Inspiring me to think big!

What is an artist's blog about if not sharing the inspiration and motivation for their work?

Well it's been a while between blog posts and I thought I'd like to dedicate one to my fabulous father: artist, amazing painter and constructive critic to me, John Earle.

In the studio... I love this pic don't you??

I've had a pretty fortunate childhood in so many ways. Not least of which is that I've always been encouraged to pursue what gets me fired up creatively. What my dad's been able to offer is an ability to walk the fine line between criticism and indulgence so that I have someone whose opinion I can really trust.

John has built his career on painting the much loved Newcastle coastline, developed and honed his technique to a fine art and followed his interest to branch out into various subjects and styles as divers as pop-surealism and, most recently, flower paintings. Check out www.johnearle.com.au for more info.

Newcastle Children's Pool

The Bogey Hole

Because

Flowers

As you can see from the images (all paintings, by the way, not photographs) this kind of talent commands an huge amount of respect, so imagine how exciting it is to me that he should believe in my work enough to want to create a show together. Sure he might be biased because he's my dad and parents want to encourage the children etc, etc, but if you knew my dad you'd know he's super honest and that's why when he says something's "frickin' awesome!" you know he likes it.

So... come Saturday we'll have two rooms full of flower paintings. The months leading up to this show have been, in many ways, a step out of a comfort zone and into a new world of possibilities. I'm so grateful him for believing in my work and for encouraging me to think big.