Mike Barr

Henley Sailing Club

2012-01-27T22:24:00.000+10:30

Boats and people are on the move at the Henley Sailing Club in South Australia.
On race days all tracks lead to the Club House!
Henley Sailing Club - acrylic on canvasboard - 30x40cm

Water's back - Milang

2012-01-26T21:44:00.001+10:30

Last weekend boats began to assemble at Milang to partake in the Milang to Goolwa Classic. The event has been impossible the last few years because of low river levels. The river is back and so is Milang, a delightful lake-side town that was in the doldrums has come to life again on Lake Alexandrina.
The furthest shore was not visible and it could have been a sea not a lake apart from the colour of the water. The browny-green of the water looked unique and surreal as yachts appeared on the horizon line and came into shore.
The holiday cabins on the shore near the jetty presented a happy image that just had to be painted!
Nearly 200 boats arrived at Milang and started off on the 50km sail to Goolwa the next day.

Sometimes we know how good it is to be alive - often just fleating moments. I have put this one down in paint and hope others can feel that too.

Water's back - Milang - acrylic on canvasboard - 40x30cm
Alexandrina Art Show - April 2012

Guest artist - Strathalbyn

2012-01-20T15:10:00.001+10:30

I have been invited to be the guest feature artist at the Splash Exhibition at the Stationmasters Gallery, 20 South Tce, Strathalbyn. 18th Jan - 19th Feb 2012. Official Opening event 2pm Sunday 22 January where I will complete a painting demo. The painting will be up for silent auction. I have a room of paintings on show for the exhibition.

Yachts at Henley

2012-01-13T12:35:00.000+10:30

One of a series of watercolour studies for lager works
Yachts at Henley - 27x17cm watercolour on Langton watercolour paper 300gsm

Race at Largs

2012-01-13T11:29:00.000+10:30

Race days at Largs are exciting events for both sailors and artists!
The contrast between white sails and a blue-green sea is scrumptious.
Race at Largs - acrylic on canvas board - 10x8" - $250

Setting sail at Largs

2012-01-10T09:51:00.000+10:30

The Largs jetty is a great vantage point for watching the beach-launch of racing yachts. The club tractor pulls out the vessel into the shallows followed by the crew, anxious to get aboard and start the fun!
Setting sail at Largs - acrylic on canvasboard - 10x8"
$250

Before the race

2012-01-07T21:30:00.001+10:30

The Hartley TS16 Class boats certainly don't look that elegant without their sails but once they unruffle those sails they are tranformed. Getting them into the water is quite a task and I had the pleasure to watch many of them taking to the water recently at Largs. This is the first in a series of study paintings.
Before the race - acrylic on canvasboard - 10x8"
$250

Grange to Henley

2011-12-24T16:39:00.000+10:30

It's a fantastic view from the Grange jetty looking toward Henley Beach. The twin pines are landmarks, once once you find them you have found the jetty and kiosk!
Grange to Henley - 16x12" acrylic on linenboard.

Adelaide rain

2011-12-24T16:09:00.001+10:30

I have gone for atmosphere instead of detail on this one. Late afternoon showers greet office staff as they head home on a rainy monday evening.
Adelaide Rain - 20x25cm acrylic on canvas board
$250

Award for Yachts in a Storm

2011-12-20T12:54:00.001+10:30

My painting Yachts in a Storm was recognised in the 3rd Watermedia Showcase and is to be published in the Feb 2012 Watercolour Artist. It was given an honourable mention in the competition and billed as one of the 36 Best Watermedia paintings of the year on the magazine cover.
More details on the painting here
SOLD.

2012 Mike Barr Art Calendar

2011-11-23T14:06:00.001+10:30

The 2012 Mike Barr Art Calendar will be available in the first week of December and you can order your personally-signed and numbered calendar now.
Their will be a limited run of 50 calendars this year.
The calendar can be kept as a collector's piece at the end of the year, or you can frame the individual paintings to your liking.
$39.95 + $5 postage in Australia - $15 postage overseas.
BUY NOW

No sailor harmed....

2011-11-15T17:02:00.001+10:30

Just in case anyone was wondering, this scene is quite ficticious and no sailors were harmed by sailing into the storm. However, I hope you enjoy the atmosphere in this one.
No sailor harmed.. - acrylic on canvas - 150x50cm - $3250
Available from Sunday at Artworx Gallery Goolwa.

Ready to race - Largs

2011-11-15T11:06:00.001+10:30

Sails peep over the sandhills at Largs as they set up for the race.
Ready to race - Largs - Acrylic on canvas - 120x60cm - Port Adelaide Rotary art show 2011

Sunspot - Goolwa Beach wins award

2011-11-11T10:00:00.002+10:30

Sunspot - Goolwa Beach has just won Outstanding Acrylic in the International Bold Brush Painting competition - http://faso.com/boldbrush/winner/26073

Goolwa Beach is such a wide expanse, that a large painting of it is needed to do it justice.

