A new watercolour painting // Magpie

Magpie. Watercolour and gouache on paper

I've been working on a new painting of a magpie. I used to dislike magpies (possibly as a result of being swooped by several of them walking home from school) but now I think they are one of my favourites. You see at least one on every residential block around here, usually strolling on the nature strip.

While I was researching them, I found out that they are very intelligent and playful birds. My sister has a family of magpies that live in her backyard, and she would often see the baby rolling around in the fallen leaves. I guessed it could be a sign of submission but she said it seemed to do it for fun. Apparently adult magpies will play with the juveniles, chasing them and play fighting.

I spent all weekend painting, and I moved my things upstairs to be near Harley while he worked at his desk. I had the desk by the window and it was drizzling outside, and it was so lovely to just sit there and work together in silence on our separate projects. I have so many projects on at the moment, but my favourite is a big water colour painting I am doing for a lovely lady in a nearby town. I am used to doing small works, but I am getting there. It's good to be so busy!

On my desk

A new bird drawing I am working on.

Linocut Block print- Red bird

This is the largest block print I've done, well it's only A4 but I'm used to working tiny. I like lots of detail and it is hard to translate my patterns when carving blocks. I have just added this for sale in my shop!

Bird with Blue Triangles

I have added a new original artwork to my etsy shop! I will be adding new items regularly. Lots of work to do today in the studio!

Manly Cove

Some photos from a trip we took to Sydney. I still think the ferry ride is one of the nicest (and cheapest) things to do if you are visiting Sydney.

New artwork: Bird with Purple Flowers

I took a break from printing cards on the weekend to draw this little bird.

Bird Linocut

This is the first time I've attempted to make prints, rather than just gift tags. I have finally figured out the consistency of the ink/ how much to work the ink etc. after many failed attempts! I know I have marks on the prints that shouldn't be there because I haven't carved the lino fully but I actually like this effect, so have left it. For sale in the shop.

Birds

I haven't had much time in the studio recently, these birds are all I have had time to get done. Today I am looking forward to spending the afternoon carving stamps for an upcoming project.

Bird on Magnolia Branch

Thanks to everyone who came to Creative Lane in Marrickville on the weekend, and thank you to Josh for helping man the stall (and your fake laugh). I know you are reading this.

As for the new picture - the colours a little off in this scan, but they are more subtle and nice in real life. I'm really obsessed with dark grey blue/green at the moment.

New Work