Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Petty’s Apple Orchard in Templestowe this morning as part of monthly Paint Out Day organised by Victorian Artists Society. 

It’s a lovely place. I think I came here about two years ago. 

It was cold. The sky constantly changed, which was very tricky. Still, I had a good time painting this one. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

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Self portrait oil painting

Another selfie in my studio (bathroom) this afternoon. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

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Self portrait oil painting

Another selfie in my studio ( bathroom)

I spent 2 hours. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in

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Oil painting at LastPeek Studio

I went to my favourite studio in Thornbury this afternoon. 

We had a fabulous model, Julie-Anna. 

I don’t think I did a good job, unfortunately. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Unfinished 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

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Caravaggio lectures at Jones Gallery

I’ve been through many different phases when it comes to my favourite artists. These days, it’s Caravaggio. 

I was lucky to have discovered these great lecture series on YouTube by curator Sarah Jones. The gallery is located in Kansas City, Missouri. 

I particularly love her casual style of presentation. Still, very informative and inspirational. 

The gallery’s Youtube channel has many lecturers on other artists, again, wonderfully presented by Sarah. You should check it out. 

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Plein Air Oil Painting

I took a long bike ride this afternoon along Plenty River Trail in Viewbank. 

There are three silos in Pony Club catching a wonderful afternoon sunshine. 

It was a great day. 

Oil on canvas. 12x9 in. 

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Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

The fourth session. 

I started to lose the depth (form) by blending it too much. Greg put darks in shadow area, then highlights. From there, I tried to create 3D effects. 

Also, I started to lose ‘warmth’ in skin tones. Here comes the secret weapon, Cad Red! Well, I had to be very careful, otherwise it gets too pinky. 

Finally I did some work on the clothes. 

Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

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Tim Murphy exhibition, Plein Air Oil Painting

I drove to Rosebery Hill in Pipers Creek, Kyneton this morning. 

My friend Tim’s exhibition ‘A Good Package of Small Things’ is on at sheep shed. There were many fabulous paintings. 

Then, I tried to do a painting although it was raining. 

Oil on canvas. 14x18 in. 

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The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka

Another great audiobook from ABC Audio, written by Clare Wright and narrated by Kate Hosking.

My reading experience of ‘You Daughters of  Freedom’ was so good that I thought I had to get this one as soon as I finished it. 

As the first book of ‘Democracy Trilogy’, this book gives us detailed accounts of Eureka Stocksade which I had no knowledge of. 

Her determined approach to storytelling as a prominent feminist and meticulous research in the history of this epoch event succeed wonderfully in this book. 

Following all those biographical details, one might feel somehow ‘dry’ or ‘tedious’. I didn't.
By weaving them together at the same time maintaining good narratives in itself is a great achievement by the author. Also, as an audio format engagingly read by the narrator, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Highly recommended. 

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Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

Third session. 

I did some work on t-shirt, makuit look more round. Then on my neck. Ears are always tricky. It still doesn’t look right. 

Then hair and beard. 

Finally I did eyes. 

Work in progress. 16x20 in. 

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Oil painting lesson with Gregory Smith

Second session. 

Greg gave us a great talk about “What is realism?” question. It all boils down to our visual experience rendered on a flat surface using oil paints. 

The first sketch was lacking in any depth, so, I tried to create more solid forms. I also needed to thin the neck and push ear to the front. I also lowered lips. 

Work in progress. 16x20 in. 

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‘Miss Muriel Matters’ by Robert Wainwright

After listening to ‘You Daughter of Freedom’ by Clare Wright, it was a natural progression to search for something more about suffrage movements. 

Very fortunately, I came across this book, again from ABC Audio. 

As it turned out, this is one of the best audiobook I’ve listened to, excellently narrated by Deidre Rubinstein. 

I liked the author’s methodical approach to storytelling. His journalistic training is very evident in his detailed narratives. 

I’ve learned so much about this wonderful Australian and her remarkable achievements in so many aspects of social movements. 

Highly recommended. 

There’s also a great interview with the author by ABC Radio. Here is the link

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Oil painting at LastPeek Studio

I went to my favourite studio in Thornbury this afternoon. 

We had Megan today. A great model. 

I don’t think I did a good job. I didn’t know how to paint head scarf. 

I spent 2.5 hours. 

Unfinished. 

 Oil on panel. 16x20 in. 

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