Sharon Draws

Pinwheel Mania

2012-01-28T01:51:00.000-08:00

We have been making pinwheels today and are suffering from what some may call "pinwheel mania". My sister Julie introduced us to this simple formula for making them and my daughter Ella and I (as well as my Mum and Julie) have been making them all day. Here is an example of how we did it.

take a six by six square and using a small punch, put holes in the corners and centre

next cut a straight or slightly curved line towards the middle to the left of each hole

fold holes into the center and secure with a brad.

we also made smaller squares and doubled them up on the brad

When I came home I went looking for a hole punch and couldn't find one, nor could I find a brad,but I did find paper and a lovely vintage button and with a needle I punched holes in the corners, cut and then assembled and sewed my button to the front. It was a bit looser so I then got some double sided tape and just quickly stuck it down a bit and sewed the whole lot to a strip of thick fabric. When I talked to my sister about this she said she had seen something similiar on the net using a vintage button and some felt, sounds like fun. Guess what we will be doing tomorrow : )

Studio Sneak Peek: Painting Mourning Shirt

2012-01-26T02:36:00.000-08:00

I've had this mourning shirt that I bought from the Early Street Historical Village Auction around 10 to 15 years ago. I love it and have wanted to paint and draw it since I got it. The project I am currently working on will include this painting and the drawing I have already completed. I am developing a series of work related to clothing, how we wear it and it becomes a part of our external identity. I also am making a series of images of clothing that has ritual associated with it and the mourning shirt is a part of that.

It is a beautiful piece of history silk, embroidery, hand stitching and jet buttons. I haven't finished this yet but here is a sneak peek.

Back to work

2012-01-22T23:35:00.000-08:00

Finally the school holidays have ended and not a moment too soon, we have just had the (mid-week and beyond) boredom that descends when the holidays are almost at an end. We all have wanted to get back to our routine of school and work. So today it was into the studio for the first time in a number of weeks and back to painting and drawing ahhhh so much better!

from "We Miss you Magic Land" at GOMA

from "We miss you Magic land" at GOMA

at GOMA "Look Now See Forever"

At GOMA "Look Now See Forever"

Over the holidays we visited the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and got to see a few exhibitions. The kids and I really enjoyed "We Miss you Magic Land" such a beautiful world created from coloured sugar. We also got spotty in the "look now See forever" exhibit. I also got to see Matisse: Drawn from Life. I highly recommend leaving plenty of time for playing in the Drawing room!

New stuff for the Woolloongabba Antique Centre

2012-01-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some new items in our WAC stall no 15. I love the colour on the chairs at the top with just the right amount of wear, beautiful!

Time to catch up

2012-01-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

studio day in the rain

Epic photography by Richard Green at the Ipswich Art Gallery

Printing and making handmade presents at Christmas

I draw it she paints it

beach walks

Antique shopping finds

every time I look at this photo I hear the sound of the ocean

I have been really busy holidaying and relaxing out of the studio for the last month. This is some of what I've been seeing.

Project: converting a vintage dress into a bag

2012-01-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

I have had this vintage dress for a number of years and finally I got around to making it into a bag. Feels good to have completed this and get it out of the project box. Basically I just cut it in half, removed the sleeves, unpicked the stitching on the shoulders, double sewed all around the bottom and sides, unpicked the sleeves and trimmed, sewed the tops of sleeves together, sewed the bottom inside of the sleeve to the inside of the shoulder and then sewed the underside of the sleeves to complete the handle. Its a perfect size for books and sketchbooks.

Ruffled streamers

2011-12-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

Been having a bit of fun making some ruffled streamers for my daughters ninth birthday. I discovered how to do this over here via Pinterest.

I'm paying my computer tech in chocolate milk

2011-12-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

My son and I have been playing with the computer to create this little digital sequence of the completion of a drawing.

Holidays

2011-12-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

Its time for school holidays here, 6 weeks of freedom from the daily grind of lunchboxes and homework, I don't know who's more relieved them or me!

We've just celebrated two birthdays in the family and now its almost time for Christmas, time flies....

Above are a few images from my iPhone, a life drawing from our final session for the year, a cute vintage squeeker doll, and a 1950's outdoor table (sold in the WAC). Hope you are having a happy holiday!

