Janet Luxton Online Exhibition, Paintings & Works on Paper, Australian Galleries

Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo 2019 by Janet Luxton ©
Oil on Belgian linen, 120cm x 175cm

One of my favourite artists is Janet Luxton and I'm excited to see her current online exhibition with Australian Galleries. I often look at Janet's art and love her animals, cockatoos and other birds, not to mention the detail of works such as these lobsters.

Lobsters 2004 by Janet Luxton©
Etching and aquatint, 59.5cm x 85cm

Fat-Tailed Dunnart – Under Siege 2020 by Janet Luxton ©
Oil on Belgian linen, 150cm x 115cm

Janet studied painting at the San Fransisco Art Institute with photorealist artist Richard McLean and studied etching and other printmaking techniques with Arik Kilemnick at the Jerusalem Print Workshop in Israel.

Yeni Cami, Istanbul, by Janet Luxton ©
Etching and aquatint, 30cm x 30cm

See the online exhibition here: 

http://australiangalleries.com.au/exhibitions/paintings-works-on-paper/

Million Stars Hotel - Forget Counting Sheep

How uplifting! These inspiring images just came through on a release from Switzerland Tourism and I'm in love! Not a great fan of skiing, I get my mountain fixes in the summer and these places look like they tick the boxes. If only I could go now ...!

Summer in Switzerland and reopening borders mean some lucky souls can stay in 50 rooms around the country in amazing locations with uninterrupted sky views!  Named the Million Stars Hotel, locations feature views of the mountains, lakes, rivers, the countryside or cities with accommodation in the likes of gondolas, bubble tents, pods, tree tents, huts, exposed beds, rooftops and more.

Chosen by Switzerland Tourism for their characteristics and exceptional locales, 33 of these “rooms” are situated along the 'Grand Tour of Switzerland'. “Forget about counting sheep,” says Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism. “During the Swiss summers, people can now enjoy counting stars from the comfort of these cosy rooms instead. This is relaxation at its purest!”

Available from now until end October 2020, the Million Stars Hotel will be open for booking again in summer 2021. Price guide between CFH80 - CHF800 (AUD122-1233), see Bookings.

Source: Press release.

But first into the blue, Pearl Beach NSW

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Just glorious. Sunset foreshore walk from Pearl Beach enjoying the fascinating rock pool formations as well as the views to Lion Island (left) and Palm Beach.

Into the green, Hunter Valley NSW

View from the ridge. ©AP

Just the place to soothe the mind, feed the soul. Ready for the next chapter ... writing about our beautiful Wollombi Valley and beyond. So many stories ...

Virtual Indulgence: Nine places to visit in Austria without leaving home

View a streaming of a Vienna State Opera performance, visit the Belvedere Galleries, famous for the works of Gustav Klimt and dip into Lake Wörthersee. Or take an Austrian cooking  class, all thanks to Austrian National Tourism. Start  your journey below and see more through the portal at www.austria.info/en  Source: Austrian National Tourism ©

9 Places You Can Visit Virtually... #1 Schönbrunn Palace © Österreich Werbung/Sean Byrne; Schönbrunn Palace Take a virtual stroll through the imperial family  dining room of Emperor Franz Joseph and his  wife, continue to the breakfast chamber before  getting to the Yellow Salon – furnished in  neo-Rococo style – and on to the magnificent  Mirrors Room.  Start your journey

National Photograhic Portrait Prize winner 2020 The mahi-mahi by Rob Palmer

The mahi-mahi 2019 by Rob Palmer.©

Rob Palmer’s portrait of Sydney whole-fish chef Josh Niland is the winner of the 2020 National Photographic Portrait Prize (the NPPP). 

Titled The mahi-mahi 2019, the winning image captures the renowned restauranteur deftly handling a dolphinfish. Palmer, a professional lifestyle and food photographer based in Sydney, describes his subject as a trailblazer. “Josh is reinventing what can be done with fish and – most importantly – with every part of the fish, in a huge effort to drastically reduce wastage,” Palmer said. 

