Dare to be joyful – Oil on Linen, 2007
Finished the above work yesterday. It’s quite a contrast to the work I was doing 6 months ago. That was all dark and colourful. I’ve moved to the lighter side and for now it’s all good. Hopefully it’s still vibrant.
Feeling much more comfortable with the oils as well, and starting to know myself within them, which makes me feel happier. If only I had the time (head space) to paint. Zara is sleeping some days – other days she is cot-bound and merrily trying to hold a conversation with me or her favourite ‘dog’. Hard to be seriously expressing yourself on canvas while being a grumpy mother. Perhaps this piece is about that. The love does just become all consuming, and it’s hard to look at activities outside her while she’s there and giving of herself so blissfully.
Tonight I’m meeting the Melbourne blog ladies…..
We each had to make 12 items to trade with the other on the night. They all seem to be crafty people, so I wanted to make something that would be useful and a nice reminder of the night. I also wanted to put something of myself into the gift, but to whip up 12 paintings would have been impossible and ridiculous, so I compromised and made something out of linen (for painting on) offcuts. I’m quite pleased with their subtlety and minimalist construction. I’ll post a pic after tonight, but didn’t want to show more in case anyone might be looking and spoil the surprise…..
If any of you 12 are out there, I’ll see you tonight! 
Nice painting! – I think your paintings still maintain their vitality for sure. Your style has developed massively with the oils and use of lighter colours – it keeps getting better and better, adding new dimensions to your work constantly. I love watching your artistic progress, as it’s exciting to watch your art grow.
Good luck tonight! I’m sure you’ll have a great time and look forward to hearing about how is went:)
Wonderful work! Looks like a Mother and daughter. Would be a wonderful mother’s day gift! Great post and good luck tonight!
*HUGS*
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for coming last night, your gift is beautiful, thankyou! I only wish that we’d had more of a chance to chat to each other.
hey, lovely to meet you last night, michelle. thanks, too, for the gift – i agree with you – lovely minimalist design – i just love the combination of natural linen and red (no better colour combination possible!). i look forward to catching up with you again sometime soon.