artbymac

Anastaysia

2012-01-29T09:43:00.001+11:00

detail of yesterday's 2 hour study of Anastaysia 24 x 18 oil

Sansnee

2012-01-22T12:21:00.002+11:00

24 x 18 oil portrait of Sansnee painted at the Piggery studio from a couple of live sittings

self portrait

2012-01-05T21:27:00.000+11:00

I thought it was about time I tried a self portrait!

Bert's Portrait

2012-01-03T18:24:00.000+11:00

Bert came round to the studio today and I did a bit more to his portrait, there's plenty more that could be done to it but I'll leave it as it is... as one for the record!

Hannah

2011-11-28T07:05:00.002+11:00

I painted a live study of Hannah on Saturday, and did another sketch from a photo reference

Bert's Portrait

2011-11-23T20:03:00.001+11:00

did some more to Bert's Portrait today

Two portraits of Austin

2011-11-12T17:47:00.001+11:00

an 80 minute20 x 16 oil portrait of Austin

I decided not to do any more to it and painted another one in the remaining 40 minutes

Bert Moriarty

2011-11-11T18:40:00.001+11:00

began an oil portrait of Bert today about 100 minutes, oil 24 x 18, hopefully we can arrange another session next week

Exhibition

2011-11-07T05:59:00.000+11:00

this weekend we had the annual exhibition of our Thursday night figure drawing group, traditionally called the "Fruits of the Figure' exhibition from when it was part of the now defunct and council sponsored 'Fruits of the Hawkesbury' Festivals.
I showed a small selection of work from this year on the wall, four folders with 40 drawings in each, a digital frame with over 350 images from the past few years and had some recent portraits on the floor as well as a stand with some framed paintings.

more still lifes

2011-11-05T16:44:00.000+11:00

a couple more 10 x 8 still life's from this week... good practice!

a change of pace

2011-10-26T22:41:00.000+11:00

I've decided to start doing some still life's

and am gearing up to get back to plein air paintings

Lisa

2011-10-08T17:57:00.000+11:00

today's portrait of Lisa, Oil 16 x 20

painting nearly finished

2011-10-02T18:09:00.000+11:00

Skirts, Shirts & Flirts

2011-09-25T16:36:00.000+10:00

Some paintings I exhibited at the 'Shirts, Skirts & Flirts' exhibition at the Deerubbin Centre, Windsor this weekend.

Igga

2011-09-24T17:33:00.000+10:00

Today's oil portrait of Igga, 16 x 20

Robyn

2011-09-10T21:02:00.000+10:00

Today's oil portrait of Robyn, 16x 20 on linen, approx 2 hours

Kelly

2011-08-27T18:20:00.000+10:00

today's 2 hour oil portrait of Kelly, 16 x 20

Blacktown Arts Centre Sketch Club

2011-08-18T07:36:00.000+10:00

I've been going to the Blacktown Arts Centre Sketch club regularly this year.
A photographer was there one day earlier in the year, and I don't know how it happened but I seem to be the main focus of the photo that appeared in their latest brochure!

Diane

2011-08-13T20:21:00.000+10:00

Today's portrait of Diane, 16 x 20 oil

Ian

2011-08-02T20:09:00.000+10:00

Portrait of Ian, painted Saturday 30th July, Oil 20x 16

demo from last year

2011-08-02T20:02:00.000+10:00

Last year I gave my first ever real portrait painting demonstration for the Baulkham Hills Art Society.(about 1 hour's painting)
I didn't take any photos at the time but have recently been sent some.

portrait of Adam

2011-07-09T23:06:00.000+10:00

today's oil portrait of Adam, 16 x 20

Olivia

2011-06-26T18:27:00.000+10:00

Saturday's 16 x 20 oil portrait of Olivia in traditional Indian costume... and not so easy to keep her looking like a 12 year old!

