Black Dog Artworks

To everyone a Very Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T02:11:00.000-08:00

To all of those talented people out there, who may be simmering under the covers....I wish you the courage to burst forth and produce the most extraordinary pieces of work and all unbelievable success to you all.

A blessed Christmas and New Year to you!!!!!!

Blue Horse

2010-10-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

I have put three of my paintings into the Mattara Art competition which is showing this week here in Newcastle. Some excellent works from many very talented artists. Each year everyone gets better and better.
I always try to work out what people people might want to buy, so, last year I put in scenes of Newcastle and for some reason everyone seemed interested in animals and flowers...this year I put in horses and a portrait and everyone seems interested in scenes of Newcastle!!! I cant seem to get it right. This year's judge must have had a thing for watercolour as most of the winning entries were watercolours -
I am very pressed for time right now but am trying to sneak away for some painting time and horses are very therapeutic for me. I enjoy just mucking about with the colours...and I really feel the need to paint.

Its been so long!

2010-09-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine handed me a challenge recently to paint her kids - now I have not painted for what seems ages because I have been working on a special project ( my new business ) but I took this on because I have so missed my painting!
These are both just 8 x 10 inch painted in acrylic.
I am pleased with how they have come out - but more importantly so is my friend.

Gypsy Dancer

2010-06-22T04:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to a festival in town - there was a group of ladies from an American Tribal Dance company - their costumes were so colourful! I thought I would have a go at trying to capture some of the colour!

Little fish are sweet!

2010-06-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

My foal painting sold last Friday at Jesmond art exhibition - wonderful!
I have also four paintings in the Weston Art show starting this week and a small selection at a Coffee shop outside Charlestown Square called "Little Bear Rock".
Also an ongoing show at "Sniddy's - Schnitzel and Seafood Restaurant "on Beautmont street Newcastle.
Currently still working on "Gypsy Dancer" which should be finished shortly.
Spent a few hours at the National Gallery of Victoria last weekend admiring really cool artwrk by the masters.
Upon my arrival home, I was motivate to re do much of what I had done with my last art work.....
Good to give the "eye" some exercise and get a new perspective on your own work once in a while....

Exhibition - Cafe13 LORN, MAITLAND

2010-04-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

I will be having an exhibiton of my art at CAFE 13 at Lorn ( just over the Belmore Bridge at Maitland )
for the month of May.
I will also be in Japan for two weeks - so there just could be an oriental theme upon my return?
Wish me luck!

Hot off the Easel - Nude Back

2010-04-04T01:11:00.000-07:00

This is another painting that I had started some time back but never had the chance to finish so I really felt compelled to get in and do it this weekend.
I actually like to raw- ness of the colour and texture of this one - I can hear my art teacher yelling at me that I have not "blended" properly...but I guess, for this one, I didnt want to.
I wanted to keep it slightly rough and just play with the shadow and textures...after all art is also about experimentation isnt it?

Hot off the Easel - Good Friday "TULIPS"

2010-04-01T23:52:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have had time to finish a painting!
Its Good Friday and I have spent many hours happily painting in my "studio" - I had almost forgotten how much joy it is for me to sit quietly in there and just concentrate on painting.
I love the play of light in this painting and the angle of the tulips coming from the side - something a bit different.
Have a Happy Easter everyone!

Excellent sales this weekend!

2010-03-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

Happy to say that both of these paintings sold this weekend!
Yippee.....
I AM working on two new ones at the moment..but its slow going.

I am working on creating a working "creative cluster" based on the workbook by Julia Cameron called, "The Artist's Way" - this is a 12 week intensive spiritual and creative recovery course that takes you through the steps back into living a more creative and focused life.
It is a program that has been used successfully for over 15 years all over the world and I came upon it many months ago with a hope and wish that I could possibly facilitate it some time in the future.
Now, because of the establishment of "Sacred Elements" I can do just that!
SO, I will be presenting this course in June - it is suitable for just about anyone - but of course, if you are an artist and are procrastinating with your artwork or suffer from blocks in creativity, then this course is perfect for you!
I am very excited about it, but, as with everything that must be well presented, it is taking up some of my painting time right now in formulating the right way to do it all to achieve optimum results.
If you know anyone who might benefit from this course, please contact me for more details!

Its been a while!

