Amanda Russian

'Hey Mum! Your Belly Button is an Outie too' - FINISHED

2011-12-14T09:42:00.000+10:00

'Hey Mum! Your Belly Button is an Outie too'

oil on canvas

60 x 75cm

'Hey Mum! Your Belly Button is an Outie too' - Work in Progress

2011-12-06T14:36:00.002+10:00

.....nearly finished

'Heh Mum! Your Belly Button is an Outie Too' - Work in Progress

2011-12-04T14:39:00.001+10:00

'Hey Mum! Your Belly Button is an Outie too' - Work in Progress

2011-11-29T18:17:00.001+10:00

....close-up of work done on face

'Hey Mum! Your Belly Button is an Outie too' - Work in Progress

2011-11-24T17:16:00.001+10:00

June next year...myself, Dona Norwood, Fiona Cross and Belinda Green, will be exhibitng at the new Caboolture Hub Art Gallery. The theme of the exhibition will be 'Cradle to Grave'.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this completed...it's so cute!

oil on canvas

60 x 75cm

Pauline Adair Workshop

2011-11-22T11:06:00.000+10:00

Well we had our final class with Pauline...here's a few images from the day.

Pauline Adair - below & top

We decided that the arm on my 'nude', just didn't look right, so for now I've blurred it out.

I think she's finished....still not sure about the arm though. Will leave it for now & think about it.

'Pauline Adair' Workshop - 'My' work in progress

2011-11-15T12:13:00.000+10:00

It's been sometime since I've attended a workshop, then I heard that Pauline Adair was conducting a class with the Samford Art Group....so I jumped at the chance!! I've been a fan of Paulines since I started painting, it was such a thrill for me to meet her in person & watch her paint.

....this was how much I completed from the days class.

....I then continued with the piece at home. Still a bit to do, but I'm really pleased how it's progressing.

'Visions of Central Queensland - no.4'

2011-11-09T11:35:00.000+10:00

'Visions of Central Queensland - no.4'

oil on stretched canvas

30 x 30cm

.....under-painting

'Visions of Central Queensland no.3'

2011-11-02T14:32:00.000+10:00

'Visions of Central Queensland no.3'

oil on stretched canvas

30 x 30cm

.....under-painting

'Visions of Central Queensland - no.2'

2011-11-01T10:03:00.000+10:00

'Visions of Central Queensland - no.2'

oil on stretched canvas

30 x 30cm

.....under-painting

'Visions of Central Queensland - no.1'

2011-10-30T21:25:00.000+10:00

'Visions of Central Queensland - no.1'

oil on stretched canvas

30 x 30cm

....under-painting

'A Walk Through the Tall Grass' - Figurative Oil Painting

2011-10-26T12:39:00.000+10:00

I know, I know....another painting with a 'girl and dog'....it's just that I've got so many great images from this day. I promise that I'll post something different next time.

I had a 'bit of fun' with the grass in the foreground....I used alot of paint & really got stuck into it with the palette knife.

'A Walk Through the Tall Grass'

oil on stretched canvas

61 x 76cm

'Checking the Fence Line' - Figurative Oil Painting

2011-10-19T10:34:00.001+10:00

.....another painting with a girl and dog

'Checking the Fence Line'
oil on stretched canvs
35 x 46cm

'Creek's dry Fella's....no swimmin' today' - Figurative Oil Painting

2011-10-14T13:11:00.001+10:00

'Creek's dry Fella's.....No swimmin' today'

oil on stretched canvas

76 x 51cm

.....my under-painting

'I Think We're Lost Mate' - Figurative Oil Painting

2011-10-05T10:50:00.001+10:00

'I Think We're Lost Mate'

(Mt Isa Region-Central Queensland)

oil on stretched canvas

30.5 x 40.5cm

'Fence Sitting' - Figurative Oil Painting

2011-09-16T10:23:00.000+10:00

'Fence Sitting'

oil on stretched canvas

30.5 x 40.5cm

'Hey! What about Me?' - Figurative OIl Painting

2011-09-07T11:31:00.002+10:00

This is one of my first paintings from our June/July Holiday road trip of Central West Queensland.

I was a very brave girl, driving this trip all on my own, with the company of my 2 daughters.

For my 'overseas friends', this road trip can be very lonely. You're looking at 100 to 300 kilometres (sometimes more!) from town to town, and not much in between. Sometimes not even passing another vehicle....except the odd road train, semi-trailers with upto 5 trailers...now they're a challenge to overtake. And then there's the wildlife to watch out for....kangaroos, emus, camels, flocks of birds, and then there is the crows & eagles, picking at the poor dead animals on the road....it certainly was an experience. It might not be everyone's idea of a holiday, but we thoroughly enoyed it. The colours are amazing, there's some beautiful places, it's just you gotta drive so far to find them. lol

'Hey! What about Me?'

oil on stretched canvas

70 x 55cm

(Mt Isa region)

Life Drawing - September

2011-09-06T10:54:00.000+10:00

.......the one above is my favourite of the day.

