Streets and Sheets

An Italian dream and a European summer has me on a mission.  A little side trip exploring the streets and windows of Europe. Here's my first wanderings into the quiet little streets we've wandered down and admired.

Very much a new work in progress... we have a mountain of photos for inspiration.  What I'm trying to capture here is a particular kind of feeling.  A longing for the simplicity of life.  There's a beauty here.  I think this will be my summertime project... a quiet little escape from painting texture... these small pieces will hopefully become a beautiful new addition to our Gallery.

Letters to Julie

She gazed out at the Ocean, from a perch high above the cliff.  Seagulls circled above, looking to swipe another meal from the mornings scraps.  In the distance, a glint of light flickered in the afternoon sun.  A signal from the sea, she had to explore.

Walking down the steep rocky path, watching her every step, she made her way to the beach... a secluded spot not reached by any road.  Her feet skipping across sand, leaving soft pockets for the incoming tide.  There, a bottle.  Sealed with a cork, so waterlogged it enveloped the rim of the most beautiful shape she'd ever seen.  Must be from a wreck she thought to herself.  She picked it up...

Cool air inviting  the evenings flame, she warmed herself beside the embers.  Tonight's the night she whispered... she'd resisted the urge to rip the cork off a few days ago... she wanted to be careful with its contents.

...

17 December 1895

Dear Julie

I hope this letter finds you well.  Our brief encounter left me fizzing with energy, and I have used this as fuel for my trip.  The air here is cold.  Well under zero degrees and there's a longing to these endless winter days.  The birds have all left now on their migration and the only sounds filling the room are the distant waves as they pound on the drifting ice sheets.

I wish I was there with you again, it was so warm on the Island.  My days here have been busy and productive, and I think of you often.  What a joy it was picking strawberries in the garden of your cottage.  I wonder how big the lemon tree is now... it must be at least 10 years old, maybe even 12.  Do you still have your Grandmothers vase on the windowsill? So many things I think of as the wind brings night in from outside.

I hope to see you again soon, my dear... even if only in my dreams.  You left an impression not matched by another.  Take care in the rain.  

Yours truly, Earl

A beautiful note, she thought.  I wonder what Earl looked like, and Julie... I wonder a lot of things actually.  Very carefully she folded the note.  I wonder if they met again. I suspect not.

I wonder, maybe once was enough.  

Another summer holiday has faded into the blue.  I wonder when they'll find it again?

As they neared home, the distant sound of a little splash.  

Beautiful trip.

...

A very short story inspired by our time on the Amalfi Coast. 

Reaching the Summit

We've been on many a voyage through painting... not all mountains are to be conquered. Some are there for support, some there to be admired... this one was there to conquer.  It's been a long process to get to the summit of this range... through trial and error, working and reworking, working again, scrapping and painting over... we make no attempt to be perfect. To be interesting however, that's a more achievable task.

Starting out, I've had a few experiments.  When the opportunity arose to showcase some Artwork at the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival at the Lake Wanaka Centre in June, I grabbed it with both hands and started on my journey.

Inspired by Auguille du Midi in Chamonix, France... This piece was displayed at the Festival... now resides on the River Terraces near Wanaka.

A Commissioned piece and a Companion to our Exhibition painting in Queenstown.  I was contacted by Queenstown Arts Society to send this piece away to a client in Mt Manganui.  

Out of the Wonder... 

(I've been told it reminds someone else of Mt Everest, from a person who guided expeditions from base camp.  I'm currently working on another painting to show in Queenstown).

One of our more recent works... a change of colour and a panoramic view.

Could be Colorado... Or Italy, if you want it to be.

I'll share a few pics of this process... not everything made the cut.  I guess a little adventure comes with a bit of trepidation, and a willingness to succeed.  I have a feeling if I didn't begin at all, I wouldn't be even close to reaching the peak.  Time will only tell how tall the summit will become, as with every new summit comes another one even higher.  Always a work in progress but we'll enjoy the summit for now.

