I wish a Happy New Year to all. Unfortunately 2020 has not had a good start for many people, with a great deal of tragedy. I think we all have been devastated by the widespread destruction, and wish all of those affected a speedy resolution of their situations. It was heartening to see the arts community rallying early to raise money to help. I just hope the funds get through quickly to those who need them.
Since about November I have been preparing for an exhibition in Brisbane, opening on 28th April. This will be my 50th anniversary year of being a full time professional artist. It doesn’t seem that long, but when I look back I realise I have done a lot.
The subjects of all these new paintings is “Water”. I have always loved painting the many facets of water, but I have never done an exhibition purely focused on it. So far the paintings are coming along beautifully, with subjects for Italy and Australia, plus a few other ring-ins. They will be on this web site much closer to the show.
My run-up to Christmas was quite successful. I made an offer to our mailing list for the month before Christmas, reducing my prices on the paintings in my studio by the normal 40% gallery commission. This is a good discount, and I received some good response, plus a couple of commissions also at the time. I still have some paintings left that I am surprised are still unsold, and I am happy to keep considering any reasonable offers.
One of my commissions was a portrait, which I have not done for years. When in the Army, 52 years ago, I did several portraits of people who were on course with me. This particular commission was a second portrait, after those 52. He wanted it to be done much like the first, in a similar style and colours, with a few drinks first. It was a challenge, but I think I nailed it quite well. I used to love doing portraits, and this one reminded me of how satisfying it is, so I will be looking for more in the future. Below are both these works. The physique has changed, but the same character is still very much there. Once a lowly 2nd Lieutenant, now a very successful businessman.
Warm regards,
Rick
Since about November I have been preparing for an exhibition in Brisbane, opening on 28th April. This will be my 50th anniversary year of being a full time professional artist. It doesn’t seem that long, but when I look back I realise I have done a lot.
The subjects of all these new paintings is “Water”. I have always loved painting the many facets of water, but I have never done an exhibition purely focused on it. So far the paintings are coming along beautifully, with subjects for Italy and Australia, plus a few other ring-ins. They will be on this web site much closer to the show.
My run-up to Christmas was quite successful. I made an offer to our mailing list for the month before Christmas, reducing my prices on the paintings in my studio by the normal 40% gallery commission. This is a good discount, and I received some good response, plus a couple of commissions also at the time. I still have some paintings left that I am surprised are still unsold, and I am happy to keep considering any reasonable offers.
One of my commissions was a portrait, which I have not done for years. When in the Army, 52 years ago, I did several portraits of people who were on course with me. This particular commission was a second portrait, after those 52. He wanted it to be done much like the first, in a similar style and colours, with a few drinks first. It was a challenge, but I think I nailed it quite well. I used to love doing portraits, and this one reminded me of how satisfying it is, so I will be looking for more in the future. Below are both these works. The physique has changed, but the same character is still very much there. Once a lowly 2nd Lieutenant, now a very successful businessman.
Warm regards,
Rick