'Here's looking at you Kid'

I have been busy drawing out, stretching and masking a new watercolour this week. This involves a lot of waiting time as the stretched paper and masking fluid dry so I used this time  to  have some fun drawing "Here's Looking at You Kid".  Little Act-Ted utters the famous line  of the movie Casablanca with the deepest voice he could muster.  Do you think we should give him the part?

 I just couldn't resist doing this one in scratchboard as it really helped me to capture the Film Noir feel.  It is  drawn on a 11 by 14 inch Ampersand museum grade board.

Ona

Scratchboard

Several of my art friends who do scratchboard have been wanting me to have a go for ages so I decided to try it out.  Harry very kindly posed for me. I used a touch of watercolour in his eyes. Any guesses what he was looking at?

 This drawing sold today. Someone saw it on my facebook page  so will be on its way to the US in the next day or two once the scratchboard is sealed.

Ona

Harry's in print!

My copy of Strokes of Genius 6: The Best of Drawing hardback book arrived in the mail today. Of course my now famous pup Harry had to have first look.

 He was so pleased that he is right at the begining of the book right opposite Rachel's introduction because turning the pages with his paws was quite tricky (grin). After finding page 7 and admiring the drawing of himself he had to read what I had written about him. He liked the bit best about him having a soulful expression. He does do this expression so well don't you think?

Hope you enjoy the photo's. If you would like to order your own copy of this book or Splash 15: The Best of Watercolor both are now available in bookstores or directly through North Light Books

Ona

Wherever my music takes me...

I had so much fun creating this painting, following my imagination and seeing where it took me. Just me and my guitar, with the warm sun on my skin and a faint breeze in the air.

Transparent Watercolour 32 inches by 17.5 inches

Ona

Progress update

 James took this photo this morning. He was behind and above me  as he was taking it but this is almost the view I get as I am painting. Kind of fun isn't it. As you can see, I have nearly finished the giant guitar shaped platform.  I loved the idea of the fret board at this size acting like a long walkway and was reminded of a quote by Angus Young " I just go where the guitar takes me" when I first thought of the idea.

 There really isn't much detail in the painting so far. I am just trying to create the feeling of space, and a sense of depth and distance. How many of you have been high up in the mountains early in the day as the sun is rising? It's a wonderful sight. That's the atmosphere I am trying to capture.

Ona

The Journey of Creation

After nearly a month without painting it feels so good to have my brushes in my hands again and to begin another journey of creation. I hope you will enjoy coming on the journey with me.

James took this photo of me earlier this evening well after the light had faded. I was just putting the finishing touches to the background section of the painting and was illuminated only by the strip of halogen lights above me. I have also inserted a separate photo of just the painting so far in the top left side so you can see it more clearly. I wanted to create the atmosphere of a misty morning sunrise in the background. It's sort of symbolic really because in any creative journey, however much you plan, you often have to take a leap of faith and head off into the unkown. It's scary sometimes but very exciting too.

I can't wait for tomorrow when I can continue on my journey of creation.  Hope you like the photo.

Ona