Size Matters Two at the Swich Contemporary Art Space

2011-12-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

I am currently in a group exhibition at the Swich Contemporary Art Space called Size Matters 2. All the works on exhibit are 12 x 12. I have my eye on a couple of works that I am hoping to get for Christmas this year (hint, hint husband ; )) from some other local artists pictured below (along with my work Misfit 2, Misfit 1 has sold : )). If you are in Ipswich Qld please pop along to the gallery (its on Brisbane Street) and have a look. If you are interested in any of the works please contact LeAnne Vincent at the Swich.

Misfit 2 Sharon McKenzie

LeAnne Vincent

Mieke Den Otter

Time Out

2011-11-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

After an unplanned blogging break due to just being really busy I am going to take a break from the blog for a while over the summer just to spend some more time with the kiddets and family. I have been working on a new series of work for the Size Matters 2 group exhibition at the Swich Contemporary Art Space in December and continuing to work on a series of work related to identity and clothing. I am updating regularly on Facebook and Twitter with some images of works in progress so if you are curious as to what I am up to, you can always follow my artist page on Facebook Sharon Draws- Sharon McKenzie Artist. You can also friend me over there as Sharon Draws as well. I have also got a tumblr page if all this social networking stuff wasn't enough sharondraws.tumblr. Here are some images from my phone to show you what I've been up to in the past week. I will be back in the next couple of weeks to the blog for an update

Studio and gallery fun

2011-10-25T01:04:00.001-07:00

Just recently the Old Courthouse reopened the gallery in the front room. This week there is the Woogaroo painting group displaying their work and one of the artists was there today making felt! Local felt artist Mieke Den Otter was making lovely felts on a table in the gallery all day. It was a wonderful opportunity for all who came in to see a artist at work and also little miss R who was lucky enough to see some of the process and take away some lovely little bits of felt and wool. The Old Courthouse Gallery is open daily during this exhibition from 10am to 3pm, corner of Roderick and East Streets, Ipswich.

In progress

2011-10-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

I've had a bit of a blogging break for a few weeks, here is whats been happening: holidaying, arting, making stuff with kids and out and about at art openings (especially in Ipswich) amongst things. The first picture is from our wonderful holiday at the north coast, blue skies and blue ocean ahhhh. Second image is of a felt face (one of three) that I made for my daughters who are thoroughly obesessed with felt boards. I cut the round face and embroidered the face on, they love them.

Also to the Surrealist exhibition at GOMA and also the wonderful instillation called In Bed by Ron Meuck currently at the Ipswich Art Gallery. On Thursday night I attended another fantastic Philosophy Talk presented by the Swich Contemporary Art Space (at the Ipswich Art Gallery) about the piece. I love seeing this instillation piece as it creates an experience for me of going to see a giant. I really enjoy art that becomes an experience, taps into imagination and creates possibilities. There have been a few art openings (as pictured) Kristy Day's Art and Soul group has an exhibition currently at the Old Courthouse Gallery (open for viewing Friday through to Sunday weekly 10am to 3pm). Purple Connections an exhibiton of work by Kate Roberts and Kylie Stevens at Drawing Point Gallery (Kylie is pictured above at the opening with another local artist Wade Tuck). I've also been attending life drawing on a Wednesday night at The Old Courthouse (7pm till 9:30pm, $15 for nonmembers, $12 for members contact Ipswich Art Society for more details). Cultiver had a brilliant Carnivale for fashion week as well (Bec is pictured at the counter). I've also been drawing and painting with a couple of previews of works in progress pictured above (the spotty dress with belt ink on paper and the blacky blue sleeve Artisian oils on canvas).Whew! its been a busy time.

In Progress Update

2011-09-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

These are some in progress shots of work ongoing in the studio.

Thrift Shopping finds

2011-09-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a perfect Spring day to spend in Toowoomba. We went to drop some items into Lancasters Auction Ctr for their November 6th (Australiana and Pottery auction) and got to have a little peek! I also go to take some pics on the phone. So if you follow me on Instagram you may have already seen these shots.

I loved the lady head vases especially this cute one.

Koalas and Kookaburras by Grace Seccombe and lots and lots of pottery and enamel signs.

Then we decided to do a run around of all the local thrift shops and I discovered a box of vintage patterns, McCalls, Vogue, Simplicity etc from 1940 to 1975, so excited!!! They were all in their packets, nothing missing. I know it must sound strange to some of you but I know there are others out there who understand my excitement.

