New Work

Since my self-portrait, I've been itching to get into more painting.  So, on the same day I finished my portrait, I pulled out another piece of blank Masonite and began on that.  I've progressed well and am enjoying the process of working on something different.  The colours and lighting is just lovely; and I don't have to worry about looking at a face anymore, I'm finding this one more relaxing to do.

South Brisbane at Night!

Last night, I headed into the city to attend a Life Drawing class.  However, beforehand, a friend and I walked around South Brisbane and found there was a lot of artwork around that people just seem to walk past in complete ignorance.  I was amazed at how much there is around when you really look; and here are my photos of the pieces we saw as the sun went down and temperature plummeted.

This was taken at around 4:30pm.  I didn't use a flash and the light was perfect.

Love the lights on the end of this seat. There were about three more just like this one.

These were near the lit seats - as you can see - and have that Chinese lantern appearance.

Had to get a close-up of one.

I wanted to take more, but the light was fading quickly; and if I used the flash, everything would have lost its flavour.  So, these were the few photos I could take at the time.  Enjoy.

New Piece Has Been Started

A day after my self-portrait was finished - and the varnish was sprayed on - I pulled out a spare piece of masonite, sanded it back and used up the rest of the red, white and deep red to make the background.  This piece of masonite is much bigger than the one I painted my portrait on; and so I wanted to put something on it that wasn't complicated.  So, I'm putting up three of my four-petaled flowers and hoping to be able to find the same kind of feel I did with my last painting.  

Let's see how long this one takes me.

A Bugger to Draw!

The challenge from me to Geoff this last week was a Stink Bug.  I had photographed it just before it freaked out (without chuckin' a stinker) and running from me.  Here's my interpretation.

I was told it looked rather comical and like he was about to pick up a hat and begin dancing.  I'm not as pleased with it as I thought I'd be.

It's Finished!

After four months of working and picking at my second attempt at my self-portrait, I'm excited to let you all know that I've finally finished it.  Yep!  I've completed the background, finished up the details and signed it!  On the back, I wrote down the music I listened to while I painted.  From the Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Mother's Milk' to The Eagles and Peter Gabriel - all on vinyl - every bit of their music has been wonderful and powerful in this piece that I've painted.

For the finishing touches, I sat outside this afternoon to make sure the colours were right and completed the background.  I tried to get the markings in the background as good as Van Gogh's; but didn't quite get them the way I wanted them.  As with anything, there's plenty to learn in the world of art.

Can I Draw That?

The next picture in this fun game I'm playing with my art friend, Geoff, is this man.  He's a favourite poet (I think) and Geoff thought that seeing I'm doing my own self-portrait it wouldn't hurt to get into doing another person's.

I don't like what I came up with - seeing I'm not very good with this kind of thing normally and I'm working on somethign very different at the moment.  However, Geoff seemed to like this interpretation.

Local Mural Work

About two weeks ago, I was out checking the mail, and thought to take a wander down the pathway between the house and the set of shops as I had noticed a mural there for some time.  What I found there was gorgeous and suited the area well!

Behind me is a cul-d-sac and a park which leads to Park Road.  This large mural is totally suitable for the area; keeping the industrial wall from interfering with the residential feel of the area.

Update On My Work

I've been so focused on my portrait lately that every time I work on it, it changes so much.  So here are some more photos of it since the last time you saw it.

I put this outside to see what kind of light I could get on them.  And found it picked up colours in the painting!

Most recent photo of my portrait... got a long way to go.

 I'm currently working on the hair and adding more detail to the mouth, cheeks and chin; otherwise I'm hoping to get it finished in the next few weeks.