Issue 8, 4 April2026

Tempus Fugit ...


As an architect friend of mine used to say, "The only constant is eternal change". I've since discovered he was quoting Heraclitus but it is as valid today as it was to the Ancient Greeks. In my case I'm finding that whilst art might be seen as a pleasant activity to fill in the time during retirement, in reality it has its own dynamics physically, intellectually and emotionally. The genuine thrill of producing something of beauty is balanced by the processes involved in bring a concept to reality and then to market. It reminds me of the title of Jack Cornfield's book on Buddhism "After the Ecstasy, the laundry".


The "laundry" part of art for me includes managing the tools of trade and the consumables. Framing usually denotes the end of the production process. Post-production involves maintaining a website, publishing a newsletter, online social media presence, advertising, brochures, merchandise, competitions and exhibitions. It all adds up to a happy, busy retirement!


Having recently concluded two exhibitions my mind has turned to alternative ways of bringing my art to public attention. More of this below.


Meanwhile I wish you all a happy Easter as we enter my favourite season of Autumn.

Spotlight on Parsley Bay


With each new issue of The Good Oil, I plan on having a closer look at individual works of Art in my collection.


First cab off the rank is one of my favourites, "Parsley Bay", an absolute gem on Sydney Harbour. It has been described as one of Sydney's best-kept secrets and is situated between Vaucluse Bay and Watsons Bay. It comprises a grassy reserve, beach, footbridge and shark-netted access to the main harbour. It can only be reached on land via a steep path down from Vaucluse.


My painting depicts the rocky outcrop overhanging the footpath around the eastern edge of the bay. I have removed the footbridge which spans the bay and also the houses which line both sides. It is rarely crowded because of its anonymity. It truly is one of Sydney's best hidden attractions.


Click on the image access it on my website.


Art Exhibitions


The problem with an Art Exhibition is that you have to attend it to experience it! Exhibitions at established Galleries mostly work, not because of the works on display but because of the reputation of the Gallery. Attendees are there because of the art rather than simply a way to pass the time. Exhibitions in other public spaces tend to attract passersby with time on their hands but with little interest in experiencing art, let alone purchasing it! At one location on the south coast, I found myself as a way point between McDonalds and the beach!


Even if all the stars are in alignment and your exhibition is in a recognised gallery, attendance will compete with other distractions clamouring for attention.


The perfect exhibition therefore seems to be one which is in a Gallery, where the content is of interest and where it best targets audiences which might be looking to acquire art.


Better still, the artist doesn't have to pay gallery fees nor commissions on paintings sold, thus bringing the price of artworks down substantially.


But wait for it (drumroll) Yes! I have discovered that such a magic environment exists! It's called a Virtual Exhibition, and I am proud to launch my first one in a series to be called Coastal Odyssey. I am particularly happy that my first venture exhibits the artwork I have produced to date on The Sapphire Coast.


Just click on the above image to launch the Exhibition.


Once loaded you will discover that it is 3-Dimensional allowing you to move around the gallery using the arrows. To look more closely at an individual work, click on it to reveal its price and other information.


You can purchase direct from the Gallery or raise an enquiry with me by clicking on the appropriate button. The "Buy" button takes you to the "add to Cart" page on my website and in no way commits you to purchase.


Please give it a workout and have fun. I would appreciate any feedback you can give me to improve the experience.

Personal Memories


Commissions

Despite attempting to paint all the beaches between Narooma and Eden, when faced with the reality, I failed miserably. On a number of occasions people have inquired about a particular beach only to be told that I hadn't thought of that one! Consequently, I painted five commissioned works to meet their needs.

If you have a favourite spot which doesn't feature on my website, please think of commissioning one. The price will be the same as others already available and will reflect memories of the coast in your own home.

Contact me here for more information.


Portraits

Portraiture is an area of practice I would like to grow. I have undertaken several as components of other works but never as a portrait alone. If you would like me to paint one of yourself or other friends and relatives, I am happy to work on the basis of "try it before you buy it" on a no-obligation basis and for a price less than other major works. Again, let me know if you are interested.

Bearing Witness


One half of my Strathnairn Exhibition comprised a series of works expressing the anguish of innocent Palestinians caught in the crossfire of two warring parties.


It created sufficient reaction and comment to make the display worthwhile.


Before retiring them to storage I once more ask you to look, contemplate and experience the suffering imposed on a whole population deemed to be unworthy of their own existence.

Until next time ...


Having been bitten by the virtual exhibition bug, I will be producing several others, initially in the Coastal Odyssey series. They will all be embedded in my updated website.


Back Issues of this newsletter aree also available to download from the website.


That's it for now.

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