The Art of Jade Zivanovic

A sketch a Day 2012

2012-01-21T15:04:00.001+11:00

I started doing this thing this year....a sketch a day. Of course I had to choose a leap year to do this. You can see them as they happen each day, on my face book art page here But here is a sneak preview of some of them :)

From top to bottom, left to right:

Werefish and his craptacular air guitaring friend
The Scarecrow and the Princess (to which I'm currently writing about)
The Scarlett Archer (inspired by my treadmilling mate Scarlett)
The Wasteland Wanderer
Up Shit Creek with a bright orange paddle and a parasol
A melancholy zombie catches an entity in front of a mirror...

Next Show

2011-03-27T14:16:00.008+11:00

It's been a while since I've been to my blog, as I've been mainly posting to my facebook page. But its harder to write on facebook, and I've been thinking useless thoughts lately that I thought I might pen, or type, as it be.

I had a successful group show the other month at Collingwood Gallery with curator Luke Jackson, what a great experience. I went home with only one painting, Atlas. Atlas is off on another journey next month, he will be at the Mornington Peninsula Art Show, along with A Question of Faith.

The 29th of April brings another group show at Collingwood Gallery again curated by the awesome Luke Jackson. I'm in the middle of doing three works for that, but am considering a fourth work as well, one I dug up that I was originally painting for my Perceptions show last year, but never put it in as it didn't quite fit. It is based on a recurring dream that kept haunting me last year. I finally decided I would paint it, as if I paint my dreams they usually stop bugging me. I thought I had posted it on here but can't find it anywhere, so here goes.

I dreamt I was on a fast train, sleek and of shiny metal, like a giant steel snake, and it coursed its way up the mountain, leaving the burning city far behind. As we went further up the mountain, it grew colder, until finally the train stopped, it would go no further. There was no power, and the doors and windows were suddenly ajar, the cold seeping in. People around me, mostly mothers and children, began to tear the old material from the seats in the train cabin, and huddled together, draping the fabric over them in an attempt to ward off the cold. I tried to tear some off too, but none would come, and the people ignored me, as if I wasn't even there...but I was, the cold was too intense and I could feel it dig right down to my bones.

Then suddenly I was in a raging river, that surged through the burning city, destroying things as it went, forging a new path through the manmade terrain. I was slowly drowning, surfacing for air every now and then, but I was calm, and looked upon the city as it burnt and the waters carried me away.

Anyway in short that was basically my dream. Most nights in my sleep I rode the steel, snake train up the mountain, watching the city burn, until I painted it. It's not unusal for me to have post apocalyptic dreams, this one was most unusual because it was in a place I'd never dreamt of before. I timidly called the painting Tokyo Burning although I knew the city wasn't Tokyo, I knew it was in Japan. The last section of the painting, with the tree, is not part of my dream, just something I felt to put in. I only remembered this painting last night and dug around in the garage to find it.
Hopefully I can find where I originally posted this painting, as the writing that accompanied it then is better as it was fresher in my mind.

But yeah, not sure if it is worthy of exhibiting.

One of my three works in progress is my blind goddess-

Ah, so much rambling from me, back to the easel!!!

Perceptions Dual Art Show

2010-08-24T11:09:00.002+10:00

Today is the 2nd last day of our art show. I am so completely thrilled that I did this, it has helped me in many ways - to get a body of work under my wing, and also has allowed me to breath a sigh of relief and made me realise that I can just keep plodding along in my own fashion :D There are so many paintings in my head, I will just let them stew and develop (hopefully they won't drive me too insane while I'm sleeping), and pick one out every now and then to paint. But now, my main focus is to do lots of studies - monochrome cylinders and spheres, to help learn form, still lifes, sketching, learn light and colour, shadow and drama. I am also doing another course with Erika Gofton so that is exciting!

And here are some pictures of my paintings with my awesome friends and mum (who is also awesome)! I'll be back to post individual pics of my paintings:D

Jade Zivanovic

2010-06-19T12:26:00.003+10:00

I've changed the title of my blog to the name I'll be painting with, Jade Zivanovic, my new married name. I can't change the address unfortunately, I am still undecided whether to set up a new blog or just keep this one going.

Goddess or not?

2010-06-19T11:58:00.001+10:00

Yesterday my great mate Maria posed for me for my Goddess painting - a painting that I've chosen to do to match my God Atlas painting that will try to depict the innate strengths and capabilities of males and females. The Goddess painting is also a direct attack against the Venus razor ad LOL I have always found it wierd that marketing directors try and tell the public that its okay to call yourself a Goddess, when a Goddess is an immortal being (mythical or not) and incredibly imperfect (in most their stories about them) yet the marketers try and depict their goddesses ('their goddesses' being the people their marketing campaigns are directed towards) as being perfect.

Yes my friends, you are perfect as you are, you don't have to frollick in the water whilst shaving your already silky smooth legs (tho you can if you want!) You don't have to call yourself a Goddess much like a man doesn't call himself a God (unless he's joking or is a total wanker) I think a little respect for the mythologies of the past is in order here. Let the Goddesses be Goddesses, and let us be mortal humans.

You are beautiful and smart whether you decide to dedicate yourself wholly to raising a beautiful family, juggling the raising of a family with your career, not having a family and focusing on your career, or if you are just living your life and enjoying your days - by yourself or with another. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Anyway that is just my thoughts :D Feel free to express your own!

Work on the show still happening and life in general

2010-06-15T00:22:00.004+10:00

I spend each day painting painting painting. It's slow at the factory at the moment, winter - not many people buying ice creams! Which is good for me, I can clock up some kilometres with the paintbrush.

In regards to the show, at present I have four smaller paintings on the go, and two larger ones.

The four smaller paintings, for the show in August, were inspired by driving. The factory is an hour away, and I work afternoon shifts, so I spend alot of time driving, which I call my 'thinking' time, though on the way to work is more my bad attempt at singing time, the drive in the dark more for my thoughts.

And three of these paintings were inspired on the road in 2008, where I did quick paintings of them and sold them under an alias, and now return to do them a decent size and to do them justice. They fall in the surreal category I guess, and as you probably guessed it, the road is the main object in them. That and road signage! I've just kind of twisted them to fit my mental rationale at the time.

The fourth one, though featuring the road, goes away from mental thought turning towards global moral, I guess though I wanted to do a fourth one with the road, I was more influenced by the BP oil leak. So no road signs in this one! But there is a fat lady singing ;)

Married and a new show!

2010-05-17T09:12:00.003+10:00

Well big things have happened since I was last here. My fiance Vlad and I finally tied the knot. It was a great weekend. My relatives from Western Australia flew over, some of whom I hadn't seen since I was a little girl, and the night before we had a family reunion. My family flew down from Qld (albeit my mum had already been here two weeks before to help finish up the last bits and pieces, and had spent a couple of months down here previously as well), my sister being my bridesmaid, and my best mate (since grade 3) flew down from Darwin to be my matron of honour.

