the wisdom of Leunig's duck

My emotions these past weeks are seesawing from north to south.

it seems that there is so much violence and hurt and bad news around.....

Colorado, Syria, government waste and incompetence and inaction and lies,

huge job losses in so many industries,

and then there are stories of kindness, and strength,

and committment to excellence, and discovery, and doing your best.

I've found it difficult to keep my head-space in the positive

and to keep painting.

I think I'll not watch or listen to the news for a while.

I think I'll give my creativity some room to breathe.

Leunig has nailed it today....

Faster...higher...stronger
Leunig cartoon... "The Age' newspaper...today....28-07-12

 

detail....Leunig cartoon...The Age ...28-07-12.

                                     three cheers for the duck!  
                                                                       
                                                                             Jo  x

ps: update on the 'Wild Ducks' and their hunt for a new home.....

they flew off shortly after....wisely me thinks....

and haven't been back since....a pity.....but smart choice! 

three more cheers for ducks!

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'Summer Snapshot'

'Summer Snapshot'
detail
Jo-Ann Hunt©

From today I have five paintings on exhibition  in the windows

at Suburban 312 Gallery..... and I'm hoping to take

some photos to show you on the weekend.

I always love to see an artist's work 'en-masse'.....it has so much

more power and depth....

and to see my own paintings looking cohesive, colourful and

beautifully hung makes all the hard work worthwhile.





.....this is just to tempt you to drive past and take a look.....

'Summer Snapshot'
Jo-Ann Hunt©
'Travels with my Paintbrush' Series
H122x92cm
H48x36ins
Acrylic on Canvas

just don't get too distracted and pop the red light camera at the traffic lights!

'Summer Snapshot'
detail
Jo-Ann Hunt©

                                                       Jo   x







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'Friends'......

another little canvas.....

'Friends'
Jo-Ann Hunt©
H30x30cm
H12x12ins
Acrylic on Canvas
sold

Torquay Surf Beach, Australia

and before Facebook, there was the TV show.....

so  for the friends of 'Friends'......

                            "can I have the same hairstyle as that girl in 'Friends'?"
                            "which one?"
                            "um , I think she's called Rachel"
                            "no, I meant which hairstyle."
                 


                                    Jo   :)







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St Kevin's Art Show 2012... and Vegemite.

What do St Kevin's and Vegemite have in common?

not much, except that I have a soft spot for both! 


St Kevins Art Show was the very first art show I entered many, many 


years ago, and to my amazement I won an award,


and it was that validation that was the catalyst 


for the start of my painting career.

'The Vegemite Kids'
Jo-Ann Hunt©
'The Child Within - Summer' Series
H51x101cm
H20x40ins
Acrylic on Canvas
sold

I wonder if the judge that day realized the power of his approval?

I wonder if any of us fully comprehend the possible life-changing power 

of an encouraging word, a nod of acceptance, 

a certificate of praise, an 'elephant-stamp' for good behaviour.  

I'm all in favour of 'elephant-stamps'.........

wish our politicians deserved some!

'The Vegemite Kids'
detail
Jo-Ann Hunt©

(and this painting was exhibited and found a new home at this years show...

making me a happy-little-vegemite!)

The Vegemite Song

We're happy little Vegemites, as bright as bright can be, 

We all enjoy our Vegemite for breakfast, lunch and tea, 

Our mummies say we're growing stronger every single week, 

Because we love our Vegemite, 

We all adore our Vegemite, 
It puts a rose in every cheek. 

remember... just a tad will do ya 

And I couldn't resist, I know that now you've read those words the tune in your head will drive you batty......

so just for you.... a trip down memory lane....if you are old enough!

               
                                           
            .........never without it in my house!    

                                                                            Jo  x








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wild ducks on the deck?

This morning two new arrivals in the neighbourhood.

two wild ducks on the neighbours roof......

chattering and waggling excitedly above the neighbours swimming pool.......

lovely, boisterous, loud honking to each other.

I think they are looking for a spot to make their nest.

from the noise they are making, I think they think they've found one!

their discussion seemed to be getting a little heated.

 I wonder if they've discovered the neighbour has a dog?

a big one!

 I'll let you know if they decide to move in......

                                    could be interesting!

                                                       

                                                        Jo x







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"Ode to Joy" flashmob

off Elwood beach, Victoria

 This is too good not to pass on!

goosebumps and happy tears.....especially for the pure joy on the faces 

and in the jiggles of the children conducting.

for you.....is it the power of the music, or the power of the imagery.......

......or both?

have a joyful day!

this flashmob performing 'Beethoven's "Ode to Joy'  was sponsored by the Banco Sabadell, Spain.

it features the Valles Symphony Orchestra,  the Lieder, Amics de l'Opera, and Coral Belles Arts Choirs.

published on 31 May, 2012 You Tube

                  .....what fun!      Jo  :)

:

Canterbury Art Exhibition ....part 3

autumn yellows and blues......a favourite colour combo of mine!

Most of my paintings are large, often 122cm....(48 inches)  or more.....

and because they are so big, they are also very time consuming.

 I usually work on a couple of paintings at a time.....or three or four....

and whilst one is drying I move to the next.

this is handy for when  I get 'stuck', meaning not knowing where to put

my brush next ,or more often it's when I can see there's a problem 


with the painting but can't work out what is wrong, 


then I can move to another canvas and return later with 'fresh' eyes.

 this way , my creative juices keep flowing, and my momentum

is uninterrupted.

'Long Hot Summer'
Jo-Ann Hunt©

but there are other times, when I just need a change of pace.

I need to do something differently to recharge my batteries.....

so I work 'small!'


'Long Hot Summer' was exhibited at the 2012  Canterbury Art Exhibition

and I've been commissioned by it's new owner to create a 'pair'  for

this painting.....but with two girls.  

'Long Hot Summer'
Jo-Ann Hunt
H30x30cm
H12x12ins
Acrylic on Canvas
sold

  So 'J' , if you are reading this ......stay tuned ....it's almost, almost  finished!




                                                              Jo   x
















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Canterbury Art Exhibition 2012 ...part 2

actual sky colour....I know ......I didn't believe it myself !
but undoctored photo straight from my trusty pentax!

As I've mentioned before, I have a real predilection for artwork that is all

about the 'mark-making'....the quality of the brushwork or line work.  

 ...its the inherent energy, the loose gestural quality, the scratchiness,


 the 'character' of the mark..... 


yes, it's the personality of the actual marks on the canvas that appeals to me.

this is a perfect way to start your day......
with a painting by Mitch Vane 

that's why when I saw  this stunning tiny canvas by Melbourne illustrator

Mitch Vane at the Canterbury Art Exhibition 


it had to come home with me!

Mitch Vane
'Peace Offering'
H12.5x12.5cm
H5x5ins

I love the sketchiness, the simplicity, the humour of her drawings,

and the quirkiness behind her ideas.

and it cheers me up!

for a bigger dose of Mitch Vane's humour and her delightful paintings

and illustrations , visit her web page  right here.

and whilst you browse, I'm off and back to my brushes!



                               Jo x





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