I also had a bit of excitement a couple of weeks ago when Jo from Desire to Inspire purchased one of my drawings from the Permanent series from the Swich Contemporary Art Space (One exhibition) and then wrote about it on her page, wonderful! The portrait of Kenny was my favourite drawing from the series. You can check out the post here.

Day out at the Woolloongabba Antique Centre

2011-08-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

First day of Spring was a beautiful day for a trip to Brisbane and into the Woolloongabba Antique Centre. I have hung another painting and drawing from the Permanent Series in the corner and Robert brought in some new stock.

Tara painting

Snelling chair, retro dining suite with boomerang pattern all over the laminex!

retro bikes

timber drawers and cabinets

old radio and bric-a-brac

old movie projector

There was a lot of new stuff around the centre as well and I took a few Instagrams as I roamed.

I was just about to hang this painting when my daughter walked up to it to touch the forehead and lips to see if they were real.

Giant soda syphon

Ocean carving

mixer

Deer

Retro bag from the Old Boathouse

little cutie

Swich Turns One

2011-08-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Swich Contemporary Art Space on turning one! Please make sure you check out their current exhibition called One.

Pattern Love

2011-08-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

Two pretty patterns taken on my iphone via Instagram. Hope you are having a great weekend.

Infused exhibition

2011-08-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

Contemplation

domestic irritations

Swallow 2

Tea Party

Tea readings

Swallow

Using symbolism from tessography (tea leaf reading) I made a series of works (including papercuts with linocuts behind, linocuts on antique doilies and ink drawing) for this group exhibition about tea recently at the Swich Contemporary Art Space. I love tea. The photographs are by LeAnne Vincent.

Sketch and Ipswich pics

2011-08-18T04:50:00.000-07:00

Sketch book drawing "doylie"

Bird paste up Ipswich (behind Swich Contemporary AS)

Ipswich intersection

I've recently become quite addicted to using Instagram on my iphone, if you follow me on facebook or twitter you may have seen these images.

Out and about

2011-08-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Was in top of town Ipswich today for a FANTASTIC performance by The Urchins outside Cactus Cafe. I also got a look at some performance by the Fractal Theatre, hillarious!

Speeding up while slowing down

2011-08-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit preoccupied lately with speeding up the production of works in the studio (I'm exhibiting in two group shows this month) but slowing down on the blog/facebook/etc side of things. This has been happening (the slowdown) because of the wonderful opportunities that have been offered to me over the past few months. So less computer time plus more art time equals more art made! I also have found some time to spend organising my home and finding space for this fantastic find. Its replacing a really ugly bookshelf and a boring white laminex pantry. Rob has refurbished this one by cleaning and adding a few extra handles, a new back and some wheels, maintaining the rustic industrial look.

Happy 1st birthday to the Swich Contemporary Art Space! There are lots of wonderful things planned including an group exhbition called One which is on now (I have a couple of pieces in this exhibition) as well as music and a birthday party.

New Mixed Media Works in the Swich

2011-08-07T02:53:00.000-07:00

These are some new mixed media pieces I've been working on, extending on the idea I had for the Infused works. These tessography pieces have symbols in the doylie form drawn in behind the tea cup and symbol print that I have made. I particularly like the gun doylie in the domestic irritations piece. These four pieces (unframed) are one of a kind works available for sale at the Swich Contemporary Art Space.

Vintage Love

2011-08-07T02:21:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit neglectful of the blog lately but still taking photos of all the lovely vintage stuff we have been sending into the Woolloongabba Antique Centre or onto ebay. This week we have a wonderfully rare item on ebay, its a Rocket Man mascot for the bonnet of a car (made in Melbourne). Keep an eye out for some posts this week of what else I've been doing.

Infused tea party

2011-07-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Between 10am and 12noon today the Swich Contemporary Art Space has a tea tasting to accompany your visit to Infused.

Vintage finds Saturday

2011-07-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

In the studio

2011-07-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

In progress Megan

Holiday snaps

2011-07-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

We've been to the beach, sorting and cleaning shells; roaming out to the waters edge; running in the sand and exploring the mangroves.

I am a part of a group exhibition entitled Infused (all about tea) at the Swich Contemporary Art Space which is opening tomorrow night (Thursday) 7th July at 6pm. So come along if you can it should be a good night. The exhibition runs for the entire month if you cannot make opening night : )

Mayhem Magazine

2011-06-27T01:41:00.000-07:00

The Winter edition of Mayhem Magazine has just come out and if you turn to page 7 in the bottom corner of the "We Heart" section you will find my tea party cards! Click on the cover to read online.

