Brand New Day
Tag: Communication
Appreciation
Spirit Of Freedom
Another Inspiring Day at Red Point Artists!
Yesterday was my third time having a stall at Red Point Artists, ‘Art & Craft on the Grass’ event in Port Kembla.
It was a quieter day, people-wise yesterday, as their was a Maker’s Market on at Wollongong University. Usually at a Wollongong Maker’s Market there could be anything from 50 – 100 Art & Craft stalls.
Still, we had a fun time. In between talking to the people who did visit, I worked on my Watercolour Sketch a Day project, and on another larger Watercolour that I have been working on over the last couple of weeks.
I also had some inspiring conversations with both visitors to Red Point Artists, and some of the Artists themselves. Susan enjoyed conversing with others and also did some Crochet.
After packing up, we attended an exhibition by three Red Point Members, Linda Simpson, Heidi Uhlig and Alan Blake, which is being held in Gallery Eight within the Red Point Art precinct. The exhibition features Mixed Media, Watercolour and Carvings. The exhibition is on until 17 April 2024 at 100 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla.
On the way home we stopped into one of my favourite Art Stores, Levers, which is a long established, family run, Picture framing & Fine Art materials store, or as I like to call it, ‘Art Heaven.’
If you are in the Wollongong area, pop in our check it out.
Looking forward to the second Saturday in May, when I will be back at Red Point for the Art, the craft and the conversation!
Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
14 April 2024
Artists In Action
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of being part of ‘Artists In Action’ again.
My first appearance at this event, last year was so enjoyable I thought I would do it again this year.
Some 30 or so local Artist’s, some professional, some semi-professional, and some enthusiasts, all combined to showcase their art and craft at the Camden Civic Centre in Camden, some 60km (37m) south-west of Sydney, Australia.
It was such a fun event again. People of all ages came in to view our art and craft. There demonstrations and workshops, and people could enjoy having a go at creating art.
At my table, I had some my art on display and in between talking to people, I went about doing a couple of watercolour sketches, including my, ‘Watercolour Sketch a Day’ that has been going for over 5 years now.
As I did last year, I encouraged people who
- ‘had always wanted to try sketching and/or painting’ but hadn’t,
- ‘those that had been doing it but had stopped’, or
- those who think that they don’t have time’ to go ahead and try it/take it up again, as it offers:
- some great mental health benefits
- it’s fun and relaxing
All-in-all a fun day! Looking forward to next year’s event.
Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
31 March 2024
Loving This Watercolour Paper!
It’s always fun to trying new things.
In this particular case, I’ve been trying out a type of watercolour paper that I haven’t used before. It’s ‘The Masters’s Choice – Artist Watercolour Paper’ made by Baohong. It has a rough texture, and I’m using the block paper version – 300gsm, 15cm x 23cm. It’s also the first time I have used block paper.
I simply love this paper! I’m not an expert in papers and I’m still in the very early stages on this journey of Watercolour. I love the texture and the way it handles colour and water.
I’ve included a few samples below.
The 15cm x 23cm size as it is quite convenient to carry in a small backpack, along with my Winsor and Newton Field Kit, Aquawash brushes and some paper towel. Pop in a couple of pencils, an eraser and a selection of pigment liners, and a white pen and ‘I’m ready to go!’
I sold the ‘Country Cottages’ painting earlier this month at Red Point Art & Craft on the Grass, Port Kembla, NSW, Australia.
I highly recommend giving this paper a go. Looking forward to using the cold press 300gsm as well. I just received some gift vouchers for my birthday earlier this week. 🙂
Till next time!
Written and painted by David Johnson
31 March 2024
Ideas and Notions
A First For Me at Red Point Artists ‘Art & Craft on the Grass!
I’ve been a member of Red Point Artists for about 3 – 4 years however, it is only this year that I took a leap of faith and set up a table with my Watercolours at the monthly, ‘Art & Craft on the Grass’ event.
The first time I did this was in February this year. Due to inclement weather, we set up inside in the main gallery.
The second time was yesterday. It was a beautiful, sunny day so we were all able to set up outside.
As with the first time, I was just happy do be there, displaying my Art and chatting to and encouraging people to be creative and/or rekindle a lost creative passion.
I also had a sign advertising my ‘Daily Art Practice’ aka my ‘Watercolour Sketch a Day’ which as of yesterday was 5 years, 43 days straight.
My thought was that ‘if I sold anything it would be a bonus.’ As the first hour was drawing to a close, that bonus arrived! I sold the following painting…
This is the first painting I have sold at Red Point Artists, and the fourth sale overall.
I would like to thank Red Point Artists for the opportunity to have a table there, and for the inspiring Artists and Craft-makers that I am surrounded by. Looking forward to the second Saturday of April when we will do it all again.
Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
10 March 2024
Things That Attract My Eye – Part 12
At the end of February/early March, my Wife, Susan and I escaped for 5 nights/6 days down to Greenwell Point which is roughly 2 hours drive away from where live. It is located just past Nowra which approximately, 176 kilometres or 109 miles from Sydney.
It is a beautiful, quiet spot and was even quieter as it wasn’t school holidays.
I’ll be posting more images from our short trip over time however, here is a small selection of abstract images of subjects that ‘attracted my eye’ on this trip.
Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
9 March 2024
Things That Attract My Eye – Part 10
The images below were taken last week when my Wife, Susan & went into the City (Sydney) for lunch to celebrate our 27th Wedding Anniversary.
After a long lunch, we took a casual stroll around Circular Quay just relaxing and enjoying the views.
of the Sydney Opera House.
Beauty is all around us. We just need to be ‘aware.’
Till next time!
Written & Photograpghed by David Johnson
29 February 2024
Communicating Creatively 