This week I will hand over the portrait of Sarah and her baby Jasper. It has been a challenge delving into oils after a few years of watercolor and print.
Jasper also is putting on weigh at a great rate, so each week his cheeks got bigger and bigger.

Sarah and Jasper, Oil on linen, 2013.

The Portrait of Sarah and Jasper came from a second portrait class I have completed with Andrew Forsythe. The First one I did 4 years ago and the more recent one I did these last few weeks. Sarah very kindly offered herself on Wednesday mornings and we had the pleasure one day of watching bees swarm outside her house and come to rest on the electricity pole.Fascinating.

Model 2, Oil on Linen, 2013

Model 1, Oil on Canvas, 2009.

Yesterday my print of Rosie, aka ‘It’s a dog’s life” won the 14th annual Continental Hotel Art Prize, down in Sorrento. It was a huge surprise and a complete buzz.

I now have a schnazzy trophy to fit on the mantel piece with the rest of the family’s sporting trophies (horses for courses, I say).

My sister Chrissy was beside herself with joy, so much so that the judge asked is she was my daughter and not because I look 20 years her senior, but on account of her squealing (That is my story and I am sticking to it).

Laila and Indi were somewhat proud and now Laila can’t call me a half-artist as she is known to do. It was a lovely vibe down there at the Conti, and there were many great pieces, so if you are down Sorrento way this summer, drop in and have a look.

I am slowly coming out of my election cocoon and I am pleased to report that I managed to pull one piece out of my hat during the election campaign for a group show opening this Thursday,17 October  from 6 – 8pm  at the No Vacancy Gallery in the atrium at Federation Square, Melbourne. The show runs till November 3.

Yesterday I helped hang Helen Kocis Edwards and Jess Wong’s work for the Melbourne Writers’ Festival called 1000 tears. For the project Helen and Jess asked people to tell them their regrets, which they sent via postcard, email, text or facebook.

The installation opens on Wednesday at 6pm, though you can see it now!

Andrej Kocis documented the hanging. Here are some of his shots.

With the election campaigning underway, I thought it would be great to show some of my art in the new VOTE 1 Alex Bhathal Greens campaign office.

If you happen to be in the neighbourhood, drop in to pick up a poster or have a coffee. We are at 234 High St Northcote.

The inaugural Batman Art Auction was a great success. We sold all works bar 2 and raised way more than we could have hoped.

Thanks to all the volunteers, they buyers, the drinkers and the onlookers. Thanks to for those of you who liked my dress!!

And to Spensley St Primary School. What a great venue !

Opening next Thursday, 27 June, 2013, 6 pm to 8 pm is the Merri Studios “With Wilderness all around” printmaking exhibition. It is on at the Anita Traverso Gallery, 7 Albert Street, Richmond. http://www.anitatraversogallery.com.au/

The show runs till July 27, 2013.