and here he is...

....the beautiful Carbon - pastel. I do hope my friend likes him as I've made some adjustments to his colouring to make the picture more interesting. (How far can you take artistic license? What do you think?) Thoroughly enjoyed drawing this one but always some trepidation over whether it will be acceptable to the new owner. Thanks for looking.

New work on the drawing board

Life sometimes crowds out art. That's how its been this year. Family and teaching seem to be gobbling up all my time and I haven't had anything worth posting. Until now. Really enjoying getting back into some detailed work after playing around with loosening up with watercolour. This one is destined as a thankyou gift for a friend who has been amazingly and sacrificially helpful during our time of need.

Its been snowing since 2am and my back yard has been transformed into a picturesque landscape. And still it has not abated. I do believe winter has arrived. 

Ancient Words, Ever True

This year is turning out to be a very busy one, what with one thing or another, but just so you know I am still here and still painting I will share this pastel portrait of a young friend.Thanks looking.

Exhibition

I was delighted to learn that this large watercolour (Field of Hope) has sold at the recent exhibition at Arts in Oxford Gallery. This exhibition of the works of local artists was a tremendous success. Arts in Oxford is a purpose built gallery and a truely lovely exhibition space, well worth a look for anyone travelling in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy a relaxing coffee at Seagar's Cafe next door and check out the local art trail.

New Year

Living as I do in NZ and being in the first country to see the new day, I am taking the opportunity to be one of the first in the world to wish you all a very happy New Year for 2012! Among the things on my list of new years resolutions are the following (not in any order of preference):

Be more disciplined about painting every day

Strive to improve my work

Take time to look after myself by exercising regularly

Spend more time with those who mean the most to me

This painting (Show Day, oil on canvas) was painted from a reference photo kindly given me by Darryl Price. Lots of fun to paint and sold at exhibition.

Wishing all my blogger friends a safe and happy festive season and a wonderful new year.