While a rainstorm approaches, shafts of sunlight hit the sandhills as if some giant in the sky is searching the landscape with a torch.

Of course, even with the impending storm, beach walkers take in the amazing sights.

Sunspot - Goolwa Beach - acrylic on canvas - 150x75cm

$4950 availabe at the Victor Harbor Rotary Art Show - Jan 2012

Prints of various sizes and greeting cards of this painting available here

Two yachts - Seacliff

2011-11-04T21:39:00.000+10:30

At the end of the day's racing there is a flurry of dismantling and putting away of boats at Seacliff.
I could see that those who sailed the boats on the sea were also expert at beach duties too!
Two yachts - Seacliff - acrylic on canvas - 10x8"
Port Adelaide or Victor Harbor Rotary Art Show

River's back

2011-10-26T21:46:00.003+10:30

The river's back at Goolwa! After a period of drought that had the river port of Goolwa languishing, the river is back and so are the boats.
River's back - acrylic on canvas - 50x50cm -$1250
Prints of this painting in various sizes and greeting cards are available here

Last Race

2011-10-25T21:30:00.001+10:30

Boats set up for the race before the weather sets in.
Largs Bay, South Australia.
Last Race - acrylic on canvas - 90x60cm - $2700
Appearing at an art show soon.
Prints of various sizes and greeting cards of this painting are now available here
See available sizes and prices here

Beach from above

2011-10-15T21:04:00.001+10:30

The view of the beach at Goolwa is from the lookout on the sandhills.
The colours of the sea are quite amazing from this vantage point.
Beach from above - acrylic on canvasboard - 50x40cm
$1000 - email for payment details - theartofbarr@iprimus.com.au

Beach walkers

2011-09-26T22:21:00.000+09:30

One of six special works produced for the occasion of being chosen as one of the feature artists at the Glenelg Rotary Art Show that officially starts on Friday Sep 30.
Beach walkers - acylic on canvas - 90x45cm
Available at the Glenelg Rotary Art Show
Brighton Secondary School, 305 Brighton Road, North Brighton
29th September - 4th October 2011
,

Summer Sun - Semaphore

2011-09-13T16:59:00.003+09:30

Some of you may recognise this painting. Actually it is a slice of a work I completed in late 2009 http://artofbarr.blogspot.com/2009/12/summer-sun-semaphore.html. The bigger work won first prize in the Port Adelaide Rotary Show on Jan 1, 2010 and I layed claim to the first art prize in the world in 2010! It also found its way onto the cover of the 2010 Lions Club Art show at Burnside. http://artofbarr.blogspot.com/2010/05/art-show-cover.html
I have since cut it down in size to form a new painting. The size is 73x45cm on linen. It will need to be framed by a framer - perhaps even under glass and matting.
Sold.

Semaphore sun

2011-08-24T16:36:00.000+09:30

Semaphore is in my opinion the most attractive of all the jetties along the Adeliade coast. It certainly has taken the brunt of some fearce storms in recent years which has required and extensive rebuild. Semaphore jetty is the venue of the annual Kite Festival that sees the jetty full of onlookers.

Semaphore Sun - acrylic on canvas - 40x30cm

Available at the Adealide Royal Show 2011 - $600

Moonrise, Pirie Street

2011-08-23T14:02:00.000+09:30

I love the shadows of the city on a winter's afternoon and the highlights that catch the sun. This time a moonrise looking toward Pirie Street with the Adelaide hills as a backdrop.

Available at the Royal Adelaide Show soon.

Moonrise, Pirie St - 40x30cm Acrylic on canvas

afternoon light Goolwa

2011-08-07T16:35:00.000+09:30

Cocklers, walkers and surfers take advantage of the last few hours of light on Goolwa Beach.

Afternoon light Goolwa - acrylic on canvas - 50x50cm - $1250

Email for sales enquiries - theartofbarr@iprimus.com.au

Waymouth puddles

2011-07-03T20:09:00.001+09:30

Dear old Waymouth is back again. This time a study for a larger work in which more light will be evident.
A little more light than exists in this study and a little more colour.
Waymouth puddles - 20x25cm acrylic on canvas panel

Adelaide Shadows wins Bold Brush award

2011-06-18T23:25:00.001+09:30

Adelaide Shadows has been awarded as a finalist - Outstanding Acrylic in the international May Bold Brush competition.
The painting is for sale at the Blackwood Rotary Art Show in July

King William from Belair

2011-06-17T10:16:00.000+09:30

Belair affords a great view of the city of Adelaide and particularly King William St - the central road through the city. The salt pans and Port River shimmer in the distance.
King William from Belair - 120x90cm - Acrylic on canvas - $4950
Available from Art Images