Looking around

2011-06-26T01:48:00.000-07:00

I have been busy lately and found that instead of drawing things around and about I've been looking with the camera instead. These were taken in and around Queens Park. I love the little crosses in the top pic and the colour blocks, the texture in the tree and stone work on the column and the ball on top.

School holiday fun

2011-06-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

Its the beginning weekend of the school holidays and there are some really exciting days ahead for all of us. We have been having a Fairy and Elf party today which entailed all of us dressing up as fairies or elves, draping the table with a fancy cloth (outside of course) and a yummy lunch of fairy bread and watermelon balls. There was also fairy froth (otherwise known as frothed milk with chocolate sprinkle), fairy book reading and Lord of the Rings for the older elf boy.

After lunch and stories we made a coloured "little string of doilies".
1. First I put some food colouring drops into jars with lids, then added water
2. using a pack of paper doilies (I bought ours from the cheap shop, 50 cents a pack of 25) we took some white crayons and drew a picture in the centre of the doilies
3. fold then dip one end in one colour and the other end in the next and leave a bit of white between as the colour bleeds into it. We only used two colours that mixed nicely while drying.
4.When they have dried slightly,you unfold (they are easily torn, so be careful)
5. leave them to dry.
6. We stapled them to a lovely piece of purple crepe streamer.

Fun activity for everyone.
* Just a word of warning that food colouring can stain so maybe an activity for children in summer or older children say 31/2 to 10 years who know not to wipe their fingers on clothes.

New additions to the WAC

2011-06-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Two pieces taken into the WAC today. I love the old machinist stool, just the right balance of industrial and rustic.

Friday in the Studio

2011-06-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some snaps from the studio on Friday. I had the delightful company of my 3 year old daughter Ruby in all her stripy finery, enjoying the sun while eating her favourite of the moment tuna mayo wholemeal pocket bread.
I am working on some new drawings for an upcoming exhibition, here is a sneak peek.

Hoping for some warm weather for the long weekend with lots of fun activities planned including some linocutting and sewing, wish me luck.

Shop Update

2011-06-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the WAC to deliver some new goodies including a pretty blue trunk and a shabby white coffee table. On the way we stopped to visit with the new addition to the Michael Allen family, baby Lucinda, super cute! Congratulations Michael and Vanessa.

In the Studio

2011-05-25T22:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest drawing from the studio.

Lots happening in Ipswich at the moment for the Ipswich Festival, one is a shop I went into today with lots of lovely crafty goodness. It is in the old "underworld games" shop on Brisbane Street Top of Town. Please pop by and support local artisians in their Pop Up Shop. More about that over here.

Studio Sneak Peek

2011-05-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

Pen on cartridge A1 "Ellie"

In the studio

2011-05-22T04:23:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of quick sketches from the studio this week, the top is a pen on cartridge of "Ellie" and the lower image is pastel on paper of "Sarah Jane". I will be re drawing and painting both of these as part of my new series about people who dress to express their identity.

Drawings

2011-05-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

Some recent drawings from one of my new projects called "Collected".

Woolloongabba Antique Centre

2011-05-15T20:34:00.001-07:00

My drawing of Mary Ellen hanging our stall at the WAC

My painting of Minda hanging our stall at the WAC

Arnotts shelves, and baskets great for the kitchen or laundry

multi drawered desk would be great in a rustic kitchen

pastels and white

bunting and vintage map

vintage lovlies

beautiful vintage fashion and tutu's

red, blue, black and orange!

Vintage typewriters from the Old Boathouse

Dollies and tins

Retro goodness

Beautiful beaded dress

I have some work hanging up in our antique centre stall at the moment, so if you are in Brisbane you could pop over and have a look at some in the flesh and also check out all the wonderful stuff in the WAC. These pictures were taken on Friday so over the weekend some of these lovely things would have sold and more retro and vintage stock would have come in. The first five images are from our stall, the others are from around the centre and there was a lot I didn't get a chance to photograph.

