A Weekend At Waipu Cove

with good weather, good wine, good food and good friends …..

Yum – the Art Classroom soap drainer

Travel Palette - Schmincke

This Schmincke Travel Palette was designed to take 12 half pans of paint. I managed to fit in 24! It was a struggle to even limit myself to this number, but I have learnt some valuable things about pigments and mixes during my tests for the final choice. I’ve read what every man and his dog has to say about choosing a palette, but in the end it comes down to two things: keep the pigments simple so you can mix just about everything you need; and put in a couple of colours that you love, just because they make you happy. I mainly looked for the purest pigments, good mixing ability, with a good range of warms & cool colours, plus some good earth tones. The yellow choices were easy; the blues caused me concern and much deliberation; the reds created the most difficulty with lots of mixing trials. My only indulgences are Naples Yellow Reddish because it’s great for skin and I can’t be bothered mixing it, and Ultramarine Violet – just because I like it. I left my favourite Rose Madder out, and hope that Carmine Red will help me out when I need a beautiful soft pink.

Choosing A Travel Palette

Woe is me ... how does anyone ever choose?

A Bit Of A Play On The Previous Hydrant Theme ….

Mosaic Pot Triumph

I have finally finished mosaicing and grouting this terracotta pot I bought at least 5 years ago. It's a biggie, measuring 700mm high and 480mm wide at the top. I collected blue and white china all this time, and was donated Willow pattern plates and Villeroy & Bosch pieces along the way. It took a long time to sort and break the pieces, put it all together, then 3 days to grout it. I consider it to be one of my major achievements. Today it was finally installed in the front foyer of my home and I feel very satisfied to have completed it.