laketrees

"Small is the number ..

2009-11-16T08:22:00.015+11:00

of people who see with their eyes and think with their minds."
Albert Einstein

the Aladdin Triptychs are finished ..
I will be posting Charlotte's boat for the Little Mermaid next month (after the concert)

I have chosen the beautiful theme song from Aladdin...for Music Monday this week..

Comment Love: Mariuca Amy Ayie John bk Lynda TH Lisa

in the jungle...

2009-11-09T06:32:00.009+11:00

finished the two triptychs for the Lion King...so this week I will be painting the two triptychs for Aladdin...

Triptych - A painting or carving that has three side-by-side parts, panels, or canvases. Typically, a triptych has three hinged panels, the two outer panels designed so that they can be folded in towards the central one.

Charlotte is painting and decorating the Fairy Boat ... a big job....

have a great week everyone...

My selection for Music Monday this week is

thank you so much Charlotte...

2009-11-04T02:43:00.004+11:00

click on the images to zoom

Charlotte was sick in bed with a virus for most of last week...
(she's a lot better now)..
yet she still managed to help me paint the 12 Mickey Mouse Panels...

thank you Charlotte.....you are a treasure xxxx

working to a deadline for the Baby Ballerinas concert is going to be pretty tight over the next 3 weeks...
we started on the next series today..... though we did take a break to watch the Melbourne Cup.....
if only there were more hours in a day...

have a great week .....I hope to catch up with everyone over the next few days...

Melbourne Cup - 2009

2009-11-03T12:19:00.003+11:00

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day 2009

'The Race that Stops a Nation'

It’s the greatest day on the Australian sporting and social calendar – the one day when everyone, young and old, stops to partake in this unique cultural tradition.
But while Australians all over the continent take part in the celebrations, nothing compares with being there to witness another chapter in this enduring story.
The $5.65 million Emirates Melbourne Cup is the richest handicap race in the world and the centrepiece of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

I'm backing # 9...

Hey Mickey....

2009-10-27T19:37:00.008+11:00

another busy week ahead painting 12 panels for the Mickey Mouse Ballet in my Sister's Annual Ballet Concert... so the tutus will be going on hold for the time being...
I also have a 2 metre boat to paint for the Little Mermaid....and a 4 panel jungle scene for the Lion King....
oh ...and a 4 panel scene for Aladdin
looks like a busy month ahead...

looks like that never ending portrait of Al and Kel could be on hold for December as well as 3 more mini portraits....

a BIG BIG thank you to Lady Java for fixing up my sidebar which was disappearing in Firefox browsers....
if you are looking for a professional web designer then please check out LJ's site

my pick for Music Monday is "Mickey" related....and I love her tutu...

Baby Ballerinas has opened.....

2009-10-19T09:00:00.009+11:00

click on the images to zoom
after an extremely hectic week with many wonderful people helping... my Sister's Ballet Studios are finally open ... still some work to be done downstairs with more barres and the mirrors are yet to be installed...
another three studios, wardrobe room, student lounge, change rooms and props room on the first floor are to be completed in the new year...

my selection for Music Monday this week was inspired by my cousin Peter....

the Ballet Murals are going up...

2009-10-12T06:54:00.013+11:00

click on the image to zoom

further progress on the WIP of Al and Kel ...
I may be offline for most of this week as I'll be helping my Sister move into her new Ballet Studios ..
will take photos of the murals and finished studios to post here next week...
have a great week everyone...

Is Social Media a Fad?

2009-10-08T08:19:00.014+11:00

further progress on the Portrait of Alexander and Kelly...
will start on Alexander's face next..

click on image to zoom

this week I revisited Facebook
where I checked out 1,000,000 FACEBOOK ARTISTS
Entertainment & Arts - Fine Arts

and Linked in where I joined Visual Artists and their Advocates
some interesting discussions:
Is having a blog page on your website vital as an aid to SEO?
What are some of the best ways you have found to bring traffic to your website?