Typo Love

2011-05-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

A couple of maps and a box lid of a "Munster coach" toy (I wish I had the coach). I loved the Munsters and Adams Family TV shows when I was a kid so when I saw this lid I grabbed it. I keep bits of paper and maps in it that I like for using in artwork or just as inspiration. The typeface kind of hints at a much more sinister horror rather than the comdey show that it was. The yellow Paris type reminds me of a Doris Day film.

If you'd like to see more wonderful fonts and typography from the web pop across to Pinterest and have a look on my board "Fontastic" I also have a lot of other boards where I have been pinning all kinds of wonderful things from all over the web. This "pinning" has kind of become an obsession and I find myself refering more to those boards for inspiration for all kinds of things including cooking dinner (my family is quite happy about this). You can also follow my boards and all of the "pins" refer back to the original post/blog/website so you can look through there for more interesting posts or images.

Random lovely

2011-05-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying the new curtians I've made out of some material I bought from a garage sale a long while ago. I love the pattern.

Permanent - the works

2011-04-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

If you couldn't get to the exhibition and you are not on Facebook here are some pictures of some of the finished pieces. The photographs are by LeAnne Vincent.

Making

2011-04-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

Making some new cards for mothers day and also some hot cross buns, minus the cross. Hope you are all having a wonderful break.

Little pretties

2011-04-22T22:55:00.001-07:00

Here are some snaps of pretty things and a bit of Easter fun.

Happy Easter

2011-04-18T23:14:00.000-07:00

A new card available at Swich Contemporary Art Space in Ipswich. This is what it looks like unfolded, so when it is folded down the middle you get the head and part of the body on the front. Hope you have a happy Easter!

Reading, making and finding

2011-04-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

We are currently on school holdiays, cleaning, stamping, reading, running, visiting, making and finding things. We made this Babka from the book Falling Cloudberries (love the title) a book by Tessa Kiros and it tasted delicious!

On the reading list is The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, we read every night and we have just finnished the Hobbit so really enjoying reading it to my older children. Found most of these books in the local library which is fantastic as we are running out of book space in our house.

In the big cleanup I found these wonderful tiles I saved and will use the larger one on the bench top for hot pots.

GOMA fun

2011-04-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Fun at GOMA.

Sewing reel

2011-04-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Water Queen, love the color and the name.

Dress

2011-04-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

I have been madly addicted to Pinterest for the last couple of weeks and all that pinning and re pinning has put me in mind of a dress that I bought from an op shop around 15 years ago. Madly hunting this afternoon for it I uncovered some other purchases bought not so long ago. So here it is the dress and some wonderful fabric for my girls destined to become a bag and assorted other accessories for the room they share.

Old Photos

2011-04-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

I have started my winter clean out and have discovered a lot of little fun surprises hidden away. Today was a group of polariods (taken around 1998) of some of the little things that I owned at the time and also a few pages of an old journal. I just love the look of old polariods and journal pages. This journal was an old account book that was falling apart and I thought it would be fun to print onto old paper. Some of the images are mine (those of Violetville) and some from the net (in the garden inspiration) I wish I could credit them but I printed this about 3 or 4 years ago (if you know, let me know).

The Violetville house was one of my favourites when I lived in Ipswich around 6 or 7 years ago, it has since been "rennovated" and all trace of the wonderful name and patina of the place removed : (.

And now for something completely different

2011-04-06T03:53:00.000-07:00

I am a bit behind with posting due to a very sick computer which is currently resting in computer hospital and hopefully will be back to work next week. I have started a little project which I am giving you a peek at here with more to come later. I am also at the begining of a new project continuing on from the tattoo portraits which also looks at identity through portraiture but I'll write more about that later. I should be back to regular posting next week.

Open

2011-03-26T05:12:00.001-07:00

My exhibition is open from 10 am to 2:30pm daily till the 31 March 2011 (Thursday) at The Old Courthouse Gallery cnr Roderick and East Streets Ipswich. I had the official opening tonight and have already sold some work! YAY

Sneak Peek

2011-03-18T07:09:00.001-07:00

Working hard in the studio finalising paintings, framing, invites, etc is the reason for the unscheduled blogging break. Here is a little peek at some of the works that will be available for purchase during the exhibition.

Exhibition Opening

2011-03-10T04:07:00.000-08:00

Picking up these tomorrow, hope to see you all there on the 26th March at 5pm for a Saturday evening opening.

