Plein Air & Self Portrait Oil Painting

Grand Final holiday! Another reason why Melbourne is the most liveable city in the world. 

I’d suggest that Victorian Government do the same every time National Gallery of Victoria opens its Winter Master’s exhibition as ‘Grand Opening holiday’. If you do the Sports, why don’t you do Arts? It’s very fair dinkum to me. 

Because weather focast says it’s going to rain in the afternoon, I went to Banyule Swamp early morning. It was very sunny and the light was beautiful. 

I painted from here many times, but, it’s been a while since last time. It’s very peaceful and I felt very relaxed. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

As predicted, it got cloudy in the afternoon, so, I decided to do another selfie in my studio (bathroom) after lunch. 

I played Bill Evans while painting this one. Genius. Portrait is always an enormous challenge. I can’t really relax. It’s very frustrating. However, I’ve slowly started to learn how not to think about it as a portrait. At the end of the day, it’s all about shapes and tones. Well, that’s what Greg tells us all the time. 

I spent 2 hours. I think it’s better than the last time. 

Oil on canvas. 11x8 in. 

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Australian Ballet - Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

After work, I went to State Theatre in Arts Centre. 

This program is definitely the most theatrical and visually stimulating production I’ve ever seen. 

I was very interested to see how they create a ballet based on this magical storyline. 

It was sensational. Flawless transition from one scene to another. Very clever and beautiful. The stage set, lighting, costume, projections, music..... 

And of course, dancers! I’m so glad to see Kevin Jackson playing The Knave of Hearts. 

It was funny, whimsical and very touching. In other words, everything you’d expect from this well-known children’s book. 

There were many children in the audience. You could see they enjoyed the show enormously. 

So did I. 

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Fake or Fortune? Tom Roberts

I love this BBC program, particularly when they delve deep into scientific research and provenance.  

Obviously some of the episodes are far much better and interesting than others. Mostly, I enjoy the story behind the paintings. 

However, it often shows the ugliest aspects of art market. Buying and selling artworks just as commodities. And who decides the work is genuine or not?

This is the first time the series focused on Australian artist. So, I was looking forward to it. 

Unfortunately I was disappointed. This one is probably the weakest presentation I’ve ever seen. The owner’s rather tragic circumstances aside, it doesn’t say much about this painting. And final ‘verdict’ came from only one scholar. Without any paper trail, mind you. 

Apparently the painting is now on sale. I wish the owner’s family a good luck. But, who is going to buy it when only one ‘expert’ is saying this is Tom Roberts? 

Someday, it is hoped we know far much more about this painting. 

I’ve found the following comment in the show by Philip Mould is profoundly interesting. 

“Roberts composed this painting in 1891, only a decade before Australia became an independent country.”

Falsely implying Australia became independent in 1901. Or did it, actually? Well, most textbooks say so. However, what does it really mean ‘independent’?

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Very promising hairstylist in Melbourne

I had a great chat with Hiroko at cafe in Collingwood this morning. A lovely person. 

I first met her when she won IHS Cutting Competition in 2013. A brilliant work. As it turned out, it was created by an apprentice at BIBA Academy. Well, she introduced herself as “Hiro”. Then I introduced myself as “Hiro”.  We both laughed. 

She was this year’s HairExpo finalist for New Creative Force. Also, she told me she recently came back from New Zealand for Wella Trend Vision event. 

It’s fascinating to meet someone whose creativity is flourishing so spectacularly in a foreign city. Her editorial work is very strong. I’ve absolutely no idea how she does it!

As someone who is passionate about oil painting, but not fashion and glamour, I was still very inspired by her. 

So, watch out for this creative force. 

Her website is here. 

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Paint Out Day, Oil Painting at LastPeek Studio

John at Victorian Artists Society organises a monthly plein air event, and I drove to Petty’s Orchard in Templestowe early in the morning. 

This is truly a fabulous place. It’s a vast apple orchard. Beautiful to look at, and lovely to walk around. There’s also an organic cafe. It’s instantly become my favourite. I’ll definitely come back again to paint. 

It’s always nice to see familiar faces. It was very windy but I had a great time. I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

After lunch, I went to my favourite studio in Thornbury. We had a lovely model Olivia today. Such a bubbly person. 

I always have a problem getting skin tone right. I tried not to fuss much today, using big brushes. 

I spent 2.5 hours. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

It was a great day!

Unfinished 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

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The Children Act by Ian McEwan

Borrowed from Melbourne Library Service, narrated by Lindsay Duncan. 

