"Craig Waddell" ~ The Australian Modern Day Monet!

"His work is exquisite" ..... Craig Waddell, an Australian artist, whose talent makes me think of a modern day master, has an uncanny way of bringing the subject to life through his medium ..... I have just had the privilege of acquiring this beautiful oil on linen piece called "Magnolia" and she has reached her home nestled in amongst the drapes of  the coronet ....

This piece has a life of it's own and I feel like I want to reach out and pick the bloom and put it in a vase ... such is the ability of the artist to convey a life .... the texture of the painting is incredible .... thick, rich oils delicately layered on a linen base .....

I found this piece through Edwina Corlette Gallery in Brisbane and Edwina was amazing in her communication with me as I bought this piece without seeing it ... but I knew it would be perfect.  Edwina described it as "raspberry ripple ice-cream" and so it was!

Craig's work is a must see and though most of these works from his collections have been sold there are still a few left and he also has a new collection which he is launching ....

the richness, the depth and the genius of his work is outstanding! 

www.craigwaddell.com

www.edwinacorlette.com

"Delicious, Divine and Delectable ~ Delizie"

Delicious, Divine and Delectable ..... a perfect description for a local restaurant of ours that brings a little piece of Europe to Rockhampton, Queensland .....

I recently had the pleasure of dining at "Delizie" and it is heaven .... John and Gianni cast a magic spell which makes you feel like you could be anywhere ....

John removes the cover of the sweetest treats ....

this function had an Australian theme with a touch of France .... the macarons were flavoured "vegemite" and "ovaltine" ..... two iconic Aussie favourites... I was a little apprehensive but John insisted that I must imbibe before reaching a verdict.  Stunning ... absolutely stunning the vegemite macaron was delicately flavoured with our favourite yeast extract and was a perfect  partner to the sauvignon blanc ..... savoury and then follow with an ovaltine creation ... sweet, but not overly so, and perfect ...

and here is the gorgeous Tilly who always knows  a good macaron .... enjoy

Congratulations John and Gianni .....  you have created a little piece of heaven for us ...

On Eagle's Wings

It has been a very sad week for our family ..... Andrew's Dad, Captain John Russell, passed away last Wednesday after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease .... John is pictured above holding Georgiana as a baby...

John had just had his 80th Birthday.... a truly "gentle man"

Rest in Peace John, you were a remarkable and humble man who loved his family above all else .... we know God will carry you on eagle's wings ... with our love and greatest respect always...

Andrew, Frances, Alexander, Dominic and Georgiana ...