Decoart's diary

Happy New Year

2008-01-18T10:30:00.000-12:00

January 2008 is more than half gone - hasn't time just flown by?

My first task for this year was updating my website. I hope you'll find it a refreshing update. I have some free time for the next 6 weeks and I'm hoping to create a number of new works.
There are a couple of art events coming up and I'm in the process of deciding which to participate. When the decision is made, it will be posted here.

For now, I have four new works on order which I need to complete by end of February. Two of these will be interesting as they are variations of my current designs. I hope to have the photos up when they are really.

Season's Greetings to all

2007-12-20T18:24:00.000-12:00

It's been a while since I've blog.

Running a 'real life' business is 100 times as hard as doing my one man show. In between these busy times, I've managed to complete a couple of small orders for my artwork. Hopefully once this silly season is over, I'm able to create some new Art Deco ladies as my stock (as can be seen on my website) is running low. No stock, no sale.

Wishing all a safe and happy Christmas.

September 2007

2007-09-24T15:18:00.000-12:00

Phew! What a well-packed 5 weeks I've had since opening our new business on 23 Aug 2007!!!
To update, for just over 4 weeks my husband and I have been running our cards and gifts shop namely, Wild Cards and Gifts at Eastland.
During this time, a winner for my artworks has been announced for the Babyology.com.au competition. I'm trying to find time to complete the paintings and so far have made a good start. The winner had chosen a couple of lovely designs and I look forward to posting a photo of them in a few weeks time.

Month of August

2007-08-02T16:23:00.000-12:00

Long time no blog! A thousand apologies.
Before I get to my excuse, Decoart Creations competition is now on at Babyology, so check it out and enter.
Why haven't I been blogging?
My husband and I have been preparing to open our first Wild Cards and Gifts store due to start trading on 23 August at Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood, Vic. If that's your local centre, you'll notice two boarded up shop sites on the ground floor near Mrs Field's Cookie & Coffee place. The one next to the fruit shop is ours.
For our preparation, we've been pricing and checking all our opening stock and there are some really fantastic items for Father's Day so do drop in. You'll also be able to find selected Decoart Creations artworks for sale.
Our second store is due to open in April 2008 at Doncaster Westfield once the renovations are completed.
If you'd like to find out more about Wild Cards and Gifts group, click he re.

How time flies…

2007-07-11T18:45:00.001-12:00

July is nearly half gone and I don't know where my time went.
I've been busy setting up a new business with my husband and we hope to start operating in mid-August.
Meantime on the art front, I've just completed a couple of orders. Attached is a photo of the latest order from my favourite client for a christening.
Also, I'm working on more images for an editorial and competition to be showcased in August in www.babyology.com.au - a fabulous site to learn about all things new and cool for 'little' people. Don't wait! Check it out now!

Creative Mums Exhibition

2007-06-05T18:34:00.000-12:00

I'm proud to announce that I'm a finalist in the Creative Mums Frameworks Exhibition to be held at Manly Art Gallery and Museum from Sept 6 onwards till March '08.

My artwork is titled 'Two Faces' and is a combination of two of my Art Deco ladies - Philomena and Claudette.

For more information and to have a look at my submission, go to http://www.creativemums.com.au/

Large canvas

2007-05-31T15:57:00.000-12:00

I've just completed a 90 x 75cm canvas in acrylic with hand-beading. It's titled 'I'm like a bird'. As mentioned in my last post, it started off as an abstract of swirls but once the shapes were defined by the colours, my 'in-house' critics namely my husband and two kids pointed out that they can see a bird. Subsequently, I decided to name it after Nelly Furtado's song - I'm like a bird'. The title emphasizes the freedom I had when I was initially sketching the swirls on the canvas.

This canvas will be added to my website and for those who wish to purchase it, please click here

New mini canvases

2007-05-29T14:38:00.000-12:00

I've just completed 5 mini canvases for my forthcoming Hawthorn Arts and Craft market stall. It's this Sunday, 3 June 2007 from 9am to 3pm.
In the meantime, I'm working on a very large canvas which started out as an abstract of swirls but has kind of ended up looking like an abstract bird. The colours used are rich - deep chocolate, pink, orange and green. At the moment, I am adding some beading to it.
So, watch this space - I hope to post a photo of it very soon.

