Having had a nice rest after the last painting frenzy, I am fired up and on the go again.... so there are quite a few new paintings rolling off the easels in the
new studio. It is a pleasure to work out there, the lighting and ambience are just right, and i have really enjoyed "nesting" in there, writing odd notes on the walls, splashing paint around and generally getting comfortable with it.
Although I know I have not finished with the Africa Series, and have many more ideas to explore, I had to change gears for two exhibitions that had set themes. Firstly there was one at a private home, and I was asked to do some of my historic buildings for that. It was in a recently built stunning house that really lends itself to being used as a gallery. The house is a modern farmhouse, built in contemporary African style. It has earthy textures and colours, but wonderful open uncluttered spaces, high ceilings, extra tall doors, and great lighting. The owner invited 5 painters and a ceramicist to exhibit, and I was delighted to be one of them, as I love the work of the others, and our work goes so well together. In addition, she has taken a musician under her wing, because he does not have enough money to continue his studies at University, but is really talented. So on Friday and Saturday evenings, she combined the art exhibition with a music recital, as a benefit concert for this young man. We had dinner by candlelight, next to a blazing log fire, and listened to him performing Classical Guitar works, with some of his fellow students. It was a magical evening. Sales were good, and I felt really privileged to be part of this stylish event!
Here are some of the new works I did for that exhibition:
Title: Provincial Fisheries, Walmer
Size: 400 x 300 mm
This is a historic landmark in PE, where you can get lovely fresh fish. It is for sale, and I really hope some developer is not going to trash this lovely old part of our heritage!
SOLD
Title: Looking across the bay from Richmond Hill
Size 2000 x 500mm
One of the things I adore about living in the old historic Richmond Hill area is the panoramic views across the bay, usually with interesting little cottages in the foreground.
Title: 78 St Phillips St
Size 400 x 400 mm
SOLD
I have painted this house before but it is one of my favourites so I did a bigger version of it.
SOLD
Title: Cora Terrace 2
Size: 400 x 400 mm
Another one that I decided to do again on a larger canvas. (The curls at the bottom are from the holder at the exhibition)
Title: Rainy Day in Central
Size: 800 x 900 mm
SOLD
Looking down Lawrence Street in Central, across Russell Road towards Richmond Hill, I was attracted by the reflections on the rainwashed streets.
SOLD
Title: Looking across Russell Road
Size 700x950 mm
Another view from Central towards Richmond Hill, looking across the Russell road graveyard to the Dutch Reformed Church in Edward Street.
Then on Friday, an exhibition entitled "Beacons" opens at the Khune Boekkooi Gallery. It is a nice topic and I have had fun interpreting it in different ways. Some of the Africa series are for this one, (beacon of hope) and a couple of churches (beacon of light!) as well as the more obvious lighthouses, I have a thing for them anyway so I enjoyed doing a few of my favourite one at Seal Point and some straight from the recesses of my strange mind!
SOLD
Title: Seal Point Lighthouse
Size 300 x 600 mm
Title: Seal Point Sunrise
Size 300 x 400 mm
Sometimes at Cape St Francis, when there is a very high tide accompanied by strong winds, the waves go much higher up the beach than usual. When this happens, they leave lagoons on the beach, and if the wind has dropped the following morning, these become amazing mirror like surfaces which reflect the dunes and the sunrise colours in the sky. I have seen this a few times over the years and it never fails to captivate me with the wonderful atmosphere it creates.
Title: Seal Point Sunrise 2
Size 400 x 300 mm
SOLD
SOLD
Title: Seal Point Sunrise 3
Size 150 x 200 mm
I started these two paintings while
sitting on the beach at Cape St Francis one morning in March, at sunrise. I completed them yesterday.
Title: Beware of the rocks
Size 200mm x 700 mm
Pure fun and fantasy
Title: When you go down, I'll still be here
Size 700 x 950 mm
SOLD
more fun and fantasy! A painting like this, which evolves from no pre-conceived idea is the perfect example of the words written by Sandy Carlson, that are on my side bar....
"Colors that bleed don't, actually,
But might if they were living things.
Rather, they go outside the lines
On purpose or by accident
Creating an effect you may not have hoped for
When you placed them there
Or when you showed up to watch:
Sharp clarity, a gentle blurring, a mess?
It is what it is.
Colors bleed."
Here Evie sits at her easel while Bev starts to clear up. And this is the view, although the cows moved around maddeningly fast, so i had to rely on photos to add them in later!
Title: Treeline
And finally, this is a commissioned work of the delightful home where I was invited to take part in a recent exhibition.
