WALKING PAST PAINT BRUSHES FILLING a WATER JUG, Dinan France

In April 2023, France was I place I travelled through on a Back Roads tour. Dinan, was a special town we stayed in and whilst walking towards the river, I took this photo which caught my eye as an oil painter. The gentleman in the painting is Ken, the driver of our bus whilst on our tour. When I took this photo, I knew I was going to paint it.

• DATE FINISHED : February 2025
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 55 cm X Width – 40 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : For Sale

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THE PHELAN FAMILY HOME, KILBEGGAN – COUNTRY WESTMEATH – IRELAND

This painting is my second commission by the Phelan family. Both paintings have been of special relevance to the Phelan family, as Kilbeggan in Country Westmeath, Ireland, is where some of the family have lived and grown up in.

This particular painting is for Patrick Phelan, the patriarch of this family, as a gift for him for his 90^th birthday.

In January 2025, I was given a few old photos of Patrick Phelans family home in Kilbeggan, as well as a few reference photos. The main photo given to me was a photo taken in 1997 in which the home was very old and dilapidated, and the garden was overgrown. My task/commission was to bring this house back to its original look for Patrick when he was living there.

The family wanted this painting for Patrick as it holds very special memories for him and will hopefully spark the happy times he had in this home and bring them back to life once more.

Thank you again, Phelan Family, for commissioning me and trusting me to paint this very special Irish home, which undoubtedly holds very special memories for Patrick and the Phelan family.

• DATE FINISHED : January 2025
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 35.50 cm X Width – 45.7 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : Commissioned

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CAFE TERRACE AT NIGHT  – My interpretation of Vincent van Gogh’s Painting

I was commissioned by my friends Natalie and Tony to copy Vincent van Gogh’s painting of the Cafe Terrace at Night. It was the first time that I have copied a great artist and thus a bit of a challenge. I learnt a lot about how van Gogh painted especially that he did not use black at all in this painting.  Van Gogh’s bright colors and the night sky are other elements that I loved to copy in this painting.

Natalie and Tony were rapt with my interpretation and as I have said I love to make people happy with my skill of painting.

• DATE FINISHED : March 2024
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 61.50 cm X Width – 51.5 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : Commission

THE FARM – BETH AND ADAM’S WEDDING VENUE     

I was commissioned by Beth and Adam in February 2022 to paint The Farm, which is a beautiful wedding venue in Warrandyte South. The reason behind this is because Beth and Adam got married there on the 25^th of February 2022 and wanted a painting of the venue as a beautiful keep’s sake and reminder of their special day.

Whilst Adam and Beth commissioned me to paint The Farm, my son James, and his girlfriend Madi, said that they will buy it from me and give it to Adam and Beth as their wedding present.

I have loved painting ‘The Farm’ as I have been there many times and know the owner, Rob Dolan. The Farm is local to us and is a very peaceful and picturesque place that we love to go to.

Beth and Adam, I hope you love this painting as a wonderful memory of your wedding day and celebration of your joining of lives together, as a couple, and I know that James and Madi thought that this would be a special wedding gift for you. I hope you look on the painting for many years and it will always put a smile on your faces.

Congratulations with love

• DATE FINISHED : June 2022
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 61.00 cm X Width – 121 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : COMMISSIONED

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BROSNA RIVER, KILBEGGAN – COUNTRY WESTMEATH – IRELAND

I was commissioned in August 2021 by my beautiful friend Nerida Phelan to paint a landscape of the Brosna River, Kilbeggan which is in Country Westmeath, Ireland, for her brother-in-law, Kevin, as a present for his 60^th birthday this year (2021).

Nerida gave me an old photo to paint from, which also included the old Coola Whiskey Distillery. The family wanted this painting for Kevin as it was a very special fishing spot enjoyed by him and his dad. This spot was located close to the Phelan Family home.

Thank you so much Nerida and family, for commissioning me to paint this special place which holds special memories for Kevin.

• DATE FINISHED : September 2021
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 51.00 cm X Width – 40 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS :COMMISSIONED

MITCHES JETTY AT FISHPEN, MERIMBULA, VICTORIA

I was commissioned in September 2020 by Kim Jarrett-Blanck to paint this scene of Mitches Jetty at Fishpen, Merimbula for her friend Lisa Jackson-Calvert for her 50^th Birthday in December 2020.

Kim told me that Lisa has always had holidays at Merimbula since her childhood/teen years and now Lisa’s own family have continued to holiday there every year, as it is one Lisa’s favorite spots.

