Last week the lovely sfgirlbybay was kind enough to feature some of my photos on her blog along with other peoples shots from all over the world taken on that Sunday.
Well I didn't think I'd have anything to submit this weekend, Mardi Gras kept us out till late on Saturday night and the weather looked a pretty gloomy today. But we went for a little drive to check out some rock pools for a future photo shoot and I made sure I had my camera phone.
This shot is Mahon Pool in Maroubra. It started to pour with rain as soon as we got there and walking along the grassy cliff top, wind howling and totally drenched, I felt a bit like a character lost on the moors in a Jane Austin novel (although I doubt women wore fluro beach towels over their heads in those days). But, I managed to get a couple of shots and I've had a play around with them this afternoon. I think there are some good ideas for future work.
I love aerial views, photos or paintings. I think its the way it gives such a totally different perspective on an otherwise ordinary scene. Brodie Murray's work 'Urban complaxity, rural simplicity, innate automatism' are a bird's eye view on landscape. 
There was something about them that reminded me straight away of John Olsons paintings, in particular '5 Bells' at the Art Gallery of NSW. Olsen's paintings often implied an aerial view.
If you're in need of some inspiration then check out Earthsong by Bernhard Edmaier. It's full of stunning aerial photography. 
There are only a couple of weeks left to see Canberra's Degas - Master of French Art exhibition before it closes March 22nd.
As with every popular exhibition there were big crowds gathered around the most well-known works making it difficult to get a good look. And the lighting certainly didn't help much, it was one of the darkest exhibitions I've seen (or not seen) for some time. Some notable works were missing, there was certainly a lack of his famous 'bathing' works. But it is understandable, I doubt many galleries are keen to hand over some of their most popular paintings to the other side of the world.
I did enjoy it though, and it's certainly worth a look if your around Canberra. But what was with the frilly knickers in the gift shop?
Now I'm not usually one to complain about a gift shop after an exhibition, nothing wrong with a few postcards, and I confess I have the Mona Lisa as a fridge magnet. But there was something not quite right about this one. Maybe it was that there were more people rummaging through the fake pearl bracelets and frilly knickers than actually looking at the paintings? I think I just thought they could have done a lot better, there are far more interesting and less tacky things they could have come up with. I decided to have a quick hunt on the net for some better options:
- This lovely Dahlia flower clip by mamapatrice was inspired by Degas and would certainly top off any little ballerina's outfit.
- Gorgeous Degas buttons! Pretty up your hat, bag, jacket- anything. Only US$9.90 for 11 buttons from Buttonbistro7.
- These fabulous cushions from Bonjour Mon Coussin will bring some Parisian glamour to your home.
- Or add a touch of je ne se qua with this 8x8 inch Paris print from us - creative monsoon.
- Perfect for unleashing your inner ballerina, this beautiful feather headband from stylesmith is a steal at only US$25!
- Chasing Lightning Bugs in Canada has these amazing envelopes copied from an old 1909 Paris map. Much better than cheap frilly knickers and fake pearls!
More from Art Express: I was very interested in some of the materials Angus Hardwick used to construct his work - 'Traces: stains, processes, memories' . I've used perspex in the past for my own work. It's a tricky material to work with, especially if you need to drill it, it cracks so easily. I thought Angus had an interesting idea to cover the canvas with a delicate trasparent material and then sew into it. I can think of all sorts of interesting works to try this out on.
Don't forget Art Express runs at the Art Gallery of NSW until 9th April. Check it out if you can!
Summer might be over but there are still warm nights in Sydney. We're off tonight for some moonlight cinema and the other evening went to Luna Park where we took this ferris wheel pic. Prints are available on the creative monsoon site - which needs some serious updating. I've been so busy with buying a house I haven't had chance to work on the site, so there is STILL a 50% off jewelry sale! Get in quick before I get my act together :)
I thought I'd try this simple idea of painting a bird silhouette onto a material background to get back into some artwork. It's really easy to do, but pretty effective.
If dark and moody shades of grey aren't your thing this autumn/winter, try a little colour, well, a lot of colour actually.
- These gorgeous pink armwarmers from sachiko are perfect for looking cool and keeping warm.
- Spirited Style have the most amazing range of colourful handbags. Watch out for a range of new designs coming March 1st.
- Add a bit of fun to any outfit with 'cant sleep clowns will eat me' buttons from Stoopidgerl.
- I came across Canberra designer Karmen Sega at their local markets a couple of weeks ago. She has some beautiful leather handbags and purses. Check out Canberras arts and crafts markets for her work.
- Top off your winter look with a great hat, like this one from Sydney designer Baboom.
James Daly's work is a depiction of the mind just waking up from a dream - an amazing mix of colours, symbols, images and patterns. Just love it! See more from Art Express at www.insideartexpress.com.au
Now I'm usually the first person the complain when stores start promoting autumn/winter stock when its still the middle of summer. But I have to admit this past weeks constant rain made me realise summer is slowly on its way out. So whats happening with autumn/winter fashion? Well there seem to be two distinct styles, the first, think retro galmour. Black, dark blue or purple and cherry red. Tailored suites and pencil skirts. The femme fatale:
- Add a little knitted French luxury to your wardrobe this winter with a beautiful buttoned scarflette from friedinbutter. Available in a variety of colours including black and red.
- Necklush is made from cut cotton loops by a New York based business. Very unique they make a great change from usual scarfs and can be worn in lots of different ways.
- Try a bit of original vintage glamour, like this stunning dress from my favorite vintage.
- One of my favourites, Gazzu has some beautiful head bands. Try this black and red one, a steal at only US$7.75.
- Pencil skirts are a great look this autumn. New York based designer Soho Mode have a great selection in traditional or more daring fabrics, teamed with fabulous contrasting belts.
- Bonniesknitting uses vintage patterns and fabric to create these gorgeous 1920s style hats. Perfect for topping off that winter retro look.
