Spring Rain - by Lisa Matthys

This piece is totally stunning ...by a very talented and well known NZ artist - Lisa Matthys who is based in Wairarapa New, Zealand.

Title: Spring Rain
Artist: Lisa Matthys
Medium: Acrylic
Size: 920mm high x 1520mm wide

FOR SALE: $3500

Contact: sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

The photo is a little darker than in life.

Lisa Matthys - www.lisamatthys.vc.net.nz

Lisa Matthys is an artist working in mixed media. Her original works contain many layers of paint, paper, fibre and found items. While her formal training is in fashion and textile design, many of the mark making and drawing techniques aquired attribute to her original, often quirky style.

Collage is a feature in many of Lisa's works and often these materials inspire the direction or theme of her paintings. Symbolism and story telling are areas Lisa is currently exploring with strong ideas about finding a kind of natural rhythm or balance in life.

In May 2006 Lisa and partner, Photographer Salvi Frika, opened HARVEST ART GALLERY in Greytown New Zealand.

Reflection on this year

Well here I was thinking I had oh so slack with my art promotion this year - due to committments with the NZAG, work, kids etc ..... but when I sat down and thought about it - I was ionvolved with 11 exhibitions - including 3 charity art auctions and one art award.

2007
Feb - Hotel Grand Chancellor - joint exhibition
Feb - Bruce Mason Centre - NZAG member exhibition
Apr - Royal Easter Show Art Awards
Apr - Albany Garden Centre and Restaurant - joint exhibition
May - Rangitoto School Art Exhibition
Jun - Parklane Art Awards - Finalist - Charity Art Auction
Jun - Bruce Mason Centre - Joint Exhibiton with Catherine Outwin
Aug - Art Aid Trust Charity Auction - Exhbitions at the Depot
Aug - Bruce Mason Centre - NZAG Members exhibition
Aug - Original Art Sale
Oct - Windsor Park Art Aid Charity Art Auction
Dec - Snells Beach Summer Art Exhibition and Awards

Not to mention having two new galleries represent me in Christchurch which is great!

Now I just need to start doing some more paitning!

Next year will defintiely be a more quiet art year form me - at this stage I have nothing in the pipeline ... well apart from co-ordinating the NZAG Art Awards and all the other NZAG exhibitons including the dedicated venues in Auckland and the members one in July ....

Anyway - Just wanted to wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year period!! :-)

No New Photos

Recently I completed a few small paintings for a gallery in Christchurch. I went to take photos only to discover my camera is broken - sob sob .....

This time of year is not so good to be making big purchases so unfortunately it will have to wait til after Santas has been .. and the sales are on! :)

The mystery of anonymous comments

There was an interesting discussion on another forum about why visitors to blogs post comments anonymously. These people seem to feel the urge to tell you all the ways in which you are wrong, stupid, crazy etc, but don't have enough conviction to have their name associated with their opinions.

Why would someone want to give you the benefit of their wisdom but not take credit for it? After all, if I was the creator of such enlightened and witty comments as "you are completely dotty" "What crap" I would not only want full credit, but to also have it registered in case of plagiarism.

I can understand someone posting anonymously if there is a chance their comments could get them into some sort of trouble, but otherwise ... isn't it simply a case of harassment or maybe more accurately cowardice? It's almost like they want you to know how they feel but don't want to have to face a reply from you.

I believe - if you really feel strongly about something - you should have the courage of your convictions - own what you say - be proud of what you say - and don't hide behind anonymous.

The Four Agreements

from Don Miguel Ruiz...

The Four Agreements

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Art Aid Auction

This is my fourth Charity Art Auction for this year. This piece is called parting of the ways - check out the inspiration and symbolism behind it by scrolling further down my blog :)

Please check out the auction - some truly fantastic pieces - with bargain prices too. There's one in particular that I personally have my eye on....

