Self-portrait Oil Painting

Yes, another selfie in my studio (bathroom) this afternoon. Different angle, mind you. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

Read more »

Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

The second session with Paige. 

The problem was her nose. It was sinking towards her mouth and the two weren’t aligned correctly. 

I was wondering if I need to change her mouth completely. Then Greg chopped her left side off! It was a revelation. I only needed to shift her nose to the left, and made it look more upward. 

The eyes are always difficult. I opened them up a bit more. I’m not entirely sure if I did a good job. Hers are more gentle I guess. 

I also lightened her eyebrows a bit.  They were too dark. 

Then I tried to do her clothes. 

Well, that’s it. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

It’s always great to have a sitter who’s very enthusiastic. 

Unfinished 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

Read more »

The Last Leonardo by Ben Lewis

An intriguing story surrounding Salvator Mundi, brilliantly narrated by Peter Noble. 

I heard the media hype and read articles when it was sold in 2017, but, this book allowed me get much deeper into the history of this fascinating artwork by Da Vinci. Is it?

Not only that, the author succeeds in asking much bigger questions as to what constitutes the authenticity, the value of artworks, money and art market, complicity with criminals...

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

Read more »

Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Ivanhoe this afternoon. 

This building which now occupies Kidstuff toy shop is very charming. I painted this view in December 2016, so, it’s been a while. 

I was very careful not to do too much details. Also pay attention to angles and proportions. 

I think this is better. 

I spent 3 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Read more »

Knowledge is the beginning - documentary

Edward Said, I first came across through the writings by Christopher Hitchens. 

Daniel Barenboim, I first came across through the music by Jaqueline du Pré. 

It’s quite recent that I came across West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Their Beethoven Symphony Cycle at BBC Proms 2012 is my all time favourite. Full of youthful energy. 

The fact is, I didn’t know the orchestra was founded by these men, a Jew and a Palestinian. 

This superbly crafted and extremely touching documentary is their story. A story of elevating humanity through the power of music. 

And, sadly this is the last interview by Edward Said. Just listen to this great man. 

Read more »

Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

We had Paige today for a portrait lesson. 

There’s something special about painting a figure as a subject. 

“Well, it’s all about shapes and tones”, I know. But, it’s impossible not to feel some connections with other human beings as a subject of our creative expressions, I think. 

Raw Umber wash, wipe-off, then Light Red and Naples Yellow Deep to form initial impressions. “No drawings!”

She looked like an angry boy, then her hair looked like a beret. Greg showed us a great tip. “Blend her forehead to hair”, in other words, continuous shape. Voilà!

I think it’s getting there. We have one more session. 

Work in progress. 16x20 in. 

Read more »

The Dream of Reason, The Dream of Enlightenment

Two great audiobooks by Audible. Written and narrated by Anthony Gottlieb. 

Each subtitle says it all. “A history of Western Philosophy from the Greeks to the Renaissance“ and “The Rise of Modern Philosophy“.

I particularly liked the first one. Pre-Socratic to three giants, to Stoics etc... these stories are fascinating.  I have to say, the second one didn’t grab me much except Hume. I found scientific discovery of this era more interesting than ‘modern philosophy’ like Descartes, Hobbs... Also the section about Voltaire, my favourite, is very short. 

What I like most about the author is, he often goes like, “in other words”, “for example”, to clarify the rather complicated philosophical points. That was very helpful. 

Read more »

Self-portrait Oil Painting

Another selfie in my studio (bathroom) this afternoon. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

Read more »

Self-portrait Oil Painting

Another selfie in my studio (bathroom) this afternoon. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

Read more »

Muriel Matters - film

A great documentary by Ronin Films. 

I’ve never heard of her. This period of women suffrage movement in the early 20th centuries is fascinating, and I’ve been reading a bit about it. 

There’s also a great lecture by Dr Clare Write on ABC Radio National, Big Ideas. 

The link is here.

Read more »

Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

The third session. 

I did some work on its stick and hose, making them a bit wider and some details. Because they are learning backwards, front bottom section should be lighter and more details, Greg told me, that’s an revelation!

I spent the rest on the front bits. There’re tiny mechanical details in there. Just trying to remind myself that it’s all about shapes and tones. 

Work in progress. 16x20 in. 

Read more »

Self-portrait Oil Painting

Another selfie in my studio (bathroom) this afternoon. A bit better, I think. 

I spent 2 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

Read more »

Oil painting at LastPeek Studio

I went to my favourite studio in Thornbury this afternoon. 

We had Amèlie today. A very grateful model from France. 

I took a great care not to draw initially. I struggled at first to get a proportion right. It looks like someone but I think I failed to get her likeness. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Unfinished 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

Read more »

Self-portrait oil painting

I did another quick selfie in my studio (bathroom) after work. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

Read more »

Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Le Page Homestead in Hawkstowe this afternoon. 

I haven’t been here for a long time. I always like this place, very quiet. 

It was sunny at the beginning, then cloudy and later started to rain. It’s very difficult to paint under those conditions, but, hey, that’s a landscape painting. 

I’m not happy with the foreground but, considering the weather, I think it’s ok. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Read more »

Paige is a finalist for Aveda Colour Harmony Awards 2019

It’s a great news. Paige is chosen as a finalist in the category of ‘Digital’. 

I’m very glad that the quality of her work is recognised by the judges. 

The winners will be announced at the end of next month in Sydney. 

You can see all finalists here. 

Read more »

Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Darebin Parklands in Alphington this afternoon. 

I painted here a month ago. It’s always a good practice to paint the same spot with fresh eyes. 

The sun was constantly in and out of clouds, dramatically changing the lights and darks. It was very difficult. 

The place was very quiet, it was very pleasant in that sense. 

I spent 3 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

Read more »

‘Hans and Nora Heysen’ exhibition at NGV

I had planned to go to NGV this morning to see this exhibition, a guided tour would start at 11:30am. 

Then, I got a message from my painting friend Rachel saying she and Greg are going to see it as a well. What a coincidence! It was great to catch up with them. 

It’s a great exhibition, very extensive. And the father/daughter relationship with regards to creative output is very interesting. 

His powerful gum trees paintings are really breathtaking. Her still life and portraiture are lovely. I also liked his paintings in Flinders Ranges. 

After late lunch, I went back and did a small sketch. 

It was a great day. 

Read more »