Gerry's Paintbrush

Megalong Valley

Gerry — Wed, 08 May 2013 23:12:35 +0000

Yesterday another artist friend and I spent the day exploring beautiful Blackheath and the Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains. The weather was cool and crisp and the autumn colour was spectacular against the clear, blue sky. It is no wonder hundreds of artists spend time painting the scenery in this area. It is so very peaceful and gobsmackingly awe inspiring. One takes a breath of the air and the body relaxes.We lunched at the famous Tea Rooms where, we were told, many of the rich and famous fly in in helicopters so they can partake of the delicious food available there. Nice to think that we were treated with the same courtesy as is extended to the upper echelon.

The best part of a day such as this is that there are no restrictions as to where you go, time frames or what to see. It all just unfolds. We have been so inspired to head straight to the easel and begin another masterpiece.

Well we shall see!

This will not be the end of these day trips of discovery in and around this wonderful part of the world.

An awesome place

Gardens in Blackheath

Oatley West PS Annual Art Exhibition

Gerry — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:53:24 +0000

Title: Oatley West PS Annual Art Exhibition
Location: Oatley West PS, Oatley Park Ave, Oatley West
Description: Arts and craft Fair
Start Date: 2013-04-05
Start Time: 10:00
End Date: 2013-04-07
End Time: 16:00

Oatley 101 Fabulous Fakes Gallery Weekend

Gerry — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:51:22 +0000

Title: Oatley 101 Fabulous Fakes Gallery Weekend
Location: Oatley West Scout Hall, 101 Woronora Pde, Oatley West, NSW
Description: This is an exciting weekend of brilliant copies of the Masters. It is the best way to own these works without the price tag. There are also many other original paintings by the art Society members. The gallery has a range of high quality crafts, jewelery and cakes on sale. Always worth a visit. I will be there on Saturday 4th May.
Start Date: 2013-05-04
End Date: 2013-05-05

Nepean Art Society Autumn Exhibition

Gerry — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:45:49 +0000

Title: Nepean Art Society Autumn Exhibition
Location: The Print Room, Former Council Chambers, 129 Henry St, Penrith, NSW
Description: This is always a very popular exhibition. I will be on duty all day on Sunday.
Opening Night is on 3rd May from 7PM. Sales are always good at these exhibitions.
Start Date: 2013-05-03
End Date: 2013-05-05

Castle Hill Art Society Members Exhibition

Gerry — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:39:51 +0000

Title: Castle Hill Art Society Members Exhibition
Location: Castleglen Community Hall, 155 Ridgecrop Drive, Castle Hill
Description: Opening Night 25 April starts at 7PM.
Start Date: 2013-04-25
End Date: 2013-04-28

Festival of Kurell

Gerry — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:37:25 +0000

Title: Festival of Kurell
Location: Marton Hall, Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell
Description: Weekend Fair and art exhibition.
Start Date: 2013-04-26
End Date: 2013-04-28

Drummoyne Art Society 49th Annual Art Awards

Gerry — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:35:23 +0000

Title: Drummoyne Art Society 49th Annual Art Awards
Location: Drummoyne Civic Hall, 1A Marlborough St, Drummoyne
Description: Major art exhibition. Opening night 22 April from 7PM.
Start Date: 2013-04-20
End Date: 2013-04-28

St Gregory’s College Art Exhibition

Gerry — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 02:37:47 +0000

Title: St Gregory’s College Art Exhibition
Location: 100 Badgally Rd, Campbelltown, NSW
Description: Art and craft exhibition. Opening night 22nd March from 7.30pm.
Featured artist anne Horder. Guest speaker David Horton.
Start Date: 2013-03-23
Start Time: 10am
End Date: 2013-03-24
End Time: 3pm

Art in Action – The Combined Art Societies of Sydney

Gerry — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:23:51 +0000

The upcoming “Art in Action” weekend of tutored workshops is a not to be missed event.

The tutors are brilliant. This is a wonderful way to meet some of the best artists in the country either as tutors, students or coordinators. You can opt for 3 days with one tutor or just 1 day. It offers basic accommodation on site or you can choose to be a day participant. On Saturday evening there is a great deal of priceless fun, food and friendship. A great way to establish networks and friendships or renew connections.

The event will be held in May and all the details can be found on the Oatley 101 website www.oatley101.com

This is the best way to spend a weekend as you do not have to commit to long term study to gain some wonderful insight and skills in your chosen craft.

Worth a try. It is such an inspirational weekend.

What to do with dried out tubes of Gouache

Gerry — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:38:22 +0000

Given the cost of good quality paints I have found the following prevents some waste.

When tubes of gouache dry out (usually colours I do not use as frequently) I remove the dried paint from the tubes, crush it and put the powder into small jars which have lids. Then I add a small amount of water and a drop of Gum Arabic with the gouache, mixing it thoroughly. It is a good idea to label the jars with the colour. These are then suitable to be used for washes.

Another suggestion is to use a couple of drops of water to the powder and make a paste. Then place it either in a watercolour pan or ice cube trays to dry onto a cake form.

This works best when the paint is a reputable brand. Always make sure the paint for washes is mixed well and test the paint before using it on the current project. Age of the paint will affect the quality but it is worth a try.