The church photo was taken by my mate Cindy who is an amazing landscape and seascape photographer (and very kindly became a wedding photographer for the day - thanks Cindy!).
The old style photographs were taken by my very talented budding photographer friend Lana

The boys singing away with the Scottish and Australian flag behind them, the Serbian flag is there somewhere as well. From left to right is devet Dusan, friend Darko, my hubbie Vlad and best man (kum) Ross.

This is the church where we were married. It's such a beautiful church with gorgeous paintings.

My awesome cake made by the even more awesome Doris and Divna! Look - theres a viking ship to the side as well!

Me and Vlad on our honeymoon. We drove along the great ocean road, through to South Australia and up to Coober Pedy. This was a stop over at Mt Gambia, in the umpteen sinkhole, a very VERY beautiful garden.

Also on the news front, fellow artist and now sister in law Vesna and I are having a Dual show in August, so I am busy busy sketching and painting for that. I have nine works in progress for it, with another completed. 7 1/2 of the detailed sketches are finished for it which makes things a helluva lot easier when it comes to painting. I will post some pics soon as it won't let me put here more than five!

Viking Art Video

2010-03-26T13:06:00.002+11:00

I couldn't sleep last night, so at about four in the morning I made this wee video with some of my art, mostly viking paintings. The music I some old stuff of my fiances that I stole from him. He just got new equipment so he's promised to make me some fancy new stuff and then I can have music on my website toooo.

I have some paintings going into the Mornington Peninsula Art Show on Easter Weekend, should be a good show, some great quality artists, and I am actually going to opening night woohooo!

Anyway, here's the link to my vid on youtube. Would love to hear your thoughts on it, I had mucho fun making it, though its a bit messy in places...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHFlbJGQh9I

And the winner is

2010-03-15T16:10:00.003+11:00

I put all the names on bits of paper and scrunched them up and put them in a cup - and pulled two out - they were Stephen and Joey. Joey asked for the Viking ship and Stephen didn't specify, so I hope you don't mind Stephen to recieve the Elf?

If you two can email me your addresses at jade_erica@hotmail.com I'll post em off to you pronto!

Thankyou everyone for your support, would have loved to have given everyone one. Next giveaway at 100 followers!

Painting Give away. Viking Ship and Elf with Pheonix

2010-03-10T15:00:00.005+11:00

Hi Everybody! Excuse my delay, I have only just had time to finish up one of the wee paintings and then come on here to do a post.

I will put two paintings up for give away. All you have to do is 'follow' my blog (or if you don't have a blog, subscribe to the email) and just write a comment to this post and indicate wether you would like picture 1 or 2. If you advertise this one your own blog/website/twitter whatever, let me know (link or something), and I'll give you two entries :D

1. Vikings ahoy, how'd you guess it? Of course I have to put a viking ship in. This one is a rather special painting. It's oil on linen, and has an antique wood and plasterboard frame. Its about 30cm x 40cm. It has quite good detail, will try and do another photo of the vikings in the ship pulling on the ropes (edit: done). It's very lightweight, hence I don't mind doing it as a blog give away as it won't cost too much to send with frame. Mind you, the frame is antique, so it has a few hairline cracks, most I fixed up but I'm not a restorer so can't get em all!

!

2. An elf with a baby pheonix. This is just a small one, 25cm x 30cm, on canvas board. It is a study for a larger painting that I want to do. Comes as is.

Some painting time!

2010-03-07T13:22:00.002+11:00

After I put the rooms back together this arvo, its time for some painting!

I have reached 50 followers, but haven't put up the giveaway yet, as I'm still painting it - so stay tuned!

I'm very excited to get two very special commissions of brahman bulls. Special because they are from a friend, and double special because she wants them painted on corrugated iron, which is going to be both a learning curve and lots of fun!

I also am about to start a white angel, to match my 'First Woman, Last Angel' painting, which is a commission from the buyer of said painting. Aaaaand paint some viking ships for (hopefully) the upcoming Mornington Show. I am very pleased to say one of my Viking ships was bought by a Norwegion and has been sent to his home in Italy.

I found an awesome model wooden hull at a garage sale, for $2, so can't wait to restore it and have that sitting somewhere special, and use it for a reference for my paintings - but have yet to get started on building my viking ship!

And, though I primarily use Rembrandt and W&N artist brand paints, I am lucky enough to have stumbled across a sale at The Art Shop and bought myself some fine Mussini paints (earthen colours, siennas, ochres, transluscent browns) for only $8 a tube, and I think they are the older ones before they changed the making process, so I am a very happy chappy! And, to make me double happy, I also ordered some Venitian turpentine from them OMG cannot wait to use that with my angel painting.

Well, best get on with things.....

Jewellery Giveaway at Val Zdero Art & Jewellery

2010-02-05T11:54:00.002+11:00

My sister in law is having a give away at her blog, she makes beautiful jewellery, all hand painted with resin finishes. To be in the chance to win this beautiful locket, just go and follow her blog and leave a comment on this post: http://valzderoart.blogspot.com/2010/02/200-followers-giveaway-celebration-d.html At her blog you can see lots of handpainted necklaces, earrings, hand wrapped wire pendents, and beautiful whimsical paintings.

Free Painting Giveaway

2010-02-04T16:13:00.001+11:00

At 50 followers, I'll give away a free small painting to one of my followers! 7 more to go!

Reworking Lady Cerberus 'Her Plea' to VIKING -ness

2010-01-22T02:57:00.004+11:00

Wanted to rework my Cerberus painting. This one, as you might remember, had the destroyed sunken Cerberus in the foreground, and, well, I don't think the Cerberus should be remembered like that. The Cerberus is something we are trying to save.

I turned this into a viking painting....couldn'ta guessed that one comin aye?

Viking Burial ship. The lady is still the mistress of the sea, what man who has sailed upon the waters, not seen her?! She is there for all of them, sometimes loving, sometimes in anger she moves the sea beneath them, but they love her still, like they do us! lol

Portrait Study

2009-12-17T10:12:00.002+11:00

Portrait Study of the beautiful lockstock from DA. Lots of mistakes in this I know, but I really enjoyed painting it (or maybe the enjoyment was because I had the day off work woooohoooo)

New Series starting slow

2009-11-14T09:36:00.002+11:00

Slowly I've been getting snippets of colour and sketches for my new pieces. Pictures are being triggered by the most unusual of things, some of them are digging right down into my psyche. I'm enjoying the process. Usually having so many ideas for paintings freaks me out, as I always want them done PRONTO but I am keeping them at bay and remembering to do studies first and get it all worked before hand. Time to be smart.

Cutlery Pencil study and new viking painting

2009-11-08T06:33:00.003+11:00

'The Mourning Tree' WIP

'Pick me!' Study in pencil

This is a study I did in tone and form. I started it in class with Erika Gofton and finished it for home work. It's not bad I think...Yes, lots of faults....I'll get better...I used black and white pencil for it.

And a new viking painting, started on a whim. Not sure where its totally going but now its dry I can start rendering the forms and adding some detail woohoo

New Paintings!

2009-10-27T10:33:00.002+11:00

I have a back log of paintings in my head at the moment. Two new series, all big, detailed and full of atmosphere (I hope!).
One series has been started, I need to kick start the other one as well.
I'm very excited, hopefully it will also stop my post-apocalyptic dreams...or enhance them, either way is okay LOL as long as I get *some* sleep.

