Simon Collins - Life Drawing/Painting

Relocating!!!

2009-10-24T21:48:00.004+11:00

In an attempt to streamline I have merged my small paintings blog, this blog, and the NEWS page of my website to this blog, so head over if you'd like to update subscriptions. I anticipate occasional newsletters still to those on email list, and lots to follow on the new blog. Thanks for subscribing!

http://simoncollinsblog.blogspot.com/

Mental Health Week

2009-09-27T16:48:00.005+10:00

Muscle Car Sunset - 25x25cm Oil/Board

Be sure to check out TOWARDS THE LIGHT at Frances Keevil Gallery Double Bay, a fundraising event for WAYS and UAS. There'll be plenty of great art for sale and auction.

Artists involved also include Jane Bennett, Elisabeth Cummings, Ann Gordon, Georgina Hart, Marcella Kaspar, Adrian Lockhart, Joanna Logue, Sue Meyer, Amanda Penrose–Hart, Melissa Selby-Brown, Peter Simpson, Pablo Tapia, Stephen Trebilcock, Wendy Sharpe and Judith White.

The main event is Saturday 3rd October 3 – 5pm and exhibition continues.

Full details here

I eat eggs but...

2009-09-09T09:13:00.004+10:00

Simon Collins - Roo - 2009 - Oil/Board 91.5 x 91.5 cm

Humane Society International do some wonderful stuff, from campaigns for correct food labelling (how free range are your eggs really?) to the housing impoverished Orangutans and international level legal battles against unlawful whaling. And the Extinction Denied Art Exhibition held at the Arthouse Hotel, Sydney from next Monday 14th September. Many of the usual starters have donated work this year, amongst them Adam Cullen, Cash Brown, Abbey McCulloch, Lucy Culliton, and it's my second go, plus a few new faces too and I'm really Looking forward to getting up close to the work of Euan Macleod and Darian Zam. Click here to preview the work

Bright and Spooky Road Objects

2009-08-31T17:18:00.004+10:00

interview published on thevine.com.au

Thanks Gemma Jones! (paintergirl)

sixtoeight.net: Iain Dawson Gallery - Simon Collins

2009-08-26T19:38:00.001+10:00

sixtoeight.net: Iain Dawson Gallery - Simon Collins

Show Opens

2009-08-18T21:08:00.000+10:00

My show opens this Saturday, work was hung today.

Looking forward to it, would love to see you there if you can make it.

http://www.iaindawson.com/pages/exhibition_details.php?exhibitionID=21

1-3pm, Iain Dawson Gallery, Paddington. www.iaindawson.com.au

2009-07-07T22:28:00.002+10:00

Anthea Polson Art

2009-05-28T17:22:00.007+10:00

Many would be aware of the recent news that Art Galleries Schubert have closed their doors. To have your representing gallery close is never good news, but being asked to join the stable of the new Anthea Polson run gallery, Anthea Polson Art was very welcome. While wishing Win Schubert the best in her semi retirement, I'm very much looking forward to a future with many of the strong ex Schubert artists, friends and team who no doubt will be running a very exciting new gallery right next to Marina Mirage. Visit the website and sign up for newsletters here to keep up with all the news.

HAVE A LOOK....

Music to paint to #2

2009-05-28T17:06:00.004+10:00

I thought I'd be doing more of these, but here's album #2, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Murder Ballads.

Many a painting to date has been done to this fine album. Guests include Kylie, PJ Harvey, Shane McGowan and the Moron Tabernacle Choir. Check out this great Doco, many chatting heads including Dave Graney, Rowland S Howard + many more.

I was lucky enough to recently see them do All Tomorrows Parties on Sydney Harbour's Cockatoo Island, along with Ed Kuepper's Laughing Clowns, only to find out days later that Mick Harvey was leaving the band to be replaced (in some sense) by Ed. Will be interesting to see how that pans out...

In the real art world....