Angie

2011-06-17T22:53:00.000+10:00

Sketch of Angie Sunday 12th June

Portrait of Max

2011-06-11T21:30:00.000+10:00

Portrait of Max, age 14 and a half, 20 x 16 oil, 2 hours

Portrait of Emily

2011-05-28T20:45:00.000+10:00

portrait of Emily, 28th May oil 16 x 20,

Portrait of Kellie

2011-05-21T21:12:00.000+10:00

21st May oil portrait of Kellie, 16 x 20, 110 minutes

the Piggery Studio

2011-05-08T20:53:00.000+10:00

Some photos of the studio at the Piggery taken on the Saturday

Portrait of James

2011-04-30T18:42:00.000+10:00

30th April, Oil portrait of James, 2 hours, approx 20 x 16

Portrait 9th April

2011-04-10T16:43:00.000+10:00

2 hour 16 x 20 oil Portrait of Peter, 9th April

Portrait 26th March

2011-03-27T12:22:00.000+11:00

Saturday's portrait was only 80 minutes as I had to dash across to the Blacktown Sketch Club for the afternoon life drawing

adding to the portrait

2011-03-20T15:33:00.000+11:00

I don't really like working from the photo as it can go wrong, and its often better just to to start another version
a bit of change to this one today

March Portrait

2011-03-18T21:22:00.000+11:00

Saturday 12th March, 2 hour oil, approx 18 x 20

2nd portrait for February

2011-02-26T21:55:00.000+11:00

100 minute oil portrait, approx 20 x 18 on Saturday 26 Feb

Piggery Lane Studio

2011-02-16T08:45:00.000+11:00

a photo taken at the last Piggery Lane Studio open day

Portrait 12th February

2011-02-13T19:23:00.000+11:00

Saturday's oil portrait, approx 18 x 20

considering another medium

2011-02-09T14:56:00.000+11:00

I'm considering using something other than colour pencil for the 10 minute live portraits. I like c/p because it's very direct, more attractive than graphite, very resilient and does not need spraying, but it's not the easiest medium to get a satisfactory result all the time! Conte would be good but it takes at least twice as long to work with, and needs to be fixed

January Portrait

2011-01-29T15:36:00.000+11:00

today's 100 minute Oil Portrait of Robyn, approx 20 x 20

2011-01-27T19:32:00.000+11:00

Australia Day saw the re-opening of The Australiana Pioneer Village at Wilberforce after it had been closed for a decade, and was attended by over 5000 people.
The official temperature in the afternoon was 39.6 C, but it felt hotter... some said it was 42!
I sat on the veranda of 'Cartwright Cottage' and offered my 10 minute Portrait Sketches... and did over 30, this was one of them

I discovered this photo on the The Friends of the Australiana Pioneer Village Facebook page which was taken on this day, it contains a view of Cartwright Cottage on the left, where I was sketching a couple on the bench, with about 5 watching over my shoulder and one on the ground

Last Portrait for the year

2010-11-27T21:48:00.000+11:00

today's 2 hour portrait was the last group arranged for this year !

November Portraits

2010-11-22T21:51:00.000+11:00

portrait of Denis from MTAS portrait group, oil 20x 18

portrait of workmate Duncan, oil 20 x 16

photos from portrait demonstration

2010-11-12T21:17:00.000+11:00

some photos from the October portrait demonstration

Quotation from the MTAS Newsletter "We should also thank Malcolm Robertson for his session on portrait painting. Why do the experts always make it seem so easy?"

annual figure drawing exhibition

2010-11-08T20:19:00.000+11:00

Our Life drawing group's annual exhibition 'Fruits of the Figure' was held on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th November at the Deerubbin Centre in Windsor.
these are some photos of my little display of this years work

Portrait Demonstration

2010-10-13T21:01:00.001+11:00

On Tuesday 12th October I painted 16 x 20 oil portrait of Ken... Mr Magic Metal in front of members the Macquarie Towns Arts Society and members of the public, just over an hour's painting.