A series of Experiments... a fascinating process for myself

Queen of Arts

Landing back home after so long away seems almost surreal to me now, and a long time ago. I jumped straight back into full time work again, after applying for a job while looking around Birmingham… I guess the North of England had me feeling a little homesick, the thought of doing something so normal and basic again after so much travel had its appeal… even if only for a short time lol. I left that, landscaped all the garden and developed a kind of Tendonitis in my wrist that took a long time to heal. Of course I found it pretty hard to rest my painting arm, but I did learn to slow down a bit.

Getting back to painting during this time felt raw and pure. I started on my favourite spots first… Greece, Morocco and Chamonix became my first flights of fancy… followed closely by Croatia, more specifically, The Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik… so many memories to call upon, it’s almost overwhelming. I felt like my head would explode trying to order all my thoughts, and going to work from 1-10pm became my quiet time to get that done. 

I joined the Queenstown Art Society immediately after returning, getting involved and exhibiting artwork in their Laneway Showcase and their big exhibitions. I have to say, it’s been epic to get out there again with a few pieces, I never thought I’d win anything either, but they offered me third place in ‘The Mountain Remembers’ Exhibition. A big surprise, and I guess a real satisfaction in what I’m doing.

I exhibited a piece in The Arrowtown Autumn Festival, another in The Wānaka Arts Exhibition at the Community Hub, a display at the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival, and I joined the Committee at Wānaka Arts… a huge step for me. This month we’re getting ready for the big Labour Weekend Exhibition here and it’s all go. As Committee members, it’s our job to put this event on, and it’s been an incredibly busy time.

Into the Wonder... on display at Te Atamira Art Centre in Queenstown

Le vie en Rose

You may say I’m a Dreamer… but I’m not the only one. Around here we’re all dreaming of something. This month I realised another one… moving into my own flower and art studio again.

Fresh lilac blooms fill the air

A little taste of Europe 

We have been on an incredible journey since returning from Europe. I’ll do my best to document a few chapters here again. I’ve had no time to stop and go backwards. Just a steady flow of pure and total freedom. I’ve met a lot of new people and got involved in the local art scene. Everyday feels like the start of something new and inspiring. Working in my new studio is a breath of fresh air. A space to work and a beautiful home to relax. Really I couldn’t want for more.

Edge of possibility

As we rode the cable car to the top, the mountains unfolded before us. Mont Blanc is fantastical and magical in every way. We based ourselves in Chamonix for a few nights, camping under the stars. 

The mountains felt alive and free

With every painting, it feels like a push to the edge of what’s possible, as if we’re on a journey. And in many ways we are, every time.

Chamonix, France… admiring the view 

Every trip begins with a speck of thought

It’s hard to separate what paintings to sell and which to keep… I love them all. Do I paint for myself, or do I paint for others? I feel there’s more freedom when I paint for myself first… it exposes the true soul. To be held back in any way is a crime. Any unnecessary confusion is not wanted in this space. Only pure intentions and a sharp focus. Only then will the truth become art. This piece will stay with me. 

Sand through a memory

It’s been a busy week painting. I always like walking my way back through a memory, and I’ve found myself here for good reason.

Marrakech, Morocco 

Morocco was such a positive start for our trip around Europe. It’s jam packed full of colour and texture, sights and sounds. A place where it’s normal to see the odd donkey or two.

New Years Eve in the desert… aw inspiring

We left our heart out there in Morocco. Maybe we paint to retrieve a little back… maybe we just paint.

When it seems almost effortless… it works.

Another piece for the home gallery wall. The next will be what’s for sale through the gallery. So excited.

Drenched and Rocky

We drove into Dubrovnik, an epic adventure awaits us…

How do you describe the colour of the sea? How did build this city here, so high up on the cliff?

It’s comforting to know there are places in the world that bring peace. This is one.

Before we can paint for others (again), we needed to paint for ourselves first. These four new paintings are the start of our new gallery work. Keeping the walls company as we charge ahead with new work. A beautiful new start.