Puddles on Waymouth

2011-06-15T22:49:00.000+09:30

Yes, another painting of Waymouth St in Adelaide - do they ever end? It seems not!
This one is headed to Artworx Gallery at Goolwa this weekend.
Puddles on Waymouth - acrylic on canvas - 45x45cm

Semaphore shade

2011-06-13T18:44:00.001+09:30

I am revisting one of my favourite subjects - in fact I will be painting a series of these in the next few months.
If you are wondering what the people on the jetty are looking at, the scene is based on photos I took of the annual Kite Festival at Semaphore some years ago. The jetty had hundreds of people of all ages trying to get a vantage point to look at the incredible array of kites on show. As you can see I did not paint every person that was on the jetty that day! Blue sky, barmy autumn sea breeze and a display of kites you would not believe.
Semaphore shade - 30x40cm - acrylic on linen board
Available at the Blackwood Rotary Art Show - 14-24th July - $695

Franklin St rain

2011-05-30T20:04:00.001+09:30

Franklin St in Adelaide is a wide road and attractive in the rain.
The land-mark Post Office tower dominates the streetscape even among the newer larger buildings.
Franklin St rain - acrylic on linenboard - 12x16"

Colours of Autumn - Waymouth St

2011-05-29T16:09:00.000+09:30

Autumn has taken hold of Adelaide and it's subtle greys are reflected in the shiney wet pavement of Waymouth St. Umbrella's are hoisted and a man dashes for cover with a makeshift shelter made from his suit jacket.
Colours of Autumn - Waymouth St - acrylic on canvas - 90x90cm
$3950

Under the bridge

2011-05-24T20:54:00.000+09:30

I waited for a while to get the right photo of one of the yachts half in shadow and half in light. The relatively new bridge to Hindmarsh Island at Goolwa casts shadows where none had been for thousands of years.
Under the bridge - Acrylic on linen board - 12x16"

Waymouth Autumn

2011-05-15T19:53:00.000+09:30

One might imagine that Waymouth St is the only street in Adelaide that I know, as nearly all the rainy day scenes I have painted are from there. It's not the only good rainy street but it is certainly one of the best. This scene is looking toward the west. A small porch of one of the businesses reaches out into the street and causes a dry spot in the pavement.
Waymouth Autumn - 45x45cm - acrylic on canvas
$1200 - available soon at Artworx Gallery, Hays St, Goolwa
See clip from Channel 7's Discover below
http://www.discover7.com.au/watch/?Vid=109

Adelaide Shadows

2011-05-14T21:57:00.001+09:30

Long winter shadows envelope Adelaide's city streets during lunch time.

The view is from the top end of Waymouth St and looking toward Pirie St and onwards toward the Adelaide Hills.
Adelaide Shadows - 16x12" - acrylic on linen.

Waymouth reflections

2011-05-05T16:50:00.000+09:30

Formally a squarer format work, I trimmed it down into portrait mode and fiddled with the highlights and more. It is now framed under glass and looks the part.
Available at the Burnside Lions Club Art Show commencing Thursday May 12 - 16 - open from 10am - 5pm daily - always a great show!
If you would like to go to the opening call Evan 08 8331 7271

Waymouth Reflections - Acrylic/oil on canvas - $2200

Victor Sails wins at Camberwell

2011-04-14T16:16:00.002+09:30

Victor Sails has won one of the major prizes - Best Work by an Artist Not Previously Awarded a Prize - at the Herald Sun Camberwell Rotary Art Show this year.
Victor Sails - 120x90cm acrylic/oil

ARTISTS' DEMO On Sat 16th April at about 2pm at the Campbelltown Rotary Art Show the old foursome is getting together to demonstrate what we do. I'll join Hans Koppan, Gerhard Ritter and Alan Ramachandran in a four way presentation that's always popular. Do come along - it's free.

Between the flags

2011-04-04T20:50:00.000+09:30

This finished commissioned painting has now found its way to its new home at Glengowrie. It is based on a busy summer's day at Goolwa Beach, South Australia.
Between the flags - 180x90cm - acrylic on linen

Storm at the Tea Cup

2011-03-20T20:00:00.000+10:30

It was a stormy day at the annual Largs Tea Cup, where racing teams and yachts represented the many tea brands available in Australia.
Storm at the Tea Cup - Acrylic on canvas - The Great Tea Pot Show - Greenhill Galleries Adelaide. April 17- May 10th - 120x90cm - $5350

Becalmed II - Victor Harbor

2011-03-05T21:29:00.000+10:30

The second in the series based on real-life observations from last weekend. Yachts large and small were marooned in a sea of calm just off-shore at Victor Harbor in South Australia.
Becalmed II - Victor Harbor - 70x60cm - acrylic on canvas