I have thoroughly enjoyed painting this for Lisa and hope that she will love it when she sees it in December.

• DATE FINISHED : November 2020
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 61.00 cm X Width – 50.80 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS :COMMISSIONED/SOLD

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JUICY TUSCAN GRAPES

Juicy Tuscan Grapes was inspired by a photo I took whilst in Tuscany in 2010. We were staying in a villa in Tuscany and this vineyard was on the property next door. Whilst walking, I took the photo and just recently painted my interpretation of the grapes. So Juicy and luscious.  Great memories of a great holiday.

• DATE FINISHED : June 2020
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 61.00 cm X Width – 61.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : For Sale

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A STAIRWAY TO UBUD HEAVEN

Whilst in Ubud, Bali, I took a beautiful photo from the pool walking back up to our retreat and loved the stairway and rock work on the walls so much I wanted to paint it. I love the symmetry of the stairs and the rock walls together with the old brick work.

• DATE FINISHED : February 2018
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 61.00 cm X Width – 51.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

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YAMBA 1 – HOME AWAY FROM HOME (THE HOUSE)

I painted the next two paintings, Yamaba 1 and Yamba 2, for my sister Margaret as a surprise for her 70th birthday. Margaret lives in Coombabah on the Gold Coast and travels the 4 + hours often to enjoy the peace and quiet at her holiday home in Yamba, New South Wales, Australia. The painting below is looking at the house which has been renovated a few time with the balcony and dolphin added whilst Yamba 2, below,  is looking out at the Clarence River.

• DATE FINISHED : February 2017
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 61.00 cm X Width – 76.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : Gifted to my oldest sister Margaret for her 70th birthday in 2017

YAMBA 2 – HOME AWAY FROM HOME (LOOKING OUT)

I painted Yamba 1 and Yamba 2 for my sister Margaret as a surprise for her 70th birthday. Margaret lives in Coombabah on the Gold Coast and travels the 4 + hours often to enjoy the peace and quiet at her holiday home in Yamba, New South Wales, Australia. This painting below is looking out of her home, Yamba 1,  through the balcony at the Clarence River.

• DATE FINISHED : February 2017
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 61.00 cm X Width – 76.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : Gifted to my oldest sister Margaret for her 70th birthday in 2017

THE QUIETER SIDE OF WARRANDYTE

Being a local resident and artist of , my son’s Taylor and James Battista, who both volunteer for the South Warrandyte CFA, asked me to paint something about Warrandyte that I love and donate it to the local 2016 CFA’s Fireball auction. I am a regular walker of the Yarra but particularly love The Island side and the path and scenery are particularly peaceful and picturesque for me.

• DATE FINISHED : September 2016
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 30.00 cm X Width – 41.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : Gifted to CFA’s FireBall 2016 Auction.

MANY LAYERS OF OLD PORT ARTHUR

This painting has a bit of history for me. In 2008 I tried to paint this painting off a photo I took this photo of a wall in the Port Arthur Goal. I loved the different textures, facets, dimensions, materials including nature and history that this photo/painting incorporate s. I can see the convicts making every brick by hand then making the building. In 2008 I tried to paint this after my sister Sue Leeder-Morale made me an easel for my birthday and I bought cheap acrylic paints and I tried to paint this photo with no idea what I was doing. So after Jacob Battista and my husband, Brian, bought me art lessons at Montsalvat with Jenny Mitchell did I learn how to paint in oils. Hence 7 years later I have finished this painting covering the acrylic with oil paints. Hope you love it.

 

• DATE FINISHED : March 2016
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 76.00 cm X Width – 102.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Mixed Media on canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

YANDOIT SERIES 5 of 6, VINCE GERVASONI’S TRUCK

The late Vince Gervasoni was my fifth cousin on my mothers side. Mum used to take us to visit him and his sister Rene (deceased also)often since my 8 siblings and I were little kids. Vince and Yandoit have a special place in my heart and hence decided to paint this series of 6.Vince, his truck, the old well and especially the old homestead down the road from his home all have special and fond memories for me. Vince’s truck is well known in the area and I can recall seeing him drive in it many times.

• DATE FINISHED : December 2015
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 76.00 cm X Width – 102.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

CAITLAN AND DECLAN WOODS WALKING TO SCHOOL 

After a friend saw my painting of My Boys Walking to school, Sean wanted me to paint his two children walking to school as a christmas present for his wife. This Painting of Caitlan and Declan Woods walking to school is the finished product.

