A Cocker Spaniel called Goonie Gaga

“Goonie Gaga” the Cocker Spaniel

So those of you who have been around me know I am in love with dogs.  Not just like them but love them.  Having grown up with them all my life until I was nearly 30 it has felt like something has been missing in my life for the past eight years.  That best friend that is there to hang out with, always with a smile and a wagging tail (or a guilty face when they’ve been up to something they weren’t meant to!) making life even more special.  Not having my own companion means I’ve taken to falling in love with everyone else’s dogs even more than ever.

My latest commission which I feel so honoured to have been asked to do, was really special to me.  “Goonie” the Cocker Spaniel is a delightful dog, full of personality and has been given the nickname “Goonie Gaga” after the one and only Lady Gaga.  He has this super cool long hair on top of his head, like a mini mohawk, a lightning bolt under his eye (think David Bowie!) and hangs out with all the supermodel girl dogs – all tall, lean and beautiful – he’s like the stylist to the stars! Such a delight to see so often as he lives close by.

The painting is 76cm x 76cm so a nice larger size and is done in acrylic paint which I have grown to love.  I use some a nice clear paint medium which really helps me achieve what I want from the paint.  I already miss having the painting around, it felt like Goonie was living in my apartment for a few weeks whilst I was painting him. I stared into his eyes and every detail of his face so many times I felt I was connected to him even more.  I just love Goonie!!

 

 

The Countdown: Colombia and a Passion for Life

Sarah Crawford :: The Countdown :: 32cm x 32cm :: Acrylic on canvas

It’s been a quiet time for my artwork since returning from Colombia.  I’ve been busy, yes, definitely there is that.  I also had that feeling after those amazing trips when you wonder where your place is in the world.  You don’t feel as inspired by your surrounds because you have just returned from something so different, so spectacular and life changing that you can’t imagine going back to the life you once had.  The things before you went away that you were unhappy with are magnified ten times over.  A million times over.  You wonder how you let them stay in your life.  Maybe because you were in the countdown.  The countdown to the dream holiday.  You can put up with so much when you know you have something wonderful to look forward to.

So when you return, there is no countdown.  It has dissolved.  Gone.  You have your memories of a world that was fun, where you smiled each day, laughed, experienced the new, explored and loved every moment.  There were no pressures.  You did what made you happy, each day was about living for joy, making the most of it all and capturing moments so you can hold onto them forever.  You felt a warmth in your heart because you are feeling passion for life, you are living.

The few months after returning from this trip I found it hard to paint.  My surrounds and my life were no longer inspiring me in the same way.  I wasn’t feeling that same passion I had experienced.  So it became a quiet time for my creations.  Trying out new techniques, sketching up new ideas.  Nothing really filling my heart with a sense of love.

It took me two months to make big changes to find that passion for life, for creating.  And another month to really start feeling myself again.  My trip to Colombia changed my life.  It was everything I had dreamed of and more.  It left me with a sense of happiness but also the urge to be there once more.  So I now have made my own countdown.  It doesn’t have any number of days just a knowledge that someday I would be back there, in Cartagena, listening to the music, laughing and happy, in awe of a culture that is so spectacular and rich in history. And now, I am sitting here, full of passion for life, and in what I do.  I am on my new adventure with no idea what will come next other than something fresh.  Something new and before I know it the countdown of days will be on again to go back to Cartagena.  But for now, I paint and have new ideas, am finding inspirations in so many places – and dreaming of relaxing in a hammock in the not too distant future.

Sarah xo

The painting ‘The Countdown’ is the first for me in 2012 and is part of series of the same name.  It represents the need for passion in life and of living each day with hope and happiness and believing there is a countdown to something even more spectacular to look forward to.

Click here to view this artwork and more at www.sarahcrawford.com.au

Inspiration: The Man Has Style

For as long as I can remember men’s styling and old fashioned etiquette has been an inspiration.  From a young girl fascinated by the men in their suits, tipping their hats as I would walk by with a greeting of ‘Good Morning’, I found this to be so wonderfully refreshing. I love clean lines, layers, tailoring, beautiful trims such as buttons, jackets (how I love jackets), and don’t even get me started on my love of scarves.  I like slim and straight legs on pants, watches, gloves, vintage cars and binoculars.  I don’t sail but to be around yachts and beautiful sleek boats makes me feel on top of the world.  I love texture.  I like simplicity and clean lines.

I find inspiration in a short glass, with a heavy base, five cubes of ice, slightly rounded at the corners with a splash of whisky – not even so much the drinking of it, rather the feel of the holding the glass, the colours, the shape and clarity of the ice, mixing with the darker liquor.  

I like to read Ian Fleming and I have watched James Bond films more times that I can remember.  I adore Sean Connery, George Clooney and Tom Ford because they remind me of the inspiration I find in men’s styling.  I love Alfred Hitchcock films and the mystery of what he represents.  

I have a stamp collection, a reminder of hand written letters received.  Which reminds me of Mont Blanc, of superbly crafted writing instruments, because letters should be written with something as beautiful as the words you write.  These are all my inspiration.

My inspiration has refined from a young girl but it is quite clear it has been a long love affair with men’s styling.  I could write every day, on the inspirations and how I am in awe of such.

You can follow my men’s styling inspiration via Pinterest on my “The Man Has Style’ pinboard at http://pinterest.com/sarahcrawfordau/  

Images credits on my Pinterest pinboards.

What a Year the Cat Meowed! (and How I Love Colombia!)

Leia the Cat :: Pencil, ink, markers & gouache on canvas paper

2011… what can I say?  It’s been an interesting year with some life changing experiences that I will never forget.  This year I wanted to learn. And learn I did! I painted more than I have painted before.  I created some of my favourite pieces and sold out of most of my works – both older works and nearly all of my new works from 2011.  And I have a busy schedule ahead for 2012, a year that is going to be a big one, my biggest yet!

I was completely inspired and fell in love with Colombia and in particular beautiful Cartagena.  My first visit to South America and a dream since I was a little girl.  I was so moved by the culture, the architecture, the people, the music, the food, the atmosphere – what an experience.  Life changing doesn’t even begin to explain how wonderful it was.

2012 is going to be wonderful… with all I have learnt and experienced in 2011… it’s only up from here!

Romance of New

Sarah Crawford :: It Ended in Tears :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

How appropriate it is sometimes… that it all ended in tears… and then it is time for change because it can’t be denied anymore… and you look at the romance of new… of fresh beginnings and a time to explore… and this moment I find I am in over and over is my sign to remind me of what is important… of what makes my laughter my life… decisions… decisions…

Sarah Crawford :: This Moment :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

Sarah Crawford :: Romance of New :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

Sarah Crawford :: Decisions :: Acrylic on ply wood

Picturesque… A Moment in Time

Sarah Crawford :: 'Picturesque' :: 25cm x 25cm :: Acrylic on ply wood

Reflection… and how you want to capture that moment in time that is so beautiful… that is picturesque.  That moment can be as simple as realising that the only thing holding you back is yourself.  When you are stripped back to nothing to find yourself wanting to step forward and take on the world… live your dreams and show the world you are not afraid.

That picturesque moment when that moment in time is so beautiful.  You know you can achieve your dreams xo

New Beginnings on a Lazy Day

Sarah Crawford :: New Beginnings :: 25cm x 25cm :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

New Beginnings.  Some small, some big.  So much to be excited about.  So many opportunities, so much progress.  I find myself appreciating every moment in life more than ever before.  Savouring the moments of feeling the fresh air on my skin.  I dream of a lazy day, the breeze in my hair, lying in a hammock under trees by the ocean, the sun on my skin, in a place I have never been.  Each day I know that the day is closer for my lazy day.  The reward for all the dedication and love put into my every day.   A lazy day to reflect and smile. To think of the beauty of the past and the prospect of a beautiful future.   I will have my one lazy day in Colombia, my dream since I was a young girl, studying the map of South America.  Not long now.  I can count the days until I am there.

Sarah Crawford :: Lazy Day :: 25cm x 25cm :: Acrylic on ply wood

MUST SEE :: Rankin & Damien Hirst Exhibition in LA

Rankin & Damien Hirst :: Myths, Monsters & Legends exhibition :: RANKIN Gallery LA

I am so in love with these images for the upcoming exhibition at RANKIN Gallery in LA.  Rankin and Damien Hirst have worked together with model Dani Smith to create the most amazing works of art.  One I do not want to miss and lucky for me, I’ll be LA just in time to catch this one.  

Myths, Monsters & Legends is on at RANKIN Gallery from 13 October to 5 November 2011.   

 http://rankinla.com/exhibitions-upcoming/

 RANKIN Gallery  :  8070 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046  : Open Tue-Sat 11am – 6pm

 

Rankin & Damien Hirst :: Myths, Monsters & Legends exhibition :: RANKIN Gallery LA

Wide Eyed and Willing

Sarah Crawford :: Together We Travel ::30.5m x 41cm : Acrylic on canvas

I remember a time feeling so free, vulnerable yet free.  When I had less but I had so much more.  I remember the sun was always shining.  The ocean was a constant companion.  Music was my inspiration.  Learning in new surroundings, full of wide eyes.  I remember it as the good life.  Days filled with pretty dresses so bright it made me smile. A girl on the verge of a world she knew little about.  It was like a retreat, a dream.  I felt like Little Miss Sunshine, with poetry on my mind and the belief that romance is not dead.  I was reaching for the stars, because I believe we are made to reach for the stars.  And all those little extras that define your style.  Our future.  Love, love LOVE.

I reminded myself each day with a few words from Walt Disney… “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”.

All My Life

Sarah Crawford :: All My Life (Dave Grohl) :: Acrylic & spraypaint on canvas

 

I always wondered where you were heading.  Where your talent would take you, and how far you would go.  All that I wanted had engulfed my life, suspended my freedom for it had me by the neck, had taken my ability to see clearly.  The fear somehow pushed the need and the need helped me see clearly.  A vicious circle that was being forced and causing confusion and anxiety alongside building strength and determination never before felt.  Searching for the light, the steady rocks moving and falling from under my feet.  The only option to fly, alone, and feel the weight lift, floating along, a watchful eye over the world.  Trust and faith my wings would stay strong, keep me so high, away from the dangers.  I feel the air passing by, the drops of rain touch my skin and I feel so alive.  I have no regrets only thanks for the opportunity to have learnt lessons in life.  Lessons that build strength in my wings and allow me to fly.  For when you fly and float along in the breeze you have time to see the beauty of life.  To find passion in life.  To live life. To love.