Three Shoes

2007-05-16T18:05:00.000-12:00

I've been a bit under the weather. Nothing major, just a sniffle and a head-cold but it didn't stop me from finishing my latest order for a very lucky girl named Michelle.
My brief was three paintings of shoes in lime green, pink and purple that's suitable for a 10 year old girl. I hope I've created something that will last longer than her teenage years.
Love to hear some comments because I am thinking of adding this new range to my website.

Canterbury Art Exhibition

2007-05-06T13:18:00.000-12:00

The exhibition is now over but it was a fabulous even to be part of. Sadly, I didn't sell any but you may have a look at my two entries here.
If either of the ladies take your fancy, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I'm currently working on my latest commission for Mirjana, my favourite client. It's a set of three shoes and I can't wait to post the final result. I have completed the final drawings and will start painting very soon. I should have some images to post by late next week. Keep watching.

As for Mother's Day, it's still not too late to make a purchase or order.

Mother's Day

2007-04-29T17:31:00.000-12:00

Mother's day is not far off and I've created some new artwork just for this special day. Pictured is a small collection. For a closer look, I've posted a few up on my website for sale or pop down to Hawthorn Arts and Craft market this Sunday between 10am - 3pm to check them out. I'll have more stock towards the end of the week.

Just delivered

2007-04-26T12:03:00.000-12:00

I received a commission a couple of weeks ago to create a variation of one of my Patchwork on Paper series.
The top picture is the new commission for Giselle and below is the original (still available for sale and if you're in Kew, Victoria, pop into Little Smarties, 657 High St, Kew East to check it out).
Both have been rendered in watercolour with hand-beading and cross-stitching.

I'm back!!

2007-04-25T19:27:00.000-12:00

Sorry to those who's been visiting my blog. My excuse? I couldn't log on for ages so I gave up for a few weeks but now I'm back.

Both my paintings are all set for Canterbury Art Exhibition commencing next Friday, 4 May 2007 - Sunday 6 May 2007.
I won't be attaching a photo of them in this blog until they have received it and done their photography for their website. I'll be delivering them this Saturday so hopefully it will on their site before the Exhibition commences.

Keep watching!

Gidget Foundation for Post Natal Depression

2007-03-12T18:23:00.000-12:00

Today I've signed up to donate one of my paintings for a Mother's Day luncheon to raise fund for Gidget Foundation. For more information you can check out: http://www.gidgetevents.org/help.htm

On to my art matters, my WIP shown in my last post is not working out and I don't think it will be impressive enough for the Canterbury Art Exhibition. Because I'm limited to only 2 paintings I would like them to really 'shout'.
I started another on a 56cm x 71cm canvas board and it's based on the concept of my 'Blossoms…within' . The working title for it is 'Roses… within' and I've decided not to unveil it until it's completed. As it's painted on a canvas board, I'll need to have it framed which should enhance the painting.
Back to work!

WIP for Canterbury Art Exhibition

2007-03-08T13:56:00.000-12:00

This is a re-work of my watercolour titled 'Isadora' but this time in acrylic on canvas. I am experimenting this design on canvas. This work in progress is only a small one - 40cm x 40cm. If this idea works, I'm looking to creating a couple of ladies on canvas at lease twice this size for Canterbury Art Exhibition.
So far, I've basically outlined the design and colours (bound to be altered) and added texture to the hair. I'm waiting for it to dry to see what effect the modelling compound will create for the hair. May need a few more layers.

As for my 'Rose' piece for my abstract class, well - it's gone horribly wrong and it is now living in the 'scrap yard'.

Artz Blitz

2007-03-02T16:40:00.000-12:00

Phew! I've finally completed my entry for this year's Artz Blitz.
The theme for this 24hr competition is 'cycles' and I have interpreted it as the lifecycle of a flower. It's painted on a 60cm x 60cm canvas with acrylic.
At this point in time and I have about 2 ish hours left - I still can't think of a title.
Look forward to some comments.
For those in Melbourne, I'll be at Hawthorn Arts & Craft market tomorrow from 10am - 3pm. For more details, check out my website.

