Paint, Paint, Paint...

I was told many years ago that if you want to discover your own personal style and get good, paint 200 small works. So, that's what I intend to do. A number of things may happen by the end of the 200 paintings, 1. I'll be a really quick painter, 2. I'll be blind and have RSI, 3. I'll have 200 flops on my hands, or 4. I may actually improve and create something that I consider worthy.
So, here's No. 1.

No. 1, Oil on panel, 20cm x 20cm

Please e-mail bartonh1@optusnet.com.au if you wish to purchase this work.

Back to reality!

Dan and I, Mollymook Beach.

Well, the wedding went swimmingly, the honeymoon was divine and now it's back to reality with my nose to the easle. I was working on this before the wedding and finished it today. If you are interested in purchasing this piece or others on my blog, please contact me at bartonh1@optusnet.com.au.

My daughter's gumboots.
Oil on panel, 20x20cm.

Off to Fiji!

'Franseeta Realised That Even If He Did Change His Name, He'd Still Have To Get Rid Of The Purple Ribbon', acrylic on canvas, auctioned 2009 for Crookwell Community Trust.

Last post for awhile. Wedding on Friday week then off to Fiji. Have already got my travelling art kit organised, haven't packed my bags though - priorities!
This piece was for an annual event in my home town to raise funds for a Community Trust. Many artists contribute and percentage of sales go to familys who have suffered a death or accident in the family and need urgent funds.
I know, bridge is totally wrong and the photo is crap but I wasn't as focused back then as I am now. Enjoy.

Wonderful Reds!

Tomato Sauce Bottle
20cm x 20cm (8x8in)
oil on board

I really had a lot of fun with this one. I painted it off the computer screen which allowed me to concentrate on painting rather than worrying about the constantly shifting light in my house. I worked a lot looser than normal and although there are things I don't like about it, I feel it's definitely a step in the right direction.

Red Delicious
20cm x 20cm (8x8in)
oil on board
Again, just concentrated on getting tone and colour, softening edges and having fun with it. The first of many apple studies no doubt.

Priming board day!

Wednesday was spent taking a trip into my Magnet Mart to purchase a huge sheet of MDF which they then cut into panels for me. 30cm x 30cm (12x12in) and 20cm x 20cm (8x8in). I then brought them home, put on a Midsummer Murder DVD and primed all the panels for the rest of the day. Phew! Should keep me out of trouble for a while!
I prime my panels with 2 coats of gesso tinted with burnt siennna.

Woody study

Sheriff Woody doll - study
Oil on board
30cm x 30cm

I have been wanting to paint the kids toys for ages and had a real battle on my hands trying to do this one. Even though this Sheriff Woody doll had been buried at the bottom of the toy box for months, as soon as I dug it out and set it up my son suddenly wanted to play with it!
After the third day I gave in, he played with it for 5 minutes, then I found Woody balancing precariously on the edge of the toilet seat - nice!
I used a light box with lamp light coming directly above through hole in the top, Woody blu-tacked to a glass behind his back to stop him slipping!

Happy New Year!!

I know, a little late but you know what they say... I forget, what do they say?
Anyhoo, I was working on this little number end of last year using the carder method. I abandoned the method and finally finished it today. The image is cropped a little so the edge of the saucer isn't actually right up against the canvas edge.
Getting married in 4 weeks so if i'm not around for awhile, you know why.
Enjoy my hardcore fan base of 2!! You know who you are.