New painting has begun – inspired by the fragrance of ‘the smell of rain’

New painting has begun – inspired by the fragrance of ‘the smell of rain’

Drawing with Katka Adams and other like-minded artists is inspiring and stimulating, not to forget lots of fun. Then there is coffee, tea, cake and conversation. The group is having an exhibition at Northern Rivers Community Gallery. Opening night 5.30pm on Thursday 8 February 2018.
I think this is final!!!

A rainbow lorikeet appears to be nesting in our big gum tree – and the ‘Rainbow Sunflowers’ painting is progressing too.


I have been growing giant sunflowers – more than 2 metres tall. My plan was to paint sunflowers – a few seeds in the vegetable garden and no more vegetables but massive sunflowers.
Started painting sunflowers now – ‘rainbow sunflowers’ now in progress



The Flower Garden is finished – fun to paint because it is so happy. The sunflowers and agapanthus have begun flowering and more flower painting to come!! Some of the giant sunflowers haven’t yet blossomed but are soaring up to more than 6 feet. The echidna is doing its rounds. Love nature!

Oil on Canvas
The painting progresses!!!



I have begun this painting by using charcoal to sketch the little flowers I can see from the verandah – drawing in plein aire, so to speak. I don’t want this drawing to formulate the painting – even though I have sketched an idea, I want the oil paints to take over and dictate the composition. I think it is interesting to watch the progression of a painting, and sometimes it changes totally. The size of the canvas won’t change though – this one is 75cm by 90cm.

I have developed a new sense of interest in my garden flowers and vegetables. Most of the small flowers are in pots. I have always enjoyed cottage gardens and the rambling nature of them – I have tried to create that sense of randomness. I don’t know the names of all the flowers but love the pansies, geraniums, seaside daisies, succulents and the jade bush. I am using my garden in a new painting – to me the flowers give me pleasure and I want that feeling to be transported into my painting.