Grey Lourie (go-away bird) #589

Daily painting #589 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel 

We have just got home from a week long trip to The Kruger National Park, a large game reserve in Mpumalanga north of South Africa and bordering Mozambique. I love nothing better than time away in the African bush and we stay in a rustic house in the open bush just outside of the game reserve. The area we stay in has animals roaming around but is fenced in order to keep the main predators out. But leopards can't be kept out by fences so its not a good idea to go walking around at night...at least not too far from the fire! You all know how much my husband loves to make (and cook over) a fire (yes...a direct descendent from the caveman) so we had a healthy fire roaring every night!

 Our connection on our mobile phone was weak, but the data connection on my laptop would crash every time I tried to do anything involving images so I had to give in to the fact that sharing Paintings in the post just wasn't going to happen unless I wasted my holiday fighting (and getting madly frustrated) with an inadequate internet connection. The irony is that the whole point of being in the bush on holiday is to actually take a break from all electronics and the stresses of every day and live a simple and SO satisfying existence for a few days. So I relinquished my frustrations and threw myself into enjoying time with my paintbrushes and paint, my camera (which goes everywhere with me), my family and this little piece of Africa which is just like a little jewel and needs all the love, attention and passion it deserves as so little of this space and wild life is left. Do you know that the Rhino is the one animal that has no natural predators/threats? It's only known predator is humans...the rest of the story speaks for itself...a tragedy!

So over the next few days I will share a few of the little daily paintings I did while I was away and I did promise to share some of my photos so I will do that too...with the help of my healthy home internet connection! And a large dose of reality and nostalgia ... while I love being home, the bush feels like another lifetime away already so I too will enjoy pouring over my photos deciding which ones to share with you. It always amazes me how once you get home you slip into daily routine again so quickly and it's only now that I am home that I truly understand the blessing of being disconnected (in the literal and figurative way) for a whole week! But I am back and looking forward to sharing with you again ...

A Grey Lourie bird is commonly known as the 'Go-away' bird because it has a piercing repetitive chirp that sounds as if he is saying, "go-away go-away go-away". It is fascinating to listen to when you first come across one but after a while you really do wish he would simply GO-AWAY and not come back ...for a while! I had to paint him quickly because he kept moving so I had to try capture the essence of him rather than worry too much about detail. He wouldn't behave as a good model should and stay still....he was too busy telling me to 'Go-away'! I have also shared some of the other beautiful birds that came to say hello during the week...beautiful creatures I am sure you will agree.

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Exhibition

A selection of daily paintings.

I have been rather scarce this week...I hope you have missed me...and my little paintings! Or maybe  your week has flown by as fast as mine has and you have barely noticed my absence! In just a days time I will be leaving with my family to go away and there seems to have been so much to organize. The most exciting item on my extensive, never ending and exhausting TO DO list has been to sort, label and price some little paintings for a show and I have been desperate to share this exciting news with you. 

I was contacted by The Gallery in Westville (situated in The Junction Shopping Centre, in Westville, 7 Westville Road) to exhibit my little daily paintings for the month of July. So I have been hurriedly gathering together, labeling and pricing little paintings to send on their way before I leave. Like a mother hen gathering her chicks. I love looking at a few of them together like this...each one a random often insignificant recording of something ordinary that for some reason on that particular day caught my attention and has now been transformed...through paint. A visual diary or recording of my days. A 100 little paintings (about half of them are shown in the photo) have all been delivered and will be on show for the whole month of July so please pop in at The Gallery in Westville to see! By this afternoon this very same table was full of canvas panels again...only spot the difference...

Blank canvas panels ...waiting for the stories they will share. I feel just as excited looking at these...a sense of anticipation and wonder at what random recordings and significant memories will find their way onto my little white boards....keep watching this space! The only thing that is packed and ready to be put into the car is my paintbox...who needs anything else anyway!

P.S. Well considering it's winter and we are heading north, maybe a jacket ...and warm clothes might be a good idea too. I'll add that to tomorrow's TO DO list. I am getting quite good at prioritizing, don't you think?

