It was the night before Christmas downunder...

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Matisse and Picture Books exhibitions

On Wednesday I went to a couple of exhibitions in Brisbane; 'Look! the art of Australian picture books today' at the State Library, and 'Matisse, Drawing Life' at the Gallery of Modern Art.  Both brilliant; I love to see imagination in children's books and especially cartoony characters that I can relate too, but it is also great to see such realism portrayed too - it amazes me how much variety there is in children's picture books; and of course the brilliant Matisse whose line work is definitely one to aspire to as I take my sketch book everywhere I go trying to master the lines of life that I see all around me.  It was also great to view sketch books from the picture book artists to see insights into their developing ideas - I sometimes find these more exciting then the final pieces of artwork!

Being a French artist, Matisse's artwork had French names, which I thought added to the artwork in itself, which gave it almost a cute personal touch, for example portraits of his loved ones may simply be called 'Mademoiselle Matisse'

I wanted to give my picture book reading picture a French title, but I do not think my French teachers from school would be very happy with that translation!!  Haha 

 As always when visiting exhibitions, I always leave them with inspiration at my side..

Inspiration at my side

'I Need...' and 'Career Thoughts'

I Need



Career Thoughts



Aw, possum outside the window...

Kathump, patter patter patter...
There's only one creature of the night that makes that noise.  So I rushed upsatairs to look out the bedroom window and there was my little friend just sat on the roof outside...

Geckos and blowing kisses!

Geckos make a very interesting noise, which is hard to mimic it, until this one evening:

Yes, geckos make a noise like blowing kisses!  Or I blow strange kisses!!!

Some wildlife at the University of Queensland lakes

The odd looking guineafowl!

Flock of Ibis at the waters edge.
Purple Swamphen cruising along the lillypads.

 

Water Dragon coming to shore..