Friday, October 17, 2008

Patti Smith at the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour is one of my favourite subjects to paint, & I have painted the opera house from many aspects in a range of its differing moods. The sails of the yachts on the harbour are mere appetisers for those that crown the Opera House.



It is a great icon to paint, as it yells Sydney whilst contrasting its luminous light against the deep ultramarine blue of the harbour.
A few days ago I changed my usual viewpoint & went inside to see another icon - Patti Smith play in the concert hall.
Over the years I have heard Patti's music. It was OK but apart from a few songs it never really grabbed me. So I wondered about the legendary status & went along to see who the press have entitled"godmother of punk" - with my expectations subdued.

BUT I quickly found out this was because I hadn't seen her perform live before. Patti the legend was there and she blew the roof off the opera house. It was a magnificent live performance full of energy, character, emotion & passion.
At times Patti wandered into meet the audience, & on others she left the stage to dance with them whilst her superbly musically endowed band played on. The audience just loved it.
What I saw was one of those few artists who can elevate their live performances into an artform. A recording can't capture anything like the electricity she generates on stage. My expectations were very pleasantly blown sky high.
Bernard Zuels review in the Sydney Morning Herald says it all & can be seen here

Click here to view transcripts and podcasts of her interview on the ABC 7.30 report

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Sailing Cremorne Point, Sydney Harbour


Oil on Canvas 5 x 3 inches (127mm x 76mm)

This small painting started out as a study for a much larger commissioned painting . I finished it off and it stands up well as a work in its own right. Yachts are leaving the bay for a days sailing in the main harbour. The view shows the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge behind Cremorne Point.

I recently took the walk with friends up to and around Cremorne Point then onto Mosman Bay. It is a very picturesque walk with stunning views of the city & harbour

This painting now sold.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Reader

5 x 4 inches (127 x 100mm) - Oil on Board

This painting was done from a photo posted on artist Karin Jurick's “Different Strokes From Different Folks” blog. Karin posts a photo and other artists do their interpretation of it. Its great to see all the different versions.
I felt the man was a bit lonely and needed some company.

Visit Karin Juricks “Different Strokes From Different Folks” Blog

Also have a look at the great small paintings on Karin’s ”Painting A Day” blog

This painting is sold

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Sails on Sydney Harbour

5 x 3 Inches - Oil on Canvas


The first post to the blog & its appropriate to capture a still day & the beautiful light on Sydney Harbour. Its something special.
The stock market may heading south at a rapid rate but that doesn't stop the yachties getting their priorities right & enjoying the day.