~Annie-Maree~ Portrait Artist

An afternoon of splashes and fun

2012-01-19T23:36:00.000+11:00

Painting this was so much fun, all in one quick sitting. I was amazed at how absorbed I became , it has been yonks since I have painted, so I must have been lost in the starving vortex of my poor rejected paints and brushes. She reminds me a little of Wilma from The Flinstones, funny :)

My Brothers been Framed

2012-01-19T23:27:00.000+11:00

My brother Ray, all framed, funny, this is the only time I would ever have a chance to frame him, he is so quick witted and always out does me any time I want to play a practical joke!!

hehe...

Started a New Blog

2011-12-27T20:52:00.000+11:00

Creativity has shifted from painting to dressmaking. This week I have been organising the new Clothing alteration and design studio. Very cute and lots of satisfaction restoring old pieces of quirky furniture , decorating and playing.
The link to my new blog.... http://vintagestitches-annie-maree.blogspot.com/
You can find us at 1/76 Main street Alstonville NSW .

Life without Painting....

2011-08-21T07:48:00.000+10:00

This has unfortunately been the case for me over the last year,

Life takes us on strange and interesting twists and turns.

****

Sometimes your deep passions need to wait,

till,'

time is right again....

****

I am always amazed at the most creative artist

in the world!!

Our wonderful God,

This sunset was amazing, giving a beautiful end to a hard days work,

overlooking ocean and country

at Byron Bay.

Banksias over Evans Head

Filled with beautiful ocean views as

we meandered over grassy , banksia covered

headlands just on sunset.

Lunchtime view over The Pass,

Byron Bay

***

How fortunate are we who live in such an amazing country,

filled with the inspiring natural artworks..

Surfing Teahupoo, Tahiti.

2010-09-14T19:46:00.000+10:00

Oil painting on the go at the moment.

great to get my oils out again, it has been too long!!!!!

My brother Ray

2010-07-11T17:20:00.002+10:00

It is a common saying here living by the ocean

" Only a surfer knows the feeling"

I agree that is true, having had some time on a board,

But!!!!

I would say

" Only a painter knows the Feeling"!!

I had a wonderful time back in the painting flow!!!

Yay!!!

Spent today at my most fav place, lol...

The art Table!!!!

Last week I started on my brother Ray

Using burnt umber and prussian blue

to block in the tonal values.

This is where I finished today,all in one sitting

of about 2 hours,

Will see when the paint dries as to

what else I add.

Essentially Art,

2010-07-07T20:51:00.002+10:00

Life takes a hold of us in strange and weird ways at times, when we least expect it too...
We lay our passions down as we make way for happenings that cannot be avoided.
This year has been one of doing just that,
What I have learned most this last year?
A life time of broken pieces cannot stay laying on the bedroom floor....
Sooner or later when I am ready, and not before,......
A loving God comes and tenderly, ever so gently, takes each piece.
He so very carefully, masterfully, takes His healing ointment ,
A balm of forgiveness, bathes and refreshes.
Till all the fragments of my past are understood, and validated...
****
Now I see,
with fresh washed eyes,
A glorious light that shines
through this many faceted stained glass window of my heart...
With the most beautiful colours from heaven......
****
Lord lead me to paint, as I have been so barren,
without creativity or passion....
A new season has begun!!!!

SELAH

Charcoal portrait

2010-07-07T20:17:00.001+10:00

Wearing an Elvis wig and having fun.

Charcoal portrait on Watercolour paper.

Commission.

Playing with my Pastels

2010-03-28T17:38:00.001+11:00

Today I spent time organising some quick 30 min pastel sketches for an art tutorial I have been asked to do. I want to make it as fun as I can with as much variety as we can accomplish during the day.
Here is my first, a Veniatian street scene with of course, some water added :)
Pastesl are a great versatile medium, and the vibrant colours sing harmoniuosly together.
What really makes this picture resignate is the mixture of complimentary colours ( blue / orange, red / Green) along side the warm and cool colours.
The pastel was gently dragged over the paper, which is an aubergine coloured sanded paper. This effect allows for the warm aubergine colour to show through, creating wonderful effects .

Finding Peace When Things are Tough.

2010-03-20T11:27:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I discovered my painting was not selected in the portrait prize, they had 130 entries and only 53 were chosen. That is dissapointing but not depressing :) I am not worried about not being chosen ,dissapointing is easily resolved with a good attitude which says "next year we try again" but sometimes dissapointment can be difficult to overcome when you are already depressed and feeling crushed with circumstances in life...

Finding inner peace is a gift from a loving God who has all the peace we ever need. Circumstances in life have stopped me from finding this peace and I have been so busy with living , this has been a downward spiral to deep depression.

*******

Life is incredibly too precious to let depression overcome you, at times it is very difficult, and even engulfing.

As my beautiful grandma used to say "Even this will pass"

I have no idea what the future holds

But God does.

*******

******

The answer to finding this peace is precious

Taking walks in the bush and sitting amongst the trees to hear the beautiful music of nature and animals.

Walking along the sands of the beach and feeling the tide wash over and tickle your toes.

Laying on the grass on a day with ultramarine skies and white fluffy clouds, looking into the depth of the atmosphere which one can only try to imagine goes on forever and ever.

Sitting at my easle, the one I love so much as it holds another canvas . I cannot explain the feeling you experience when all the world is null and void and all you are aware of is the beautiful array of colours on a palette, waiting to be formed and shaped into the picture I see with my own eyes.

Today for the first time in months I sat at my piano, my poor darling piano that at one time had her keys lovingly caressed. Once again I sat and let my self dissapear in the music I love so much, the melody of healing and peace.

"SELAH"

Stop, and listen, meditate on the good in life,

and all that God our Father has in store for those of us who love Him.

My Song For Peace

John Gift!

2010-02-22T20:29:00.001+11:00

Today was the last day I had free to spend on this portrait of John before the entrants are due for the portrait awards.

I would love to have another good day to spend working on a few things here, but overall, I am happy with how this has turned out!

Lets hope it makes it to the awards :)

More updates

2010-02-15T18:04:00.000+11:00

Working more;
Updates so far, still moving along without a specific plan, just having a feel for the painting and John's personality as I paint this. So far so good. I have been working down from top to bottom, Johns arms are the next on the list and as you can see I have a big sploge of terrible makeup looking skin colour on his right bicep, lol, sorry John......

