Desk Snapshot

Really excited and scared to be painting on canvas again for my upcoming exhibition in Melbourne this April. I have some inspiring photos from my girlfriend Jo's chic apartment to get me in the mood..... 

Gorgeous vignettes

with colourful teacups

and at least I've started.....

The Art of Botanical Painting

I love to paint flowers and especially admire botanical artists whose dedication to the craft is extraordinary. I was lucky enough a few years ago to do a masterclass with world renowned Australian Artist Jenny Phillips whose works are amazing!! Another botanical artist whose work I also admire and who takes a more contemporary approach to botanical painting is Sarah Graham.

Jenny Phillips

Jenny Phillips

Jenny Phillips

Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham

Wedgwood turns 250!

Lord Wedgwood is currently in Australia celebrating the company's 250th Birthday. I was invited along to the hear Lord Wedgwood talk about the history of his family's company and their new 250th Celebration Range of Limited Edition Products. It was fantastic to hear about the history of some of their signature pieces and I also had the honour of meeting the delightful gentleman himself.

My great friend and superstar designer Fiona Budzynski designed the Limited Edition Sydney Cove Medallion Plate and Mug for Wedgwood.

New Year Dinner

Thought you may like to see some pictures of how we celebrated Chinese New Year with the family. 

The Lion performs a special dance to ward off evil spirits,

so that good luck will follow before he can get the lettuce (money).

The Lion Dance is performed by specially trained acrobat schools in Chinatown.

Some of the family.

There are always certain dishes served at a special event such as Green Lipped Abalone

and my favourite Lobster with Spring Onion & Ginger on Noodles.

Winners Announced!

Sorry I am a day late but I am pleased to announce the following winners for my Chinese New Year Giveaway! I was so inspired by everyone's comments and I felt like it wasn't fair for me to judge whose inspiration is better than others because it's not the point....so we put everyone's name in a hat and the winners are......

Drum Roll please. Congratulations to Sue Ross, Natalie Ryan, Larisa (from Russia) and Diane Knotts!!! If I don't have your email address, can you please send me an email with your contact details (including address & phone no.) so I can send the eye pillows out to you. This has been so much fun - I may do it every few months I think. Thanks again for sharing your stories.

Year of the Tiger Giveaway!!!

Kung Hei Fat Choi!! Happy New Year!! To celebrate Chinese New Year this weekend, I am holding my first online competition/ giveaway!!! There are 4 limited edition silk satin eye pillows to be won - Renewal, Tranquility, Happiness and Longevity. A donation from each eye pillow will be made to the Fred Hollows Foundation which will pay for someone's eyesight to be restored. Double Happiness all around!!

To be one of the lucky winners, all you have to do is to leave a comment below telling me what inspires you and why. It can be anything and everything - I am sure we will all inspire each other with our stories. The competition is open to everyone worldwide. I will choose 4 lucky people and will let you know the results next Friday 19th February so be sure to stop by again. Good luck!

From Snow to Sun!

Since returning home, I have been both 'hot and cold'. I painted a tropical fruit platter and a new Christmas Card design with snow; both of which were inspired from my recent trip to Europe and Thailand.

Window Snapshots in Paris

COS I like it!

A good friend of mine introduced me to COS whilst I was in Paris. COS is a new fashion label which has been developed by the H&M crowd and has stores all over Europe. I think of it as really smart, sophisticated  basics that are well designed, great quality and affordable. Most of the clothes are made in Europe too. I bought some classic shirts and jumpers.

(photos from www.cosstores.com)

THE Hot Chocolate!!

After spending an afternoon at the Louvre (conveniently situated across the road) or a winter stroll down nearby Rue Saint Honore, head to Angelina Tea Shop & Cafe for their famous Hot Chocolate. Decadently thick and luscious and served with freshly whipped cream, this is one of the best I've had. The fact that you are also in century old Belle Epoque room where Coco Chanel and Proust used to visit, only adds to the charm of the place. The dessert du Jour is the Mont Blanc Gateau.

(Photos courtesy of www.potatomato.com)