Selfportrait oil painting

I wasn’t feeling well and not in a mood of painting outdoors, so, I decided to do another selfie in my studio (bathroom) this afternoon. 

It’s hard to do when you’re not 100%. I think it’s just ok. I spent 3 hours. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

I was asked how I paint a portrait. Well, Greg’s method is really amazing. We don’t draw an initial sketch. We just start by throwing in Light Red and Raw Umber and wipe off with a rag to create highlights. 

The rest is simply a continuous adjustments. 

You get some idea. 

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Seeing the Light: Claude Monet

This is the first of lecture series “How Artists See” by University of Cape Town's Summer School, and this one is on Monet. 

I’ve seen so many lectures on YouTube particularly on Impressionists. Still, I enjoyed Professor Ian Aaronson’s presentation from a different perspective, namely a medical practitioner. 

His analysis of the artist’s physio-neurological mechanisms is very fascinating. 

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Plain Air Oil Painting

I drove to Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens in Olinda this afternoon. 

It’s been a long time since I was here, and this gorgeous weeping cherry tree caught my eyes. 

The light kept changing, that was very annoying, and I had to say, there were so many Asian tourists standing right behind me talking with each other and taking photos. I put AirPods in my ears listening to Beethoven, trying not to be distracted by them. 

There’s big errors on the reflections that need to be fixed. Apart from that, it was most enjoyable painting this one. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Then, I took a long walk in the garden. It was a bit too early for cherry blossoms but there are many beautiful flowers. It’s really a great place to spend a sunny afternoon in spring. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Newport Park, near Williamstown, this afternoon. 

This gigantic cranes have always fascinated me, but I haven’t had an opportunity to paint. 

Although it was windy and chilly, I decided to have a go at this scene. 

I’m not particularly happy with this one. It was very difficult to paint due to strong winds. 

I think I need to come back and try it again. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Then, I had a long walk along the coastline. That was very refreshing. Followed by fish & chips, of course!

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Spartacus by Australian Ballet

After work, I went to Arts Centre. 

This is the last program of the year. I was a bit disappointed to find that my favourite Kevin Jackson wasn’t in it. Never mind. 

This production took a different take. The set design and costumes were very minimalistic although they were beautiful because of that. 

The lighting was very effective and choreography were just stunning particularly fighting scenes. 

The duet by Spartacus and Flavia at the beginning of Act 3 was just incredibly moving. 

With its strong political and social message, this is a very fitting finale to this year’s hugely successful series by my favourite dance company. 

I’m looking forward to next year’s program. 

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Anders Zorn - Sweden’s Master Painter

One of my favourite triumvirate (the others are John Singer Sargent and Joaquín Sorolla). 

This book is a great introduction to the work and life of the most famous painter in Sweden, with beautiful colour reproductions. 

It’s amazing to see how he created paintings with his famous limited ‘Zorn Palette’. I’m particularly fond of the way he painted water and reflection of lights. 

I didn’t know much about his water colours and etchings. They’re all beautiful. 

The comparison to Sargent is inevitable. He’s far much less well-known than Sargent, but equally important painter in my opinion. 

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‘Corot: Women’ exhibition

Another superb lecture by National Gallery of Art. 

Unlike his extensive oeuvre of landscape paintings, his figurative works are not so well known. 

This talk is a great introduction to the exhibition. I learned a lot. 

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Self portrait oil painting

I finished work early today, so, I decided to do another selfie painting in my studio (bathroom), listening to Beethoven’s Symphonies. A bliss. 

I think this one is probably the best selfie I’ve ever done. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

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Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

I started a new subject today. 

It’s an African theme. I wanted to do the mask because I failed miserably last time. 

As usual, I had no idea of how to arrange things. Greg helped me a lot. 

Raw Umber wash and rubbing off. I actually didn’t measure much this time. Another way of trusting my eyes. 

Nothing is right but I think it’s a good start. 

We’ll have a two week break. 

Work in progress. 16x20 in. 

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Oil painting at LastPeek Studio

I went to my favourite studio in Thornbury this afternoon. 

We had Carmine today. He’s a great model to paint. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Unfinished 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Henry made a fabulous orange cake. 

It was great to see familiar faces. I had a great time. 

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Ramen Girl - film

Recommended by my client. 

This is one of the most ridiculous films I’ve ever seen, with its vacuous storyline and potty characterisation. 

However, I was somehow drawn to it. 

