new paintings

These two paintings will be on the wall at my exhibition opening on 1st of feb (details above).
They are painted on what is becoming my standard size of 1200 x 900 sheets of Masonite with pine backing frames. Both are acrylic and Indian ink (no titles yet).

I am enjoying being in the space between abstract and representational painting. This painting also has the original photograph playing a big role in the representation with silhouette and poster realism.

The sky blue is also becoming a bit of a standard, although it is a little different every time. Pale blue is such an inviting colour. I discovered this blue when doing paintings for Maxwell's bedroom.... its such a boy colour! It should be noted that I also use a lot of pink.

new paintings

This painting was made from two photographs. One of a retail clothing store and one of Mt. Fuji in Japan. Both photos were taken by Jason. I have used light pastel colours and thick, mat acrylic mixed with a lot of gesso. The result is powdery, delicate surface with sharp definition.
The painting is yet to be named, 900 x 1200 on Masonite

This painting is made from more different photos than I can remember. It has been a work in progress for about a year. Again, sharp lines are the key along with attention to balance and colour.

Also yet to be named 900 x 1200 acrylic and ink on ply wood.

Photos for new work

These photos are an example of some of the images I am using for new paintings. They come from a collection of photos taken by my brother Jason on a recent visit to Japan.

Painting from another persons' photos is a first for me and the results are exciting (I think). These new paintings will be part of the next exhibition in Feb.

Drawing from Photos, portraits

This is Mr Onishi. We stayed with his family on a visit to Japan a couple of years ago. The photo from this sketch comes from a day of celebrations under Cherry blossom trees.

Kat from an old photo (about 5 years)

Matt from a Sydney visit a few years ago (he is a cheeky bugger)

My Son Maxwell at 2 months old

Fortitude

These images are from a painted installation at the Creative Industries Precinct on the Kelvin Grove campus of QUT.

The project was done at night using projectors over one week with the help of Kenji Uranishi and Jo Daws.

My brother-in-law Kenji is a ceramics artist and Jo is a landscape painter who also works with ceramics. The completed painting was 12 metres wide and called 'Fortitude'.

Fortitude comprised images from Fortitude Valley and Westend in Brisbane at a time when both environments were undergoing massive social and architectural changes. I believe the word Fortitude sums up the ability of these two suburbs, both rich with history, to take on the challenge of a rapid change. They both adapt to the new while remaining centred in their respective histories.

Drawing from models

This is still the best way to draw

Early portraits

All these portraits are made with acrylic paint and Indian ink. They are on paper or Masonite and were all painted in 2003

Photoshop fun

Lately i have been hand drawing black and white outline images and painting them in photo shop. The process and finish is less textural than using paint but the gesture of painting still exists and its allot less messy!

recent paintings (acrylic)

Brunswick Mater 900 x 1200mm

Mel and Dan 900 x 1200mm

Michelle and Clay 600 x 900mm

Given Tce. Paddington with Japanese sky line 1200 x 3100mm

Power to the Boundary 900 x 1200mm

Recognition 1 600 x 1200mm

Beautiful Mater

This is my most recent painting. I finished it yesterday. My aim was to use block colour, abstraction and poster-realism. The work is 900 x 1200mm in acrylic and Indian ink