Becalmed - Victor Harbor

2011-03-04T20:38:00.001+10:30

Recently while driving into Victor Harbor, I noticed a bundle of yachts on the shore of the yacht club getting ready to race. I took photos of the activity and wondered how they would sail at all in the very calm conditions. Passing by again in about an hour, all the yachts of various classes were stuck in the bay with not a breath to get them going. It was something I had not seen before and I knew it would be the basis of a series of paintings.
This painting is the first of the series that will no doubt find their way into quite a few art shows this year. I have been selective as to how many yachts I have put in the painting - there were many more than this.
It is for me the epitome of tranquility- it was a grand sight and I shall not forget it. Now I share it.
Becalmed - Victor Harbor - Acrylic on canvas - 70x60cm

Between the flags

2011-02-27T14:24:00.000+10:30

A small study painting in preparation for a much bigger commision painting.
During the summer months the lifesaver's flags flutter on the beautiful Goolwa Beach. Surfers, cocklers and walkers frequent this amazing beach.
Between the flags - 50x25cm - acrylic on canvasboard

Moonlight regatta

2011-02-20T20:27:00.002+10:30

I thought 'Moonlight Regatta' was a clever and completely fanciful title for this painting. Moonlight regattas however do occur around the world and there is a notable one at the North Shore Yacht Club at Port Washington NY. The winning boat gets to cook a complimentary breakfast the next morning for the rest of the contestants in their division. Be that as it may, I thought this scene will captivate the attention of those even remotely involved with sailing. If you look closely at the detail, each yacht has its own little light source. Perhaps more than anything to warn others that there is a yacht where the light is! However on such a moonlit night yachts would not be hard to see.
There is something mellow and soft about moonlight shadows. There is a quiteness to them too - what do you think?
Moonlight Regatta - 100x100cm - oil/acrylic on canvas - $4950
Available Artworx Gallery, Goolwa

Largs series III

2011-02-09T13:44:00.000+10:30

The third in the Largs series that can be seen in the flesh at the CBC Twenty 11 art show.
There is a real comfort and safety aspect to viewing yachts from the shore. I'm not sure I would want to be involved in the bounce and bustle of a race, but it does look interesting from a standing position on the shore!
Last time I was at Largs I noticed a few vessels with clear sails - they just didn't look right. When I did a painting of them I made sure that the see-through sails were quite opaque. Wonderful thing this artistic license!
90x60cm acrylic on canvas

Largs series II

2011-02-08T09:49:00.001+10:30

Another in the Largs series.
These are based on some photos I took a few years ago and rediscovered them the other day. there is something about sails that is up-beat and happy. Perhaps it's the whiteness against the blue. I get the same feelings when passing a cricket match in progress on a sunny day - all those white shirts is a wonderful sight, most fitting for such a grand game!
90x60cm acrylic on canvas - Available at the CBC Twenty 11 Art Show coming up in a couple of weeks.

Sails at Largs

2011-02-06T23:41:00.000+10:30

One of four in a series of paintings that will be shown at the CBC Twenty 11 art show that commences Friday 25th February 7pm- 214 Wakefield St, Adelaide. and runs till Sunday 27th
Sails at Largs - 90x60cm - acrylic on canvas

Cockles and Sails

2011-02-05T20:50:00.002+10:30

This a painting was completed quite a while ago and has been in storage for a while too. It was resurrected and given a new heart with a few additions including the sails in the background. I've never seen sails at Goolwa Beach but that's not to say they have never been there. Of course, cocklers are always on the beach when the cockling season is in!
Cockles and Sails - 100x75cm - acrylic on canvas
Available soon at Artworx Gallery - Goolwa

Walkers at Encounter Bay

2011-02-01T23:23:00.000+10:30

Is there a better place to spend time walking than the walking path along Encounter Bay? With the landmark Bluff on one side, Wright Island and then Granite Island on the other side there is always plenty to see on the walk along Franklin Parade. The shade of the magestic sea-side pines adds to the appeal of the place.
Walkers at Encounter Bay - 75x50cm acrylic on canvas board

Yacht club pines

2011-01-29T19:25:00.000+10:30

When I saw this scene at near Victor Harbor Yacht Club I knew it would make an exeptional subject for a painting. I was captivated by the the serenity of the park and the lady reading while have a picnic on the right. The dark forms of the row of pines are like frames in which to view the yachts getting ready to race. Further still there is the beach and the buildings of Victor Harbor where people are enjoying the warm conditions. After I had finished the painting I sat and looked at it for ages - I think it is the most beautiful scene I have ever painted and hope I have done it justice.
Yacht club pines - acrylic on canvas board - 40x30cm
Available at Bay Discover Centre, Glenelg, SA
On, under and by the sea postcards exhibition.
Feb 26th - April 27th, 2011

