This painting, moonlight on your beak, is one of the ones I’m working on for the upcoming Year of the Bird exhibition at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. The plan is to produce two paintings and one painted wardrobe. I was outside this afternoon, trying to scrub the last of the old shellac based varnish off the wardrobe, before the rain started. Thanks to the guy in Eckersleys, my local art store, who suggested that methylated spirits and wire wool would do the trick.
And here’s a portrait picture, taken in front of moonlight by Caelli Jo Brooker today.
I’d been whining about how I needed a headshot for a magazine article and Caelli very kindly took this one. I like a number of things about the photo, mainly that it appears that I have a bird perching on my head, but also because of the flow of the composition: it leads your eye round in a nice swoopy circle and then along the path into the painted woods.
Helen Hopcroft: an artist's life 
Yes I agree, great photo and interesting portrait (Frida Karlo?) – much better than the ‘smile at the camera’ shot that always makes me look like a pretender! Thank you for your blog Helen always inspiring. Enjoy the residency and don’t forget I am in Port Stephens as is Susie Hall Thompson so give us a call if you would like to call around.
Hi Ileana,
That would be great! One of the nice things about the Gunyah residency is that we can share the space with other artists, so you’d both be most welcome.
If you happen to be in Maitland tomorrow, Caelli and I have a show opening at the gallery from 3pm.
Best wishes,
Helen