Gecko Studio Gallery Newsletter – November December 2015 Adrian Johnson AGRAF Biography Adrian began his painting journey in the early 80s by joining the Wonthaggi Art Group. While attending workshops he was able to gain sufficient knowledge of the painting process to develop his own style of capturing the light in the landscape. Australian impressionists Max Smales, Mac Wilks and English painter David Curtis have been a source of inspiration and learning. Adrian has exhibited andpainted extensively throughout Victoria and NSW with watercolour artist Bob Pelchen. The Southern Grampians and the high country around Mansfield and Mt Buller have provided spectacular’plein air’ painting challenges in recent times. Adrian is a past recipient of the Bass Coast acquisitive award and has been invited to judge at many local art shows. He has a long association with the Australian Guild of Realist Artists (AGRA). In 2011 he was awarded a guild fellowship for outstanding achievement. Artist Statement ‘I try to achieve a determined work practice to help solve problems that may arise during the painting process. Varying my technique and subject throws up many challenges. I believe working in this manner helps my development as a landscape painter’. 1 Prom.Vista 66 cm x 46 cm oil – Adrian Johnson Yarram Park Southern Grampians 30 x 41cm oil – Adrian Johnson Gillian Carpenter Biography I was born in India, grew up in England and moved to Australia in 1965. Following professions in teaching, training and social work I became involved in the visual and performing arts (TV, film, theatre, Choirs, musical theatre and radio) Since 1992 I developed a passion for watercolour painting, and drawing that I continue to this day. I completed an MA in Experiential and Creative Arts Therapies in 2008 and established an art-based practice as a Painter, Teacher and Creative Arts Therapist and facilitator. My visual artistic inspirations and learning I attribute to some eminent Australian artists including Robert Wade, David Taylor, Tony Smibert, Amanda Hyatt to name a few, with most recently Marco Lucio (in drawing and print making). I am a member of Australian Guild of Realist Artists (AGRA), Victorian Watercolour and Australian Watercolour societies the Prom Coast Arts Council Inc., The Bass Coast Artists’ Society and National Gallery Victoria. I have exhibited at Rotary, commercial galleries and corporate venues in both Melbourne and the country, and held eight solo and a number of group exhibitions. Awards include: First prize for Watercolor at Box Hill Rotary Art Show, Sandy Point Art Shows 2012 and 2014, The Pat West award for Watercolour at Leongatha Rotary Art Show 2013 and commendation at AGRA Spring exhibition 2015. Currently my art works are represented in galleries, commercial, corporate and private collections in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK and USA Images of other works can also be found at www.gallery247.com.au Artist Statement These paintings are my response to various daily experiences from which I wished to explore and derive some meaning. Using all my senses I attempt to recreate those felt experiences into art expressions through the medium of watercolour in different forms. The spontaneous nature of watercolour provides me with the freedom to explore, experiment and describe my experiences. Sometimes I use a traditional approach; sometimes an impressionistic form, or simply I follow the spontaneity of the medium, which is enough. This is where the paint and water allow me to give expression to the essence of a subject with little control. Well, maybe with a little help with a brush stroke here or there. I simply wish for these paintings to tell their own story and have meaning for you the viewer. They are my stories, for enjoyment not necessarily to be faithful representations of the land, urban or seascape from which I draw my inspiration. Gillian Carpenter 2 View of Corner Inlet - Gillian Carpenter Preparing for The Catch – Port Welshpool - Gillian Carenter Gecko Studio Gallery What’s next? Exhibitions in the pipeline……(NB details may change before these exhibitions open) • Findings: documenting the serendipitous - Jan Learmonth & Mary Sullivan - Dec 13, 2015 to Jan 16, 2016. Opening event on Dec 13 • Kevin Mortensen - Jan 17 to Feb 20, 2016. Opening event on Jan 17 Gecko Studio Gallery News It with great sadness we mark the passing of Deidre Granger on October 31 after a short illness. Deidre and her partner Luke Dearlove ran the Fish Creek post office together but Deidre was involved in so much more than that. She created the Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival, was the driving force behind the Fish Creek Community Development Group, was involved in the Fish Creek Relay for Life and was the moderator for the Prom Coast Arts Council Forum two years running (there is lots more Deidre was involved in). There was a huge turnout for a memorial service held in the Fish Creek hall on Saturday 7th followed by cups of tea and lots of cake after. Deidre was a highly respected member of the Fish Creek community and a great friend to Deidre Granger – photo: abc.net.au many. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences to Luke. ● Kerry has designed two new Christmas card designs and here is one of them. We currently have stock of Christmas cards but the new cards and the ever popular packs of cards will available in about a weeks’ time. Individual cards are $4 and the packs of six with a paper band and layout sheet on the back are $20. 3 ● In the next week or so we will be putting in a stand of General’s pencils – check out their website www.generalpencil.com/ especially the ten videos on using different pencils and various techniques. The stand will hold the following pencils………. peel and sketch soft, hard and medium; charcoal HB, 2B, 4B, 6B & white; Kimberly drawing graphite 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B & 9XXB; flat sketching pencil 6B &4B; woodless graphite HB, 2B, 4B, 6B & 8B; pastel chalks Van Dyke brown, peach, sanguine, white and burnt sienna; scribe all black and white; primo charcoal HB, B & 3B; carbon sketch; sketch and wash set and layout pencil set. ● New in - Rhombus trivets . From their website……. Rhombus trivets are made from recycled aeroplane tyres and new rubber. They function as trivets (or coasters) and encourage tessellating shapes for everyone to play with. So often have I watched my friends and family create ideas, create form, create arguments, create appreciation and surprise over these simple objects. Rhombus is designed and made in Melbourne. Rhombus table trivets (sets of 6 at $29 and 12 at $44) Rhombus "Dinner" placemats (in sets of 4 at $85 or 6 at $110). Colours: blue, desert, stone, sand, & mixed. Stock of the placemats expected in very soon. www.champ.co/shop/ Rhombus trivets – 12 pack Rhombus placemats – 4 pack ● Anyone who has visited Gecko Studio Gallery will have noticed the glass “little houses” hanging in our window, the “secret messages” (made by Sarah Dingwall ) in a bowl on the counter and shelves of glass rings and other amazing glass objects in one of the cabinets. On Saturday December the 12 th Sarah will set up in the gallery (or out on the footpath depending on the weather) with her gear and a typewriter (remember typewriters?). You will then be able to type your own message and Sarah will seal it in a glass tube the same as her “secret messages”. secret messages in a bowl secret messages The cost for the secret messages will be the usual price of $9 and Sarah will be at Gecko all day (10am to 5pm). This could be the chance for you to create a unique and personalised gift. Thank you Sarah! More info closer to the time. Contact us if you have any questions about this event. ● Holiday opening hours / days – Gecko Studio Gallery will be open 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week from Monday 21 December until Monday February 1. We will then revert to our usual arrangement of closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. ● Framing quotes/ consultations – a reminder that it is wise where possible to make a time with Kerry for framing consultations and quotes. Kerry can be contacted on 0423 721 593 or at the Gallery (5683 2481). Kerry is not always at the gallery or we may have an event underway so it helps if you can book a time with Kerry. Susan Purdy can also help you with your framing requirements on Mondays and Fridays. ● We have received a delivery recently of new high quality canvas bags and accessories from Nomad Essentials: canvas laptop bags, satchels, tote bags, backpacks, messenger bags and wallets. Great as gifts and just great to use yourself. We both use Nomad bags. 4 ● Gecko on Facebook - Keep up to date with our news and events on the Gecko Studio Gallery Facebook page. ArtHouse accommodation Brought to you by Gecko Studio Gallery - the ArtHouse, fine accommodation in Fish Creek. The ArtHouse offers guests a stunning and beautifully appointed cottage hidden away behind Gecko Studio Gallery in the heart of Fish Creek. Entering through the gate, guests are greeted by the lovely private garden filled with interesting plants and flowers plus the ancient apple tree in pride of place in the back yard. The walls host an array of contemporary original artwork by renowned local artists for sale - your very own private gallery. With an open central living area, full kitchen, 2 generous sized bedrooms and unique bathroom the ArtHouse is light filled and cosy. There is a wood fired heater with wood provided as well as a reverse cycle air conditioner.