Desk Snapshot

Have started working on my biggest painting so far which is both scary and exciting at the same time. At least the sugar cravings should stop now as there are no cakes or chocolates to be seen in this one!

Walton Ford

The last time I was in New York back in 2008, I was doing the art gallery circuit and discovered an amazing artist called Walton Ford who was showing at the Paul Kasmin Gallery. He paints these extraordinarily large-scale, highly-detailed watercolors of animals that reminded me of the prints of 19th century illustrators such as John James Audubon etc. But if you look closer, his paintings are full of symbols, sly jokes, and provide "allusions to the 'operatic' nature of traditional natural history themes." 


His paintings are so beautiful but very expensive (unless you're a millionaire ). You can also view the video here which provides a fascinating insight into his work and studio. 

(Photos from his book  Pancha Tantra)

(Photo: MICHAEL GOTTSCHALK/AFP/Getty Images)

CUSHION SALE - for one week only!

My cushions are now on sale in my online boutique. Prices have already been marked down (30% discount).

New Idea(s)

Some inspiration for my next couple of new paintings. Have a great weekend!!

Topaz drinking from the fish bowl!!

The most gorgeous cupcakes on one of my plates

Sweet Tooth

I've been wondering why I have suddenly developed a craving for something sweet. It wasn't until M suggested it may be what I am painting that it clicked. (When I'm painting, I get completely absorbed into my work). I have just started a new painting of cupcakes and french pastries to commemorate a friend of mine who died recently. Ernie loved, loved, loved cupcakes!!!!

PS. I think my show in Melbourne is going to start looking like a cake shop after this but at least it will be yummy!

The layout and first layer of paint.

The Talented Miss Penn

My good friend and children's book illustrator extraordinaire Penny Dann has been staying with us from the UK so I thought I would take the opportunity to show you some of her amazing work. You may recognise Penn's illustrations for the best selling Secret Fairy Books which has sold millions all over the world.

(images from www.pennydann.co.uk)

Macaroon Painting cont...

I must have been unconsciously sending out vibes for macaroons as my prayers were answered!! We had a dinner party the other night and our friends bought us over a big box of macaroons from renowned patisserie Adriano Zumbo! How cool is that? We hadn't seen them for a while and they had no idea I was painting them! Needless to say, it provided much needed inspiration for the painting (and my belly).

Do something different today!

Looking forward to my trapeze class this weekend. I love it even though I am scared of heights!!!

Miss Peacock has arrived!!

I would like to introduce you to a good friend of mine - the fabulous Miss Peacock. Miss Peacock loves living the good life - shopping, reading, painting in her manicured garden, having high tea with friends, a spot of bollywood dancing and travelling to exotic destinations. Her 'joie de vie' and unique sense of style combine to create her signature look – fresh, charming and full of personality!


Her new range of stationery and giftwrap is now available in my online boutique

Macaroons

The painting I am currently working on is inspired by my visits to Paris, in particular indulging in the occasional couple (or more like 10) macaroons. There are so many delicious flavours - I have to try them all. My favourite places to eat these are Laduree and Pierre Herme - they're the best. The only downside to painting these is that I want to eat one now except I am yet to find a patisserie here that makes good ones.

Starting out

Painting in the flavours

Adding texture and the start of many layers of colour to be added

Detail

Work in Progress

Some updated pictures of the first painting. All I need to do now is to get it stretched onto a frame and do some embroidery onto it and it is finished. I feel like I am getting into 'the zone' which feels great - a place where I get totally absorbed into my work, forget to eat and lost track of time!  Next painting is French Macaroons inspired by my recent trip to Paris.

Noticed I've changed the teapot, teacup and bowl.

Prepping the background layers of colour

Choosing the stitching threads - which colours?

Hardest thing is manouvering the canvas under the sewing machine!

I am not the best sewer

Stay tuned for a pic of the finished painting later

Prawn Saganaki!!

I made a resolution this year to cook a new recipe every week from either one of my cookbooks or from one of my magazine subscriptions such as Gourmet Traveller. I especially like recipes that are easy to follow, look like you've been slaving over a stove (when you haven't) and taste delicious!! Enjoy Prawn Saganaki with fresh oregano, tomato and fetta. I loved it so much I made it twice, once for a dinner party and the other for a friend's birthday as part of a spread. Here is the recipe.

image from Gourmet Traveller

Nicola Cerini

Last weekend, one of my best friends (and iconic designer extraordinaire) Nicola Cerini exhibited her new range of products at the LifeinStyle Show. Nic and I met at RMIT over 20 years ago studying textile design and I think we're the only 2 of our year still designing textiles!!

The First One

The first painting for a show is always the hardest. I've been looking at this all week and nothing has happened! 7 weeks and counting......

Craft for Health Interview

I was asked to write about how I got into painting and what inspires me by Kathy Peterson, a well known health, design and craft expert in the States. Her blog features similar type stories from artists all over the world - you can read about it here.

Happy Days!!

I may be a bit late but I have just discovered that one of my favourite stores Anthropologie now ships to Australia! A pity I am not buying anything for the home anymore.....

PS> I discovered a fabulous show called Man Shops Globe which follows Anthro's creative director Keith Johnson shopping around the world searching for new ideas & inspiration for the studio. I think this would be my dream job. In Australia, if you have Foxtel it is on Monday nights at 6.30pm on Ovation.