More of a close up. This background was fun as it was mostly experimental. I have been scumbling colours over the canvas and today I glazed extra colours over the scumble. It has given a really cool stained glass window effect. It is fun to experiment and have a win instead of a lump of yukky mud!! :)

Some excitting news !!!

2010-01-31T21:09:00.002+11:00

I am really excitted that finally there is a local portrait prize . Lismore Regional Gallery is hosting the Northern Rivers portrait prize. All entries are due by late Feb, and I have just put paint to canvas so I am really on a mission to finish my portrait and enter!!!

My entrant is a guy I have known for about 20 years, John Gift!! He is an inspirational singer songwritter with a powerful message of hope. More about this later as I need to upload some pics and head out to my easel this Sunday arvo and paint!

First stages ,
Toning my canvas with burnt umber,
transfering my sketch , and blocking in the face with Burnt Umber and Prussian blue.

Some portrait artists have everything all mapped out, at this stage I am getting a feel for colours and deciding which way I will take this, more spontanious.
Getting a feel for Johns personality and trying to portray this which is great as I saw him perform thismorning. Excellent !!

" The Enjoyable Afternoon " a decent

amount of time spent painting, and I have managed to paint as planned, spontaniously and capturing the personality of John.

Since I have known him , he has been a man with a passion for reality and truth.He has survived a very traumatic past involving drugs and alcohol with a beautiful attitude of love and acceptance. . His music on his latest CD was recorded live at the

Windsome Hotel in Lismore in honour of the
many people who struggle to make ends meet,
"The Soupies" who are regular dinners at the soup kitchen. It is an excellent CD .

This is my process, Johns face is only blocked in with burnt umber and will really pop out when I start to add colour. Right now it is blendind in with the back ground too much.
He is holding his guitar, with both hands, which gives a very strong bond, with himself and the music he loves to play.

Travailing Prayer

2010-01-03T15:43:00.005+11:00

This is Stevie, a friend of mine from Scotland who is a pastor.

He likes to take walks to this special place to pray. I loved what this picture
stood for and had to paint !

It is a reminder to me that I need to spend more time in prayer. Life has a way of capturing us and we stray from the most important aspects of daily living. Through God alone we find peace and a reason for living. I need to remember this more each day and take that time to spend in prayer.

Painted in oils.

Glenn all finished

2009-12-06T15:34:00.003+11:00

I had Glenn sitting on my easel for a few days and each time I looked at this portrait I knew it wasn't really finished.
It is always a good idea to let your painting sit for a few days or a week to give you a fresh approach .
I wanted to make Glenns face stand out more, and not become lost in the background. So I lightened the background with the blue, I also darkened his shirt which also added to helping Glenns face be the focus.
This also gives a great tonal variation.

Portrait Of Glenn

2009-11-30T19:50:00.003+11:00

Once again it is time for the annual Christmas portrait swap at WetCanvas.

Glenn has been my partner and here is my portrait of him. This is oils on canvas, to see all the fun we have at the portrait swap you can view them here www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591284

All Finished

2009-11-16T13:15:00.004+11:00

~~~~

Lady Steampunk, she is quite a character, and has the most gorgeous set of dreadlocks I have seen. Actually I am sure they are a wig, but no matter, she still looks beautiful!!

This lady has some great reference photos, and she has an array of costume. I am looking forwards to painting more !!

~~~~

Lady Steampunk, work in progress

2009-11-12T19:09:00.007+11:00

~~~~
This gorgeous lady is painted from a stock photo by Mizzd-stock from Deviant Art.
It is an oil on 18x24" canvas, which is a lovely size for this painting.
She is still in the process of being finished, and I am having a wonderful time painting her, as quirky as she is, I love it!!
Lots left to do though, her corset and top as well as gloves. Background and lower half of painting.

~~~~

Updates On Ted

2009-10-17T16:31:00.005+11:00

Had a wonderful day today with just myself and my paints, the kids were with Nanna, Yeah!! So I took advantage of this time to finish Ted. I mainly wanted to correct the tonal values and temperatures in his face , he was way too warm. I also was aiming to change the colours I had blocked in for his shirt and the background.

Sometimes I need to paint the portrait more to figure out the colours of the background. I like to incorporate the skin tones as well as colours in the clothing into a background. I find this does give the portrait a harmonious finish.

Painting Ted

2009-10-10T16:22:00.005+11:00

Today I spent my time painting Ted, mainly trying to paint spontaniously .

Ted was a fighter pilot in the second world war. He flew Kittyhawks and Spitfires in many battles, was shot down three times, and experienced many terrible conditions that war brings. I am honoured to
know and paint Ted, a real champion!!!! he is 91!!!

Portrait Of Leigh

2009-09-21T19:44:00.004+10:00

Today I really enjoyed just spending the day painting.

Much needed therapy to stop me from going crazy, lol...

Finished, I think !

This is Leigh, a fellow artist friend from Wetcanvas, now and then we have portrait swaps where we paint each other.

Oils

11x14"

gesso canvas paper.

Let The Water Flow....

2009-09-05T07:47:00.003+10:00

Watercolours are always fun, this was a relaxing exercise in painting flowy roses. Just letting the water and paint mix to create colours and shapes.

Sitting here painting with beautiful music and the sound of the spring birds outside, very relaxing :)

Crazy Old rusty Relics, LOL...

2009-08-18T20:08:00.004+10:00

My dad is a member of the Vintage car Club, being an old relic car owner himself ( the car is the old relic, not dad, lol ) Each year the club has a rally where dad volunteers my time to paint a picture to raffle. It is a great idea as all the proceeds go to a nominated charity.

This is the painting , beautiful old jallopies under the gum trees, resting so peacefully .

This is my son Elijah in dads 1948 Bedford, which he took 2 years restoring. Now he has a 1928 Buick, in desperate need of some TLC, which dad lovingly gives each day in the shed. I am looking forwards to going for a drive in the Buick :) ...

In The garden

2009-08-18T20:04:00.002+10:00

Jasmine my daughter took this gorgeous photo of the sugar snap peas growing in the back yard. They are climbing up the back fence and loaded with yummy peas.