ART AID Charity Art Auction

Date for viewing art: From week of 20 October 2007

Date of auction: Sunday 12:45pm, 28 October 2007

Venue: Cafe Windsor Gallery, Windsor Park Baptist Church, 550 East Coast Rd, Mairangi Bay, AUCKLAND

SOLD

NZAG Artists Participating: Sophia Elise, Donna Steel, Christine Dempster, Regina Dredge

HAPPINESS

From my Journey of Life Series - Depth of Perception
SOLD

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Dr. Holden says the key to being happy is overcoming "destination addiction,"

Many people think that once they get their dream car, they’ll be happy, or once they build their dream house, they’ll be happy, this is called “destination addiction” and is defined as “living in the not-now”. It's always about tomorrow, so you're chasing 'more,' 'next' and 'there. You promise yourself that when you get there, you'll be happy. And you won't, because you'll always set another destination to go for. You deserve to be happy now, in the present. Don’t delay your happiness.

Instead, Dr. Holden says if you are unhappy with your life there are two things you can do. "We have to learn to let go of our past, we have to give up all hopes for a perfect past. Let the past go, it's gone." After that, he says, "Take a vow of kindness. Be kinder to yourself and to others.

Get your brushes out - NZAG Art Awards are here!

Entries now open for “different” type of NZ Art Awards

With so many art exhibitions on lately, the NZ art community are slowly getting bored with the same old exhibition themes like “Coastal scenery”, “NZ Icons” or “Urban landscape”. The NZ Art Guild has recognised this boredom by devising a tasty challenge for artists to get their teeth into.

The NZAG Art Awards is NOT like other art awards in NZ, which are largely based on theme titles and technical ability. The NZAG Art Awards takes things a step further….it’s a “Challenge” based awards which will reward creativity and innovation with a huge $5000 first prize.

The task is to incorporate four “challenge terms” into every artwork – for this year the terms are: Cool blue, Equality, Stamp and Circular. Interpretation and application of these terms is up to the individual artist and is only limited by their imagination. Some amazing and ingenious artworks are expected, and artists are already planning their artworks in anticipation.

The NZAG Art Awards is open to all NZ artists over the age of 18, with the deadline to apply on the last Friday before Christmas. Application forms and full details are available on their website www.nzartguild.co.nz

An exhibition of selected works will be on display at the Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland in February 2008, with the award ceremony taking place on Friday 1st February. Following on from their successful annual exhibition and collaborative project “patchworks” – a single artwork created by 66 NZ Artists – the NZAG Art Awards is going to be eagerly awaited by all.

Christmas is Coming

Just couldnt resist one - seems like every year it gets earlier and earlier -

Title: Christmas Is Coming

Size: 25cm x 25cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media

Lifes Rollercoaster

This one was the first one I've done in over 2 months - and was inspired by a very sweet friend of mine - It was a cathartic experience more so than a creative one - and certainly spurred me onto create more - I cant wait to finish the others I've started now!

Title: Lifes Rollercoaster

Size: 30cm x 80cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media
For Sale: email sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

WOW! Finally back to the brushes after 2 months ...

The NZ Art Guild theme week inspired these pieces. Members have 2 weeks to complete a theme challenge based on a word.



This weeks theme was TEXTURE - right up my alley of course!








This now as resin in the centre of each of the cirlces.

Title: Golden Chain II
Size: 30cm x 92cm
Media: Acrylic and mixed media
SOLD

Self Mentor

Ok - The painting front has been a little slack lately - but I wanted to share with you something I heard on Easy Mix radio (98.2 fm) yesterday

Ask yourself these 5 questions each day to move yourself towards your goals.

1) What am I doing today to get what I want?

2) Will this behaviour move me towards what I want or am I settling?

3) Am I willing to accept the consequences of not changing?

4) Who is in control? (the answer is always - I am!)

5) Am I willing to do whatever it takes?


Maybe these questions - and having to be accountable even to myself - will help me move forward with my creativity. Watch this space! :)

Art Aid Trust

TITLE: Time and Place (This artwork was a finalist in the Pumphouse Art Awards 2006)

SIZE: 91cm x 61cm

MEDIA: Acrylic on canvas

DONATED TO ART AID TRUST - Charity art exhibition and art auction to be held from August 11th at the Depot Gallery in Devonport, Auckland. Raising funds for aids awareness.
http://www.artaid.org.nz/

This artwork symbolises my belief that there is a time and place for everyhting. Things happen for a reason. Reflecting that this just might not be my time and place gives me hope for the future, that the best is yet to come.