October 9, 2 hour portrait

2010-10-09T19:52:00.000+11:00

Kelly

Hawkesbury gazette

2010-10-08T20:00:00.000+11:00

from the Hawkesbury Gazette Oct 6

portrait from March this year

last September Portrait

2010-09-26T17:49:00.000+10:00

the second regular portrait session for September
oil about 100 minutes approx 18 x 18

portrait September 11

2010-09-11T17:57:00.000+10:00

2 hour oil portrait 16 x 20

Portrait Demonstration

2010-09-07T08:13:00.000+10:00

This painting was a demonstration for the Baulkham Hills Art Society on Monday night September 6th.
I only just managed to get there after spending 10 days in hospital and being tied up with appointments a couple of hours before... and just got there in the nick of time, though not fully prepared.

16 x 20 oil and not sure of the time, something over an hour

Portrait 14th August

2010-08-22T16:47:00.000+10:00

It must be about a year since I tried a landscape

An oil portrait 20 x 16 from the group session 14th August

another July Portrait

2010-08-02T22:38:00.000+10:00

31st July oil portrait 16 x 20

HAAT Brochure Launch

2010-07-18T09:04:00.000+10:00

16th July was the opening and Launch of the new Hawkesbury Artists and Artisans Trail Brochure, which contains a link to the Piggery Lane Studio & Gallery.
I sat in the centre of the room with an easel and chairs and drew some 10 minute or so sketches of some of the guests... snapped this one with my cell phone!

some more portraits

2010-07-10T17:41:00.000+10:00

more oil portraits from our group sessions

some from May

2010-05-30T08:50:00.000+10:00

a two hour portrait in oil
a variation from photo

15 minute Conte Study

girl with hat

finally a studio

2010-04-18T16:29:00.000+10:00

I have finally taken some studio space at the 'Piggery lane Studio' a part of the Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop on the UWS Campus at Richmond NSW.
It is a part of the Hawkesbury Artists and Artisans Trail and the website information and brochure will be updated in the near future.
here are a couple of photos of the space I'm currently organising and hope to be spending some time working in from now on.

recent portraits

2010-04-18T16:12:00.000+10:00

Some recent live portraits from our local portrait group, mainly about 2 hours painting from life, and some retouching afterwards here and there.

Exhibition 12th & 13th July

2008-07-05T19:55:00.000+10:00

June's Portrait

2008-06-28T22:31:00.000+10:00

oil on canvas 60 x 50 cm

making mouldings

2008-06-27T11:07:00.000+10:00

I have an exhibition coming up at the Stan Stevens Studio, Deerubbin Centre, Windsor on the 12th & 13th of July, and have been doing some framing for it.

I have had a stockpile of framing material for a while, but had run out of slip moulding inserts, and when I enquired at the moulding suppliers, found that the quoted price per metre was out of way my reach!

So I approached a local builder about making some. I bought some 2x1 pine from the local building supplies, and on a Saturday a few weeks ago we ran it through his machines and came out with a very satisfactory product!

I intended to use it just as a slip, but have found that it is also looks good as a finished frame in it's own right!

some pictures of the moulding ... and how it looks finished.

We made 100 metres of this moulding, and Ian Muir the builder, has said if anyone is interested in more of a similar product, it would be worth his while to run a larger batch through(perhaps 1000 metres ) for a very reasonable rate

May's Portrait

2008-06-18T19:23:00.000+10:00

100 minute oil on canvas, 60 x 50cm

a study from life

2008-05-16T21:50:00.000+10:00

some new ones, and April's portrait

2008-04-28T18:39:00.000+10:00

a couple of nearly finished oil paintings, and an oil portrait approx 100 minutes, from our open portrait group.