I think she took a great pic, with the warm winter sunshine and blue cloudy sky.

Finn

2009-08-12T20:02:00.003+10:00

Meet Finn, a cute Aussie kid with the most gorgeous curly red hair...
This is a commissioned portrait painted in pastels. It was really enjoyable getting the pastels out again to do this portrait.
Next I have his brother to do, another cute Aussie kid :)

" Red Wool Cloche " self portrait

2009-07-09T21:03:00.002+10:00

One of my favourite things to wear, especially on a cold winter day is my wool cloche. I love the 1920's flapper style, with gorgeous art deco prints.

I was rather nostalgic and dreamy painting this one :)

***

Oils on canvas

12x16 inches.

***

Now For something Completely Different :)

2009-06-22T18:49:00.003+10:00

This is Ursula, a cute pomeranian. A commissioned pastel painting of a much loved doggie ...

It has been ages since I have done a dog portrait, and ages since I have had my fingers in the pastels. Don't say I miss the pastels :)

Now .... lets get my oil paints out!!!

Cutie Patootie :)

2009-06-06T16:15:00.003+10:00

Jasmine, my gorgeous daughter.

I took a photo of Jas last winter and have

always wanted to paint it, now after some time I

have managed to :)

Here she is looking very peaceful and relaxed,

Just how we love our kids :)

Painted with oils on stretched canvas,

40x30 cms.

Portraits from life - A wonderful Experience!

2009-05-17T15:52:00.010+10:00

Last Friday I visited the local retirement village to spend time with some of the residence. I took my pastel pencils, canson drawing paper, and had a really lovely time .

This lady to our left is Melva. She was so happy to have her portrait drawn, she even slipped away before hand to put some lippy on :)

Using a soft grey Canson paper, indian red pastel pencil for the darks and a white for highlights.

Joycie was all comfy near the warmth of the window reading her book, her face moving from left to right with each page she read.

I chatted with her about the story she was reading and about her life as I sat and drew her portrait.

***

Mary is such a sweet lady with warm eyes and a big smile. As I started to draw her she told me she was very tired and might not be able to stay away. "That's fine" I told her as I had a smile to myself at how gorgeous these ladies are.
I love this drawing of Mary, it captures so much character , a beautiful lady...

I look forwards to my Friday afternoons with the residence from the Nursing home. They tell me there are 50 all together and they all want a portrait done :) So I am in for a lots of drawing practise and some great conversation with people who we should spend time with a whole lot more!!!

***

Johnny

2009-05-12T16:18:00.019+10:00

This is Johnny, a fellow portrait artist who is from brentwood , TN, USA.

He and I have done a portrait swap!
Johnny had finished mine earlier in the year, so it was about time I started his portrait.
Portrait swaps are great fun, and you end up with a portrait of yourself :)

Johnnys Website

http://www.johnnybone.com/

This is an oil 12x16" painted on a canvas covered board. I tried a new palette for the skin tones and am really happy with how this is turning out!

My palette for the skin tones ;

Cad Red, Burnt Sienna, Prussian Blue , Raw Umber, Titanium White, Italian Pink and small amounts of Alizarin Crimson and Terre Verte.

Reflections

2009-05-08T17:29:00.001+10:00

Reflections finished! She had a makeover last week, giving her some depth , although I am not sure whether to add more warmth to her face or not. I quite like the cool tones as it suggest a winters afternoon as she is snuggled up in her shawl.

This painting is for sale
$250
plus postage.

"SELAH" painted a second time...

2009-05-03T10:44:00.004+10:00

A friend of mine wanted "Selah"

to send to his Fiance for mothers day.

This time a soft grey matte finished her off.

here she is, sealed in plastic ready to send.

Charcoal ,white pastel and a range of grey pastels were used.

***

Drawn on a new pastel paper by an Aussie company called Art tec. I found this paper quite good to draw on. It has a textured surface for the pastel to hold onto.

The house is a mess, but this is the result ,lol....

2009-05-03T10:37:00.003+10:00

After pepairing my board with gesso, I toned it with a wash of terre verte and turpenoid. I have my reference picture and then proceed to draw the portrait, brush in hand with thinned down Terre Verte.
I am really stretching myself here, wanting to become much more loose with my style and not so boring with my portraits.

I really love the loose impressionistic style, with a touch of realism. Something I think you can only achieve with excellent drawing skills.
The under painting gives me a solid start to work on.

So yes, I did spend the entire afternoon painting and enjoying myself.

She still needs some eye work, as the terre verte under-drawing is showing,
and I am sure the shadows in her face need to be darkened.
Best thing to do is let this lady dry and sit for a few days...

While I do this housework!

Nearly Finished

2009-04-28T14:29:00.000+10:00

"Vintage Dreams"

There is something really romantic and meloncholy , (maybe mostly girly) about chaise lounges swirly flower patterns and Old World Style clothes :)

This is an oil painting I am working on, still playing around with the background and more refining to be done here and there, but!!!

This is in essence ME!! you know we all have a dream somewhere inside that relates to ourselves, lol... wierd, I know!!
Meloncholy artist
style.

Flower Fairy

2009-02-19T09:31:00.000+11:00

Cute little darling in the flower garden :) Matisse Acrylic paint 12x16"

Matthew Again :)

2009-01-22T14:09:00.001+11:00

This is a second go of this portrait ... I think the key to painting is practice and more practise, with lots of drawing inbetween.

Acrylics on oil paper prepaired with gesso...

Studying Colour and Light

2009-01-18T18:46:00.001+11:00

Chris Saper is an accomplished artist who paints using wonderful colour and light. I have been following her studies

from one of her books and found it very valuable for information. This portrait is one I finished using her techniques.

Pastel portrait on Canson paper.

Studying Vermeer

2009-01-02T11:21:00.000+11:00

Finished

And more for today :) I cannot do any more

till the paint dries , so I will leave this for a few days.

This is todays update

Vermeer was a Dutch artist in the 16oo's, he painted portraits
and interior scenes.

I have always loved " Girl With Pearl Earring" so yesterday

in the heat of summer, 34c inside :P , I decided to study

this painting by Vermeer and do my own version.

I started with an acrylic underpainting , then

proceeded with oils.

Still on the easel, with more work to be done, but I really

am enjoying this very much.

We can learn so much from the Old Masters and their

methods of painting.

