Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

Today is the first lesson this year, and it was great to be back. 

Greg usually gives us some task at the beginning of the year, and this one is the way to see and paint subjects that are very similar tonally. 

White, Naples Yellow Deep, Raw Umber and Ivory Black. It's amazing how much variety of tones these paints create. 

Towards the end, I noticed the cup on the right was too small, so I wiped it off. 

 

Work in progress. 16x20 in. 

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David Hockey, John Olsen exhibition at NGV

I went to NGV to see these exhibitions in the morning. 

 

I don't have much to say about this one. A guided tour was good, as always. 

His works on iPad are interesting, though. I can't help but think about Fauvism when I see them. Not a big fan. 

However, I hugely admire his passion for art. Apparently he has an insatiable appetite for drawing even at his age. That's very inspiring. 

I saw some masterpieces by Rembrandt upstairs. 'Two old men disputing', particularly is a great one. There's so much to learn from this. 

Then, I went to Federation Square to see this one. 

 

I actually liked his mark making. I do prefer Fred Williams, though. There are lots of ceramic works on display, and I loved these pottery. 

This is a good quote. 

 

There was a great self portrait by Hugh Ramsay upstairs. It's always nice to ses him in the flesh. 

Now, off to Greg's class. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

I went to Emelald Lake Park, one hour drive south-east of Melbourne, this morning. 

It's been 15 years since I came  here, I guess. I remember the Puffing Billy ride very well. I was fantastically excited, sitting on a window, with my legs dangling in the air. That will never be allowed in Japan. 

I saw an artist near the station, painting watercolour. Kevin Boucher is a well known painter. I had a great chat with him. 

I asked him if there's any spot he recommends, and here it is, I took his suggestion and set up my easel here. 

 

Again, water is always a challenge. I concentrated on the effect of light on trees, bridge and water. I spent 3 hours. 

 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

After lunch I took a walk. It was very busy here with lots of families with little kids. It's just a perfect weather. Very warm but not too hot. There's no cloud in the sky. 

I was wondering where I should paint the second one. This spot is where Kevin was painting in the morning. Obviously he knows what he was doing. It's really beautiful, and the effect of the light on water tanks, trees and station was irresistible. 

 

I spent 2 hours. I'm pretty happy with this one. 

Towards late afternoon, it got very quiet. Puffing Billy is such a lovely thing. It gives everyone a big smile. Next time, I'd like to take a ride. 

 

Oil on panel. 12x16 in. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Eildon, 2 hour drive north-east of Melbourne, this morning. 

I was a bit lost trying to find a good location for painting. And there are plenty. 

 

 

 

After lunch, I finally decided to paint from here. It's near the corner of Goulburn Valley Hwy and Pinniger Rd, looking towards south-west. 

 

Water is always a challenge. It often ends up very monotonous. I spent 2.5 hours. 

 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

Then, I drove back to Eildon Dam, and set up my easel here, looking towards east. 

 

Again, water!!  This one is a failure, I'm afraid. I spent 2 hours and gave up. 

 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

The area is very beautiful. It's a long drive, but worth it. 

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Utopia - film

On the eve of so-called 'Australia Day (??)', I can't think about anything better than watching this remarkable film by John Pilger. 

"We're refugees in our own country"

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Breakfast with Lucian - A Portrait of the Artist

 

Another wonderful audiobook from Audible, written by Geordie Greig and narrated by John Standing. 

This is a fascinating insight into one of the greatest painters in the history of modern art. 

Unlike reading an exhibition catalog, this book offers very intimate accounts based on his interviews during a breakfast at Clark's, hence its title. 

The author used to see a daughter of his second wife, Caroline. Pure coincidence, he insists. 

Through all those intriguing stories in the book, we feel a bit closer to this otherwise ferociously private artist. I liked it a lot. 

"I sometimes looked so hard at the subject that they would undergo involuntary magnification "

"If I concentrated enough, the intensity of scrutiny alone would force life into the pictures "

This is a good interview of the author by none other than Lynn Barber. 

