2017 Semi Finalist of Doug Moran Prize!!

I've become a semi-finalist of Moran National Portrait Prize 2017 with the work, "Publisher Helen Chamberlin." Scroll down to "190" in 200 semifinalists. Doug Moran prizes recognise both excellence and creativity in contemporary Australian portrait painting with the world wealthiest prize. Works capture Australians from all walks of life.   
My statement of the portrait. 
The work shows the moment famous and experienced Publisher Helen Chamberlin returning manuscripts to an author. She always respects writers and illustrators at any level and keeps herself humble and quiet. She’s a mixture of shyness and determination for authenticity in work. When I suddenly got disability in a leg, Helen’s beautifully edited work has given me the hope and the dream to illustrate picture books at the bottom of life. Today, I’ve become a successful artist and Helen is my mentor. My dream is becoming true! Thank you, Helen!!  

I wrote about Helen in the blog, "Helen Chamberlin, my great editor/publisher."  

Publisher Helen Chamberlin 

A winner will be awarded by A$150,000 and A$1,000 is to every finalist. 

Moran is one of the most renowned and coveted portrait competitions in Australia and the world. Because of the very high level of criterion and many entrats's try, it is very hard to get in. An experienced art supply staff compares the difficulty to  "Jack Pot" or "Lottery." So, when the Moran notice came, I shouted in joy, "I made it!" and ..., sobbed. I've worked hard on both rehab and art activities. Big efforts slowly and steadily have begun to bloom out. All my supporters celebrate it. If you like, have a look of my Face Book. You can see many people and big names in publishing industry, too, showering me nice words. 

Libby Gleeson · 

It's turning into a great year for you, Sadami. Congratulations.

Love · Reply ·11 · 7 September 

Sadami Konchi Oh, so supportive Libby, thank you very much. My first Moran in was "Dignity." I'll keep up portraits as well as illustration.

I popped up an art supply to put perspex into the portrait for Moran. I met a man who told me, "1,100 entrants tried Moran." When I heard that number, my legs began to shake. The staff and I looked at "Helen." "Ah, beautiful!" "Very sensitive, soft portrait." Their say tickled me. I deeply appreciated their support.

This is my second time Moran semi finalist ( A first time Moran semi finalist mentioned above). A second time experience is not luck, we say. These Moran experiences give me confidence. It also encourages me to explore more and learn in portraits. Exciting! A big and beautiful new horizon comes up in front of me. Let's go! 
All the works of semi finalists look great and very unique. Wow, I'm among the big names. Anyone can be finalists and a winner. I'm ready to "heart breaking," though, I'm very positive and happy! 
Friends, Happy Painting! Thank you for support for ages. 






  

2017 Semi Finalist of Doug Moran Prize!!

Just Do It! is Answer, but Never Be Alone

Thinking wastes my artistic life. If you've got a new idea, just do it next moment, before the idea will be gone. I'm becoming crazy busy with the projects and preparing for the book launch and the exhibition. In it, sketching buskers refreshes me. What do you think, Friends? Doing is the only answer in drawing. All of us know that even a good idea is a half baked potato. I'm an instinctive artist and a believer of experiences that teach me and foster me. None of theories is perfect. 

These ukulele players at market were from Melbourne. Interesting. An ukulele has only four strings (*a guitar has six!). Sketching music players is not so hard. They repeat same movements. So, pick up your most favorite or dramatic one and pin down it on paper. To simplify all other information is effective to demonstrate the drama.  

Here are my black and white created in the evening show. You can't see colours at night. But a very strong spot light intrigued me. I omitted all the necessary visual information which worked well to capture the moment. 

When I've reviewed the sketch books, an idea hits me, "Can't I use that tech in watercolour direct painting?" So, next time sketching, I want to try it! 

Also, we, Sydney Sketch Club went to Doung Moran National Portrait Exhibition 2014 in Paddington Reservoir Gardens.  I came late and only have 30 minutes to sketch architecture. I kept my motto, "To learn watercolour painting takes life long... plus 30 minutes!" ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ 

The Moran exhibition always inspires me. Another sketch club member gave me nice comments. "I'm not interested in a crystal clean work, but a work that tells a model and an artist's inner world." So am I. We enjoyed a chat, looking around the finalists. I copied one work, "Workshop Magician Paul Taffa" by David Naseby. In the copy, I emphasised masculinity.  Without our club organiser's important utter, "A model is a man!" I might work on a wrong way. In the sketching of David's work, I learned a lot how to harmonise colours in a limited pallet and David bravely omitted all unnecessary visual information in the work. An outcome successfully sends a very strong message. His approach overlaps my idea above.  

"Just do it!" has become my another motto. Finally, when you get stuck in your art activities, never be alone. See anyone else or other artists/same minded people are preferable. Chest off your pains and share joy. Don't get stressed. Join a sketch club is a good option. How much I appreciate the club's activities that refresh me so much and lift me up.
Then, I can keep on.
You, too, Friends, Happy Painting!