"Off the Brush" Exhibition

Opening night on Thursday was a great success!!!! Stunning artworks ....loads of people... several sales .... everyone had a great time ... and Patchworks of course finally unvelied and blew everyone away!


Heres a link to the slide show of the exhibition where you can see the fabulous artwork by the 47 exhibiting artists!


http://img245.imageshack.us/slideshow/player.php?id=img245/8656/1186101495t2a.smil


And a photo of my artwork thats being exhibited ..... with the three red sold stickers from opening night .. YAY! :)

PATCHWORKS - finally unveiled!!!!

Don't miss seeing this amazing artwork!!!

N Z Art Guild 2007 Collaborative Project

''Patchworks''

1500 x 1500mm

66 artists created 88 individual paintings that were then combined into a stunning, one of a kind artwork. "Patchworks" is a small window giving a snapshot of NZ art in 2007.

Don't miss the opportunity to own this incredible piece - It will be for sale via on Trademe from Sat 18th August - Tuesday 28th August.

It can be viewed at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland throughout the month of August.

What's next for me??

Well at the moment I'm working on a few smaller pieces - my dotty ones from my journey of life series. These will be exhibited at the N Z Art Guild Annual Exhibition in August at the Bruce Mason Centre. Most of my time has gone into coordinating it rather than painting for it! lol

It will be a great event - so make sure you dont miss the opening night!! Everyone is welcome and its free!!

Puddling Jewels

Title: Puddling Jewels

Media: Mixed media - fabirc, acrylic and resin

Size: 36cm x 78cm

SOLD

You cant see the colour variation int his either ... I think I need to upgrade my camera! lol

The texture is amazing and the resined areas have metallic paint under them.

Ribbons Of Life

This piece is very difficult to photograph ... the variations in red done show up unfortunately. All the dots are handpainted in metallic gold and black. Another in my journey of life series.

Title: Ribbons of Life

Size: 38cm x 76cm

Media: Acrylic

For Sale: Contact me sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

Parting of the Ways

I reworked this one - still has the same meaning and inspiration behind it - but I have just incoporated my journey of life series into it.

TITLE: Parting of the Ways

MATERIALS: Acrylic, fabric and resin on canvas

SIZE: 25cm x 50cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Very typical of my minimalist style. Painted in red, black and white. Fabric has been applied with resin over the top. The resin drips off the sides in opposite directions (hard to see in the photo sorry)

There was a lot of different things that inspired this peice. It is very personal and reflects where I am in my life at the moment. The colours are in keeping with lot of my art lately...white and black symbolising truth/honest and lies/decpetion. Red emotions.

However there is another interpretation - red and black representing two seperate people. The white the area where they are trying to blend in harmony.The material is meshed, representing a ladder for personal growth. Also a seive, some things we take with us others we leave behind.

The colours crossing over into the mesh of the other. Even when you part you still take away something of the other person with you. The two pieces never quite meeting in this relationship, finally parting and going their own ways.

The resin is the inevitable tears and heartbreak. Going in different directions.

"to be trusted is a greater complement than to be loved" - George McDonald

Inner Circle

Title: Inner Circle

Size: 30cm x 40cm

Media: Mixed Media - resin, acrylic and texture

SOLD - Now in Australia

Golden Chain

The inspiration for this piece comes from the passage below. We were raised to believe in this and live our lives this way. Very simple philosphophy that we be great if we could all strive towards.

THE GOLDEN CHAIN

I am a link in the Golden Chain of love, that stretches round the world.

And I must keep my link bright and strong.
So I will try to be kind and gentle to every living thing I meet

And to protect and help all who are weaker than myself.
I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to speak pure and beautiful words

And do pure and beautiful actions.

May every link in the Golden Chain become bright and strong.

Title: Golden Chain

Size: 30cm x 80 cm

Media: Acrylic and mixed media

For Sale:Contact me sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

Resinlove - Bruce Mason Centre

Catherine Outwin and I had a fantastic array of mixed media and resin artworks on display. for the whole of June. I sold 6 pieces whihc was great - the ones left over are now off to galleries and the Original Art Sale.

Parklane Art Awards

Well on the 20th of June the Parklane Art Awards were held at the new Event centre at the museum.

