Another trip highlight from my recent visit to Tasmania, was visiting “The Wall”.  I had heard from friends that this was a “must see” and I am so glad I did.  Truly an inspirational artwork and artist. 

 

Self funded, in 2003 Greg Duncan began his creation of a 100 metre huon pine wall sculpting some of the history of Tasmania into these 3 metre high panels.  He is over half way now and aims to complete “The Wall” by 2015.

 

Fortunately I had an opportunity to meet Greg and was so inspired by the work of this modest and obviously dedicated and patient artist.

 

“The Wall” is located on the road from Hobart to Strahan just near the Derwent Bridge in a purpose built gallery to house this masterpiece.  Set amongst beautiful bushland, it is just magnificent and will have you thinking in wonder days after your visit.  Certainly did for me and as we continued our travels, it was wonderful to hear “the word” of “The Wall” being spread amongst others who had visited or on their way.  Now back in Sydney I have friends planning their trips around ensuring a visit to this amazing artwork and legacy that is being created by Greg Duncan. 

 

To find out more about ”The Wall” follow this link. 

 

Recently returned from 12 days touring in Tasmania and apart from the many wonderful walks we did while we were away, one of the trip highlights was MONA.  Although some of the material is quite confronting in a number of ways (and not just the visual content), there are some really inspiring and uplifting installations.   There were pieces that I loved and some that I hated, which is great and all the while you could register your like/hate on the individual Ipods provided. 

 

Easily a couple of hours absorbed in no time.  It felt a bit like an adults Questacon!  Definitely worth visiting.

Inspired by the work of Xenia Hausner, I have been playing with colours and loving this new way of working. 

 

 ”Steffi” is painted in acrylics which I have found quite challenging being more familiar with oils, however it is certainly teaching me to work faster.   While I still love my oils and they are my first preference, in making the shift it has been great fun to play with colours in this medium given the flexibility created with the faster drying time.  

 

Was curious to be back on canvas again after painting on boards now for the last year or more.

 

Watch this space as I am keen to do more of this type of work and have another painting almost completed.  Love the colour and drama of it.

 

For more portraits, click here. 

Completed just yesterday in one sitting, this Alla Prima portrait of Kristian was quite exciting to paint.  Kristian is a dancer and had great features and given his background I wanted to play with colours for a more theatrical look.  Hopefully he will model for us again.

 

For more portraits, click here.

Finally getting around to uploading some of my recent portrait paintings.  This first one is of Alice and was completed over three sittings.

 

For more portraits, click here.

How exciting!  Have just booked to attend a Master Portrait Class at Arte Umbria, Italy, in October this year.  

 

Along with my fellow artist friend, Rhonda White, we have a wonderful week to look forward to with our teacher, Andrew James, from the UK.  I first saw Andy painting on Rolf Harris’ “Star Portraits” and was moved to see the impact Andy’s painting had on the sitter.  I hope my portraits have that sort of impact.

 

If you want to see more about Arte Umbria click here!  It looks fabulous and you don’t have to be an artist to visit.  Already feel welcome.