Ready to race

2011-01-26T20:20:00.000+10:30

A couple of weeks ago there was a line up of yachts ready to race at the Victor Harbor Yacht Club. There were obviously different classes of yachts taking part in events this Saturday morning and it was quite a sight. From the beach, just the sails could be seen as they waited their turn to take to the water. The stormy sky is my addition to the scene - it was beautiful and sunny on the day.
Ready to Race - Victor Harbor - 100x100cm acrylic on canvas.
For sale at Artworx Gallery, Hays St, Goolwa during the woooden boat festival at the end of February.
$4950

End of the day - Largs

2011-01-25T16:56:00.000+10:30

The race is over and it's time to pack up and head toward the sailing club rooms.
End of the day - Largs - 40x30cm acrylic on canvas

Sheep with a view - Strathalbyn

2011-01-24T21:39:00.001+10:30

I stopped the car on the way home from Victor Harbor when I saw this scene late in the day.
Sheep with a view - Strathalbyn - 75x50cm acrylic on canvasboard.

Shadows on the sea

2011-01-24T13:11:00.000+10:30

A view from the towering sandhills of Goolwa revealed the sea in unbelievable colours on this day. To top it off, clouds shadows drifted along upon it's surface in a wonderful play of colour and light and shade.
Shadows on the sea - acrylic on canvasboard - 40x30cm
Available at Artistic License, Melbourne St, North Adelaide.

Exhibition at Artistic Lincense

2011-01-22T20:41:00.002+10:30

This weekends's opening at Artistic License was showcased in today's SA Weekend - a magazine supliment to the Advertiser. Needless to say, I was very happy with the treatment they gave my painting.
The show opens at 2pm Sunday Jan 22nd. See details here.

Victor Sails

2011-01-21T15:51:00.002+10:30

The final version of Victor Sails is now hanging at Artworx Gallery at Goolwa.
Victor Sails - 120x90 acrylic on linen - $5350

Yachts - Goolwa South

2011-01-21T11:55:00.000+10:30

At last the river is back to its best at Goolwa. It's a glorious sight with plenty of yachts, people and pelicans to see.
Yachts - Goolwa South - 40x30cm acrylic on canvasboard

Surf on Sunshine Beach

2011-01-16T14:32:00.000+10:30

Always a good surf on Sunshine Beach, Queensland, Australia.
Surf on Sunshine Beach - Acrylic on canvas board - 16x12"
Available at Artistic License - Jan 2011

St. Michaels Mount - Cornwall

2011-01-13T14:13:00.000+10:30

It almost looks like something out of a story book and I was no less amazed when I saw it in the flesh as a kid. The same family line has resided there for many many years and it has a very colourful history.
St Michaels Mount - Cornwall - 40x30cm acrylic on canvas board.

Victor yachts

2010-12-22T21:27:00.001+10:30

Kats come in after a morning race at the Victor Harbor Yacht club.
Victor Yachts - 120x90cm acrylic on linen.
Victor Harbor Rotary Art Show - Jan 2011
(Disqualified due to being slightly oversized but now available at Artworx Gallery at Goolwa)

Grey day - Largs

2010-12-19T22:38:00.000+10:30

The grey conditions did not deter keen sailors at Largs!
Grey day - Largs 100x50cm acrylic on canvas
Available Port Adelaide Rotary Art Show

Storm at Semaphore South

2010-12-06T21:05:00.000+10:30

Amid a blustery late afternoon out come the beachwalkers with their dogs.
Storm at Semaphore South - 100x50cm acrylic on canvas
Available at Port art show - dec 2010/11

Storm at Largs

2010-11-30T22:40:00.000+10:30

Another in the 'storm-at-Largs series.
Storm at Largs - 100x100cm acrylic on canvas
Available at the Port Adelaide Rotary Art Show at the end of December

Late afternoon - Semaphore

2010-11-28T18:20:00.000+10:30

Not only is it late afternoon but a rain storm approaches too!
This view is from the Largs Jetty looking toward the Semaphore jetty, a beautiful stretch of beach to walk especially in cool conditions. It's a great vantage point to watch storms come over the gulf.
Late afternoon - Semaphore 100x50cm acrylic on canvas.
Available at the Port Adelaide Rotary Art Show late December 2010.

Yachts in a storm - award

2010-11-23T13:40:00.000+10:30

I test the waters all over the place and entered this painting in the Fine Art Views - Bold Brush Painting Competition. It was awarded a finalists place as an Oustanding Acrylic. The painting can be seen live at Artworx Gallery, Hays St, Goolwa, South Australia.

