Hexagonal Mandala Art Journal by Diavma

Hello

2011-09-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

I havent uploaded many new artworks this year. The year has been busy with other things... Im currently designing chainmaille jewellery tutorials which is a lot of fun. The tutorials will be available for purchase as a series of .pdf bookets which are home-printable. The will contain easy to follow illustrations and directions for making some unique chainmaille creations. If you are interested in seeing some of my designs you can find me at Diavma Chainmaille on Facebook

Bird Art - Quarrions in Hibiscus

2011-06-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge:
A portrait of a 3 pet quarrions (cockatiels), titled "Quarrions in Hibiscus" by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews ( aka Diavma ). This artwork was hand drawn/painted directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board. The painting shows Ollie, Jerry and Kramer who are 3 gorgeous examples of male quarrions, an Australian species of small parrots. They make wonderful, intelligent and affectionate pets. Not to mention beautiful art subjects.

This image is available for sale as an 11x16inch print on high quality artist paper.

Dolphin Sea scape art - In the shallows

2011-02-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge
A sea scape, titled "in the shallows" by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews ( aka Diavma ). This image will be part of a new series of fantasy sea scapes. It is available for sale as an 11x16inch print on high quality artist paper.

Green Tree Frog Art - "Intent"

2011-01-31T19:21:00.000-08:00

A portrait of a green tree frog, titled "Intent" by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews ( aka Diavma ). This artwork was hand drawn/painted directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board. It shows one of the big green tree frogs that frequent my yard. You have to love these guys, they are big lazy frogs with attitude. In this image his mischievous grin and intense squint clearly suggest his intent and the immanent fate of the unsuspecting fly.
This image is part of a series of backyard birds, species common to where I live. It is available for sale as an 11x16inch print on high quality artist paper.

Folk wisdom tells that dreaming of a frog means
good fortune, happiness and great friendships.
May your dreams be filled with frogs...

Green Tree Frog Art - "Peek-a-Boo"

2011-01-31T19:05:00.000-08:00

This artwork was hand drawn/painted by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews, directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board. It's a portrait of one of the little frogs from our yard. In this painting he is seen pushing the plant out of the way and staring back at the viewer. His fat round body an indicator of his health and contentment. This image is part of a series of frogs , common to my back yard. It is available for sale as an 11x16inch print on high quality artist paper.

Bird Art - Australian Eastern Rosella Parrots

2011-01-20T00:48:00.000-08:00

This artwork was hand drawn/painted by Di Mathews directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board.
It shows 2 eastern rossella on a hollow nesting tree.
This image is part of a series of backyard birds, species common to where I live. It is available for sale as an 11x16inch print on high quality artist paper.

Bird Art - Rainbow Bee Eater 2

2010-07-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge
This artwork is a portrait illustration of Rainbow Bee Eaters, a native australian species of bird. The image is by contemporary Australian artist Di Mathews aka Diavma, copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010.
I saw this bird in our yard for the first time recently. It was swooping over the vine on our shed and fence trying to catch the insects. This is my newest image and it is available on 12x16 inch, 100% cotton archival paper. eMail me for details

Stylised Bird Print

2010-06-26T02:44:00.001-07:00

Click on image to enlarge
Created in a style inspired by my formal training in printmaking this bird and insect illustration echoes the bold strength of a woodcut or linoblock print, digitally painted it also incorporates the fluid paint-like surfaces created with a pressure sensitive pen.
A colourful Aussie artwork by contemporary Australian Artist Di Mathews, copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010.

guinea pig artwork

2010-06-05T22:20:00.001-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
A pet portrait is unusual subject for Di Mathews, usually prefering to illustrated wildlife. But this image is of her daughter's baby guinea pig. This little piggy goes on sale, 100% cotton, 240gm, A3 archival art paper, open edition print.

Chainmaille Pendants

2010-05-31T03:21:00.000-07:00

Click on image to enlarge
A sneak-peak at some of my original design chainmaille pendants.
For more info on my jewellery see: My Jewellery Blog

Australian Bird art - Rainbow Bee Eater

2010-05-04T00:26:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge
This artwork is a portrait illustration of Rainbow Bee Eaters, a native australian species of bird. The image is by contemporary Australian artist Di Mathews aka Diavma, copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010.
I saw this bird in our yard for the first time recently. It was swooping over the vine on our shed and fence trying to catch the insects. The bees in the foreground are a native Australian Blue Banded Bee, another visitor to our garden.
This is my newest image and it is available on 12x16 inch, 100% cotton archival paper.