Is social media a fad?
Or is it the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution?
Welcome to the World of Socialnomics

a New York dialogue...

2009-10-05T14:14:00.005+11:00

on Saturday I received a parcel in the mail from John and his family in New York...
John was the winner of the Win a Free Mini Portrait last month....and is also Featured Artist for this week at the Top Artists' Directory.....
among the wonderful gifts was a lovely response from Mariana (John's daughter) in the form of a drawing... a selection of music from John as well as a terrific book and coasters from MOMA ..
thanks so much John...Mariana....and family...

I'll be working on Kelly's face this week and also helping out with the hanging of the murals at the Baby Ballerinas studio which is due to open in two weeks...

I've chosen a favourite of my Dad's for Music Monday this week...

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

a big thank you to my Top Commenters for September

Shinade aka Jackie (88)
TH (82)
T.H (78)
Mariuca (60)
Ayie (20)
John (13)
Amy Lilley Designs (11)
Netster (9)
Speedcat Hollydale (9)
Lisa Lorenz (7)

and to my Top EC Droppers ...

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a tour of my studio....

2009-09-28T09:44:00.025+10:00

click on the images to zoom

inspired by a group of artists on Twitter..
The Studio Envy Club

@irenerencsi @ksantini @julesblair @lecheval @thecanvasdog @laketrees @swedegis @painting
and the soon to be released book

Inside the Painter's Studio Joe Fig
ISBN 97815689885287 x 9.5 inches (17.8 x 24.1 cm), Paperback , 240 pages 200 color illustrations In print (publication date 10/24/2009) A PAPress publication; Rights: World;
$35.00 £22.50

Music Monday
Three solos and a duet
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Ana Laguna
stunning performance by my favourite dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov who I actually met when I was living in London....
choreographer Mats Ek (who is married to Ana Laguna)
music - Philip Glass

Strip the willow...

2009-09-26T18:33:00.016+10:00

last week I started two drawings which ended up turning into mixed media works......
perhaps a new body of work?
the title was inspired by a friend (who is a poet) after she saw the drawings and mentioned the dance...Strip the Willow...

available in prints
gallery wrap canvas
90cm x 60cm
click on the image to enlarge

"Strip the willow." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

a dusty day in Oz...

2009-09-23T16:42:00.009+10:00

I took this photo of my balcony this morning...lots of red dust here ...couldn't even see the ocean....
looks like I'll have lots of dusting to do...

More photos taken by my Brother who lives near Newcastle....
Great photos!!!
have a Happy Birthday Jeff!!!!

Looking out back door

Tamika and her dog Dusty
Keeping an eye out for approaching dust storm

Preparing to put on goggles and dust mask as dust storm approaches

Manages to put on mask.

Needs hand to put on goggles as storm hits

Links:
Dust turns Sydney sky red
Sydney turns red: dust storm blankets city
Health warning as dust blankets Sydney
Sydney dust blanket causes highest air pollution on record

Dreaming of red tutus..

2009-09-21T07:26:00.004+10:00

started this drawing while waiting for the oils to dry on that never ending WIP of Alexander and Kelly..

Happy Birthday Giveaway
to celebrate her Grandpa's 93rd Birthday TH is giving away a beaut necklace at her blog..
all you have to do is :
1. Subscribe to Twins Happiness by email and be sure to verify it.
and
2. Add Twinshappiness and ThereisHappiness blogs to your blogroll.
so pop over there and enter....

Music Monday
inspired by Cooper the story behind Australia's unofficial national anthem....

A lovely surprise in the mail..

2009-09-14T08:43:00.005+10:00

These gorgeous presents arrived in my letter box at the weekend....all the way from Mariuca in Malaysia!!!
I love them!!!
I believe Mariuca picked these up at Disney world in Japan... Tokyo while on another scent-sational vacation for Mariuca and Mariuca's Perfume Gallery
Thank you so much Mariuca....
I hope your mini portrait arrives soon....

just finished the Degas door sign for my Sister's Baby Ballerinas Studio and another stage prop.....I'm presently working on that never ending WIP of Alexander and Kelly..

my choice for Music Monday this week is Andreas Scholl ..a voice from heaven and a score from a top movie too!!

