First blog of the year and thought I would start off with a behind the scenes look at what goes into a new body of work or suite of work.

What an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling year this has been!

Every December, I take time to reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming year. I look at forthcoming projects, workshops, teaching, volunteering and building connections. When I was planning 2024 last year, I never anticipated how  rewarding it would turn out to be.

During this trip, my primary objective was to capture the essence of the landscape and the rich vegetation found within this environmentally preserved area, with a particular focus on Coba Point and the surrounding Berowra Creek area.

I’m sure you’ve already heard about the mammoth group exhibition coming up at the beloved Maitland Regional Art Gallery

For me, I feel at peace when I’m sitting outside painting. Nestled amongst the scrub with my tools in hand - it is my happy place. 

"Art is not the bread but the wine of life" - Jean Paul

I close my eyes and feel the warm sun on my back, the circling sound of the wind in the grass and the sweep of my brush. There is nothing more tranquil, peaceful and wildly free than being in the Australian bush and painting her splendor.

Having been successful in an application to attend La Macina di San Cresci residency, my family and I travelled to the beautiful and historic town of Greve in Chianti, 50km south of Florence, last year to spend a month at the artistic oasis. 

My time at La Macina di San Cresci is coming to an end and as I reminisce on my special experience, I reflect upon my initial proposal which I sent in 2012.

I’ve been asked by Emma about residency life at La Macina Di San Cresci.