Not only was it a fantastic event and venue but the art was brilliant. 25 artworks from around NZ were auctioned off for charity - Kids Can Trust.

My artwork was sold for $1200 - YAY!

YAY!! THINKING BLOGGER AWARD!!

I got nominated by Donna Steel http://donnasteelartist.blogspot.com/ for the "thinking blogger award" http://www.thethinkingblog.com - Thanks!! Check out Donnas blog to see amazing works of art in progress with incredible texture!!

Now for the hard bit ... part of receiving this award means choosing 5 other bloggers to pass the award onto. These blogs are meant to make you think in some way or another ..... ARGGGGH its very hard to pick from so many awesome blogs .... well ... here goes.

These blogs are in no order... I realise they are all art related ... but thats just where my life is at the moment ... love checking them out ...

1) Erika Husselmann http://erikahusselmann.blogspot.com/ Erika is based in Auckland, New Zealand. She is an awesome artist and I especialy love her more whimsical pieces.

2) IKSRobertson http://artnz.blogspot.com/ Ian is based in Akaora, New Zealand . He is a very talented artist and one who inspires me greatly.

3) Sandra Toornstra http://dreamswork.blogspot.com/ Sandra is Coromandel based artist. Just love seeing where shes at with her art and reading all her musings.

4) Daily Painters Marketplace http://marketplace-daily-art.blogspot.com/ These artists are an inspiration in so many ways. Seeing what they can achieve every day by setting themselves goals ... a goal I hope to go back to at some stage.

5) David Darrow http://www.everydaypaintings.com/ Fascintaing to read the story behind the art .... !

Please check out their blogs - I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Ocean Deep

Title: Ocean Deep
Media: Mixed Media, acrylic
Size: 38cm x 76cm
SOLD - Now hanging in parents home

This photo doesnt show the depth of colour - or even the colour variation! . The textured parts have more metallic gold in them. Looks stunning in the flesh and I dont even like these colours usually! lol

Ocean Swirl

Title: Ocean Swirl

Media: Mixed media, acrylic with gloss finish

Size: 46cm x 61cm

For sale: contact me sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

Heavily textured andpainted in blues, greens and aqua. This painting just evolved I had no direction with this one - not even my usual colour palette! But is one of my favourite pieces I've ever created!

Sincerity

Title: Sincerity

Media: Acrylic and resin

Size: 30cm x 30cm

For Sale: contact me sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

Round and Round

TITLE: Round and Round
MEDIA: Acrylic
SIZE 15cm x 15cm
SOLD

Painted in blues. All dots are hand painted by brush. I've done a couple of these style - and for me they are about communication and relationships. When you feel like you're going round and round in circles ... some lasting longer than others ... but never quite resolving anything .. only to start again later ....

The Way the Cookie Crumbles

TITLE: The Way the Cookie Crumbles
MEDIA: Mixed media - acrylic, garnet gel and resin
SIZE: 30cm x 22cm
SOLD

Painted in Earthy tones with a hint of metallic. We've all heard the phrase the way the cookie crumbles - usually it is connected with somehting that is out of our control and unfortunate which can bring us disappointment - the resin signifying the tears.

Conception

Title: Conception

Size: 30cm x 40cm

Media: Mixed Media

SOLD

Earthy tones with metallic highlights - garnet gel and resined in places

Two people meeting, joining, becoming one in order to create a unique independant individual ...

Two Hearts that Beat as One

Title - "Two Hearts that Beat as One"
Size - 15 x 15
Media - mixed media with resin
SOLD Found a new home in Australia :)

Taken with flash (sorry) -red, black and gold which is metallic

This symbolises the mother and her unborn child - two seperate heart beats that are inextricably linked til birth - the joining of the two lives in utero. The gold around the central heart beat symbolising the love warmth and committment to the unborn life within ... Two hearts that beat as one

Wish

Title: Wish
Size: 15cm x 15cm
Mixed media: Acrylic, paua, and resin (photo taken before resin was applied)
SOLD

This piece was inspired by the first star at night - where you always make a wish - a very minimalist piece.

Hope

Title: Hope
Size: 15cm x 15cm
Mixed media: Acrylic, paua, and resin (photo taken before resin ws applied)
SOLD

The cross in the middle symbolises hope - a very minimalist piece.

