Preliminary drawings and computer 'sketch' for new year project, the design and creation of hand decorated luxury pens.

Today, my 53rd birthday.
A lovely relaxed quiet day with beautiful Lorraine. A morning coffee with family, and then home.
I cannot help thinking that my Father was only 1 year older than I am now, when he passed away...he was so young, and my Mother was so brave during his illness and death.
...I miss them both, very, very much.

(Pictured) Evan John aged 17 - Royal Australian Navy.

A trip down memory lane...I came across a series of my work online from around 1986-87. They are Botanical monoprints.
1 off prints taken from oil sketches done directly onto a zinc plate then passed through an etching press, each printed onto beautiful handmade French etching paper.

It is a very strange feeling rediscovering them, like seeing old friends from 25+ years ago.

I am thinking that within these pieces lie the secret to a new series of wonderful oil paintings on canvas.

Inspirational photographs taken by my friend, Mohamad Machnouk.
c) 2011 Mohamad Machnouk