Hi,
I have not been able to add to my blog because of a technical problem whilst on an extended art tour overseas.
I have now left the teaching profession permanently and am able to focus entirely on my art career and what a fantastic way to start by visiting Arles and seeing first hand all the places visited by Van Gogh when he lived there and viewing the subjects of many of his paintings.
My wife, Eileen, and I started our tour in Italy visiting Rome, Florence, and my favourite Venice! From there we went to Nice followed by Avignon and Arles then up to Paris for a couple of weeks. The originals to many famous and not so famous paintings were 'mouth-watering'! After a wonderful few weeks in England seeing family and friends we completed our tour with friends in New York.
I have never had an interest in visiting New York in the past but, after adjusting to the culture shock of such a city it was the proverbial buzz! It was made all the more special spending time with our very good friends. ( Hi Tammi, Mitch and Max ).
On my return home my feature article for Australian Artist was published (August 2013 Edition).

Australian Artist Article

I thought that you may be interested in the article that the Australian Artist Magazine published with my winning painting. I shall also post the articles that I am writing for them in case you can not access a copy of the magazine. I hope that they are not too small for you to read.

Hi all my readers and followers. Great news! I won first prize in 'Australian Artist Magazine' competition Challenge no 48 for my painting of the Tibouchina. Is is published in the June issue along with a small article. Even better news! I am writing two articles for them for their August and September issues. The first will include 8 of my paintings with an accompanying commentary and the second a step by step process of completing a painting from idea to completion. I hope that you get to see them. Will Keep you posted.

Great news for me! I have just been informed that my painting 'Tibouchina' has won the competition no.48- Flowers and Gardens, in 'Australian Artist' Magazine. A well respected magazine for artists, published in Australia, with great articles for all style of art and for all artists at any stage of their creative journey. I am acting under the assumption that it will be published in the June issue of the magazine so look out for it.

I notice that I now have two followers and one of them isn't family, so Hi!
I'm still working hard on my collection and am working on a triptych of the honeysuckle vine but, when this is completed, I have plans for a painting of cattle. The subject is a big jump but I like the challenge!
Many people view my work and remark how photographic it is but I like to think that it has more dimensions than a photograph. The photographic nature of my work is semi accidental as my treatment of colour, form and tone are more from a scientific observation of the effects of the tropical and sub-tropical light on beautiful objects.
I also have plans for a small, purpose built, studio and gallery on the property where I live. Hopefully this will be well underway before the end of this year.
My recent eye operation has given me a new perspective on light and colour. I am wondering if, in retrospect, it will have an effect on my paintings.
When the studio is finished, I intend to expand my vision into printmaking with intaglio, lino and screen printing methods. I am looking forward to giving up my teaching at the end of this year so that I can concentrate on my vision for the future in my work. A planned trip to Europe in 2013 will, hopefully, provide much inspiration.
The children's picture book on Pudgee the pig is still in progress.

Poinciana update

I have been working on the poinciana for a while and am happy with the way its coming along. I have blocked in the background with dark green shadows and placed a few of the fern-like leaves interspaced between the flower area. The similarity between the poinciana and the jacaranda is that the tree shows either all leaves or nearly all flower at the right point in the season. This is why I chose to complete them in the same format. This is not the best of photos as the green of the leaves is not clear but gives an idea of how the painting is progressing.

Jacaranda completed

Having just completed the jacaranda, it has now been processed and I am just waiting for the filt to update my website. I have started it's 'sister' painting of the poinsiana tree in flower. It is the same sizr and shape. I am still trying to make the composition similar but the paintings will stand alone and not necessarily be shown together. I also added a small painting of the lacewing butterfly which was done some time ago and has been languishing in my portfolio.
The final rose painting has also been added to the rose collection. The two yellow rose originals belong to my wife, given as an anniversary present and also to replace a larger yellow rose painting that she owned and was sold a few years ago.
 A couple who saw my work in 'Framed, The \Darwin Gallery, discovered my address and visited me to discuss a commission. When they came to the house they saw the rose painting on the wall and asked to buy it instead of my doing a commission. I believe that it now lives overseas. Look out for an update on the poinciana soon.