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Holly Throsby at Northcote Social Club

 

A much anticipated national tour will kickstart in March with a new album 'After a Time'. 

The last time I saw her was at the Famous Spiegeltent in front of Arts Centre, I guess, 5 years ago. 

She's coming to Northcote, Melbourne on March 26 Sunday. 

Booked a ticket, I can't wait! 

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'Lion' - film

I went to Palace Cinema in Balwyn this afternoon. 

This is a powerful film based on a true story. Stellar performance by, well, everyone in the cast. 

I particularly liked the first half, depicting harsh reality of life in a slum. I'm not in a position of knowing how much it actually reflects the reality, but, it was really tough to watch. That child actor was really superb. 

It's very clever the way the film intertwined the present and the past seamlessly. 

A film that makes us think, and lingers in our minds for a long time. 

A definition of a great film. 

I wasn't a big fan of the use of soundtrack by Sia at the end of the film, when film credits started to roll. 

As much as I like her as a musician, I felt the song changed the tone and texture of the film so abruptly that it lost its integrity. Well, at least for me. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

I've just finished this one. It's a beautiful Manor House in Westerfolds Park, Templestowe. Unfortunately it's not used now. I've heard that it used to be a gallery for Aboriginal art works. 

It's a shame, really. 

 

I've done this subject a couple of times, so, it's familiar to me, but, light is always different depending on a time of a day and season. Painting will never be easy. 

I spent 2 hours. Lunch time, now. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

 

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Oil Painting at LastPeek Studio

I went to my favourite studio in Thornbury this afternoon. 

I've never seen Sarah before. She is a terrific model. A joy to paint. 

I spent 2 hours. 

Unfinished. 

Oil on panel. 12x16 in. 

 

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Certificate of Excellence in Haircutting

I didn't have any certificate in this country, so, I was very thrilled to finally get one from my client's daughter upon witnessing my work in the salon!

 

 

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Oil Painting Sketch

My clients kindly invited me to their lunch on Christmas Day. 

We had a fabulous time, talking about art, music, social justice, politics...

Food was absolutely great, and I took some oyster shells home. 

I finally managed to do a quick painting on my pochade box. I've never done it before. It's actually fascinating to see very intricate patterns of shape, tone and colour. I really enjoyed this one. 

I spent 1.5 hours. 

Oil on panel. 7x9.5 in. 

 

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'Hiroshima Nagasaki' by Paul Ham

When I was in London, I was initially called "Hiroshi", well, that's my name (I now prefer to be called "Hiro"), and a lot of people associated it with "Hiroshima". My hometown is also very close to the famous city. 

When they heard of that, interesting things started to happen. 

They all expressed a very heartfelt sympathy for us Japanese, and a few of my friends (Americans) offered me an apology for its atrocious "genocide (their word, not mine)" in 1945. 

The question of the use of A-Bombs in these two cities is profound and enormously complex. Particularly the question of whether or not the bombs led to Japan's surrender, hence, saving the lives of millions of people (Japanese and Allied forces). 

And its moral turpitude. 

I still wrestle with it. 

I've read many books on this subject, particularly in my youth. Visiting a special hospital in my hometown where survivors have seen their lives totally wasted and ruined was part of frequent school excursions. 

This book is probably the best I've ever encountered. It covers a wide range of issues surrounding the bombs. 

His detailed narrative and its ultimate conclusion concur with the knowledge and thoughts I've come to possess. 

Most of the facts in the book are already familiar to me, including Japanese government's deranged persistence to uphold "Kokutai (Emperor's sovereignty)" even in the face of two vaporised cities. Also, the genesis of Japan's mentality of victimhood. 

Still, it's very refreshing to read the book written so well by a prominent Australian writer. 

This is a great audiobook, borrowed from a local library, extensively researched and written in a lucid style. Also narrated sensitively by Robert Meldrum. 

