Mandarins (painting progress...)

This is the 1st layer with colours for the bowl.

This is the 2nd layer with colours for the bowl and 1st layer for the mandarins. I am trying to keep the chroma as high as I can for those mandarins.

Manderins

Started a new oil painting. I have used raw umber with some titanium white. I am looking forward to painting those manderins!

Antique Bloom

Painting alla prima has always posed a significant challenge for me. During my trip to France last March, I enrolled in Paul Foxton’s online Art School, where I discovered a wealth of knowledge under the guidance of this exceptional artist and teacher. The experience has been deeply rewarding, enhancing my skills considerably. Despite my efforts, I find it difficult to paint with a loose style, even when I attempt to do so. As an artist, I naturally gravitate toward realism and intricate details, a preference that feels instinctive and brings me great joy. In this painting, I hope you'll feel a hint of nostalgia and quiet grace, or the delicate balance between fragility and enduring charm.

Horizon's Call

I love this painting. It vividly reminds me of my childhood, a time when I was always eager and ready for an adventure with the boundless wonders of mother nature. The image of the little boy running into the sea stires a longing within me, wishing I could somehow step back into those carefree days and be that child once again. A big thank you to my dear friend Jill, who graciously gave me permission to use her beautiful photograph as the inspiration for this artwork.

Crimson Harvest

Crimson Harvest is an oil painting that captures the quiet beauty of a simple subject: a cluster of ripe red grapes resting on a plate. The deep, rich hues of the grapes, set against a stark black background, evoke a sense of abundance and ripeness, as if they’ve just been plucked from the vine at the peak of their season. The title reflects not only the vivid crimson tones that dominate the canvas but also the timeless act of harvesting nature’s bounty, a moment of connection between the earth and the viewer. The painting invites you to pause and appreciate the understated elegance of everyday things, reminding us that even the smallest gifts of nature can hold profound beauty when observed closely. The essence of Crimson Harvest lies in its interplay of light and shadow, which brings the grapes to life with a glossy, almost tangible texture. The delicate vine tendrils curling upward add a touch of organic spontaneity, contrasting with the stillness of the composition. This piece is about more than just fruit—it’s a meditation on simplicity, patience, and the fleeting perfection of nature’s cycles. I wanted to create a work that feels both intimate and universal, encouraging viewers to find meaning in the ordinary and to savor the fleeting moments of beauty that surround us.

The Daffodil's Whisper

 

Today, I had the privilege of completing this oil painting at the Adelaide Art Society, where my peers offered invaluable guidance and support. I struggled with the background, which felt "flat," and was unsure of my next steps. With their input, I found direction and returned home with a finished painting I'm proud of. I'm truly grateful for their help.

Just before updating my blog, I asked an "AI" what the Daffodil's Whisper might say.... and this is its reply: "The Daffodil's whisper might say, "In stillness, I bloom—carrying the promise of spring, a quiet hope that endures even in solitude." It speaks of resilience and renewal, a soft reminder of life's cycles and the beauty found in simplicity, echoing the introspective mood of your painting.

Plum Duet

 In this alla prima painting, I aimed to capture the simple elegance of two ripe plums. The serene, contemplative mood reflects how I felt while painting those little beauties.