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Prawn (tagliatelle) #584

Daily painting #584 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel 

My daughter is away on school camp so Ross (my son) asked if we could have prawns for supper...Amy will NOT, under any circumstances, eat prawns (it's the eyes!). I think Ross said it as a joke, so he was really surprised when I whisked him off with me after school to a fish market to buy prawns. The market is not in the nicest area of Durban so I was grateful my daughter wasn't with us (she would have had a fit heading off into such a dodgy area). But the seafood is delicious and fresh...and so worth it! So tonight I treated the boys with a lemon and garlic prawn tagliatelle and other than cleaning the prawns, it is SO easy to make ...and SO yummy! If you love prawns and pasta...this one is for you! I will share it with you...

• prawns (you can buy already peeled and shelled if you don't want to cut, clean and shell)
• tagliatelle pasta (you can use any shape pasta you like)
• small finely chopped onion
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• olive oil and knob of butter for frying
• salt and pepper
• lemon zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 cup of quality white wine
• extra knob of butter for sauce if needed (sorry this is not one for the diet book!)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley or coriander
• optional is a little chopped red chili (if you like it a little hot!)

Prawns cook quickly so start by cooking pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (just cooked).
While pasta cooks soften onions in a little butter and olive oil combined, once onions are soft add garlic (if added too soon, garlic can go bitter or burn). Toss prawns into the hot pan (season with salt and pepper) and as soon as the prawns colour, add wine and lemon zest and juice. If the sauce needs it, add a little extra butter. 
Drain pasta and toss the prawns and sauce through the pasta. Add the fresh parsley/coriander and check your seasoning. Retain a little of the cooking liquid from the pasta and add a little if needed as the pasta will start to absorb the sauce. Enjoy...

A delicious feast and SO easy (super quick too) and you are bound to impress! My amateur photography meant that by the time I got a couple of photos the sauce had probably gathered in the bottom of the bowl...but you get the idea! I was hero for a moment and my boys thought I was THE BEST....until I asked them to help me clean up!

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Rossy red buds #579

Daily painting #579 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel 

Mmmmm....some more florals....rosey red buds to brighten up your day. My daughter is doing her piano exam today at the Durban Music School and my son starts his mid-year exams at school. So we all need a little cheering up in this house (the tension!!!!!) ....I hope you have a cheery day too....and I hope my kiddies ace their exams today!!!! (Holding thumbs!) 

P.S. Sorry about all the explanation marks, can you feel the tension (!!!!)

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Cheese and mustard powder #578

Daily painting #578 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

It's been a tough week of trying to get back to 'normal' (Am I normal? Maybe not!) so I was determined to end the week with getting back into my kitchen. My son has been craving French toast for breakfast...so French toast it was. My husband planned to stoke up his regular Sunday fire and braai (barbecue) so I decided to make some homemade cumin and coriander burger patties for a change to charred (burnt - don't tell him I said that) meat.  Granny Jean (my mother-in-law) was also coming around for mid-morning tea, so I made some Cheese scones (Aunty Pat's Cheese scones to be specific). Talk about getting back into my kitchen...I think I did a pretty  fine job! I also did a pretty fine job of leaving a wake of devastation behind me and my kitchen looked like it needed a cleaning fairy to clean my mess. Unfortunately for my husband he was the 'cleaning fairy', with the help of the trusty dishwasher!

Aunty Pat's Cheese Scones (muffins) were a favorite growing up. She seemed to whip them up for afternoon tea in minutes and they really are dead easy. My little painting is of 2 of the ingredients but I think I will share the rest of them with you...maybe you will give them a try! I would love to hear from you if you do...happy (easy-peasy) baking!

• 1 cup flour
• 1cup grated cheese
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (I prefer a little paprika or dried mixed herbs)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and place into muffin trays (I usually use mini muffin pans and make bite size ones). Bake at 180 C for about 15-20 min. Eat while warm.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing a recipe for a change (I even took a photo for you) and not just the ingredients painted. I often get asked why I don't share the recipes for mushroom sauce, spicy aubergines, apple crumble, marinated olives, Christmas mince pies and cake...and all the other yummy things that find their way into my studio as objects or still life for daily paintings...so today I give you a recipe. I know Aunty Pat won't mind. What do you think? 