2009-05-28T16:50:00.001+10:00

Another great one to follow

"What's going on in the real art world? Welcome to "In The Real Art World" and please excuse the pun. "In The Real Art World" alerts you to the best exhibitions of representational "realism" which are on at the moment anywhere in the world. Whether it be in a Museum or a commercial gallery, the main focus will be on contemporary art without ignoring the great art of the past. Although I appreciate good art in any form it takes, I noticed that there are a multitude of sites dedicated to what's happening now in contemporary art. But there is no site that specialises in letting you know where to see the best of representational "realism" that is either contemporary, or of the past."

have a look

Art Re-source

2009-05-28T16:34:00.004+10:00

A blog well worth subscribing to by Steve Gray.

Last year I did an interview with Steve. As did friends Amanda van Gils, Erika Gofton and Debbie Hill.

Have a look....

BOOK - Amanda van Gils: Views from a Speeding Train

2009-04-12T18:35:00.005+10:00

This is a plug for a good friend, but I am proud to share that I am just loving my recent copy of Amanda van Gils book, Views from a Speeding Train. It covers the series of paintings to date which so well puts the viewer in her landscapes by rail, a place very personal to Amanda. What I also like is that she also successfully puts the viewer in the studio with her with through her direct and deliberate treatment of materials used, that of oil and linen.

Available for preview and direct online ordering here.

more Life Drawing

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more Life Drawing

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more Life Drawing

2009-03-10T15:46:00.001+11:00

more Life Drawing

2009-03-10T15:43:00.002+11:00

more Life Drawing

2009-03-10T15:42:00.002+11:00

more Life Drawing

2009-03-10T15:38:00.003+11:00

Renault New Generation Art - Art Sydney 08

2008-10-22T07:35:00.005+11:00

While "all the beauty you will ever need" continues to Saturday at Iain Dawson Gallery, Art Sydney 08 happens this weekend from Thursday night to Sunday and on-line voting is now live for Renault New Generation Art which I have a stand in.

Bright Road Object #2 - 95x145cm - Oil on Canvas - 2008

The public can now vote for their favourite artist and the winner receives a cheque for $5,000 courtesy of Renault. This will be supported by entry forms in the New Generation area at Art Sydney. All votes will be counted at 11.30 on Sunday and the winner announced at the fair at 12 noon.

To give artists the best chance of winning this $5,000 prize, feel free to forward this link http://www.artsydney08.com.au/as08/newgeneration.asp and vote. All voters are entered into a draw to win a Renault weekend driving experience, including two nights at Bellachara Boutique Hotel in Gerringong.

Good luck to all!

all the beauty you will ever need

2008-10-09T21:16:00.003+11:00

From Driveway (Beverly Hills) - 40 x 40 cm Oil on Board 2008

My first time on the walls at Iain Dawson Gallery in Paddington for

all the beauty you will ever need
four important new artists

SIMON COLLINS

KIRRILY HAMMOND

MICHAEL MORAN

JANICE KUCZKOWSKI

view exhibition

show runs: 14 - 25 October

72a Windsor Street Paddington NSW 2021 Australia

Albums to paint to #1 Ween - Chocolate and Cheese

2008-09-27T15:36:00.003+10:00

Thought I might occasionally share a bit of what I listen to in the studio.

I'm a big Ween fan and love painting to Chocolate and Cheese and many others... enjoy these vids

Roses are Free

and a fan video for the epic Buenos Tardes Amigo; thanks to Crumie

Exquisite Palette @ St. Luke Artist Colourmen

2008-09-15T16:05:00.002+10:00

This is my contribution to the Exquisite Palette Show on at St. Luke Artist Colourmen opening 3rd October 2008, Smith St Collingwood.

Watch it unfold here with snaps of last years show and more.

Ambera Wellmann - Loves a Good Nocturne

2008-08-27T22:11:00.003+10:00

Beacon 20" x 20" Oil on Canvas 2008

I've been following the blog of Ambera Wellmann for a little while now, and I'm not even sure how I came across it, but there's something about a nice nocturne....

Check out her

Petites

Art Blog

Mosman Art Prize

2008-07-28T16:48:00.002+10:00

Narwee BM'er, 60x60 oil on board

Good news today. I found out I have been selected as a finalist in the Mosman Art Prize. I really like this show and am happy to have been selected. There's always plenty of good work on show there, and plenty of good work rejected too. Congrats also to good friends Amanda van Gils and Glenn Locklee also selected.