Lady Cerberus

2009-10-05T23:25:00.004+11:00

The lady encapsulates the spirit of the sea and the ship. The wreckage of the ironclad monitor lies in the sea, the Victorian flag lying in the water. Painting to depict the plight of the 'Save the Cerberus' group, who are trying to raise funds to stop this piece of national history from decaying away in the breakwater.

Oil on board.

Please contact Pivotal Galleries if you'd like to purchase it, or see other work depicting the ship Cerberus, where a percentage of funds go towards helping to Save the Cerberus.

They are having a great exhibition of paintings, both from recent artists and paintings from the past, photographs and actual Cerberus things, like a 500lb shell. Opening night is this Wednesday the 7th October, and the exhibition runs until the 18th.

Cerberus Oil Painting

2009-09-14T12:59:00.002+10:00

HMVS Cerberus. A monitor warship brought over from England to serve in Victorias first Royal Navy. She remains in the breakwater behind the Peninsula, slowly deteriorating. Pivotal Galleries is having a 'Save the Cerberus' exhibition where funds are being raised to help collect enough money to raise the Cerberus from her current sleeping grounds and erect her as a monument that everyone can enjoy and be around for many more years to come.

Cerberus Legacy (working title) 60cmx90cm oil on panel

Studies in pencil and paint

2009-08-11T14:40:00.002+10:00

Just some studies in tone and value and trying to get things lookin right lol. Half succeeding I think.

Bayside Art Show - Brighton

2009-08-03T15:23:00.006+10:00

These are the three paintings I dropped off yesterday for the bayside Art Show at Brighton. From left, 'For Long I have travelled' oil on panel, 'After the final Storm' Oil on panel. 12'x24' and 'My Dreams' oil on linen, 60cm x 90cm

If anyone is interested to go, the show is on at Brighton Town Hall, corner of Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th.

Ruined Cityscape 2

2009-07-25T02:22:00.004+10:00

Digital painting of ruined Australian city (in the future of course!). I did a tutorial from idrawgirls.com and it helped alot, however my outcome didn't have too much personality so I hope to combine the techniques I learnt with scenes like my acrylic cityscape Providence to get something decent I hope! I'm just about finished the oil painting of this it looks ok, I'm not sure if it will turn out as good in the end.

Thankyou to idrawgirls.com for sharing your knowledge with us!

Fallout Centaur

2009-07-25T02:03:00.004+10:00

A centaur, from the Fallout game. In Fallout 1 and 2 it had both heads, and in Fallout 3 it just had the human head and no tentacularness underneath. I wanted to stick closer to the original games rather than the 3rd, but keep the hideousnes of the third game.
For those who don't know, Fallout is based on a post apocalyptic future had the world met its doom in the 50s. This is just one of the many mutated creatures roaming the world, by human hands mind.
This is a digital painting for a game Mod I'm involved in for Mount and Blade yay!

Mermaid Painting

2009-06-24T10:24:00.003+10:00

A fun painting I did for my niece Sienna! I started it back in May as you might remember and then my sister reminded me about it LOL so I went ahead and finished it. Its ultra sparkly which you can't really see in this pic, but when the sun or light hits it it dazzles away LOL I kinda want to keep it for myself! If you click on the pic it'll open up bigger and you can see the sparkliness lol I'm going to put a scroll in that open shell coz Sienna calls them 'book shells' so I'll write a little story for the mermaid who will live in a crystal castle under the sea :D

Viking Ship Oil Painting

2009-06-14T05:13:00.002+10:00

'And with the dawn, they emerged...'

30cmx40cm oil on linen

This one has kind of a more fantasy aspect to it, which allowed me to be a little more free in the design and how it is acting in the water, still have trouble doing the heads of the ships...oh well! I tried to make it look a little more gritty as if its been sailin for a while!

Checker Girl

2009-06-07T12:15:00.002+10:00

I love my little Checker Girl. I am thinking of putting white checkers around the edge of her red bbackground, to give the white border more of a zing..or something. What do yous reckon? I feel more checker girls comin on! and possibly some tartain girls...lol

SALE ON NOW

2009-06-07T12:12:00.001+10:00

There is a Sale on at my Viking Blog just scroll down to 'Crystalline Waters' and 'It is Done' these are the two on sale YAY Happy Days!

Art Shows

2009-06-07T10:12:00.002+10:00

Off to pick up my two paintings from Belgrave (Sherwood Art Society) this arvo. Takes about 1 1/4 hrs to get there. I hate this part, driving to and from the shows with the paintings, as I am generally FAR from them LOL No wonder the professionals use couriers.
Tomorrow its pick up from the Chelsea show, which isn't so bad, only bout 40 minutes away, plus I am dragging my mate along with me for that (oh she doesn't know that yet LOL)
Anyway, I have been working mostly on little viking ship paintings, but am going to start planning out my Grim Reaper/Road journey series. It's all a blur in front of my eyes, so I can't wait to start sketching and grabbing the pieces I can see and putting it onto paper and see what becomes of it.

Acrylic Apocalypse Painting: Providence

2009-06-04T23:23:00.005+10:00

'Providence' Acrylic on canvas. 30cm x 90cm

And the sky glowed amber and the light grew muted. The earth was barren; raped and left to die. I had seen this all in my mind, in my dreams,as I rode upon a great train that snaked up the highest mountain, while the world below me burned...

This is one of three paintings I just dropped off this evening for the Chelsea Art Show. The other two, one was a still life that I forgot to photograph (except for on m'mobile) and the third one was Cavallo Bianco di Notte

A couple of wee viking pics

2009-06-04T14:54:00.001+10:00

Here's a couple of wee viking pics that have recently been sold. I quite like the second the most, 'For long have we travelled'.

I am really enjoying doing these, but I guess you all know that by now LOL

Fallout Super Mutant

2009-05-26T21:26:00.004+10:00

Been doing the concept art for a fallout super mutant for the Game Mod. This is the head so far, am nearly finished the body. I've been enjoying doing him, he is using bits of cars and signs and armour lol

Acrylic geometric portrait WIP - You were Here.

2009-05-22T14:52:00.002+10:00

Work in proggress 'You were here'. Can't decide on the background, wether to have horizontal red chequerboards jutting out towards ya, 3D planes style, or just a backdrop of red chequerboards, or is that too much for the eye, or black with with dots!!! Any thoughts on these? This is for the bsg small works show

Angel Eyes

2009-05-22T00:24:00.005+10:00

Just stuffing around with the tablet..dreaming of own

ing a Wacom lol

She's pretty rough, speed paint, but might keep her for use further down the track. She was a nice break from working on supermutants. Gotta love them super mutants.

*edit* I was just pondering about the whole time thing, and pushing yourself further.

I started this one a few days ago, and just left it. It was initially for a contest 'good vs evil' at Deviant Art, and I was going to do a mirror image of the same person. But yeah when you leave things alone for a bit and come back to them its funny how you can push them further. I then wonder, when does the time come when you don't have wait so much time inbetween supposedly 'finishing' and actually pushing yourself to finish better than you would normally have. For example, the picture above, I pushed myself to work more on the skin colours, where they change in relation to parts of the face, what colours are harmonious in relation to the hair and the eyes, and then thinking about how in real life we change our hair, our eye colour with contacts, put eyeshadow and lipstick on, and how I can translate this to a painting yet keep it harmonious.

