Europe

Next week I am going to France and Italy for the first time. I am very excited at the prospect of seeing "in the flesh" the works of art I have read and heard so much about. To stand before the Burghers of Calais, The Thinker or The Kiss. It will be amazing. As a painter I am especially interested in the graphic arts. I will visit all the famous museums and galleries in Paris. I will have two weeks in the south of France so will have time to go to Arle, Avignon, Antibes. I particularly want to see the work of Monet and Cezanne. The first influences my own art with his mysterious and subtle blends of colour. Cezanne had a true honesty and simplicity in his work. He honours structure and composition. To see his Mont St Victoire will be a privilege.

Images from my Flinders trip

I took many photos on my trip last year to the Flinders Ranges. Here are a few that, along with drawings, inspired the current series of paintings

Have been finishing and continuing work on a number of works based on a trip to the Flinders Ranges. The rugged rock lines jutting out from the soil and vegetation were striking. Hans Heysen walked through the area drawing and painting as he went. The Heysen Trail runs from the top of the Flinders down to the Fleurieu Peninsula. He summarised what struck me most about the Flinders country. He said that here "the bones of the country are laid bare". His two main inspirations in terms of landscape motifs were the Australian gum tree and the Flinders landscape. The landscape of the Flinders brings the visitor up against the enormity of primeval forces. My own works use texture and overlaying washes to emulate the ruggedness and exposed rock.