ArtWork on ArtEdit

I have placed several artworks, 20 in all on a new website that promotes artists online.. Called ArtEdit, it is a recent addition to the booming, online artmarket that is probably competing on several levels with bricks and motar galleries. There is some level of trepidation though, does anyone ever visit one's site, look through the work with any real 'time' that the artwork often needs to fully appreciate the concept and work that went into creating them?  It is a Catch 22, we all get roped into when even a small part of one feels compelled to be part of the market. What if someone does swing by that actually gets inspired enough to pick up the phone and chat about the work they've just seen.. on the whole though, the phone stays strangely silent and no emails knock gently to bring a glimmer of hope that yet again, that decision to participate will pay off.

Too cynical??

www.artedit.com.au

Life Drawing on Sunday

The last few Sunday's I have been attending life drawing at the Abbotsford Convent. The casual, welcoming space and folks have been a welcome addition to my otherwise sparse life. It is challenging, getting back into the swing of things. I used to attend life drawing at ROAR above the BSG Gallery but that moved to a place that I found hard to get to. Drawing on a Sunday afternoon is much better, working with natural light, something to do when most Sunday afternoons feel strangely languid and misplaced.
I have been posting my preferred drawing on my facebook page but I'll put some here too, in case you're interested.

The Fisherman's Prize

It has been rather quiet on the western front to say the least. Well the painting is finished and is hanging in Chris' Bar so looking forward to some feedback. The locals just tell it as it is. I have been given some canvas and paints by a very fine person so I am poised to try some new approaches. I feel the work needs to be edgier and darker and this sweet picture of sharing and trusting could be unaccompanied for some time. It's not that I'm feeling particulaity darket or edgier but I need to want to go behind, into the underworld for a while and see what resides.

The Fisherman's Prize evolves

So I gave it some thought and I felt the green monster who in fact is really kind was too obscure and the image looked like something from a children's story, so I felt like trying another idea. So The Fisherman's Prize was started and here is a few process images.. so far I'm liking whats happening here but the end will tell.

The Kindness of Strangers

I was working on a painting, 'The Kindness of Strangers." How often have I been 'saved' by the kind and unexpected actions of strangers, who by their actions lift one out of a difficult situation and carry you to the safety of the shore so one can continue the journey. But is a big green sea monster too scary??

Swan Hill Art Show

It's a beautiful day here in Swan Hill, around four and a half hours drive from Melbourne which I managed a couple of days ago. On the banks of the Murray River and on the other side of the river bank lies New South Wales. I cross the border each day to return to my lovely temporary abode.  Under the wonderfully generously spirited offer of Leonie with whom I am staying, whilst I hold a small exhibition of 10 works at the vibrant Cafe/Gallery Jilarty. A lot of positive interest so far so if you happen to be in the vicinity please drop by, enjoy a great coffee, a superb gelato and see the artwork.

I was interviewed by the local paper, The Guardian, not quite the UK version but small steps and the article was very positive. Here's an excerpt..

Out of Reach

A quick preview of the latest painting Im working on called "Out of Reach". This was in response to wanting very much to stay living up in the tropics, hence the dog straining at the leash trying to get hold of a juicy mango. She lies in the shade, dreaming of the ocean and the heat.