Wonderful Workshops

I can't complain that I haven't had time to paint this week because I've seriously indulged not once, but twice! (GASP!)

Well for a start how could I clean the house when it's been so dark? 

At 3.00pm I've had to turn on lamps for goodness sake.

I dread to think what I'll see when the sun eventually does shine, but apparently that's not going to happen until at least next Tuesday... if we're lucky. 

So for now all my guilt is shut up tight into the broom cupboard. 

But can you guess what the subject matter was for my art group this week?

A Rainy Afternoon!!!! 

As you can imagine I was thrilled 

I have to say I struggled with this one, not only for the subject, but also trying to keep my piece loose.

I nearly freaked out trying to get a little precision on a building whilst using the palette knife.
I apologised to all my fellow desk mates but they seemed to think it was a giggle... so they're now off my Christmas card list!  

I definitely need more time to work on this... so I'm not going to show you it this week.

I wouldn't wish that on anyone never mind my arty friends. 

I'm still attempting to catch up after being away and had completely forgotten that I'd signed up for a workshop.

Thankfully I'd entered it into my phone diary so didn't miss it. 

I had a great time which was organised by the Jack Tierney Gallery in Cults, Aberdeenshire.

The very talented visiting Russian artist Sofia Perina-Miller gave incredible demo's (four in all) and her enthusiasm was infectious, so we all had a play too.

Her work is so incredibly vibrant and free flowing. 

No pencil in sight. 

Here she is painting a poinsettia. 

Sofia sees everything in intense colour and transfers that to her paintings.
If you'd like to see more of Sofia's work... click here or visit her Facebook page here

Her energy was tangible and listening to her talk about all of her projects, plans and future work left me feeling a little dizzy. She apparently only has about three to four hours sleep a night. 

(I knew that's were I would find some more time... now I just have to try sleep deprivation... although somehow I don't think it'll be for me... I'm a dizzy blonde already at times) 

I now have an extensive art supplies wish list for Christmas, but unfortunately I don't think I've been that good.... I'll have to work on it!

St.Petersburg White Nights Wooden Box Set
Shin-Gansai watercolour pan
600gsm cold pressed paper 
to name but three...

Here's a painting I managed to do within the time restraints.

I always like to outline in pen so was thrilled when Sofia said that we needed to do that on our finished paintings. 

Yay... I knew I liked her 

This second piece isn't finished but I'll maybe have a play with it using the paints I already have. 

It's so dark here so photographs lately leave a lot to be desired...soz!

I'll certainly be looking out for more workshops to attend and Sofia says she will return in the spring.
Roll on spring for so many reasons...

And finally and more appropriately my sincere apologies if you have visited me recently and I haven't returned the call.

I've been away twice in the last few weeks and there's still two little trips planned (although these aren't cast in stone) I will be revisiting my posts to catch up with replies as and when I can.

In the meantime why don't you nip over to Kristin and Eva's Paint Party Friday there's always lots to see.

I'm also linking to Dion Dior's Friday Sketches... click here to visit Dion

And the Artist's Play Room over at Jenn's Just Add Water Silly blog

Happy Friday everyone... have fun and hopefully I'll see you again soon
(I'll be concentrating on the Christmas festivities after this weekw)

xoxo

Seven Seas of Rye

Seven Seas of Rye.....

‘Seven Seas’ of Rye became our weekend retreat for a much needed rejuvenation of our batteries a few weeks ago. The house was perfect and so homely with everything we could need and then some. If you would like to take a peek at the interior and further details just click here

 

The first evening we had a BBQ ~ the garden was so large at the rear that an impromptu footy match kicked off. Also table tennis equipment, darts and a soccer table available, so the boys were quickly in full activity mode...which was wonderful to see. 

Not a mobile phone in sight!

Rye is situated on the Mornington Peninsula, which is just a short drive outside of Melbourne, so a perfect location when you want to nip away for a few days, but still be on hand if need be. It really does feel a different world from the city.  

 

Rye extends southwards across the narrow width of the Mornington, right down to the coastline fronting the open waters of Bass Strait. The Mornington Peninsula National Park spans the foreshore here, consisting of scenic walking tracks, rocky coastal features, dunes and pockets of sandy beach. A pathway and steps extends from Tasman Drive down to the sandy bay at Number 16 Beach.

We had some really great weather on the Saturday so it had to be spent appreciating the beach. We virtually had it to ourselves. The sand and surf were brilliant... couldn’t you just sit and watch the waves for hours....I know I could.

