forager's feast

Just yum. Baking Blackberry pie with the babes from my favourite, favourite book 'A Table in the Orchard' written by Michelle Crawford at Hugo and Elsa. Just yum.

time out

Got a bit overwhelmed with the pressure associated with painting lots of commissions recently.

Getting my groove back by having drawing days mixed with painting some small still lives. Being mindful, appreciating the small things. Taking time.

clever

After much success with our vertical herb garden we've expanded into vegetables.

Amazingly rewarding though truly a labour of love tackling the caterpillars and possums... and who knew that dogs loved strawberries? Audrey's been staking out the strawberry bed and making short work of the ripe ones before we get to them.

Self-sufficiency is probably a bit ambitious but home grown salads every night are definately worth it.

hmmm... perhaps it's time for chickens?

she's back

Hello Spring, I missed you.

painting

'I saw a kind of something' A.A. Milne

fly away

Some new oils online  today.

A new series 'Up on a clear day'. Trying to find a bit of clarity... like a glittering prize.

beneath

'Beneath'
76 x 100 cm
Acrylic and pastel on canvas.

i stand for mercy

"You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than you will through acts of retribution." Nelson Mandela

experimenting

A couple of years ago I stopped painting in oil paints because I developed an allergy to the thinners and turps after extended use. Even wearing gloves the fumes alone seemed to result in red rashes all up my arms. So I moved to print making for a while (mostly woodblock, collotype and drypoint to avoid the new range of chemicals introduced with zinc plate etching). Then of course I have been back to painting with acrylics.
However, by last February, I found myself a bit lost on the way somewhere and decided that a new medium might help lift me out of my funk. Since then I have been back in the studio with some 'water mixable' oils to avoid the turps... and life is good... the only downside is that given they take weeks to dry... I'm running out of room!

amazema

Regram of photos of two of my paintings with such beautiful styling by Amy from Amazema Interiors. You can follow her work on instagram @amazema_interiors

family time

'It's opener there in the wide open air' Dr Seuss

Fresh air and family at my sister's farm. Quite perfect... and definately 'opener there'.

studio

In the studio again today after a summer break. Finishing commissions and looking forward to some creative space.

New paintings online in February.

house on thomson

'A Passing Shape'

I have so loved following house on thomson's blog and instagram @houseonthomson. She has such a beautiful style and I have always loved her reno choices.

So it was such an honour when Kate ordered a painting. Just lovely.

the block 2015

Blink and you'll miss it - but there's one of my paintings behind Charlotte and Josh in the Channel 9 promo for 'The Block 2015'. Wishing you both love and luck.

salad

The girls and I have had a busy day in the garden. Thank you
the little vegie co.

... now we just need to distract the possums!

happy new year

Hoping you have a fabulous 2015. We're on holidays and happy xox.