Isn't this the most handsome leaf you ever saw?

Tree stump

A close up of a fallen long on the rail trail.

Winter leaves

Winter walks amongst the eucalytus trees yeilded a lovely bag full of decaying leaves this morning. When I got home I photographed them close up and here are some of the images.

Colour Research

I do like my browns - so earthy.

Such passion and intensity are to be found in reds.

Yellows - they seem to sit so comfortably in nature with blues or greens.

A little brightness to my winters day.

July in Four Visual Weeks

Week 3

Lots of walks in the cold mornings have yeilded some beautiful images.

Week 2

More walks along the coast. This time I was fascinated with the seaweeds and their colours. We also had hail and I finished my scarf rack.

Week 1

Visits to the coast in winter always inspire me.

Winter Blues

The cool colours of winter on still days.

She sells sea shells.....

The variety and colour of these shells I found at Inverloch are beautiful.

Colour Research

I have been archiving all my images and looking into colour combinations used in nature for my paintings. In the process I have come across some great images and colours.

Workshops in Book Binding and Papermaking

Term 3 & 4 Classes in Book Binding and Papermaking

at

CAE Melbourne, Chadstone TAFE, Morrabbin TAFE and Boolarra.

Visit their sites for more details

CAE

Holmesglen TAFE

BOOLARRA STUDIO

At my Boolarra Studio I will be conducting a range of workshops in:
Recycled Papermaking, Fibre Papermaking, Codex Book binding, Simplified Bookbinding, Ethiopian Bookbinding and Japanese Book Binding. I will post dates and workshops costs soon however I expect them to start in August 2009.

For Further information enquire.

June in Four Visual Weeks

Week 4

Oil painting and Kandinsky colour theory studies. Here are some of his works that I really like. A visit to MacClelland Sculpture park was interesting - all a bit too modern for my tastes but a nice day out.

Week 3

I have been playing with the images I took last week as a part of my research for next semester involving colour and pattern in nature.

Week 2

Visied Inverloch on our way to Phillip Island, Lovely coastal stretch. I took lots of photos. The water was very still with beautiful reflections.

Week 1

We took some drives to the Prom and into the Strezlecki's. Lovely views until we reached the arae devastated by the Callignee fires. Still barren as the moon. In the Tarra Bulga we saw several Lyrebirds, which was a treat.

Autumn

The creek at the bottom of our yard in the afternoon light.

The colours everywhere are beautiful.

Switchback Gallery

Today I spent the morning with Morgan setting up this artwork on the gallery walls at Switchback Gallery ready for tonights opening.

For further information visit:
http://www.artdes.monash.edu.au/gippsland/switchback/plusminus.html

Creative Gippsland Brochure

http://creativegippsland.com/brochure/CGBrochure090409.pdf

The new brochure is out, click on the text link above.

May in Four Visual Weeks

Week 4

Poured my bronzes and them finished them off. They still need a patina - so I am researching into that when I get 5 minutes.

Took some time off to take Ma around for some drives into the country.

Week 3

More drawings - I think it is getting better. Casting for bronze next week. That should be fun.

Week 2

We had the +/- exhibition set up at the Switchback Gallery. Morgan and I drew the grid image on the back wall.

I finally did a life drawing I am really pleased with. Thanks to Kay.

Week 1

Autumn colours everywhere. It is such a magical time in the country. Frosty mornings, smoke rises on still evenings, leaves turning every shade, just wonderful.

Felt Scarves

I received two stunning felt scarves in the mail this week from Ma, hoping for cooler weather so I can wear them. Love the green and fuschia combination.

April in Four Visual Weeks

Week 4

Drawing, and more drawing, carving almost finished, autumn leaves beginning to turn.

Week 3

Well, I have been practising my charcoal like there is no tomorrow. Some of these images are fellow students and are exceptionally good. I will post my pics separately of my work.

Week 2

More sculpture carving, a new exhibtion in the uni gallery is set up showcasing the work of Uni staff from all departments. Went to see Wilson's Prom after the fires. Very sad to see.

Week 1

Busy week with carving project for sculpture, received two beautiful scraves in felt from my mum, started Project #4 'Memory', and practised drawing.

March in Four Visual Weeks

Week 4

Sculpture class, finished works of my man and other - Driftwood Bike and Toy Chair look great.

Week 3

Still completeing my sculpture piece, visiting galleries, drawing and having fun.

Week 2

Busy creating work for my sculpture and studio assignments & drawing class.

Week 1

It was all about looking at art, visiting galleries, reading about art and artists. Visited the NCV in Melbourne and saw the Rosalie Gascoigne exhibition which was sensasional. The indigenous artworks were also exciting. I love their colour, texture and pattern use.

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

A Birthday gift from my sister Tam, wow what a great read. I have just finished it and will re-read it. I highly recommend it everyone.

CAE Bookbinding Class

This weekend we moved into a new room, had a small class who produced some great books. Here is the new binding I am using in future classes I teach. Notes will be ready soon for those students.

February in Four Visual Weeks

The last week has been very busy. Four workshops in bookbinding, starting art school at Monash and lots of travel time. The forests behind the house are still stark but we have green around the house.

Week 3

I have been playing with Photoshop and used myself to experiment on. Here are the results.

Week 2

Busy with travel to Melbourne, workshops, Valentines Day and making papers.

The first week of February says it all.

Death, loss, fear, what remains and who has to deal with the pain, anger and suffering.

Doll

Isn't she beautiful? My mums first handmade doll. More to come.

VICTORIAN WILD FIRES

Boolarra made the headlines as one of the first small communities to be threatened by fire. By the slimmest of margins it was saved on the whole, although 29 neighbours lost their homes. We got out early whilst under ember attack but returned to find our house still standing along with much of the core town. Here are some images of the blaze and the aftermath.
The first image is taken from the town centre looking towards the hills behind our house a week after the blaze.

As the blaze got closer.....

The after shot taken from the same spot showing the hills behind burnt out.
Our back garden trees with smoke billowing behind

January in Four Visual Weeks

Week 4

Week 3
Week 2

January Week 1

I have been working on new artworks, walking in the bush and on the beach and weaving string baskets this month. Death by Water, Resource Valuation, Look Closer artist books in various stages of creation.