There’s something about smooth, clean untouched fresh sand that makes me just want to put footprints all over it...(maybe that’s a little too much information).

 

Yep they are my footprints...I couldn’t resist making my mark!

And then there's the waves....fantastic surfing!

 I have to confess I didn't venture in...but I know a man that did!

 We obviously had to sample the local recommended fare...visiting Peninsula Pantry for breakfast....
It can be a little tricky to locate so maybe check out their link here to make sure you find it. 

 Do you know how looooong I had to wait for these chairs to be vacant before I could take the photo? It's such a popular place for brekky.

But then look what was inside....and this was only one counter!

Because it was the weekend and everyone knows that calories don't count at the weekend, we sampled lots of culinary delights. 

Steam the Asian Restaurant is highly recommended... I'm sorry no personal photos on this occasion but the boy's people tend to get a little techy when food is delayed due to photographic opportunities! 

Steam in essence is hot, fresh and clean... these are the qualities reflected in their modern Asian fusion style menu. If you enjoy fresh and local seafood ~ look no further you will be in your element.

After all this self indulgence there's only one way to end the day....at the Peninsula Hot Spring...ahh...now 's that's special.

 

Peninsula Hot Springs is the first natural hot springs day spa centre in Victoria, Australia.

Natural hot mineral waters flow into the thermal pools and private baths providing the idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. There are two main areas - the Bath house, which offers over 25 bathing experiences and the Spa Dreaming Centre, which offer a wide variety of treatments and private mineral baths. The 50°C naturally hot mineral spring water flows from an underground aquifer 637 metres below the surface. The water  runs untouched direct from the source to the pools, which range between 37°C and 43°C. 

Peeeeerrrrrrrfect!

Peninsula Hot Springs thermal mineral water contains a range of naturally occurring minerals including sulphur, calcium, magnesium, potassium and many others and is classified as a “Sodium Chloride Bicarbonate Spring” (Na-Cl.HCO3). If you're into the science of it all....personally I just love the heat ;D

The Bath House has over 20 bathing experiences on offer with areas suitable for visitors of all ages including a Hill Top pool (right) with 360 deg views, reflexology walk, Turkish steam room, sauna, cave pool, family bathing area, 16 years+ bathing area and many more.  Lunches and light morning and afternoon snacks are provided too, just in case you get a little peckish. Plus they are open from 7:30 am till 10 pm daily. AGAIN...perfect!

Because the Seven Sea's accommodation is located so handy to the Springs, it was brilliant to nip later in the evening with the added bonus of their cheaper rate! How convenient and luxurious to have a hot spring on your doorstep. No personal photo here due to the fact I didn't want to try and carry a camera around the springs, but mainly because you're NOT seeing me in my cossie! No matter what! Trust me I know what's best....

Now what would be next on an indulgence break....to visit a winery of course. So where was the nearest vineyard to the house....The Cups Estate located on the Browns Road, Fingal. When we first arrived a huge shower lashed down, but suprisingly as the wine tasting got under way the sun came out!

The Cups Estate story is one which began in 1955 whilst a young Joe Fisicaro was working on his grandfather’s farm in Balranald- Southern NSW. Whilst toiling in the fields he dreamt of one day owning a farm and producing the same quality produce his grandfather had achieved. Years passed but the seed to plant a vineyard was sewn in those early years. To read more about the interesting family business click on the link here.

The cellar door takes advantage of breathtaking views with its floor to ceiling windows and round bar. It overlooks the vineyard, neighbouring Moonah Links Golf Course and the magnificent dune region known as ‘the cups’.

We did arrive a little late in the afternoon, but that didn't deter the staff from making us feel welcome.  

Patrick the wine taster appeared magically (like a genie from the bottle literally) as if from nowhere within minutes of our arrival. His expertise was second to none but with such a friendly approach. Although my OH might not agree I think we still have so much to learn and Patrick was very patient with us. If you visit The Cups Estate' say 'Hi' from us.

 In fact all the staff were very friendly and the kitchen produced beautiful chocolate and mascaponi desserts, plus tea and coffee even though the kitchen had shut 10 minutes earlier. Now that really impressed me :D

Another end to a perfect day....sitting and eating whilst gazing over the landscape, offered a great atmosphere of relaxed fun..

 And yes you guessed it....after sampling numerous wines we had to bring a few box away. Well who could resist? The Merlot in particular.

Certainly not us...so we will enjoy a glass and reminise over the coming months.

 Oh and we did manage to visit Rosebud and Sorrento too...both being so close.