March Portrait

2008-03-30T19:26:00.000+11:00

this month's 2 hour portrait, 600 x 500

Acrylic Portrait

2008-03-25T08:14:00.000+11:00

I don't normally like trying to finish a portrait with acrylic, but thought I'd have a go at finishing this one started at our weekly figure session.

acrylic on A2 paper

a couple of new paintings

2008-03-10T22:15:00.000+11:00

a study of Ruby, acrylic/oil on A3 paper

a 60 minute painting of a model from our life group, oil, A2

monthly portrait

2008-02-29T09:38:00.000+11:00

back to our monthly portrait group, the first since November.
the sitter for this 100 minute oil painting was Chris from http://www.rockinghorses.com.au/

from the last couple of weeks

2008-02-10T16:23:00.000+11:00

some paintings I have been working on in the last couple of weeks

January Plein Air and Figurative

2008-01-20T19:25:00.000+11:00

Finally getting back to some plein air painting... Wheeney Creek

and looking for a new direction in Figurative paintings

a new series?

2008-01-06T10:47:00.000+11:00

an idea for a series of paintings?

landscapes

2008-01-06T10:44:00.000+11:00

some landscapes

a new year

2008-01-06T10:08:00.000+11:00

I've neglected the blog for a while...
some things I have been working on lately

pastel studies

2007-08-17T22:29:00.000+10:00

a couple of pastel studies

Life drawing & Portrait

2007-07-28T15:45:00.000+10:00

a 15 minute charcoal life drawing 14 x 17

and this month's regular 2 hour portrait, oil 24 x 20

Portrait Demo at the Deerubbin Centre

2007-07-22T15:11:00.000+10:00

This weekend the Macquarie Towns Art Society had an Exhibition and 'Artists at Work' demonstrations. I did an oil portrait again this year, this time with Sarah as the model
24 x 18 oil, 100 minutes

pastel portraits

2007-07-21T16:23:00.000+10:00

I have been continuing the pastel experiment by trying them in our weekly figure group, where I usually try and get a portrait if there is enough time.
these are a 35 minute and a 40 minute pose, which I have touched up some more at home. A2 paper

young busker

2007-07-05T16:10:00.000+10:00

oil 20 x 16

some recent paintings

2007-07-04T20:43:00.000+10:00

some recent portraits, a plein air painting, and a dabble with pastels

acrylic portrait and plain air's

2007-05-05T20:07:00.000+10:00

from this week, a chance to get out and try some more plain air painting, and a 40 minute portrait at our local figure session, which I was able to add a finishing touch to at home.

monthly portaits

2007-04-29T22:29:00.000+10:00

here is this month's 2 hour portrait, 20 x 16 oil,
and last months 20 x 16 oil...
which I have spent a little time refining
... but still have some more to do.

10 minute portraits 22nd April

2007-04-25T21:53:00.000+10:00

Nice weather... three of the 26 portraits from this Sunday

life drawing April 19

2007-04-21T19:24:00.000+10:00

20 minute sanguine pencil on A2 gessoed paper from Thursdays group

10 Minute Mall Portraits

2007-04-16T18:49:00.000+10:00

Sunday in the Mall was pretty quiet, only a couple or so up until midday, but I finished up doing 29. There were some kids that kept beautifully still... and some that didn't! as well as some interesting adults, and I was able to get a few good portraits.

I haven't been taking photos but think now I'll have to start taking some.

Here is how I like the babies and toddlers to pose!

todays plein air paintings

2007-04-14T18:24:00.000+10:00

working on plein air's

2007-04-13T19:22:00.000+10:00

as well as trying to improve the portraits, I have decided its time to get to work on my outdoor paintings,
this is a 16 x 12 oil sketch of the sunset at the river this week

Portrait workshop in Bangalow

2007-04-13T18:57:00.000+10:00

US artist David Kassan held a portrait workshop in Bangalow NSW from 2nd to 6th April.
It was who coordinated by Tricia Migdoll, and was attended by artists from a number of internet forums as well as local artists.
a 24 x 18 oil portrait on board

and a2 20 minute A2 charcoal sketch

a new year

2007-02-17T22:17:00.001+11:00

its taken a while to get round to updating this... had to get a new computer first!