Tattersall's Club - Country to Coast Exhibition

2011-08-15T20:49:00.001+10:00

I've been invited to exhibit in the Tattersall's Club, 'Country to Coast' Exhibition. This Exhibition runs in conjunction with their 'Landscape Art Prize'. Both exhibits will be on display to the public at Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane, weekdays 7am - 6pm, from September 12th to 23rd.
I'm exhibiting 2 oil paintings, one is a scene of the Glasshouse Mountains, and the other is a figurative scene of the various market stalls in the main street of Dayboro, on 'Dayboro Day'.

'Glasshouse Mountains'

oil on stretched canvas

51 x 61cm

'Dayboro Day Markets'

oil on stretched canvas

80x 54cm

Life Drawing - August

2011-08-02T10:38:00.000+10:00

I so loved Life Drawing this month. We had the most gorgeous model, with beautiful curves, and this amazing peacock tattoo running up her outer thigh, on her left hip....though, as the drawings were quick, I didn't have time to draw the tattoo...would really love a longer session with this model.

'Maroochy River, Cotton Tree, Sunshine Coast' - Oil Painting

2011-07-27T11:37:00.000+10:00

'Maroochy River, Cotton Tree'

Sunshine Coast

Oil on Canvas Board

35 x 28cm

'Glasshouse Mountains' - Oil Painting

2011-07-24T10:30:00.000+10:00

'Glasshouse Mountains'

Oil on canvas board

35 x 28cm

'Children Playing in the Creek' - Figurative Oil Painting

2011-07-20T10:29:00.001+10:00

'Children Playing in the Creek'

Oil on stretched canvas

60 x 46cm

Untitled Oil Painting - Kids on the Beach

2011-05-30T20:34:00.000+10:00

Untitled Oil On Canvas

'Kids on the Beach'

40 x 33cm

Life Drawing - May

2011-05-27T12:45:00.001+10:00

I didn't have a really productive 'Life Drawing' session this month....I just wasn't 'with it'. I'm not really sure what was my problem...the model was very interesting, but there was just so much going on.....she had braids with beads, bright pieces of material in her hair, a bongo drum...and to top it off, a live parrot on her shoulder!
...anyway, I know we all have these days, it was still lots of fun though.

Bribie Island Arts Centre - Workshop

2011-04-17T22:00:00.000+10:00

Well I'm exhausted!....I've had a very busy weekend teaching a 'figurative oil painting' workshop at Bribie Island Arts Centre. I had a class of 13 students, all eager to learn how 'I do what I do'.
Everyone painted the same image....

'reference photo'

'Me'....with my completed demonstration

.....and below is images of the artists and their creations.

It was so rewarding to me, to see them enjoying the class so much....I was dam proud of their finished artworks, they all looked fantastic!

Life Drawing - April

2011-04-05T13:40:00.000+10:00

'Liz & Friends' - Annual Exhibition at Bribie Island Arts Centre

2011-03-30T10:25:00.000+10:00

'Seaside Culture'

Oil on canvas - 140 x 110cm

Finalist 2010 Moreton Bay Region Art Awards

If you love art and enjoy a night out, then be sure to come along to the

Bribie Island Community Arts Centre Friday, April 15th.

The exhibition will feature work of 10 artists which includes –
artwork by 'me'....I'll be exhibiting my usual figurative landscapes as well as affordable 'nude study' life drawings. There will be a major prize winning outfit of Carol Wilkes from the Qld Arts Festival and work related to Liz Heber's recent Russian trip. Other artists exhibiting will be Jenni Kelly, Ivan Medew, Lorraine Carthew, Natasha Hodson, Iska Gruber, Bev Porter and Sandy Robertson.

Artists are donating pieces of their work via silent auction which will take place ‘opening night’ as well as during the exhibition. All monies raised from the silent auction will be donated to the Theodore Qld flood victims.

The opening night celebrations commence 6.30pm with complimentary drinks and nibbles provided. The exhibition then continues from 16th April to 1st May at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, Sunderland Drive.

Gallery open Tues – Sun

from 10-4pm (closed Good Friday)

ph 3408 9288

'The Challenge' - Under-painting - Commission 'Untitled'

2011-03-23T14:03:00.002+10:00

Well, this is my latest commission piece, and boy oh boy is this one a challenge.
I really have to get creative with this one, as I don’t have a reference photo that I can work straight from. What I mean is….the client’s family are all grown up now with children of their own. They have asked me to paint their children in a beach scene, as this was their favourite holiday destination…’camping on the beach’.
They’ve given me albums containing family snap shots. As these have been taken probably some 30 odd years ago, they’re not the best quality to blow up....plus they’re just candid family photos, there’s not one particular photo I can use as my main reference photo. I pretty much have to construct the whole painting.
With some of the reference photos of the kids there’s no light at all on the figures, or the photo may have been taken with a flash….I really have to think to make sure I get it right, ie. with the shadows and sunlight touching the skin.

.....close up of the figures

Commission Untitled - 'under-painting'

oil on stretched canvas

102 x 76cm

Normally when I get requests for commissions, I ask the client if they can provide reference photos taken the same day, place, time, and in bright sunshine. I can then compose the painting from the various photos, and the light and shadows on the figures and landscape is all pretty similar. Not sure what other artists do, but this works for me….makes my job a lot easier anyway.

The customer is also wanting me to add some family pet dogs to the painting….stay ‘tuned’, I’ll let you know how I go with this one…..

