I have spent the past two days working with my son on a mural on the outside of the Newcastle Art Gallery.
It has been the most rewarding of days, being with him again is such a treat for me. To work with him on such a huge project is just so humbling. He is incredibly tolerant of my very basic artistic ability.
I began with strict instructions to do only the straight lines, for how can you stuff up a straight line, believe me you can.
If you look closely you will see that one section has a weave pattern,(see bottom image) my job was to place in the small vertical and horizontal lines to create the weave effect. Small straight lines they were. Only stuffed up a few. Though that is the beauty of paint, you can paint over and do it again.
With Thursday dawning and only day and a half remaining we worked hard yesterday with the help of three other people who came to help.
Now it is finished. It looks spectacular.
On Saturday an exhibition opens at the gallery featuring two of his works, a quilt and a new piece they have recently acquired.
I am needless to say very proud of his achievements. You check out his art at:
Morpethroad 
Beautiful work you both did. I’m sure he is as proud of his father as you are of him.
Mine are the slightly crooked straight lines. Thanks Jackie.
That’s what makes it so beautiful, it’s not perfect. Perfect is boring. Just slightly off is wonderful.
Then I must be a genius…lol
Hmm I didn’t say that, I said perfect was boring. Since you are not perfect (neither am I) you are not boring. Genius now. I will have to ponder that one. hahahaha!
Hmm…not perfect is a good way to be, how boring if we were.
How nice it is to be able to spend time like this with your son. We know how extremely talented he is and how you proud of him you are. He is proud of you, an embrace, a thanks dad.. All the words and gestures we need sometimes in life. it doesn’t matter if some were crooked, you gave it your best shot and that’s what counts. My eyes are blurry I can’t see anything wrong with it, it’s stunning. Good job DAD. hugs and x
What a pity this didn’t happen the Australia Day long weekend, I was in Newcastle staying at Noah’s on the beach for a few days. I could have gone to the exhibition. It looks fantastic Michael. I have always liked basket weave patterns, there is something Escher-ish about them. I on the other hand can barely draw stick figures.
Thanks Lyn, that basket weave effect, I did that….next time you come it may still be there.
Fantastic art work. He probably inherited his ability from you. I checked out the link. He’s extremely talented. I’m in awe of talent like that.
Thank you Patricia I really can’t take any credit for his artistic ability, maybe I am some of the reason he is a good man.
That’s a terrific piece of art. Well done to both of you.
Thanks Suzanne he is a very clever boy. Thanks for reading.
Beautiful work. The detailing looks time consuming. I can imagine the the joy of working with your son. Nice bonding time.
Thanks Kim, it was a great experience.
Way cool!
And – awesome that you got to help on that too.
Thanks RoSy.
Well, this IS spectacular indeed, Michael. How fitting for it to be on Teachers’ Appreciation Day and Valentine’s Day but more importantly this weekend here it is Family Day. 🙂 we can feel you are bursting with pride as you should be.
Yes it was a couple of great days and he was very grateful for my help. I had a great time.
I’m glad for you, Michael 🙂