So I guess now, I should go back and finish the body and push myself to work on her face more, try to refine it past a speed painting. Try and get over another learning curve! Oh but my super mutant is nearly finished!!! Will finish it first heehee Now that has taken many many many hours......

2009-05-18T11:24:00.002+10:00

Delivered these two to the Sherbrooke Art Society for their exhibition open to non-members in Belgrave. Starts next week I think. I hope they are good enough. Frames are antiques I restored, c1930.

I love Belgrave, its such a beautiful place, the air is fresh, very tropical, nature is still abundant and it seems the people live with it not against it.

Fallout Deathclaw (or Vlad in the morning)

2009-05-14T22:21:00.003+10:00

I watched a flea scurrying across my arm, traversing the hair follicles as big to him as the old abandoned watertanks near town. A deep pitted scar caused him less problems, until he met my finger near my wrist and his little existence came to an end. I flicked the carcass, loosing sight of it as soon as it became airbound. Such a little thing, so unimportant, or so it seemed to me, doing nothing but causing me and my Betsy discomfort. Betsy pushed her dry nose against my shoulder and mooed, urging me to get up. She was thirsty...so was I. The sun had passed the halfway mark and was beginning its descent, though there were still many hot hours left in the day . I stood up for what seemed like the millionth time, and squinted across the desolate land, towards the rocky pile on the summit. Surely Fedro had found enough ropes now and was on his return. I tried not to think too much of it.
We had come across a few of them radioactive scorpians on the way, spittin and hissin at us they were. They aren't like your normal critters, no sir, you can't just squish them beneath your boots. These ones are big like a blow up pool and just as easy to pop with a sawn off shotgun. They start squirtin their poison at you from afar, and they scuttled as loudly as a happy drunk singin the top 10.
Fedro had a good ear and an aim like a bat in the stillest of nights; no, it wasn't the radscorpions that worried me. The DeathClaws, now that was another matter...

DeathClaw for the Fallout Mod. I took a photo of Vlad in the morning and added a tale (and hid the body!!!) Sketched with graphite and painted digitally in CS2, just like painting but without the drying time yay! Background is texture from the mount and blade game for which the Mod is being made for, no credit for that. But its the background we are using for the splash screen to keep in vein with the game. Oh and I thought I'd continue the story from the Brahmin pic a bit more

Viking pics!!!!

2009-05-10T20:39:00.003+10:00

A commission piece!

'Against the wind'

'The Eyes of Death'

'In Search of Bifrost' (my favourite!)

Finally finished these four up. Yay that's four down! A zillion to go. These are available to buy at my Viking blog if anyone is interested or you know of anyone into this stuff please pass it on!

I was happy to finish these but now can't wait to start more! These are smallish ones, but I wouldn't mind doing a long panoramic one of a fleet of vikings, that would rock...just have to finish these other WIPs yet....

Happy Mothers Day to all the mums out there! and Happy Mothers Day to my mum - love you!!!

Water WIPs, Venus and waterfalls

2009-05-07T09:50:00.002+10:00

This was just going to be a study, hopefully using more 'classical' colours, something I would do with detatchment from the subject, no theme, man I couldn't even think of a title. Of course I had to grow fond of it and start inventing a story for her, but I guess what is a painting if part of the artist does not merge with the paint and canvas to bring life to an inanimate object.
The beautiful model is Ameilda from DA. I hope to turn her into Venus. And perhaps some winged wind blowers in the distance. Still much to do on this painting. It is for the Sherwood show...if they like it! lol

I can't paint rocks, yet keep on doing pieces with the bloody things in them! One day I'll get em right, until then, I'll keep plodding along. Am resisting the temptation to leave remnants of humans passing through this lovely bit of paradise, perhaps a set of Mary-Janes next to a bag, or a towel indicitave of swimmers. This is for Sherwood too, but I'll also be scanning this so I can work on it for a mixed media (oil/digital) post apocalyptic scene for the Fallout Mod of MB woohoo

But now - off to finish the Viking Ships!!!!

WIPS so many WIPS argh! Mermaid, Rocks, Viking Ships, Einherjar, Bifrost, Weddings egads

2009-05-05T11:57:00.005+10:00

The Umbre layer. This is just a 'study' wanting to practice my figurative/skin tones, plus a bit of fun making her a mermaid. Will post the stages as I do them, as am doing it in the Flemish technique.

LOL this one looks like nothing aye. I just started this one this morning. In the end, I hope these to resemble rocks more lol and make that pool of water more pristine and transluscent. Foliage to go in the sides and a wee waterfall. Practicing some traditional art, hopefully this will be for the sherwood show. I have an antique gold (more fools colour like me!) plaster frame for this, from the 30s. coooooooooooool.

Yay Viking Fun. First one is a commission. It is nearly finished, I hope it is well received. The others I am just doing along the way. The reference for the first one was the mans model ship, the reference for the 2nd one was the remains of an ancient viking ship in Oslo. 3rd one, another Einherjar on a fun long canvas, and the 4th one, it is a Viking crew who have happened upon Bifrost the rainbow bridge, which joins our mortal world (Midgard) to Asgard (where the gods dwell).

Piece for our good friends wedding present. Aren't they cute??? Young Love! This has gone through Umbre Layer, Dead Layer, and I am currently colouring it, trying to focus on the subtleties of skin colours, still have lots of work to do but am taking my time on this one.

And I have THREE MORE wips I need to start today.....maybe I will start them late tonight because I need to clean the house darnit and organise my work area, what with so much on the go.

I love being emersed in painting!!!!!!!

My Dark Crystal

2009-04-30T10:43:00.002+10:00

This was the painting I entered into the Metro contest. I didn't get in :( Oh well Onwards I go. I'm going to keep working on this, make it look ten billion times better lol well maybe in a hundred years it will look okay.

My Dark Crystal. 61cm x 91cm Oil on Linen and lots of blood, sweat and tears.

Fallout Brahmin

2009-04-22T21:08:00.002+10:00

My skin gets that familiar prickle. The sand from the biting winds are lost deep within the fabric of my shirt and scratches....scratches.... at my dry skin. I roll up the sleeves for a bit of relief as I sit and rest, waiting for Fedro to return with the ropes. You see, we found a crate. Nobody finds crates these days. If we can get it back to the town before nightfall, we may just get to keep it. My Brahmin, Betsy, will haul it, for it is very heavy, hopefully worth its weight too. Betsy will no doubt hope it is too, for with her two heads constantly scavenging for food she could do with some good feed. Hell, we could all do with some good food, and water that doesn't make your hair fall out.

Just a concept pic for a Fallout mod I'm drawing for :D and a bit of a tale to go with it.

Inside My Head WIP 4 and Vlads first Film!

2009-04-21T22:47:00.003+10:00

Vlads first Film Score. For a Long-short (45mins) movie called The devils Whispers. How very coool congrats baby! Nice PPE!