Arghhhh

Still having problems uploading images ... so frustrating because I want to share all the new art that I've been doing lately ....

Opening night of the exhibition went well - sold 3 of mine ... YAY!!!!

It's on for the whole of June - so if you didnt make the opening theres still time :)

On The Edge

Title: On the Edge
Media: Mixed media - acrylic, modelling compound, leaves, resin
Size: Triptych - 25cm x 50cm each
SOLD

ARGHHHH

yet again I cant seem to upload images - been going on for a couple of days now ....very frustrating because I now have 4 more waiting to show you .....

EVERYONES INVITED!!!!!

Catherine Outwin and I are having an exhibition showcasing amazing mixed media and resin artworks!

Opening night

May 31st 6-7:30pm

10% discount!!!

Bruce Mason Centre,

Takapuna,

Auckland

The exhibition will be showing for the whole of June. The Bruce Mason Centre is open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-4.

Sticks and Stones

I did 6 small pieces for the latest NZ Art Guild theme week challenge. The theme was "supernatural" I decided to have a play on words and all my pieces were created wtih natural things which are super for you! hehehe Can you guess what I've used for each of them?

TITLE: Sticks and Stones

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm

MEDIA: mixed media with resin

SOLD

Sea Shells

I did 6 small pieces for the latest NZ Art Guild theme week challenge. The theme was "supernatural" I decided to have a play on words and all my pieces were created wtih natural things which are super for you! hehehe Can you guess what I've used for each of them?

For some reason my camera just won't show the depth and colour variation nor texture - so these photos don't do them justice!

TITLE: Salt and Pepper

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm

MEDIA: mixed media with resin

SOLD

Salvation

I did 6 small pieces for the latest NZ Art Guild theme week challenge. The theme was "supernatural" I decided to have a play on words and all my pieces were created wtih natural things which are super for you! hehehe Can you guess what I've used for each of them?

For some reason my camera just won't show the depth and colour variation nor texture - so these photos don't do them justice!

TITLE: Salvation

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm

MEDIA: mixed media with resin

SOLD

Salt and Pepper

I did 6 small pieces for the latest NZ Art Guild theme week challenge. The theme was "supernatural" I decided to have a play on words and all my pieces were created wtih natural things which are super for you! hehehe Can you guess what I've used for each of them?

TITLE: Salt and Pepper

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm

MEDIA: mixed media with resin

SOLD

Rising Sea

I did 6 small pieces for the latest NZ Art Guild theme week challenge. The theme was "supernatural" I decided to have a play on words and all my pieces were created with natural things which are super for you! hehehe Can you guess what I've used for each of them?

For some reason my camera just won't show the depth and colour variation nor texture - so these photos don't do them justice!

TITLE: Rising Sea

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm

MEDIA: mixed media with resin

SOLD

Fragile - Handle with Care

I did 6 small pieces for the latest NZ Art Guild theme week challenge. The theme was "supernatural" I decided to have a play on words and all my pieces were created wtih natural things which are super for you! hehehe Can you guess what I've used for each of them?

For some reason my camera hates red and texture - so these photos don't do them justice!




TITLE: Fragile - handle with care
SIZE: 25cm x 25cm
MEDIA: mixed media with resin
SOLD

YAY!!!

Well I did say my focus had shifted this year to exhibitions etc. Well today I got my acceptance letter for the Parklane Art Awards. YAY!!

This is an annual award with a charity focus. Artists are slected to exhibit one piece (minimum size 60cm x 60cm). At the end of the exhibiton the pieces are all auctioned off at a charity event at Auckland Museum. 50% of the sale goes to the Charity "Kids Can" Trust (a FANTASTIC cause!) and 50% goes to the artist.

Tonight I have also been busy finishing off 5 pieces for Rangitoto College art Sale and one piece for the Pumphouse Art Awards. Phew!!!

My next goal is the exhibition with Catherine Outwin in June. Need to pull finger and finish off these pieces!!

What Lies Beneath

The NZAG Each month choose a master whome members try to emulate the style of. This month was Franz Marc. I LOVE his art and have been focussing on a new series and style since October. Heres the next one to add to this series.