2010-03-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

I dont think it has ever been so long between art works in the last two years of my art life but to tell you the truth I have not picked up a paintbrush since last Sunday!
I HAVE been creating though and have "given birth" to a new business called "Sacred Elements" - a Spiritual Healing Centre, together with a friend. We are starting small and avoiding too much debt, but the work has been full on getting eveything ready - also, in between that, I am trying to do some extra casual work to balance the finances, so you see art has taken third place......I have though, entered into a few exhibitions, namely Wallsend Plaza Art Show with the Art Society ( just finished ), Dobell Art Show ( currently at Rathmines ) and Newcastle Show Art Exhibition ( openeing next week ).....some of my horses are being exhibited...I nearly missed the Newcastle Show one, having missed the entry time for deliverying my art work completely...it was only that my angels were looking after me and I happened to mention something to someone totally randomly that I was prompted to check times and dates and realised my mistake and then rushed out to beg the committee to include my entry...wish me luck!

Hot off the Easel - "TIGER LILLIES"

2010-02-14T23:11:00.000-08:00

This is my new painting! It is of tiger lillies ( my most favourite flower ).They were a gift from Archie's mum as a "thank you" for the painting I did ( see last post ). I am currently busy working on some paintings that I would like to have ready for upcoming exhibitions. This my first flora painting...I have kind of bypassed this genre as it seems to be very popular with most of the members of the art societies I belong to.....but I really loved these!

I hope you feel the same way.

A New Year of Artistic Achievement begins!

2010-01-29T16:04:00.000-08:00

I would like to report a new WIP, but at the moment I have nothing!
Just waiting to get into the groove - inspiration, a muse, a good image .....
But I sat down yesterday to plan out my next two months and went into shock pencilling in the many exhibitions and comps comming up - I better get a wriggle on.
I DID sell a painting yesterday ( YIPPEE ).
I had a lovely email from a fellow who wished to see 'Indian Root Pills"

so I packed a few extra paintings in the car and headed off for a "private viewing".
I was happy to have him purchase this one ( it held personal memories for him ) - it was the only sale but one is good!
Its so hard to push your own stuff - to stand there and bang on about talent etc and pricing, what a nightmare...I guess having an agent would be a blessing..but then I am not in that league.
So here we go.....next week I take a selection to a small shop on Hunter street called, "Ciao Meow" I sold one last year so I am hoping for another sale this time around!

Hot off the Easel - ARCHIE

2010-01-14T01:14:00.000-08:00

This is Archie.

30cm x 40 cm acrylic on canvas

unframed - finished with matt varnish

Archie is the son of a friend of mine. He is a gorgeous boy with huge expressive eyes and has a natural pout that is really such a part of his character. He is a very old soul. I asked my friend if I could paint Archie as an exercise - It is my first portrait of a male child and I was wondering whether I could capture the boyishness of the subject. I am pretty pleased with the result - I hope mum is too.

HOT OFF THE EASEL - EQUUS continued. First for 2010!

2010-01-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Acrylic On Canvas

Finished with a matt varnish

50cm x 40 cm unframed

This is my very first completed art work for 2010!

Many more to come I am sure - not quite finished with my Equus series - I enjoy them so much. Each one has been unique and different. I have concentrated on the mane here with fine detail in all the sweeping hair.

Still into dark backgrounds - little detail there just letting the eye focus in on the subject.

Welcome to the New Year !

" Ruby" NFS

2009-12-27T00:55:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas

40cm x 50cm

finished with a matt varnish ( unframed )

Well, I did sneak another painting in before the end of 2009 after all! I was stuck for something to continue with over the Christmas break so I asked a friend of mine whether I could try to paint her daughter, Ruby. She has the most beautiful red hair! Ruby's mum graciously allowed me to borrow a picture and so here it is!

Happy New Year to everyone and wish me luck for 2010 - I intend to keep painting and hopefully sell some as well! We live in hope!

Merry Christmas from the black dog!

2009-12-13T03:13:00.001-08:00

Blessings to you all and here's hoping that you have an enjoyable Christmas and New Year!
And in those famous words of a very relevent character in our history...."I'll be back!"

Hot off the Easel - Equus Series Continued

2009-12-09T22:21:00.001-08:00

Another one in my series - trying more new colour combinations. I think this works well.
This is probably my last art piece for the year - but I will hot at it again in 2010!
but......then...there are still two weeks left in this year I COULD still squeeze one more in.

Hot off the Easel - Equus Series Continued ..

2009-12-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

This is my third painting in three weeks. I am a woman possessed.
I am still doing my horse series...I love the rich colours in this one.I am continuing with mixing bolders colours and blending - deep, deep backgrounds to create atmosphere.Hope you like!

Hot off the Easel - Equus Series Continued

2009-11-26T00:38:00.000-08:00

I'm still into the whole horse theme. Still getting some ideas from images. Still wanting to refine techniques. I enjoy the whole central figure and limiting the background thing...

Hot off the Easel - Equus Series Continued...

