Self-Portrait... my second attempt!

At some point in an artist's life, we all attempt a self-portrait; how we see ourselves.  And so, this year, I thought to see if I could do it.  My first attempt wasn't very successful; I found my portrait was distant and cold.

However, my second attempt had me up close and personal and very colourful with a darker background with vibrant colours in the face, eyes and skin.

As I did with my portrait with the Jim Morrison portrait, I didn't paint this one true-to-life.  I painted it with colours that would express my personality and feelings so I didn't look like a porcelain doll or too posed.

 

And instead of getting a pencil out, I used a white on green outline with a paintbrush - something I've never done before. From there, it kind of worked itself out; seeing my last portrait had so many mistakes in it, I found this one was one where I saw those ones coming and fixed them on the way through.

The nose was one thing that was worrying me - as I mess them up usually.  But this time, I didn't and I love it.  The eyes still need a lot of work as does the mouth, but otherwise it's looking good so far.  

Most of what's left on this is just detail work on the face and the hair to be fixed up along with the background.  Otherwise, I'm happy with the last week's work I've put into it; and would love to do another one in a few years' time.

Industrial Desire

Last night, I went out to the Industrial Desire Art Opening at the Logan Art Gallery; and what an opening it was!  In the car park a whole of of hotted-up and pimped cars from the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's pulled in and parked at around 5pm.  People from the public pulled out their cameras and took photos of all these old and gorgeous beauties.  There were Plymouths, Mustangs... and even a low-riding one where a few people wondered how its rear end didn't hit the road.  They were well-cared for and sounded loud and mean!  I took so many photos of them as the light disappeared on us and the temperature dropped that soon, we all went inside the art gallery and had a look at the art which was a link from the cars to what was hung on the walls; and it was all photographs and painting done by Dale Haberfield, his exhibition called 'Saints and Sinners' which took him across the globe and back to photograph all kinds of cars and people in the Rock-a-Billy lifestyle.

In the next gallery was a display of Concept Cars from Detroit.  These are from a selection of concept cars from a College of Creative Studies, which ignite a sense of imagination and possibility of where the car industry may go in the future.  The cars displayed were all quarter-sized and looked amazing!

There were two other artists in the opening.  One was of sock puppets in the Children's Gallery and the other was of a collection of contemporary jewelery and small-scale sculptural metal works of Lisa Brian-Brown, Katie Stormonth and Andrew Lowrie explore the seductive qualities of surface in the first gallery.  It was a very full night of art and people; and by the end of it, I was very tired but had a lot of photos I was proud of.

New Decore for a New Library

I went out to the new Logan Central Library today with my Mum and we found that place was amazing.  Firstly, we were there to see Annette Sims talk about her recipe books and how she went from rock bottom to success through them.  But for me, it was not only meeting her that was great (as I'm a writer and love to meet fellow writers no matter who they are), but the library has turned out to be brilliant too!

A Day of Outsider Art

Mum and I hit the shops yesterday in an impromptu day out.  We bought up big at the Angus & Robertson closing down sale where we got 75% off everything!  We had a lovely lunch of sushi and did some things at Garden City before leaving.  But I did spot some very cool things to photograph like this retro stool... 

And Mum's car sticker.  She's had this on her car for years, and Gabe and I still think it's funny!

 Then, we were off to Morningside to Mum's hairdresser where I walked around and found this Traffic Signalling Box with lovely cats all over it.  Aren't they just beautiful, sitting there looking all snooty?

And then, I crossed the road and found an old-fashioned Community Noticeboard.  These aren't around much anymore; and the ones that are have survived a lot.  This one is painted up nicely and is still in use!  I love it as much as I love the one in Brunswick Heads.

Then, on the way home, Mum and I got stuck in traffic where I spotted this sticker on the back of a ute... very funny and true of Australia.  

So, there's my day of outsider art.  You can definitely find it everywhere if you look hard enough.  Where have you seen it in your everyday life?

Paper works by a wonderful artist!

I found this artist in the same place as the last one; and he's just as amazing.  This time, though, he works with paper.  

Carlos Meira 

I love the intricate patterns and patience this would have taken.

Watercolours by Grzegorz Wrobel

One of my Bookcrossing friends has put up this link to this fine artist's webpage; and I found the work here absolutely amazing - so much so, I thought to share it here.

Grzegorz Wrobel 

Have a look and enjoy.

Progress Report

As you guys know, I'm doing a self-portrait.  I thought to let you in on my progress on it.  It doesn't look too exciting right now, but I'm learning about texture and colouring.

My first attempt at my portrait in January this year.

I thought to try out something different and get the skin right first this month.

 I'm progressing along well; and I think, for a first portrait (since Jim Morrison), I'm finding this very much a learning experience which I'm enjoying.

New Photos of Anthony Lister's Work

Yesterday, I was out with the family and on the way home, Mum, Dad and I dropped in on the mural over near Keperra that Anthony Lister has been working on.  It was just past 11pm and Mum and I were curious as to what he had added since Christmas; as he took some time off to celebrate and 
 take a break. 
 

Well, it looks great; and I love it.  Must apologise about the cars being in the way; couldn't do anything about that; but I can't wait until it's finished.  What do you guys think?  Feel free to leave a comment and let us all know.

Hawaiian Art

I was taking a look around the local Life Line store and found the most beautiful works hanging on the walls.  But the one I purchased and brought home with me was from Maui, Hawaii.  It had been hanging above the change room door and is absolutely gorgeous.



When I saw the domed glass I knew it was coming home with me; and I knew exactly where to put it too!  This is a perfect example of retro art from the gorgeous islands of Hawaii... something you just don't see anymore. 

Art In People's Homes

Last year, I did a post about artwork in my own home; and was amazed just how much I had hanging around the place.  I thought to kick off this month with the artwork I've found around one of my friends' houses last month; on Australia Day actually.  They've got great taste in it really and I wanted to share.

This painting was done by Geoff but I don't know where they got the mask.

 I really do enjoy visiting Geoff and Viv's home as he's always working on something arty... and has some paintings leaning against the back door that look great (which I didn't get a photo of as I don't know if they were finished or not).  

This one was next to the back door and above some paintings on the floor.

 I took these photos while everyone was either waking up or beginning to eat breakfast... me?  I had already scoffed down a bowl of cereal and was drinking my coffee and beginning to feel human just a little bit.

My favourite one of theirs... looks very evil in its green.

This last one is situated outside their kitchen and faces the front door; as though to welcome everyone with its happy grin - almost looking as though it's hiding a secret.  I do like this one very much for its colour and position in the house.

So, there you have it... some of the artwork in my friends' house.  They didn't mine me photographing it, and I'm sure they don't mind if it's here.  Until my next post, take care, keep knitting, painting and creating.