On Fire - textured abstract painting

TITLE: On Fire

MEDIA: Mixed Media with Acrylic (to have resin applied still)

SIZE: 45cm x 45cm

“Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.” - Bruce Lee

Down To Earth - textured abstract painting

TITLE: Down To Earth

MEDIA: Mixed Media - Fabric and Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 30cm x 80cm

FOR SALE: Contact sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

This piece is painted in earthy tones (looks more red in the photo) with metallic bronze circles on fabric which gives it a unique texture.

Down to Earth - is about feeling grounded - emotionally - being balanced - hence the 4 circles

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.” Tao Te Ching

Royal Easter Show Art Awards 2008

Last night I attended the opening of these fantastic art awards. With over 800 artworks on display there was certainly something there for everyone.

NZ Art Guild Members Win Top Art Awards Royal Easter Show Art Awards, March 2008

KG FRASER ART AWARD
Was awarded to Ingrid Boot
This is the major award of the show and is awarded by the judges to the artwork that they feel is the best in the entire exhibition / competition. An artist can only win this once in their career.

PROFESSIONAL ART SECTION
1st Prize was awarded to Ingrid Boot

OPEN SECTION - The Royal Easter Shows theme for this year was "Natures Harmony"to highlight the diversity of our country
1st Prize was awarded to Gail Boyle
3rd Prize was awarded to Elspeth Alix Batt
4th Prize - was awarded to Sally Blyth

RAYE HANNAM MEMORIAL AWARD
1st prize awarded to the best watercolour
This was awarded to Elspbeth Alix Batt

NEW ARTIST AWARD
A beginner with up to 4 years experience
1st Prize - was awarded to Helen McNamara
2nd Prize - was awarded to Anne Lengauer

ACRYLIC SECTION
2nd Prize - was awarded to Sally Blyth
3rd Prize - was awarded to Sally Blyth


CONGRATULATIONS to eveyone on an outstanding achievement!!


Please check out the home page of the NZ Art Guild www.nzartguild.co.nz site next week to see photos of these award winning artworks.

Beauty Tips from Audrey Hepburn

Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her 'beauty tips.' It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness...

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Innocence - mixed media, textured, abstract painting

My first painting in about 5 months!!! YAY!!

TITLE: - Innocence
MEDIA:- mixed media - Heavily textured using flax mat, garnet gel, modelling paste and acrylic paint
SIZE:- 91cm x 61cm

NOT FOR SALE:- This was done as a very special commission for one of my closest and dearest friends. She has always been there for me through good and bad times. Thank you!! (although she does tell me I'm one of the most naive people she's ever met ;) lol)


SYMBOLISM:- The colours symbolise innocence - green as in fresh/new- white as in purity - black is the innocence gone - gold the preciousness of innocence.


This was completed for the NZ Art Guild's fortnightly theme challenge where members are given a subject to paint to and technique to include. This weeks challenge was "Innocence"and the technique was dry brushing. This whole piece (apart from the metallic gold circles) are all done by dry brushing.


Check out the NZ Art Guild website to see the winners on Wednesday http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/

Thought of the day

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending

Green Dog - have no idea why it was called this!

1. I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you..
2. No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won't make you cry.
3. Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
4. A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.
5. The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can't have them.
6. Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.
7. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
8. Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste their time on you.
9. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
10. Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.
11. There's always going to be people that hurt you so what you have to do is keep on trusting and just be more careful about who you trust next time around.
12. Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you try and know someone else and expect them to know you.
13. Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.

REMEMBER: WHATEVER HAPPENS, HAPPENS FOR A REASON.

I Believe ....

I received this many years ago - I can't remember where from - but these words have stayed with me through the years - some of them I didnt believe when I first received it - but through lifes experiences it made me realise just how true they are - and how important they are to remember....


I believe
- That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
- That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
- That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
- That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
- That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
- That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
- That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
- That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
- That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
- That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
- That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
- That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
- That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
- That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
- That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
- That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how manybirthdays you've celebrated.
- That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
- That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
- That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
- That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do
- That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
- That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
- That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
- That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
- That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
- That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

In times of loss

I read this a few years ago - and have always remembered it - it's something that I find comforting as well as putting things in perspective - making you thankful rather than grieving ....

http://www.ladyjayes.com/season.html - if you want to read it with music and an image - otherwise - it's copied below :-)


A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime

People always come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, or to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall, the season eventually ends.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.

Power......

The most destructive habit..............................Worry
The greatest Joy.......................................Giving
The greatest loss........................Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work.......................Helping others
The ugliest personality trait.....................Selfishness
The most endangered species.................Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource.......................Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"..................Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome.........................Fear
The most effective sleeping pill................Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease....................Excuses
The most powerful force in life..........................Love
The most dangerous pariah..........................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer................The brain
The worst thing to be without........................ Hope
The deadliest weapon...............................The tongue
The two most power-filled words......................."I Can"
The greatest asset......................................Faith
The most worthless emotion..........................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire..............................SMILE!
The most prized possession......................... Integrity
The most contagious spirit.........................Enthusiasm

Everyone has something to give

Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life's blood. But everyone has something to give. --Barbara Bush

Take charge of your time

Take charge of your time

Time management is the crucial tool in achieving this. While time is finite and something we take for granted, the truth is we all get exactly the same amount of time - 24 hours per day! From students to corporate heads - no one gets any more hours in the day.

Again, like clutter clearing, learning to manage your time will increase your productivity, allowing you to focus on your priorities. There's no need to adopt an old-fashioned one-size-fits-all mentality regarding time management. You can, and should personalise a plan that fits your needs.