Blogger re-vamp in 2011

2011-03-21T13:50:00.000+10:00

Work in Progress (3) - Finished

2011-03-17T11:10:00.000+10:00

'Feeding the Animals'

oil on canvas

50 x 60cm

Life Drawing - March

2011-03-08T11:32:00.001+10:00

Another Little 'Funny'

2011-03-05T09:30:00.000+10:00

A Little 'Funny'

2011-03-03T10:13:00.000+10:00

Work in Progress (2) - Untitled Commission

2011-02-25T13:07:00.000+10:00

Oil on stetched canvas

50 x 60cm

Work In Progress - Untitled 'Commission'

2011-02-22T20:44:00.000+10:00

'Under-painting'

Oil on Stretched Canvas

50 x 60cm

Life Drawing - February

2011-02-15T12:05:00.000+10:00

Life Drawing has now started up again....I get such enjoyment from these sessions....love it!

'Commission Artwork' - Untitled Oil Painting

2011-01-16T09:21:00.000+10:00

Untitled - Commission Artwork

Oil on Stretched Canvas

51 x 61cm

Life Drawing - November

2010-11-15T16:09:00.000+10:00

Art for Health's Sake Exhibition

2010-11-11T15:00:00.000+10:00

Join us for the opening night of Art for Health's Sake - an exhibition of fine art, textiles, ceramics and glass by artist Liz Heber and friends, to raise funds for the Wesley Hospital's Palliative Care Service.

Opening night: Thursday 18 November, 2010

Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Venue: Evan and Mary Thomson Auditorium

Level 1, Main Building

The Wesley Hospital - 451 Coronation Drive, Auchenflower

Tickets: $50-00 per person (includes complimentary beer, wine and canapes)

RSVP: To Shamela Perera on 3232 7776 or shamela.perera@uchealth.com.au

Pieces by local artists will be on display and available for purchase:

Liz Heber***Jenni Jelly***Sue Gardner***Chris Clark*** Bev Porter***Ivan Medew

Amanda Russian***Daphne McKennon***Elli Nielsen***Lyn Edwards***Sandra Robertson

Natasha Hodgsen***Peter and Carol Williams

The exhibition will be open to the public on Friday 19 November from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Amanda Russian Awarded '2nd Place tie' in Oils for '2011 Art Buzz Collection'

2010-11-07T09:34:00.001+10:00

Woo hoo!! I just found out I was awarded '2nd place tie' in oils for the 2011 'Art Buzz' Collection. (to view all winning artists go to http://www.artbuzz.org/2011winners.html )

I receive 1.5 pages of fine quality, full colour exposure in their 10" x 10" hard covered publication.

I should receive my copy early next year....I can't wait!

Still Life Workshop

2010-10-27T13:34:00.001+10:00

I recently joined the Samford Art Group for a Still Life workshop with Louise Thomas as the tutor. Louise has just had a successfull exhibition at Graydon Gallery.

oil on canvas board - 45 x 45cm

Still Life is something I really don't paint too often, so it was very enjoyable....a really fun morning.

'Life Drawing' - October

2010-10-19T10:49:00.001+10:00

.....a few sketches from October's 'Life Drawing'.

'Dayboro Day Colours' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-10-01T12:01:00.001+10:00

Finally!....I've finished this one! There was so much happening in this painting...it just seemed to take forever...but I'm pretty pleased how it has turned out...just 'loving' all the colours.
This artwork will be going to Redcliffe City Art Gallery for their '15 Artists' Exhibition to be held from 20th October until 12th November.

'Dayboro Day Colours'

oil on stretched canvas

80 x 54cm

September-Life Drawing

2010-09-21T17:11:00.000+10:00

I attended a Life Drawing session with the Samford Art Group yesterday. Gosh it's been years since I've done any life drawing. I thoroughly enjoyed it....not too sure I'm entirely happy with the drawings, but I'm certainly looking forward to next months session.

Chaise and Drew

2010-09-19T14:12:00.001+10:00

This painting is of my nephew and neice.....it was a wedding gift to their parents.

'Chaise and Drew'

oil on stetched canvas

36 x 43cm

Samford Art Group - Workshop

2010-08-30T20:30:00.000+10:00

These are some images of a workshop that I tutored for the Samford Art Group.

They all worked off the same reference photo of 2 children going for a walk on a bush track.

'reference photo'

.....some of the artists, busy with their creations.

....everyone's artwork was amazing...they did such a great job.

....it was very interesting to walk around and view all of the paintings. Everyone had the same reference photo, but they were all so different. Each artist, viewed and interpreted the scene in their own way....there's no right or wrong...they were all fantastic!

I really enjoyed myself, and I hope all the ladies did too. I'm looking forward to returning in early October....we're going to 'tackle' a 'figurative street scene'.

'Dayboro Day Colours' - Work In Progress

2010-08-27T16:11:00.000+10:00

It's been a bit busy lately....I haven't been able to paint as much as I'd like, so I'm posting a 'Work in Progress'. It's a scene from 'Dayboro Day'. It depicts the coloured tents and the families enjoying the 'market stalls' in the main street of Dayboro, on a beautiful sunny 'May' day.
I intend to enter it into the '15 Artists Exhibition' at the Redcliffe Art Gallery. I can enter 3 works, and one of them must be of a local scene from the region.

