Padua College - 'Artscape'

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

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

'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

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

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

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

'Tossing Pebbles'

Oil on Canvas board

20 x 25cm