Splish Splash

"Stripes and Spotty Swimmers"
90x120cms acrylic



"Altogether Now" 90x120cms acrylic

This series based on "swimmers" from Jeanette are just delightful in so many ways. Even though they are basically monochromatic - they have been highlighted with touches of silver and bronze. The little fish swimming in the background create movement and quite honestly they would look amazing on any wall, a touch of fun and whimsy.

Wildflower Country - new works from Heather Blacklock

Wildflower Country (Everlastings) (97x140cms)

"This painting is what I call the "best time of the year" when the sun would come out and warm up all them flowers , and they would look like they would open up and smile at the sun. This was also a great time of the year for us to go picking wildberries and other wild fruits."

(narrative by Heather)

a close up (detail)

On the easel at the gallery

I literally let out a "gasp" when I first layed eyes on this stunningly-beautiful piece from Heather - the painting literally shimmers and pulsates. The patiently applied layers evoke a flourishing burst of colourful flowers.

The quill style looks deceptively simple. In many of her paintings, she uses a droplet shape to build up a pointillist picture, usually on a one colour background - in this case an emerald green. The tail of the droplet gives her work an unusual sense of movement. "It has a 3D effect and people want to touch it," says Ray (Heather’s husband). "I call it Braille art. Aboriginal people get excited about it. One old fellow started to dance when he saw one of Heather's paintings."

"It makes me feel proud of my culture, getting their approval," adds Heather. "It makes the paintings worth doing even more. When you see your people looking at something you've done, it's a bit emotional, like going home and showing your mum."

Art for Children or Fairy Lovers

Let me show you these special little pieces created by Denise Murray. They are a collection of paintings commissioned for a "new born" baby's nursery. I'm sure you will agree, they are simply exquisite, with undertones of colour and dream like qualities.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

************

^^^^^^^^^^^^

+++++++++++++++++

Quite often Denise will start working with a simpe "shadow" which can appear in the foreground - the observer becomes the observed, there is no preconceived notion. Colour is very important and texture will suggest a world of possibilities. These simple little paintings have a playful look about them, but the undertones are quite sophisticated. Tone on tone is just exquisite - lucky little "Malia" that now has them in her bedroom to look at for the rest of her life!

Making Ordinary Extraordinary

The most remarkable thing about Michael Cawdrey's work is the ordinariness of the subject matter. The appeal lies in the way Michael relates to everyday life where you find yourself saying "I've been there before" and you probably have!

This collection of beautiful oils are framed in oyster coloured frames with white matts - no glass, so you get that lovely impact of colour on your walls once they are placed.

"View to Moffatt Beach Headland"

41x93cms

"George Street - Brisbane"
"Paddling at High Tide"

"A Slice of Sunshine at Bribie Island"

"Autumn in Melbourne"

53x68cms

Michael's passion is in everyday shapes and activities - such as old buildings beside new skyscapers. Sometimes Michael might use both acrylic and oils as the acrylic gives a spontaneous, edgy effect while the oil provides a softer balance.

This is truly a lovely collection - the light and shade are simply superb. I placed some of the paintings onto our charcoal coloured wall and they just look exquisite, but would also sit beautifully on crisp white walls.

Special Appearance by Kate Smith

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you three special works from this extremely collectable and well known Australian artist. Kate is one of Australia's finest pastel artists and her current signature pieces are of fascinating women with backdrops of intoxicating colour. Blessed with a fertile imagination, she portrays her dreams and ideas in works that are mystical, intriguing and stylish. Our gallery will feature works from Kate for a very limited time only.

"The Rose"

"Patchwork"

"Vase of Flowers"

Robin Hines Wins Major Award

"In the Straits" by Robin Hines - last Sunday, this beautiful painting WON the major prize at the Hervey Bay Art Society's Fraser Coast Competitive Art Exhibition for 2009. The painting measures 90cms x 60cms and is an oil on canvas.

"In the Straits"

"Tides Out" (triptych)

"Zephre II" oil on canvas

Some lovely new oils from Robin Hines and many congrats in winning the major award in Hervey Bay. I have posted an article (above) although it may not be very clear, we have the original copy from the article, so please let me know if you wish a hard copy to be sent.

New Glassware from Hoglund Art Glass

"Baby Birds" & " Birds with Wings"

Just arrived in the gallery in time for Christmas are the beautiful art glass pieces from Hoglund. These pieces are all individual works of art, made from molten liquefied crystal glass - therefore - no two pieces will ever be the same. Handblown glass is an art form which bears the "fingerprint" of the craftsman in every piece created.

"Paperweights"

"Wave Bowl - with Base"


"Dot Wave Vase"

A wide collection of stunning hand-blown glass is now on display at The Manly Gallery which has been created exclusively by hand in striking colours and designs.