A bit more done on my pic...I am soooooo slow. It's all feeling muddled and stupid to me right now. Hopefully I wake in the morning with a better frame of mind, if not never mind I have a few more pics I need to get on with, and will leave this for another day or two....but not too long...it's due sooooooooon toooooo sooooooooon
and on another note, man I am having fun glazing with this sucker! When you look up close, there is such a myriad of colours. The tree trunk is brown and red and yellow and green and blue, all dazzling under the light. I'm enjoying it (except for the last couple of days lol) You can click on it to see it bigger (I left it bigger so you can all see my terrible skillllls lol)

Inside My Head

2009-04-17T22:06:00.004+10:00

WIP 1

WIP 2

WIP 3

Yes this is inside my head.

This is just a WIP, its maybe 20% finished. Lots of texture and glowing that you can't really see in the photo unfortunately.

Everything here is of significance, though when I first started I had no idea what to do. So I started with a dance and then some magic.

The theme is, 'I paint because...' It's for a comp, but its got preselection so I probaly won't get in. Doesn't matter. I don't paint to win comps.

I paint so I can sleep. Once the painting is out, I can sleep again...until the next painting, which unfortunately has already come upon me...

Where to start. Maybe the top. Ice and Snow, always been slightly obsessed with it. My dream holiday is a boat trip to Antartica where I can trek across the tundra and DIVE yes I'm not making this up you can actually do this..don't laugh. More importantly, don't try to understand lol

No obsession with rivers and waterfalls, which comes next, but a fascination of erosion, or the carving of the earth. On the farm I grew up on (my dad was a miner and a farmer lol) we had erosion in one of the paddocks, and we went through many years of drought. Then rains came. When they came, it would form little rivers and waterfalls. My sister and I used to play in them, naming all the waterfalls. I guess this also helped my interest with environmental studies when I studied biol at uni.

Lake. or pond. I love water, but more the salty kind. I have plans for this part yet heheheh

Yggdrasil, The Magic Faraway Tree, The spikey lemon tree in the backyard, the supporter of life, the host of parasites, the marker of minerals, the essence of tranquility, the giver of air.

Behind the tree, yes I have plans for that too heehee. From the dark parts of my dreams, one that reoccurs.

Viking Burial Ship. Mortality I don't struggle with, but always feel my life is close to, well, closing. Have felt like this for the past 15 years though lol.

Lochy, or the dragon of the north sea, or any of those awesome creatures of the deep. Humans - we think we know it all!

A city in ruins. I first drove into Melbourne at 2am. I was about to crest the hill on the Hume Hwy, when I had to pull over, because I could see the light of the city emanating from beyond. It wasn't beautiful, it was scary. Cities scare me, I always paint them ruined.

Merman locked in icy waters. Ice again lol. and Merman, creature of the deep, Neptune, Aegir and his boiling sea.

etc

Much more to come LOL Lucky I have lots of music to dance to!

I know! It's probaly a stupid painting. But I am loving it. I'm going to hang it on my studio, to remind me of who I am.

And on that note....There'll be blue birds..over...the white cliffs of Dover...tomorrow...just you wait and seeeeeeeeee

Jesus

2009-04-15T21:12:00.003+10:00

Tatt for my work mate. Sketched from a statue he photographed. Had fun doing this, nice break from painting...bit of brain strain trying to replicate roses and wood that's bulky ceramic.

I'm working on a Dreamscape at the moment, featuring me and my muse flying through the sky! Yeah I have a muse. Vlad laughs because I actually do have a

real life one...hanging from my desk...a dude in a bike styled air balloon, with his telescope, off adventuring through the sky. Vlad reckons its me actually, and I (it) has a theme song too, kind of.... well just Vlad going 'doo do dooo do dooo do doo' lol

The Dreamscape is inspired by a compitition I am entering (well hope to pass selection) with the theme 'I paint because...'

I tell you, everyone should have a go at doing a painting with this theme. Good for the soul to get back to the roots.

LISTS

2009-04-14T07:55:00.003+10:00

A bit of graphite/pastel fun

Okay it's time for lists.....

*finish Jesus tattoo pic
*finish designs for pheonix tattoo pic
*finish BSG compitition pieces x3
*finish Blake Award entry
*finish Post-apoc city painting
*start story painting
*start sci-fi painting

:D JOY!

Serbian Eagle up for Sale

2009-04-11T16:32:00.002+10:00

Hi I'm putting this painting up for sale here so if you want it sway on over and have a bid, or know anyone who you think might be interested, please pass on the link.
I really quite like this painting. It is a study I did for a larger painting for my in-laws (which I'm painting verrrrrrry slowly but maybe have done for Easter...was sposed to be done for christmas egads)

Blogging Awards

2009-04-11T07:15:00.006+10:00

From Val! The Lemonaid award! Very cool - for great gratitude/attitude!

From Vesna! Rewarding my passion for painting!

I think I am supposed to pass these onto quite a few people, but being as my blog is small and modest, so too will I be on the passing of them.

Two people for the Passion for Painting Award. My fellow artist friends, brilliant pastellists whose pictures differ from each other immensley but the same love and passion goes into each and every one of them. To Kay and Wendi! Congradulations *throwing of roses* Please go visit these two talented ladies blogs for some dreamy and colourful pastel paintings, and leave them a comment about how you feel about their work!

And the Lemonaide award goes to *dang d dang dang* Dale! An exceptional guy with a great attitude towards life, embraces it and squeezes all he can from it. He is a great painter and absorbing all he can from it, learning fast and embracing the art.

and Renata! Her attitude towards painting is one we should all seek to have a bit of. She works hard at it and geez has it paid off. Conga Rats Renata!

Now, I think I am supposed to pass on seven things I love (as are the recipients of the awards!). So here they are, in no particular order (except the first one)

Vlad my fiance, whom my love for is greater than the expanding universe. He backs me all the way with my art and writing, as do I with his composing and writing.

My Art and writing. The latter having been seriously neglected the last two years. When you work, and that work is an hour away, there is not enough time for both. For some reason Art stole the time. One day, when art is my job, writing will be my hobby. I look forward to that day!

My family. This includes my close friends! Those whose beautiful nature have impacted on me personally, including those whose words are few yet of great impact, and though I might never see them again, or will but rarely, I will always remember those words and the belief you had/have in me.

The Beach. It is source of energy and renews the spirit. When I feel low, I walk on the beach. The cool, fresh air invigorates the mind and wakes up the senses. The water, having travelled the worlds currents, I am amused will then lap at my feet. When I can't go adventuring, the beach soothes my itchy feet.

Silence. I love blackouts. Computers turn off, fridges cease running...the electromagnetic fields fall from the air. In times like this, people tune into eachother and the natural world around them. Their minds defrost from their technological media-addled numbness. Fear may be initial, wether it is of the dark, or if daytime, the loss of things they could be/should be doing. Then our bodies tune into the primal element of Earth, and worries leave us, and we enjoy the moment. The stars come out. People get off their arses, or some sit down, able to finally rest. Some get bored, and fall asleep, able to without electricity cursing through the air around them.