'Dayboro Day Colours'

Work in Progress

oil on canvas

76 x 51cm

'On the Banks of the Brissie' - 4th and final artwork for the 'Brisbane Landmark Exhibition'

2010-08-16T11:10:00.001+10:00

Finally! The last painting is completed for the 'Tattersals' 'Brisbane Landmark Exhibition'. I'm so bored with buildings...I don't want to paint another skyscraper for a while, that's for sure! I'm not totally happy....it's dam hard to get the perspective right and the buildings straight.

'On the Banks of the Brissie'

oil on stretched canvas

40 x 51cm

.....my other 3 paintings for the exhibit.

Well...onto the next project now. I need to complete 4 artworks again.... all with a local theme from the Moreton Bay Region. These will be for the '15 Artists' Exhibiton at the Redcliffe Regional Art Gallery.

Figurative Artists Directory

2010-08-08T15:22:00.000+10:00

I've been lucky to have my artwork featured on 'Figurative Artists'. Figurativeartist.org, is a directory of fine artists and fine craftsmen with a focus on the human in art. Paula O'Brien has done such a terrific job of setting up this site of talented international artists.
Please check out the 'youtube' slideshow that Paula has created for 'Figurative Artists'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d31StZYwT9Y

'The Wading Pool (3)' Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-08-06T12:44:00.000+10:00

'The Wading Pool (3)'

oil on canvas board

20 X 25cm

'The Wading Pool (2)' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-07-30T11:14:00.001+10:00

'The Wading Pool (2)'

oil on canvas

20 x 25cm

'City Hall Lunch Break' - 3rd Artwork for the Brisbane Landmark Exhibition

2010-07-29T11:18:00.001+10:00

'City Hall Lunch Break'

(Brisbane City Hall)

oil on canvas

35 x 46cm

'Under-painting'

'StanleySt. News' - '2nd' artwork finished for the 'Brisbane Landmark Exhibition'

2010-07-26T11:58:00.003+10:00

'Stanley St. News'

Oil on canvas

51 x 40cm

Another one finished...2 more to go.

This scene is outside the Newsagency near Stanley Street at Southbank Parklands, Brisbane

....under-painting

'The Wading Pool' Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-07-21T10:57:00.001+10:00

'The Wading Pool'

oil on canvas board

20 x 25cm

'Beach Read' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-07-18T16:28:00.000+10:00

'Beach Read'

Oil on Canvas Board

30 x 23cm

'High on the Dunes' Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-07-10T19:59:00.000+10:00

I struggle sometimes to title my paintings. Do any other artists have the same problem? I might be creative on the canvas, but I don't feel very 'inventive' when it comes to a 'title' for my creations.. Sometimes, something will come to me when I'm painting...but not always. I guess the majority of my paintings are very similar....figures on the beach....figures in the bush....etc....gosh, I'm making my artwork sound boring aren't I?
Anyway....wasn't really happy with the title of my latest artwork, but here it is.....

'High on the Dunes'

Oil on canvas

40 x 30cm

'Brisbane Central' - Finished Artwork for the 'Brisbane Landmark Exhibition'

2010-07-08T13:32:00.001+10:00

It's finished! Yay!! The 'first piece' all finished for the Tattersal's 'Brisbane Landmark Exhibition'. Just 3 more to be completed.

It's an oil on canvas measuring 101 x 76cm. The remaining 3 canvasas aren't as large, so shouldn't take so long to finish.

Ron Mueck Exhibition-Gallery of Modern Art

2010-07-01T16:52:00.000+10:00

Today I took my daughters to see the 'Ron Mueck' Exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane. Wow!...absolutly fabulous! These sculptures are so real. We stood there staring at them...waiting... expecting them to move...they just looked so life like. My daughters wanted to touch them...feel their skin (but of course they didn't)...they looked warm and alive.

'Brisbane Central' - Work in Progress for the 'Brisbane Landmark Exhibition'

2010-06-27T11:00:00.001+10:00

It's 'coming along' nicely...I thought I'd get bored with this one, but I'm actually enjoying it.

oil on stretched canvas - 101 x 76cm

'Close up' of the figures......

Sanctuary Cove Art Festival

2010-06-16T11:43:00.000+10:00

The 'Sanctuary Cove Art Festival' is on this weekend, Saturday 19th - Sunday 20th June, 10am to 4pm. The address is - Pavilion C, Rotunda Lawn, Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast.

These are the 5 artworks I will be exhibiting at the festival....

'Creek Ramble' - oil on canvas - 125 x 79cm

'Off to the Beach' - oil on canvas - 75 x 60cm

'Little Girls on the Beach' - oil on canvas - 35 x 29cm

'Surfs Up' - Pastel - 63 x 46cm

'The Bouquet' - oil on canvas - 144 x 113cm

'Fruit Pickin' - Maleny Art Awards 2010 - People's Choice

2010-06-14T17:58:00.000+10:00

'Fruit Pickin' was awarded 'People's Choice' at this years 'Maleny Art Awards'.

Thank you to all the public....my fans!....for voting for me.

I know I say the same thing all the time, but it always amazes me that, from all the entries, the public chooses mine as 'best of show'.
Thank you so much.

I also won a 'Commended' award.