Painting outside

2010-11-22T16:48:00.000+10:30

As part of the warm-up for next year's Fleurieu Art Prize (the world's richest landscape prize) the organisers arranged for two one-day paitning competitions. I attended the second one based at Victor Harbor. It was a great day with some 70 artists converging to paint during the day then judging in the evening, and with works for sale.

I secured a shady spot near the beach to paint from.
The paintings is acrylic on linen 100x75cm

Victor Harbor beach path

2010-11-21T12:55:00.001+10:30

There are little gems like this along the esplanade but you have to look for them!
Victor Harbor beach path - acrylic on canvas - 40x30cm
Available at Artistic License - January 2011

Near St Ives

2010-11-19T11:53:00.000+10:30

Beach walkers enjoy the day near St Ives.
30x40cm acrylic on canvas

Porthmeor beach - St Ives

2010-11-13T20:08:00.000+10:30

Beach walkers travers the sandy beach of Porthmeor with its distinctive landscape.
Porthmeor beach - St Ives - 40x30cm acrylic on canvasboard.

Wall to Wall exhibition at Artworx

2010-11-03T13:31:00.000+10:30

One of my small paintings that will be shown at this year's 5th birthday exhibition at Artworx Gallery at Goolwa. Artists that will feature will be Tom O'Callaghan, Lorraine Lewitzke, Cheryl Brown, Margo Miles, Katie Wyatt, Chris Wake, Mike Barr and others.
Proceeds start at 3pm Nov 7th at the gallery, 12 Hays St, Goolwa - phone 08 8555 0949
Why not come down to Goolwa, have lunch then pop into the Gallery in the afternoon and make a day of it!
There is always a great selection of paintings, sculpture and giftware to delve into at Artworx.
See you there.

A day at the beach

2010-10-30T22:25:00.000+10:30

A beach in Australia, South Africa or Cornwall?
A day at the Beach - acrylic on canvasboard - 40x20cm

Late afternoon Encounter Bay

2010-10-29T00:02:00.000+10:30

Encounter Bay at Victor Harbor is a favourite haunt for many a holiday goer in South Australia. Late afternoon shadows are being chased by beach walkers.
Late Afternoon - Encounter Bay - 6x8" acrylic on canvas
Available at Artworx Gallery, Goolwa from Nov 7th

Yachts at the Bluff

2010-10-23T22:16:00.001+10:30

A large painting of South Australia's most popular playground - Victor Harbor.
Not many yachts are seen near the Bluff but it make for an interesting scene.
Yachts at the Bluff - Acrylic on linen - 180x90cm
Available at Artworx at their official opeing of the Wall to Wall exhibition starting at 3pm Nov 7th

Bike on Grenfell St

2010-10-17T19:08:00.000+10:30

A lone cyclist leads the traffic on a busy Grenfell Street, Adelaide.
A heavy shower has just one through and left lots of puddles for reflections.
Bike on Grenfell St - Acrylic on canvasboard - 40x30cm

The dunes of Victor

2010-10-15T23:18:00.000+10:30

These little dunes are pretty well hidden and some are fenced off for protection. This one has been well used.
A small yacht is being prepared for play in the shallows.
The dunes of Victor - acrylic on canvas - 40x30cm
Available soon at Artworx Gallery

Town Hall revisited

2010-10-14T23:19:00.000+10:30

Another smaller painting in the town hall series and this one destined for the production of prints.
Showers - Adelaide Town Hall - Acrylic on canvas - 40x30cm

North Terrace colour

2010-10-02T18:25:00.000+09:30

Another in my North Terrace series. I have attempted to add a little more colour to this one.
It is also somewhat smaller than usual.
North Terrace colour - 40x30cm acrylic on canvas board.
Destination unknown at this time.

Red Brollie wins at Glenelg

2010-10-01T10:18:00.000+09:30

Red Brollie won best acrylic/oil at the Glenleg Rotary Art Show last night.

I have done several similar paintings. This one is still for sale at the show.

Artworx Gallery - Goolwa, South Australia

2010-09-29T13:04:00.004+09:30

Of course this is not one of my latest paintings, but you can see my work at Artworx Gallery and Gifts, 10-12 Hays Street, Goolwa, South Australia.
Owned and created by Wendy and Stephen Middleton, the Gallery is a wonderful mixture of paintings, sculpture and jewellery. Some of South Australia's premier artists show here including Tom O'Callaghan, argueably one of Australia's, if not the world's leading landscape painters and, he shows exclusively here at Artworx.

Last year Channel 7's life-style program aired a segment on the gallery and I invite you to look at the short clip and hope that it encourages you to drop in on this amazing art space.

It is worth the trip to Goolwa just to see it alone!

Last Wave - Acrylic on canvas - Available at Artworx Gallery and Gifts
Artworx Gallery and Gifts

Town Hall rain

2010-09-25T11:25:00.000+09:30

Adelaide Town hall in South Australia is the cities most beautiful spot in the rain.

