Tag: Art

From The Eyes Outward to The Eyes Inward

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting, Photography

Last night I delivered a presentation at Macarthur Photographic Society, where I was a member from 1986 – 2014.

As I have for the past few years focused my attention on Painting and Sketching, I was asked if I could deliver a presentation on the similarities and differences between Photography and Painting.

As a foundation for the discussion take was to take place in the second half of the presentation – (after intermission) on the similarities and differences, I spoke about my journey in Photography, and showed some images across Slides, (Film) Monochrome and D

I then explained, ‘why I changed from Photography to Painting’ a few years back, which involved several reasons. (I will post about this at a later date). Following the reasons, I showed examples of my Paintings, two Oil and one Watercolour Line & Wash.

After intermission, I moved onto the similarities, and then the differences between Photography & Painting which brought interesting discussion. Again, I will post about these in a separate post.

I finished the presentation talking about future projects in both Painting and Photography.

As I was compiling the presentation I learnt a lot! It is a fascinating subject and I’m sure I will modify it as time goes on.

Written by David Johnson

25 May 2023

Art After Dark

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

Last night, I attended ‘Art After Dark’ at a local, small Art Gallery, called ‘The Alan Baker Gallery’ in Camden, N.S.S. Australia. It’s about 3 minutes drive from where i live.

This was the third (and last for now) such event held there. I couldn’t attend the first one due to illness, and the second due to a prior engagement so I was pleased to be able to attend last night.

It was an intimate gathering, featuring a local musician Ria Brcic who provided a beautiful voice accompanied by an Acoustic Guitar in the background, whilst Artists’ demonstrations like live portrait painting carried on through the night.

There were also local Artists on display such as, Verena Heirich with her exquisite wearable art and Natalie with her ‘Creations Couture, both of which added a special flavour to the event.

The event ran from 6pm – 8pm and I enjoyed it immensely. Apart from seeing the creations of local Artists, it was a great chance to mingle, chat and share artistic experiences.

Looking forward to the next local Art event!

Written by David Johnson

29 April 2023

https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/community/support/cultural-development-and-arts/alan-baker-art-gallery-at-macaria/

“Artist’s In Action”

Featured by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting, Stories From Life

Last Sunday, I was one of 30 ‘Creative’s’ that assembled down at the Camden Civic Centre to display our creativity. All manner of arts and crafts were on display.

There were:

  • Painters
  • Sketchers/Drawers
  • Mixed Media
  • Photographers
  • Japanese Martial Arts
  • Floral creations
  • Chinese Brushwork
  • Charcoal
  • Pastel
  • Bonzai
  • Ballerinas
  • Couture
  • Live Demonstrations
  • Talks
  • Kids Competition
  • and more!

Ho Yee Wong (Jo), the President of the Macarthur Art Group (of which I am a member), asked me if I would promote my ‘Everyday Art Practice’ aka my ‘Watercolour Sketch a Day’? I said I would be glad to.

We were there for 8 hours (and open to the public for 6), and I completed a couple of Watercolour Sketches whilst chatting to interested onlookers.

I asked them whether they practised any form of art and/or craft and often, they would say that ‘they didn’t have time’, or ‘they were not talented enoough.’

Wanting to help them, I advised them that I wasn’t very good drawing as a child, or even up until into my 50’s( all true), however, it is a skill that can be learnt. As far as ‘time’ goes, most people have a certain amount of time that is wasted during our days.

We stand in queue’s or sit at the Mall eating lunch or having a cuppa. There are miniature sketchbooks available and you only need one pen. Instead of pulling out your mobile phone, use your sketchbook. You don’t even have to show it to anybody, it can just be your personal hobby.

The simple of act of sketching takes your mind off other things. It can be the ‘mental break’ that you need when you are trying to solve a problem, when you are stressed out or when you are bored.

You have time…

You can learn skills…

What are you waiting for?

Pick up that pen and sketchbook today! 🙂

Written by David Johnson

25 March 2023

The Organic Artist

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Last weekend on our anniversary celebration, I picked a book at a store in Berrima, N.S.W. called, ‘Six Impossible Things. Last year, I purchased a double-glass inkwell at the store and was delighted to see that they had moved to bigger premises.

Erica owns the store and is very helpful. I picked up a Postal dip pen nib and the book below.