Can you tell my home is full of electricity? LOL has to be I guess for me to add 'blackouts' into my list.

Stories. I love stories and the effect they have on us. Wether you read them, watch on them tv, listen to them through songs, they all effect us and urge us to use our brain.

7. Mowing the lawn.

Yeah I know this one you really are groaning about! How can I love mowing the lawn? Well I'll tell you why!!

No I won't, I'll keep some things for myself heehee

Just an update

2009-04-10T11:07:00.003+10:00

I've been working in graphite the last couple of days, working on a piece that will hopefully get into the Brunswick gallery works on paper show. Will spend the next week on it, hopefully in the end have two pieces finished.
It's been nice returning to pencil, the very first thing we start with. I also bought some pastels, which I have become endeared to. I did have some oil pastels which a long time ago I tried to use, but made laughable art with them. These chalk ones are brilliant and blend so well, so I dragged out my oil ones again, and though ten times messier, and just as great to use! Seems like before, I had just been doing it...well...wrong!

I didn't like my drawing when I sat down at it this morning. It had been coming along so nicely, but I chose the wrong colour for the ribbons (my mix of pastel with graphite) and now it has lost all its magic. I will see if I can't ressurrect it, otherwise will start again.
But the thing is, its hard to sit down and draw when you know you have domestic duties to attend to. It's hard to do those domestic duties when you just want to draw!
So I compromised, and did some 'work' as in 'practicing my faces sketches'. I grabbed an old magazine and decided I would not skip any faces, I would draw them all! It's so god damn funny trying to sketch someone who is supposedly enjoying reading a magazine and listening to their headphones, their cheesy grins disproportionising (is that a word??) their faces, their hair all flicked out around them LOL. I only did seven of them, learnt alot just doing those seven...not so much what I set out to learn (which was PROPORTIONS) but I learnt that I sketch too heavily. I started sketching lighter, and the faces came together a whole lot better, and their proportions naturally became right. Amazing what things we seek to improve on, only to realise it was something else in the method that was holding us back.

2009-04-08T09:39:00.001+10:00

I had this dream the other night, that I was already exhibiting in galleries. Every series I did, went on display for a month at said gallery. After that month, whatever didn't sell, I burnt. I quite like that idea,and I think I will do that. One thing I don't want, is old paintings cluttering up my atmosphere. I think I will start giving my paintings a one month life span. If it doesn't get bought...it dies! I could even put its expiry date on it! Burning commences at blah blah o'clock on the blahed day of etc LOL

Some small works and a WIP

2009-04-04T18:15:00.002+11:00

This is a WIP of my latst. I'm enjoying doing this so much! I have a thing for ruined cityskapes.

Chaaaaarge!

Even I want to frollick through this field!

"must be heaven"....sure must be...mmmm boat on a water, just need a pina colada!

"Young one" my mum loves this one, reckons its a young girls first masquerade ball or something lol

Here are some small works I have done recently, 20x25cm, and a WIP I have started and am enjoying immensley, 30x90cm, in acrylics. Acrylics = heaps of Fun!

'She of the night' and 'From across the room' Masquerade paintings

2009-03-30T22:44:00.002+11:00

Just havin' some painting fun for my Art in the Yard sale. I love Masquerade masks, (I blame that on the Labyrinth movie) so like to give it a paint every now and then. Would love to own some really beautiful ones, maybe one day!

Some recent paintings for my Art in the Yard

2009-03-29T17:06:00.004+11:00

'Blue Dreaming' oil on canvas 20x25cm

These are some of the paintings I've been doing for my 'Art in the Yard' sale YAY I've been doing them inbetween doing the finishing touches to my Metro 5 comp piece *ooh fingers crossed*

'Pumpkin and Friends' oil on canvas 20cmx25cm

'Sorrento Back Beach' oil on canvas

20cm x 25cm

'Lady in Pop' Oil on canvas 30cm x 30cm

'It is Done' Oil on linen 30cm x 40cm

Cavalo Bianco di Notte * – White Horse of Night.

2009-03-22T22:06:00.002+11:00

I couldn't sleep the other night, so I painted this! Any ideas for a title? I'm totally stumped!

*edit* my gracious and talented artist friend Perugina suggested this Italian title for my horse, and I love it, so it will be! Cavalo Bianco di Notte * – White Horse of Night.

'Dark Love' update

2009-03-19T17:45:00.003+11:00

Improved version of Dark Love. Thankyou to my fellow bandits for critiquing my work and helping me become a better artist!

I think she has a better vampire feel now. I would love to do more to the background, maybe one day I will.

'Art in the Yard'

2009-03-19T17:39:00.002+11:00

On the 4th of April I will be having an 'Art in the Yard' sale, with lots of little paintings for sale at great prices. My parents are down and we are having a garage sale, and I thought hard and thought it would be a good chance to trial run an art sale. I'm very excited, and have heaps of painting to do! And fliers to make! Yay!
I have a few paintings ready to go and so many more to do, will post them up as I get them done. Lucky I'm not needed at the factory much hey!

Dark Love WIP

2009-03-11T12:56:00.003+11:00

Here is a vampire WIP, one more stage to go I think. Give her some eye make up, fix the mouth, and put some art nouvea design on the bottom where the negative space is. Reference photo is of my beautiful friend Ivana.

Viking time again!

2009-03-09T15:42:00.004+11:00

Here's a wee painting I did whilst procrastinating on my Metro 5 entry. It was nice to have a break. It is for the March Seascape challenge at Tonys Art World. I'm not too familiar with painting beaches, but love the water so am familiar with it but not so much as a breaking wave...more like under looking up with mask and snorkel on LOL

New Lands (and the vikings arrived) 20cm x 25cm oil on canvas

Metro 5 update

2009-03-01T12:56:00.003+11:00

After a week of my stupid ankle paining me....(well its still painful but hopefully the doc will pass it on Monday so I can return back to work, otherwise I might as well just give the bank my house right now), I started work on my Metro 5 entry again. This week just gone I spent doing haphazzard little quick paintings coz I couldn't be at the easel for too long at any given time, and it really loosened up my style, which was great. More like me in the old days. More intuition flowing through the brush. I'm pretty happy with where my metro 5 is heading. Here's a peek at one spot. It's blurry because the day is overcast (no flash for glare) and well, to be honest, after taking a billion photos at the wedding yesterday I just can't be stuffed retaking this little photo so its not blurry LOL

Washing basket and a commando roll

2009-02-23T01:24:00.002+11:00

I lay on the withered lawn this arvo, crying and laughing at the same time, my ankle the size of a loaf of bread, the wet laundry safe in the basket beside me.

It started off fine enough, weaving through the outdoor chairs and dodging the dog who always sought to intercept me for some attention. Then I reached the edge of the *not too high off the ground* verandah. I don't know why but suddenly I flew through the air. The domestic goddess in me instinctively tried to protect the wet clothes in the basket, which I'm glad to report I placed nicely on the ground before I literally saw my ankle crunching in an unnatural angle under me. Panicking that I may break a bone, and thanking the gods that time was moving slow enough for me to consider all this and then act upon it, I slipped my foot sideways and turned it into a commando roll - which was the only fun part of my day. The rolling that is, not the crunching. This was after I FORCED myself to get up from my painting and do some housework. I thought I was being good, do some washing, some cleaning. Turns out the gods didn't think so. Next time I'll just keep painting.

Hands up who wants pictures of my ankle LOL

AUCTION MOVED HERE

2009-02-12T12:50:00.003+11:00

I initially had the auction for this painting on ebay but they cancelled it due to it being done to raise funds for the bushfire appeal. So I have moved it here. Just leave a comment with your bid or email me at jade_erica@hotmail.com
painting is in the post below. 'Hope Remains' oil on linen. 30cm x 30cm.
Auction ends 5pm Sunday 15th February 2009

Hope Remains. Victorian Bush fires 2009

2009-02-11T23:55:00.002+11:00

Hi guys! As you all know the Victorian bushfires have been absolutely devastating. So many people have been affected by it, losing their homes, friends and family. Some people are all alone, with nothing but the clothes on their back and sadness in their hearts. I have done a painting, as have some of my fellow artists, and we have put our paintings up on ebay to auction them off. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the bushfire appeal and the receipt forwarded as proof for the purchaser. Postage is free. Please come and bid on the painting, or if the painting doesn't interest you then let friends/colleagues who you think might like the painting, know about it.

Link to the painting on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190286170580&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

I'd be grateful if you guys could pass this message on or let anyone you think might be interested know about it.

Thanks for your support guys, I hope you and all your friends and family are well!

Jade.

Fallout mod artwork Native vs Radscorpian

2009-02-09T05:29:00.002+11:00

Bit of digital fun here! Painted this from scratch in Painter X and photoshop CS2 but the background is actual texture from the game. This is a splash screen for a game mod. I might revisit this painting later and give it some more love but have plenty more to do in the mean time.

Anyway, its a native fighting a radscorpian (radioactive). Who will win?

2009 Metro 5 award Sneak Peek

2009-02-04T10:22:00.003+11:00

Here is a sneak peek at my 2009 Metro 5 entry, which I am spending every spare moment on. I'm painting it in the Flemish technique, which seems to be my preferred method as it suits my style so much. I am also using a medium that I made up which is simply glorious! It does take alot longer to dry but that is a small con compared to all the pros. I am absolutely loving painting this and as soon as I roll out of bed its a beeline to my studio to at least put the brush to the canvas for a few minutes before my morning routine.

This painting depicts our greed for luxury, and how we ignore all the warnings (and our own intuition) and how it ultimately effects us and the world.

The Finished Piece

2009-01-25T07:03:00.001+11:00

I keep forgetting to post the finished piece here. So here it is. I'm well on my way through several other paintings, having fun going to bed late and getting up early to paint :D

Stewie Vs Predator

2009-01-11T16:54:00.001+11:00

Some fan art. Who will win - Stewie or Predator? This is for a mate. *SOLD

Serbian Eagle

2009-01-06T12:45:00.001+11:00

Finished it finally! This one is just the small one, 60cm x 44cm. I actually really like it. I have a much bigger one that I'm still only halfway through that I'm doing for vlads mum and dad.

This one is for sale here: http://artserbia.blogspot.com/

One more session

2009-01-04T11:20:00.002+11:00

I think this needs only one more session, adding some highlights and shadows, giving it some love. Oh need to really fix that blotchy blue background up though.

Spam and another one

2008-12-31T00:51:00.003+11:00

I changed the settings so that if you comment you have to type in those wordy thingys again coz I got spammed a couple of times. It's painful sometimes I know sorry but hey, I hate spam lol.

This is the partner painting for one below. Not finished yet, heaps to go...I think I went a little craaazzzzy with the background - I'd truly love crit and comment on this one, especially regarding the background. I am thinking of changing it to be like the other one, but of a different colour?

Alien World II

2008-12-30T04:11:00.002+11:00

I've finished my first painting for the group exhibition, took me ages as I was trying to push myself (and I was also running away from it at one stage lol) I just have to run a fresh eye over it in a few days and then later give it some varnish. My second one is coming along alot faster than this one.

Einherjar

2008-12-23T14:16:00.008+11:00

A painting of the Einherjar. 25cm x 30cm oil on linen. SOLD

This painting really gets your attention!

Update

2008-12-23T14:16:00.007+11:00

I am flitting around between a few paintings. My still life has halted somewhere and I am contemplating the background. Once this has been shot back and forth between the neurons in my skull and I can do it, it will be quickly finished I think and the next one will not take so long to do, as my confidence in my abilities gets better.
The other I have been working on the sketch for a commission of Stewie Vs Predator, which is not due until March but wow what a great commission I wanted to have a little fiddle with it.
and I did a bit more on the Serbian eagle painting. It is sooooo nearly finished just tweaking bits here and there.
Tonight I shall clean up and prepare for Christmas. Then hope to do the still lifes background all in one hit!

Battle Ship for Dad

2008-12-21T13:01:00.003+11:00

I did this painting of a Brittish naval ship for dad. It's 25cm x 30cm, oil on linen. I loved doing it, though would love to be able to do more work on it but I have already missed the postie so it won't even arrive in time for christmas :( Now back to my still lifes, I have even more ideas! Pomegramets, rambutans, watermelon, tanks...

Nearly there!

2008-12-14T14:18:00.002+11:00

Still continuing on with this still life, have not had the head space to paint the last few days but have managed to, as my pal Vesna says, smell the turps. Oooh I saw rambutans in the shops so I definately have to buy some of those for some still life arrangements, many ideas brimming around. I am enjoying doing these, my only little takes on a traditional genre. A few more and then its TANKS and watermelons lol how destructive - maybe I should even it out by doing a nursery of alfalfa sprouts...

Good news, My painting 'Lady in Red (to the ends of the earth I searched, now here I wait) will soon be resting in the house of Vesna, I'm so glad she has found a great home, as this painting is very special to me and marks a turning point in my abilities. We are doing a swap, so in return I get my utmost favourite of Vesnas work, Mother Earth. I'm god damn excited about that. But it is worth more than mine Vesna, so if you ever want it back because someone wants to buy it, just tell me, I'll just 'look after it' until then ;)

it continues

2008-12-11T21:14:00.003+11:00

Still Life is really REALLY pushing me to concentrate and focus. A process which I am enjoying heaps, and hope I can apply this to my other paintings. I do miss the 'drama' of my other paintings, but preening these skills I know is good, and when I can do this better, I can dramatise it more.....or so I hope! I still have to fix some things in this and then onto colour!

My first group exhibition

2008-12-06T09:23:00.002+11:00

I got a fantastic email today. But let me start at the beginning....

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a fellow artist, Tony Moffitt, on the Australian Art forum. After googling his (brilliant) work I saw he was starting an online school so emailed him. The school wasn't running yet but he happily exchanged emails with me, helping me out with all my stupid questions about my painting and art life, and just being there in general.

So now the school is up and running and I am a student, and will be formally starting on my first painting with this tuition, though this I have mentioned before.

Oh, but the email.

