The Art of It

I am having such fun.  Many thanks to my daughter, Tracey, for all the modeling! Simply Crimson - oil on canvas

2012 is my year of creativity and learning.  I have been out of the blogging world for 5 months now all because I have been working very hard! Still life is not my favourite subject matter, but I started classes with Natalie Hirschman at the beginning of this year and this was our first class subject. I am learning so much and changing so fast it is mind blowing. I love it.

Constantiaberg Art Society is holding an exhibition in the Sanlam Hall, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens from 16 January to 25 January 0900 to 1730 every day. Entry into the exhibition is free and on Tuesdays entry in to the Gardens is free for Pensioners.  Members will be exhibiting some wonderful art at very reasonable prices.

The first of two Members Exhibitions was opened on Saturday 28 May at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town.  This exhibition runs until Monday 6 June 2011. I entered one of my en plein air paintings done at a private home at Marina de Gama. The whole painting was done on site, I didn't touch it at home in case I messed it up.  I hope I have conveyed the tranquility of this beautiful venue.  What a place to retire to!

This was painted on one of those extremely exciting days of painting in the field.  Some days everything just works!

I have been very brave and highly stimulated attending an online workshop run by   Johannes Vloothuis backed by Wetcanvas.   https://www1.gotomeeting.com/ register This free workshop starts at 10pm SA time and it actually keeps me wide awake!  I eventually fall into bed at about 12.45 and sleep on all the invaluable information I have received. I have been having a good look at past paintings and I have now adjusted this one.  The trees behind the chimney do not exist and the embankment doesn't quite look like that but that is what art is all about!  I think it looks a lot better!