Brisbane Landmark Exhibition - 'Work in Progress'

2010-06-11T16:35:00.005+10:00

Well...my next challenge is the 'Brisbane Landmark Exhibition'.
This exhibition runs in conjunction with the 'Tattersall's Landscape Art Prize'. Only fifteen artists are selected to participate in this exclusive exhibition.....this year, I have been fortunate enough to be invited to enter 4 artworks.
The exhibition is designed to display paintings which depict well known and maybe some lesser known Brisbane landmark icons.

So this is the first of my entries....it's still a 'work in progress'. For those of you who don't know Brisbane, this scene is the intersection near 'Central Train' station in the city. I haven't thought of a title as yet, but for now I will call it 'Brisbane Central'.

It's in oil, on a stretched canvas measuring 101 X 76cm.

I'm really pleased with the composition and how the under-painting has turned out. It's certainly very different to my usual 'figurative landscapes'....it's a subject matter I've never attempted before.

The Brisbane Landmark exhibiton will be on display in conjunction with the 'Landscape Art Prize', in the foyer of Waterfront Place. 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane. From Monday 13 September till Friday 24 September (7am - 6pm)

'Late Afternoon Beach Walk' (Bullock Beach, Caloundra)

2010-06-03T15:55:00.000+10:00

'Late Afternoon Beach Walk'

(Bullock Beach, Caloundra)

Oil on canvas

51 x 41cm

'Off to the Beach'

2010-05-23T13:27:00.000+10:00

I've gone back and revisited some of my old reference photos from a few years ago. I re-discovered the photos from a day trip to Bribie Island, that my daughters and I did back in early 2008. I've now painted quiet a few from this 'outing', and they have all sold....hopefully I'll be lucky and this one will go to a nice home too.

'Off to the Beach'

Oil on Stretched Canvas

61 x 46cm

My 'under-painting' for 'Off to the Beach'

Moreton Bay Region Art Awards - 2010 'Opening Night'

2010-05-22T10:36:00.006+10:00

I attended the opening of the 'Moreton Bay Art Awards' last night....it seemed to lack a bit of 'party' atmosphere...didn't have the same 'feel' as previous years 'opening nights', but that's not the point, the art was amazing!

The winner of the 'Photography/Digital' was Shane Fitzgerald for 'Tempest:After Streeton' (centre top in the image on the left). The winner of my section - 2D works, was Barry Fitzpatrick for 'Self Portrait as a Cuttlefish' (image above right)

Local artist, Dona Norwood, was successfull in having entries sellected in the 2D and Photography/Digital sections. Her entries were -left image above-2D 'The Naked Truth:Global Economics VS:National Independence' and right image above at top - Photography/Digital 'Yesterday's News'.

Winner left, of the 3D works - Ann O'Connor for 'Moving House'.

A couple more 3D entries from local artists....top left-John Marshall's entry 'Escape from Ennui' and Belinda Green's 'Not Just Skin & Bones'.

The 'Local' artist award went to Todd Whisson for his entry 'Fleeting Light Scott's Point Margate'

The awards are at the Strathpine Community Centre and the Pine Rivers Art Gallery, 199 Gympie Rd, Strathpine. Open daily from 10am to 4pm till 30th June.

Historical Picture Quilts of the Moreton Shire - 1st Draft/Plan Completed

2010-05-15T12:16:00.001+10:00

Well we've now completed our first rough design plan for the 'picture quilts'.

This first part of the quilt is about - the first landing at Skirmish Point (Bribie Island) by Captain Matthew Flinders - native flora and fauna....pandanus palms, melaleuca(paperbark) trees, mangroves...animals and birds....emus, kookaburras, dingoes, kangaroos, echidnas, carpet snakes....the ocean and rivers...fish, turtles, dugongs, crabs. - Aboriginal History....their annual 'trek' from the coast to the Bunya Mountains, how they live....their homes, food, hunting....and how the arrival of 'white man' changed their lives and home forever.

This is the second part of the quilt, which joins up and flows on from the first one above. This quilt is more about the history of Redcliffe.....the first landing by Captain John Oxley - the 'Red Cliffs' of Redcliffe - Aboriginal history.....further images of their 'way of life' and especially the unusal connection they had with the dolphins in the area....the dolphins would help the Aboriginals hunt fish - the dolphins would herd the fish into shore, where the Aboriginals would be waiting to catch the fish in nets. The Aboriginals would take their share of the catch and they then would feed some to the dolphins - Amazing story, heh?

So 'us artists' have done our 'bit' for now. The 'quilters' will have a look at our 1st design drawing and will let us know what changes are needed. So I'll 'keep ya posted' on the progress of things....

Padua College - 'Artscape' Opening Night

2010-05-15T11:33:00.001+10:00

My artwork on display at Padua College's 'Artscape' Art Exhibition.

Exhibition runs until 3pm this Sunday 16th May.

Padua College - 'Artscape'

2010-05-10T11:28:00.000+10:00

This weekend - 14th May to 16th May - is the 10th annual 'Artscape' art exhibition, held at Padua College. As it's their 10th year they won't be having just one feature artist, this year they have invited all the feature artists that have displayed over this time. I was the feature artist for 2009.
These are the works that I will be exhibiting........