Town Hall Rain - acrylic on linen - 55x55cm

Available at the Cathedral Art Show

Rain at the Show

2010-09-21T21:53:00.000+09:30

I work very near the showgrounds at Wayville. The Friday to start the Royal Adelaide Show was a wet one, so I ventured out to the main gates with my camera and brollie. People were scurrying in and out of the gates with earnest looks on their faces. Still, the show must go on - and it did!
Rain at the Show - Acrylic on linen - 55x55cm
Available at the Cathedral Art Show

The Qantas overland

2010-09-19T22:21:00.001+09:30

One of the first of a new series of aerial paintings. Inspired by Qantas flights across the amazing Australian landscape. Below is a verse I penned a few years ago that was inspired by the same scenes.

The Qantas Overland - acrylic on canvas - 150x90cm

Available at the Cathedral Art Show - Oct 2010

The Qantas Overland

I sipped my bottled water
And peered the depths below.
How big is this enormous land
With its dry and brazen glow?

Who carved that track - plumbline-straight
That feels toward the sea?
And every squared-off farming plot
As far as eyes can see?

Shadows made by fluffy whites
Vaunt their rainless form.
And skim across unborn crops
With hope of rain forlorn.

But there amid the burnished red,
In shades of silver-green.
A snaking line drawn in the dust
Is filled with liquid sheen.

A slender thread filled with life
An umbilical of sorts.
That feeds the roots of fruit and vine
And hedonist resorts.

It winds its way to the sea at last
To the Mouth east of the bluff.
A mouth that 's never ever filled
And filled not near enough.

Then as the plains turn into hills
And hills to roofs of tin.
I swigged my bottled water down
And thought on where I'd been.

Roads and crops and burning scrub
And serpent river bends.
Australia - our home - our life
And where our heart attends.

Yachts in a storm

2010-09-18T19:15:00.000+09:30

This painting has developed from one that just depicted a storm over wetlands, to a beach scene with yachts.

Based loosely on the beach at Largs where many a yacht has cast off into the sea.

The painting is available at the Cathedral Art Show that runs from Oct 9 - 16.

http://www.stpeters-cathedral.org.au/web/artshow

Yachts in a storm - Acrylic on linen - 120x90cm

Semaphore wins at Gawler

2010-09-12T20:25:00.001+09:30

I felt honoured today by being awarded the best in show (my painting, not me) at the Gawler Art Award.
Quite a number of my Semaphore paintings have won awards over the last 6 years.
Thanks Semaphore!

Four for the Adelaide Royal Show

2010-08-24T11:13:00.013+09:30

These are the four works I have entered for the Adelaide Royal Show Art Purchase section. They are all 55x55cm - acrylic on linen with a 10cm white border around all of them. They have the theme of Adelaide Rain.
The Royal Show runs from 3-11 September 2010

People's Choice

2010-08-23T13:57:00.004+09:30

Magic Medina has just won a second People's Choice award - this time at the Tea Tree Gully Art Show.
The painting will make a final appearance at the Loreto Spring Art show.
http://www.loreto.sa.edu.au/development/events/springart-2010-loreto-art-exhibition

Reflections of Sydney

2010-08-15T18:48:00.006+09:30

5.30pm and Sydney Harbour is bustling with people trying to get home from work. The ferries are filling fast as the rain starts to fall. The harbour lights are coming on and it's looking beautiful.

Reflections of Sydney - Acrylic on Canvasboard - 7x5"

Semaphore Sunday

2010-07-18T18:24:00.005+09:30

A favourite subject of mine which I paint differently each time.

The Semaphore jetty is currently under major repair after storms last year demolished some of the middle part. Reference photos where taken for this painting during several years of the Kite Festival which is held there each year. As you will notice people are looking out from the jetty - they were actually looking at an amazing array of kites on the day.

The jetty is not unlike the scene that Charles Condor painted in his work 'Holiday at Mentone' many years ago. It resides in the South Australian Art Gallery and remains as one of my favourite paintings done by the impressionist of the 19th century.

Semaphore Sunday - 90x60cm - acrylic on board.

Available at the Mt Waverly art Show in Melbourne next month.

A day for yachts

2010-07-11T10:15:00.003+09:30

A fictitious little painting with all the cosiness of a yacht club next to the sea animated by people walking in the shallows.

Only the brave are out today,
Out in the wind and chill.
Others watch from the comfort zone,
With an arm on a window sill.

A day for yachts - acrylic on canvasboard - 12x9"
Available at Mt Waverly Art Show - Aug 2010

Yacht day

2010-07-10T16:29:00.002+09:30

Some days are just made for yachts!

Fluttering sails,
And billowing clouds
Three boats on a beach,
Away from the crowds.

