This is a new section on our website to highlight and promote solo events and projects held by our SAS members.
Group member, Yvonne Bradford is excited to be first on the list and feels honoured to be asked to be involved in this project.
Here is her story, and below are some of her beautiful artworks that will be displayed in this event .
CLEANING OLD OIL PAINTINGS
Story by Artist Ken Winnell – February 2025
Late last year, 2024, I was asked if it would be possible to clean an oil painting. I said I would look into what was required for a reasonably professional job and get back to them.
The research seemed to suggest a fairly straight forward process but there were a few items required that I would need to acquire.
The painting to be cleaned was over 100 years old, painted by the fellow’s aunt, and measured 900mm x 600mm. Request was to clean and apply a very little “touch up” to keep the painting looking old.
The first step was to remove the painting form its frame. Big shock that it had been nailed into the frame last time it was reframed. The canvas itself was thick a bit fragile around the edges. Next was to somehow divide the painting into the suggested small sections to be cleaned one at a time. Accomplished this with screws and string attached to my large easel.
Each section measured 90mm x 60mm and took approximately 20 minutes using a three step process. I knew it was going to be a long and slow process but very rewarding to watch the colours brighten. Touching up the tiny spot marks was also rewarding – matching paint colours a real challenge. Nearly 3 months later (not working on it every day or for very long) and the cleaning was done. A conversation with the owner for permission to apply a light coat of varnish to seal the work before repapering the back and fitting into the nicely cleaned frame and all was done, ready for delivery back to the owner.
Once again, it now hangs proudly in his house – all clean and bright. His family have seen the end result, and I have been advised to expect a few more works – most of the same size.
Let the fun begin. Might consider taking this on as one of my artist skills.
CRAIGIEBURN ROAD UPGRADE ART TRAIL
Story by Artist, Yvonne Bradford – December, 2024
An opportunity went from a dream to reality recently with the offer of a lifetime. As part of the Craigieburn Road Upgrade, local artists were invited to create an art trail along the newly constructed roadworks, and leave a legacy for the community. After a process of “Expression of Interest” I was lucky to be one of the successful few artists chosen.
30 traffic light signal cabinets being the canvas. (Signal cabinets are the metal boxes at traffic light intersections that house traffic light electronics.)
Overseen by Hume Council and Fulton Hogan Group, the successful artists were given free rein to design 4 – 6 cabinets each. We have all seen those dull grey cabinets located near traffic lights around Melbourne, some in their original state and others lucky enough to be given a touch of colour and style.
“What makes Craigieburn unique” – This is the important message that would be reflected in the art design. With green spaces, waterways and parklands being abundant throughout the area, the focus is clear – paint nature, showcasing the habitat that is thriving so well.
It wasn’t hard to pick the perfect wildlife that residents and visitors would instantly relate to. Being so close to breeding ponds, I hear the serenading sounds of frogs, so these were definitely going to be included in my works. Other habitants around the waterways included dragon flies and cormorants, which are sighted at Lakeside Lake.
The selection of tree planting also entices some beautifully coloured birds to the area, the choices endless but which ones to paint?
In the end the rainbow lorikeets and red-rump parrots were the winners as they would be eye catching to the passing traffic.
The tough part was getting my ideas down onto canvas. After an intense 3 weeks, managed to complete 6 artworks which were then transposed onto the cabinets. It was challenging but fun at the same time, and I am honoured to have been part of the experience. I still get a buzz when driving past the cabinets knowing I was involved in the whole process.
The artworks by all the successful artists are now on full display along Craigieburn Road, so if you are in the area, please take the opportunity to view the street art, you will not be disappointed.