Typography Love

2011-03-07T03:33:00.000-08:00

The top image is a sticker form an old suitcase, I wonder if the Walsh's Oriental Hotel is still in South Australia. Vintage boxes are a great source of creative typography and beautiful imagery, the peacock box is one of my favourites.

Vintage Sunday

2011-03-07T03:16:00.000-08:00

This little book was found with an identical blue book and both contained the same pages and pictures, except their is a blue ribbon in one and pink in the other. Maybe a couple of books given at a baby shower and never used. I love the beautiful vintage illustrations and the titles like "babys antics".

In Progress

2011-03-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

Really busy putting finishing touches on the paintings for the exhibition at the end of March (hopefully).

Typography Love

2011-02-28T01:59:00.000-08:00

While I was at the WAC today I also spied some wonderful signs and labels using lots of great type.

Vintage Sunday /Monday

2011-02-28T00:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday has become Monday as I didn't get to the markets or garage sales this week. I did get to visit the wonderful WAC today and have some fun taking some shots of our stall (top five) and also around the centre, number 6 shot is of the Old Boathouse stall. Its such a great collection of stalls in there as well as a fab coffee shop and the clothes, ohhhhh the clothes!

Tattoo Love

2011-02-27T02:23:00.000-08:00

Found this image on Printerest

In the mail

2011-02-25T03:15:00.000-08:00

Look what I got in the post today this lovely print and little cards from Tracey Potter. A lovely way to end a busy week.

Typography Love

2011-02-21T02:28:00.000-08:00

Some of my favourite cook book cover type.

Vintage Sunday

2011-02-20T01:08:00.000-08:00

A little bit of market and garage sale yeilded only a small amount of vintage today so in addition a little bit of past vintage in the form of a great tin from a garage sale a few years ago. It also has some wonderful type on it and great colours. My ten year old was happy with this little camera and some photo corners. We also watched my favourite show Art Nation on the ABC today and now are on the hunt for a Diana camera.

Ipswich Antique Centre

2011-02-17T02:59:00.001-08:00

Here are some shots of Robs stall at the Ipswich Antique Centre (cnr Roderick and East Street Ipswich) just across the road from the Old Courthouse. He has bought in some wonderful things and starting from tomorrow he will be having a stall at the Woolloongabba Antique Centre. The lower pictures are a sneak peek of whats going to be available at shop 15 at the WAC. I really love those stackable wire baskets functional and fantastic.

Studio Update

2011-02-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

I am finalising paintings and framing works but have had a few hiccups in the last few weeks, mostly due to supplies not being available after the flood. As a result I am thinking the exhibition may need to be put back till the end of March. I also have some other projects in the works but will let you know more about that once I have finalised the details.

Typography love

2011-02-14T03:03:00.000-08:00

Aratula School of the Arts building (taken 2009) and "Sunshine".

Vintage Sunday

2011-02-12T15:51:00.000-08:00

This mornings finds include a bird pin cushion, shell box, "fairy" dye and a red and black polariod.

Around the house

2011-02-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

Very busy in the studio this week painting, drawing and attempting to frame all of the drawings for the exhibiton.

Typography Love

2011-02-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

As part of my new year blog "jazz up" I will be making this a regular posting for Monday.

I really love typography, especially wonderful graphics from different eras. I find the most interesting type on music sheets, book bindings, old buildings, hand written on little notes or the back of old postcards and advertising. Here are some music sheets that I have photographed just for the beautiful colour combinations and typefaces. I like all the little additions to the covers, stamps of shops and handwritten notes or names in calligraphy, things that make them one of a kind. I am going to dig through my photographs and also look for some interesting type around Ipswich this week for next weeks post.

Vintage Sunday

2011-02-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

We love garage sales and markets in our house, so Sunday morning is a time for getting out there and seeing what interesting things we can find. I hope to make this a regular post on each Sunday, you can of course play along with any interesting images or collectibles that

you have discovered during the week, just leave a link in the comments.

Firstly we have the collection of my son who is ten and collects cameras (amongst other things). This is what he picked up this week, most of it boxed with the original prices on! He loves old school cameras and is really thrilled about picking this lot up. The second images are of some great old menus, love the graphics aesthetic of the 60s/70s and how about those drinks from "The Islands" wouldn't mind a drink in a shell or a bowl decorated with flowers.

We also picked up some typography drawers for me that I will photograph at a later date, probably a before and after as they need a little work. Very handy for storing cards and papers etc.

