Inspiration Akaroa's Mosaic Garden Akaroa - nestled in a beautiful sheltered harbour, surrounded by the volcanic hills of the Banks Peninsula, colonised by the French.The garden at the Giant's House was the highlight and a sight to behold. When owner/artist Josie Martin
Inspiration New Years Eve 2019 Bringing in the New Year of 2020 with memories of 1999. Updates given on changes in technology over the past 20 years which are amazing.
Reflection It is not Christmas yet! St Nicholas, our Dutch Santa Claus celebration is on the 6th December, totally removed from Christmas
Inspiration Christmas Markets in Europe Sharing images from Christmas markets in Berlin, Vienna, Ljubijana, Edinburgh, Nuremburg, Romania,
Inspiration The Golden Triangle Jane takes us on a journey to The Golden Triangle where Thailand borders Laos and Burma.
Inspiration The Handicrafts of Chiang Mai Today we meet Jane in Thailand to learn more about the handicrafts of Chiang Mai.
Inspiration King Bhumibol of Thailand: Jane Explains why he was much more than a regal ruler Jane is in Thailand and sends us this fascinating information about King Bhumibol who was also an artist and a musician.
Inspiration Kennel of Fame The photos last weekend of **El in London** -the glorious German Shepherd- has certainly got the dog lovers activated. Our **Jane** forwarded her favourite **Snoopy** cartoon to get the show on the road!
Inspiration The Windmills of Kinderdijk Kinderdijk, located 15 miles east of Rotterdam, Holland; a UNESCO-listed site that boasts 19 pristinely preserved windmills. The windmills were erected in the 1600s to drain the Alblasserwaard polders, at the confluence of the Lek & Noord rivers.
Inspiration Victor Horta and Art Nouveau Victor Horta (1861 – 1947) was a Belgium architect and designer, and one of the founders of the Art Noveau movement, centred in Brussels
Inspiration Three women that dominated the Art world in early 20th century Thea Proctor, Margaret Preston & Grace Cossington Smith though their artistic styles, ideologies & use of medium varied widely, each had a definitive impact on the Australian art scene. Thea Proctor established her reputation in the field and she founded the Contemporary Group with George Lambert
Inspiration Australian Women Artists 1920–1950 Becoming Modern at the Ballarat Art Gallery in July, was a celebration of the tenacity and innovation of Australian women artists.
Inspiration The Allure of Gold Sculptures, furniture, fabric embedded with gold thread, buildings adorned with gold leaf – every aspect of art and life is considered more desirable when made or enhanced with gold. Showcasing the history of gold. Includes The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
Inspiration Sovereign Hill Sovereign Hill is a 30-acre outdoor museum, which appeals to overseas visitors, as well as Australians, discovering a unique, living experience of Australia’s gold mining history, presented with a rare degree of accuracy and integrity.
Challenge Eureka! Gold found In Ballarat Visit Ballarat, in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields. Anne Newman hails from Bendigo, which also developed on the back of the gold rush. What I love about the Goldfield towns is their wonderful history and the legacy we see in the majestic buildings which remain today.
Inspiration Munch Visit the Munch Gallery and view the works of Edvard Munch (11863–1944) w a Norwegian Painter whose best known work, "The Scream" has become one of the most iconic images of world art.
Reflection From the Arctic Circle All year round the landscape of Lapland is breathtaking, as is the flora and fauna - we especially loved the reindeers - this time of year their coats getting thick, ready for winter; antlers regrowing and covered with silky velvet.
Inspiration Stockholm Through Traveller Jane's Eyes Showcasing the beauty of Stockholm and a mention of Alfred Nobel.
Inspiration Paul Gauguin A look at how the South Pacific influenced the art works of Paul Gauguin. He painted with Pissarro and Cezanne for a while then left to live in Tahiti.
Inspiration Jacques Boullaire Little known French artist Jacques Boullaire also lived and painted in Tahiti as did Paul Gauguin. Boullaire married Anne Herve and they spent their lives living between Paris and the Pacific Islands.
Challenge The Future of Modern Restorations? The restoration of The Night Watch by Rembrandt is being undertaken at the Rijksmuseum. The restoration will take place in full view of the public.
Inspiration Artemisia Gentileschi Artemisia Lomi or Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–c1656) was an Italian Baroque painter. In an era when female painters were not easily accepted by the artistic community or patrons, she was the first woman to become a member of the Accademia di Arte del Disegno in Florence.
Challenge Plautilla Nelli The Renaissance convent-painter Plautilla Nelli (1524-1588) was the first known female artist of Florence. She ran a working studio within her convent and produced large scale devotional paintings.
Inspiration The Fortune of a Philanthropist Jane Fortune was an author, editor and philanthropist who spent a lifetime supporting the arts, in particular increasing art accessibility for the disabled. She funded the restoration of Plautilla nelli's Lamentation with Saints.