Quick Portrait Sketch

2008-12-28T18:25:00.000+11:00

Lately my enjoyment has been portraits. I find so much

satisfaction in the challenge of capturing a persons emotion

in a portrait.

This is a quick 30 min sketch with the intention of capturing

an emotion with life drawing. Although this was drawn from a photo,

it is so hard to find willing models :)

At least it gives me drawing practise for when I do .

Grisaille Portrait

2008-12-15T13:22:00.000+11:00

Grisaille (pronounced griz eye) is a painting term which means "grey tones".

This is a monotone painting in a tone value ranging from dark to light.

In this case I am using it as a underpainting to use as a foundation

for many transparent colour overlays "glazing".

This has been painted in Matisse acrylics,with a wonderful medium added

called "clear painting medium"

It enabled me to blend the paint without it drying too fast, which

gave the ability to do lovely skin tones.

And who is the handsome man???

Jaana

2008-11-20T11:48:00.000+11:00

At Wetcanvas we have been working on a portrait swap,

pairing off to paint each others portrait.

My partner was Jaana.

Here she is finished .

****

Pastels painted on a deep bottle green suede matte board.

She has the most beautiful blue eyes,

which I enjoyed painting.

Now all I need to do is to post this off to Jaana!!!

"SELAH"

2008-10-30T15:35:00.000+11:00

Often when our routine has changed,

we find that time is difficult to capture and make our own.

"Selah" is a word which means " Meditate"

" Think on these things"

*****

To have the ability to stop and rest.

Take time to hear the still small voice of God

" Selah"

*****

Pastel and charcoal sketch.

Pelicans by the Sea

2008-10-18T08:30:00.000+11:00

Like an old married couple,

Painted in watercolour ,

after a dry spell...

I need to get back into my painting again...

Sunday Lunch "Alfresco"

2008-08-22T11:42:00.000+10:00

I would love to be sitting here at the moment drinking a chai latte,

and relaxing in the sun.

Watercolours

12"x18"

Rustic "Outback" Relic.

2008-08-20T13:59:00.000+10:00

My dad is in the North Coast Vintage Car Club,
This was painted as the raffle prize for their last car rally.
A gorgeous old jallopie, filled with rust from
sitting in the outback .

Pastel on burnt umber colourfix pastel paper.

Miniture tea Pot

2008-07-28T18:53:00.001+10:00

A miniture painting of a miniture tea pot :)

4 1/2 inches x 3 inches.

Acrylic on rough watercolour paper.

I painted this today in the comfort of my cosy warm room,

with thanks to my hearter :)

Today has been the coldest day I can ever remember.

It was so cold.....
It even snowed in Sydney !!!

and I can never remember snow in Sydney.

So today I had many cups of hot tea!!! :)

JasminePrincess

2008-07-20T16:50:00.000+10:00

My daughter Jasmine,

This is the first attempt as acrylics.

while I found this extremely challenging,

I really enjoyed learning this medium.

~Floral Fusion~

2008-06-01T19:11:00.000+10:00

A water colour , still experimenting with methods

of washes and learning the effects...

I was patient with my leaves till I became impatient :P

I think to paint a really good water colour

you need really relaxing music on, and have the kids

no where to be seen....

Stressed out mums and watercolour

just don't mix...

Self Portrait

2008-06-01T19:03:00.001+10:00

I have this photo of myself on the computer,

in the garden , gazing I guess in a dream ,

like a typical woman :P

Anyway, here I have painted it, not finished as

I am thinking on a background...

But the most fun part was trying this new bottle green

velour matte board to paint on...

I love it, but at $ 80 a sheet !!!! cannot afford to make

mistakes!!

The pastels went down beautifully,

and I had heaps of fun... Just need to become

creative and work on a back ground...

And some more depth in my face, it is washed out here...

Falling Inlove with Watercolour :)

2008-03-31T17:03:00.000+11:00

The weekend was spent working through a tutorial DVD

by Susan Harrison-Tustain

Who is an extremely talented watercolourist

from New Zealand...

This beautiful lady is her daughter Shelly.

I totally enjoyed this tutorial so much..

As you see I have her hair and dress to go,

It is a pleasure being a hermit ..

in a art studio sometimes..

hehe

***

YES

***

I admit it

***

I am addicted to

WATERCOLOURS

Ok,

here is my finished attempt,

I have a long way to go in learning, but the process was totally

enjoyable, it is amazing how time just dissapears when you

are engrosed with painting...

hehehe....

One Cute Pooch...

2008-03-13T20:03:00.001+11:00

This little cutie is in the process

of being finished...

He is a pastel painting and is quiet large

being about 22x20 inches...

hehe... It is fun doing such a big puppy...

I have mainly used pastel pencils,

as well as a few soft pastels...

I keep thinking a big sloppy tongue will

pop out and lick my cheek as I lean

over to paint more,,, :P

*V*

"Ralf "
is all finished

yeah!!!!

Commission Portrait

2008-03-13T19:57:00.000+11:00

A Charcoal and pastel portrait

Using a brown cardbord paper I

discovered at the art shop.
I adore working with this support as it

gives wonderful tones

to faces... I use the paper as

the mid tone.

Molly

2008-03-07T19:13:00.000+11:00

Pastel ,charcoal portrait of Molly

she is an adorable little girl

with a gorgeous smile...

I have actually toned down the catchlight

in her right eye...

I think it was a but overpowering...

This was drawn on a brown cardboard.

And the paper was used as the mid tones...

Windows Of Venice

2008-03-07T19:08:00.000+11:00

Watercolour painting

"Windows of Venice"

The is painted from a picture my brother

took while on holiday in Venice.

I love these quaint buildings..

The clothes line out the window..

The planter boxes...

So different from my village...:)

Baby Bella ( Bubbles Cuddles)

2007-12-23T15:12:00.000+11:00

Our gorgeous new addition

to the family !!

Bella Bubbles Cuddles,

Name inspired by the Kids :)

She has the sweetest

nature and is soooo adorable..

Even if she kept me awake last night

ALL NIGHT!!

lol....

she is crashed out now in her bed in my studio

while I am sitting here with

super heavy eye lids, and

dreaming of a Coffee Club Latté

Hmmmm

A Crowded Studio

2007-12-20T10:30:00.000+11:00

Sheba, my darling smoochie kitty cat

always loves to be right in the middle of

whatever I am doing!!