The Opening...

2008-07-27T21:32:00.004+10:00

It's hard to avoid the feeling that two years of effort was leading up to this 120 minutes that was last night and now its dust. (Solo exhibitions in my mind should be the primary concern for the type of artist I want to be).

Many thanks to all who could turn up to help me celebrate the opening last night, and to those who have added my work me to their collections some first-time, second and more...

Exhibition continues to August 6

Countdown to Ride On...

2008-07-22T20:15:00.004+10:00

Ride On... 101cm x 101cm Oil on Canvas

Tomorrow I deliver my 40+ works to Frances Keevil for my Solo show Ride On... which opens this Saturday. Show continues to August6. All welcome, click invites for more info.

In other news I just picked up (for the second year running), the Highly Commended in the Waverley Art Prize Oil Prize.

...and it was nice also to get a little article in our local rag

An overdue Life Drawing Ketchup

2008-06-13T21:41:00.004+10:00

Pretty sure I haven't post these before, maybe 1 or 2, but all from this year...

Garaged (Lidcome)

2008-04-27T08:49:00.004+10:00

This is one several paintings that headed on down to Melbourne to feature in Off The Wall, which is for selected unrepresented (in Vic) artists as part of ArtMelbourne08. I was lucky enough to have sold quite well there, above expectations; and it was nice to find that Triecia Gibney gave this one a good home. Even nicer still to know that she likes it enough to dedicate me a blog post on her blog A Reason To Paint, which is always a good read and feast for the eyes (and I am still wondering about the whispers). Thank You Triecia.

PS, I've managed to acquire a couple of Triecia's pieces too, I love them both.

Babe I'm on Fire (Off topic - My Favourite Music Video)

2008-04-12T14:37:00.004+10:00

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Babe I'm on Fire.
I just found this on a video hosting site, always knew it was too long for youtube. For some years now it's pretty safe to say this has been my favourite music video. I can't imagine ever tiring of it. Directed by John Hillcoat (Ghosts of the Civil Dead, The Proposition). I have it on a DVD and many times after a night of painting I sit and watch it to wind down before bed, there's something in it for everybody. Have to say a highlight is "The old Rock and Roller with the two seater stroller". See for yourself. (Language and vulgarity warning)

Nick Cave - Babe, I'm On Fire
Uploaded by samithemenace

A diptych

2008-04-09T21:22:00.004+10:00

Plenty of painting happening, heres a recent two-panel work, another nocturnal road scene. I like that both panels also work as individual pictures.

40 x 80cm - Oil on Archival Panel.

Life Drawing - 3rd March 08

2008-03-08T20:54:00.002+11:00

2008 FINALISTS DOUG MORAN NATIONAL PORTRAIT PRIZE

2008-02-26T21:53:00.006+11:00

After a Long Swim, the Great White Shark Rests

This painting managed to make the finals exhibition at the state library which I'm very pleased about and looking forward to, especially to get a good look at the other work including

Claire Busuttil Bridge
Jun Chen
Zhong Chen
Louise Hearman
Cherry Hood
Steve Lopes
Guy Maestri
Jan Nelson
Kordelya ZhanSui Chi

Show tours Australia for 15 months

Exhibition details here.

2008-02-22T13:42:00.002+11:00

Well I got my new camera. Playing with time exp is fun, full moon atm so here's a very Sydney pic of the flight path.

Dead End

2008-02-22T13:25:00.002+11:00

Not a lot worth sharing came out of last Monday's Life Drawing session. So instead here is a recently painting, which is actually where I draw, a Dead End in Oatley.

Back to the Drawing Board - 11.2.08

2008-02-16T14:22:00.003+11:00

Back to life drawing every Monday night now. Here's some pics from last week.

A long overdue post....

2008-01-20T20:53:00.000+11:00

..and a quickie. Happy new year all. I've been a little quiet, hectic times, Life Drawing group is on a break till Feb, I'm not feeling too inspired to post images as I still need to replace my doorstop with a decent camera... but I have updated my website a little with some more recent nocturnal road series paintings, here's a couple...

And I've also been acquiring the odd little treasure like this lovely piece from Dianne Gall

and this one from Triecia Gibney, our wedding car was one of these.

