Gecko carving

I've decided to put up these images of a Gecko I am carving from Totora ( A native to NZ). I find 3D very hard but have taken my time and although there are obvious mistakes, they can't be replaced so have changed my focus to be more on the positive side of this carving. The top image shows the Gecko holding onto a leaf of which I still need to work on. Same is said for the head of the Gecko.

I started sanding the torso to look for imperfections that cannot be seen without that process.

I was given a lot of different wood for carving and made the offer to carve something. It was accepted, and this was the chosen subject. A more contemporary style until I develop my skills to focus on a more realist style.

A weekend away for some relaxation is needed. To the beach I go. Swimming? No. I will still be doing some form of art to pass the time. I'm taking some bone and my sketchpad. I think I will leave my computer behind and see if I can cope,hahaha. Hopefully I will return home with some finished pieces. The drawing is to hang on my Nana's wall. She loves flowers. I still have to frame it.

My first mural, 2010

The above mural was painted by my good friend and myself at Palmerston North's High Needs Unit in 2010. It was our first mural as a pair and our first ever mural. I have placed four photo's next to each other so you can see the entire mural. Approx 12 meters long I designed the mural with peaceful and fantasy elements to create a tranquil place for the patients who are going through a rough patch in their lives. We both added extra elements to show our own personal styles.

Last stages of the Mural

All that remains are some touch ups. I'm not sure how I feel. In a way I am disappointed that the Maori design running along the top has fallen short of my vision.

I must say, I've been very fortunate with PPG Industries donating the paint and equally Somerset school asking me to paint the mural.



The weather in Palmerston North has been one of the hottest summers for a very long time. Hot consecutive days of sunshine. The heat in New Zealand is a lot more intense and the chance of burning is very high due to the depletion of the ozone layer so the radiation of the sun intensifies the rays of the sun. An Australian 46 degrees centigrade is a 28 degrees centigrade here in NZ  and you are still more likely to burn faster in our temperature more than  Australia.

The Star of Bethlehem

Untitled as of yet I see a star rather than a snowflake. I can see some changes I need to make to create more balance. Maybe I should look up the name of the Southern star and see how it fits the pastel work. Maybe I could title it The Star of Bethlehem. I love the fact that I have no fear to ask myself questions and listen for an answer. I like the title The Star of Bethlehem. I shall tidy up where I need to and have it framed. This pastel is A3 sized.

Acrylic Painting

Medium: Acrylic 

Title: Kahurangi (blue)

Size: 36"x 12"x 1"(91.5cm x30.5cm x2.5cm)

Price: $50.00 NZD

 The Maori word for blue is Kahurangi.

This is one of a series I intend to do using smaller canvas', better quality canvas' and better quality paints as well to make them more affordable for those less on a lower budget.

So close to completion

Following the children's theme I added some sports items that are played at the school and have added faces to the children, in a semi cartoonist style. After working on cleaning up line-work I hope to have one days remaining work to have this mural completed.