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Monday, July 29, 2013

Archibald 2013 & Sydney Sketch Club

I'd look back "Archibald 2013." We, brave Sydney sketch club went there, sketched the show and drew each other! Archibald is the most prestigious portrait competition in Australia. Any portraitists dream to get in. Sitters are often public figures. Archibald shows an Australian trend, social phenomena and hot topics. 

Apart from whether a model is famous or not, I looked at work purely from my interest in painting techniques. This year, again, none of watercolour work was in (*winner, Del Kathryn Barton used mixed media that had watercolour). Most finalists' paintings were oil or acrylics and huge. Watercolour was out of the main stream. But I'll keep my own style.

Abbey McCulloch's actress, "Naomi Watts," became my favorite. Even though it was oil, the work displayed lots of "washes." A light touch and a cheeky body language made me smile. A simplified subject and a simple background were very appealing.
Wendy Sharp's "Anything goes (Venus Vamp – burlesque star)" fascinated me most. Bold and strong messages were amazing. It was hard to copy that work with watercolour, but I tried and unfinished it. I still want to make a subject look more sexy. Especially, the eyes were so impressive in the original work.  

Archibald has famous entry conditions regarding subjects. A life model must be 1) a public figure (= "distinguished in art, letters, science or politics") or 2) a self-portrait. 
(Source : "Entry conditions for the Archibald Prize 2013"
Always, big-name models capture public attension, although it's not easy for an artist to get a famous person for a model. So, a self-portrait is a good option. 
Guy Morgan's self portrait caught my attention. I saw his self-portrait at Art Access Australa exhibition 2012 in Chatswood. Yes, my work, "Melancholic Beer," too, was a finalist for AAA. His "self-portrait" got in Archibald, too.

After sketching in the gallery, Sydney Sketch club members had our Archibald! We sketched opposite side members at a cafe table in NSW Art Gallery. We were blaming?!, teasing?! at each other and had a great fun. Below my friend/model and me.
The friend kept telling me, "You move too much!" Hahahaha!  Sorry, I did not stay still. Photos are courtesy of Jennifer.  


Also, Archibald has "People's Choice." This is Jennifer's fantastic idea to take a photo under "People's Choice Award." Hurrah, Sydney Sketch Club! The dear friend made a wonderful portrait of me with pastels. Thank you!
Archibald exhibition always shows very different, unique and magnetic portraits, sometimes, even, provocative. The paintings teach me lots about new techniques and intriguing approaches to handle subjects. I'll try new skills and enrich myself.

Friends, Happy Painting!! 








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23 comments:

  1. Always interesting to read your posts, Sadami. I like your sketches a lot.You managed to illustrate the original paintings quite successfully. The portrait is beautifully painted! I just can't believe you did the patterns in her sweater in such detail :)
    Have a great week, girl!

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    1. Thank u, Blaga. Copying interesting work inspires me (as u know many artists do it at museum and etc.) Regarding the sweater's pattern, sketch club members gave me very good feedback. Technically, it was easy and done quickly.
      Cheers, Sadami

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  2. Vaya calidad de concurso!! Sadami, esas obras son generalmente de gran tamaño e hiperrealistas, y lo que tú haces es: sugerir un rostro o una expresión a través unas manchas sintetizadas. Personalmente me atrae más lo segundo. Pero tengo que reconocer que en ese concurso había una gran calidad de pintores.
    Vuestra "Archibald" detrás de la mesa, es fantástico. Dibujasteis y os lo pasasteis muy bien. Doble objetivo cumplido!!
    Muy bien Sadami.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Gracias, Joshemari! Sí, Archibald cuenta con artistas contemporáneos nivel superiores en el show. ¿Lo reto. Parece que lo disfrutas Conferencia Urban Sketchers, ¿no? Que te diviertas. Ansío tus paisajes próximos.
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Thank you, Joshemari! Yes, Archibald boasts top level contemporary artists in the show. I'd challenge it. You seem to enjoy Urban Sketchers conference, don't you? Have fun. I look forward to your upcoming landscapes.
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>>Joshemari said...
      Go quality of competition! Sadami, these works are usually oversized and hyper, and what you do is: suggest a face or an expression through synthesized spots. Personally the latter attracts me more. But I have to admit that there was a great quality of painters in that contest.
      Your "Archibald" behind the table, is fantastic. You dibujasteis and you passed it very well. Dual purpose fulfilled!
      Very well Sadami.
      A hug.

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  3. Sounds a fantastic thing to be part of, and very enjoyable too.

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    1. Yes, come over Polly next year. Let us enjoy Archibald together. Cheers, Sadami

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  4. Eres muy buena con los retratos!!!. Un abrazo

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    1. Gracias, Tina. Conservaré para arriba!! Mis mejores deseos, Sadami
      Thank you, Tina. I'll keep up!! Best wishes, Sadami

      >>> Tina said...
      You're very good with portraits!. A hug

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  5. J'adore vos sourire à toutes les deux. Bisous !

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    1. Oh, douce et genre Lydie, Merci. Cheers, Sadami
      Oh, sweet and kind Lydie, thank you. Cheers, Sadami

      >>>Lydie said...
      I love your smile to both. Kisses!

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  6. 楽しそうですね! 貞美さんの水彩スケッチ明るくていい感じで好きです。

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    1. Hi, Erieri, ありがとう!お互い絵を楽しみましょうネ! Cheers, Sadami

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  7. I loved your watercolor version of the portraits and am surprised they let you do this (but glad!).

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    1. ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ·.•*•♫°•♫·.•ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ!!

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  8. Such a fascinating post! I like how you reviewed the exhibit :) - Love your copies of the paintings you liked. And your own sketches of each other are lovely indeed. So much talent - glad you share so happily.

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    1. Thank u, Meera! Yes, copying good work teaches us lots. You, too, have wonderful talents. Please keep up them and share joy with others. I'm certain people appreciate your work and love you.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  9. I like your watercolour versions very much, Sadami! By the way, the original Naomi Watt painting is very beautiful. Such a shame that there were no watercolour finalists.

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    1. Thank u and yes, the original portrait of Naomi is very eye pleasant, indeed. Watercolourists, let's try Archibald!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  10. It's nice to read about exhibitions like this Sadami. Looks like it was very successful.

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    1. Thank u, Ann! Archibald is called, "Australia’s most extraordinary art event." It excites society and the public. Cheers, Sadami

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  11. Beautiful post....and LOVE these sketches as always. I love the vibrant colors in your
    burlesque painting....wonderful work, Sadami...

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  12. Thank u ver much, Hilda. I admire your pastel work.
    Best wishes, Sadami

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  13. Hello Sadami:) I found the finalists not even as special as I'm very honest. Too bad there are almost no water colours. I find that your girlfriend has made a very nice portrait of you, wow! I found you post again fun to read. Your sketches are beautiful, as always! Dear greetings:) xx

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