More soon...

Tagged!

2007-12-19T20:19:00.000+11:00

I've been tagged! Thanks Triecia for the tag, will do my best to keep it going.. better late than never.

The Rules

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog. 2. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. 4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

5 Random Facts

1 - In my art school days living in inner city Sydney I had an unforgettable ugly and quite frightening encounter with a very famous artist. It happened in our share house well after the local pub's closing time and what I understand was a binge of several days.

2 - My job of 13 years is a Deuce Bigalow style Aquarium and Pond service/installation business. A lot of the people we see are quite well off and it's great for art spotting, from paintings in houses to sculptures sometimes in and around ponds.

3 - Recently I've renewed my interest in skateboarding, old school style.

4 - I love fishing, but haven't had time to do too much of it lately. I love the pre-dawn outings, hiking to discover remote areas by foot or boat. The only thing better than connecting and landing a great fish is safely letting it go.

5 - I'm allergic to morons.

Links to Tagee's

1 - Muscles Marinara - Brownie Troop 666
2 - Lauren Brown
3 - Poco Cuadro
4 - Well Fed, Well Read
5 - Ben Rowe

Not sure if any of them will play along, but fingers crossed.

3.12.07

2007-12-06T20:44:00.001+11:00

another 2 weeks

2007-11-29T20:36:00.000+11:00

Dancers

2007-11-17T15:28:00.000+11:00

These are from the last two weeks of drawing. Both models are dancers and a pleasure to draw. (note - I might have mentioned my decent camera busted, I'm using a vid cam to take these pics and hopefully theyl'll improve once I get a real one)

Breathing Space at Jenny Port Gallery, Melbourne

2007-11-13T21:47:00.000+11:00

A good selection of my car paintings will be amongst some other fabulous art from November 21 at Jenny Port Gallery in Richmond. This is my first participation in Melbourne in a commercial gallery and hopefully not my last, but sadly it doesn't look like I'll make it down. I'd love to hear from anyone that can get there, or take a pic for me..

Life Drawing 22&29/10/07

2007-11-02T11:10:00.000+11:00

My Big Deal

2007-10-14T12:32:00.000+10:00

My big deal for the year is that I am now with Sydney gallery Frances Keevil.

...and better still, my car paintings of this year will be exhibited at her Art Sydney 07 stand, B7.

Oct 26-28. See link for more details.

So if you're heading in, keep an eye out!

www.simoncollinsart.com

Life Drawing - 8th October 07

2007-10-12T15:25:00.000+10:00

This was something very new, a clothed pose! (just one)

Life Drawing - 1 October 07

2007-10-04T21:29:00.000+10:00

Life Drawing -2 september nights 07

2007-09-26T22:46:00.000+10:00

M5 East, southbound.

2007-09-25T21:13:00.000+10:00

After one of those long days....

More LD soon...

Humane Society International Extinction Denied Art Exhibition

2007-09-12T20:53:00.000+10:00

It's great to be part of this show. The opening was on Monday night, there was a great turnout, good sales and I was extremely happy with the way the work was hung and lit. Plenty of great work to see for a good cause and on until October 13 so plenty of time to check it out if you are in Sydney.

Artists

Abbey McCulloch, Adam Cullen, Ash Hempsall, Carla Cescon, Cash Brown, Cleo Wilkinson, Diablo Mode, Gabriel Ghazi, Gav Barbey, Geraldine Simmons, Grant Whiteley, Hannah Hall, Hugh Whittaker, Janie Fearon, Jimmy Pike, Joanne Mulcahy, Linda Dry-Parker, Lisa Stamos, Lucy Culliton, Marguerite Derricourt, Mark Sofilas, Mary Shackman, Matthew Carney, Michael Golding, Michael Herford, Nafisa Naomi, Peter Griffen, Reg Mombassa, Robyn Collier, Robyn Caughlan, Shaun Clark, Simon Collins, Stephen Coburn, Stuart Rex, Terezka Beck, Vic Maloney, Xavier Ghazi

The exhibition will remain at The ArtHouse Hotel until Saturday 13th October.

