White Rose

By Anita Murphy / February 13, 2014 /

“THE red rose whispers of passion, And the white rose breathes of love; O, the red rose is a falcon, And the white rose is a dove.” John Boyle O’Reilly I’ve fallen in love with granulating pigments and the one I used in the leaves is one of my favourites – out of the tube…

Read More

Yellow Rose

By Anita Murphy / February 10, 2014 /

There is a rhythm to life, its ups and downs, its side steps, its change of pace and theme.

Read More

Darkest Hour

By Anita Murphy / February 6, 2014 /

Darkest Hour Acrylic and ink on canvas 90cm x 90cm My husband laughs at me when I paint on canvas – I paint and then I paint over and then I paint over again. One of the benefits to me is that canvas can be reused, that acrylics and oils can be overpainted time and…

Read More
Pear Magic

Yellow Tulips and Pears

By Anita Murphy / January 31, 2014 /

The Trevena influence continues. I am hoping that I will develop my own style and not be hooked in being a poor imitation of a wonderful artist. I did not learn the lesson from the last painting of planning my picture before hand and once again I was forced to crop this picture to make…

Read More

Pink Tulips – Silver Linings

By Anita Murphy / January 23, 2014 /

There is no mistaking the influence Shirley Trevena is having on the paintings I am doing at the moment. I had an argument with myself about this today – is it alright to copy a style and I came to the conclusion that it is. Learning from someone else’s process gives you tools that will…

Read More
The Red Table

The Blue Vase

By Anita Murphy / January 21, 2014 /

After a week of throwing acrylic paint rather unsuccessfully at a large canvas, I came back to watercolour for relief. Very aware of a Shirley Trevena influence here, though the image started from an idea from a totally different artist. I often look at other artists work because I am fascinated by the process they…

Read More

Arum Lilies

By Anita Murphy / January 13, 2014 /

These are one of my favourite flowers of all. I love their sculptural quality and the grace of the curves of the petals. Experimenting with backgrounds this week with lots of different techniques, using cling film, blowing and dribbling paints and masking fluid and splattering. I’m having to learn patience and waiting for layers of…

Read More

Late for Christmas …….

By Anita Murphy / January 8, 2014 /

A little late for Christmas but one of my favourite birds, nevertheless. Their little red breasts brighten even the darkest winter day, adding a splash of colour. While still working predominately in watercolour, I am beginning to think more about mixed media. I’ve been studying various artists including John Lovett, Shirley Trevena and Ann Bockley…

Read More

Christmas Break

By Anita Murphy / December 30, 2013 /

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is ready to start a new year with renewed enthusiasm. I am. I am taking my life in my hands and really going all out to fulfill my hopes and dreams of being an artist. So here is to 2014, where dreams will take flight and soar.…

Read More

Owl

By Anita Murphy / December 3, 2013 /

Some creatures faces just speak to you, their eyes may catch your attention, their expressions, attitudes. Owls do that for me and barn owls with their lovely large eyes but seemingly blank expressions are so enigmatic.

Read More