Sneak Peaks

Ahhh, there's nothing like taking a break to make you appreciate all the little things about being an artist... like when your computer crashes and you have to re-write your entire blog post, or when your husband knocks a wet painting off your easle and it lands face down, or when your mid-brushstroke and the phone rings but its just someone trying to sell you windows awnings, or when you put a painting outside to dry after varnishing it and it starts to rain!
Here's a sneak peak at what I've working on this week. Try to pick which one got dropped onto the floor!

Takin' a break.

Yes, it's been awhile. Just taking a break for a bit, I tend to work really hard for 3 or 4 months and then have break, let my creative energy build back up and then go again. I temporarily pulled the plug on the web-site, the printers let me down (they still hadn't gotten anywhere after 10 weeks - and I only wanted 10 prints!!! Thanks alot Arthead!) and it was a case of 'the straw that broke the camel's back'. It really pissed-me-off in other words! And I see no sense in pouring money into a website if it's not generating any. Right, all that shit is off my chest, see you in a few months, hopefully with a more positive progress report.

Banana

SOLD

Banana oil on board 20cm x 20cm

© 2010 Holly Hartwell

Slow

Slow
oil on linen on board
30 x 30cm (12 x 12 inch)

Hello, yes it's been awhile. Have been working on this piece and getting my website up and running.
Check it out at www.hollyhartwell.net.au
I wasn't going to launch it until I had some prints for sale but what the heck!
Enjoy.

Paddle Pop Sticks.

Paddle Pop Sticks
oil on linen on board
20 x 20cm (8x8in)

This one's been sitting on the easel for a couple of weeks, just needed a few finishing touches to the shot glass and my new signature. Painting on linen was lovely, not as slippery as painting straight onto primed board.
If you are interested in purchasing this work, please e-mail
me at: bartonh1@optusnet.com.au.

Eggs with Blueberries

Eggs with Blueberries
oil on board, 20 x 20cm
SOLD

What a week! Started designing my own website, thats always fun! Met with builders to draw up plans for studio. We're going to convert half of our 6x6 shed to studio space complete with 2 huge skylights, insulation, work benches and a toilet and sink. Driveway guys coming tomorrow to bitumen our 200sq metre driveway, had builders here last week replacing roof on house and shed from the hail storm back in September and now hubbies talking about putting an extension on! No more!!
I finished this piece awhile ago but decided to start having work scanned at the art shop (rather than me take terrible photos) and get it framed at the same time. This piece along with 'Onion' and 'Puppy Love' are destined for Maleny Country Antiques and Collectibles in QLD where the owner is helping me find them good homes. Hope you like it!

Check out this guy!

This guy never fails to amaze me. He lives on the south coast of NSW, exhibits locally and internationally and his work is just, just...well, bloody fantastic!
I saw a show of his at the Nowra Art Gallery a few years ago and to see them in the flesh was awe inspiring. His technical mastery of acrylics is beyond belief and would turn hardcore oil painting purists to blubbering, jaw-dropping acrylic fans overnight.
His use of light and his beautiful compositions are just some elements of his work that keep me inspired and striving to do better in my own work.

Check out his website www.therealsteveharris.com.au

Here's a good quote that I regulary use to keep me going.
"Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."