Canterbury Art Exhibition

2007-02-27T11:54:00.000-12:00

I received some good news yesterday to inform me that I've been invited to exhibit at the forthcoming Canterbury Art Exhibition from 4 - 6 May, 2007.
At the moment I planned to show a different version of Louise and a larger version of Philomena.
For my class on Monday night, my mini 'Forest' has morphed into 'Rose' - acrylic on canvas, 35.5 x 45cm. I've started working on the design, texture and rose. I'm planning to paint the background in 3 different tones of grey/charcoal but my tutor disagrees. He suggested cream. The reason for my colour choice was I was so inspired by Cate Blanchett's gown at the Oscars. It was charcoal cross platinum with small rich burgundy details at the lower part of her dress. I'm going to stick to my guns for now because I've tested the colour combination on a small watercolour for my market stall this weekend and it looked just fine.

Forest and Bottles - update

2007-02-22T10:43:00.000-12:00

I started a small version of 'Forest' at my class last Monday but spent most of the time adding more texture to 'Forest' and 'Bottles'. With 'Forest', texture has been added to the two beige trees in the foreground and texture has been added to the lower section of 'Bottles' to gave a bit more life to the table. Both are now available for sale on my webstore.
Meantime, I've started a 30cm x 30cm canvas of floral and butterfly motifs for my market stall in about 10 days time. I will post up a photo of my work in progress sometime this weekend.

Philomena - completed!

2007-02-18T14:48:00.000-12:00

Philomena was completed a few minutes ago and would love to hear some comments.
I've removed my 'Bouquets' series from my webstore due to my lack of enthusiasm for it. This is probably due to the less than perfect result of my first effort even though my sketches came up really good. Perhaps I have to render them in black and white and this may be the start of a 'Black and white' series. I will give it more thought during this week.
For my class tonight, I've decided to develop my 'Forest' idea by painting a small version of it in a different colour combination.

Philomena

2007-02-17T15:45:00.000-12:00

Just an update on my latest addition to my 'Art Deco Ladies' series. She's called Philomena. So far, I've been working on her elaborate headpiece with vibrant mauves and splashes of deep green. I've yet to decide on the colour of her hair. It's going to be either 'blondish' or 'light brown' or even a mixture of the two.

Forest - completed

2007-02-15T15:42:00.000-12:00

Finally, it's done!!
I'm pleased with how it all came together. I've used textured paint and patterns to individualised some of the trees.
Love to hear a few comments - good and bad are welcomed - before I embark on my next one. For my Monday's class, I'm tossing between a different version of 'Forest' and a new one titled 'Orchard'.
Meanwhile, over this weekend I'm going to start painting a new 'Kitty' for my Art Deco Ladies' series.

New work - Forest

2007-02-12T10:05:00.000-12:00

I had a ball last night at my painting class. I think it was a good job having done some sketching beforehand. I needed my tutor's advice on colour placement and by limiting my colour palette it has created a challenge for me.
The work-in-progress (WIP) shown in the photo illustrates the colour palette I'm using. I'm contrasting the warm and cool tones by using browns and grays.
As for the design, I'm so pleased with it because it has spawned a few more ideas in a similar theme. Looks like I've got a series going. In the meantime, I'm going to 'file away' my 'Bouquets' series because I think I'm onto something better.
Guess what I'll be doing for the rest of today?

Merry Mauves

2007-02-11T15:19:00.000-12:00

I've just completed 2 small watercolours with handstitching. I'm calling them Merry Mauve #1 and #2. They will be available at my next market at Hawthorn Town Hall on Sunday, 4th March unless sold prior.
I bought a few new colours to add to my acrylics collection earlier and I'm really looking forward to using them at my abstract class tonight.
I have been sketching over the weekend to create a design for tonight's class. I think I'm settling on an abstract forest but knowing me… the end product could be completely different. I hope to post a picture of it tomorrow regardless of the stage of painting I'll be at.