Yacht day - acrylic on canvasboard - 12x9"
Available at the Mt Waverly Art Show - August 2010

Red umbrella - North Tce

2010-07-06T13:27:00.003+09:30

The red umbrella has returned to North Tce on this lovely rainy day.

There's nothing like a rainy day,

When pavements turns to glass.

With brollies just like parachutes,

That make it hard to pass.

Red Umbrella - North Tce - acrylic on canvas 55x55cm

Rain on Waymouth

2010-07-03T17:42:00.003+09:30

I've had this painting done for a while but added some needed darks today. I also added the bicycle, which I think has added some charm to the scene. The building on the right is the Union Hotel. The Union was the place to go for a quick, cheap businessman's lunch - the place was always a buzz when my dad took me there. Today it is more upbeat and hip. Still a great place for lunch no doubt.

A table at the Union
Where ties and shirts still meet
A parmi with some favourite sauce
And a beer goes down a treat.

Rain on Waymouth
Available at the Blackwood Rotary Art Show

Beach path, Largs

2010-06-28T22:01:00.000+09:30

It's quite a way from the walking/cycling path to the beach, at Largs.

When it's hot and the sun is high,

And walking's such a task.

You'll reach the sea eventually,

And in the shallows bask.

Beach path, Largs - acrylic on canvas - 8x6"

Grey day at Largs

2010-06-26T20:09:00.002+09:30

A grey blustery day didn't put off sailing enthusiasts at Largs.

Sentinal pines oversee the beach,

As flapping sails are set.

Wistful looks toward the sea,

with thoughts of cold and wet!

Grey day at Largs - acrylic on canvasboard - 8x6"

Shadows and sails

2010-06-25T23:25:00.002+09:30

Shadows sweep across the beach as sails are hoisted ready for a day's sailing.

The wind is having its way today,

As clouds surrender their will.

Shadows race across the sand,

And sails are having their fill.

Shadows and sails - acrylic on canvas - 91x45cm

Victor yachts

2010-06-22T23:03:00.002+09:30

I was amazed last year to witness a group of red little yachts doing maneuvers in the bay in the middle of an early morning downpour - they almost disappeared in the low visibility. But this day was not like that. The sun was shining as a red kat came in as another yacht was dismantling it's sails.

Victor yachts come in at last,

And some have won the day.

They'll all be back again real soon,

To race and tack and play.

Victor yachts - 8x6" - acrylic on canvasboard

A beach for yachts

2010-06-21T20:34:00.003+09:30

Loosely based on Sunshine beach although I didn't see any yachts while I was there!

What's a beach without a yacht,

and sails that flap in the breeze.

What's a beach without a yacht,

to ply the green-blue seas?

A beach for yachts - acrylic on canvasboard - 7x5"

Available Mindfield Book Gallery - Blackwood - July 2010

South Head - Sydney

2010-06-20T18:38:00.004+09:30

You can't help but notice the lovely South Head when on the ferry to Manly from Sydney. It's about at this point that the swell from the open sea hits the ferry with obvious results.

A ferry ride to Manly bound,

In a boat of cream and green.

A harbour jewelled on either side,

With views once wished, now seen.

South Head - Sydney - acrylic on canvasboard - 7x5"

Victor Harbor Yacht Club

2010-06-19T21:32:00.006+09:30

There are few yacht clubs that can boast such beautiful sorroundings as the Victor Harbor Yacht Club. To the artist's eye the club is landmarked by a row of mature pines that act as a dark backdrop to the sails that are hoisted and pulled down before and ending the day's sailing - it's a wonderful sight.

The pines have arms to bring us home,

They call us back to land.

The pines protect our club of sails,

And shade our blessed sand.

Victor Harbor Yacht Club - Acrylic on canvasboard - 7x5"

Available at the Mindfield Book
Gallery. Blackwood. July 2010

June

Town hall reflections

2010-06-10T19:05:00.003+09:30

There's always a picture to paint from under the porch at the Adelaide Town Hall.
Town Hall reflections - Acrylic on canvasboard - 8x6"
Available at my exhibition of small works at the Mindfield Bookshop Blackwood during July 2010

Waymouth rain

2010-06-09T21:04:00.003+09:30

Rain on busy Waymouth St near the Union hotel is alway nice to look at.

Waymouth Rain - acrylic on canvasboard - 8x6"

Article in MedicSA

2010-06-08T18:07:00.008+09:30

A couple of years ago I wrote an article for a medical magazine about the benefits of paintings on the walls of medical waiting rooms instead of medical posters. And here it is.

North Terrace rain

2010-06-07T22:20:00.002+09:30

One of a series of sketch paintings that will be part of an exhibiton of small paintings at the Mindfield book shop, Blackwood during the month of July.

North Terrace rain - acrylic on canvasboard - 8x6"