"Teddy Bear Artist" - oil painting

Oils on canvas.

I love teddy bears. They remind me of my childhood.

I really enjoyed doing this painting. The little teddy bear was a gift from my art students and I bought the little jug from a quaint shop in Doolin. The jug had other wording so I changed it to ‘Art if for Everyone’... the name of my art courses.

I love this little teddy – it is so cute with a tiny palette, apron and little brushes in it’s pocket.

Invictus was a dream

I really enjoyed the movie, Invictus - reminded me of those heady times when we believed there could be peace. I will lose myself in painting today because I need to escape from reality.

Bad memories and a deep sadness for ALL the victims and their suffering families throughout the years has come back to haunt me.

This is not about one man who lived in the past and had futile and sad illusions, but about ALL the people the world disregards and some even say: You deserve it. No one deserves this.

I think of the slogan on a TV channel... "we are African - not because we are born in Africa but because Africa is born in us". No matter where we are in the world, we know this will always be with us. We also know that we cannot expect anyone to understand.

But, if you have the stomach for it, take a look and remember. Today, I also remember a friend, Pieter Pieterse, a kind and talented man who was brutally taken away from us. Other friends, neighbours and way too close to home. After more than 7 years in Ireland, my memories have started to fade. Thank God.
http://afrikaner-genocide-achives.blogspot.com/

"Coffee Time" - still life painting in oils

Oils on canvas (50×40cm)

I found this quaint old coffee grinder in a shop in Miltown Malbay, County Clare and could not resist doing a still life painting. Cute cups, tea sets and all kinds of lovely items can be found in the shop.

And, of course, being a coffee lover, the subject matter kept me refilling the cup. Not good when you are painting as too much caffeine gives you a shaky hand!!