Busy day...full tummy...happy heart...exhausted and ready for bed!

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A day of rest #134

Daily painting #134. 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

It has been a while since I have taken the time to observe and paint the morning sky....without feeling rushed! I find painting sky very soulful.....and sometimes it is just what I need to fill the soul tank! The days seem to have been so busy lately (and way too hot!!!) and with our Saturdays being consumed by school sport ....so much needs to be crammed into a Sunday...like kids catching up on school work, trying to see family, and generally catching up on chores around the house.....that doesn't leave much time for relaxation and time out! What happened to a day of rest? Maybe next weekend.....

Hope you all have a great week ....another VALENTINES is just around the corner, so be sure to purchase a floral painting for Valentines and stand a chance to win a little daily painting for free! All floral paintings are $40 in the online store and R420 if purchased locally (contact me at heidishedlock@gmail.com). To see the available daily paintings click the highlighted writing below....

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Sunflowers #132

Daily painting #132. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel. SOLD

I had one of those "I told you so....!!!!" moments with my daughter this morning. Only problem is that the "I told you so" was directed from daughter to mother rather than the other way around, I have to admit!!! A friend, on reading about my Valentines flower painting idea sent me a message saying she loves seeing the daily paintings, and enjoys the proteas and roses (one of which she owns) however she would love to see me paint some sunflowers.... Little does she know Amy had only the day before tried desperately to convince me to buy some beautiful bright sunflowers from our local florist to paint! I had stood there debating the merits of painting sunflowers with a 10 year old, explaining that somehow sunflowers just screamed Van Gogh and I just couldn't bring myself to find the confidence to do them justice. Well now I had no choice but to give them a go...so off I went to the same florist today and came home clutching 3 sunflowers.....for Amy and Tersia!

If you didn't read about my VALENTINES offer yesterday....painted flowers will last a lifetime, so all floral paintings in the store are $40 or  R420 if purchased locally, contact me at heidishedlock@gmail.com . Anyone purchasing a floral painting (view them all by clicking the highlighted writing below) will stand a chance to win the little painting "Cherries and lace" ....all names will go into a draw, the offer closes 8pm SA time on 13 Feb and the winner will be announced on Valentines day! So someone will be getting a little surprise on Valentines day.... 2 paintings in the post instead of 1!!

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Mango on a box #128

Daily painting #128. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

The heat might be unbearable at this time of year but one positive is all the delicious summer fruit that is on offer! I am especially enjoying the mangoes at the moment! I love chopping them and adding them to my plain yoghurt for breakfast. Today I couldn't resist buying a whole box of  mangoes. They were vibrant in color and delicious in taste....and even the box could be put to good use as a 'stage' for the star of the show....the mango! 

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Garlic cloves #120

Daily painting #120. 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

We have had a busy week and another busy week is on the horizon so today was a 'stay-at-home-relax-family' kind of day! My best! Relaxing at home on a Sunday usually means we will braai (barbecue).....my husband loves to stoke up that fire and cook over the hot coals! Today instead, we decided to make a traditional South African meal called a potjie. Potjie directly translated in Afrikaans means little pot. So essentially it is a type of stew (there are millions of varieties) cooked in a traditional African black pot over hot coals. The pot gives the meal a distinctive taste and the coals add a subtle smokiness. So while my husband gathered, chopped and peeled the ingredients I sat keeping him company and painting one of the ingredients. I am amazed at the huge variety of colours in garlic....beautiful subtle tones! My husband did at one stage glance over my shoulder and question what the 3 blobs on the canvas were....but a beady glance kept him quiet thereafter! He redeemed himself by cooking up the most delicious meal.....!

