I’ve been getting reacquainted with working in pen and watercolour. It’s been ages. Too long, really. So I thought I’d ease back into it with a few abstract patterns. One thing led to another and the four mini (3″ x 3″) artworks below are now for sale have sold on Etsy.
“We think of genius as the ability to dream up something never seen before. But originality is overrated. What matters more is reacting and responding and refining and adjusting and tweaking and struggling and sweating and polishing and finishing and delivering and making a difference.” Danny Gregory
‘Tasman Bay’ is my latest creation, inspired by (i) recent conversations at The Christchurch Art Show, (ii) my memory of seeing Kaiteriteri Beach for the first time, and (iii) a Google Earth perspective of Tasman Bay, overlooking Takaka Hill with Nelson in the far distance. You can probably see the influence of Mr Vincent van Gogh in the hills and houses too ~ hardly surprising as I’ve been looking at a lot of his work lately.
The work in progress photos show the painting from initial composition, through the refining of colour and exploration of patterns in the landscape to what I think may now be the finished painting. I’m going to leave it alone for a few days and then come back to it and see what I think.
P.S. While originality may be overrated, that doesn’t mean that stealing is okay. Stealing is not okay. Stealing is bad. Influence, on the other hand, is inevitable.
My thanks to Danny Gregory for the original quote.
“We live between the act of awakening and the act of surrender. Each morning, we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time; each night, we surrender to the dark to be taken to play in the world of dreams where time is no more.” John O’Donohue
But first a few words about the SPFs. These paintings are experimental studies that mark a bit of a turning point in my art journey. While I was painting them, I realised something about the way I have been working and about the way I want to work in the future. I plan to start working more in series (I’ll tell you more about that another day) and these paintings don’t really fit in with those plans. The SPFs have served their purpose and now I want to do something a bit special with them. I had a lot of fun creating them and I would love to find them a nice home (or homes) to live in… and I’m hoping you can help.
If you would like to brighten up a room with an original artwork ⛱ , you can place a bid by getting in touch via my Contact page. Don’t forget to let me know which painting you are bidding on: SPF 15 or SPF 30 (or both). I would like to cover the cost of the canvas and paint but I will accept the highest bid, whatever it may be. If you live in the Christchurch area, I will deliver your painting(s) to you in person (no extra charge). If you live elsewhere and would like me to estimate the cost of shipping, or if you have any other questions about the paintings, please get in touch via my Contact page.
The paintings are 505 x 505 mm (20 x 20 inches), unvarnished, on deep-profile stretched canvas. The SPF online auction ends 30th April. I will be in touch with the winner and post the results here in early May. The winning bid(s) will not be disclosed.
UPDATE: Congratulations to Gillian. The two SPF paintings are yours! I’m really glad they’re going to stay together. Thank you very much : )
Austrian/New Zealand artist, architect and visionary Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928–2000) was an amazing person and he is one of my favourite artists. His work is colourful and exuberent, bold and quirky, unique and significant.
If you’re not familiar with Hundertwasser, you can visit www.hundertwasser.com to read about him, his art and his philosophy. ‘Blobs grow in beloved gardens’ 1975 and ‘Green town’ 1978 are just two of the beautiful artworks that inspired my tree painting.
I’m not sure if I like ‘Tree’ or not… but I do like knowing that I’ll never look at another tree the same way again!
In the style of… posts are where I use my own photographs as a starting point and draw inspiration from some of the world’s greatest artists and illustrators. It’s not about copying someone else’s art; it’s an experiment in seeing things differently.
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” Albert Einstein
This is the large painting commission I mentioned a few weeks ago. It made its way safely across the Tasman last month and has taken up residence in a new creative space in Melbourne.
“Anna was amazing to collaborate with. My home is filled with creative works I have made but when I saw Anna’s amazing paintings on Etsy I decided her work would be perfect for my studio wall. I am really happy with the result and look forward spending many hours enjoying this quality painting. I am also excited by the inspiration this unique work will inspire for many years to come. Anna is a true professional and was more than happy to incorporate my specifications regarding colours so that this unique work coordinates perfectly with my quirky and unusual style. I highly recommend Anna as a commission artist. Her work is perfect for home and work environments. I also think her pricing is very reasonable.” Jackie, Australia
a glowing review from the client
Anna Cull ~ Art & Music 