This one is a disappointment. The main subject, a young boy’s refusal of blood transfusion as a member of Johovah’s Witnesses, is profoundly interesting. 

And the author tackles this issue with extensive medical research and legal study. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter of the court case. 

However, the story will soon drift to implausible melodrama, in my opinion, and vaporise in the end, leaving not so much. Which is very unfortunate because I love his writing. 

Also, it was very painful to listen to her when she tried to imitate a young boy’s voice without much success. They should have had a young reader for that role. 

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Debra Luccio - A Decade of Dance

After work, I went to Fortyfive Downstairs Gallery in city. 

This exhibition is a celebration of her work for the last ten years, working with a various dance companies all over the world. 

It was fitting that David McAllister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet was a guest speaker of the evening. 

I’ve been following her and Marco for a long time. A lovely people. Genuinely kind. Great artists. They inspire me a lot as a struggling artist. 

Looking around all those quality artworks in this beautiful gallery, I was filled with a sense of tremendous happiness and privilege. Appreciation for the beauty of human body and its movement. Not only that but also, our existence as creative beings. 

Her website is here.

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Oil Painting lesson with Gregory Smith

Today is the second session. Amanda is a lovely model. 

I started by darkening the background first to push her forward. 

Her eyes were too big, so, I had to give her a major plastic surgery. Then, a bit more work on her top body, carefully reminding myself of light sources. And hair!

I spent the rest of the class fine-tuning tonal shift. 

Well, it doesn't look like her at all, but, it looks like someone. I wish we had one more session. However, I've learned a lot. I really enjoy a portrait session with Greg. 

We have a two week break. I'm looking forward to coming back. 

Unfinished. 

Oil on canvas. 16x20 in. 

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When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Sometimes, words are incapable of, and insufficient for describing the thoughts I have in my mind.

Writing about this book now is such an occasion. Simply because I don't have a talent for literature. 

Paul Kalanithi did. This book is a testament to his abilities to express his deep thoughts on "living a meaningful life" in a very lucid and elegant style. 

But he wasn't a writer. He was a promising neurosurgeon. He had to write this book because.....

This audiobook from Audible is one of the best I've listened to. A deeply touching life story written by this courageous and caring young physician, husband and father. Beautifully narrated by Sunil Malhotra and my favourite Cassandra Campbell.  

One of the poems he quotes in the book. 

"Caelica 83" by Baron Brooke Fulke Greville

Related Poem Content Details

You that seek what life is in death, 

Now find it air that once was breath. 

New names unknown, old names gone: 

Till time end bodies, but souls none.

            Reader! then make time, while you be,

            But steps to your eternity. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

It's been a long time since we had this gorgeous blue sky in Melbourne, so I decided to get somewhere near the water. I drove to Point Cook near Altona. I had no idea what this area would offer. 

Maps on my iPhone gave me a wrong direction (Come on! Apple), so it took me a long time to get to Cheetham Wetlands. It's painful to see a vast farm land has been transformed to a housing estate. It's almost as if the land was gang raped by developers. You know, that song by Eagles, The Last Resort. 

Anyway, to my surprise, there's a homestead. Although it was closed, I was able to walk there. 

It was very peaceful. Hardly anyone. I really enjoyed this one. Although it was very windy, I was able to finish it. I spent 2.5 hours. 

It's a beautiful space, and I'd like to come back again. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

A brilliant audiobook from Audible, written by Rebecca Skloot and narrated by my favourite Cassandra Campbell. 

This is an excellent page turner. A touching human story that challenges readers to think about many aspects of morality in our modern society. Medical ethics, racism, poverty, religion, capitalism.....

I'm no scientist, so, I've never heard of HeLa cells. I've done lots of Googling since reading this, and discovered this Youtube video. I believe this is the BBC documentary that was mentioned in the book. 

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Oil Painting lesson with Gregory Smith

Greg organised another portrait model, Amanda, today. We only have two sessions this time. 

From Raw Umber wash to Light Red, Naples Yellow Deep.... Greg's secret ingredients are in full swing. 

I tried to get big shapes right. Well, it doesn't look like her at all. She's a far much more delicate person. There's a huge job to do next week. But, I'm enjoying it. 

Work in progress. 16x20 in. 

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Gregory Smith solo exhibition, Plain Air Oil Painting

In the morning I drove to Victorian Artists Society in East Melbourne. 

I was planning to go have a look at Greg's exhibition after doing a painting in the area. By chance, I saw him walking across the street. I told him about my plan. Then he suggested that I should paint from a balcony of the building. What an amazing idea!