Winner of the 2020 NPPP Highly Commended prize was awarded to Hugh Stewart for his portrait of 105-year-old dancer Eileen Kramer. Judges noted, “Eileen Kramer is a dancer held on to us. The colours and her gesture made us feel the warmth of the sitter’s presence even though her eyes are closed.” 

NPG Director Karen Quinlan AM describes the NPPP as, “one of our most popular exhibitions, offering equal billing for amateur and professional photographers. This year we see works of astounding quality and breadth from across the nation – many pushing the boundaries of photographic portraiture, and each reflecting quintessentially Australian stories.”

Jason McLean, Director – Canon Imaging & Services, Canon Australia: “The NPPP is an opportunity for every Australian to celebrate excellence in the purist elements of photography – the portrait and the print. I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Rob Palmer, Hugh Stewart, and the 46 finalists for their achievements, and hope this collection of portraits inspires Australians to pick up their camera to capture and print moments that matter to them.”

The announcement of the 2020 NPPP winners comes a week after the NPG announced Anthea da Silva’s portrait of Australian contemporary dance pioneer Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM as the inaugural winner of the Darling Portrait Prize. Both exhibitions are currently on display at the NPG. 

Tickets are on sale at portrait.gov.au and include entry to both exhibitions.

Source: Press Release

Best of Foodie Maitland NSW: Maitland Taste 14/15 March with Chef Adam Liaw, Slow Food Earth Markets, edible gardens, sustainable living.

Maitland NSW is one of Australia's oldest heritage regional centres, built on the banks of the Hunter River and with a growing reputation for a food scene including fresh local produce, restaurants, working farms and bakers. Just the place for a foodie weekend.

Maitland Taste (March 14-15, 2020)

Grow, Create and Taste is the catchphrase for Maitland's foodie weekend, Maitland Taste on March 14 and 15, 2020. Headlined by celebrity chef Adam Liaw, the weekend includes cooking and gardening demonstrations, street food, local wines, live music and kids' entertainment. The gardening demonstrations are designed to provide insights on growing produce, permaculture, sustainable living and edible gardens. The “Farmers Table” will feature produce sourced from the region. Festival entry is free. 

For the full program, visit www.maitlandtaste.com.au. 
Where? The Levee, Central Maitland, NSW 10am – 4pm.

Celebrity Chef Adam Liaw will headline Maitland Taste March 14-15.

Maitland Slow Food Markets (first and third Thursdays of the month)

Maitland's Slow Food Earth Market is one of just 60 such markets worldwide with  freshly picked produce and the chance to meet the people who grow our food and support local growers who work hard to keep our food system “good, clean and fair for all”. The market operates on the first and third Thursday of each month from 8.30am.

More in Maitland

Get hands-on with a range of foodie experiences. Make sourdough with the iconic family of bakers at the Historic Arnott Bakehouse in Morpeth. Learn about sustainable farming practices that can be applied to apartment balconies, backyards or working farms at The Purple Pear Farm.

Sample regional ingredients at café/ bar/deli, Coquun, enjoy quality Italian with  handmade pasta at  Fratelli Roma and visit Melbourne-style wine bar, cocktail lounge and restaurant, The Rigby.

Maitland is home to the Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival in the historic setting of Maitland Gaol each November, but year-round craft beer pubs include The Pourhouse, The Old Victoria and The Whistler. Try a local brew by the Morpeth Brewery and Beer Co's at the Commercial Hotel.

Complete a foodie weekend with must-haves: brunch, coffee and sweet treats. The Icky Sticky Patisserie offers beautifully handcrafted pastry and cakes; cleanse the soul and the palate at the Organic Feast; or enjoy your eggs with a side of culture at Seraphine in the excellent Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG).

www.mymaitland.com.au 

Source info: Press Release