Australian Bird art - Flame Robins

2010-05-04T00:03:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge
This artwork is a portrait of Flame Robins, a native australian species of bird. The imge is by Di Mathews aka Diavma, copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010.
This little robin is found on the south eastern corner of Australia (From south queensland , down NSW, around victoria almost to South Australia. as well as Tasmania. It was created through the sugestion of Julie, from Tasmania. Julie has a collection of my bird portraits and wanted to see a flame robin added to the collection. I have only ever seen the bird near my home once. It was a rare sight.

Frangipani Dragonfly Artwork

2010-04-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

This is a 3D digitally rendered artwork by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala. This art image is a botanical study of frangipani blooms and an insect illustration.

The Plumeria is a West Indian plant, also known as a Frangipani, which is named after the inventor Marquis Frangipani. As a child My bedroom window overlooked two frangipani trees (a white and pink variety). Then when I married and moved into my new home I took a cutting from each tree and planted them in our garden. They now tower over our front rooms offering shade relief in the hot Australian summer mornings. During the day they are often filled with sparrows flitting around after insects, and at night they often host big green tree frogs. I've noticed it is the time of year to spot dragonfly again. The image shows a mature dragonfly at rest, with its wings typically dropped down flat. They have 4 wings that more as independent pairs. Walking though the grasses at the edge of the quiet sports field in the evening sees dragonflies take flight for safer branches. Their huge eyes seeing up to 5 or 6 meters away. Their bodies are strong and streamlined for flight.

Majestic presence
Weighted wings in breezeless calm
metallic flight machine

Rise and hover still,
suspended hangs above me
eyes unblinking stare

Grumpy green tree frog

2010-04-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Click on image to enlarge.
A green tree frog illustration titled: "When I say Get!" is an artwork by Australian Contemporary Artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala.

This is one of the big Green Tree Frogs that frequent my back yard. My favourite species of local frog. Quite friendly they usually doesn’t mind human company, always appearing very brave & dignified. This species amusingly will sit quietly and pose for you to photograph or draw until they tire of the attention, then they will simply turn their back on you as if to inform you that you're dismissed. This particular day the frog decided it had tolerated me long enough and told me in no uncertain terms. After me ignoring his dismissals and continually photographing him he finally stood up tall and then leaped into my long hair, entangling himself and repetitively weeing all over me. My teenage son had to come and untangle him. Looking at the photos and his body language that I captured I should have seen it coming as he gave me warning, I was just so wrapped in what I was doing I did not pay attention to what he was telling me.

They have a bold personality which this image captures well.

In the mythology of many cultures frogs are linked to cleansing, healing and creative powers. The change from egg to tadpole then metamorphosis to frog is often used to symbolise the awakening of ones creativity and recognising one's own power of adaptation. A frog is a symbolic reminder of our own ability to grow and mature when faced with difficult situations. A strong frog population is an indication of a healthy ecology due to their sensitivity to changes and toxins in their environment. Frogs therefore are naturally symbols of a peaceful, harmonious coexistence and interdependence with nature. Frogs because of this sensitivity serve as a strong lesson about our own interdependence within a fragile eco-system. Teaching a connection with the earth and everything on it. Sadly numbers of frogs now seem to be dwindling.

Folk wisdom tells that dreaming of a frog means
good fortune, happiness and great friendships.
May your dreams be filled with frogs...

Frog Art - Dinner Date & Two Bee or Not To Be.

2010-03-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

Click on images to enlarge.

1st image Title: "Two Bee Or Not To Be"
One of the small Tree Frogs that frequent my back yard, sneakily manoeuvring around the branch of a flowering gum tree where two bees happily go about their business. The warm colours of the frog and branch emphasised with the cooling colours and shade of the gum leaves. The different surface qualities of the tough flat leaves, the delicate detailed flowers and the soft live flesh of the frog create interesting contrasts. The title "Two Bees Or Not To Be" add a touch of amusement and engages the viewer in an imaginary story line. The suggested movement captured within the pose of the frog confirms that a possible story is about to unfold.

2nd image Title: "Dinner Date"
This is one of the small Tree Frogs that frequent my back yard, boldly suspended from a flowering gum tree, and happily offering a resting spot for a tired lacewing. The warm skin colours of the frog are emphasised with the cooling colours and shade of the gum leaves. The title "Dinner Date" add a touch of amusement and engages the viewer in an imaginary story line.

In the mythology of many cultures frogs are linked to cleansing, healing and creative powers. The change from egg to tadpole then metamorphosis to frog is often used to symbolise the awakening of ones creativity and recognising one's own power of adaptation. A frog is a symbolic reminder of our own ability to grow and mature when faced with difficult situations. A strong frog population is an indication of a healthy ecology due to their sensitivity to changes and toxins in their environment. Frogs therefore are naturally symbols of a peaceful, harmonious coexistence and interdependence with nature. Frogs because of this sensitivity serve as a strong lesson about our own interdependence within a fragile eco-system. Teaching a connection with the earth and everything on it. Sadly numbers of frogs now seem to be dwindling.

