Gaye’s Studio News

New beginnings and the wonder of dopamine

July 2024

Bogged down with my fruit series which started with an inspiration to paint quinces(I do this every year then cook them).   I was torn between realism and abstraction and the first two paintings evolved into mixed coloured fruit shapes. These unresolved works inspired me to paint two more bowls of fruit and I was quite happy with those. Wanting a brighter coloured palette, I painted  another two which I am still working on.  So now there are 6 in the series and here are the last two. They appear brighter in the photos than what they are.

I was getting rather bored with fruit and after my success with my Voice of Tides triptich, I wanted to do some more in this set.  I am about half way there. These are a couple of stages of one of them.

From 5-28 July the biennial Clarence Open Art Exhibition in on at the Rosny Schoolhouse and Barn. I have two entries; Voice of tides 2 and Park Beach Headland in evening light both of which Have been shown in  previous newsletters.

The Art Society’s exhibition this month at the Lady Franklin Gallery in titled Texture. I have two works entered  Finding gold in a dream( 60x 90cm) and a small unframed work Marion Bay.

There are 8 local exhibitions from now until the end of 2024; all up 18 possible works. A trusty spreadsheet needed here to manage this.

Newly announced is the Antarctic exhibition at the Long Gallery from 28 August until 1 September. I have made a start on two oil and cold wax abstracts. I contemplated a more realistic approach with penguins or seals but couldn’t make headway using someone else’s photos. Didn’t sit comfortably with me. Here is an early stage; inspired by a glacial cliff.

The Art Society’s Annual Exhibition at the Long Gallery follows and I have two newly mounted works to enter. On a the same time is the Rotary Hobart Art Prize at the Wrest Point Casino Boardwalk Gallery. Then follows the Kingborough Art Prize and Royal Hobart Show. Exhausted just thinking about it!

But I am really enjoying myself with 5 new paintings on the go. I was listening to the Podcast Art Juice last week where the psychological effects of the various stages of making an art work were discussed. Apparently more of the feel good chemical dopamine is produced in the idea/planning stage and this gradually reduces as the painting progresses. It explains why an artist often feels unfulfilled when a painting is finished. Also explains why I am happiest with those paintings that come together quickly.

My work is available on an Australian online art gallery Bluethumb although there is some chaos there due to a large sum being added to the advertised price as the default option with framing included, with collectors having to remove the option to see the real price. Most of my work is meant to be unframed so I am not happy. I will see how it all plays out.

My work is available at a realistic price by direct contact with me by email or phone.

Your interest and support are greatly appreciated

Gaye