TITLE: What Lies Beneath

MEDIA: Modelling paste and Acrylic on Canvas

SIZE: 90cm x 60cm x 3.5cm (HUGE for me! lol)

SOLD - FINALIST AT THE PARKLANE ART AWARDS. Sold at auction for $1200

half the proceeds from the sale went to Kids Can Trust

Multiple layers and colours with heavy texture with metallic gold highlights.

NZ Art Guild Theme Week - Lines

Every fortnight NZ Art Guild members are given 2 weeks to complete an original artwork based on a certain theme. This week the theme was LINE.

Once all the images are uploaded to the private forum - members can then vote for the artwork/s they think best suit the theme and for the one they think is the most original interpretation. The winning artworks are then displayed on the NZ Art Guild website - http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/ So check it out to see which were the favs!

TITLE: Rock My Soul
MATERIALS: Acrylic, plaster of paris and resin on canvas
SIZE: 30cm x 20cm x 3.5cm
FOR SALE: contact me sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

Classic colours of red, black and gold. The piece down the centre is made of plaster of paris and has a fabulous texture with lots of twists and turns. The whole piece is then covered in resin giving it an amazing glassy appearance.

This was inspired by "Rock My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham" - more specifically the words - "so high you can't get over it, so low you can't get under it, so wide you can't get round it, oh rock my soul" This was a song that my father used to play on records (yes those old things! lol) when we were VERY young ;) My sister and I just LOVED it!! Again and again and again - as you do when you're kids! hehehehe



TITLE: Drawing the Line
MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

This piece is heavily textured with modelling paste and has many layers of colours.

The phrase "draw a line in the sand and move forward" inspired this piece. Sometimes it's not that easy to just draw one "line". Sometimes you have to be pateint and repeat the act several times before you can truly move forward.

Another one of my emotional pieces with the texture symbolising lifes ups and downs and the colours the ranges of emotions.

Phew! Where has the last month gone?!?!?

Havent been painting much at all. But I have had a little play with a couple of things and hope that my hectic life will quiet down enough so that I can paint some new and fabulous artworks for the exhibiton in June! Now, if you want to know whats kept me away from the brushes all this time - check out the new NZ Art Guild website.
http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/

My first project for the last month was to complete my "patch" for our family "patchwork painting that we are doing. This is my sons "project" so hes chosen the colours - the designs - how many patches are going to be given out and to who.

The other thing I did was play around with colour combinations for my dot series. Some were just not suitable for public viewing! lol

The other two pieces I completed were older ones I reworked.

Here's one of them -

Life Redone - For Sale contact me sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

"Not So Simple"

TITLE: Not So Simple
MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
SIZE: 46cm x 60cm x 3.5cm
FOR SALE: contact me sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

Every 2 weeks NZ Art Guild members are given a theme challenge. They have to complete an original artwork based on a specified topic - this one was "Simple"

When I heard this topic I couldnt get the saying out of my head "I Love you - it's as simple and as complicated as that" For anyone thats ever been in love they will be able to identify with this... the path of true love never runs smooth...

This is symbolised by the texture and the "pathways" running through it, the different colours represent all the emotions you experience. The many layers are the different depths of people, of their emotions and even different levels of communication. The crisp lines are the illusion - you think love is enough, that things should be clear cut because you love someone. Well its far more complicated than that.

Heavily textured with modelling paste. Many layers of paint have been used to build this up. Whole painting has a narrow black border (just been cropped unevenly in the photo sorry)

Another 2 weeks have passed!

Where did that time go????

I've been so busy managing the NZ Art Guild and all the changes that's going through, that I haven't done hardly any painting nor have I even updated my blog....very slack!!

I do hope things will settle...but maybe I need to be realistic and accept they won't...that this is my lot for the moment....and its all good...just a different direction from what I had intended to take last year. :-)

Anyway...my goal at the moment is to at least try to complete the theme challenges the NZ Art Guild has each fortnight. Once a fortnight a topic is announced and members can participate in these. It gives them the opportunity to push themselves..t.hink outside the square and complete an original artwork based on that topic within 2 weeks. Members can then choose to list them on Trade me and sell them.

My next post will have my theme week entry for this fortnight....And if you have the time...login to Trade me and search for NZ Art Guild to see all the other fab artwork!