Folk wisdom tells that dreaming of a frog means
good fortune, happiness and great friendships.
May your dreams be filled with frogs...

Both artworks are original wildlife illustrations by Contemporary Australian artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Art and Text are Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010.

Jewellery making

2010-03-09T22:44:00.000-08:00

Click images to enlarge.

A slight detour from my usual art.

During this last year I have been teaching myself how to make chainmaille jewellery. The first image is a bronze and blue byzantine bracelet. The second example is an orange, blue, bronze and green box weave bracelet with a copper flower toggle. I've also been making some interesting little mandala pendants using the same type of jump-rings. Some of my first experiments were creating chainmaille ACEO (art collector cards). If you check my current eBay listings for Diavma, you might find a few listed.

Australian bush dreaming ART

2010-03-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Click on images to enlarge.

The Australian environment offers artistic potential for exploration of exciting textures and colours.

When I enter the bush I tend to be on the lookout for insect species or new plants or exciting textures to photograph, so I wanted to create Australian landscape artworks that reflected my personal experiences.

Rather than recreate the local scenery I wanted to express an intimate approach to nature. I attempted to create artistic abstracts that remain fresh and alive capturing the essence of the lush bushland of the east coast. The detailed suggestions of texture echoing the dappled light that sneaks through the canopy of the eucalypt forest in the Australian bush. Each artwork in the series contains Australian insects camouflaging themselves within the abstractions of colour and light.

The title of the series is "Bush Dreaming"
These images are 4 out of a series of 9 that I have just completed. They are examples of digital landscape art by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews, aka Diavma. Copyright belongs at all times to Hexagonal Mandala 2010. They are currently available for sale on 100% cotton, archival, acid free paper, size 16x12 inch = 30x42cm.

BIRD - Cockatoo Art

2010-02-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge
These are sulphur Crested Cockatoos, a digital painting by Contemporary Australian Artist Di Mathews aka Diavma, This example of wildlife illustration is Copyright Hexagonal Mandala. Cockies are an Australian bird, they make great pets.

Green tree frog in Australian Wildflowers

2010-02-20T17:09:00.001-08:00

Click Image to enlarge
Green tree frog in Australian wildflowers is my latest 3D art. Image by Di Mathews aka Diavma, Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010. I enjoyed modelling the native blooms, These are flowers native to the east coast of Australia. My mischievous little frog peeps through the foliage. This botanical and frog artwork is available for sale as a 12x16 inch print on archival art paper.

Folk wisdom tells that dreaming of a frog means
good fortune, happiness and great friendships.
May your dreams be filled with frogs...

3D digital art - botanical flowers

2010-02-20T00:35:00.000-08:00

Left click image to enlarge

Digital art by Contemporary Australian Artist Di Mathews aka Diavma, copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010. These 2 images are created by sculpting the forms directly into 3D virtual space within the computer. The models are my own creation, sculpted from live plant specimens from my garden. The finished artworks are available as 12x16 inch archival prints, on 240gm, 100% cotton paper. These will be part of my series of botanical studies. The first image is a Coleus in flower (actually 3 differnt varieties of the plant) and the second is a pink geranium. Both plants are easy to grow and require very little looking after as Im not much interested in gardening.

Australian frog artworks

2010-02-14T05:04:00.001-08:00

Title: Tree Frog
Title: Kerfersteins tree frog
Title: Rocket frog (Litoria Nasuta)
Title: Striped Burrowing Frog (Litoria alboguttata)

Title: Freen Tree Frog

Left Click images to see larger versions

Each of these Australian frog artwork images is from a series of Frog illustrations by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010. The frog artwork is created by digital painting directly onto a computer using a pressure sensitive electronic pen and a digital drawing board. The resulting artwork is available on 240gm, 100% cotton, acid free, archival artist paper. More from this series can be seen in earlier uploads.

Ladybird and Rose Artwork

2010-02-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Click image to see larger version
Title: Roses and Ladybird" by Contemporary Australian Artist Di Mathews / aka Diavma. This image is the newest from a series of botanical studies. The roses are digital 3D models based on live specimens from my yard. The ones I have growing are white roses but I decided for this render to add colour. The Ladybird is also my original model. It reminds me of the paintings you see on biscuit tins and chocolate boxes, ideal I guess since it is only a week or so to Valentines day.

Frogs in magnolia artwork

2010-02-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge
This render is one of todays artworks. Titled "Frogs on Magnolia", by Artist Di Mathews, Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010.

The flowers are modeled from a tree that grows 2 doors down from my house. Im always amazed at magnolias in bloom, all flower and stem with no leaves makes them look magical. I decided to emphasise the pinkness of the flo9wer by placing it in dusk lighting, whispy pink clouds, etc....

