Paintings on display in Fremantle

Good news! Four of my paintings will be on display at Juicy Beetroot Cafe in Fremantle from tomorrow. The four are all pastels: Two Pelicans, Wyadup Rocks, Swan Valley Morning Mist, and Poppies. Try and get along to see them if you're in the area. Juicy Beetroot is open weekday lunch times and serves delicious vegetarian food.

Karri forest (76)

This picture of a Karri forest in south western Australia was done at the request of my partner, Ian, who encouraged me to do a larger than usual painting in oils. Although I have taken many photos of the forests in the south west over the years, I took this composition from a travel brochure.

It took me quite a few weeks to finish this one. Because it was a larger canvas than usual I started by applying the paint with a trowel to get a textured look, reminiscent of tree bark. Then later, when the canvas was thickly covered with paint, I started to define the individual trees.

It was an interesting experience and I would like to do more larger oil paintings, maybe using a simpler subjects. For the record, Ian likes it (though it is for sale if anyone wants to buy it!) His plan is to create a frame for it out of Karri wood to complement the subject.