I'm very grateful to them for producing this and giving us an opportunity to educate ourselves, rather than believe in what a majority of the press (particularly in America) try to make us believe. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Flinders in Mornington Peninsula, 1.5 hours south of Melbourne in the early afternoon, and had lunch on the beach. I had planned to do some painting, but decided not to. It just didn't appeal to me. 

Then, I drove west (15 min) to Cape Schanck Lighthouse. 

I always wanted to paint it, and finally I got a chance to do so. 

I did some walk around it, and my goodness, what a fabulous place it is!

Because the sun was so intense and there wasn't any shade, I decided to set up my easel here. I'm looking at it from Museum. 

It was very difficult. The glare from the sun was horrible and hard to see anything. There's an umbrella designed for plein air painting on the Internet, that can be attached to an easel, but, I'm not sure if it actually works. Especially on a windy day. 

I spent 2.5 hours. I'm reasonably happy with the lighthouse and sky, but, everything else is a bit dodgy. 

Oil on panel. 16x20in. 

I was too tired to do another one, so I walked down to the beach one more time. 

I loved this place. The landscape is very interesting with rugged beach, wave after wave smashing into the cliff. 

I'll definitely come back and paint here. I think I need to get timing right. It'll have to be late afternoon. And I need to prepare for a gusty wind. 

The area has become one of my favourite places to paint. 

 

 

 

 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

In the morning I drove to Marysville, 1.5 hour drive north-east of Melbourne. This is a very scenic drive. One of my favourites. 

I haven't been back since Black Saturday bush fire, so it was great to see the town seems to rise again from ashes. Well, it's easy for me to say that, but, I'm sure the loss, sufferings and traumas are still tangible in the hearts and minds of the residents. 

Very nice to see Bruno's Art & Sculpture Garden again. 

I drove another 1/2 hour to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. I was planning to do a painting on the top, but, instead I did some walk around here, and had a late lunch. 

Then I went back to the town and decided to set up my easel here at Gallipoli Park. This is just behind the Information Centre. 

It was very quiet. Very relaxing. Beautiful lights reflecting on a river, sparkling just like jewels. And birds chirping. Nothing else. 

I spent 3 hours. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

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Roberto Cacciapaglia: Live from Milan

My painting companion at the moment when I'm in a busy environment. 

A superb album by one of my all-time favourite composers. 

Here, every single one of the piece resonates in your heart, guiding you through a transcendental labyrinth. 

I could hear Nietzschean affirmation, "Yes to Life!"

Different from Einaudi. 

In my opinion, Cacciapaglia is leaning more heavily towards 'Classical', with many beautiful orchestrational works, reminiscent of romanticism by Brahms or Rachmaninov. 

However, he once produced 'The Ann Steel Album'. Well, what can I say???

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Plein Air Oil Painting

I'm at John Morley Reserve in Williamstown, basking in the glorious late afternoon sunshine. 

Earlier in the day, I decided to come here with no reasons. No idea about weather, either. 

I painted from this spot a couple of times before, but, I wasn't happy. 

It was cold, windy and cloudy. 

I carefully checked angles and proportions of the building (Williamstown Sailing Club). Also very mindful that Melbourne CBD won't come forward, staying at the back. 

I wasn't happy particularly because of the treatment of yachts. I didn't know how to deal with them. There were so many of them. 

So, I tried to get overall impression right this time, without any details. 

I think I did a better job today, although there's always room for improvements. 

I spent 3.5 hours. 

Once in a while, I allow myself to savour ice cream. There's a good shop around here. That's where I'm heading now. Probably fish & chips as well :)

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

Due to uncertain weather forecast, I decided to go back to Ivanhoe in the morning and have another go at it. 

This time, I zoomed out a bit, extending the building to the right and incorporating street lights. 

I had a great chat with my client. I spent 3.5 hours. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

After very late lunch, I moved to The Centre Ivanhoe. Also known as Heidelberg Town Hall, it's a beautiful Art Deco building with very stylish taste. 

I always wanted to paint this one, but never had a chance to do it. 

