Melting

Today is a stinker! Which is why we are getting out of our small apartment and retreating to air-conditioned comfort. In severe heat our small apartment doubles as an oven and we bake as a consequence. I hate the heat with a passion and am so longing for winter again - bring on the rain!

Happy New Year everybody!

Unchained..

Damn it's hot and getting hotter tomorrow. Which is why I think it a perfect time to unchain myself from the easel. I've been painting for about 10 hours a day and desperately need a day off. So I will re-chain myself on Tuesday. I think a day away from turps fumes will help the brain cells..

more progress..

Here's a little more progress - still many layers to go. Though it gives you an idea of where I'm going with it. This only shows a portion of the painting...

I'm back!

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. The Christmas madness is over now, so constant posts are back again:) My Santo painting seems to be going really well so far. I'm hoping to have it finished by mid Jan. Fingers crossed.. Anyway here's a section of the painting again...

Yet another update...

Well here's another update. Still playing with the face really - the rest will get a good seeing to very soon.

A Very Sketchy Christmas...

Last night was loads of fun. Michelle and I attended the Christmas session of Dr Sketchy. With the Dimond Dolls in full swing we were not short on exciting poses. Sadly it was the last Dr Sketchy until March - so bring on March!

Santo Update

Okay, here's a little of my progress. I'll give you a better look tomorrow...

BTW - everything but the face is underpainting - so don't panic about the bright bold red and yellow:)

A Thin Layer of Skin..

I hadn't planned to start painting until Friday, however last night I couldn't help myself. All I've done is apply a very thin layer to Santo's skin. Sure I should have blocked in the background etc.. But I like to go straight to the fun bit..

Ready to Paint!

Okay, I am now happy with the face. After rigorous tinkering I am now convinced I've captured Santo. Oh, I've also whacked Mick Molloy into the background. He'll be slightly out of focus and out of the spotlight.. So I am now ready to paint!

Nearly ready to break out the paint..

The preliminary sketch is by far the hardest part of the painting. Everything must be in exactly the right position for the painting to work. I've re-worked the face and body, and am now very very close.

Face Update..

I did a load more on this last night. He has a body now - though I don't want to show it yet. May have to do some moving and resizing proportions wise. Getting closer though. I hope to have the pre-sketch done by Saturday so I can start the fun bit........Painting!

Face to Face...

Last night I drove down to a fantastic art shop in Malvern and picked up a giant stretched linen canvas to paint Santo on. Thankfully there was just enough room in the car, though I was squashed up against the steering wheel with my chair all the way forward. Small price to pay for a big arse canvas:) Once home I started to draw Santo's face on the canvas. Now I paint and draw a lot of faces, though this one has to accurately resemble somebody. This means every facial feature must be in the exact spot otherwise his likeness will be lost. Well here's the face I've drawn on the linen so far - the rest will happen tonight...




Also - The Herald-Sun just called me and are interested in doing a story on my Archibald entry! Very exciting and very freaky! I'll have to check with Santo though.....

Santo Strikes a Pose - Our 3rd Session

I had an absolute ball yesterday afternoon. With camera in hand I made my way to the Working Dog offices in South Yarra. Within 10 minutes of arriving I was snapping away as Santo did his thing as only Santo can. He was such a good sport and was incredibly generous with his time. He really is such a nice guy - exactly as you'd expect him to be! I have the utmost respect for him and thank him enormously. After numerous photographs and sketches I had all the information I required to begin the painting.

Burnley Harbour.........

The Art at Burnley Harbour exhibition was on during the weekend. Unfortunately I didn't manage to sell any of my 4 submissions, though I was told they only sold 50 this year - The hot weather may have deterred the public. Not to worry though:)

Congratulations to Michelle on her sale though!