Truth # 12 - Parting of the Ways

TITLE: Truth # 12 (31/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic, fabric and resin on canvas

SIZE: 25cm x 50cm x 3.5cm

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 this month...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

Truth # 11

TITLE: Truth # 11 (30/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

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

The quote "You'll never find yourself until you face the truth" - Pearl Bailey

Truth # 10

TITLE: Truth # 10 (29/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in red, yellow, orange and white. All the dots are handpainted by brush.

The quote - "Sapiens nihil affirmat quod non probat - A wise man states as true nothin he does not prove".

In other words don't swear to anything you don't know firsthand. This was something that I spent the last year teaching my step son. I hope he can continue to put this into practice.

Truth # 9

I actually did paint this yesterday....finished it just before midnight but was too exhausted after a day of shifting, cleaning, organising and kiddies to list it.

TITLE: Truth # 9 (28/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

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

The quote that inspired this artwork is one of my favourites. I recently did a painting for my son and painted these words on the side also.

"It is easier to find a score of men wise enough to discover the truth than to find one intrepid enough in the face of opposition to stand up for it" - A A Hodge

Truth # 8

TITLE: Truth # 8 (26/01/07)
MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

This piece has been totally reworked as of 14/04/07 - see above

Heavily textured with modelling paste. Painted in layers of blue, terracotta and orange.

The quote reads "Our minds posses by nature an insatiable desire to know the truth" - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Truth # 7

TITLE: Truth # 7 (25/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

Painted in red, dark blue and white. I've used lots of different techniques in this one. It also has a slight texture to it. There were HUGE emotions exploding in me when I started this painting...I just had to get them out...and scraffeto is just a fabulous technique for that!

The quote is written on the side and reads "Honest and courageous people have very little to say about either their courage or their honesty. The sun has no need to boast of his brightness, nor the moon of her effulgence" - Hosea Ballou

Truth # 6

TITLE: Truth # 6 (24/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This is very basic....white on black...inspired by Hotere...similar to a series I did a year ago....

The paintings at the moment are very significant to me...they are a reflection of my own personal circumstances....not painted to appeal to a mass market...more a cathartic experience....

This one symbolises different aspects of life good...evil...truth...deception...pathways...directions....going round and round....and salvation is still there.....somewhere....don't give up hope....no matter how bleak things can be...you haven't seen the light til you've seen the dark....

The quote "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant" - Martin Luther King

Truth # 5

TITLE: Truth # 5 (23/01/07)
MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas
SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm
NOT FOR SALE
This was specifically painted for my 5yr old daughter Maria. She just loves these dot paintings. So she commissioned me to do one...payment in kisses and hugs! Initially she wanted circles..then she wanted all of the ones I had done previously..then lastly she asked for stick people!! lol I steered her more towards designs than people....in the end she settled for one similar to a previous one. But in her colours...purple...pink...metallic white and metallic gold

All the dots are hand painted by brush. AWFUL photo again!...taken at night in bad lighting again! I must learn to paint earlier in the day....hehehe

The quote for this artwork is a phrase my mother taught me form a young age.... "Be true to yourself" or "to thine own self be true" (if she was feeling in a more proper mood!) It took me well into my adult years to really truly understand this...and into my 30's to put it into practice. I hope my daughter can learn faster than I did!

She's got a fiercely independent streak...which is slowly being replaced with a desperate need to be a people pleaser (this is an all too common trait in women today) I want her to be true to herself.... be who you are...not who you think people want you to be...don't put on a facade because you're scared people won't like the real you... don't do things that don't sit right with you just so that you don't rock the boat and somone will love you... don't loose yourself...don't supress who you are...don't be scared to be you...you are a fantastic individual with a bright future ahead of you...! "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather that to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence" Fredrick Douglass.

To my angel...take this message with you always...love mummy xx

To mum..thanks for the pearls of wisdom...which you may have thought I would never truly understand...put into practice or realise...but I want you to know that I have...Love you xx (bet you never thought it would pass down generations! hehehe)

Truth # 4

TITLE: Truth # 4 (22/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

NOT FOR SALE

This has been done specifically for a gorgeous friend of mine (and a great artist too! ) - to Tanya :)

Painted in red, black, grey and cream. All the dots are handpainted by brush. AWFUL photo...taken at night in bad lighting.

This was inspired by the quote "honesty is not only the first step towards greatness, it is greatness itself" - Christian Nestell Bovee

Yes I know its similar to one of the dot paintings I did earlier this month...this particular pattern seems to be quite popular...in fact my daughter wanted to keep the first one and was so upset that I was selling it...so I have promised to do one for her...in her favourite colours...being 5 you can just guess what they are...pink and purple! lol That one I will start tomorrow....

