I did a pen and wash workshop with Ron Hindmarsh at the weekend. It was very challenging and an exercise in precision and realism mainly in drawing buildings. It was good to learn more and practise using perspective and drawing accurately. It is a completey different way of working from my usual style so I enjoyed being out of my comfort zone a bit.

I started painting last weekend in ernest after a long break. I had been sketching constantly and still am but I have started oil paintings. I am becoming more aware lately, however, of the health hazards of using oil painting mediums. I am painting scenes from my trip to Tasmania where the skies and stretches of sea were really beautiful. This is a quick sketch of one of the boatshed that line the beach at Bruny Island. Two of my sons and mysel spent four days there at Dennes Point at the northern end of the island.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." George Carlin

I have applied for a couple of artist residencies lately and have my fingers and toes crossed tightly. It would be wonderful to have a clear stretch of uninterrupted time in which to practice my art as well as participating in a vibrant artistic community. Meanwhile I am enjoying my small drawings and have started on a couple of oil paintings. I am going to have another sale of my much older work. This time I will hold it in Armidale. I am clearing out my art storage area.