"The world was all before them, where to choose
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide:
They hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,
Through Eden took their solitary way."
— John Milton
goodreads

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

also....a big thank you to my Top Commenters for August...

TH (88)
TH (86)
Shinade aka Jackie (71)
Mariuca (53)
John (14)
Amy Lilley Designs (14)
Speedcat Hollydale (11)
Ayie (11)
Netster (10)
Shez (8)

and to my Top EC Droppers last month...

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Spring is here...

2009-09-08T11:30:00.007+10:00

thank goodness!!!

I found this photo on a recent catalogue and couldn't resist posting...
seems appropriate as I was in hospital for a couple of days last week...
I'm feeling a lot better today and the tests all came out fine...

because I missed posting for Fathers' Day on Sunday I'm posting a late video for Music Monday..
this song was one of my Dad's favourites...

found this wonderful video - Behind the scenes at MOMA ..as well....

Mini Portrait of Mariana finished!

2009-08-31T07:45:00.005+10:00

Mariana's Dad, John was the winner of the Win a Free Mini Portrait last month....

this weeks music is a beautiful video of stunning dancing and choreography..

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

looks like September will be another busy month as I have two more mini portraits to paint..a clown stage prop and five studio signs for my Sister's Ballet Studios... and I really need to finish that never ending portrait of Alexander and Kelly

Mini Portrait of Mariuca Finished!

2009-08-24T00:00:00.005+10:00

I've been sick with the flu all week but started to feel better yesterday ...so finished Mariuca's Portrait..
I'll go on with Mariana's Portrait this week...so the two mini portraits should be ready to mail off by the end of August....

Charlotte (aka Madonna) with Alexander (aka Joker) and her cousins Olivia (aka Harlequin) and Michael (aka Peter Pan) at Charlotte's 18th Birthday Party (fancy dress) last weekend

Because August has gone by in a rush with birthdays and parties I have chosen this piece for Music Monday this week...

Progress on the Mini Portraits

2009-08-13T10:07:00.010+10:00

I'll probably have these finished by the end of next week....

Mariuca

Mariana

have a busy weekend ahead with Charlie's Fancy Dress Party .....

Happy 18th Charlie!!!

2009-08-10T10:47:00.008+10:00

this song is for you Charlie...have a wonderful day !!!!

it's party time....

2009-08-05T00:01:00.006+10:00

I've started the two Mini Portraits (Mariuca and Mariana)
I'm hoping to have these finished by the end of this month ...

finished the frames for the Degas panels and one door sign finished (five to go)

August is looking quite busy with a few special countdowns...

Birthday Countdown

Party Countdown

Charlie's Birthday Cake from The Euro Patisserie

Top Commenters and Top EC Droppers

sending a big ...

to my Top Commenters for July...

TH (105)
Mariuca (57)
T.H (45)
Shinade aka Jackie (33)
John (15)
Amy Lilley Designs (14)
Speedcat Hollydale (13)
RennyBA (9)
Lynda Lehmann (9)
Netster (9)

and to my Top EC Droppers ...

Feed2JS : Build a Feed You Can Cut 'n Paste

Entries for the Win a Free Mini Portrait Competition..

2009-08-01T08:00:00.005+10:00

# the Mini Portrait is 25cm x 25cm (10" x 10") - acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas..
# free postage
# value: $250 (au)
# one person/subject of the winner's choice

AND THE WINNER IS........

