Two Days to go

Before I have the hip replacement surgery, and to say I am nervous is a massive understatement!

An historic day

Julia Gillard Australia's first female Prime Minister.

6 Long weeks

I was told by the doctor that for six weeks after the operation, I will not be able to drive a car...or even worse, stand at my easel to work.

It seems the lateral stress of my standing and working on lager easel pieces, could dislocate the new hip joint, as result in more surgery.

I am thinking of painting some VERY small pieces, seated at a table...who knows?

I might even use the six weeks to catch up on reading, I might even start an "Italian for Idiots" language course, in preparation for a project I am hoping will happen later in the year.

Hip operation in 11 days

11 more days to go before the hip replacement surgery, and although I am really very nervous, I have been in so much pain today, that I want the operation to happen as soon as possible.

I have hardly been able to stand or walk today, with painful electric pulses going from the base of my spine all the way down my left leg. It has been excruciating.

Bird Paintings

A friend of mine, Wirinhar Wirjawan is an avid photographer of birds, and I have been using a selection of his images as inspiration for some bird studies (oils on paper).

It is a nice experience to paint birds and, and to reinterpret an existing image, that was created by a friend. I think I might continue to explore these, as they are like listening to music...that is to say, they are relaxing to do, no pressure or stress. So I think this is how I will occupy my studio time between now and going in for the surgery on July 2.

A day lost.

Yesterday was a day spent at the hospital, for XRays, CT Scans, ECG, Bone density tests, a meeting with the surgeon, meeting with the anesthesiologist, blood tests, all in preparation for the hip replacement surgery in 17 days (July 2)...5 hours of scans and talking to people in white coats.

I would have rather been in the studio painting.

Where my head is at the moment.

Hip replacement surgery scheduled for July 2.

Hoping to be pain free by the end of August!

Global Marine tragedy: BP Rig disaster Gulf of Mexico.

When will companies (like BP) realise that we do not own this planet, and do not have the right to risk everything precious to mankind for the sake of $$. We are guardians, no more, no less and we have to be responsible and not gamble with the treasures bestowed upon us by the universe.

Painting: Out to the Heads

Night and pain.

It used to be that, the night was welcomed, its gift was sleep, an "off switch" for a day well spent, usually in the studio working on my art.

Sleep gave me time to dream and journey to places unknown, visit with faces long since gone and sometimes solve problems created during the waking, working hours. It refreshed and recharged me....now it threatens and taunts, with spasms and hot knives. What I would give for 8 straight hours of sleep, and to awake without an opiate fog dulling my senses.