The book seemed way too interesting to leave on the shelf. A few weeks back I was talking to a gallery director in Camden and he gave me a reed and showed me how to cut it so it could be used as a dip pen. Looking at my attempt I think I have more practice ahead of me. Oh well, something is worth doing badly until one becomes better at it.

In my limited look at the book since it appears to go a lot deeper into the technical details of creating such tools. I’m looking forward to exploring it more and having some more Arty fun!

Written by David Johnson

29 November 2022

Berkeleouw’s Book Barn Treasure

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Books

As part of celebrating the anniversary of the very first time we went out to dinner (19 November 1994), we always pay a visit for a couple of hours to Berkeleouw’s Book Barn at Berrima.

Susan and I are bookworms and there is nothing better for bookworms than visiting a bookshop. Although the Book Barn has some new books, it predominantly has used books, which is part of what keeps us coming back.

This visit saw me purchase the following books:

I always seem to come away with at least one Poetry book, and in the last few years the Poetry books have outnumbered the Art-related books, but not this year.

The two Chinese Art-related books jumped out at me as next weekend, I am attending a workshop that is being run by Jo Wong Artist, who is also the new President of the Macarthur Art Group that will be joining shortly.

‘Poetry Now’ is actually a book of Poems where the authors were born within the first 30-40 years of the 20th Century and /Great Artists Explained’ was simply too good a book to leave on the shelf!

I look forward in the coming weeks to grab a cuppa and sit down and investigate all these books more.

Written by David Johnson

27 November 2022

A Day To Relax…

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

Today, Susan and I went down to Berrima, which is about 1 hour’s drive South of where we live, to celebrate 28 years since we went out to dinner for the first time way back on 19 November 1994. We were a week late in celebrating as we were moving house last week.

After all that has been happening in the last 4-5 months, it was delightful to get away for the day and relax.

As is normal, the first stop is Berkeleouw’s Book Barn which houses approximately 100,000 books. It used to be, however, the help the business survive, they kept a reduced amount of books and added Wedding Receptions, a cafe/restaurant, accommodation, and wine tasting to the business.

We spent just under two hours there and (in a separate post) I’ll talk about the books I purchased.

After Berkeleouws, we had a delicious lunch at Josh’s Cafe and Restaurant which is located in the actual town of Berrima. We have been eating there for many years and are always delighted with the food, service, and atmosphere.

From there, we ventured into a few shops (as we normally do), including ‘Mrs. OldBucks’ (jams, sauces, honey, teas, etc), ‘Six Impossible Things’ (various boutique items including writing materials, dip pens, ink, journals, books, and other tourist-inspired goodies). Our last stop was ‘Sticky Beaks Vintage Emporium which consists of a number of smaller antique sellers within a larger shop.

All-in-all a very relaxing day that helped us celebrate one of the most special days in our lives!

Looking forward to next year’s celebration!

Written by David Johnson

26 November 2022

Urban Sketchers Sydney – October Meet

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Last Saturday, I went on my second Meet of the Urban Sketchers Sydney group. This time, the Meet was held in the grounds between the Sydney Town Hall and St Andrews Cathedral.

The main object of the day was to attempt a sketch of a moving subject, the newly built ‘Sydney Light Rail’, a red and deep grey, modern-style tram.

There were 40 or so Urban Sketchers in attendance and most started with the Light Rail as the subject. Quite a few of us went in the other direction and chose stationary subjects i.e. buildings or parts of buildings. I chose the side entrance/steps to the Sydney Town Hall.

Sydney Town Hall

To be honest, I found this subject challenging enough and when it started to rain a little it was even more challenging. After I finished this sketch, I did wander over to the Light Rail and started to sketch it. It was kind of weird how the subject kept disappearing… I didn’t get to finish the sketch at the time but it certainly was an interesting challenge and experience.

We then had the ‘Throw Down’ and once again it was marvellous to see all the different interpretations and styles of those present.

Throw Down

I am so glad that I came across this group on Facebook. Urban Sketchers Sydney is full of friendly and inspirational people and I am looking forward to attending my third Meet in November. I wonder where it will be? 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/usksyd/about/

Till next time!

Written by David Johnson

3 October 2022

Sketching Loosely

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

The Canvas Is Awaiting…

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

Seeking To Engage

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry