Gaye’s Studio News

Let the sun shine in

Well it is almost officially winter time and here in Tasmania we rejoice in the sunshine.  I am progressing well on all fronts, if at a slower pace. Three small abstract landscapes are finished (I think); part of my Almost landscape series. Titles are Sunlight strikes, Smouldering in the sunlight and Touched with fire

Two paintings started and discussed in my last news, then having orange under painting and random structural lines, have had an interesting and rocky journey reflecting mine. My intention was to feature cobalt blue and black, with touches of red and yellow.  With my post surgery scrambled brain I kept changing direction. I am happy with what has evolved; a complex multi layered textural painting, showing the uniqueness of painting with oil and wax and no brushes. There were 16 photos of the stages. Here are a few.

There’s an exhibition coming up in July at the Lady Franklin Gallery titled a ‘Sense of space’ focused on our beautiful Kunyani, Mount Wellington. Inspired by a photo my bush walking son had posted on Facebook a while ago, I am attempting to paint a moody mountain with a hint of rainbow.  The latter is the most difficult part. Work is still in progress and I am not yet confident that it will work. It is large (66 x 96 cm).

The work of a Californian abstract artist with a Slovenian heritage named Betty Franks Krause inspires.  She paints fields of flowers. Very colourful. A recent painting of hers is a joyful mix of pinks and violets with touches of green and yellow. I loved the colours so am painting two using that palette but in the style of my Carnivale Series. I love the challenge of working with different colour palettes. Often strange things happen as colours interact with each other. For example my light and medium grey oil sticks which I have always considered to have a blue tinge appear green when placed with the pinks.

In the next week I am to rotate my paintings at doctors clinics in the City, Huonville, Sorell and Rosny. I will reintroduce my Unearthed Series with a few new additions and retire an Abstract set. It will be a challenge moving 50-60 paintings.

Coming up in July at the Rosny Schoolhouse and Barn Gallery is an exhibition of work from the Bellerive Community Arts Centre, featuring the diversity of art and craft groups that meet regularly at the historic police station in Bellerive. I have two works to enter which are thankfully finished.

Keep warm and safe and follow the sunlight.