Tony has organised for me to participate in my first group exhibition.
In California, nonetheless....
I was just about speechless when I got the email, and woke Vlad up straight away to show him.
I will be sending two paintings to the Fine Art Instituite in California to participate in their February group show.
I AM STOKED. I am so incredibly nervous as well. Tony will be there, step by step to tutor me through these two paintings, which gives me some relief.

Still Life - Alien World. First painting.

2008-12-04T00:29:00.003+11:00

I am trying out still life paintings, in order to improve my focus with colour and detail, to learn to observe better and aquire more patience. I am going to slowly do a whole series called 'Still life- Alien world'.

I have also joined an online art school http://tonymoffitt.proboards.com/ Tony is a great painter, I am very happy to have him as a teacher and mentor. For a long time I have been teaching myself to paint, with fellow artists and friends with a keen eye giving me input along the way, and now am glad to have a teacher and mentor too.

Templar Knight

2008-12-01T11:07:00.004+11:00

I finished my Templar Knight. I painted it from a drawing with the same title, I did a while ago, whose pose was reffed off a stock photographer Rannun of who is a legend. I slouched the pose a bit more and the rest is history.

'To see another dawn (strange the things you long to see, when death walks by your side)'

53cm x 43cm Oil on Linen

This painting is for sale in my art store blog.http://jadeehenderson-artshop.blogspot.com/ SOLD

Einherjar

2008-11-30T17:16:00.004+11:00

This is a little 25cm x 30cm oil on linen painting titled 'Einherjar'. This is one of the six that are going in the Under the Bridge exhibition at Burnley. I might do some more little bits to it if I get time before Thursday. If all goes well (meaning I get them finished) then a brother painting of this one will go in as well, the Templar Knight and a still life - also Lady in Red and First Woman Last Angel are going in but they are long finished (thank god!)

Kiddy Portraits

2008-11-23T11:50:00.002+11:00

This is a painting I've been working on all week, though should have started earlier but time always seems to slip away, stolen by other supposedly more important things, 'other' usually just being different paintings with closer deadlines.

This is Milica and Luka.

I kind of painted most of this on auto-pilot, which is both good and bad. Good that I have enough 'brush kilometres' under my belt that I can go on auto-pilot, Bad in that I ended up with a flat painting and with faces that only slightly resembled the real life subjects. But I had a good, solid....er, what do you call it in art, well just the layout, and paint down, well, stuff done.

I did alot of fixing on saturday night, alot of glazing to create more shadow as the photo I was working from was pretty washed out with use of the flash plus a bright window behind them. Alot of guess work too, as the photo was pixelating, lucky I know these two kids.

Vlad has given it the thumbs up in that it looks like Milly and Luka, thank god! I think it does too. I would like to have spent more time on this painting however the christening in this afternoon so soon it will be gone from my hands. It turned out okay, considering there was no time for my usual reflection on it needs a little more of this and little less of that and such things. Good experience to work to a tight deadline. I'm bloody tired now and as soon as we're home from the christening I plan to sleep ten hours :D

2008-11-11T02:07:00.003+11:00

FALLOUT 3

2008-11-04T22:40:00.003+11:00

I've been indulging in video games this long weekend.

Fallout 3.

What can I say about this game? It is freakin awesome!

Right from the very beginning this game works, the tutorial for gaming controls is the best one I've ever done, and from there it keeps getting better. The humour is still black, the world still grimy, and there is irony everywhere.

I spent about 8 hours playing it on Monday, before my fiance came home from work and I, from the kindness of my heart, gave his computer back. Then I got up early this morning and played it for 6 hours before my fiance awoke and I, again, gave back his computer (he's a composer, needs it, though now he's playing the game - I'm so jealous wish I had a good computer).

So 14 hours of game play and I've barely made a dint in the map (yes, I'm slow, but yes, the game is HUGE and there's lots of exploring to do) and for the first time in my life, I've not had any orientation problems :)

Good stuff Bethesda. The only shame, is that you dropped it to a 15+ game.

Unfortunately, now I am way behind in my paintings. I had hoped to have most of the Serbian painting done, plus make a start on Ivanas, more on Vesnas, finish the Templar Knight and start a viking one. The only thing I managed to do was do SOME on the Serbian one, and some more portraiture practice. Also, I (unfortunately) have more ideas rolling around in my head for steampunk style ones. Where is the time? and is it expensive to buy more?

Baby Jake

2008-11-02T18:43:00.002+11:00

I finished the painting of baby Jake.

It is 25.5cm x 20.5cm, oil on canvas panel. Sarah it will be in the mail soon!

I had alot of fun doing this painting, it seemed to come together by itself. Next portrait will be of toddler Sienna :)

Interview

2008-10-28T11:23:00.003+11:00

Just thought I'd post a link to an interview I did a while back, for a Romanian channel SensoTV. Scroll down for the English version :)

Click here.

2008-10-26T01:58:00.004+11:00

I've been busy at work, so today having free time for painting, I went absolutely crazy! I've worked on two digital pieces, my Templar, the Serbian Eagle, and started two portraitures - one of my best friends 6 months old baby (can I find a harder subject to start my foray into portraits lol!) and one that is inspired by a lady from work who is so beautiful and has the best bone structure and has so much grace and pride in her stance. So those two (in the picture) were pulled out of a hovering vortex above my desk this morning - I was supposed to work on other stuff, including the paintings for the Linden show and also for Under The Bridge...woopsies.

I'm really enjoying working in the ol' Flemish technique, or the Jade variant of it...I love the smooth work, but I also LOVE texture - the haphazard brush strokes and the great blobs of paint splattered on the canvas and then smeared just so. I hope to incorporate texture into the Flemish. I also like scratching, in the right place, and abstract backgrounds, and surreal compositions. It's all about finding the right techniques and style in the right combination aye, and to try not to think about it too much, just trust the inner Jade ;)

Now Only I Survive

2008-10-12T14:15:00.004+11:00

I put the finishing touches to this painting last night. It has been exhibited but as I looked at it more I felt it needed a wash here and there, some tweaking elsewhere.

This painting was inspired by the lyrics of Lord Byron from Bal-Sagoth, as follows.

Blooddrips from my frost-encased sword, forming a crimson blossom upon the ice...My limbs cold, becoming as one with the massing snows... my eyes nearly frozenclosed. For how long had we travelled? The memory grows dim, lost in thecruel, searing storm-winds.

This painting was exhibited at the McKinnon Art Festival.

Oil on canvas. SOLD

She is DONE

2008-10-09T11:32:00.007+11:00

I can't paint with her anymore, she is done. Somewhere between the sketch and this finished product, the dream got lost, but reappeared at the end - in a new fashion, different, perhaps better.

She was exhibited at the Mont Albert Art Exhibition.

She is the first woman on earth, and with the demise of our planet, she is the last angel. Everything is gone but her.

'First woman, Last Angel' Oil on linen, 60cm x 90cm.

SOLD

2008-10-06T22:37:00.005+11:00

'Lady in Red', to the ends of the earth I searched for you, now here I wait...

Yeah she hung at the 'Art for this space' launch and the McKinnon art festival, now she's on my lounge room wall and there she'll stay.

SOLD

I've got a blog!

2008-10-06T19:26:00.002+11:00

Yes I've got a blog!