Some things just take time ...





A few years ago I created a lovely little Christmas card using a painting to the line technique inspired by Adolf Bernd's work. I have not used the technique since then but was teaching this method at the recent summer school.  You may have seen a snippet of this before.




Lilium et Rosa


I started this little work as an in-class demonstration and now I have finally finished it.




Lilium et Rosa (detail)




Also a couple of weeks ago I finished this work to be sent to Europe for a competition.
The theme of the competition is The Great War 1914 - 1918. Understandably, I concentrated on the ANZACS.


I have decided not to send it for a couple of reasons. 
To send this framed piece to Europe is approximately $250.  So what with the framing costs,
the cost to send to Europe, possibly the cost to send the work back, plus the entry fee,
I have had to say to myself, enough, it just isn't going to happen.
I got a quote through Pack & Send and also checked with Australia Post insured to Europe.
The competition has a nice prize purse but you must be in attendance on the opening night
to actually claim it - a little difficult from Australia.
Not that I would expect to win mind you but the kudos of winning,
the organisers told me, was more than one would want, surely.  Ha!



 Lest We Forget




 Lest We Forget (detail)


 I just love the way the watercolour behaves on this Hahnemuehle paper.
It is a lovely work and I am glad I have done it and that for me is what counts.







Comments

Fiona Dempster said…
These are both so beautiful Gemma - I love the painting to the line style…my wobbly hand would make a mess of it probably; but I do love it so! Sorry to hear about the costs of sending to 14-18; I am working on a book to enter into it and hope the costs don't spiral beyond belief...
April 1, 2014 at 9:03 PM
Gemma Black said…
Thanks Fi. Good luck with the book I know it won't cost hardly anything compared to a framed work. :-) x g
April 1, 2014 at 9:11 PM
Maya Sara Matthew said…
Oh wow! your work is beautiful.I learnt something new too wasn't aware of Adolf Bernd. Maybe there will a competition closer home you could enter your work it.
April 2, 2014 at 1:18 AM
Unknown said…
Wow they are lovely,I've always loved the Adolf Bernd letters and this is an inspired use of the technique.
Susan Marks
envious amateur calligrapher from North Yorkshire !
April 2, 2014 at 6:06 AM
Gemma Black said…
Thanks Maya, What I really enjoy most is just doing the work. I think it might go here or it might go there but often the satisfaction on completion is enough. Oh to win the lottery!

x g
April 2, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Gemma Black said…
Hello Susan, thanks for your comments. These take a huge amount of time but are very rewarding when completed even the really small ones. There is something special about watercolour and fine paper.

I will be headed your way in the summer of 2015. I'll let you know the schedule once it has been tweaked.

x g
April 2, 2014 at 10:48 AM
Lyndell Dobbs said…
Wow Gemma. This is just so beautiful. As is all of your work. I love the lettering and like Susan I am very envious. Just lovely.
April 10, 2014 at 9:45 AM
Gemma Black said…
Thank you Lyndell, you are too kind. I "do" love doing these.

Looking forward to my Canberra workshop where I will incorporate this "painting to the line" as well. I'm madly working on more samples already!

x g
April 10, 2014 at 9:58 AM
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