2009-11-22T18:24:00.001-08:00

This was an experiment - but I truely love it!
I am slowly finding my feet and moving away from a strict photo realistic style and trying to develop something slightly different,something that is me....its a fascinating and daunting process.My series with the horse continues, I already have another one started...

Another in the Equus series - For sale

2009-11-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

FOR SALE
30cm x 40 cm
Acrylic on Canvas
(Unframed)
$135

Another in my latest series featuring a horse.
Am aleady thinking of my next one!

Finally....a new painting!

2009-11-07T00:31:00.001-08:00

I was going to put away my paints and brushes for the year...but inspiration hit and I was drawn to this image and just had to paint it!
This is 45cm x 60cm in acrylic on canvas.
I am please with the finished result even if it is my very first painting of a horse!
I would like to do some more now - so I may even get one or two finished before Christmas.

"Aleks"

2009-09-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

My beautiful daughter - Aleksandra.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

2009-09-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
60cm x 30cm
unframed

We visited Seal Rocks a few weeks ago to snap some pics for future art works. This one is of the Lighthouse at Seal Rocks NSW.
Its a very pretty spot on the coast - quite a historic spot.
We were lucky enough to see some whales off the coastline when we were there - but the walk up to the lighthouse is not for the light hearted - it's quite a hike!

Verwy, verwy busy!

2009-09-08T03:36:00.000-07:00

Yes I am, bless the gods...now we just have to manifest some sales and all things on heaven and earth will be equal!

I will now be showing on the Hunter Street Mall at a new Gallery space called "Ciao Meow" with one painting now and a few more for the month of October.

I will also be exhibiting at the Hunter Valley Palate Exhibition at the Hunter Valley Grammer School, The Mattara Exhibition, Stockton RSL Art Show and St Lukes Church exhibition.

I am also still showing at "Sniddy's" on Beaumont street and of course our "BIGGIE"
at Rose Cottage -
The Cottage Artists Guild present "Create" a celebration of diversity in art starting from October 9th and open to the public on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October from 10am to 4 pm.
Please wish me luck!

"Indian Root Pills"

2009-08-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

This is an iconic image from my childhood - This barn can be found near Morpeth which is a small village near Newcastle.
My parents had friends who lived not far away from this place and I remember it well as we would drive by it many times when I was a little girl.
It intrigued me - what were Indian Root Pills?
This barn and the sign has had its good days and bad over the years and I am glad to see that money has been spent to conserve it.
Many years ago I drove past it and the sign was hardly visible and the barn in terrible condition.
I could not resist painting it - it is one of those childhood memories that automatically can take me back to being 10 years old in a second.

" Early Morning at Maitland"

2009-08-22T21:39:00.001-07:00

30cm x 40cm
Acrylic on Canvas
( unframed )

During an early morning hunt for inspiring images I snapped this one.
It wasn't that impressive - but I thought it had potential, so I gave it a go.
I really like to early morning sun filtering through the tree and the fog lifting in the background.

Art Society of Newcastle Calendar is ready!

2009-08-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

Very exciting to see my painting, "Stockton Ferry" in the Art Society Calendar - check out March!!!
The whole Calendar is really well done - with plenty of room to write on and only $12 each!
You can get them from any Greater Permanent Bulding Society or I have 10 copies available.
50% of the money raised will go the the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
If you would like a copy please email me or leave a comment here...
but you just got to see my painting...
so cool
P.S.They spelt my name wrong!!!!!!!!! Wait till I smack someone really hard!!!!!!!!

"Redhead Shark Tower"

2009-08-11T01:52:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
50cm x 40 cm
$310 - framed

I really love this spot - Redhead Shark Tower at Redhead Beach. Such an iconic place in Newcastle.
The evening I captured this image was perfect, with the tide rising and flooding over the sand and a full moon shining down.So much colour in the sky and reflecting back onto the sand!
Just behind me ( from where I stand looking at this scene ) is Redhead Surf House where families were enjoying a BBQ. How cool!

"CHERRIES" - SOLD ( October 2009 )

2009-08-01T05:05:00.001-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
40cm x 30cm - framed
$235

It has been a busy month and although this painting only took me a few days to complete I have been very deficient in spare time to be able to sit down and paint.
Life sometimes gets in the way and family needs have come first.
Hopefully things will settle down now and I can get back into some more of my art soon!I have missed it...

"Pomegranates and Grapes"

2009-07-05T23:07:00.001-07:00

"Pomegranates and Grapes"
30cm x 40cm
Acrylic on Canvas
$245 - framed

For Sale - "Pears"

2009-05-31T05:43:00.001-07:00

20cm x 25cm
$90 - framed
Acrylic on canvas

This is a new one in my "fruit" series....some smaller paintings that I have been playing with late at night to learn more about blending and shading...so much fun!