Life Drawing 3/9/07

2007-09-10T22:19:00.000+10:00

From a week ago

Missed LD tonight for opening of hsi show at Arthouse Hotel in Sydney. Pics soon.

Life Drawing 27/8/07

2007-09-01T20:05:00.000+10:00

Life Drawing 20/8/07

2007-08-23T17:00:00.000+10:00

Life Drawing 13/8/07

2007-08-15T22:05:00.000+10:00

Life Drawing 6/8/07

2007-08-10T20:36:00.000+10:00

Willoughby Art Prize

2007-08-10T19:43:00.000+10:00

Well I found out today I was selected as a finalist in the Willoughby Art Prize. 42 paintings from 40 finalists were selected in the 2D painting/mixed media category. It's great to be in another prize show, but the highlight for me with this one is knowing that the judge, Nicholas Harding saw my work and thought it worthy, and especially so because I love his work too. He's one of few who can properly control the goop without it coming across as contrived.

Anyways, here are the pictures

Self with Citroen (Narwee) 31x31cm

Self with Audi (Narwee) 31x31cm

EXHIBITION OPENING/winners announced - Thursday 6 September @ 6.00pm

then

10am - 5pm Friday 7 to Sunday 16 September
Town Hall, Willoughby Civic Centre, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

Life Drawing 30/7/07

2007-08-02T08:59:00.000+10:00

More gouache, great new model

Catching up....

2007-07-26T07:18:00.000+10:00

Here's the best of 4 weeks of Life Drawing. Last week I armed myself with a tube of Magenta, primary yellow, and turquoise gouache, and white tempera. (5 topmost)

Where's ya bin?

2007-07-23T22:38:00.000+10:00

Been moving house! Starting to settle in now, but the new studio isn't quite there yet.

Theres' a few weeks of Life Drawing to come, but some news, since my last post the Waverley Art Prize has happened, I had two works hung and this one got me a Highly Commended!

And this one will be hung in the forthcoming 2007 Mosman Art prize

I'm feeling quite blessed.

portrait - Deb and Lili

2007-06-12T13:58:00.000+10:00

Life Drawing May 4

2007-06-11T20:52:00.000+10:00

No drawing tonight, model didn't show, so it gives me a chance to post a few of Last weeks.

LIFE DRAWING, May 28 & 21

2007-05-29T21:04:00.000+10:00

Last night

and last week

Churchie Opening

2007-05-26T11:47:00.000+10:00

Well it's great to get confirmation that my paintings arrived in one piece, and to see the hang. Thank you Sue for sending me this pic from opening night. More on Sue's Blog. Congratulations to the winners.

2 more

2007-05-21T15:23:00.000+10:00

LIFE DRAWING, last 2 weeks

2007-05-16T20:57:00.000+10:00

Been slow to update, but here they are, last week better than 2 ago.

On Painters and Painting

2007-05-12T15:12:00.000+10:00

I was thrilled to check in to one of the few blogs I like to keep up on yesterday, this one is only a recent discovery, and find the latest entry is all about me! (kinda) . So big thank you to James Roberts, fabulous to be seen amongst the artists you've been blogging. A great read for painters everyone.

Churchie and Frames

2007-05-12T12:44:00.000+10:00

I had theses 3 paintings (30cm x 30 oil on board) accepted for the Churchie national emerging art exhibition which is very exciting, so off to Paul Warren in Randwick for some emergency framing. As usual he's done a great job, picking up work from the framer is like opening xmas presents, always a thrill to see them first time like that, here's what I had done, hanging in my hallway.

Audi

2007-05-06T09:20:00.000+10:00

Another Audi Narwee reflection, did this about a week ago.

LIFE DRAWING APRIL 30

2007-05-05T15:09:00.000+10:00

Aquatone and Acrylic

Life Drawing 23.5.07

2007-05-04T20:18:00.000+10:00

Bit late, but these are from 23rd april. Quick ones are Aquatone, Other 3 are egg tempera. Trying dark paper with limited success, there were a few discards this night.

painting FIS.55H - Done for the Day

2007-04-26T20:56:00.000+10:00

My work van after a day out.

