Hi folks.. just checking in to introduce myself.. I am an expat kiwi now living in Melbourne Australia. I attended a watercolour workshop by Arleta Pech and Susan Harrison-Tustain (Pro NZ artist) in Nov 2004 and I have been hooked on painting ever since... Susan has continued to be my mentor since the workshop and I am very grateful for her guidance.
I currently paint commission portraits on a part time basis, and my goal is to be a full time professional within the next 5 years.
I offer pastel, watercolour and charcoal for commssioned works and I am currently teaching myself oil. I will add oil to my repertoire once this medium and I become better friends.. at the moment we are having a few differences of opinion..
I paint both from life and ref images, although I prefer to take my own refs.
I like to get involved in the forums and look forward to being critiqued and offering my own comments on SOG.
I've attached some samples of my most recent work for every one to see.
The first is Rhowney an artist from our local life group. painted in pastel on colourfix paper.. 20 x 16... 2 x 20 minute sessions..
Second is Rosemary another artist from our local life group (saves on model fees when one of us poses

) painted in pastel on colourfix paper ... 20 x 16.. 5 x 20 minute sessions
Last image is the progress of my first attempt at oil painting.. this is my brother ... 24 x 18... oil on canvas..liquin as medium.. and for the record he's actually smiling..
Nice to meet all you folks..
Bruce Johnson