Bottles

2007-02-08T13:30:00.000-12:00

I've finally put a 'full stop' on my 'Bottles' painting.
What have I changed?
Firstly the circle area, I decided to make it 'neater'. Then I added patches of off-white on the dark, dark blue areas to 'frame it' the whole picture.
Lots of textured paint were added to the dark area - hope it shows up in the picture - and the two light blue areas to give contrast to the different shapes.
I'm rather pleased with it as a first attempt but my next one for my class I'm going to do a bit more preparation over weekend with my sketching and working out my colour concept.
It's going to be a landscape-type abstract.

A trying day

2007-02-07T21:09:00.000-12:00

Sigh! I've changed my 'Bottles' painting countless times today, so I've nothing to show. Thought I'll make a post to encourage myself to finish the painting so I'm giving myself a deadline - tomorrow pm.

Bouquets #1

2007-02-06T15:13:00.000-12:00

Finally finished 'Bouquets' series #1 under a bit of duress. Possibly to do with my brain churning over ideas for my 'Blue Bottles' - a slight distraction.
I've cropped and framed it and might just post it up in my webstore to see if there's any interest.
My next task is 'Blue Bottles'.
Keep popping in to see the adjustments I'm going to make.

My Abstract Class

2007-02-05T13:09:00.000-12:00

Last night I attended my first abstract class hoping to build up my skills and confidence in painting extra large artworks. I have to say it was most enjoyable and there are a lot to learn. I've posted my work-in-progress which I'd started last night. There are a few adjustments I'd like to make to my temporarily titled: Blue Bottles and hope to post up the final result later this week. I'm still working on my first 'Bouquets' series.

For this week's BMN Challenge #4, I have to mention something essential. For those who paint, especially in watercolour and acrylic, ever since I was introduced to 'The Masters®' Brush Cleaner and Preserver, I have not looked back. It's an excellent product - not cheap but lasts a long time. Wonder if the producer is reading this…

All new series - 'Bouquets'

2007-02-04T13:59:00.000-12:00

Now that the market is out of the way, my creative juices have started running.
I have started my first 'Bouquets' series which does not have a title yet. I'm waiting to see how the flowers turn out and will name it accordingly. Unless someone else has an idea, if so , please don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Market Day

2007-02-03T16:21:00.000-12:00

It was a hot market day and my sales was pretty good. My next market will be at Hawthorn Town Hall on the first Sunday of March.
For the next four weeks I shall be working on some new stock for both my stall and webstore. So, please keep a lookout.
As for ideas, I'm really keen to start a new series called 'Bouquets' using a similar style of design and painting as my Art Deco Ladies. I think they will compliment each other.
Also, I've just noticed that my art of all ages series are in alphabetical order:
Art Deco Ladies
Bouquets
C…
Hmm… food for thought.

Yarra Glen Market - Sunday, 4 Feb 2007

2007-02-01T12:59:00.000-12:00

Thought I'll post this now in case I don't have time tomorrow.
I'll be at Yarra Glen Market from 8am - 2pm at the undercover tote area (near the coffee stalls - not that you'll need coffee on Sunday as the forecast is 38ºC). For more details you can check my website.
If you mention my blog or website when you see me, I'll give you a discount.

The photo illustrates a couple of my new designs I've been doing for my stall. I hope to create more of these patterns in the near future.

Another happy customer

2007-01-31T15:11:00.000-12:00

Phew! Must be on a roll here.
Received this compliment today from a satisfied customer. But the most importantly to me was the product purchased was from my latest range, Art Deco Ladies. Sometimes, it takes a while for a new idea to take off but not this time.
The 'Three Ladies - Kitty, Isadora and Dimsie" are as shown in the photograph.
And here's Shelley's comment:
Is an amazingly talented artist. I am lucky enough to be the new owner of some of her beautiful artworks and I cannot rave enough about how stunning they are. Wendy's service was second to none, I am an extremely satisfied customer!