Truth # 3

TITLE: Truth # 3 (21/01/07)
MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas
SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

yes I know its another dot painting... I'm going to have to think of a better name for them too. If anyone can suggest something please feel free! lol

Painted in red, black, white and grey. All the dots are handpainted by brush.This one really has a lot of symbolism and is quite a personal painting. The black symbolises lies, white - truth, grey the area between. The red symbolises the emotions that lying arouses anger, hurt, betrayal, broken heart. The pattern is the tangled web and the crossing over from lies to truth. The ripple effect that one lie has.....

Personal experience and the quote "what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive" inspired this artwork.

Truth # 2

TITLE: Truth # 2 (20/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

NOT FOR SALE

My son wanted this painting so its his now! It has 3 different phrases now painted around the edges. He's a gorgeous boy who is quite exceptional for 7. He is a very deep thinker and feeler. Very philosphical, spiritual and intuitive. Wonderful loving, giving nature. Full of concern for every animal and person. He's a staunch vegetarian already and I can just see him becoming some kind of human/animal rights activist when he's older! lol

To my gorgeous boy Ryan,

"A man can never hope to be more than he is if he is not first honest about what he isn't"

"It is easier to find a score of men wise enough to discover the truth than to find one intrepid enough in the face of opposition to stand up for it"

I'm so proud of you for all your strength and courage through adversity. You've displayed maturity beyond your years.

Be true to yourself always.

with much love Mum

Painted in red, black and metallic gold.

The quote is written on the side and reads "A man can never hope to be more than he is if he is not first honest about what he isn't" - Don Williams Jnr

Truth # 1

TITLE: Truth # 1 (19/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

Painted in red (the red looks very orangey in the photo but is actually a deep red with a spalsh of the orange red) and black.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Our lives only improve when we take chances - and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves" - Walter Andreson

SORRY GUYS!

Have had huge dramas the last few days...and havent been able to get near the paints. Feel really gutted about it because I was so inspired.....have posted another painting of mine instead, called "Life" .... seemed appropriate ....

TITLE: Life

MEDIA: Acrylic, fabric and resin on canvas

SIZE: 30cm x 60cm x 3.5cm

Here are the three quotes that I was planning on using for the 16th, 17th and 18th.

16th: "A friend is a person with whom I can be sincere. Before him I may think aloud" - Ralph Wald Emerson

17th: "You have it easily in your power to increase the sum of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime" - Dale Carnegie

18th: "Sincere forgiveness isnt coloured with the expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry wether they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds backtruth to people in its own way and time" - Sara Paddison

Sincerity # 7

TITLE: Sincerity # 7 (14/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in red (the red looks very orangey int he photo but is actually a deep red), black, grey and cream. All the dots are handpainted by brush.

The quote is written on the side and reads "We are very apt to measure oursleves by our aspiration instead of our performance. But in truth the conduct of our lives is the only proof of the sincerity of our hearts"

Sincerity # 6

TITLE: Sincerity # 6 (14/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in blues and metallic pearl white. All the dots are handpainted by brush.

The quote is written on the side and reads "The only conclusive evidence of a mans sincerity is that he gives himself for a principle. Words, money, all things else are comparitively easy to give away; but when a man makes a gift of his daily life and practice, it is plain that the truth, whatever it may be, has taken possession of him" - James Russell Lowell

Sincerity # 5

TITLE: Sincerity # 5 (13/01/07)
MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas
SIZE: 22cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured, painted in rich earthy tones with metallic bronze highlights. I really wanted to apply resin to this one as I feel it would bring out the rich colour......maybe I still will if I get the time!

The quote is written on the side and reads "If in work you meet with some difficulties, look sincerely into yourself and there you will discover their origin" Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sincerity # 4

TITLE: Sincerity # 4 (12/01/07)
MATERIALS: Acrylic and resin on canvas - RESIN WAS ADDED AFTER THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN
SIZE: 15cm x 30cm x 3.5cm
Gifted to a lovely friend who is as full of life and colour as this artwork.

Multicoloured with metallic gold. Finished with resin which gives it a really glassy glossy appearance.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment" - Anthony Robbins

Sincerity # 3

TITLE: Sincerity # 3 (11/01/07)
MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas
SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Painted in greens and metallic gold. All the dots are handpainted by brush.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives" - William A Foster

Sincerity # 2

TITLE: Sincerity # 2 (10/01/07)

MEDIA: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This one was sold before I could even list it! Heavily textured with blue, yellow and red. Has metallic gold highlights.

The words are around the edges and read "Be courageous, enduring, vigilant and above all be sincere with perfect honesty, then you will be able to face all difficulties" - Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sincerity # 1

TITLE: Sincerity # 1 (09/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic, paua and resin on canvas

SIZE: 10cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in blues with pieces of paua in the centre and resin poured over. The resin gives it a really glassy effect.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Sincerity is to speak as we think, to do as we profess, to perform and make good what we promise and to really be what we would seem and appear to be" - John Tillotson

Earnest # 7

TITLE: Earnest # 7 (08/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

Gifted to an amazing friend who has the biggest heart of gold I know. Beautiful woman inside and out :) xx

Textured with modelling paste and then painted in reds, yellow and metallic gold.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Earnestness is the cause of patience; it gives endurance, overcomes pain, strengthens weakness, braves dangers, sustains hope, makes light of difficulties and lessens the sense of weariness in overcoming them" - Christian Nestell Bovee

Earnest # 6

TITLE: Earnest # 6

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in red, yellow and blues. The pattern has been scraped through creating a textured effect.

