New completed Scratchboard Projects -
Young Rabbit (Kit) & Juvenile Possum
Hide & Seek - Grumpy. I changed the name as it looks like she is hiding! Kit antics is very appropriate. Now complete and I used Daniel Smith Watercolor to give her her stunning colors that she has.
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"Kit antics" Grumpy as a tiny kit, hiding her little face (actually she is washing her face & ears!). I am so enjoying this scratchboard, as it takes me back to when they were just only a couple of inches big and I had to feed them from an "eye dropper" with A4 Milk (half strength) twice a day; they are now 15 months old and just mighty little critters. These two survivors I rescued three from the "purple" hens and the flooding at Easter 2020, now they are still quite small, three times that size, however they all have the biggest personalities I have not seen before, so loving and intelligent. These little critters were my savior during the pandemic. They came into our lives in Easter 2020 - and we enjoy every day since. I will use minimum colour, 14x11inch.
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Bushtail Possum. This little fellow is still coming - now it is coming into winter, it is much earlier and expects either oranges, bananas or applies. A true evening delight. Now finished and all I wanted to give him was the colored ink for his very pink nose, inside of his ears and hands. One of his fingers is in a strange position, but it does not bother the little fellow.
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Juvenile Ringtail Possum. This little character visits about 9pm just when I am bringing in the rabbits for their sleep time. Quite tiny, and I am guessing about 18 months old; his mum comes with a little baby on her back. However, this one took my fancy, cheeky and very inquisitive, he takes the apple from my hand and sometimes rests his free paw on my hand for his balance. I have taken various photographs, also have sketched him a number of times. Those eyes just keep looking and watching every move! What an ideal subject for scratchboard! 14x11inch. I used minimal color.
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Watercolour on Claybord & Aqua Board - projects 2021
Beached - Ventnor Beach.
Watercolor on Ampersand Aqua Board. 11x14 in
Walking on this beach always presents interesting sites, and the drift wood was an arrival from the storms, the purple seed weed clung to it. The sands here are so deep and beautiful to walk on. Each visit presents something new!
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Grumpy as a little Kit -
WC on Claybord Always loved the safety of her box full of hay and shavings. She was always the first to meet you at the entrance, her two siblings were behind her. Watercolour on Clayboard. |
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Ventnor Beach PI AU. "Colour Purple"
WC on Claybord One of the amazing sights that Phillip Island offers is its brilliant skies. We often have changes in the cloud pattern within minutes, as the bay comes into the open Pacific - we are so fortunate to see such wonderful scenes and the opportunity to paint them is wonderful. During the 2020 fires - the sky would be red, orange and when the dust came it was a wonderful purple. On its departure it left a mess, but a sight to behold. Ventnor Beach PI Vic AU, late in the evening - the effect of the bush fires is breath-taking. I am never happy with using cold pressed or medium paper, if I do not have the very smooth hot press - I just love the Ampersand Claybord - it presents many challenges, the colours of Daniel Smith watercolors are wonderful, and they offer the best medium to capture these amazing skies - the Claybord does offer a wonderful texture to work with, so smooth and exciting. |
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Lesotho Mtns S Africa -
Claybord & Daniel Smith WC 11x14 inches This was an experiment, it would be brilliant on hot pressed 650gsm, but the Claybord offered different qualities and although a challenge - especially getting the water right. It was a exercise that I will do again and do it quite differently, but hey - that is the fun of painting!
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WHISKEY COVE, SOUTHERN VIC AU
Scratchboard & Ink, 11x14 inches. Started this project a while ago, but as it takes a lot of tiny strokes - left it for the more traditional scratchboard of animals etc. However, I love the subject and it deserved to be completed. It was a challenge using this method of art for a seascape, it was exciting to do. The colours of this cove is magnificent, no matter what time of year This one was particularly challenging as a storm was coming in, and the changes were breathtaking. As a scratchboard piece, it took a long time, I enjoyed the experience, although I will also love doing this in oils. |
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ECHIDNA, LOOKING FOR BREAKFAST
"Echidna looking for breakfast" - on 11x14 inch scratchboard using a blade & eraser. Decided no colour was required.
This animal was sketched from life as well from the photos I took for reference.
Working from life, is so good to get the animal down and appreciate the movement, it's mannerisms, its curiosity and personality. So much better than working from a flat surface as a photograph. Working with getting the textures of the environment such as the rotting leaves, grasses and stones as well as the old tree, was a lot of fun.
This animal was sketched from life as well from the photos I took for reference.
Working from life, is so good to get the animal down and appreciate the movement, it's mannerisms, its curiosity and personality. So much better than working from a flat surface as a photograph. Working with getting the textures of the environment such as the rotting leaves, grasses and stones as well as the old tree, was a lot of fun.
GRUMPY
Grumpy at 16 weeks, a tiny wee girl with a huge personality. Her little family were rescued which included tiny Angel (who passed) and Mr Burr. They both live happily separately, talk to each other daily. Scratchboard 10x14in. Limited colour of Ink. January 2021.
Delighted to share that this work received a "Bronze" Award from Camelback Gallery "Artists Choice 2021" Exhibition. |
MR BURR
Mr Burr, who was 10 months old in this painting (now one year). A very cheeky and adorable little fellow. He is still very timid and is petrified of birds. He feels comfortable hiding in an old pot in his little run and is protected amongst the long grasses. Scratchboard & limited Ink. 5x7inch. Feb.2021.
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