Thursday 10 October 2013

Imagination is a beautiful thing.

(My imagination!)

The other night I was reading Lucy a book she had borrowed from the school library, 'Good Night Fairies' by Kathleen Hague.


The words and illustrations were beautiful and thought provoking, and as I caught her smiling out of the corner of my eye, I thought of my own childhood, the dreams, the wonderment.


When I paint, particularly more recently as my style has evolved, I use my imagination a lot. I try and downplay adult reason (only when I'm painting!) and embrace the playful imagination of a child. 
Lately I have been enjoying painting whimsical maps of life's journey, both mine and others.
I have just finished a commission for a lovely young couple and when I asked them to give me some motifs, ideas, even details about themselves without giving away their whole story, one thing they said was 'a red boat'.
As I painted this canvas these past few weeks so many stories and events have evolved in my head around everything they said, but particularly the little red boat: what it signifies, where it now rests, what it is called, how big it really is, is it a ship? a tug boat? a bath toy? who it belongs to, who fell out of it? did he propose to her in a red boat? is it a family heirloom? who knows....but I do know that my imagination ran wild.

Imagination actualises what reality can't provide, and without it life would be very boring don't you think?


With Love,

Liv xo














13 comments:

  1. wow - that is beautiful, gentle and captivating. i love it olivia. love it.

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  2. That sure is one beautiful piece of art. I love your imagination. I love the red boat too - such whimsy.

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  3. glad to see you painting Liv, beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Tiel, a lot of inspriation from you, Gabori, Mitjili, King, Chapman....and a host of others! xoxo

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  4. Oh my word, that piece of art is STUNNING!! I so love it! When I first saw it, I scrolled to the bottom to find a link to the image source, only to read your post and find out it's yours. You are very talented!! What size is this canvas? I am very intrigued now by your pieces... I'm always on the hunt for artwork for our place... :)

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Amanda. This one measures 126 x 105cm. You can see a few more at my etsy store, there is a link at the top of my blog on the RHS but here it is too http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/OLIVIADENAHYstudio
      I also do commissions.
      Liv xo

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  6. What a talent! Your paintings are amazing, they are mesmerisingly beautiful. A particular favourite is the one of the little girl at the beach, reminds me of Lola with the floppy hat and bucket. Will have to start saving my pennies, would love a piece for our home. Clever you! X

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