Evolution of the Birdbath and Birdcage Paintings

These are the new paintings that I showed at the art show over the weekend. I swore I would never do birdies but right behind me where I was putting on that first layer was an orange tree and a birdbath....

The Birdbath, Acrylic on Canvas, 92cm x 92cm, 36” x 36”

The Birdcage, Acrylic on Canvas, 92cm x 92cm, 36” x 36”

Here are some evolution pics:

Which painting do you like the best?

Malmalling Vineyard Art Show 2012

It was a great weekend at the Malmalling Vineyard Art Show.  I displayed 25 paintings along with my friend June Stevens, a traditional, oil landscape artist and Inge Giebeler, who creates great metal art. On Saturday the weather was warm and sunny and we had around 50-60 people come visit whilst on Sunday an unpredicted storm hit around lunchtime and we had to grab our paintings and put them under cover.

 

I sold this painting to my friend Claire....

Later in the week I will blog about my two new pieces - The Birdbath and The Birdcage - with some close up shots for you too.

Art Show Sneak Peak

Here's a few photos, a sneak peak as to what paintings I will be displaying at the Malmalling Vineyard Art Show this weekend:

Some Confetti Trees:

And some of my girls including my mixed media African Princess on the right inspired by Inge's Metal Art (see her art below):

Don't these displays look awesome??  Well done to my friends June and Bob for making them out of recycled corrugated iron.

And here's some of the Metal Art by Inge:

These photos do not do her work justice so go check out her website.  I'm hoping to sell a few paintings and buy myself one...though which one I'm not sure maybe the African Princess which has inspired my African Princess painting.

I'm really excited about the art show, the weather is going to be great, warm and sunny though this morning it was a touch windy which is why the paintings are a little wonky - note to self: bring blu tack and a hat and drink lots of water.

More pics and blogs over the weekend.  :D

Shells' Sunday Snippets

Busy in my 'studio' yesterday finishing off some paintings for the Malmalling Vineyard Art Show next weekend!!!

Green Confetti Tree - not finished

Flower, acrylic, 12"x12"

Flower, acrylic 8"x8"

Art journal work with new supplies and digital manipulation.

Art journal work with new supplies and digital manipulation

Pendants for sale

Pendants for sale.

Looking for a bright, colourful calendar for 2013?  Check out my calendar printed through Red Bubble:  http://www.redbubble.com/people/shellsinthebush/calendars/9464822-shells-in-the-bush-calendar-2013

Playing along with {tinniegirl} and {sunday snippets} A collection of photos from your week. No need for words. Let the pictures tell your story.  Why don't you join in?

Glass Tray Pendants

Before I went away to Squam I made 50 Pendants to take with me and give away as gifts and I have 14 left to sell for $20 each plus postage in Australia $5 or International $10.

It's very hard to photograph glass pendants, please leave me any tips in the comments section below.  I have not enhanced the photos as I've tried to keep the colours as real as possible.  The Copper House had the flash on but it was the clearest photo.

Contact me if you are interested in buying any:  shellsinthebush@live.com.au

Thank you, have a great weekend.

Box of Goodies and New Supplies

Just before I left the States I filled up up a box of goodies to mail back as I knew that I would be over the limit with luggage. I was so excited this afternoon when my box arrived.  Here's a few of the things inside it:

Whilst in Michigan Lin took me to Hobby Lobby and Craft 2000 - giant stores full of art and craft supplies. On the weekend I received an email from my favorite art store that it was closing down and it was tiny compared to the American stores - so you see why I was so excited to go to these stores and why I just had to have to have some art treasures that you just can't get in Perth.  Such as Smash Journals - I found out about these at Squam and bought a few products that go with these journals but not the actual journal - seriously, what was I thinking? I should have bought the journal too...sigh...If you are an Aussie you are probably wondering what are Smash Journals - art journals have blank pages and Smash journals have backgrounds already made for you, as well as a pen that is a glue stick at one end for you to glue bits into your journal such as a movie ticket.  Or you could 'smash' something into your journal with washi tape.

I also bought some stamps which I had been looking for in Perth - music sheet and fancy writing. And I was given some stamps and ink from my Squam roommate Finch.  I can't wait to use my new supplies in my art journals and sketchbooks and in my artwork too.

Here's my new stash of washi tape that I picked up on my travels....pretty sticky tape!!!

Whilst in Michigan we went into an antique mall and I thought that I wouldn't buy anything in the store but I found these 'Instant Relatives' - photographs and postcards of people which I loved and an old map for 30 cents!!!  Love!!!  I can't wait to use the photo transfer technique that I learnt in Sarah Ahearn's class at Squam to create some art work with these special pictures.

Postcards cards were other items that I was drawn to whilst on my travels.  Thin and light weight except when you pick up too many of them at ArtPrize (see first photo) and add it to the few you have already bought....

I bought these cards at the Squam Fair from fellow Fly Tribe member - Laura Warecki of Paper Taxi...

And these cards were a gift from Carol Kovach Bray when we met up in Grand Rapids to walk around ArtPrize together....

I also bought this card by Anahata of Papaya...I am not a wild child but sometimes wish I was...

I loved this brown paper bag I received whilst out shopping - how gorgeous is this and so awesome for collaging with...

And here's my bag from Squam...

Have you bought any new supplies recently???  Let me know as I like to keep up to date with the latest supplies....

1890's Book

Whilst in New York City I visited the Strand Bookstore.  The top floor is where the rare, old books are kept and this is where I made this great discovery - an 1890's french children's illustrated book - Little Ray of Sunshine.

What am I going to do with this book?  Surely not collage with the original pages???

No.  At Squam in Sarah Ahearn's class I learnt a photo transfer technique which means the original book will be preserved. I would love to create a series of mixed media collages to have an exhibition with these beautiful images.

 

 

Are you wondering how much this book cost?  Well, I'll tell you but don't tell my husband, men just don't seem to understand - $30, I googled the book and to get a copy from France you can add another $100 to that price!!  I love it and it's one of the reason I wanted to go to NYC - loved the Strand Bookstore too.