I have started portraits in the Mall again on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month.

The first sunday back was a real scorcher, over 40 C and the markets closed early... it was the first time ever that I didn't get one sitter!

The next week made up for it with over 30 and the following Sunday about 20.

Also resuming are the figure drawing groups,
here is a 15 minute charcoal drawing from the first night back in our clothed model group, and a couple of one hour studies from the monthly sunday session. a charcoal and chalk drawing, and an acrylic painting, all A2 size

Last of the year

2006-12-09T17:15:00.000+11:00

Most things stop for a while in the heat of summer.
My last Sunday for portraits in Windsor Mall until the end of January, will be 24th December.
I have also been doing portraits on the third Sunday of the month in the Royal Exchange Hotel, just down from the Mall in George Street Windsor. This has been a part of the Macquarie Towns Arts Society promotion and the last one will be on the 17th of December.10pm -3pm

Nude Portrait

2006-12-04T21:42:00.000+11:00

I often get requests to draw and paint portraits from photos. Requests for nude portraits from life are more rare, but sometimes do happen, as with this this charcoal sketch on A2 smooth watercolour paper, from a selection of personal portraits on the weekend.

Fruits of the Figure Exhibition

2006-11-06T08:30:00.000+11:00

Our Life drawing group's annual exhibition 'Fruits of the Figure' was held on the weekend 4th & 5th November, at the Deerubbin Centre in Windsor.
The opening night was well attended and there was a steady stream of interested viewers over the 2 days.

I covered one wall with unframed drawings,

some works were framed

and I had folders full of other drawings

2006-10-29T22:33:00.000+11:00

Last months portrait session was cancelled,
had to wait another month for Dave to sit.
20 x 16 oil
about 5 or so 20 minute sittings,

portrait of Ian

2006-08-26T17:43:00.000+10:00

today's two hour portrait
16 x 20 oil

Portrait & Life group drawings

2006-08-13T18:59:00.000+10:00

a 60 minute drawing from our monthly Sunday group
graphite on Hahnemuhle Ingres 24 x 19

a 20 minute drawing from the Blacktown Art group,
tri-colour Derwent Sketching pencils, A2 toned paper

the latest two hour portrait from our monthly portrait group.
24 x 18 oil

Live Portrait at the Deerubin Centre

2006-07-24T09:29:00.000+10:00

The Macquarie Towns Arts Society had an exhibition in the Stan Stevens Studio, in the Deerubin Centre (Regional Art Gallery and Library) in Windsor, 21st - 23rd July.

As part of the exhibition various artists demonstrated painting throughout the weekend.

On Sunday morning I did this oil 24 x 18 painting of 'Dave' over four 20 minute poses.

He has a fine bushy beard, and I decided to just give it an impressionist look in the time available, and maybe add more to it at a later date.

All day at the Tap Gallery

2006-07-24T09:15:00.000+10:00

On Saturday 22nd July, the Tap Gallery in Darlinghurst had an all day session of life drawing as a fund raiser.

Lunch was provided in the price of $35.00, and there were about 10 artists drawing and painting.

From 10am 'till 5pm there were 4 models holding single and combined poses, which sometimes made it difficult deciding which ones to draw!

These drawings are two x 20 minute poses each.

The first, charcoal
30 x 22

The second Conte 700 x 500

This seems to be becoming a regular yearly feature at the Tap Gallery, and they also run an all day open air session on a ferry in the Summer.

practice with charcoal

2006-07-24T09:05:00.000+10:00

Thursday night's drawing sessions normally have about 20 minutes for the longest poses, but this evening we had one repeated pose for the whole session... a good opportunity to try out my newest charcoals!
Four x 20 mins

A portrait and figure study

2006-06-24T16:04:00.000+10:00

There are not many opportunites for live portraits, this is the first 2 hour portrait for a couple of months

In our life drawing group, I have just discovered 'Bugra' paper... just as it is disappearing off the market!