WAAAAHHHHHH

Havent touched the brushes for days now. Have been so busy with the kids and doing NZ Art Guild work that I've barely had time to breathe.... I think I did bite off more than I could chew this year with the painting a day and everything else...but I will still try my hardest. Hopefully things will settle down a bit soon and I will have time to create!

Journeys

I reworked Truth # 7 for this piece...ok totally unrecognisable now! lol so I needed to rename it too.

TITLE: Journeys
MATERIALS: Acrylic and crystal gel on canvas
SIZE: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured in places. Painted in blues and metallic silver (looks white really)

TITLE: Sincerity # 5 (13/01/07) - Reworked 21/2/07

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 22cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured, painted in rich earthy tones with metallic bronze highlights. Finished wtih a gloss varnish to bring out the colours.

The quote that inspired this piece is "If in work you meet with some difficulties, look sincerely into yourself and there you will discover their origin" Sri Aurobindo Ashram

THe obstacles are the textured raised areas...the dots the pathways... life...

Reworking paintings - Islands in the Stream (of life)

Ok....so I had several artworks I just wasn't completely happy with...so at the moment my painting a day is reworking all of them. Would you beleive the one I did two days ago is the one I reworked tonight! lol

Let me know which you prefer...take one or take two :)

TITLE: Islands in the Stream (of life) - Take 2
SIZE: 20cm x 40cm

MEDIA: Acrylic and crystal gel on canvas

SOLD

The textured areas have a crystal gel medium in it. The dots are handpainted - black, white and grey.

The textured areas are the Islands in life...the obstacles put in our path.....we can let them stop us or we can find a way around them. Lifes path is never straight....sometimes you feel like youre going round in circles but you are always making progress in some way.....

I'm back to feeling all inspired again...can't wait to finish reworking the other 2 I started....its all very exciting!

Earnest # 4

Ok...I didnt paint this form scratch....I reworked an older one that just wasnt working for me...actually I'm doing that a bit lately...sick of the unfinshed ones sitting looking at me....

And I reworked it again in April - Added resin to it and it really bought out the depth of colour

TITLE: Earnest # 4 (04/01/07)
MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas
SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm
GIFTED - To a very special friend for their birthday - thankyou for being my jester :) xx

Painted in red and yellow. There is a subtle curved pattern dotted through it in metallic gold then surrounded by black dots.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Act in earnest and you will become earnest in all you do" - William James

Islands in the Stream (of life)

TITLE: Islands in the Stream (of life)

SIZE: 20cm x 40cm
MEDIA: Acrylic and crystal gel on canvas
I'VE REWORKED THIS ONE ABOVE - Take a look at the new version

The textured areas are metallic peral white and have a crystal gel medium in it. The dots are handpainted - black, white and grey.

The textured areas are the Islands in life...the obstacles put in our path.....we can let them stop us or we can find a way around them. Lifes path is never straight....sometimes you feel like youre going round in circles but you are always making progress in some way.....

Families

TITLE: Families

SIZE: 20cm x 40cm

MEDIA: Acrylic and flax weave on canvas

SOLD

The whole canvas has been covered with a weaved flax mat, painted black then dark green brushed over. The dots are all hand painted again - green, lime green and metallic gold.

This painting has significance in several ways.. The flax weaving and korus used in this piece are very traditional NZ - from the Maori culture. The flax weaving to me represents lives weaving together, laying down foundations for everything else....The korus represent rebirth, spiritual growth etc.... reaching higher and higher.

I was talking to a counsellor this week, who was reminding me of something very basic in relationships. When you meet your partner you feel that you "click" are alike, have common bonds etc. But in reality you don't. The assumptions you make are the downfall of your relationship. You both come from different families...who had different values, beliefs and ways of doing things (yes even if you are both from the same culture you can't assume you were raised the same way) Then you add in the other influences in your life...other relationships you have...what may have worked in one...and been ok...just isn't in this one.

Families ....you look the same on the outside...but look closer...and its not quite as it seems.

Anyway...I could go on and on....but that just gives you a little insight into this artwork.

Pathways

TITLE: Pathways (13/02/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas
SIZE: 15cm x 30cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Painted in red, black, white and grey. All the dots are handpainted by brush.