I have recently given a talk about my work and the techniques that I use in watercolour to achieve the strength of colour to the Queensland Botanical Art Society. There were about 30 members present and, hopefully, they enjoyed it as much as I did. Eileen was there to lend her support which was reassuring as, though I am used to speaking about my work to children in schools, I have never before spoken to a large group of artistic peers.

My most recently completed painting is an oil, based on the reflections in the window of a New York diner. Bill's Bar and Burgers on W51st to be precise. I have found using oils after so long working with watercolour both exciting and challenging. I think that it does me good to set myself challenges so that I can make progress with my technique.

My next Oil in progress is a view of a back canal in Venice showing the Albergo Doni. We didn't stay there, but I liked the view of the Grand Canal through the gap in buildings. My intention is to try to give the sense of height with the buildings with the atmosphere of the canal system. It is a gondola area but didn't want to fully cliche the painting with too much of the boats. I liked the way the poles angled out of the canal and how the people were just casually a part of the landscape. I'll post a completed one when it is finished.

I'm still inspired by the culture of New York and so will complete at least one more composite of our experiences there.

I am working on a watercolour simultaneously with the oils which is a group of cattle on the Queensland/New South Wales border. 

It is interesting going from watercolour to oil and back within a short time as the techniques used are so different.