around the town. Its a fabulous weekend and one I look forward to.

 

Beechworth Post Office

 

Banksia prionotes - finished

I can finally put closure on my banksia prionotes painting. I began it when I miraculously had some spare time. Then of course the work began pouring in and I also had article deadlines to meet. So this painting seemed to drag on. Was almost finished when I went to Canberra to do a workshop. So very pleased to share the painting with you.

 

My favourite part is the detail.

 

 

I have new ideas swimming around in my head for a couple of new paintings. Firstly I will do a small painting of a delightful grevillea I collected in Canberra, Grevillea langiera. It is a delightful and colourful dwarf plant with many small leaves and exquisite red flowers.

 

The preliminary work is already completed so it will not take long - final last words. Before I do that however, I must get some prep work done for my weekend workshop next Saturday at WEA Sydney on Pen and Wash Sketching, and also prepare some drawings and more handouts for my Banksia workshops in Beechworth Victoria 25-26 May and Canberra 21-22 September.

 

I love the  intracacies of banksias, their woody appearance and the flowing movement of the coarse leaves.

 

 

 



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...