Honestly ask yourself how and when are you most likely to 'waste' time, then look for ways to minimise these time traps. Resolve to block out chunks of time for specific projects and plan a realistic schedule. Experiment until you find a system that works for you, then make it part of your daily routine.

Clear Clutter

Clear Clutter

Clearing clutter is a great first therapeutic step in simplifying your life. Seriously, it’s not just for tidy freaks! Re-organise your home and work space and you will simultaneously boost your productivity while reducing your stress levels.

First, identify all the areas that need your attention, prioritise your problem areas, then commit to a clutter busting plan. A great tip, is to start with what is bothering you most, whether it's a stash of phone messages or old files. If you hate that pile of papers on your desk, start there. If it’s a junk room or cupboard threatening to explode, tackle that first.

Focus on a little bit of clutter at a time, rather than attempting a major overhaul in one sitting. Consider re-organising filing cabinets, drawers, what could be better used elsewhere, what is no longer required?

Rest assured, that after your initial clear-out, once you have set up new systems, regular maintenance won't be nearly as daunting. For example, to keep on top of everything use the well known 4 D:
(1) Do it now (if it takes less than a minute)
(2) Deal with it later (but schedule a time for this)
(3) Delegate it or
(4) Ditch or delete it. Use this trick and you will no longer have disorganised piles of paperwork threatening to topple or an out of control in-box.

Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it forgoes revenge and dares forgive an injury -- E.H. Chapin

I wish more people would remember this - and put it into practice - wouldn't it make for a more peaceful and fulfilling life for all concerned ......

The happiest people in the world are not those who have no problems, but those who learn to live with things that are less than perfect.


This is defintely my new favourite - its an extension of one of my first posts -
If you can't change the situation, you need to change the way you look at it.

Take a look around you at the people that are happy - some carry such heavy burdens but always with a smile - and time for others .... Its not that they don't have trouble, stress, pain, hurt - it's all about how they choose to look at it and live with it ...... Often we don't even know what others are going through

The Starfish Story

I love this one - havent seen it for a while - but it landed in my inbox again today - it has a very important message to remember .....


A man was walking along the beach and saw a lone figure dancing about. Fascinated, he moved closer. He realized that the young man was not dancing, but in one graceful movement was picking objects up from the beach and tossing them back into the ocean.

As he approached closer, he saw these objects were starfish."Why are you throwing starfish into the water?"

"If the starfish are still on the beach when the tide goes out, they will die." replied the young man as he continued tossing them out to sea..

"That's ridiculous! There are thousands of miles of beaches and millions of stranded starfish. You can't possibly make a difference."

The young man picked up another starfish, paused thoughtfully, and remarked as he tossed it out into the waves,"IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO THAT ONE!"

Thought of the day

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Choose your words for they become actions.
Understand your actions for they become habits.
Study your habits for they will become your character.

I received this today ... and I've read it before - but it does remind you that things in life happen for a reason .... look for the silver lining ... appreciate the little things ... and smile :-)

The 'L I T T L E' Things. . .

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was His turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because herAlarm clock didn't go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the NJ TurnpikeBecause of an auto accident.
One of them Missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to takeTime to change.
One's Car wouldn't start.
One went back to Answer the telephone.
One had a Child that dawdled And didn't get ready as soon as he should have.
One couldn'tGet a taxi.
The one that struck me was the man Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, Took the various means to get to work But before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am Stuck in traffic, Miss an elevator, Turn back to answer a ringing telephone... All the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, This is exactly where my guardian angel wants me to be At this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be Going wrong, The children are slow getting dressed, You can't seem to find the car keys, You hit every traffic light, Don't get mad or frustrated; It May be just that Someone is watching over you. May Love continue to find you With all those annoying little things And may you remember their possible purpose.

Ara Fine Art Student Awards 2008

The top 2007 Year 13 art students from 25 of Auckland City's secondary schools received $1,000 each, at the annual Ara Fine Arts Awards’ and an annual subscription to the NZ Art Guild.

The Fine Arts Awards ceremony was sponsored by the Ara Lodge 348 Irish Constitution and the NZ Art Guild. The Award ceremony was held on Friday the 8th of February and the student's portfolios were on display. These were testaments to their artistic talents and diversity.

All the award winners are continuing their art education in various creative industries this year. Congratulations to ......

Reid Douglas - Onehunga High School

Marcel Denize - Marcellin College

Antonina Depczynski - Avondale College

Rajbir Kaur - Otahuhu College

Yi Wen Lu - Selwyn College

Van Senefili - Mangere College

Sammy Ho - Mt Albert Grammar School

Joshua Burrowes - Dilworth School

Bobby Chen - Mt Roskill Grammar School

Marcus Brown - Kings College

Sarah Wood - Corran School

Louisa Carter - St Marys College

Sione Fifita - Tamaki College

Jordan Veth - Lynfield College

Lawrence Wong Ka Wai - Auckland Grammar School

Alice Murray - Diocesan School

Kezia Milne - ACG College

Rose Wei - Glendowie College

Olivia Barnes - Epsom Girls Grammar School

Katarina Mrsic - Baradene College

Hannah Valentine - Auckland Girls Grammar School

Edwin Foliaki - Sacred Heart College

Ashleigh Blake - St Cuthberts College

Ember Winslow - Western Springs College

Alex Dixon - St Peters College

Jessica Fitzpatrick - Auckland Girls Grammar School [2006]

For full details go to - http://www.ara348ic.org.nz/

Cherokee Wisdom

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt,resentment, inferiority , lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy,peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy,generosity, truth, compassion and faith'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?' The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'