Punchbowl Chrysler another view

2007-04-23T17:02:00.000+10:00

A couple more reflection paintings from during the week

2007-04-22T09:37:00.000+10:00

Life Drawing Mon 16 April - New Model

2007-04-17T08:57:00.000+10:00

All 10-20 min poses.

Some more paintings

2007-04-11T21:33:00.000+10:00

Missed a week of drawing to Easter Monday, but been painting so here's a few more from the last week.

Another nocturnal

2007-04-05T15:49:00.000+10:00

Here's another, I'm enjoying these and there'll be more, but I'll have to get better pics of these when properly dry.

Drawing, April 2/07, and a nocturnal

2007-04-04T16:38:00.000+10:00

Here's my first crack at a nocturnal. Our Life Drawing Coordinator's Impreza parked outside the hall.

And some from the night, one of our favoiurite models.

wisdom tooth root canal

2007-03-27T15:16:00.000+10:00

Well I missed drawing last week so nothing was going to keep me away from yesterdays group, not even root canal on a wisdom tooth!

Heres a few, feel a bit rusty with a week off

Lili, and "the show"

2007-03-18T19:15:00.000+11:00

I painted this long overdue portrait last night. Not a show piece of course, a keepsake.

...and I noticed today some of Lucy Culliton's new work is up for previewing on Ray Hughes site. Be sure to read the prize and entry cards.

The Show show opens mid April.

Click image for link..

Punchbowl Chrysler

2007-03-16T12:27:00.000+11:00

I've decided I'll now add paintings as they happen, and the odd speech/announcement.

Here's the first one. No drawing next Monday because I'm going to see the Eagles OF Death Metal at the Enmore Theatre.

Anyway, I did this last night.

.

2007 - The year so far

2007-03-13T22:51:00.000+11:00

A selection of the year so far. Getting into Aquatone pencils and white tempera mix.

Jaqi - 11/12/06 - LAST DRAW FOR THE YEAR!

2006-12-12T22:06:00.000+11:00

- LAST DRAW FOR THE YEAR!

BACK IN 2007 (maybe)

Angie - 4/12/06

2006-12-12T21:56:00.000+11:00

Mia - 27/11/06

2006-11-28T22:26:00.000+11:00

Ryan - 20/11/06

2006-11-28T22:24:00.000+11:00

Kathryn - 13/11/06

2006-11-28T22:21:00.000+11:00

Kate 6/11/06

2006-11-09T22:16:00.000+11:00

Angie - 30/11/06

2006-11-09T20:45:00.000+11:00

Suza - 23/10/06

2006-10-27T16:06:00.000+10:00

Suza Last Time ever

Jaqi - 16/10/06

2006-10-17T16:25:00.000+10:00

Ryan 9/10/06

2006-10-17T16:23:00.000+10:00

Kate 2/10/06

2006-10-06T16:07:00.000+10:00

2nd draw for year for Kate. Used ink filled brushes tonight first time.

Just a few sleeps to my show now!

September 11 - Rachael

2006-09-13T20:52:00.000+10:00

back in two weeks

Sept 4 - Iwona (spelling?)

2006-09-07T14:24:00.000+10:00

Elizabeth 28.8.06

2006-09-01T20:19:00.000+10:00

Elizabeth in ink and soluable pencils.

Suza - 21.8.06

2006-08-24T20:26:00.000+10:00

Jaqi 14.8.06

2006-08-17T21:08:00.000+10:00

Just a couple worth sharing from this week's session.

Yvonna 31.7.06

2006-08-01T07:48:00.000+10:00

Ryan and Red 24.7.06

2006-07-28T16:08:00.000+10:00

Rita -- 17.7.2006

2006-07-19T16:57:00.000+10:00

Rita, second draw for the year. Paint tonight, will possibly stick with this.

New Model Kate - 10.7.2006

2006-07-11T16:56:00.000+10:00

Drew Kate tonight, one graphite, rest Ink.

....and in other news, got an honourable mention in Art Interview 5th International Competition yay!

Elizabeth 3.7.06

2006-07-06T21:43:00.000+10:00

Elizabeth tonight, only a few worth sharing

....but in other news, got Hung in Waverley Art Prize, hooray! see my main site for details, although it ends Sunday.

...and have this show coming up too.