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Friday 1 February 2013

Hey Sister, Go Sister!



This post is dedicated to all sisters.  My sister moved to Australia 3 years ago and I miss her heaps.  There are a lot of reminders of the fun we had, especially at this time of the year.  The first week of February meant our Father’s birthday, and the annual family gathering, Waitangi Day (New Zealand’s national holiday), new school year starting, to name a few.

Every year until our father's passing nearly 6 years ago we used to pack up her car and we would set off on an adventure for a week.  The destination was our Dad’s farm.  We would leave about 5 am and get to the Bay early afternoon, with several stops for shopping (hehehe).  Then we would hit the beach.  We lived inland and the nearest beaches are wild and rugged, not your swimming and sunbathing types.  The beach we favoured was Ohope the beach of our childhood.  It has massive surf and long stretches of sand and sand dunes.  Picture postcard stuff. We would became children and splashed and dived through the waves with wild abandon!  Then late afternoon we would tidy ourselves up and carry on to the farm.  The family would welcome us commenting on our long journey and how tired we must be.  Nobody mentioned the trails of sand in our wake or for that matter the shopping bags piled up in the boot!

The above journal page is commemoration of those times. So sis, if you are reading this, I am coming over later this year and we will hit some of those gorgeous WA beaches big time!

29 Faces in February
I am taking part in the 29 faces challenge hosted by Ayala. As today is the first I have to get cracking.  Keeping to the theme of sisters, I have started this painting, a self-portrait of me and my sister.  Artistic license applies sis!
Here is the sketch I did on the canvas 16 x 20 in. yesterday.


This morning I got cracking and painted this using water soluble oils. I think I lost the tension that I had in the sketch.  But it early days yet.


I want the tension to be there to portray that sisters, while they are close there can major differences in attitudes and life style.  The blood tie keeps them together through thick and thin.  My sister and I have had our skirmishes in the past, but this time in our lives, we are closer than ever.  Speaking for myself, distance has made me realize how much she means to me.

During next week I hope to finish this. I am not convinced totally about the colour scheme yet and their expressions I might change.  I want them to appear happier as I think they look a bit sad.  Will these count as two faces in the challenge, I hope so.

PS I have nearly finished the hills painting from last week.  I will post it next PPF!

Have a lovely week creating wonderful art and happy PPF.

Linking to


28 comments:

  1. Hi dear Sharon! Found your blog at the 29faces art challenge. Your paintings are wonderful and I love to see them.
    My sister is also not near by me. I know, what you are feeling.

    Sending hugs from Germany
    Erika

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  2. Oh my gosh, I love the pink car heading to the beach! I want to jump in there! :D
    Beautiful celebration of you and your sister!

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  3. LOved reading about the beach adventure... I could almost see it... sand and all... and love the sketch for the sisters painting a lot... I know the painting is going to be wonderful, but that ketch is lovely as well... great structure...xx

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  4. Beautiful post Sharon... and love the portrait of both you and your sister... looking forward to seeing more...

    Jenny ♥

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  5. Dear Sharon. Beautiful story about your dad and your love to your sisters. Thank you for sharing it was us. Beautiful and heart warming art as well. Have a lovely PPF!

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  6. Oh, I lovelovelove that painting of the girl in the car. It radiates so much happiness and energy. Love reading about your adventures with your sister. The painting of the 2 sisters is wonderful. Looking forward which way you'll go with it! And of course it counts as two faces! You're ahead already! ☺

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  7. So lovely and wild to all the sisters on the ride...quite wonderful...I looooove your painting so much cause of its colors and vintagy look..awesome :)))))

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  8. Love your pink car, awesome movement! <3 Love your WIP, looking forward seeing it develop!

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  9. the bond between sisters is so very strong. I'm looking forward to seeing your sisters painting completed. I think you are off to a great start.

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  10. I love your tribute to sisters!!
    Awesome patterns and textures and energy! :)
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  11. Don't change a thing...I am loving this new style...very cool...the two girls are awesome and definitely completely different personalities!! Wow soo impressive ...first picture I loved and then the bonus sisters!! I love this cool post thanks for sharing...Your sister should be honored!!
    Love it all, every last word and line on this page!

    You go girl!!!

    Hugs Giggle

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  12. Terrific post and loving all the fab artwork. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  13. Wonderful post ~ love the Go Sister and your fabulous faces ~ such creativity!

    Carol of A Creative Harbor ^_^

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  14. I so miss my sisters too. Lovely meeting you at the 29face Challenge. Great art!
    ManonX

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  15. Sisters are so special. Your first piece is really fun. I like the words!!

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  16. Love your sisters tribute! HPPF!

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  17. your car painting is such a fun piece, immediately brought a smile to my face. Lovely portraits too, nice post and tribute to family.

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  18. wonderful paintings! i especilly love the first one with all the hearts floating behind the car-and of course, your story that accompanies it.Happy PPF!

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  19. A great start! I love the sketch as well as the painting. I like your "loose" sketching style! Can't wait to see your painting progress, and to see your future faces!

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  20. That does look like a joyful ride you are on!! I like your two faces - they seem a little anxious but I'm sure you will have happy faces on them in no time!

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  21. What an awesome car!! It is zooming with fun! Your sketch and painting are wonderful!

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  22. Oh a pink VW...Love it. What great memories and what a great way to commemorate them. Maybe you subconsciously made the girls sad because you are missing your sister. HPPF

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  23. Moving use of color and context.

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  24. What sweet memories. Love the sister page...I understand the sister thing so well...there were four girls in my family! Your sister sketch is amazing. Happy PPF! - janice

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  25. What a beautiful post and tribute to your sister. That car is amazing -- so full of movement and excitement. Happy Paint Party a few days late!

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  26. Found you through Paint Party Friday...love the dedication to your sis, and the beginning of your painting!

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  27. It is so beautiful when siblings are close. I have 2 brothers but I have a lot of sisters by a different mother! Would love to see your painting as it progresses. HPPF

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  28. Love the sketch as well as the painting!

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