Sunday, December 19, 2010

Derek Gores Workshop

Hello everyone, I have been away for awhile but hopefully I am semi-back and after the holidays will be back in full force. 
I was fortunate enough to be in one of Derek Gore's workshops recently. He is a local Melbourne collage artist with a national reputation. If you have not seen his work go to derekgores.com and see just how talented he is.
Most of the students were doing portraits but I was trying a play on The Twelve Days of Christmas, A Partridge in a Pear Tree. The pears would actually be the tree. Well it didn't exactly work out as I had hoped but I learned what not to do and how to better get where I wanted to go, which is the real purpose of a workshop, or so I kept telling myself. So, my pear tree looked more like a pear (prayer) wheel. (get it).
Here is a photo of the very beginning of my first attempt. I have already changed direction and have scraped off some of the canvas.













 and some of the other students work, a portrait















and a landscape











I will not show you my end result because it was very bizarre, very un Pear Treeish but the workshop was great fun and I am ready to give it another try.
see you soon.
donna




Saturday, December 18, 2010

Kathy's Birdie

The highlight of every Christmas season is our Pieces of 8 celebration. There's nothing like receiving gifts from creative people, and I was so delighted with Kathy Garvey's creation, above, I had to post it. Not only is the little bird beautiful, but it is holding a teeny version of the painting I did at our Studio Sale. We are always amazed at the things Kathy comes up with!
posted by Carmen

Monday, December 6, 2010

Me and My Shadow, 8x10


I painted this little darling at the Studio Tour and Sale Saturday, in which the Pieces of Eight participate every year. It was a great day, good weather, nice people, and a good time was had by all.

Posted by Carmen

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Get 'em While they're HOT!!

HOT off the press that is....this Saturday, Dec 4 marks the debut of "The Artist's Palate," a limited edition, full-color cookbook produced by the artists of Pieces of 8.  A visual delight, this little gem sells for only $9.00 and, if you can part with it, makes a wonderful gift.  All recipes have been tested and tasted by the members on their annual painting retreats.  Only 100 are available so the "early birds" will reap the ....(worms?).

We will be part of the Greater Melbourne Studio Tour from 9 to 4 and our location is 3532 Samuel Place in North Melbourne (or #2 on the map found at www.facebook.com/#!/GreaterMelbourneStudioTour). ALSO on hand will be some great art (all sizes, prices and media), ceramics, polymer treats for the tree and a raffle to win some assorted nifty items.  Kick-off off the season with this fun tour...be unique: buy original!!

Ballard Park, Original Oil on Canvas

  I had not painted outside in two years, so this was quite a challenge. It was one of those paintings I had to improve upon in the studio. ...