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.

Eileen and I are now into the routine of using our new studio/gallery - Rigmarole Studio! We officially launched in November last year with family and friends and , now that the festive season is well and truly over, we are in full swing.
Eileen is working in mixed media on canvas creating an image of Venice in preparation for the classes that she will run in the studio.
I have just started to sketch out a painting based on my experiences overseas in 2013.
I am still painting primarily in Watercolours using the natural things that I see around me, and I have a painting on the go but this, new work, will be a slight change in direction. It is good to try something new, even if it only confirms that the status quo is where you eventually end up.
I am painting on canvas using oils. It is many years since I used oils and there are many more additives available to the artist so it is all an adventure.
My subject is 'New York"! After my short visit meeting friends in 2013, I was excited by the atmosphere of the great metropolis.
I am trying to steer clear of the cliche! No yellow cabs, tourist icons etc but just the experience of being there. The painting will be based on reflections in the window of a New York diner.....I'll keep you posted.

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.