I set up my easel here, looking towards City. 

It was cloudy at first, but the sky started to open up later. Greg gave me some tips, waiting for the effect of light to show up. I had to change the painting dramatically to capture the light. It was hard, but, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a privilege. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Well, what can I say? The exhibition is splendid. There're more than hundreds of highest quality of works in this historical place. I bumped into familiar faces, that was very nice. 

Looking at his paintings very closely and from a far, there are so many things I've learned. It really was a visual feast. I can't get enough of it. 

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Bangarra Dance Theatre - Bennelong

After work, I drove to Arts Centre. 

I’ve been a big fan of Bangarra for a while, and watching this program about the life of Aboriginal warrior is another annual event. 

It’s probably the most abstract production I’ve  ever seen. I had done some reading before, but without a prior knowledge, I might have lost it. 

I’ve always been very impressed not just by its choreography, but also costumes and soundtrack. Beautifully done. 

As always, a standing ovation was a fitting finale to this evening’s brilliant storytelling by this unique and highly creative dance company. 

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Hiro is working now at Covet&Co in Ivanhoe, Melbourne after leaving Zucci Hairdressing

It's great to get rid of toxins from my life.

I shall be telling this without a cry, that I'll be exerting the full force of my artistic creativity on the other side of the road, the one less troubled by...

Probably the best known work by Frost, but the most misunderstood one. 

The Road Not Taken

By Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, 
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could 
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim, 
Because it was grassy and wanted wear; 
Though as for that the passing there 
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black. 
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh 
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— 
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

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Painting trip to Majorca - Day 5

The last day of my holiday. 

Due to bad weather I decided to do a small floral study in this Airbnb accommodation. 

The owner has a very good sense of putting things together, and I picked up this subject. 

I forgot to take a photo, but, I really enjoyed it. 

I spent 1.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 8x12 in. 

My friend Tim is running an exhibition 'Shedding light on small things' at his home in Kyneton. So, on my way back home, I dropped by. 

It's a beautiful property with gorgeous gardens.  The house itself has a lot of old charms. 

I met his parents, a sister, also my friend Rachel. I really enjoyed their company, having a cup of tea and talking. Nice people. 

He does a fantastic work painting on a small canvas. It was a great setting in an old sheep shed. 

I'm writing this now in Melbourne, doing some washing. Well, that's life isn't it? Domestic drudgery.... somebody has to do it !

It was a great holiday. 

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Painting trip to Majorca - Day 4

It was raining in the morning, so I drove to Talbot, knowing that there are some shops that have front roof. 

Slightly Bent Books is a very charming shop, has a great character with a fireplace in an old building. I had a lovely chat with the owner. 

I set up my easel here, looking towards London House Cafe. 

Strangely enough, it got sunny towards the end. There are some obvious errors in this painting. I should have checked more carefully. I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x20 in. 

Then, I drove towards Majorca. There's an abandoned house on Majorca Rd which I had in mind for a while. Hoping weather stays clear, I set up my easel here. 

Alas, it started to rain soon afterward, but, I didn't want to give up. It got windy and very cold, not a good combination to paint. 

Well, I kept buggering on. I love this phrase, Churchill's favourite. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

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Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead

Full of memories in my days in London. 

The Bends was released a year after I arrived. It was sensational. After almost 20 years, it still sounds refreshing. 

They couldn't be more different from other 'Brit Pop' bands, none of which I was interested in. 

Their lyrics and sound productions were so intelligent and experimental that I was immediately blown away. I listened to it every day with Walkman !!

This song was, well, still is my all time favourite. So beautiful and so deep. 

 And if I could be who you wanted

 If I could be who you wanted
 All the time

 All the time

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Painting trip to Majorca - Day 3

In the morning I drove to Dunolly. I painted some buildings the last time I was here. It was a bit raining, and I thought not to do painting here this time. 

Then I drove towards Avoca, and the sky started to open up. Near Mount Hooghly, I found this beautiful sheep farm, and set up my easel here. 

Because there's not much happening at front, I decided to do a sky study. It constantly changed, but, I'm reasonably happy with this one. I spent 2 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Then I continued to drive towards Avoca, thinking about having some lunch there. 

However, I found another charming sheep farm near Lower Homebush. Well, forget about lunch, I set up easel here. 

This time, I decided to make foreground a dominant feature. It was very windy, difficult to control my brushes. Also it got very cold. 

As the sun goes down, the light was incredible, and the colour of grass was, how should I say, very luminous. I spent 2 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

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