Just Do It! is Answer, but Never Be Alone

2015 Sadami Solo Exhibition in October

Sadami first solo exhibition "Over the Moon with Watercolour!" 
The exhibition will celebrate the collected works of Sadami Konchi with a special focus on her new picture book, Moon. It will display a beautiful marriage between a text and illustrations by imagination, creativity and interpretation. 
Plus, free watercolour painting workshops! 

Where: Chrissie Cottee Gallery run by Marrickville Council (map)
             Pidcock St, Camperdown NSW 2050
When : 20th Oct to 2nd Nov, every day from 10 am to 5pm.
             Opening 21st Oct from 6pm to 8pm. 
Watercolour Painting Workshops : Open to broader community and people with disability. Booking essential. 
            Tue 27th Oct 2-3:30 pm    10 adults
            Fri 30th Oct 10 - 11:30 am    10 adults 
            Fri  30th Oct  3:30 – 4:30 pm   10 children ( 6-10 yrs)
Cost : Free 
Wheel access, accessile tolilet, 1 disabled parking spot available. 

Contact : skonchi1@gmail.com 

My birthday 29th Oct is right in the exhibition period. The Council staff and I are planning to have my own birthday party as well as book signing.  

"Moon Front Cover." Moon written by Matt Zurbo, illustrated by Sadami Konchi 
and edited by Helen Chamberlin will be published by Windy Hollow this August.  

The project is supported by Accessible Arts (AARTS) 

on behalf of the Lifetime Care and Support Authority (LTCSA) 

Thank u, Marrickville Council! They posted my news on the facebook. 

Especially, the process of developing images will interest visitors. Dummy books and unselected images reveal our methods and lots of efforts that are usually unknown to the public. You can enjoy the interpretation of a Moon text, story boards, roughs and finalised images.  

Moon text, story boards, 3 dummies (b&w, colour). 
Which dummies shall I exhibit? Several dummies were made to examine the information flow etc. 
All dummies are so precious. Illustrators call them, "My kids!" Sure! 

As well as Moon, the collection of my best work includes Doug Moran semi finalist, Art Access Australia finalists, daily watercolour sketches, life drawings, photos of a community work, Wesley Building Dreams, plus all publications : education picture books, "Poetic Justice" and "Quotable Winston Churchill." 

"Dignity," Doug Moran semifinalist 2012

Also, my art activities have a unique spectrum that includes community work. I’d demonstrate the abilities of people with disability, because my disability has motivated me to be an artist. The portraits and studies give a background to my humanistic approach; how I see people with empathy. Lively watercolour portraits are spontaneous and beautiful that show any person is precious and special.

Arts Access Australia finalist 2011

..and of course ?! myself, too! "Sadami" will be exhibited. Come and have a chat with me or question about illustration and art work in person. In a competitive picture book industry, I’m successfully climbing up to a debut with the celebration of Australian legends such as Ann James, Helen Chamberlin, Libby Gleeson AM, and other top notches. The council staff says, "We are excited!" Me, too!

At the same time, I have "assignments" to work on such as the selection of work, how to hang them and resources etc, etc. I'm exploring resources to organise this exhibition. Not easy and so competitive. Help and good advice are needed. Blog friends(=you!), mentors, editors, council staff, experienced artists friends, peak bodies, academia, supporters are helping me. Everything is a new experience. I'm learning lots. I just do my best! Your warm cheers are my energy to tackle the obstacles and I'll find answers. 

Yes, I'm holding the stuff all related to Moon for "desk work"! The real work has a different size. 
Most of my images are on A2. Can you imagine how much we, illustrators work? 

So, Friends, stay tuned. I'll post the ongoing preparation of the exhibition from time to time and tell you how I will find solutions. I'll remind you closer to the book launch and the exhibition time. Save your date. If any Blogger friends come to Sydney and can pop up the exhibition, please let me know the date in comments (*It will be kept confidential and I'll respond you by email) so that we will hug each other!  

In between the main events above and big two publications, I'll carry out "author talks" at public libraries such as in Eastwood, Ryde and so ons. Especially, Eastwood library has always supported me at a tough time. It's my turn to pay it back to a community. Like Marrickville Council, Parramatta Council supports me well. Oh, yes, Hornsby Art Society has invited me as a guest speaker to do watercolour demo on 13th Ocotber. We're already enjoying organising my portfolio to display for a meeting. (thank u, HAS!)

I'll be extremely busy this year full of really exciting things that need a lot of research, heaps of documentations and desk work as well as art work. If I become lazy for Monday weekly blogging, please understand my "jam packed" situation. But I'll visit your blogs as much as I can. Let us keep in touch. 
Friends, thank you for your strong support and cheers! With them, I'm making my dreams come true. I hope you, too, will make 2015 into a wonderful and fruitful year! 
Friends, Happy Painting!!