• DATE FINISHED : December 2014
• DIMENSIONS :
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape and Portrait
• STATUS : SOLD

MY BOYS WALKING TO THE BUS

This special painting is of my three oldest sons walking to catch the bus across from our home in Warrandyte South. This day was my oldest son’s first day of Year 12, my second son was starting Year 9 and my third son was starting year 7. My youngest son was still in Grade 5.

• DATE FINISHED : November 2014
• DIMENSIONS :
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape and Portrait
• STATUS : NOT FOR SALE

YANDOIT SERIES 6 of 6, THE OLDER WATER WELL AND BUILDING

The late Vince Gervasoni was my fifth cousin on my mothers side. Mum used to take us to visit him and his sister Rene (deceased also)often since my 8 siblings and I were little kids. Vince and Yandoit have a special place in my heart and hence decided to paint this series of 6.Vince, his truck, the old well and especially the old homestead down the road from his home all have special and fond memories for me. As children we would always run up the sides of the water well and look inside to see what was in the bottom of the well.

• DATE FINISHED : March 2014
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 76.00 cm X Width – 120.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

YANDOIT SERIES 3 of 6, THE OLD VINCE GERVASONI HOMESTEAD

The late Vince Gervasoni was my fifth cousin on my mothers side. Mum used to take us to visit him and his sister Rene (deceased also)often since my 8 siblings and I were little kids. Vince and Yandoit have a special place in my heart and hence decided to paint this series of 6.Vince, his truck, the old well and especially the old homestead down the road from his home all have special and fond memories for me. As an 18 year old my mum, Marie Leeder nee Cugley, (deceased) used to dance in this homestead when the Gervasoni’s held parties.

• DATE FINISHED : March 2014
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 76.00 cm X Width – 120.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

COBBLESTONE LANE IN TUSCANY

I completed this painting  from a photo I took in Tuscany whist holidaying with Brian, and Cathy and Harry Moon in 2008. The history of this lane way in Tuscany was felt whilst walking down it which was what captivated and lead me to me to want to paint this scene. Special memories of some of my family who went on this trip with us. Cathy is now the proud owner of this painting. I have a photo of the 4 of us in the lane way. Great memories. RIP Harry.

• DATE FINISHED : October 2012
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 67.00 cm X Width – 54.00 cm )
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : Gifted to Cathy my Sister

YANDOIT SERIES 4 of 6, THE OLD VINCE GERVASONI HOME

The late Vince Gervasoni was my fifth cousin on my mother’s side. Vince lived on many acres in Yandoit, which is 12 kilometers from Hepburn Springs, near Dalesford. Mum used to take us to visit Vince and his sister Rene (also deceased) often when my 8 siblings and I were little kids. Vince and Yandoit have a special place in my heart and hence decided to paint this series of 6. Vince, his truck, the old water well and outhouse and especially the old homestead down the road from his home all have special and fond memories for me.

• DATE FINISHED : March 2014
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 76.00 cm X Width – 91.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE, SCOTLAND

The Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland was so impressive that I felt that it was worth capturing on a canvas.

• DATE FINISHED : May 2013
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 53.00 cm X Width – 66.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

YANDOIT SERIES 2 OF 6, THE OLD VINCE GERVASONI HOMESTEAD’S FACE

The late Vince Gervasoni was my fifth cousin on my mothers side. Mum used to take us to visit him and his sister Rene (deceased also)often since my 8 siblings and I were little kids. Vince and Yandoit have a special place in my heart and hence decided to paint this series of 6. Vince, his truck, the old well and especially the old homestead down the road from his home all have special and fond memories for me. This view of the old homestead is significant as a child I would always see a face in the old building, like it was trying to tell me something.

• DATE FINISHED : Jan 2013
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 96.00 cm X Width – 76.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

THE QUIET STREET – CONG

This enchanting street in Cong – Ireland captivated my artistic imagination that led me to paint this scene. The 1952 movie, The Quiet Man was filmed in this town and one can see why.

• DATE FINISHED : September 2013
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 59.00 cm X Width – 50.00 cm)
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

WILD SEAS IN MANAROLA, CINQUE TERRE

The colors, the wild sea, the balcony’s, the homes, all on the edge are what enticed me to paint this precarious life of the villagers in Cinque Terre.

• DATE FINISHED : September 2012
• DIMENSIONS : (Height – 67.00 cm X Width – 54.00 cm )
• MEDIUM : Oil on Canvas
• GENRE : Landscape
• STATUS : FOR SALE

Landscapes