Little Racer

2011-02-03T23:49:00.000-08:00

Soon to be listed on mckantiques (Ebay) a cute little racer.

Life Drawing Wednesday

2011-02-02T04:17:00.000-08:00

Hello again, had a bit of an unscheduled blog break to put some extra time into the studio work, now I'm back to regular posts (fingers crossed). Life drawing is back on Wednesday nights from 6:45pm (to start at 7pm) to 9:30pm at the Old Courthouse cnr Roderick and East Streets Ipswich. Some drawings contour line, 5 min and 20 min in charcoal on A1 butchers paper.

Studio Update

2011-01-17T00:12:00.001-08:00

About half way through this painting so this is a sneak peek at Tara. I have just started back to painting in the studio, wish me luck on getting through the other 3 paintings I haven't started yet before my exhibition in March. Busy, busy, busy.

At Home

2011-01-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

Finally we have been able to drive home after being trapped at the Sunshine Coast. What we thought was going to be a short 2 day break turned into 7 days. The roads are open and signs of flood damage are everywhere. As we drove through Mt Gravatt this morning I took a few pictures, its hard to believe the water went so high. I really feel for all the families that lost so much. The mud is slippery and it stinks but plenty of people were out helping to clean up. Of course if you'd like to help you can go to the Queensland Government website and donate.

Queensland Flood

2011-01-11T22:46:00.000-08:00

I know posting has been a bit irregular, sorry about that but I am currently on a holiday at the Sunshine Coast while all the flooding is going on and we cannot get home. Fingers crossed the house stays dry. If you are in Ipswich (Qld) I know that the Ipswich Showgrounds has an evacuation centre that is in need of items such as soap, washers and baby food, please refer to my facebook page for more info.

Beach views

2011-01-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

I've been away from the studio and started back this morning, so not much to show for an update. Here are some pictures to show you were my mind has been for the last two weeks.

The tide went so far out that when we walked out to the ocean it would take about 45 minutes on the sand and wandering through tide pools full of little fish. It rained for days when we first arrived but that darkened the lichens and bark making it look beautiful. I love the beach.

Holidays

2010-12-30T04:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from the beach and a shot of the little handmade decorations close family got for Christmas. Have a happy New Year!!

Antique Center Views

2010-12-24T06:19:00.000-08:00

Just hopped on here after wrapping all the presents and putting them under the tree and I thought I would post some pics from the Antique Center on East Street (across from the Old Courthouse). I love cruising the antique shops on rainy days and if you are in Queensland at the moment we are having a LOT of rain.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T03:28:00.001-08:00

We are currently busy sewing last minute gifts, making gingerbread (and the paper versions), popcorn, pancakes, wrapping, making cards, and writing notes to Santa. I don't know whether he will be able to deliver what my daughter has requested,a miniature flying reindeer, but she is hopeful. I will be taking a short break from the blog over the next few days as I celebrate Christmas with my family. Happy holidays to all my readers, thanks for your support. I will return to regular blogging in a few days time.

Studio Update Drawing Tara

2010-12-20T22:51:00.001-08:00

This is the last drawing in the series. Tara is one of the best people I know, hope you like it.

Studio Update

2010-12-17T02:46:00.000-08:00

This is a ink drawing on cartridge (A1) of Clay. I have started on the final drawing for the exhibition and will post pics next week.

New Antique Centre Opening

2010-12-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

Last night we attended the opening of the Antique Centre at East Street Ipswich, we perused the goods and made a wish list, while keeping an eye out for customers at our stall (pictured above). One of my favourite stalls had vintage head vases and fabulous multi drawer ed white cabinets, a beautiful Chinese daybed displayed just inside the door also caught my eye but with all the people gathered around the counter buying it was difficult to get a shot. There was also a lot of other things and I'm sure there will be more coming in. It is conveniently across from the Old Courthouse so I will be frequently crossing the road keeping my eye out for pretty little items.

Vintage ornaments

2010-12-12T00:46:00.000-08:00

My tree has been missing all the wonderful vintage glass ornaments and also some little cuties for years due to the little peoples interest in destroying them. This year two have made a reappearance, hopefully they will survive.

Seeing faces

2010-12-12T00:37:00.000-08:00

Since I've been concerntrating on doing portraits I'm seeing faces everywhere.

Studio Update

2010-12-12T00:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest drawing of Kenny.

