Yup, I am still alive…although I’ve been absent from Painters Online just recently. Spring has sprung downhere in the South Island of New Zealand. There has been a very impressive display of blossom from various trees: cherries, plums, magnolias and camellias. Dunedin holds a Rhododendron Festival each year and this year it takes place from 18 – 26 October. There will be artists, potters demonstrating their talents amongst flower laden gardens and open gardens/houses, some with afternoon cream teas. Rhododendrons and azaleas grown wonderfully here, I’ve got some impressive ones in my little cottage garden. Earlier this month I was part of the Wobbly Arts Exhibition here in Dunedin. It was held by the MS Society and the venue was the Community Gallery in central Dunedin. I had submitted 6 works and the exhibition started with an art auction. I was thrilled to have 5 out of my 6 paintings sold on the opening night, one being purchased by the local Mayor. A percentage goes to the MS Society, so it was a win/win situation. Last year I joined the Otago Arts Society as an artist member, they have their gallery/office in a beautiful building, the old Dunedin Railway Station which was built way back in 1904 in the Flemish Renaissance style by George Troup. I had entered 2 paintings into the Dunedin International Airport Art Awards/Spring Show, the theme was open. I had forgotten about it after taking the paintings in and last Friday evening I was phoned by them and told I had won 2nd Prize ($200!). I attach a pic of this painting on this blog. This is the first time I’ve won any art award, so was very pleased. Then on the Sunday morning another phone call from the gallery telling me that both paintings had sold too!!!! Now I WAS on a high. Both paintings are in my portfolio here ‘Innocent Partner’ won the prize and the other that sold was ‘Sweet Surrender’. Two weeks ago the NZ Art Guild (whom I am a member of) held an exhibition in Gallery O in Christchurch. I was one of the several South Island artists exhibiting. Bella and her Books (is in the portfolio here) sold the day before it opened to the public…to an artist who was hanging the paintings. I know it has gone to a good home. So now I am busy working on a series of 6 small canvases 10×10 inch for an exhibition to be held at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, Auckland in November. It is called Small Packages and all artists are members of the NZ Art Guild. What a challenge with a small canvas. I will be putting them on here as I complete them. Well that is what I have been up to, fingers in a few pies. Talking of pies I normally like to post a recipe too. (see below) Here is a very yummy soup which is even better if left a day in the fridge so the flavours develop. Serve with a very tasty bread…enjoy. Nouveau Bistro Lentil Soup This rustic soup is both delicious and nutritious, we often intend to include more pulses and whole grains in our daily diet but fail to do so, this dish has all the elements that we are supposed to eat more of, so go ahead. Serves 4 as a main course with bread. 1 tbsp olive oil 2 celery stalks finely chopped 1 carrot peeled and finely chopped 1 onion finely chopped 1 clove garlic crushed (I used 4!) 2 chorizo sausages fresh or dried (I used 3) 2 400 g tins tomatoes (I used a bottle 680g mashed tomatoes) 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 pinch sugar(use brown) 1 cup uncooked brown lentils (can use red too, or a mix of both) 1 litre of good chicken stock (or vegetable) 1 large sprig of rosemary (I used parsley) Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the chopped vegetables and garlic, if using dried chorizo cut the sausages into small pieces and add to the pan so they begin to release flavour into the vegetables. If using fresh chorizo, place them whole into the pan with the vegetables, brown them all over then leave them in the pan while the soup cooks. (They will cook through and flavour the dish at the same time. Remove, cut into chunks and return to the pan once they are completely cooked.) Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste and pinch of sugar and then mix in the stock. When the stock is simmering add the lentils and rosemary and continue to cook for around 35- 40 mins. Best to check to see that the brown lentils are soft enough. I normally cook a bit longer than this, just make sure the setting is low, so it doesn’t catch the base of the pan. I prefer to pop it in the fridge after it has cooled and eat the next day. Soups and stews always seem tastier that way. Bon appetite! Fond regards to all my Painters Online friends ~ Anni :)