Historical Picture Quilts of the Moreton Shire

2010-05-07T17:40:00.001+10:00

I've been asked to help out on a 'community project' run by the 'Artisans Guild of Caboolture'. They are constructing 4 large historical picture quilts, covering the period from the settlement of the Moreton Shire to the present time.
The first of the picture quilts, will tell the story of the first landing at Redcliffe and Skirmish Point (Bribie Island), aspects of Aboriginal History from the local area, as well as flora and fauna.
These quilts are not your average quilt..that's for sure. The quilts will be like a huge painting, but of course instead of paint, fabric will be used....the examples of quilts that I've seen are amazing. They will measure 2.5 x 1.5 metres - each.

Now, those of you who know me, are well aware that I'm 'no sewer'...I'm flat out sewing a button on a shirt..hehehe...so, I'm assisting Dawn Gallagher and Robyn Cutler (2 other very talented artists from the shire) in the drawing and planning of the quilts.

I'm certainly learning alot about the history of the area...its quiet interesting. We meet again next week... so hopefully we will have finished our first colour draft, to present to the quilters and the group for approval. I'll post the results next week.

'Fruit Pickin' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-05-01T12:40:00.000+10:00

'Fruit Pickin'

Oil on stretched canvas

71 X 56cm

I'm pretty pleased how this work turned out. When I first started I wasn't 'real keen' on it....not sure why....but I quiet like the shade and dappled light on the figures. I think it might be a 'good one' for a competition....I'll have to see what's coming up.

Fruit Pickin' - Work in Progress

2010-04-20T17:09:00.001+10:00

I've been a bit slack lately....sort of lost my 'mojo' with my painting. Not sure why...Hubby is doing night shift at the moment...I guess that's 'mucked' up my days a little.

Anyway...here's a few progress photos of what I'm working on at the moment.

Oil on stretched canvas

71 x 56cm

Moreton Bay Region Art Awards - 2010

2010-04-08T16:44:00.001+10:00

Whoo-hoo! My entry, 'Seaside Culture' has been selected for the 2010 Moreton Bay Region Art Awards. The exhibition is held at the Pine Rivers Gallery from 22nd May to 30th June

Aspley Art Group - One Day Workshop

2010-03-14T17:06:00.001+10:00

Today I taught my first 'workshop' for the 'Aspley Art Group'. It was a group of 12 lovely ladies, who made me feel very welcome... which helped to 'chase' those 'nerves' away.

I'm pretty much self-taught....I have never taught before, so I guess I was a little worried about how to actually 'run' a class.

I prepared myself by completing 2 small paintings at home first. I wanted to time myself to see how quickly I could finish 2 simple landscape artworks. These are my 'step-by-step' photos of the 2 paintings we did.....

Some of the completed artworks by the students...all different but all very good, they should all be very proud...great work.

I was pleased with the way the day turned out. Everyone in the class managed to complete 2 beautiful paintings, and it was great to see everyone learning and practicing different techniques. It was very satisfying for me, I enjoyed myself and I think everyone else did too. I'm looking forward to returning later on in the year for future classes.

'Tossing Pebbles' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-03-10T10:58:00.000+10:00

'Tossing Pebbles'

Oil on Canvas board

20 x 25cm

'Fishin' for Guppies' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-03-03T11:19:00.002+10:00

'Fishin' for Guppies'

Oil on canvas board

20 x 25cm

'Liz & Friends 2010' Art Exhibition

2010-03-01T10:47:00.011+10:00

Matthew Flinders Gallery - Bribie Island Arts Centre

Sunderland Drive, Bribie Island

Sat 20 March - Sun 11 April

Exhibition opening is Sat 20 March from 4.30pm

in conjunction with Bribie Lions Club

Opening tickets $15 at door or ring Lions 3408 9604

Exhibition continues FREE until Sunday 11 April

(centre closed Mondays and Good Friday)

Artists for 2010

Guest Artist is Sandy Robertson

'Springtime Walk' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-02-28T12:40:00.000+10:00

'Springtime Walk'

Oil on canvas

36 x 26cm

'Seaside Culture' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-02-26T15:10:00.000+10:00

I finally finished 'Seaside Culture' (previously titled 'Beach Life'). I have done many changes since my first 'work in progress' posting of this piece. Deleted a few figures, as well as deleting the sand castle and buckets in the foreground. I felt, in the end the painting worked better without these items....or maybe it's because it's been sitting in my studio for so long now, I just wanted it finished....sick of looking at it! It was such a large painting with so many figures....I'm looking forward to starting something new...something on a smaller canvas.

'Seaside Culture'

Oil on stretched canvas

122 x 91cm

I'm going to enter this artwork into the Moreton Bay Region Art Awards....'fingers crossed' I get in.

'Little Girls on the Beach' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2010-02-09T17:01:00.001+10:00

'Little Girls on the Beach'

Oil on canvas board - 25 x 20cm

A small, fun little painting...I enjoyed painting this one.

'Beach Life' - Work in Progress

2010-02-05T16:11:00.003+10:00

I'm reasonably happy with the way this artwork is progressing. I have done a few changes from my first posting of this work....firstly - the lady with the toddler - I have brought forward...I felt her size just didn't seem right in the distance...secondly - I decided to delete the fellow with the red shirt that was in front of the 3 girls on the right side of the painting.

