Brook Street Bungalows

Brook Street Houses

Acrylic, Ink, Graphite and Oil Pastel on Paper

64cm x 54cm

Any painting lies somewhere between complete abstraction and complete representation. This painting is another attempt at abstracting the landscape more so that it is clear what is represented but that the painting takes on a character of its own. Like any landscape Brook Street is layer upon layer of pattern that comes together in a way that is distinctive for the area. The low lying red california bungalow roofs, the electricity wires and the foliage are features that are intrinsic to the character of Coogee.

Clovelly Road Dribbles

Clovelly Road Dribbles

Watercolour, Ink, Acrylic and Oil Pastel

64cm x 51cm

I do not know what I think of this painting yet. I completely lost control of it then it came together again... I think.

Tamarama Beach Playing

Tamarama Beach Playing

Watercolour, Ink and Acrylic

64cm x 51cm

This is a playful painting of Tamarama Beach viewed from the coastal walk. The painting was produced with quick movements which caused some of the paint to splatter on the paper. Tamarama is a narrow beach between two protruding sandstone headlands. Swimming here is extremely hazardous due to the fast flowing rips. 

Bronte Beach in Graphite

Bronte Beach in Graphite

Graphite and Eraser on Paper

61cm x 54cm

This drawing captures Bronte beach from the north on the coastal walk. It is winter so the beach is sparse of people. In the foreground you can see the edge of the sandstone cliff I am viewing from. Whilst drawing this piece I decided to use lines to build up the tone both with graphite and rubbing away with the eraser. The linear process reminded me of Alberto Giacometti's work. I am a big fan of this artist who lived from 1906 to 1966. He was famous for his emaciated figure sculptures, however, I have always been more drawn to his lesser know drawings and paintings. He uses a technique of layering lines to build up the image. The lines feel like there is urgency to them which combine in a vibrant chaos. Much of the intensity of his compositions comes from the staring gaze of the person captured.

Alberto Giacometti (1906-1966)

Oil on Canvas

Coastal Walk near Waverley Cemetery

Coastal Walk near Waverley Cemetery

Ink and Watercolour on Card

 51cm x 64cm

Bay Street, Botany

Bay Street

Acrylic, Watercolour, Ink and Oil Pastel on Card

51cm x 64cm

Bay Street in Botany is a long street that stretches over two suburbs in Sydney. The street gains its name from its original contruction where it lead to Botany Bay. This access is now blocked by a large storm water pipe. Botany was once a working class suburb which has now been engulfed by the expanding wealth of home buyers. Like most Sydney streets there is a large variety of architecture using brick and weatherboard. The streets are lined by electricity poles and developed foliage. 

Clovelly Surf Lifesaving Club in July

Clovelly Surf Lifesaving Club in July

Acrylic, Watercolour, Ink and Oil Pastel on Card

64cm x 51cm

Abstracting Maroubra Beach

Maroubra Beach 

Watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm
56cm x 26cm

I find it easier to abstract the image and suggest more with ink and some watercolour however there is such potential with watercolour alone when it applied loose and freely. This painting is a larger watercolour than I normally paint and in it I have attempted to achieve the free mark-making of ink using only watercolour. I am relatively happy with it but there is a long way to go!

Maroubra Beach in July

Maroubra Beach in July

Watercolour on Arches 300gsm

27cm x 21cm