Yesterday while I was trying to

frame a painting, in my small

studio, she was right in the thick of it all,

smooching and purring and finding any excuse

she could to get a tickle!!!

lol...... Sometimes I think Sheba really

is the Queen !!!

This saturday I am buying a

very cute yellow labrador puppy!

So hopefully sheba wont get her nose out of

joint too much!!

Maybe then I will have two furry

friends fighting for my attention

in my small art studio!!!

When an amimal walks through

the front door of my house,

I am sure they think they are a human,

lol...

My Angel Jasmine

2007-12-18T19:40:00.000+11:00

The better half of the day was spent on painting my

daughter Jasmine.

This is a pastel painting on Canson paper,

using pastel pencils as well as an asortment of

softies.

Each portrait is a learning experience, and there is always

something that I want to redo, lol.....

Although Jasmine loves this!!!!

What 8 year old girl wouldn't want a painting

of themselves, lol , it is the age of

gazing in the mirror and singing with the

hairbrush!!!! going through mums

makeup and putting on way too much perfume!!!

Admit it!!!! you did it too!!!

lol, well , I did when I was 8 !!!

*V*

The Cloak

2007-12-13T19:48:00.000+11:00

This lady was an exercise in proportions and one to

hone in on my drawing skills.

Constantly I am aware of the need to improve

my drawing... So with some willow charcoal

I sketched out this woman.

Then layed in the pastel .
It was a very quick exercise , about an hour,

which was good as it caused me to focus in on

a looser style than I am used to...

lol, one that drives me nuts sometimes, as

I am too much of a perfectionist!!!

*V*

Engaging Eyes

2007-12-07T16:15:00.001+11:00

Pastel leopard

Drawn on black stonehenge paper,

With a combination of pastel pencils.

Derwents, Pitts and CarbOrthello's.

This guy was totally enjoyable.

Originally I started him on colourfix sanded

paper,but found the rough surface

just ate my pastel pencils away,

Which left me continually sharpening them.

I also had the problem of using black for the

spots which, I really hate using black!!

So after much thought, I decided to try

black stonehenge.It really suprised me as the

pastels went down beautifully. The advantage

of using black paper, was that I could utilize

this instead ofusing black pastel,

Yippie!!!

There is always something to learn ,

which makes painting very

enjoyable!!!

Abandoned Outback

2007-11-16T16:26:00.000+11:00

South Australia has many abandoned cottages .
Early settlers soon abandoned their homes after the drought became
unbearable. Many places like this can be seen, almost frozen in time,
making a beautiful landscape for artists .
I love the contrasts of the rusted roof and the blue sky,
the red brickwork and the sandstone walls.

A pastel painting on sanded colourfix paper.
22"x 14"

"Kookaburra"

2007-10-23T21:34:00.000+10:00

It was so enjoyable yesterday, sitting at my art table , totally absorbed in painting this cute little guy. These birds are one of my favourite. Commonly seen around my home, and heard early in the morning with their famous laughing as the sun rises....

I rememeber walking at my parents farm, in the bush , and being amused as the kookaburras joined in unison as they laughed away!!! I always felt that they were laughing at me, for some strange reason, maybe they think us humans are a funny looking creature, meandering through the bush! Now if I could fly!!!!! that would give me a reason to laugh out loud!!!! :)

Watercolour on Aches watercolour paper, painted with Art Spectrum watercolour paints.

"Ginger Jar"

2007-10-05T17:39:00.000+10:00

This is something totally different for me!

A watercolour still life :)

My art teacher is a wonderful watercolour artist,

She has had my class attempt to paint a photo of a ginger jar.

So loving a challenge over the school holidays I have finished,

well I think I have, watercolour is such a new medium for me,

however I really enjoyed this :)

Mare and Foal

2007-09-17T16:02:00.001+10:00

"Mare and Foal"

Today I was so happy to finish this commission.

Lately my family has had this dreaded flue virus, it has been aweful!!

This painting has been sitting on my easel for the last 4 weeks, just waiting for

me to be better so I could finish...

I love this little foal, so sweet......

Pastels, on canson pastel paper

19"x13"

Hands Worn with Love

2007-09-13T10:15:00.000+10:00

Graphite Sketch on drawing paper.

When I was a small girl I often sat in my Grandmas lounge room while Mum and Gran chatted and giggled about all the things that have been happening. My Gran was a very colourful lady, in expression and manner.Mostly I could not take my eyes off her hands which darted here and there. She was very expressive with her hands, I loved watching them as they danced in the air in tune to the words she spoke. Words filled with love and life, grace and compassion.

Old and wrinkly, gnarly and knobbley, like a well worn wooden door to the front of an old house.Opening to welcome family and friends , shutting to keep out the unwanted strangers. Fingers nimble and crafted, from knitting grandbabies booties,making toffees for the local fete smacking naughty little bottoms and hugging with tender care.Yes I loved my Grans hands.

She was a very gifted lady who played piano and made most of her childrens clothes, milked cows and dug in the vegie garden. Old and wrinkled, gnarly and worn, tender and caring, beautiful hands.My prayer as I sat and looked at her hands, was that one day I too could have hands so gifted and crafted, usefull and kind. Welcoming and assuring as my Grandmas beautiful hands

Gracefully Grey

2007-09-13T10:12:00.001+10:00

Graphite sketch on drawing paper

While sketching this lady for my last art assignment, I was taken by the graceful beauty of this aged woman. In a society where beauty is so over rated and plastic surgery is feeding the vanity of many, I cannot help but wonder about the art of true beauty.

I look at this woman and see such kind eyes, pretty with compassion and care. Lines on her face that portray a lifetime of laugher mixed with sadness. She has a sence of serenity and calmness, a gentleness in her age of beauty.Our wonderul God made each and everyone of us in His own special way. We all have a very unique look that no one else shares. How marvelous it is to be unique and special to God....

Portrait Commission

2007-07-30T10:23:00.000+10:00

I have just finished this drawing of a portrait commission . I mainly did this with vine charcoal as it has such a soft beautiful texture and is lovely to blend in with the pastel. The pastel I used for highlights and shadows are the pitt pastel pencils. In a variety of greys and a white for hightlights.

Precious Moments

2007-07-16T12:24:00.001+10:00

"Art class updates"
My art teacher has this gorgeous black and white photo of herself and her son.
The exercise in my last class was to draw with white pastel pencil on a black canson paper .This is my impression of her photo, it was quite hard to do as I was drawing from a totally different perspective. Looking at shadows and highlights rather than colours and features.

A dream House, lol......

2007-07-08T22:27:00.000+10:00

In My travels out and about I cannot resist taking photos of those really gorgeous sights we see, that are very hard to fabricate without a picture!
This happens to be one of those sights!
This dream house was on the Lions Road, between Kyogle and the QLD border. It has so much "old world charm", hehe.... I am sure it was someones dream house at one time in history! I really love this photo!!!!!

Now this mansion can be seen just a hop skip and jump further up the road! hehe..... If you cannot read the sign on the front it says " Keep Out." As much as a relic this beauty is, I cannot help but wonder what life must have been like when people first lived in this house. I am sure Ma and Pa loved their little abode as it is as cute as a button!

Now these houses do give me inspiration to get out those

~~~~~pastels~~~~~

A Room With A View !

2007-07-08T22:16:00.000+10:00

How many times do you enjoy getting down on the carpet in your bedroom to just ponder? Well if you don't, give it a go!!! maybe it is a girly thing, or an essentric arty thing....Who really cares except for the fact that it is extremely relaxing , recharging those worn out batteries!! especially when Enya is on the Cd player! You would think at times like this creative sparks would fly about causing a rush for the pastels...... Hardly!!!! Well not lately!! brain drain happens at the most inconvenient times ! Maybe I need to just lay on this carpet for a while longer :)
****Sail away , sail away, sail away****

Gazing out the Window

2007-06-30T15:23:00.001+10:00

Charcoal and white pastel, on white drawing paper.
I have been experimenting with different effects of the charcoal and pastel. Creating texture and smoothness from how much pressure I apply to the way I burnish with the pastel pencil. Charcoal is a beautiful medium with a lush deep texture , so lovely for skin tones.
When I first saw the ref picture to this, I loved it and could not wait to draw with my charcoal.

* Michelle, Ruth and Astrid *

2007-06-25T15:22:00.000+10:00

Recently I had the pleasure of returning to my old passion of making bridal and evening wear. Making these dresses was a pleasant change from my pastels. I just think they look gorgeous!!! Michelle, Ruth and Astrid!

"BUD"

2007-06-18T13:20:00.000+10:00

This is the very cute cat "Bud" who loves sleeping! Which cat doesn't love sleeping ...... A commission, on canson pastel paper, with pitt pastel pencils.

"Angela"

2007-05-26T10:11:00.000+10:00

Trying new methods of portraiture. This one is a pastel on canson paper, which was painted over a charcoal sketch, a base to work from. I actually quite liked this way of painting a portrait!

Snug as a Bug

2007-05-17T14:55:00.000+10:00

What fun I am having with the canson paper....

This gorgeous little fella is so cute!!!

Charcoal and white pastel pencil for

the highlights.

My son Elijah

2007-05-16T10:07:00.000+10:00

Here is my little cutie.

A pastel portrait on the smooth side of canson paper.

I used only two pastel pencils, white and indian red.

Using the white for the highlights, the grey

colour of the paper for the mid tones,

and the indian red for the two tones of shading.

My daughter , being a girl of course,

has been hounding me for her portrait!

So you can guess who is next on the easel!

Morning Autumn

2007-05-01T16:48:00.000+10:00

I imagine she is missing the love of her life, maybe walking down the country track near her home, captivated by the morning sunlight as it starts to shine through the trees. This picture has had me thinking of many scenarios. A pastel on canson paper.I used the smooth side as I find it much better to render on than the other, which is actually the right side.

Solitude

2007-05-01T16:38:00.000+10:00

Artists are peculiar people! Never quite understood by many , unless of course they are an artist too!

It is a frequent desire to ex cape to a world of isolation where you exist with your easel and paint! and a beautiful scene to create....

Ok !!! I can dream if I like, and this painting is one of my dreams, a studio in a field somewhere tranquil and serene. I just need to blink my eyes and I am there in the grass painting. AND yes this is another pastel......

One Moment in Time

2007-04-27T18:52:00.000+10:00

With this portrait I have added a hint of watercolour to the flower. I am falling inlove with drawing sepia toned portraits. They really set a different mood from a gorgeous time in history. Fashion, hairstlyes, cars and music. All so beautiful in their own way! Especially those kiss curls!

Studying the Masters.

2007-03-29T14:58:00.000+10:00

I have been studying the artist John William Waterhouse , and his techniques in sketching. He always did a pencil sketch before he painted his masterpieces.

Waterhouse was an artist , his work spaned over 5 decades from the 1870's. He captured such beautiful poetic scenes in his paintings which are loved by many all over the world.

Here I have taken one of his study sketches and put my sepia toned pencil to work in the ways of this wonderful "Old Master"

This has been done on a watercolour paper which has a watercolour wash. The pencils I used are prismacolours.

She is Finished!

2007-03-29T14:53:00.000+10:00

So glad to have found time today to finish the " Beauty who Sleeps".

Outback Shearers Quarters

2007-03-26T06:37:00.000+10:00

Firstly let me say "Happy birthday Ray" as this was painted for him! This is from a picture he took of a shearers quarters out near Tenterfield. It is such beautiful country. This picture was taken late afternoon, the sun setting gives wonderful play of light across the paddock, and the pink and blue colours of the sky reflect upon the roof!
I totally enjoyed painting this picture .
Painted with soft pastels on a black colourfix paper.

Updates!

2007-03-25T06:58:00.000+10:00

Gradually I have been able to work on my Tiger. Still am deciding what colour to do the back ground, I will finish him and then have a bit more of a play with the colours. I am thinking the darker BG would be better as it pushes him forwards in the picture. So maybe I will go for a combination of greens and blues.

Sleeping Beauty has had a facelift :). She is starting to look peaceful and rested! I have finished her face , and am working on her hands at the moment. Then I will continue down her body till all her skin tones are smooth and the values are right.

The sheets still need more work, then I think she will be done!!!

"The Beauty Who Sleeps "

2007-03-21T16:46:00.000+11:00

Pauline Adair is a pastel artist who has a WIP ( work in process) at Wet Canvas. I took advantage of this great WIP to follow her steps of this beautiful nude. I started with a sketch using willow charcoal.

Using Art Spectrum blue violet and a light spectrum orange I have blocked in the shadows and light spots!

Here I have worked the warm skin tones with a medium spectrum orange and crimson, also adding colour to her hair.

My efforts for today! The background has been added with a dark flinders blue violet.At this stage I am almost half way there, and really enjoying this WIP. I thank Pauline Adair for the opportunity :)

More updates soon!!

"Turkish Coffee"

2007-03-15T15:10:00.000+11:00

Art class has me captivated with still life again. This time with a very cute Turkish coffee pot. The composition I chose was the half pot with a pattern in the background . I quite like the contrast between the background and the pot.All done with my prismacolour pencils!

Cropping a picture is a great way to play with composition, as the main feature is to the side of the page. With this pot it is interesting as the pot is really the main feature, but the spout, which is so long and lean, takes "centre stage". hehe .HHmmm Turkish coffee would be really yummy right about now!!!

I just had an idea ! a plate of turkish delight ! A still life with the coffee pot, and a plate of turkish delight!! Now we are talking , lol.........

Tiger!!!!!!

2007-03-05T19:58:00.000+11:00

The better half of today was spent on drawing this tiger with my new prismacolour pencils. That's after I spent an hour sharpening all 120 of them, lol..... An electric sharpener is on the shopping list!

This has been so much fun today. Tomorrow I have my art classes so I can continue him there and hopefull finish this guy soon!

P.S I have added spell check to my list of favourites, lol...... Ok Georgie, no more spelling mistakes I promise *v* .....

Back 2 Basics!

2007-02-27T13:41:00.000+11:00

Today I stared my new art classes, Yippie!! I am so glad to be going back to the basics to sharpen my drawing skills and establish tonal values to make a flat shape look alive!
We started with a sphere and studied where the light source came from. Then it is a process of hatching ( lines all going in one way) and cross hatching ( lines over these lines in another direction) to build up the tonal values. This is continued untill the sphere has taken on a realistic look. It is all in the tonal values !! being light to dark!

Next we studied an egg, which actually had more than one light source, We used the same process as the sphere , just with a sharper lead, as it gave a lighter appearance, LOL. well mine was supposed to be a lighter look!! as an egg is meant to be :) to achieve a smooth surface . And this is actually fun!! notice there is more than one shadow, which you will see with more than one light source .Looks like my egg has a slight *crack* Hmm ..........

Now with the coloured pencil , the "Apple". Starting with yellow , then red then a darker red to a purple , building up the colours till the apple looks almost delicious!! Adding a little green to the top and purple to the shadows, I think this apple is rendered ok!!! looks pretty *yummy*

Well, I have never been a lover of still life, but after todays art class, I would love to try some more advanced still life!! Thanks to my art teacher!! :)

Stayed tuned for next weeks excitting art lessons update! *** thrilling indeed*** lol..................

I am in the process of a new pastel landscape, so hopefully it will be posted soon!!

Roslyn my cutie niece

2007-02-14T07:26:00.000+11:00

Derwent pencils on a rather textured paper. I love the sepia tones and the textured look. This was a gift for my niece on her 18th birthday, framed in hot pink!! just her style, hehehe... she is a hot pink chicky babe :)

Lesson! Put your Pastels away after Painting!!!

2007-02-09T20:32:00.000+11:00

I learnt a valuable lesson today :) I was making dinner and thought to myself, hmmmmm Elijah is unusually quite , wonder what he is up to !!!!! Oh ** then he comes waltzing into the kitchen with a cheeky grin and pastel stained fingers!!! AHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh......!!!!!!
I ran into my room to discover my rainforest painting has been once again remodeled!!!! Oh well !! it has the Elijah touch.. at least pastel can be removed and fixed... Oh Darn!!! I just had that tree looking how I wanted it too, lol......

Contented Kitty

2007-02-08T12:02:00.000+11:00

Here is that cute contented kitty!!! and I am really happy with how she turned out :) some cute cheeks to * tickle *
These pencils on drafting film are fantastic!! I think there will be more portraits of animals on this support! I actually tried to take pics of my mums dog "Bethy " today, but she kept attacking my cat "Sheba"as she tried to sleep on my bed.... I had been drawing on my bed with the derwent colour pencils, So we had pencils ! cat and dog! flying all over the place!! lol......................... at least they couldn't draw all over my finished work! like some little cuties can (*v*) hehehe...

I have been using my derwent pencils !! They are so lovely and creamy to work with. As you can see she is not finished! still has lots more to go. I have drawn this on drafting film, which is a plastic film with a surface suitable for pencil. You need a different technique than paper to draw with, but thats the enjoyable part!! the challenge :)

This cute Kitty is starting to look alive , so soon I hope to post her finished!! and give her some fluffy cheeks to tickle!

Rainforest, Strangler figs and palm trees!!!

2007-02-05T17:22:00.000+11:00

AND AGAIN!!!!! the third Rainforest update!! After Elijah attacked the lower half of the previous rainforest picture with all sorts of pastel colours.... I think I will put this one up high till I have it framed!

I have reworked this painting, adding more darks! cinnabar green deep, burnt umber ,flinders blue violet , grey blue and a tiny touch of black. I don't like using black, but in some cases a touch is great! I just thought it need a little more depth and mysterious rainforest atmosphere... :)

Lat month I went climbing Mt Warning, which is situated on the far north coast of N.S.W, Australia. At the base of the mountain is this most magical rain forest with magestic palms, and interesting strangler fig trees which seem to go on forever into the sky! These beautiful trees remind me of the enchanted woods that Enid Blyton wrote about! There was a tree the children would climb, and they found a magical world at the top of the tree above the clouds!