I feel it's starting to work now....I think - 'well I hope' - first you notice the 3 girls on the right, then your 'eye' is drawn through the painting to the swimmers in the distance. Well..at least that's what I'm trying to achieve.

The size of this painting is 122 x 91cm

'Glasshouse Mountains' - Landscape Oil Painting

2010-02-04T10:05:00.003+10:00

Well, I've finally been able to paint! Now the kids are back at school, it's time to get back into my 'groove' again, and get some work done.

I decided to start off with a small landscape of the 'Glasshouse Mountains'. Thought it would be a nice little one to get me started.

'Under-painting'

Finished artwork - 'Glasshouse Mountains'

Oil on stretched canvas

30 x 25cm

Stanthorpe Art Festival

2010-01-14T11:37:00.000+10:00

I still haven't been able to get much painting done...my kids don't go back to school for another 2 weeks. 2009 was a very busy year...It was a bit of a 'blur'...I was 'flatout' 'non-stop' painting and preparing for my 1st solo exhibition....so I guess I do need to slow down and have a break.

But I do have some news to share....I've been lucky enough to have my artwork 'Damming the Creek', chosen for the 'Stanthorpe Arts Festival'. There was over 1000 entries, so I'm pretty proud to be selected. The opening night is Friday 26th February and it continues till 18 April 2010.

'Damming the Creek'

Oil on Canvas

120 x 100cm

'Beach Life' - Work in Progress

2009-12-16T16:46:00.000+10:00

Well....school holidays are here, and of course Christmas is less than 2 weeks away, so unfortunately I haven't been able to paint as much as I'd like...so I thought I'd 'post' a 'work in progress'.

This is a large artwork, oil on stretched canvas - 91 x 122cm.

Back in September I spent a week at Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast. I took my sketch pad and did a bit of drawing while my kids were 'yahooing' on the beach. It was interesting observing all the different ages and groups of people all socialising 'at the beach'. I'm trying to convey that in my painting....'Beach Life'. I've still got alot of work ahead of me. I'm still not sure about some of the sizing of the figures in the distance and I'm also not really sure if it's all going to come together and work... but I will be able judge better when I complete more of the background, water and figures.

'Dune Climb' Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2009-11-25T08:53:00.005+10:00

'Step by Step' - painting progress

Finished Artwork

'Dune Climb'

Oil on stretched canvas

56 x 71cm

'Scampering up Dunes' is probably 'frowned' on these days....not the best for the environment...damages the vegetation etc...but I think alot of us can relate, and remember in our youth, trying to 'conquer' the huge climb to the top...so much fun!

Play Days - Looking into a child's world

2009-11-17T10:46:00.003+10:00

Play Days brings together a selection of artworks that investigate the child's play world. Artists have often been inspired to capture a moment from that child's world, looking at the innocence, the wonderment of discovery and interaction with their peers.

Free child and parent activity workshops will be held each day for the duration of the exhibition.

Bribie Island Community Arts Centre

Exhibition dates:

Tuesday, 5 January - Friday, 31 January 2010

Opening Hours:

10am - 4pm Tues - Sun

Free Entry

http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/

ph 07 3205 0555

'Woorim Walk' Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2009-11-16T20:07:00.002+10:00

'Woorim Walk' Sold

Oil on Canvas

117 x 92cm

'Woorim Walk' was a 'finalist' and awarded 'peoples choice' at the 2008

Pine Rivers Art Awards.

Thought I'd share this one with you all.... as the reference photo was taken the exact same day as my previous 'posted painting' 'Give Us a Hand Up'

Printed gift cards - 21 x 14.5cm

$6-00 + p & h

If you're interested in purchasing gift cards please email me.

'Give Us a Hand Up' - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2009-11-12T11:22:00.001+10:00

Detail close up - brush strokes-texture

Finished Painting

'Give Us a Hand Up'

oil on canvas

92 x 61cm

Lilly Pad Boat Races - Figurative Oil Painting by Amanda Russian

2009-11-06T13:26:00.009+10:00

'Lilly Pad Boat Races'

oil on canvas

117x91cm

In 2008, 'Lilly Pad Boat Races' was acquired by the Caboolture Shire Council (now the Moreton Bay Regional Council) for their public Art collection.

'Play Days' - 'Looking into a Child's World' is a Moreton Bay Regional Council art exhibition which opens 4th January and closes 31st January 2010. It's being held at the Bribie Island Arts Centre, Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach. Ph.3408 9288

'Lilly Pad Boat Races' will feature in the 'Play Days' exhibition, along with numerous other 'artist artworks' from the 'council' collection.

On the 27th January, Wednesday morning from 10am, I will be present at the exhibition....please drop in and say 'Hi'....would love to meet you.

'Lilly Pad Boat Races'

printed gift cards - 21 x 14.5cm

$6-00 + p&h

If you're interested in purchasing gift cards please email me.

'Playing in the Stockyard' - Painting Stages

2009-10-29T13:17:00.002+10:00

Stage 1 - darks are painted using 'permanent mauve' and 'prussian blue'. I commence painting a 'turpsy' underpainting.

Completed 'underpainting'...I leave this a couple of days to dry.

Stage 2 - I use a thicker, oilier, slow drying medium. I commence the painting, starting with the backbround, forward.

nearly finished......