I really enjoyed this one. Toward the end, the early evening sun started to cast fabulous lights on the building walls. I had to change its tone and temperature a couple of times because of that. 

Still, it was very satisfying. I spent 3 hours. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

 

 

 

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A Painter's Progress: A Portrait of Lucian Freud

This is a gorgeous book, borrowed from a local library. 

A collection of very intimate moments photographed by Freud's assistant/model David Dawson. 

It's always fascinating to see painter's studios. You know, piles of crap everywhere, that kind of thing. 

But, I've never seen anything like his studio. Walls are covered with hardened oil paints which were added after cleaning a palette with a knife. 

It all looks like solidified lava running down the walls. 

There're very few texts in the book, which I liked. There's nothing to be explained here. Readers just see photos, and everything is there. 

I once attended a portrait class by Lewis Miller at NGV, and he explained Freud's painting approach. In this book, we can see how he developed his paintings, from an initial charcoal sketch, then gradually expands the area he works. In other words, he works in a small area until satisfied, rather than working in a whole canvas at the same time. It's very fascinating to see that. 

In his house, there are many paintings by Frank Auerbach (another my favourite). A sign of a great friendship between two giants in the history of modern British art and beyond. 

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'Who Rules the World?' by Noam Chomsky

Another healthy dose of Chomsky, this time, borrowed from a local library. Read in a rather sober voice by Brian Jones, which I liked. 

Again, a very deep analysis of US foreign policies. I particularly liked detailed account of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and US involvement in the matter. 

There's a wide range of issues he covers in this book, starting from Chapter One in which he deals with the responsibility of so-called 'intellectuals'. 

Such an inspiring voice indeed. 

"Prospects for decent survival 

are not high. 

Unless there's a significant 

change of course. 

A large share of responsibility 

is in our hands. 

The opportunities as well."

By the way, a very timely one. 

Obama's surprising about-face (concerning illegal settlements in occupied territories) at UN Security Council recently, regardless of his motive (one can be very cynical) and John Kerry's impassioned and fierce defence are interesting development to watch. (I've read Chomsky's piece on this one, titled 'US Isolation'.)

And reaction to it. 

Particularly in this country, comments by PM Turnbull "deeply unsettling" (Is that a pun? I wonder) and FM Bishop "one-sided resolutions targeting Israel". One can clearly see how powerful Israeli lobbies are in Australia. 

Let alone Abbot's characteristic drivel. 

He never seems to stop. 

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Elements (Deluxe) by Ludovico Einaudi

I'm obsessed with this one. 

Purity of music. Expansive soundscape. 

I love the idea that he produces an album in which all songs are inspired by and united with one conceptual theme. 

This one, 'Numbers', is my favourite, if I'm forced to pick one. What an awesome ending!

I just love every single one of them. 

I'm so excited to see him play in February. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

Well, the idea was, driving to Warburton, 1.5 hour drive north east of Melbourne, and doing some painting. I had so many recommendations from my clients. 

I found it's very touristy. Lots of cafes and shops along Yarra River. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but, I just couldn't find a good spot for painting. 

Then I thought, going to the summit of Mt Donna Buang. I had read about this place, offering a spectacular view. 

BIG MISTAKE.  

About a half way through, due to bad weather, I just couldn't see anything. I had to chuck a u-ey. I should've known better. 

Anyway, I decided to go back to Healesville, and paint at a railway station. 

A tourist train was running today, so, I chose this spot, trying to capture the moment when the train was approaching the station. 

I spent 3 hours. I don't know why, I felt paints were not moving smoothly on a panel today. Sticky. This thing happens from time to time. I need to adjust the contents of the medium. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

 

 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

After the exhibition, I wandered around the gardens in the Museum, and found this spot. I'm looking towards Heide I gallery. 

This is a charming building and I decided to paint here. 

Keeping the subject simple with limited palette, I tried to capture today's gloomy atmosphere. 

I spent 3 hours. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

 

 

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