There are only a few more days left of the 30/30 challenge and today marks 120 paintings in 120 days for me! By the time this post goes live it will also be day 3 of my JANUARY SALE! All prices displayed in my online store have been discounted ...some of them by as much as 50% so be sure to not miss out if you have had your eye on a little painting! Please contact me if you have any questions on heidishedlock@gmail.com. To view available daily paintings in the store gallery click the blue highlighted writing below....

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Three Prunes #118

Daily painting #118  4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

I can't say I am a huge fan of prunes ...as in the shrivelled variety you buy in the dried fruit section...but these little fresh gems were delicious and sweet!

THE JANUARY SALE HAS BEGUN.....!!!!!
All prices displayed in the online store are the sale prices. Some little paintings have been marked down by as much as 50% and there are one or two EVEN BIGGER bargains to be found....so have a good look! It's time to make way for new daily paintings!
All prices are displayed in $ as it is the most easily recognized currency but if you live in South Africa, please contact me for the price in ZAR (South African Rands). I am also offering free postage  within South Africa! Contact me on heidishedlock@gmail.com
I hope your favorite little painting is still waiting for you....and at a good price.....so click on the highlighted writing below to take a look at the SALE! Happy shopping!
Sale ends 12pm on Friday 31 January!

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Orange and red #114

Daily painting #114. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

A 21st is something to celebrate....or does that only apply to birthdays? Either way....I am celebrating! I am 21 days into the 30/30 challenge and to date have painted 114 paintings in 114 days.  Studio classes have begun again, my children are off to a happy but busy start to the school year and I am managing to still find the time to complete a daily painting....not to mention doing other work too!
Life is busy, but good....and let's face it....a good celebration (or feeling gratitude) is always good for the soul! What can you think of that you could celebrate(or be grateful for) today?

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Uprooted #111

Daily painting #111. 8"x10 oil on stretched canvas

The KZNSA gallery is having its members exhibition from 21 January to 16 February. The theme for the exhibition is Grass Roots. Today's daily painting "Uprooted" will be submitted for the exhibition.  "Uprooted" by definition suggests ....to remove or tear away from a native place or environment...to displace, as from a home or country; tear away, as from customs or a way of life....
Rather a melancholic take on the theme, but having said goodbye to so many friends and family who have moved abroad, the theme once explored, evoked a very real emotion....

 This painting will not be available for purchase on my online store. Anyone interested in purchasing the painting should contact the KZNSA gallery directly. And just for the record ...my grass in the garden will no longer need a trim....I just about pulled out (what felt like) every blade of grass in my front garden to try find one with a root interesting enough to paint!!!

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Granny Smith apples #109

Daily painting #109. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel SOLD

Two Grannies huddle together, in the shadows on the shelf ....to catch up on market gossip....

(In case you are wondering who or where the grannies are....Granny Smith is a variety of green apple sold here in South Africa. It is crisp and tart in flavour)

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Baby Aubergines No.2 #102

Daily painting #102. 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

I promise not to bore you with more aubergines after today, but this is the other little baby variety we found at the market yesterday (about the size of a small pebble). I have actually seen these ones before but not the long finger-like variety I painted yesterday. I would think baby aubergines (also known as eggplants) could be really bitter, however a friendly lady who was scooping handfuls of these into a bag yesterday, told me how she cooked them up....diced with onion, garlic and a variety of Indian spices and served with a yogurt dressing on the side. She is vegetarian and sounded like she was passionate about cooking! The longer variety I painted yesterday are apparently delicious used in a pickle (pickle meaning a type of relish eaten with a meal) . After sharing her culinary secrets and seeing my obvious interest in the aubergines she asked what I intended to cook....well I had to be honest and confess to picking out the nicest looking ones to paint! The poor lady looked at me in shock.....let out a giggle of disbelief and continued her shopping! No worries....sometimes I think I am a little crazy too...but it's the little bit of crazy that keeps me sane!!!! 

I do however intend to not let these little gems go to waste and I will give the Spicy Indian Aubergines (my own version thereof) a try....

Are you following the 30/30 challenge? See all the paintings (including mine) here.

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