Happy, healthy and wise...

Yes I know... so much for monthly updates! Seems I've now decided to just post whenever I can. So here's whats been happening in the last few months... 

I did a Liquitex workshop at "That Little Art Place" here in Singleton. Lovely Lisa demonstrated how to use many of the Liquitex range of paints, inks and mediums and we got to play with them for a few hours. It was excellent.. thanks Lisa!!! I left with a bag of goodies and have been experimenting with them...

How cool is this Pouring Medium! Just add different colour paint or ink to the medium then pour it onto your canvas. Blend a little then sit back and watch the magic as it settles in to place and dries. 

This is my masterpiece...

And this is what happens when you combine it with too much coffee :)

I also bought some spray paint and acrylic inks for stenciling and creating textured backgrounds. Fun, fun, fun !!!

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Now that my Dad is well on the road to recovery I'd like to mention his close call just encase it helps save someone else's life. Very vigilant about his health and fitness Dad (who's 76) had just had a routine check up and been told by his doctor he was "so fit it was sickening". He also went for a routine heart check and all was good but they decided to do a stress test just to be sure and booked a further appointment 3 weeks later. Dad went home and continued with his morning exercise routine... walking miles along the river and up and down the river bank. He has told us since that he had been feeling a little more exhausted of late but thought he was just getting old(er) and so had upped his exercise.

He hadn't even completed the stress test when they pulled it up and told Dad his heart was under extreme stress. The cardiologist was called immediately and Dad was told he had to go directly to hospital for further tests. The short version... turns out his main artery was 90% blocked and he had bypass surgery within the week. He was told he'd been living on the edge of a cliff with his toes hanging over but his fitness was compensating and masking the symptoms.. we could have lost him any day.

Dad's heart is fine now thank heavens. And so is mine. I know it is because I went and had a stress test too. You see my Mum had a heart attack a few years ago also caused by a blocked artery. Family history right there in my face. My sister and brothers have also been. It's easy and it's peace of mind.

So the moral to this story... if you have a history of heart problems, or if you're feeling run down. Just go and ask your gp for a stress test. Don't put it off, don't stress about it just do it!

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I'm so excited... I found another book that was written just for me : )  I keep this one on my bedside table and pick it up often for a recap. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is about resistance and the struggle we creative types often encounter.

Stephen says "Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance." If this simple sentence speaks to you like it did to me, this book is for you. Sooo inspiring... whenever I'm feeling unworthy I only have to pick it up and I get "the big kick in the ass I deserve". Love, love, love it!!!

PS. I got it from amazon.com

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I've been combining my love of art with my graphic art skills again and created these multi-media prints. Not sure yet if I want to go down the print making path but I'm having fun trying to figure it out.

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Finally finally finally celebrated a Blues State Of Origin series win with my boys who have been waiting most of their lives. That moment, the three of us in a huddle spontaneously jumping for joy in our loungeroom... I will never forget!

And added Loom Banding to my list of creative endeavors. Thank you Cheong for risking everything to create such a fun family activity. I hope you enjoy your millions :)

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I entered two paintings in the Singleton Art Show which is quite a large exhibition for a small country town and attracts works from artists all over Australia. This year I fell in love with the incredible colourful splashes of Jos Coufreur (that's his puppy)... I am in awe!

I also learnt that (apparently) there are rules to art and even if a painting isn't particularly pleasing to the eye, if it follows the rules it's much more likely to win. This isn't sour grapes because I didn't win anything.. it really was interesting and a good lesson to learn.

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We celebrated the birthdays of both my amazing boys (they're on the right) and their lovely cousins Mac and Laynie in one big bash at my parents home. It was a lovely family gathering and so nice to get together again as always.

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I painted these....

A BUNCH OF BELIEF

PRECIOUS

LEARNING TO FLY SOLO

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Signed up for this workshop and cannot wait to get started on Sep 8th

Hello Soul, Hello Mantra - The Trailer! from kelly rae roberts on Vimeo.

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Aaaand... I accepted an offer from Rebecca and Gemelli Estate Winery & Vineyard to exhibit my paintings for 3 months. Whoa... still pinching myself and feeling a whole melting pot of emotions but mostly incredibly honoured and grateful that the art Gods believe in me and are gently nudging me in the direction of my dreams.

I took 20 paintings to Gemelli earlier this week. I'm yet to see them on the walls in all their glory but will post photos when I do. 

Be sure to visit Gemelli next time you're tasting in the Hunter Valley. You can purchase my art there if you like :)

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And that brings us up to date I think. 
Until next time I hope life is kind to you and you to it.