Tag: artist process
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sketching pixie
Sketching a tree is fairly straightforward. Other subjects can be more difficult. Pixie was a very obliging subject, dozing in the late summer afternoon following a hard day’s work hauling a gypsy wagon along country roads in farmland near Bendigo, Victoria. I haven’t turned these sketches into a painting but I might one day. Sometimes the…
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elwood
Elwood Size 35.5 cm x 45.5 cm (14 in x 18 in) Acrylic on canvas SOLD By all accounts, Elwood was a lovely dog. This painting was commissioned by clients who provided photographs of their beloved pet. Combining several references, I painted Elwood with his favourite toy in a characteristic pose of playful alertness. Toys,…
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techno toddler, fashionista
My art table today, where I’m working on two miniatures for this year’s Sydney Royal. They are acrylic on Hahnemuhle paper, postcard size to stay under the 100cm-square worked area limit. I’m using the same colour palette for both paintings but chose to emphasise cool colours for the boy with a tonally heavy background to draw…
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amulet illustration
For several days, I have immersed my art table in found objects as part of the creative process to develop an amulet design for a fantasy novel. I use found objects as references for form and colour, observing the way light and shadow caress the surface. Handling the real object enhances my ability to portray it more convincingly…
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thank you birdlife members
Thank you to all the Birdlife Australia members who said hello and mentioned my ad in “Birdlife” magazine. The inaugural Australasian Bird Fair 2014 proved to be both an interesting and challenging experience. Interesting… due to all the fabulous people who visited the Art Marquee and exchanged stories of birdwatching experiences, and our fellow artists who were…
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australasian bird fair
I will be taking part in the inaugural Australasian Bird Fair 2014 in Sydney. Original paintings and prints will be available in the art marquee on 25 – 26 October. An opportunity to celebrate birds, encourage interest in birdwatching and conservation, and promote the preservation of bird habitats.
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anywhere anytime
Art, like any creative pursuit, requires improvisation. When I have private commissions to fulfil and I’m traveling away from my studio, I paint on any surface that can hold a palette to ensure the painting is finished on time. Usually I work on a random dining table (see photo above) if I’m staying with friends…
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sketching on the move
Drawings made in the TGV while rushing past the yellow canola fields of France, from Paris to St Malo. I like to use Moleskine notebooks to record thoughts, impressions and quick sketches when traveling. Often these super quick sketches are just biro drawings on whatever writing surface is within reach, like a paper napkin. If I have the luxury…
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birdwatching in London
I revisited old haunts in London recently, and found inspiration in springtime. If you stand and listen, the city is alive with bird calls. And not just pigeons! The landscaping of each beautiful park ensures that the natural sounds which might usually accompany fields full of daffodils haven’t been lost to commuters and tourists. It’s reassuring to know…
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road trip
My paintings are influenced by scenes observed from life. Every year, I travel interstate to experience different places, sometimes new or significant, usually mixed with some old favourites. I go birdwatching with binoculars, camera and sketchbook. When time permits, I set up my easel and paint. Some of my best, most inspirational ideas happen when…
Dr Megan Spiers 