Art Class at East London Tech

It's hard to believe I drew this 12 years ago. A simple rather immature ink drawing - but for me loaded with memories and nostalgia. We had recently moved to East London (South Africa) from Portland, Oregon and my sister Hilary encouraged me to sign up for this art class - very low key and non-threatening, taught by her friend Pam. It was a happy happy time of being HOME and having a few precious hours a week to focus completely on paper, pen and subject without the interruptions of my busy family life. The old lady in the middle (background) looked just like that, if I say so myself! In fact, a chap wanted to buy my drawing when he saw it at the Students' Exhibition because he recognized the people in it. (He also taught art there.) But he never showed up wiff da maanee, and I'm glad he didn't because I had no idea how much I would enjoy looking at this so many years later! I think I'll send it on to Adam for his "Artists Drawing/Painting Artists" project... It's not often that I happen to have the appropriate picture ready to go for such an event!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

To my sisters, and any other mothers who may visit here. This is the last watercolour I have of my Mom's. It is a coral tree that stood at the entrance of the driveway of our Uncle Gordon and Auntie Guenda's house in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Guenda gave it to me the last time we visited them. My husband asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day. I really couldn't think of anything... and then I remembered this painting. I'm going to get it framed! I'm so grateful for this internet invention that allows us to share such precious treasures.

Mockingbirds #2

Have observed a few more photos and the real birds as they flash and dash in and out the tree tops. Still lots of room for improvement... The head on the right looks more like a dove. I framed this one not because I think its that great, but my friend asked me to contribute a framed picture for the house concert she and her husband hosted last week-end. A wonderful time was had by all as we listened to Nils on violin and Jenny on piano, play a beautiful selection of music, spring and love being the major themes. Araceli kindly brought a CD of the music over to me a couple of weeks ago, so I could listen to it and be inspired to paint something! Mockingbirds #2 was my contribution, along with some other artists who brought samples of their work to hang on the walls too.

Mockingbirds

When I first knew for sure that we were moving to Houston, I wept uncontrollably. It seemed such a strange place to me. Miles and miles of freeway snaking off in every direction carrying heavy traffic morning, noon and night. Black and grey glass buildings dotted along the freeways and never-ending construction of buildings, subdivisions and strip malls. It was such a contrast to sleepy little East London, South Africa where we'd lived for 3 years, and before that - the emerald green beauty of Portland, Oregon pleasantly interrupted by majestic Mt. Hood. My friend Jenny told me "Look for the "pockets" of beauty here, Gillian. You have to look for them!" And so I have - and have found a few. Mockingbirds are one of my favourite things about living in the South-West. I love how they dip and dive and dance in circles especially this time of year, as they joyously seek a mate. I painted this picture from memory - and afterwards looked up some photos online... I see where I can make some improvements on their shape and distinctive feather features. I used Chinese calligraphy paper that I got at a garage sale - and a beautiful brush my sister gave me TWO YEARS ago. Thank you, Cath. I can see why you said its one of your favourites. I finally broke it in!

Back garden azaleas

I painted this last month - and did not finish it. I like the areas of remaining light in the picture - but realise I need to finish the left side in a minimalist sort of way. The shape of the pool is all wrong on the left, part of my frustration in not finishing it. The azaleas and bridal spirea do not bloom simultaneously - I took a bit of artistic license there!! Sisters - help! Your advice is needed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALI!

It's still your birthday over here... Perhaps some day your Mom will do you real justice with an oil painting... But in the meantime, me and my colouring pencils got busy. Better not show Gucci this post - poor dog! I think I've got everything - pipe, goblet, velvet vest - and - oh yes, just had to throw in a little Texas here - those are COWBOY BOOTS! Hope you had a great day!!

Wisteria and freesias

Our back garden has been looking so pretty but I had to scramble to finish this as the wisteria started to fall apart. (There are little scraps of lilac petals on the ground now.) My purple is far too PURPLE - didn't quite get the lovely delicate colour and they look rather grape'ish! But I think I've made progress in a little more looseness with the use of my brush... The past few days have been warm, muggy and overcast with no shadows. My picture looked rather flat, so I had to fudge in a few shadows to add depth. Now and then the sun would break through enough for me to see real shadows for a few fleeting moments. The scent of both (wisteria and freesias) have been heavenly - very nostalgic of sunny childhood days in Newlands, Cape Town.