Gaye’s Studio News

Celebrations

Episode No 50

30 November 2021

There is a lot to celebrate this week; my new website is launched and this is the 50th edition of my news.

A donated painting to my local surf club silent auction event to raise money to add to extensive renovations happening now. They just need a few more dollars to add an additional deck area which will add enormously to the amenity of the complex. So last week I discovered who the new owners of my art work Turbulence (shown below) are. I was approached separately by the lucky couple and they were thrilled with their purchase. I was equally excited to hear this. So in many ways that is better than a sale to a person unknown. We artists need the occasional affirmation or positive feedback because being an artist can be a solitary life in many ways.

On the painting front I have been struggling with that diptych of my favourite rose called Meg. There is a battle in my head between the desire to achieve realism and the equally strong desire to be loose and free. I thought I might create the right balance but think I am losing. Possibly also because it quite large, measuring 1.6m by 0.8 m. Too busy and messy I am thinking too!

Knowing this and feeling bogged down, I started two more slightly smaller ones (60cm) but using a dark background. Meant to be impressions of a bearded iris and a magnolia. I think they are more successful but still works in progress. They look great from across the room but not so close up.

Just to loosen up, two other small expressionistic ones were started at the same time. Some times doing this with no intention helps the brain adjust and switch from thinking mode to creative mode. Its a great opportunity to play with different colour combinations as well. These are they.

Coming up next weekend is the annual art and craft sale at the Bellerive Community Arts Centre. I am all set up to display and sell a range of works from a large 80cm square painting on board, unframed miniature works and other matted ready to frame works. All at bargain prices. This one is framed in a white frame and titled Bay of fires 3

My display of work at Rosny Doctors has changed. I have a set of four framed print/collage, mixed media ones with a shoreline theme and two 50cm oil and wax ones on boards from my flourish series; Predawn landscape and At sunrise. See below.

My newly launched website has a more streamlined layout and is faster to use. It will be much easier for me to update than the Wordpress one I was using. I have tried hard with Wordpress, but technical aspects of updating or changing anything beat me. Not something I allow to happen usually. I am very very happy with what I have achieved with help from number one son Mathew. Here is a glimpse

The goal of my site is to display the range of my portfolio. There are direct links to the selling site Bluethumb or people can email me to buy direct and if local (Hobart region) 25% discount will apply.

All my most recent work is displayed in thumbnails under different grouping titles series. Clicking on this series takes you to more detailed images with a moving carousel below. Clicking on an individual painting will take you direct to Bluethumb.

I would love some feedback on the ease of using my site and how it could be improved.

I am still at a crossroads with where to go next with my art, especially with my abstract florals. I feel a printing phase is also coming and that my give me some new ideas. Or should I change media for a while? All media have different attributes and lend them selves to particular techniques and it is fun exploring these. Its a pity oil and water don’t mix.

Thank you for taking the time to read my news