Sunday 28 December 2014

Artists' Diary week 37

Hmm, final blog for 2014….sadly NO paintings were completed this week! 

Although I did do some scouting for a plein air trip in autumn so it wasn't completely art free.  Oh my goodness, the views across to the Liverpool Ranges from Merriwa are stunning, can't wait to spend a few days painting out there.

And Christmas has come and gone! 

What an amazing time spent with family in Merriwa in the Upper Hunter. We travelled from Brisbane, Castlereagh and Millthorpe descending on this lovely town to spend a few days together. It has become our tradition to travel to a different family home each year as we all live some distance from each other.
This time of year is not about gift giving, although quite a few were exchanged but about being together! And we did have a Christmas 'miracle'. My sons' very old, blind and pretty deaf dog disappeared for 3 days….we were all convinced she had gone off to die but no, she was found and returned so happy faces all round!

      Our annual family B&W photo taken after a very late night playing 'Pictionary' and 'Trivial Pursuit'

The cool kids Georgie, Nyah and Emerson at the skate park!

Breathing Colours still has its' group show up and running

I do hope you all enjoyed time with your families and friends.

The new year is set to be a very exciting one and the exhibition entries are already starting to pile up so without further ado I would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Painterly 2015!

Monday 22 December 2014

Artists' Diary Week 36


Another week, another opening!

Visited BC Gallery for the opening of their Christmas Show. I have some work hanging and there are some lovely things on display including jewelry, paintings, ceramics and glassware!

Hmmm, looks like party time to me with Mellissa Read Devine

Mwah doing my bit to keep the gallery open…bought a beautiful ring! Thank you Mellissa Read Devine for the pic and the ride down.

Only produced one painting this week, am looking forward to post Christmas to get stuck into  a new body of work.
'The Wetlands' 20"x16" plein air

Managed to frame a couple of oils with my lovely new frames, I am delighted with the result. A big thank to my framers, The Art Scene at West Ryde who always source what I want and do a great job.
The framing always makes such a difference.

I am looking forward to a few days with my family over Christmas, just relaxing and enjoying each others' company.

Merry Christmas all!


Monday 15 December 2014

Artists' Diary Week 35


It can't really be nearly Christmas…..

Oh my, was bewildered when visiting family said on leaving 'See you in Merriwa next week for Christmas'. Well, that was a wake up call.

This last week has been extremely social with not a lot of work being done. 

Attended a wonderful exhibition opening with friend Mellissa Read Devine at the Dank St Gallery Waterloo. Richard Claremont and Jane Canfield have adorned the walls with luscious landscapes from Richard and beautifully evocative works from Jane. I would urge anyone who can get along to it does so. Well worth a visit!
Kristine Ballard, mwah, Richard Claremont and Mellissa Read Devine

Only managed to paint one plein air work this week….
'Along Springwood Rd' 18"x18" oil on board

Taught my last class for the year and have been delighted by the work produced by my students.
'Rushforth II' 56cmx38cm

Friday evening was spent with friends followed up with a family Christmas lunch on Saturday and we were treated to this….

 A ukelele orchestra
and I knew a few of the players including a couple of artist friends, great fun!

We also had family visiting from New Zealand.

Sunday was another social time with long time friends. One I started school with a very long time ago! A wonderful time was had by all.

Purple Noon Gallerys' 'Under $600' sale continues
Breathing Colours has a new show opening this weekend








Monday 8 December 2014

Artists' Diary Week 34

Driving…..cars and rain!

Yes, it has been wet, very, very wet! We have had rivers running through our garden and our mulch has been deposited in the neighbours' paddock! No real complaints because it was becoming pretty dry and the garden has sparked up considerably! 

Had a lovely evening at the opening of the Blacktown City Art Prize where my painting was acquired by the Ford Land Company.
 With my acquired piece 'Postcards from the Kimberley'
 The two Devine ladies, Patricia and Mellissa
Myself with Mellissa Read Devine and the wonderfully talented Jody Graham who won the works on paper section with this wonderful piece!

Visited my courier for the last time this year and to collect a few unsold works and delivered some work to an art shop/gallery in Magnolia Mall, Richmond. Pleased to say I have had some sales there!
Visited my framers to sort out frames to suit my oils, can be difficult to find just the right thing at times. Samples are being made and decisions will follow.

Taught the second to last class of the year.
'Rushforth' Fridays' class demo.

Managed to complete three plein air oils this week. We have had amazing skies which were demanding to be painted!

Two views south from Castlereagh both 16"x12"
'Yarramundi Lagoon' 20"x16"

Saturday afternoon visited the newly opened Von Dorff Gallery in Ramsgate for the official opening. I have a number of works hanging. A quick trip back home, packed a bag and we were off to beautiful Millthorpe o'night to stay with family and visit the Millthorpe Market where my son and his family had a stall selling garlic they grew on their Dripstone farm. 

Was nice to have other family stay o/night for a visit too!

Busy week this week with overseas visitors staying with us, painting with friends and my final class of the year!