Finished painting.....

'Playing in the Stockyard'

OIL on stretched canvas - 61 x 56cm

Realismo en la pintura (Realism in Painting) - 'Blog'

2009-10-10T08:53:00.002+10:00

I have been lucky enough to have my artwork 'showcased' on 'Realismo en la Pintura' blog. Realismo en la Pintura (Realism in Painting), profile some very talented people. I feel very honoured and proud to be included with such high calabre artists.
So if you haven't had a look at their blog before, be sure you do....amazing work!

'Gallery Beneath'

2009-10-08T20:36:00.001+10:00

Some people maybe surprised, but I have only ever displayed in a 'commercial' gallery once. It's not that my work is not accepted...it's that I have never had the 'stock' available! So far I have been lucky, and my art has sold 'by word of mouth', or at the various competitions and exhibitions that I enter. Now that my solo exhibiton has finished, I now have a nice 'body of artwork' to offer.

Today, I visited 'Gallery Beneath' at Sirocco Plaza, Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. Beautiful gallery and amazing, inspiring work. I'm very excited as they have accepted 4 of my paintings for exhibit....so if you're at the Sunshine Coast, please drop in and have a look.

These are the 4 artworks that are now available through 'Gallery Beneath'.......

Girls Picking Wildflowers - Oil on canvas - 60 x 50cm

Splashin' Fun - Pastel on paper

Sandcastle Creations - oil on canvas - 60 x 50cm

The Red Ball - oil on canvas - 62 x 52cm

Kids Playing in the Creek-'Finished'

2009-10-02T11:11:00.001+10:00

I finally finished this one....it's taken a while to complete. I've got my 2 girls home because it's 'school holidays', so I've been trying to amuse them too.

'Kids Playing in the Creek', oil on canvas, 45 X 36cm

Kids Playing in the Creek-water finished

2009-09-24T10:39:00.001+10:00

I'm happy with the way the water has turned out....I like the way the light is high-lighting the ripples. I will probably 'touch it up' a little at the end.

Kids Playing in the Creek

2009-09-22T19:49:00.002+10:00

This painting I started a few weeks ago at my 'demo' at the 'Childscape' exhibition.

'oil underpainting'

background foliage painted....

Tomorrow I'll continue on with the water......

Holiday Fun...and Art!

2009-09-18T14:24:00.004+10:00

I'm back!....I've been away with my family for a week, to Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Just lovely...beautifull warm sunny days...we had a great time.

I wasn't going to take my 'sketch pad', but I couldn't help myself. I've become very inspired by all my 'fellow bloggers'....so many of you are outdoors painting and sketching. I've done 'life drawing' sessions but not much 'outdoor' painting and drawing.

It certainly was a challenge....why won't 'people' stand still! Only joking...I had to learn to draw very fast, simple strokes and lines. In the end I just treated it like the quick 10seconds warm-up sketches we would do in 'life drawing'.

They were a 'bit of fun', and it was interesting drawing all the different body shapes... from children to adults.

Finished 'Demo' Artwork

2009-09-08T11:46:00.001+10:00

I've now finished my 'demo' painting from last Saturday....as you can tell, I love painting 'grass'...all the colours, and the beautiful 'flicks' of light in the blades of grass...I'm pretty happy with the end result.

Childscape - Artist Talk and Demo

2009-09-05T20:33:00.002+10:00

Who's hiding behind that canvas?!

My demo went very well. There was a good 'turn out' of people, all very interested in how 'I do what I do'. I know I'm silly...but I was pretty nervous at first...it's strange to have an audience watch you paint.

There were a number of people wanting to know if I gave lessons. Everyone was so interested in the process and how I painted....I feel that I now have the confidence to 'give it a go'...teach that is. (I've never taught before.)

Anyway...it was a very rewarding day...I enjoyed myself immensely.

Preparing for my Artist Talk and Demo

2009-09-02T14:16:00.002+10:00

I'm doing a 'demo' and an informal 'artist talk' in conjuction with my 'Childscape' exhibition. It's this Saturday (5/9) at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery 2pm to 3-30pm. It's something I've never done before...how do you show someone how you paint in less then 2 hours.

What I thought I might do is take a few different canvases painted at different stages. Over the past couple of months, I have also taken photos at different stages...both with my pastels and oil paintings. The following photos are stages of an oil painting, canvas size 40 x 50cm. Its just about completed...

1st stage-I like to get all my darks in...I use permanent mauve or alizarin or yellow ochre...it all depends what look I'm after...'cool' 'warm' etc.

2nd Stage-I do a full 'turpsy' wash...an underpainting...very loose at this stage. I then leave this for a couple of days to dry.

3rd stage-painting is now nearing completiton...I love it at this stage...it comes alive! I've still got to complete the right side of the 'artwork', the 'figure' in blue and finish highlighting. I will leave this for my demo...hopefully this will give everyone a general idea of how I 'paint'.

Blogging

2009-09-01T20:16:00.000+10:00

This might seem like a 'silly' posting....but this 'blogging' stuff is all new too me...I'm just starting to 'get into it'. I'm thoroughly enjoying searching for and 'following' other artists...enjoying what they create...and then also sharing what I do. To 'connect' with people all around the world, is amazing! Such fun! (though it keeps me up late at night!)