HOT OFF THE EASEL - "STAN" ( Commission - Not for sale )

2009-05-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be in a Calendar!

2009-05-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

No....dont get excited...I will NOT be wearing a bikini or in one of those "naked lady "calendars....oh bosh!I hear you say?????

I entered a local challenge from our Art Society to enter a Newcastle themed painting to win a space in a calendar that the Society is creating to raise money for itself and the Helicopter Rescue Service for 2010.
There were 43 painting presented last night at the general meeting of the Society and over 60 members voted.
I was lucky enough to receive enough votes to get a place!
YAY!!!!
A small win along the road.
It means that I will get some exposure!
The picture that won was of my "Stockton Ferry".

It was nice to be voted on by other artists and get recognition for my work - especially as I am a relative "newbie" to the group. Sometimes you have to "do your time" in groups like these not matter how good your work is!

For Sale - "STROUD MONASTERY"

2009-05-20T18:07:00.001-07:00

30cm x 40cm
Framed
Acrylic On Canvas
$220

I was very inspired by a photo taken by a friend of this doorway at "Stroud Monastery". This is part of a building created out of mudbricks to house nuns - a former convent which is now being used as a retreat / convention centre.This photo had a great feel and is the door way to the chapel which is situated in the middle of the complex of rooms.

For Sale - "Stockton Ferry - NEWCASTLE HARBOUR"

2009-05-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

NEWSFLASH!!!!!!!!
Ths "Stockton Ferry" will be featured in a 2010 calendar produced by the Society of Artists in Newcastle to raise funds for the Society and the Helicopter Rescue Service - it was one of 12 chosen from 43 entries by the Society's artists and chosen by members attending a monthly meeting during May!

50 x 40 cm
$290
Acrylic on Canvas
$260

For Sale "APPLES" and "SWIMMING AFTER THE STORM"

2009-05-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

"Apples"
$90
20cm x 25cm
Framed
Mixed Media on Canvas

"Swimming after the Storm"
$195 - unframed
Acrylic on Canvas

SOLD September 2009 - Duck at Ritchley Reserve

2009-05-04T00:49:00.000-07:00

Acrylic On Canvas
30 x 40 cm

For Sale - FORT SCRATCHLEY

2009-04-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
$70
20cm x 25cm - unframed

For Sale - Seagulls and Pelican

2009-04-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

"Seagulls at Swansea"
30cm x 40 cm
Acrylic on Canvas
$195

"Pelican at Swansea"
$195
30 x 40cm
Acrylic on Canvas

For Sale - "Ready For a Day's Work"

2009-03-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

"Ready for a Day's Work"
30cm x 40cm
$195

"Aleksandra" - Not for Sale

2009-03-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

For Sale - "LEMON TREE PASSAGE AT LOW TIDE"

2009-03-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40 cm
$160

For Sale - Newcastle Obelisk

2009-03-15T03:51:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40 cm
$160

"The Aviator" - Commission piece not for Sale

2009-03-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40 cm

Catherine Hill Bay Coal Loader - For Sale

2009-03-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40 cm
$160

Newcastle Civic Fountain - For exhibition

2009-02-25T01:49:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
Newcastle Civic Park
Fountain
30cm x 40cm
( not for sale )

For Sale- "NOBBYS IN THE AFTERNOON SUNLIGHT"

2009-02-13T21:08:00.001-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40 cm
$160

For Sale - "SEAGULL 2"

2009-02-10T00:29:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 25cm
$100

For Sale - "CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL - NEWCASTLE"

2009-02-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40 cm
$200

Not for Sale - "OLD SHED AT THE VINEYARDS"

2009-01-28T23:07:00.000-08:00

For Sale - "LIGHTHOUSE"

2009-01-28T23:05:00.001-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
40cm x 50cm
$260

For Sale - "FRUIT BOWL"

2009-01-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40cm
$160

For Sale - "NOBBYS"

2009-01-28T02:44:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 25cm
$100

"NOBBYS AT SUNSET" - SOLD ( October 2009 )

2009-01-25T23:52:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
40cm x 30cm
$160

NOT FOR SALE - "Seagulls"

2009-01-25T23:51:00.000-08:00

For Sale - "NOBBY'S - from Horseshoe Beach"

2009-01-25T23:49:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
60cm x 45cm
$350

"Seagull" - SOLD

2009-01-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

For Sale - "PATH TO THE BEACH"

2009-01-24T23:13:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40cm
$160

SOLD - "NEWCASTLE MARITIME MUSEUM"

2009-01-24T23:12:00.001-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40cm
$160

For Sale - "THE FISHERMEN"

2009-01-24T22:58:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Canvas
30cm x 40cm
$160