Friday 29 November 2013

The Return Visit

It’s three years since I set off from South Africa to settle here in Brisbane, Australia, and what eventful years they have been...

Pink Roses with Mirrors - oil on canvas 610 mm x 915 mm ©2013 Carol Lee Beckx

There were times, especially in the early days, when I questioned my sanity and doubted my decision to bid farewell to the familiar and the comfortable for an uncertain future. 
My grandson, with the wisdom of the young, asked me, just before I left, what I was going to do in Australia. I replied that I planned to be an artist and to teach art. He was voicing the question many were not asking.

He said to me " What if that doesn't work,Gran?"
At a loss for words, I most likely said something along the lines of "I'll have to think of Plan B."

However, Australia has been really good to me and there's been no need for alternate plans. The people have opened their hearts to me and given me work - students have attended my classes and workshops, offering friendship as well as their attendance at my classes - helps  keep the wolf from the door; clients have trusted me with their special commissions and others have loved and bought my paintings.

Thank you.

As you read this I will be on a plane to returning for my first visit back to South Africa - and I can’t wait. I am so excited to see my family and my friends, who have been on my mind and in my heart since I left.  

2nd December 2013 - the post didn't publish as planned...so better late than never...

Thursday 21 November 2013

Botanique Christmas Bazaar at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Here is a last minute reminder about this exciting event in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, Brisbane.

Artists and artisans will be showing a wide range of wares over the weekend, opening this evening with a preview at 6.00pm. The show continues until 4.00pm Sunday 24th November.

I will be showing some botanically inspired paintings.

 

 

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Drawing at Deja` Bru


Deja` Bru Café - ink and watercolour Stillman & Birn Alpha sketchbook
©2013 Carol Lee Beckx

A favourite café,  Deja` Bru, is just up the road from me so I do visit often! 
If you remember, it’s also the home of my large painting of Paris - here’s the link to see the painting.

The other day I was delighted to find that the lovely owner had started to ride to work. Her delightful pink bike was standing in a corner.

It was the perfect addition to my sketch.

Friday 8 November 2013

Make some Art

Blue & White cup and saucer - ink and graphite
Stillman &Birn Alpha Sketchbook
© 2013 Carol Lee Beckx

1. Make some Art.

2. Make some more Art.

3. Make even more Art.

4. Make even more Art than that.

5. Make Art when you don't really feel like making Art.

6. Make Art when you REALLY feel like making Art.

7. Make Art when you have something to say.

8. Make Art when you got nothin' to say.

9. Make Art every day.

10. Keep making Art.