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1/9/2024 0 Comments First Father's Day Without DadI've been depressed lately, and I know a lot of it is because the first anniversary of Dad's death is coming up. I decided to do two small paintings linked to Dad. I often paint as a form of processing (grief, trauma). I painted Dad in his younger years, plus one of his tools, a hand plane. I called both paintings 'Reliable', to reflect Dad's character plus his tools and workmanship.  'Reliable' (Dad using Buzzer)
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23/8/2024 0 Comments I don't paint photorealisticI recently painted my fourth kereru (below). This blog post shows the progression. I don't have a set style (or at least I don't think so). Photorealism is an art style, painting or drawing with a lot of detail to look like a photograph. I don't paint photorealistic (or is that photorealistically?) In this blog post, I will try to explain why. Also, it doesn't really matter what one paints, to make a progression with subjects less frequently painted. Every painting is a learning experience. I like to paint a variety of subjects. I now specialise with acrylics but I have had previous small group tuition in traditional oil painting.  'Water Brings Life' (2024) 15/8/2024 0 Comments Voice of CourageI recently went on a long bus trip to visit my sister. During the trip, I received a notification with some feedback about the speech I did at a hearing, to decision-makers about arts grants. I actually have two Soar Purpose blogs so sometimes it's hard to decide whether to write a blog post here (more arts focussed) or at the other blog (broader creative expression and mental health). Although they overlap. I had a very rough day with my mental health, so have been in hibernation in my room (hardly emerged). Very burnt out currently with a lot of recent triggers (PTSD).  Fantail Rose In addition to being a semi-professional artist, I am also a hobby photographer. I take the reference pics for my paintings. This year, when I decided to go from hobby to semi-professional with my art, I invested in a camera which is more suited to make fine art prints from my original paintings. Also, more suited to dim lighting conditions. I entered three photos into the 2024 NZ Amateur Photography Awards, NZAPA, (run by the NZIPP - New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography).  Secret Bees' Business 30/7/2024 0 Comments Art Saved My Life 'Phoenix Kereru' by Xanthe Wyse I am not exaggerating in the title. Art gave me a reason and a purpose to keep going, after I lost everything, including my mind and relative health, from circumstances beyond my control. Clinicians say I have permanent impairment from a mental injury (primary diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD and bipolar disorder).
21/7/2024 0 Comments Painting a kitten with acrylicsThis blog post has some of my phone progress pics and process from painting 'CatiDude' (ginger tabby & white kitten). Pic of final painting (with my camera for fine art prints, below). Some of the tips in this blog post are transferrable to any painting subject.  'CatiDude'. Original painting by Xanthe Wyse. 17/7/2024 0 Comments Taking better pet picsI am an experienced amateur photographer and semi-professional artist. Now, offering pet portrait commissions for reasonable prices. Acrylics on canvas (within New Zealand only). I thought it might be helpful to give some tips to help improve your amateur photos. Especially if you are looking at commissioning a painting of your pet. All photos in this blog post are uncropped/unaltered (just resized to smaller), unless stated otherwise.  'Explore Outdoors', original painting by Xanthe Wyse 25/6/2024 0 Comments Reference pics for paintingsIt's very common for artists to use reference pics when painting. There are a few issues with using reference pics. Also, some benefits, which I want to outline in this blog post. Below is my latest painting, 'Highlander' (a mountain sheep).  'Highlander by Xanthe Wyse 22/6/2024 0 Comments The arts have valueI don't like meetings but I was invited to one and I went as it was about an important issue. It's about proposed changes to art funding grants in my local community (Taupo District). I had difficulty with taking in the information but I gather the Taupo District Council (TDC) is proposing merging different areas such as sport and arts (plays, music, visual arts etc) under one banner. I was triggered in the meeting, yet still encouraged to try make a submission on behalf of vulnerable people in the community who may be isolated and overlooked in favour of larger projects with more backing.  Spinning Orbit by Xanthe Wyse 21/6/2024 0 Comments Climbing MountainsI recently painted 'High Hopes', inspired by photos I took with my phone. A kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon) flew towards me when I was sitting down, having a rest. Mt Tauhara, my local mountain was in view (to me) in the left. I used creative license to bring them together. I signed the painting, deciding on top of the mountain was best, before I painted the bird. I wanted to ascend that mountain even metaphorically.  "High Hopes" by Xanthe Wyse |
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August 2024
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