Lately I’ve been working on ideas for a charming range of stationery. I finished painting this one last night.
My latest commission, a painting of a lovely family from Bangalow. Crystal and her husband Andrew are celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year and this is their gift to each other. I am so incredibly honoured that they asked me to work with them on this special occasion. And one of the best things about my new little venture is the amazing people I’m now meeting!
Callum’s 9th Birthday Q+A
1. What is your favourite colour? Black and white
2. What is your favourite toy? Skylanders
3. What is your favourite movie? Avengers
4. What is your favourite thing to eat for lunch? Pasta
5. What is your favourite outfit? My new bomber jacket and my spirit hood because I love husky’s
6. What is your favourite game? Poptropica
7. What is your favourite animal? Leo!
8. What is your favourite song? Foo Fighters
9. What is your favourite book? Andy Griffiths books
10. Who is your best friend? Harrison, Bailey and Eli. And you Mum.
11. What is your favourite thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes
12. What is your favourite thing to do outside? Skate in my heely’s
13. What is your favourite drink? Lime milkshake
14. What is your favourite holiday? When I went to Hervey Bay by myself to see my best friends!
15. Who is the funniest person you know? Dad
16. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Ummm…
17. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza!
18. What do you want to be when you grow up? A game reviewer
19. What do you most like about birthdays? That you get to see all of your family, and presents!
20. Do you know how much your family love you? How can you tell? Because you always tell me you love me. And I’m the coolest boy in the world.
Last weekend we were thrilled to have Hailey from You Can’t Be Serious come and shoot some photos of the kids. Only a couple of weeks before had I seen on her facebook page she was going to be in Newcastle and had a couple of sessions available so I quickly emailed her and then immediately started plotting the kids outfits! I absolutely love her fun and colourful style, and did I mention fun? And just secretly I wish she was my best friend.
Typically it poured rain in Newcastle the afternoon we were going to meet so at short notice we travelled to Pokolbin instead and ended up back at the Hunter Valley Gardens. After the rain has passed it turned out to be a great afternoon; Lola my shrinking violet (not) adored Hailey and marched her around the gardens saying “take a photo of me here, and here” standing in front of her favourite garden statues.
Goodness, it’s already May and once again I’ve been neglecting my little blog but for good reason - I’ve been so busy with my painting which as you know was my own personal goal this year. Some lovely and brilliant friends have sent commissions my way, which is completely thrilling! I love translating someone else’s ideas into an artwork, although I must admit it’s funny to think of myself as an artist! My adorable and clever kids have told me that for years, I think I should listen to them more.
Recently I joined an online beginners painting class called Get Your Paint On hosted by Lisa Congdon and Mati McDonough. It runs for 5 weeks and already I’ve learnt so much. The class interacts in a private group on Facebook and Flickr. This weeks assignment was to take inspiration from a favourite artist; I chose Australian artist David Bromley. I particularly love his children’s series and his butterfly paintings as butterflies are a special symbol in our family. During Mia’s early years at intervention we learnt that butterflies are also deaf and when deaf children learn to listen and speak, they emerge like butterflies from their silent cocoon and fly off into the colourful world of sound.
We visited this magnificent place a few weeks ago and I’m already wishing we were back there. Located in the gorgeous town of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley (Australia, for any of my international friends). As well as the gorgeous gardens there is a lovely village of boutique shops and cafes - and the whole area is riddled with picturesque vineyards and restaurants. Next time we visit though we will pack a picnic lunch.