I didn’t know anything about Brittany Murphy, but I think she did a good job here. 

Toshiyuki Nishida used to be my favourite actor when I grew up in Japan. A great talent. 

You might not understand him without English subtitle, but, what he’s saying in the film (and how he says) is very funny. 

Tsutomu Yamazaki’s cameo appearance as Grand Master is an added bonus. He is probably the most respected actor in Japan. 

Without seriousness and pretentiousness, films like “Lost In Translation” which I hated, this film is a lighthearted time-waster. 

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Stealing Van Gogh - BBC

Another great program by my favourite Andrew Graham-Dixon. 

The following is an excerpt of the letter to Theo on 26 Aug 1882, in which he was talking about the seascape painting in the program. 

“It’s been so beautiful at Scheveningen the last few days. The sea was almost more imposing before the storm than when the storm actually arrived. During the storm the waves were less visible and there was less the effect of furrows of ploughed land. The waves followed each other so quickly that each pushed the other aside, and the collision between these bodies of water produced a sort of foam like drifting sand that shrouded the foreground of the sea in a haze. But it was a nasty little storm — all the nastier — and all the more impressive the longer you looked, because it made so little noise. The sea was the colour of dirty dishwater. At that spot there was a fishing-boat, the last in the row, and several dark figures.7 There’s something infinite about painting — I can’t quite explain — but especially for expressing a mood, it’s a joy. In the colours there are hidden harmonies or contrasts which contribute of their own accord, and which if left unused are of no benefit. Tomorrow I hope to be able to go outdoors again.”

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‘A. M. E. Bale - Her art and life’ by Peter Perry

My friend Paul kindly gave me this book when we painted together in Kyneton last Sunday. 

She was one of Max Meldrum’s students, a tonal realism painter who was heavily involved in artistic, cultural and political movements in Melbourne and Castlemain. Although she’s not a household name, her legacy has been passed on as A. M. E. Bale Travelling Scholarship, one of the most prestigious art prizes in Australia. 

This book is beautifully organised with brief history of her life and brilliant colour reproductions. 

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Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

Ok, that’s it. I spent a whole session fine-tuning the horse. It’s really a tough subject to paint with rather annoying patterns on its surface. It’s vet easy to be distracted. 

Greg’s suggestions/comments are very helpful. 

I’ve learned a lot. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

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Tim Murphy exhibition, Plein Air Painting

I drove to Pipers Creek in Kyneton this morning to see my friend Tim’s exhibition as part of Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival. 

His small paintings are irresistible, mostly still life and plein air paintings. 

As a matter of fact, I bought this one. 

His parents have created a gorgeous garden in their property. It’s really impressive and beautiful. 

This is my favourite. 

My friend Paul joined me and we set up easels here. 

It was sunny at the beginning but it soon got very windy and cold. It was so difficult to paint that I almost gave up on this one. 

I just managed to finish it, but, not entirely happy. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Then we had a drink in a wool shed. 

Although it wasn’t pleasant to paint, I had a great day with lovely people. 

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Dark Emu by Bangarra Dance Theatre

I went to Arts Centre after work. 

I’ve been a big fan of these incredible dancers for a while. Their ability to tell a story through dance is just mind boggling. 

I’m always fascinated by not just choreography, but, costumes, music, lighting and set design. I mean, a whole package. 

This program, based on Bruce Pascoe’s book, was no exception. A brilliant dance production at its best. No wonder there was a standing ovation that lasted for a long time. 

I liked it a lot. 

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Fake or Fortune - Series 7

Don’t you love this program by BBC?

I can’t get enough of it. 

This series feature William Nicholson, Lautrec, Henry Moore... 

Very educational. 

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Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

This is the final session with Lauren. 

I focused on her face,  fine-tuning eyes, without wanting to lose a big shape. 

I don’t think I did a good job, which is very unfortunate because she’s a great model. 

Having said that, I’ve learned a lot. 

Unfinished 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

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‘Giselle’ by The Australian Ballet

I went to State Theatre after work.

It was a very touching story of Giselle, performed by my favourite Lana Jones. She’s just beautiful to watch, very delicate and fluid movements she creates. 

Costumes are also exquisite in this production. 

Act 2 was most memorable, the wilis drift in and out, floating on stage with subdued lighting. Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis by Amanda McGuigan was impressive.
Then again, mesmerising and expressive performance by Lana. 

It was just beautiful. 

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