{ if... }

This post is for my mum. On Friday we celebrated her 60th birthday and all that she has managed to pack into her six decades so far. My mother is a very clever woman and has done a great many wonderful things in her time (not least of which is raising four daughters!) - though I suspect not many people know just how much she's accomplished, as she is probably the most humble and understated person I know. 

This poem - 'If...' by Rudyard Kipling - is her favourite. For as long as I can remember, she has turned me to these words whenever I face a tough time or decision. They are simple, wise and humbling - much like Mum.  Every year I realise more and more how fortunate I am to have such a strong and clever woman to be the example I follow in life. 

So happy, happy birthday mum! Thank you for giving us all everything that counts the most, here's to another sixty years!

Pip xx

{ back to the drawing board }

After a very long and relaxing summer holiday I am now back home, back to work really energised to get back into painting. I've just completed a couple of botanical commissions and other bits and pieces, and then I'm also starting on some new subjects that I've been looking forward to painting for a while. 

Here's a glimpse of my latest agapanthus...

And some words I did in gold leaf. This one makes me smile. 

On a sad note for me I've already managed to make my workspace a bomb-site in just a matter of days - it seems no matter how hard I try I just cannot keep it tidy! I put it down to efficiency as I don't believe it's worthwhile to spend half an hour of good painting time setting up and packing up each day... this is why I need a real studio! Speaking of, I just love everything about this gorgeous space below which belongs to Sydney artist Cherie Curchod. Her art for one is divine, but that desk and the light flooding in - and what's more, this place (located on Sydney's Pittwater) is only accessible by boat - what a dream.

Image via Dustjacket Attic 

In other dreams, I am still clinging to the memories of lazy beach days while I can...

Home Beach @ Stradbroke (taken by my friend P)

Tea Tree @ Noosa

... but for now, it's back to this!

Hopefully see you soon.
Pip xx