Studio Update

2010-12-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry about my lack of posts I have a computer that is experiencing some difficulties with starting up (today is one of those rare occasions it decided to work). Also I am working on lots of paintings at the moment in the lead up to Christmas holidays. My exhibiton at The Old Courthouse Gallery is booked for the first week in March 2011. Here is the latest almost finished work of Minda and her rabbit.

Wednesday Night Life Drawing

2010-12-01T03:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my drawings from tonight, I like the combination drawing which are two one minute charcoals on the same page. I'm also liking the results from using compressed charcoal. Next week is the final life drawing session till the end of Jan 2011.

New business cards

2010-12-01T03:24:00.000-08:00

These are making me happy at the moment my new business cards.

102 posts!!!

2010-11-23T22:09:00.000-08:00

Whoops I accidently let my 100th post go through without a mention apparently it was my This Moment post from last week. Thats actually quite fitting as the inspiration for that post is also part of the inspiration for all the posts. The Soulemama blog has been a favourite of mine (and many others) for a long time and really inspired me with my parenting as well as blogging. I also must mention my other longtime blog read Loobylu who makes and creates some wonderful softies and illustrations, a great inspiration for following your dreams. Incidently there is a great interview with Loobylu on another fab blog called The Design Files.

Busy in the studio this week with a new painting beginning to take shape and also another drawing.

Christmas Imp no.2

2010-11-20T23:33:00.000-08:00

Here is another little imp in red for the holidays. I've also updated the Etsy shop and now made nearly all my listings for single cards to encourage those of you who only want one card or to mix and match cards for different occasions. I can package up to 6 cards for postage to the one address for the single postage cost as well so there is that option for those who don't want to pay $2.00 (within Australia) or $5.00 (everywhere else) for postage of one card. There are still a few packs available as well for invites etc. I will also be making the madeit shop single cards only.

If you live in Ipswich you could always purchase some of my cards from SWICH Contemporary Art Space and avoid the postage costs.

I've had a busy weekend with making new cards, visiting the Handmade Expo on Saturday and crafting with my girls today. Hope you all have had a good weekend.

This Moment

2010-11-20T03:38:00.001-08:00

Inspired by Soulemama.

Vintage girl

2010-11-20T03:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a little vintage doll my husband picked up for me today. I don't know who she is but I like her style.

Studio Update

2010-11-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest drawing in the series of works on people and their tattoos. I just want to say thanks to all the wonderful people who have come to pose for me, its been a great experience so far. I really like the fact that this tattoo is only half coloured and incomplete at the time of the pose.

Apple Red Vintage Inspired llittle Imp

2010-11-13T23:22:00.000-08:00

New item listed on Etsy and madeit. I've been unpacking all my vintage Christmas ornaments and feeling inspired decided to make this card.

Just Nudes

2010-11-13T18:30:00.001-08:00

Here is an opportunity to exhibit and win prize money at The Old Courthouse Gallery in April next year. The Just Nudes exibition and competition is on! Get your entries in by the end of February check out the latest on the Ipswich Art Societys website. I love life drawing so will be entering some drawings and paintings for sale.

Sneak peek Studio update

2010-11-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

Heres a little bit of the painting that I've been working on this week, although it is probably about 20 hours from being finished (about 1/2 way). I have put it aside yesterday and started working on Nikki with the Pheniox tattoo again. I also had another person model for me this week so I'll be posting some drawings next week.

The Finders Keepers Market

2010-11-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

I went to look at the Finders Keepers Market today in Brisbane at the Old Museum. I bought a few lovely things including some cards from Courtney Brims , admired some cute little softies by Cat Rabbit and saw some great illustrations by Lauren Carney plus many more.

I love the atmosphere of the Old Museum and have great memories of skipping afternoon sport across the road and setting off with friends to explore the gardens and all the wonderfully creepy displays they used to have there. I was a bit early this morning because I really wanted some photos of the building, its fantastic.

New cards in Etsy and Madeit

2010-10-30T23:02:00.001-07:00

Introducing Pernella the horse and her feather hat and the URA Star cards.

Studio work in progress

2010-10-28T01:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of drawings I've been working on this week in preparation for starting a new painting next week.

Life Drawing

2010-10-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks of absence due to illness I'm finally back to Wednesday night life drawing. Some 5 minutes and a couple of 20 minute drawings in black pastel on butchers paper.