Life Drawing Groups around Sydney

2006-06-02T15:57:00.000+10:00

This is a list of some of the places in the Sydney area where life drawing is available, though I haven’t checked lately to see if they are all still current.
A number of Art Societies also have sessions.
If you know of any others that I can add to this list... please let me know.

Alexandria, Cnr Brandling Street & Ellen Ave, Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am- 1pm
Jane 9331 4377 Fri 10am - 2 pm Sat 11- 3pm
Blackheath
weekly, long pose last Saturday of the month
BlacktownBlacktown Arts Centre, Tues 6 - 9pm
Winter program 02 9839 6247
City, Arthouse Hotel Monday nights 7-9?

Darlinghurst Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer St Darlinghurst, Monday 7 - 10pm
Leslie 9632 0440 ( www.tapgallery.org.au )

Tap Gallery, Special all day session, Long Poses, lunch provided
Saturday 22nd July contact for details

EppingTues 10 - 3.30
Hornsby Art Society, Sue 9869 8756
Glenbrook, Hare & Moore St’s Fri 10am -1pm
Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre, Barbara 9834 2034, Samara, 4739 1787
Granville, St Mary St Granville, Tues 7.30 - 10pm
Alan 9686 1370
Hurstville, Sth Hurstville Bowling CLub 3rd Tues 7.30 - 10 pm
Southern Cross Art Society, Ray 9522 6698
Ingleside, Sculpture Shed uncertain
Christine 9970 8619
Liverpool, 306 Macquarie St Liverpool, Tues 7.30-9.30pm
Kelly 0404 188 558
Luera High School Weds 7-9pm
Jeff 4757 4044, 0408 979 660
Newtown, Alpha House 226 Union St. Newtown, Sunday 1 - 4pm
Margaret 9516 32246
Nth Sydney, 25 Walker St. Thurs 7-9pm, Fri 10am- 1pm
Royal Art Society 9955 5752
Parramatta, WHITESPACE, Church St Mon 7.30 - 10
new
Ryde, 770 Victoria rd Ryde Thur 9.30 - 12.30
Willandra Art Centre 9898 2554, enq,9809 3326
Richmond, UWS, K13 Thurs 7 -9pm
Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop, Maggie 4578 6015, Jenny 4578 3991
Richmond, Civic Arcade Weds 7-9pm
Macquarie Towns Arts Society, Deidre 4578 3446
Surry Hills, Knot Gallery, 342 Elizabeth St

Willoughby, Workshop Art Centre, 33 Laurel St Fri 10 -12 noon
9958 6540

2006-05-23T19:35:00.000+10:00

there are two exhibitions on this weekend. The Macquarie Towns Arts Society has its Autumn Exhibition in Richmond, into which I have entered an oil painting of an Upper Hunter Landscape.
And the Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop is having an exhibition at the Deerubbin Centre in Windsor. I have put in these two twenty minute drawings from our thursday night drawing group.

2006-05-20T11:24:00.000+10:00

Only 2 weeks left to go with the outdoor portraits... if the weather holds up!
It's possible to see from this photo taken the other day, that the autumn leaves have been dropping on us, and it's starting to get a bit cold sitting there!

Portraits in the Mall

2006-05-15T21:45:00.000+10:00

This photo was taken on my very first day of drawing live portraits of people in the Sunday Craft Markets in Windsor Mall.
The sitter was a tourist from USA, and I mailed the drawing to his address in the US, and he emailed me this photo of me drawing his portrait.

I found that using colour was taking too long... about 20 minutes, and so this was the first and last colour one that I have done.
Since then I have experimented with various mediums, from graphite, to charcoal and conte pencils,and various types of paper, and have now settled on using brown colour pencil on a sand coloured paper.
In the last 12 months (apart from a 12 week or so break for winter) I have drawn over 600 ten minute portraits.