Congratulations to the winner of the Free Mini Portrait
number 158
John 150 -171

Entries:
thanks to everyone for your wonderful response to my competition!!
Kim

TH 1 - 46
Bem 47 - 49
Kirsten <3 wintertea 50 - 55
Ane 56 - 58
Amy Lilley Designs 59 - 75
Speedcat Hollydale 76 - 88
Mariuca 89 - 149
John 150 -171 (winner)
Lisa 172
Lynda 173
Boyd 174 - 200
Max 201
Trish 202 - 206
Christy 207 - 247
Julie 248 - 262
Brenda 263 - 293
lsallen88 294 - 299
Netster 300 - 315
cynsheis 316 - 320
Shez 321 - 342
Gina 343 - 340
Katie 341 - 352
Kathleen 353
TH 354 - 365
Brenda 366 - 377
Jackie 378 - 413
Patsy 414
Brenda 415 - 428
Jackie 429 - 434

The Degas Paintings are finished...

2009-07-27T11:28:00.002+10:00

My daughter, Charlotte and my Mum with the Degas Paintings...
the three paintings (6 panels) will be attached to the walls of the Ballet Studio and framed with gold frames...
This studio will be called the Degas Studio...

I hope to start a mini portrait of Mariuca this week..
Mariuca is my top Entrecard advertiser at laketrees, PoeARTica and Top Artists' Directory....thanks Mariuca for being such a wonderful friend and sponsor ...
as you can see by her gorgeous photo Mariuca is going to be a very easy subject to paint ..

WIN YOUR OWN FREE MINI PORTRAIT

I'm offering my readers the opportunity to win a Free Mini Portrait this month..
# the Mini Portrait is 25cm x 25cm (10" x 10") - acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas..
# free postage
# value: $250 (au)
# one person/subject of the winner's choice
# winner will be selected from a random generator at the end of this month

What you can do:
1. leave a comment here =1 entry per comment
2. post about the competition at your blog with a link back to laketrees = 10 entries
3. RETWEET this post on twitter = 1 entry per tweet
4. Subscribe to laketrees by Email = 5 entries

please let me know in this post what you have chosen to do so I can allocate your entries by the 31st July...( I know most of you have ..thanks )

I will announce the winner on the ~~1st July 2009~~ 1st August 2009
Good luck everyone!!!

Last Chance to enter: 3 days until the competition closes!!

I came across this classic piece of music at Val Zdero Art and couldn't resist featuring this for Music Monday...this is one of my Mum's favourites...

The Fairies have gone..

2009-07-17T10:59:00.008+10:00

to my Sister's New Ballet Studios...now they just need to be attached to the top section of the wall...

1st Degas

It's been a busy week at the Eisteddfod photographing the dancers with my stage props... and I have one more Degas to finish....

2nd Degas

Still time left to enter:

a sad sad Music Monday..

2009-06-29T08:02:00.006+10:00

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (Tribute) - You Are Not Alone

Fairy/Ballerina Frieze finished
I finished the last 6 fairy /ballerinas yesterday and will be starting the 6 Degas panels today...

three days left to enter my June competition to win your own mini portrait

the only constant is change...

2009-06-22T07:24:00.007+10:00

I completed six fairy/ballerina panels last week and will be painting six more this week..
yesterday I took some photos of the ballet studios (still under construction)
the panels will be attached up high like a frieze around the walls ...

Music Monday

this piece of music is very special and I would like to dedicate this to my son, Alexander, who is moving out today ...

nine days left to enter my June competition to win your own mini portrait

WIN YOUR OWN FREE MINI PORTRAIT

I'm offering my readers the opportunity to win a Free Mini Portrait this month..
# the Mini Portrait is 25cm x 25cm (10" x 10") - acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas..
# free postage
# value: $250 (au)
# one person/subject of the winner's choice
# winner will be selected from a random generator at the end of this month

What you can do:
1. leave a comment here =1 entry per comment
2. post about the competition at your blog with a link back to laketrees = 10 entries
3. RETWEET this post on twitter = 1 entry per tweet
4. Subscribe to laketrees by Email = 5 entries

I will announce the winner on the ~~1st July 2009~~ 1st August 2009
Good luck everyone!!!