Bayswater

A little lunch break 'quicky' done back in August. For those who know Perth, this is from Bayswater looking across the river to Ascot.
About 8x12in

Wild Lilies

A clump of these Arum Lilies grow beside our driveway.
They've often caught the eye with a "I must paint them someday" response. That day came on Thursday. I chopped a few off and brought them into my cave, swallowed that whining cynics voice that tells me to be wary of floral subjects. After a prolonged "ugly stage" they made it out I think better than I'd expected. The the accompanying foliage I found quite dull and compositionally problematic so it got the abstract treatment with the colour knob on "10".
After a mostly aquarelle experience it's hard to keep a lid on the chromatic brilliance of oil.
I find oil paintings extremely difficult to photograph. This is fairly close, with a some minimal sacrifices in the stems to get the gray bg right.
60x44cm
Oil on Masonite (hardboard)

AlleyArtCarpet

Sitting back chilling here to Killing Joke's "Pandemonium" album, with a nice Scotch, looking through some photos. Found this one of an alley off an alley in Perth.
I like the design from this perspective.
Thought it would make a nice rug.
So I cunningly weaved it on two old hessian bags with hand coloured string spun from virgin yak pubes using a found BBQ skewer.
Well the idea ran through my head but photoshop seemed quicker.
Sadly the local fascist city council has since erased this design from the turquoise wall.
This fits with the alley paintings
from last year.

City of Melville Art Award 2009

"Brides by Design" received a High Commendation at the City of Melville Art Awards last week.
Not quite the same as last year's top honour but it's great to get a nod of approval from ones peers.

Ghost Gum

Uluru

We're rapidly nearing the end of our time here in Alice Springs. After Easter we'll be back in Perth and this photographic dominated travel log will give way to painting I expect.

This selection of photos were taken at Uluru (Ayres Rock) last weekend when we adventured the 1200km loop from Alice Springs to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and back to Alice via Hermannsburg.

A warm up for the 3000km road trip next weekend.

Petroglyphs

These petroglyphs are in N'Dala Gorge about 100km east of Alice Springs.
The gorge is an area of great significance to the Eastern Arrente Tribe
To reach the gorge requires a 4wd but the scenery is outstanding and I highly recommend a visit.
These petroglyphs are said to be a conservative 10,000 yrs old.
They are not surrounded by fences or security. Just sitting there for anyone to look at and touch. Not a sign of vandalism or graffiti to be seen. The place emanates a very spiritual aura. A wonderful place.