Thanks Wendy
_________________

BMN's Challenge #3

2007-01-29T15:22:00.000-12:00

For this week's challenge I'm suppose to highlight a product on my webstore and include a client's feedback.
I guess I'll have to choose my Personalized Shoes/Clothes etc range like my earlier post of a Boy's Shoe for James.
Mirjana tracked me down all of Oct/Nov 2006 when her favourite shop in Maling Rd, Canterbury closed down. Once she found me, she ordered 9 pieces and here's an excerpt of her email to me:
Well......
Let me tell you that the mothers were beside themselves when I gave their children the paintings. I actually got phone calls to thank me as they were so beautiful,different and individual.
Thankyou once again Wendy from the bottom of my heart for the artwork as absolutely outstanding.
I will be contact with you again as I have Christenings coming up and I also would like a matching bag for a dress and shoe which I purchased from you previously (Little Cherubs). I will bring the shoe and dress to you so that you can match up the colour. This wont be until a few more months though.....will be this ok for you do?

Anyways Thankyou once again and I cant tell you how happy & excited I am that I found you

Take care and speak soon

By the way the website is great

xxoo

Mirjana

Here's the link to other examples of this range: http://www.decoart.com.au/page10.htm

Wow! What a day…

2007-01-28T19:29:00.000-12:00

Two comments… made my day.
Thank you Anne for your list of names and I'll go and search for more 20s and 30s movie stars' names.
Today I didn't get much painting done because I've been running errands to get my kids ready for school tomorrow. Since they're both changing schools, there were a lot of odds and ends to tidy up.
After 9am tomorrow, I shall be 'free' for 6 hours.
Even though I've not been painting, I've been sketching while watching the tennis and am very excited about my new design for a canvas to be entered in the Yarra Glen Art Exhibition come Easter.
But for now, I've to just restrain myself a little and try to complete a few more smaller artworks for my market stall this Sunday at Yarra Glen, Victoria. For more details, check out my website under 'Where to buy'.
I hope to post a photo of these new works tomorrow when I'm minus kids for a few hours.

Check out Beulah!

2007-01-25T11:30:00.000-12:00

Dear diary…
I've now completed my latest painting, Beulah and you can check her out on my website. Next project will be coming up with a new series for my small frames. Right now I'm thinking on the lines of hand-painted watercolour patches imitating wallpaper with stitching.
Watch this space…

Still no help from anyone with ideas of searching for 1920s & 30s popular girls names :(

Business Mums Network Challenge #2

2007-01-23T11:54:00.000-12:00

I have to put up a website that is relevant for this challenge. I've decided for those who are new and old in parenting may find www.bubhub.com.au a useful site for various reasons - advice, articles, shopping etc. Besides, my website is listed in the home shopping directory for artworks ;).

My latest 'Art Deco Ladies'

2007-01-22T17:08:00.000-12:00

Here's my new lady which is a work in progress for my 'Art Deco Ladies' series. She's called Beulah. Beulah will have luscious red/brown hair and the whole painting will have a rich red feel. When it is completed, it can be viewed on my website.
Meanwhile, I'm running low on 1920s and 30s girl's names, so if anyone has any links or sites that's of assistance to me, please leave a comment.
At the moment, I think I'm talking to myself. Perhaps for my next post, I'll start with 'Dear Diary'…

Business Mums Network Blog Challenge

2007-01-22T10:39:00.000-12:00

Business Mums Network is running a Blogging Challenge for our members. The idea is to help members keep their blogs moving and to make the most of them.

My first challenge is to let everyone know I'm taking up the challenge and the following members are also taking part, why not check them out:

Anne Maybus - http://thetallpoppy.blogspot.com/
Gina Rahmel - http://moshimoshibaby.blogspot.com/
Michele Elmas - www.mumsbusiness.wordpress.com and www.michelee.wordpress.com
Justine Barsley - http://olibdesigns.blogspot.com/
Michelle Sweeney - http://tonicgifts.typepad.com/
Amy Herman - http://afaithfulwomanbookclub.blogspot.com/
Shelli Crane - http://rusticluxury.blogspot.com/
Kylie Short - www.shortyville.com/blog
Amanda Cox - www.realmums.com.au/diaryofamadcow
Sarah - http://quiltfabricdelights.blogspot.com/
Elena - www.eptreasures.blogspot.com
Fiona - www.momentbymoment.com.au/blog

First entry

2007-01-21T16:09:00.000-12:00

Been industrious today trying to complete my first order for 2007 - a personalised boy's shoe. Hope to post a pic of the finished product tomorrow.