Tuesday, 13 March 2018

It's Been a Long Time......


Kangaroo Heaven
 Dec 2016. 
15cm x 15cm (6" x 6") Acrylic with Palette knife


Well, there have been many occasions in the last 19 months that I have intended to begin posting again, but there's been such a barrier to breaking the ice.
It's hard to put into words what I have been through since I last posted so I will just stick with the basics.
I had been back home for a month or two from my trip to the USA when Kevin, my dear husband of 26 years, died suddenly of a massive heart attack. Seven weeks later my lovely dad passed away after a very traumatic two years of suffering with pain and dementia.
My daughters and I have been wonderfully supported by family and friends and we've navigated our way through this new reality as well as anyone could hope for in the situation. We are so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives to help us through the difficult times.

I haven't spent a great deal of time on creative pursuits since August 2016 but I have done a few things here and there. One being to do my very first plein air painting with acrylics while on one of my visits with friends at their holiday place in Yallingup, three hours south of Perth. They have the most beautiful bush outlook which is frequently dotted with mobs of kangaroos.



I don't usually use protective clothing when I paint but I have chosen one of Kevin's shirts as my art smock. 


I painted mainly with a small palette knife.

I hope to get more prolific again with my creative exploits as it's great for the soul.



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23 comments:

  1. Sami13 March 2018 at 20:27

    Hi Wendy, no nice to see you back here. I was going through my reading list when your post popped up. I can only imagine the pain you and your daughter's went through with two big losses in your family. Wonderful that you got back to painting, as you say it's good for the soul, good therapy, and you are so talented. I'm off to Europe in 2 weeks, but when I return we could meet up if you so wish. A big hug to you.

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett14 March 2018 at 05:24

      Hi Sami,
      Lovely to hear from you. It would be great to catch up again sometime.
      I hope you have a fantastic time in Europe!!

      Delete
  2. Sheila14 March 2018 at 01:47

    So very sorry to hear of your loss. Blessings and healing to you and your family.
    This piece is wonderful. The light, the depth. The textures. So beautiful :) I have yet to master the knives. But They are fun to work with. Enjoy :)

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett14 March 2018 at 05:25

      Thank you so much Sheila, you are very kind!
      I hope all is going well with you.

      Delete
  3. Patricia14 March 2018 at 03:02

    I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved ones Wendy. The support of your daughters and friends must be invaluable, as you move forward. The painting is beautiful, very evocative of the landscape of the area.

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  4. Wendy Barrett14 March 2018 at 05:31

    Thanks so much Patricia. It is lovely to hear from you. I look forward to catching up with your blog soon.

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  5. Barbara Muir15 March 2018 at 22:58

    So beautiful Wendy,

    I'm so glad you're painting, and so sorry about your husband and your father. So much sorrow. I certainly send you love from Steven and me in Canada. I've missed your wonderful posts. And I'm so glad you have good people to support you in your community.

    XOXOXOXO Barbara

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett16 March 2018 at 23:00

      Thanks so much Barbara!
      I have been meaning to email you for ages now and will do so very soon!
      I hope all is well with you and Steven and your family.xxxx

      Delete
    2. Barbara Muir18 March 2018 at 23:10

      I'd love to hear from you whenever you feel like writing.

      Much Love,

      Barbara

      Delete
  6. Rosemary17 March 2018 at 04:02

    Dear Wendy - it was lovely to hear from you on WFVM but such a shock to discover what has been happening in your life.
    I am really sad for both you and your daughters to learn that you have lost your dear husband, and your father too.
    I have removed your comment on my blog with your email, but have safeguarded it for reference, and will drop you a line.
    It takes time to pick up the pieces again and it looks as if you have slowly but surely started to make those adjustments. Painting beautifully once more, and planning trips is very important - take care.

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  7. Wendy Barrett17 March 2018 at 05:40

    You are very kind Rosemary, I really appreciate your kind words. I look forward to hearing from you soon.xxx

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  8. Joan Tavolott18 March 2018 at 15:36

    It is so good to see you posting something again after such a hard period in your life. I know how much your family means to you can can't imagine what you went through.
    I smiled when I saw the title of your painting. It is really lovely!!! It will be so exciting to visit your country soon. I still can't believe you will be abroad while I am there. I will send you the dates I will be in Perth on the off chance that you may not be gone the entire time I am there.

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett4 April 2018 at 19:07

      Hi Joan, so lovely to hear from you. I will send you an email:)xxx

      Delete
  9. Loree19 March 2018 at 12:39

    I am so sorry to hear about your losses. It must have been a very hard time for you. Glad you're backing and sharing your beautiful paintings with us.

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett4 April 2018 at 19:08

      Thanks so much Loree, I appreciate your kind thoughts.

      Delete
  10. art by Michael Perchard26 March 2018 at 16:43

    Good on you Wendy! Welcome back! Me too! Courage and hope count! And so much more.
    Your dear art buddy, Michael

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett4 April 2018 at 19:09

      Thanks so much Michael, so pleased you've been back to blogging too. Will check out your latest posts.
      Take care,
      Wendyxxx

      Delete
  11. Anonymous30 March 2018 at 00:09

    Every weekend i used to visit this web site, as i wish for enjoyment, aas this this site conations truly
    nice funny material too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jane7 May 2018 at 14:41

    So good to see you back again Wendy , I had wondered whatever happened to you. And I am so sorry for your loss , but you sound very positive and strong , and having a warm and supportive family around you is such a blessing. Your painting is beautiful and so much more filled with light and beauty than the reference photo. Hugs.

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  13. art by Michael Perchard1 June 2018 at 16:31

    And such a great soul you are! Hey buddy! Great post! I am comforted knowing your are hanging in there and doing the best you can. A triumph of the human spirit! Bravo buddy! Love seeing Kevin's shirt used as a smock! Wonderful photo of you at work! Good on you Mate! I am also making more of an effort to paint and even post some work. Love this painting! The medium is almost flowing deliciously off the canvas. Great art here Wendy! Keep on keeping on!
    Your Boston Based Art Buddy!
    Michael

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  14. David Teter5 June 2018 at 23:03

    We're happy to have you back Wendy, you and Michael. Ironic isn't it? You are both back at the same time and your last post was a visit with Michael.

    Sorry to hear about your longtime husband and dad. There really aren't sufficient words anyone can say to ease that kind of pain. But you have good family and friends!
    Keep painting...

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  15. José Antonio Sánchez Rumí24 January 2019 at 01:57

    Hi Wendy; I had not visited your blog for a while, first of all my deepest sympathy for the father and husband, are situations that life shows us with rawness. I like this work and I encourage you to paint to be creative and enjoy painting and your dear daughters.
    Greetings.

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