 Sorrento has a rich history believed to be the first European settlement in Victoria discovered in 1803 and later developed as a tourist destination for the rich and famous by George Coppin from the 1870’s. It is in this era that some of the magnificent limestone buildings were built in the township.There's lots of interesting sights and buildings to check out ~ not to mention the shops of course.

My SiL and I wandered through the many beautiful galleries and shops. (Ooops I said not to mention the shops) But isn't it complulsory for females to shop wherever they go?

After an intensive search she successfully purchased a beautiful painting from the above gallery, which hopefully is winging it's way from sunny Sorrento to unfortunately chilly Cheshire in the UK, as I type! The painting is a beach scene which hopefully will radiate light and warmth for years to come.

Meanwhile as long as my son received regular calorific intake of gigantic proportions, he managed the traumas of accompanying us. No wonder he's 6'....

Unfortunately my OH could only sneak a peek at the nearby golf courses available due to time restraints, but then I'd have liked to have taken one of the many horse-riding opportunities too...so there's nothing for it...we just HAVE to go back and soon!

 

 The perfect weekend getaway all within just over an hours drive away from Melbourne's CBD...rather special I think ;D

It Starts! Whoohoo......

I want to shout it from the roof tops...
No, I didn't win the lottery, or found a chore for wrinkles. It's a lot simpler than that, but no less an achievement for me. For those who have been following my blog for a little while will understand my euphoria! I have finally started to create some artwork.

It all started when one day I strolled into a little shop with a gallery called Opendrawer located on Toorak Road.
Upon chatting to Pru (one of the owners) and finding an immediate liking to her philosophy to life. I wondered around her exhibition and as I came to leave, we chatted a little more. I'd been interested in another artists work that was also displayed around the premises and found that there was to be a workshop coming up in a week or so.
Before I knew it I'd signed on the dotted line. Later guilt set in because the workshop was to be for a full Sunday. Why do we do this to ourselves? The guilt I mean?
When I met Robyn (the other owner) at the actual workshop, she immediately put all my guilt where it should be...not on my shoulders, but kicked to the curb. I was made to feel so welcome...'There's no place for guilt here', 'Just leave it at the door' and the last one 'you just need a good slap' had me in stitches and just what I needed.
The workshop was at the rear of the premises and was a fabulous space. Twelve other guilt free girls met and began a new journey. The journey of discovering black and white pen line drawing.

The artists name is Katherine Devine. Not only did Kate have amazing work to show us, she generously passed on her expertise and home baking! Yes, home baked Muffins too. My idea of heaven, art and baking all in one place...I wanted to live there!

Initally for the first part of the workshop Kate chatted about her work and passed the first project to us. The small leaf at the top of the picture was Kate's example for our first attempt at line drawing. So it was over to us....at this stage I was so enthusiastic that the instructions didn't seem to get through. Maybe it was my cold, or blocked ears or whatever but instead of doing as teacher instructed ~ the leaf she provided...I went ahead and created the monster leaf at the top right hand side. It wasn't until I glanced around at the other ladies that I realised my mistake. Oops I could have been on detention or lost points but Kate very kindly didn't even mention my error, instead she just gave masses of praise and encouragement. (Thanks Kate ; D)

(I have no idea why this photo appears blue because it's certainly not like that ~ only when it's posted! )

After a short lunch break we were then let loose. Armed with our idea produced from a photo which we'd then photocopied to bring along, Kate chatted to each student to weigh up the pro's and con's of our idea's.

Once again I was like a bullet and shot away with my design...the garlic. If you look towards my sidebar on the right, the original photo is there.

I'm thrilled with the outcome of my piece, but please make sure that you take a look at Kate's Gallery to see how the real artist works.
Kate also generously handed out paper, which I've had great pleasure using in my studio this morning. It's a little bare out there at the moment, but I now have things taking up residency....it's evolving and it's SOoooo exciting!

Here's my little play piece from this morning....

 

(hmm...blue again....maybe blogdom likes blue??? Although my apologies for the photo ~ it's getting late now and the lights moved on...plus it wasn't too sunny in the first place, so maybe that has something to do with it?)


So a huge thank you to Kate for relighting my artist imagination....to Opendrawer for the brilliant venue, great atmosphere and fun loving ethos...and for everyone else who have given my encouragement to get back to drawing and painting...you know who you are, it's really appreciated : D

Mirka Mora at Heidi Art Gallery

Yesterday, I was finally able to use my son's Christmas present.

