Back from the flower and garden show.

Hi everyone, I am finally back in blogland after my sidetrip to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. First I would like to show you my entries into the exhibition. I hope you like them. I still like painting different styles rather than sticking to one. I can't decide which is "my style" so I do a few, I like choice you see :)

This is a watercolour batik on rice paper

This was done in Atelier Interactive acrylics then Archival oils

Also done in Atelier Interactive acrylics then Archival oils

Another watercolour batik on rice paper. Still would like to play with this one.

Another done in Atelier Interactive acrylics then Archival oils

And this one, I am happy to say sold. It was done in Jo Sonja acrylics

It was a great show with our art society, True Blue Decorative Artists, selling more than we have previously so we were really happy. I was really happy with my sale. 

 While photos were not allowed of the art exhibition during the show, I did take some photos of set up day. There are around 10 art societies from around Melbourne exhibiting at the show so it is a big event on our calendar.

Here we are setting up the display.

part of one side of our display

part of the other side.

 Thousands of people walk through the show every day and there is so much to see, all the lovely garden setups and of course the lovely flowers. The inside exhibitions are held in the old heritage listed buildings of the Carlton Exhibition buildings while the garden displays are out in the Carlton Gardens in front of this beautiful old building.

Here are a couple of photos of the rest of the show to give you an idea of what a big event this is.

Of course I gravitated to the exhibition of the new release roses. Plenty of ideas for next years paintings. This rose is called Firestar, the official rose of the CFA, honouring the contribution that the CFA makes to our community. Here is a bit about this beautiful rose.      "The Firestar Rose was created as a consequence of the events of 7 February 2009, Black Saturday. The rose honours the lives lost, the many dedicated CFA members who were involved and celebrates the regeneration of new life.

The Firestar Rose is the first rose in the Firestar series.  Funds raised from the sale of each rose in the series will be donated towards CFA and their brigades."

Inside the building. This was looking to the opposite balcony from the Art exhibition. Of course no photos of the art were allowed.

Another inside shot looking in the other direction

Looking up the main hall. The art is on the right

This was an unusual idea for hanging plants but very effective

Standing on the steps of the building looking out the the gardens. See the city buildings in the background. This is right on the edge of Melbourne city.

The front of the Exhibition buildings

One of many full garden displays who were all competing for best and most original garden design awards.

Another full garden set up. The exhibitors set up these full gardens on the grass in Carlton Gardens. They usually have a couple of weeks to set up and then within two days it is all gone. Amazing!

Met this guy while I was walking around. Yes that is a person as the snail.

One of the beautiful floral displays inside.

There were so many people it was hard for me to get a wide shot without people walking in front of me or the shot being full of heads. I guess if you want to see more you will have to take a trip to Melbourne and visit with me next year :)

Everyone who exhibits in the art section has to volunteer for a time while the show is on. My day was the Saturday. My break this year was only a short half hour  between 9am and 5pm so next year I hope I get more time to get some better shots.  

I think I heard that around 20 to 30,000 people walk through the show each day so it can get pretty crowded but it is a great day out if you love flowers and gardens.

Well I hope you have enjoyed my little tour. Maybe I will see you there one year.

For now, I have a commissioned painting to finish today so it's back to my easel. 

My quote today is from Jane Heap

"To express the emotions of life is to live.

To express the life of emotions is to make art"

Enjoy your day everyone, the sun is shining here and it is a great day to be alive and creating.

Namaste

Lee