{ botanica 2016 }

Alpinia zerumbet - Shell Ginger. 700 x 930mm (framed). $2800

Banksia baueri - Woolly Banksia. 700 x 930mm, framed. $3000 (sold)

 Banksia in progress

 Ginger in progress

The two pieces before heading off for framing

I'm pleased to share these two paintings with you that were selected  for hanging at Botanica 2016. Shown annually, Botanica is Australia's leading contemporary art exhibition and is open for the month of April at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney. The exhibition has been running for 17 years, and attracts artist from across Australia and internationally, too. It is considered one of the foremost of its kind; so it's a real honour to have my work hung there is such esteemed company. 

This year, the theme for the exhibition was drawn from the site where the seeds of colonial Sydney's first farm were sown - what is now the Royal Botanic Garden. I chose to capture one of the plants that was brought to Farm Cove with the First Fleet - the shell ginger - as well as a species that is native to the area, the woolly banksia. 

The exhibition is open till this Sunday 1 May, at the Lions Gate Lodge (in the Botanic Gardens). Entry is free. All artwork is for sale as well - contact the exhibition curators and organisers, the Foundation and Friends on 02 9231 8182.

{ some recent work }

Detail of ‘Deep Garden’ 

Detail of ‘Moreton Bay Fig' 

 ‘Deep Garden’ in progress... many veins in those frangipani leaves!

‘Deep Garden’ - 90cm x 120cm (framed)

Work-in-progress shot - these leaves took many, many layers from deep purples and browns through to fresh greens

 
The final piece, 'Moreton Bay Fig' - measured 104cm x 74cm (unframed)

It's been a long time between posts - but I wanted to share a couple more larger commissions I've completed over the last few months. 

I have really enjoyed working on both of these pieces. It always begins as quite a challenge to compose these larger ones as the realism of the shadows and light is important to me; however it is inevitably difficult to find my 'real' references moving and fitting in the shapes I need! But of course these are the joys of art-making and why I love getting up every day to a new and different challenge. 

I will post again soon!

Pip x

{ new work available }

Pink Cymbidiums

Watercolour on Arches paper, framed in custom lime-washed timber under matt board and glass, 57.5cm w x 90.5cm h  (now SOLD) 

As 2015 draws to a close, I have been working feverishly to be able to release a small collection of works in time for Christmas. Between looming commission deadlines and lots of new projects already in the pipeline for next year, I wasn't sure I would get enough done!

But I did manage to get there, and here are they are. I was slow to post this so three of the five have now sold, but Staghorn No. 1 and Cucina Italiana (What's for dinner?) are still available for sale. To enquire on these please feel free to email me at pipspiro@gmail.com.

Hope you're enjoying the festive season - many happy returns to you all!

Pip x

Breakfast of Summer

Watercolour on Arches paper, framed in custom lime-washed timber under matt board and glass, 91cm w x 67cm h (now SOLD)

‘Cucina Italiana’ (What’s for dinner?)  

Watercolour on Arches paper, framed in custom lime-washed timber under matt board and glass,  72.5cm w x 72.5 cm h

Staghorn No.1

Watercolour on Arches paper, framed in custom lime-washed timber under matt board and glass 69.5cm w x 91cm h

Banksia No.3 

Watercolour on Arches paper, framed in custom lime-washed timber under matt board and glass 46cm w x 59cm h (now SOLD)

{ a thing for staghorns }

It's been so long since I have posted here that I'm not quite sure where to start! I want to share some of what has been keeping me busy this year though... so I will start with some stag horns. Last Christmas or so I started to become totally entranced by the majestic and stately presence of these plants. I kept seeing (noticing) them everywhere and my camera roll on my phone is testament to how intrigued I became with their reaching, falling fronds and bulbous cores that seem to be able to attach themselves and thrive just about anywhere. Also, the fact that they have come somewhat back in vogue means that they seemed to pop up on every Pinterest board and Instagram feed in reach; all of which put them top of mind when experimenting with some larger work a few months ago. 

Halfway through painting this, I knew that it I was going to find it hard to part with; so I did something I had actually not done yet (?!) - and decided to keep it for myself. Our home has old stucco walls and is all very white, white, white, so I chose to hang this in our sun-drenched living room, framing it in a (deliberately so) rather gaudy - but so gorgeous - gold gilt frame. I felt it needed something grand, and the gold has so much vibrancy in the afternoon sun. 

While I am sure I'll feel the need to swap it out in time, I am enjoying having something of my own in our home for the moment. 

Thanks for stopping by... I'll post again soon.

Pip x

Wrap up from FLEURT

The gallery on opening day - artwork on left by Matilda Julian, artwork on right by me, flowers in foreground by Sophia Kaplan

The gorgeous Sophia Kaplan wrapping some of her beautiful fleurs

Detail of 'TRIUMPHANT'

A view through to the works of Ali Wood - image courtesy of @themainreason

Another of my pieces 'DAWN LIGHT'

Gorgeous oils by Helen McCullagh

 My sister and I!

Hi there friends, I thought I should share some pics from the launch of Fleurt in Sydney the other weekend. It was a beautiful sunny day with people teeming from the gallery, enjoying the coffee and champagne and fresh flowers, plus of course the abundance of beautiful floral inspired artwork adorning the walls. The show has been a big success and remains open through till this Sunday 7 June (Saint Cloche is located at 37 Macdonald Street, Paddington).

The crisp Autumn weather has been the perfect backdrop for the show - you can see how the sun streams through the  glass facade into the space, which is filled with so many beautiful paintings, photography, ceramics and fresh flowers. From bright blowsy blooms in thick licks of oil, delicate and elegant floral 'portraits' through to gorgeous, brooding photography, it's a beautifully curated show that is a feast for all the senses.

All my pieces have sold however there are still a few left to snap up, so pop along - there really is something for everyone!

Pip x