It wasn't the usual CD, Cookery Book or Perfume (although there's nothing wrong with any of these presents and I would have gratefully accepted any one of them) but this present came without wrapping, no tell-tell lumps and bumps, or perfumed smell - just a thin envelope.

I was intrigued....

Inside it contained an invitation to have the honour of meeting Mirka Mora, at the Heidi Museum of Modern Art for arvo tea (afternoon tea for people outside of Australia).

(The Heidi Museum of Modern Art)

It was brilliant to sit amongst Mirka's paintings and listen to her reminisce about various times in her life. She is an incredible inspiration, not only for her Art, but to live life to the full. The only time the smile evaporated and reluctance came across was when the curator mentioned her lucky escape from entering Aacuschwitz and the Germans, but then she beamed her smile across the room proclaiming how lucky she had been. I was left with the impression that she could have talked for hours, in her beautiful Parisienne accent about so many interesting times, and I for one would have happily sat and listened, as I'm sure would the rest of the visitors in the room.

We later moved on from the Gallery for tea, sandwiches and cakes, taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens.
Mirka took time with everyone and her personal charisma shone like a beacon.

Signing autographs and even impromtu drawings, whilst constantly entertaining everyone with her wicked sense of humour and infectious smile.

The painting of the rear glass windows at Heidi.

The afternoon light coming through the window is perfect to show off her work.

I love this picture of Mirka.....

A little information....
Madeleine 'Mirka' Zelik was born in Paris in 1928 to a Jewish Lithuanian father, Leon Zelik, and a Romanian Jewish mother, Celia 'Suzanne' Gelbein. In post-war Paris at the tender age of 17 Mirka met her future husband, Georges Mora. They soon married and their first son, Philippe was born in 1949. Two years later the young family emigrated to Australia where they became the centre of a flowering artistic and intellectual Melbourne. Mirka had early training in mime and drama but it is painting that has been her focus. She had two more sons but still managed to pursue a successful artistic career. She works in a range of media including drawing, painting, embroidery and doll-making, and has made numerous public artworks including mosaic murals at Flinders Street Station. In 1999 she had a major retrospective at the Heide Museum of Modern Art which was seen by 16,000 people. In 2002 she was made Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. She lives in Melbourne alongside her son William and his family, and continues to paint daily

To find out more about Mirka and her amazing life...
http://www.intprods.com/pdf/WickedButVirtuous.pdf

Heide Museum of Modern Art

Lots of photographs today for you to take a look at....

Can you believe it that finally after a year I managed to visit the Heide Museum yesterday.
A few girls from my book club have been trying during last year to synchronize our diaries but inevitably we just didn't manage it. But that was all rectified yesterday when four of us took off for a beautiful girlie day...and yes, we did lunch too.

It was a perfect day in all sorts of ways not only weather wise.

I have read 'The Heart Garden' by Janine Burke, so was particularly interested in Heide I. http://www.iwi.nsw.gov.au/files/u1/heartgarden_html.pdf

Sunday Reed was a keen and imaginative gardener. Much of her inspiration came from nature.She raced out to the garden each morning and spent most of her day there, working like a Trojan. She had some help but mostly it was just her and John. She was a real "greenie", concerned about the environment and a vegetarian decades before it was fashionable. She used to say "I don't like eating my friends". When she started work on the Heide garden in 1935, her ideas were informed by a taste for formal French gardens but later she became
interested in the more lavish, romantic effects of English gardens. As you can see here....


I believe that the roses were planted by Sunday and because this isn't smellaputer you'll have to take my word for it....these roses knocked you out with their perfume.

It was such a beautiful setting.

We saw Mirka Mora's work which is being exhibited within the building. As you would expect we weren't allowed to take photo's but there is a lovely entrance with windows at the rear, which Mirka has painted a mural. By the time we entered the sun was lower and perfect to set off her work on the glass.

As you may have heard before I'm missing a garden but I certainly had my green fix at Heide

There was a board that discribed all the months of the year with the produce that was planted in this vegie garden. I heard from a friend that they pick the fresh produce and herbs from here to supply the Cafe Vue where we had lunch. The only downside to the whole day was that lunch took three and a half hours which we're not entirely sure why? Maybe it was the walk from the vegie plot to the kitchen that took the time?

I just loved the light here and can see why it might have been such an inspiration for all the artists who came to stay and work here.

Just a few pics to let you see around the place

This particular shed looks like it may have been here from the very beginning

I can recommend that you visit Heide. I know that I will be back to take the lunch box option ($15) and head off into the grounds for a picnic and just spend more time in this beautiful location.
http://www.heide.com.au/