Winter Lilacs

The winter light throws strong contrasts on to nature, when the sun comes out after rain. I've tried to capture the mood of early winter, when the grasses are still dried out from summer, and not yet green from the rain. Oil on canvas 18" x 30".

Sunflowers and Fruit

Oil on canvas over board 11" x 16".

Guildford Cottage

A quaint sandstone cottage, still in use, in one of the oldest streets of guildford ..... the first settlement of Perth, by the river. Oil on canvas over board 16" x 20".

Canterbury Bells

Oil on canvas over board 6.5" x 9".

'Edenside' in Spring

The title is the name on the gate of this semi rural, property. Set in the hills among other orchards, the wild almond trees across the fence line of this place, caught my eye, and very quickly, it became a favourite spot.

This is a very early piece, painted in the first year of the working art life. Oil on canvas over board 19.5" x 33".

Meadow Street

A winter street scene in the oldest suburb of the city - guildford. The house with two chimneys is one of the first pioneer brick homes. At the end, next to it, stands an old hotel. The tall trees are cape lilacs, showing orange berries, and ivy has grown almost to the top of one.

Ability with perspective has never been a strong point, but with this short distance, I could manage it well enough. Oil on canvas over board 24" x 36"- 61cm x 92cm.

Spring Poppies and Lemons

Poppies of all varieties are so inspiring. Their lightness and delicacy, coupled with intense colour are absolutely joy giving.

A favourite colour for the backgrounds of spring arrangements - " spring green " with yellow in it - then to tone down the brightness,..... a touch of pink. Oil on canvas over board 6" x 8".

High Wycombe Wetlands

This serene winter pond, bordered by huge pine trees, attracts heron, spoonbills and other water birds during the rainy season. In summer, it is totally dried up. Sometimes the glow of late afternoon sun, actually throws a pinkish light on the landscape, but I have exagerated it here. Oil on canvas over board 24" x 36".

Sunflowers on Black

Another from the 'black background' period. Oil on canvas 6" x 8".

August Landscape

This large landscape was inspired by a trip into the country ..... not far out of the city, about a 2 hour drive. It was the land first inhabited and cleared by early settlers. Many old houses have a feeling of poineer times. What used to be lovely gardens, now growing wild among oats and grasses. Oil on canvas 24" x 46.5" 61cm x 118cm.

Still Life on Black

An all black background makes a very contrasting painting. White as a counterpoint, balances it's intensity. Oil on canvas over board 7" x 7".

Light Green Vase

Experiments with black in the backgrounds, gave a fresh look to the subject matter that was popular among patrons. With black, colours could become very intense, adding a dramatic feeling to the painting. Oil on canvas over board 6" x 8".

Grassy Riverbank

The semi rural banks of the Swan River have survived suburbia in some areas, due to frequent flooding in years past. This doesn't seem to happen anymore and areas are being reclaimed for housing. Horses often graze on these grasslands. Oil on canvas over board 24" x 38". (61 x 86.5cm)

Flowers and Figs

Oil on canvas 8" x 8".

Still Life - Blue Pots

Yellow or white flowers in blue containers ..... I just couldn't get enough of. Variations of all sorts were conjured up and the decorative aspect of pattern on porcelain, intrigued me. The background in this painting is actually a greeny blue, that I haven't been able to achieve with the camera today. Oil on canvas 7.5" x 9.5".

Footpath to the River

This vacant land is surprisingly close to the city .... just a couple of miles from the centre. Flatland, which used to flood most years during winter, when the river burst it's banks. Due to ongoing dry winters, this hasn't been seen for about fifteen years now - and this land is gradually being reclaimed for housing. Oil on canvas over board 24" x 36".

Country Call'in

Icon of country life .... what would we do without them. Their personalities are always a delight. Oil on canvas 6" x 8".

Green Plate with Apple

Often, when painting these small 'still lifes', I would mix together some colours leftover from the previous painting - coming up with some odd but interesting colours. If the mix became too muddy, the addition of some pure bright colour came to the rescue. Oil on canvas over board 7" x 7".

Quiet River - Guildford

A commission request for a very large, scenic landscape painting posed a new challenge as it was the biggest ever attempted. The scene, a familiar place, was chosen, having been painted several times before...... immediately eliminating the need to re-design a new composition. To the existing features, I added some points of interest such as the boat and bridge in the background - which helped to fill the enormous space. Oil on canvas 33" x 57" (83 x 144 cm)

Cottage Garden Arrangement

If this painting were to be done over, the symetrical pears would be placed in a different way. Perhaps the pear on the left, could be horizontal, peeping out from behind the vase. It's relationship with the pink foxglove is too dominating - I see now in hindsight.

Oil on canvas 8" x 10"