2015 Sadami Solo Exhibition in October

Semi Finalist of Moran Prize 2012, World Richest Portrait comp

I've become the semi-finalists of Moran Prize 2012. (*the site displays all shortlisted work.)  Doug Moran National Portrait Prize is the world richest portrait competition with A$150,000 awarded to the winner and A$10,000 awarded to the runner-up. 

My work is "Dignity" with the statement(*50 words limit). 

"The work captures the exact moment a needle enters an elder patient’s arm. His face shows dignity between two opponents : life vs death, but they are beautifully unified in a brave fighter’s triumph to be respected. Pencil drawing and watercolour focuses the subject and simplified other visual information.

As Moran is very competitive, the good news surprized me so much~(*o*)~ . Wow, but I made it!(*Last year, more than 200,000 works challenged Moran. **The number includes photos and paintings.)

Unlike Archibald, Moran does not require the artist or the subject be well known. Portraits that reveal a deep connection between the artist and their subject are well received by the judges. Yes, Friends, if your work shows the strong relation between a model and you, you have a chance!

Moran Prize Office 

(Submitted paintings/canvas at the right cornor in the sketch.)

Very delighted that the judges have acknowledged my profound relation between a model and me. Indeed, a third party has appreciated the patient's dignity and struggling for life in a treatment. It's a great reward. Then, I sent "special thanks" to my medical team, the hand surgery, uni professors and all other supporters. Without their help, I could not make this achievement. Yes, of course, I'd send big hugs to you, blogger Friends!!  

This achievement has convinced me the importance of "be what I am fully." When I submitted the real work to Moran, I glanced at other wonderful and huge paintings by chance. Most of them were oil or acrylics and as large as a wall or a door. Mine is an A4 size and watercolour. Level is quite high. No surprise, any semi-finalist could be a finalist. I do not expect myself at all. From here, all is a bonus. Whatever the result would be, I look forward to the news. Their notice says,

Christopher Menz and Vincent Fantauzzo have selected this year’s semi-finalists for the 2012 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize. They said the works are diverse, challenging and exciting.

The 30 finalists will be announced shortly followed by the winner of the $150k prize on
24th July 2012.

The exhibition will be displayed from 25th July to 9th September 2012 at Moran House, 
13-15 Bridge Street, 
Sydney NSW between 9am to 5pm.

 

This Moran experience encourages me so much! So, I'd encourage you to try any big entitlements. If we hesitate, we'll waste time and it'll never come back. Let's challenge big entitlements in our own ways.  I'll keep up as a watercolour artist ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ. 
Friends, Happy Painting!! 

**In 2017, I became a Moran semi-finalist again with "Publisher Helen Chamberlin". 

  

Semi Finalist of Moran Prize 2012, World Richest Portrait comp

Doug Moran 2011, World Richest Portrait Prize

I enjoyed Doug Moran Pize Free Exhibition 2011 at NSW State Library(21st April - 26th June) last Saturday.Moran is the world's richest portrait and photographic prizes. $150,000 for the best work.

The portrait winner is Vincent Fantauzzo, "Baz Lurhmann 'off screen.'" Vincent often becomes a finalist at Archibald, too.There is no watercolour work in.
Regarding a size, some works were quite small, which made me, a watercolourist very comfortable. It implies room for watercolours to compete with other media. Some finalists showed a traditional style and realism, which encouraged me so much.Indeed, the winner, Vincent's style is based on realism. It has cheered me up so much. I could not get what sort of media he uses. If anyone knows his media, please let me know it in comments.Unlike Archibold 2011 (below), not many visitors were at the library. Rather quiet. Or I might visit there after a busy time. Already, when I posted on my thoughts about Archibold, many blog friends encouraged me to be what I am(*thanks millions, everyone!). I'll keep my own watercolour style for competitions. The first uploaded baby's work is my style.

But I will keep learning, while I maintain my identity.
Copying interesting works always teaches me lots. Above, the winner's composition and colour use was very fascinating. Of course, their techniques are different from watercolour. Yet I learned a lot and feel the "unlimited" potential in watercolour techniques. Particularly, I want to explore wash and brush strokes more. Apart from technical stuff, fine artists are "bounty hunters." We try to shoot a "competition prize" in order to earn money. Not easy. Laughs and tears are in one.
Often my dear artists friends and I have kidding,
"Are you still on the earth?"
"My transaction has only few cents."
Gulp?!
Nice friends are the most assets. We exchange information on competitions and back up each other. You're one of them.

Hopefully, this blog will never stop suddenly! Hahahaha?!
I'd keep up this blog till the end of my life and share joy with you, Friends!! Today, I sketched a cute baby at a market. Children's portraits are my most favorite.
Happy painting.

Doug Moran 2011, World Richest Portrait Prize