I once climbed a strangler fig, although it was the inside of the fig I climbed as the original tree the fig attached itself to had died, so there was this amazing hollow fig tree. I couldn't resist climbing... just glad there wasn't a big old snake having a sleep up in those branches :)

So after that interesting bit of waffle here is my painting!!! which I did today , as school is back!!!!! hehehe................... :)

Watchful Young Tiger!

2007-01-28T18:39:00.000+11:00

Yippie!!! I found time to paint this weekend . This is my second wildlife, and not the last :) It was really fun painting him, although I found it challenging, well the log was anyway....

No time to paint.... sighhhhhhhhhhh

2007-01-25T08:29:00.000+11:00

My two kids, Jasmine 7 and Elijah 3 are having a wonderful time these school holidays! Namely causing much work for their poor mum! lol....

What else do you do in school holidays than chase your crazy kids around and clean up their mess.... It is much more enjoyable than painting, and so much less stressful!! cough , cough !!

I am looking forwards to getting my pastels out and painting again!

Next month I start new art classes, focusing on drawing skills , with coloured pencils and graphite. This will be fun!!!! Aaahhhhh , the kids are watching cartoons...... :) I might dissapear into my studio!!!!

Tribal Woman

2007-01-14T07:51:00.000+11:00

What an amazing lady this one is!!! I really love the fashion and hair design! The African culture is an amazing one, so diverse and unique. I really love their free spirit and ability to express themselves in so many ways!
This is a pastel painting , which is in my private collection. She's just such a gorgeous girl!

Work In Progress

2007-01-10T11:28:00.000+11:00

This lion is finished!! After much thought and painting, I came to the conclusion to crop this guy and just have his face. I found it difficult to continue the realism on his body that I had acheived on his face. Oh well!! it is all about learning and trial and error, lol..... I am not too happy with the finished look, but for my first wildlife portrait I guess you could say I am happy! So yes I am looking through my reference photos for more handsome big cats to paint !

Here is an update to my Lion! I have been working down his maine and blocked in his body with a base colour. Now I can finish off his body with more layers of pastel.

I am currently working on this magestic lion. This is my first for a wildlife
portrait.He is very enjoyable to paint , although I am learning as I go.....
My brain is already thinking of other wildlife pictures to paint! I am anxious to finish this handsome dude!

Pastel Portrait

2007-01-08T14:44:00.000+11:00

A portrait of "Jeff" taken from a school photo. The photo I worked from was taken with a flash, so there were black shadows I had to eliminate when I painted this portrait. Photos taken in natural light are much better to work from!

Lady With Pearls;

This lady was a pencil study. I bought myself a set of beautiful derwent drawing pencils. I used the sepia tones to achieve the affect here , which went beautiful with the textured surface of the paper . I look forwards to more portraits with my lovely set of derwent pencils.

Old Rustic Farm House

2007-01-08T14:29:00.000+11:00

Down the Highway lies this old weathered farm house. Ever since I saw this house many years ago I have been wanting to paint it.... Those gum trees must have some good stories to tell!!

This painting has been sold.

Bird Of Paradise

2007-01-08T14:13:00.000+11:00

A very exotic flower , blooms in spring and has these gorgeous big flowers that look like birds! This is my first pastel flower, and as these colourful plants grow in my front yard, it was really enjoyable to paint...

Romance

2007-01-08T13:56:00.000+11:00

The original of this painting was painted by a lady called Helen Wessels Henry. She grew up by Norman Rockwell, was friends with Arthur B. Davies, Reginald Marsh, Bruce Crane and the other members of the Ashcan school of art. She went to Paris and was friends with Berthe Morrisot, who was Edgar Degas girlfriend and they all knew each other. It is 18" x 24" It was painted in NY in the late 1940s.

I loved her painting so much I decided to do my own(shown here). The impressionists had a beautiful way of capturing the "moment" of ordinary people and putting it canvas. This beautiful moment really does speak to all who gaze at their artwork!

African School Kids

2007-01-08T13:15:00.000+11:00

These little cuties were painted from the following photo. A friend of mine went to Africa on a mission trip and took some fantastic photos. When I saw this one, I knew I just had to paint it. I was not sure whether to paint the girl on the left with her off centre jaw or not, she was obviously not too concerned with having her photo taken, hence her natural take! So because I love the realistic, natural style of this pic, I decided to paint her just as she is. It is a beautiful contrast to the guy at front with the adorable grin on his face, he was really taken by the camera!!!

Painting has been sold

BEN

2007-01-08T13:06:00.000+11:00

BEN was my first commission. A real delight to paint, with his gorgeous face .. I really enjoy painting children, and capturing their unique "cuteness"

~Annie-Maree~ Portrait Artist

An afternoon of splashes and fun

My Brothers been Framed

Started a New Blog

Life without Painting....

Surfing Teahupoo, Tahiti.

My brother Ray

Essentially Art,

Charcoal portrait

Playing with my Pastels

Finding Peace When Things are Tough.

John Gift!

More updates

Some excitting news !!!

Travailing Prayer

Glenn all finished

Portrait Of Glenn

All Finished

Lady Steampunk, work in progress

Updates On Ted

Painting Ted

Portrait Of Leigh

Let The Water Flow....

Crazy Old rusty Relics, LOL...

In The garden

Finn

" Red Wool Cloche " self portrait

Now For something Completely Different :)

Cutie Patootie :)

Portraits from life - A wonderful Experience!

Johnny

Reflections

"SELAH" painted a second time...

The house is a mess, but this is the result ,lol....

Nearly Finished

Flower Fairy

Matthew Again :)

Studying Colour and Light

Studying Vermeer

Quick Portrait Sketch

Grisaille Portrait

Jaana

"SELAH"

Pelicans by the Sea

Sunday Lunch "Alfresco"

Rustic "Outback" Relic.

Miniture tea Pot

Jasmine~~Princess~~

~Floral Fusion~

~~ Self Portrait ~~

Falling Inlove with Watercolour :)

One Cute Pooch...

Commission Portrait

Molly

Windows Of Venice

Baby Bella ( Bubbles Cuddles)

A Crowded Studio

My Angel Jasmine

The Cloak

Engaging Eyes

Abandoned Outback

"Kookaburra"

"Ginger Jar"

Mare and Foal

Hands Worn with Love

Gracefully Grey

Portrait Commission

Precious Moments

A dream House, lol......

A Room With A View !

Gazing out the Window

* Michelle, Ruth and Astrid *

"BUD"

"Angela"

Snug as a Bug

My son Elijah

Morning Autumn

Solitude

One Moment in Time

Studying the Masters.

JasminePrincess

Self Portrait