Inspired by a short series the ABC aired some months ago – Australia’s Favourite Tree – I thought I’d tackle the subject myself. Painting trees has a tendency to do my head in, so although this is a lovely subject, it’s a challenging one for me. Australia’s overwhelming favourite turned out to be the River Red Gum, and for its extraordinary beauty I would have to agree, but for its quirkiness, the Boab is my pick! Then there’s the Ghost Gum, which, against the flawless blue skies of the Outback, is a stunner. And though not someone who has ever spent much time in snow country, the Snow Gum is another of my favourites for its glorious patterned trunk. I also love the soft dreamy colouring of the Salmon Gum, as well as the gorgeous Paperbark. Then there’s our beautiful Golden Wattle, the Illawarra Flame Tree, the Scribbly Bark, I could go on …
The weekend for my Open Studio is almost here again. Now in its fifth year, the studio will be almost over-flowing with a wonderful variety of exquisite artwork and jewellery, so come along, meet the artists and take advantage of this opportunity to buy your friends and relatives some original and unique pieces for Christmas.
Last week I received news that my painting, ‘Finn’, will be travelling interstate, to Blarney Books & Art down in Port Fairy, Victoria, as it has been accepted for the Biblio Art Prize. (Interestingly not the one Izzi helped me with!) Also heading out of Sydney are a couple of paintings I did from Megalong Valley. These will be going to the Gang Gang Gallery in Lithgow, for their Annual Christmas Art Fair. So if you’re heading out to the lovely Central West, or down to Victoria, and you’re near Lithgow or Port Fairy, stop in for a look.
Details of what to see, where and when:
Open Studio, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November.
Christmas Art Fair at Gang Gang Gallery, 206 Main Street, Lithgow, NSW, from Thursday 24 November to Thursday 29 December.
Biblio Art Prize at Blarney Books & Art, 37 James Street, Port Fairy, Victoria, from Saturday 10 December to the end of February (but closed between Tuesday 20 and Thursday 29 December).
Until next month.