The quote is written on the side and reads "With sincerity and earnestness one can realize God through all religions"

Earnest # 5

TITLE: Earnest # 5 (06/01/07)
MEDIA: Acrylic on canvas
SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

** AWFUL PHOTO SORRY **

Painted in red, orange and yellow. There is a raised pattern through it with some curves highlighted in metallic gold.

The quote is written on the side and reads "The superior man is slow in his words and earnest in his conduct" Confucius

Sorry that there is no painting for yesterday - we were away on holiday (a very rare moment! lol) Now I'm itching to get back into it.....this is the first one back....and my head is exploding with more ideas inspired by our trip!

Earnest # 4

TITLE: Earnest # 4 (04/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

Painted in red and yellow. There is a subtle curved pattern dotted through it in metallic gold.

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

Earnest # 3

TITLE: Earnest # 3 (03/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This is a bright painting with multiple colours finished with resin. Such a vibrant glossy piece.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Five things consititue perfect virtue: gravity, magnanimity, earnestness, sincerity and kindness" - Confucius

Earnest # 2

TITLE: Earnest # 2 (02/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

The dots are all handpainted by brush and the colours are green, yellow and metallic gold.

The quote is written on the side and reads "A man in earnest finds means or if he cannot find, creates them" - William Ellery Channing

Earnest # 1

TITLE: Earnest # 1 (01/01/07)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

NOT FOR SALE

My little neice Tasha (Natasha - aged 3) has had a couple of sleep overs lately. Totally gorgeous little girl who worships my two kiddies. She has to do everyhting they do and be just like them. Thyey were showing her their latest artworks from me and Tasha goes "what about me. I take one home too?" Of course!!! So this was her pick :)

This piece is very difficult to photograph. I have taken one during the day, one at night and one at an angle. It is painted in black and white with a "purple" irridescent medium applied over it. It depends on light and angle how it appears at any given time.

The quote is written on the side and reads "Without earnestness no man is ever great, or does really great things. He may be the cleverest of men; he may be brillaint, entertaining, popular; but he will want weight. No soul-moving picture was ever painted that had not in it depth of shadow" - Peter Bayne

THEME FOR JANUARY - Earnestness, Sincerity, Honesty, Truth.

WELCOME TO THE START OF A BRAND NEW YEAR!! 2007 !!

The quality that I chose for the month of January proved to be a real challenge. Trying to find 30 quotes about earnestness that I liked was impossible. So I decided to branch out an include sincerity as they are nearly synonymous. By this stage I was still half a month short for quotes. Sigh

Even though I was feeling a bit disheartened over the task I set myself I didn't give up. I always enjoy a challenge!! lol What I did discover along this path was that honesty and truth are an integral part of both sincerity and earnestness. With that in mind I searched some more.

I now have a fabulous set of quotes made up of four different qualities that are all intertwined - Earnestness - Sincerity - Honesty - Truth. Below I have tried to offer up some definitions and explanations for each of the qualities.

EARNESTNESS
It proved to be a difficult word to find a definition for but hopefully the following will give you some idea - sincere, seriousness, a solemn and dignified feeling, commitment - sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose, determined - purposeful and sincere intent, heartfelt, devout.

SINCERITY
The definition for this includes, genuine, true, honest, pure, open and is characterized by by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions. Sincerity is the rare and often-admired virtue of speaking truly about one's feelings, thoughts, desires. Sincere expression carries risks to the speaker, since the ordinary screens used in everyday life are opened to the outside world. At the same time, we expect our friends, our lovers, our leaders "to be sincere."

TRUTH
Common dictionary definitions of truth mention some form of accord with fact or reality. There is no single definition of truth about which the majority of scholars agree, and numerous theories of truth continue to be widely debated. There are many differing claims on such questions as what constitutes truth, how to define and identify truth, what roles do revealed and acquired knowledge play, and whether truth is subjective, relative, objective, or absolute.

HONESTY
We are all familiar with this term which is more commonly used in the superficial sense ie. simply, stating facts and views as best one truly believes them to be. However, it also includes both honesty to others, and to oneself and about ones own motives and inner reality.I really like the way he Buddist teaching defines it “Real honesty is being honest about what your possibilities are, what your potentials are. That's where true honesty lies. It stretches us. It’s not simply admitting where we are - that’s a beginning step, it’s not the end step. So be honest about where you are but also be honest about what your possibilities are. That keeps the challenge of the path always before us.”