Blue Triangle Butterfly Artworks

2010-02-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Click on images to enlarge.

This butterfly (Graphium Sarpedon Choredon) is commonly known as a Blue Triangle Butterfly, because its wing colour is black to dark brown with blue areas which joins to make a triangle. The females and males look almost the same, but when you look carefully you can see that the male has a fringe of scent-bearing hairs along the inner edges of his hind wings which he uses it to disperse scent to the female.

Butterflies are instantly familiar and universally popular. They do not bite, sting, carry disease or (in adult form) do any serious damage. Butterflies are considered the jewel of creation and are popular among collectors. They are the symbol of the souls immortality that physical death does not destroy, and in their pleasing, fluttering flight they are associated with Eros the god of love.

These first three images are by Contemporary Australian artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010. They are digital 3D rendered artwork showing the Graphium Sarpedon Choredon on various species of eucalyptus. The background textures echo the textures of local trees, creating three works which are very native to my area of the world. All of the digital models used are my own original sculpted 3D meshes.

All three artworks are presented on one sheet of high quality art paper, creating a tryptich to be framed as one unit.

This image of the Blue Triangle Butterfly (Graphium Sarpedon Choredon) differs from the previous three. While it shows the same species as the 3 images above, the artwork is executed in a different manner. It is hand painted using a pressure sensitive electronic pen and a digital graphics tablet. This sort of approach to image making is the same as traditional painting and drawing techniques, only the drawing tool translates it directly onto a computer rather than a paper or canvas surface. Each stroke of the artists hand is recorded and its sensitivity to the pressure applied with each pen stroke dictates the breadth and intensity of the line it creates.

Owl ACEO Art

2010-01-24T03:52:00.001-08:00

Click image to enlarge

Two owl ACEO (artist original collector cards). Created by digital painting with electronic pen. Each card measures 2.5x3.5 inch. Painted by Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010.

Australian Bush Rat - Rattus fuscipes

2010-01-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

click on image to see larger version

Australian Bush Rat - Rattus fuscipes (aka Bogul). These are painted portraits of a resident of our yard, we have had a breeding pair for a few years. While they have had residence in tunnels under our tadpole pond we have not had any mice or rats come into our house. Prior to these we would get rodents come in off the nearby farms, gnawing their way through our house each winter. We place bird seed out for them every night. And just on dusk we get to see them scamper out of the bushes with their latest batch of youngens for a feed.

These Hexagonal Mandala images are approx 12x16inches on 100% cotton archival artist paper.

More info on Bush rats

Australian Tree Frog artwork

2010-01-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

Title: Northern River Frog
Title: Green Tree Frog
Title: Bleating Tree Frog
Title: Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog
Title: Southern Bell Tree Frog

Left Click images to see larger versions

Each of these Australian frog artwork images is from a series of Frog illustrations by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2010. The frog artwork is created by digital painting directly onto a computer using a pressure sensitive electronic pen and a digital drawing board. The resulting artwork is available on 240gm, 100% cotton, acid free, archival artist paper.

3D digital art - Original botanical studies

2010-01-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

(click on image to see larger versions)

Artworks of floral arrangements need to capture the life within the subject matter. They lend themselves to fluid line, organic shape and a wonderful selection of colour. All of the frangipani, roses and native Aussie banksia, gum tree and wattle featured in this series are modelled from live specimens. Attention is paid to the structure of the blooms and how they grow. These 3 images are from a series of digitally produced artworks on the theme of the botanical studies. They are all sculpted by myself in virtual 3D space. To do this, points and changes in direction of surface planes are plotted in 3D virtual space within the computer, creating a 3D representation of the blooms structure that can be rotated and viewed from any angle within the computer. A combination of photographic and hand painted textures are applied to surface of these constructed models. The textured models are then arranged in a composition with various surface qualities assigned to each of the parts. Lighting effects similar to a traditional photo-studio work are applied to these compositions which are then render as 2D images. The rendered images are often touched-up by hand prior to printing. These models used and the resulting images are originals by artist Di Mathews (aka - Diavma - Hexagonal Mandala). The images are subject to copyright. Printed archival images are available for purchase.

Quick Sketch of flight

2010-01-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

Im still fascinated and challenged by the idea of capturing flight in an image. I've done a lot of observing and photographing, I guess the next step is to get some quick sketches done. This is the first attempt.

Cicada Illustrations

2009-12-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

Click Image to enlarge:
"Cherry Nose Cicada" and "Empty Nymphal Case" are two illustrations by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews (aka: Diavma) Copyright Hexagonal Mandala Australia. Both images are hand painted using a pressure sensitive pen and digital drawing tablet and are presented on 30x42cm = 12x16inch museum quality artist paper.

There are approximately 200 species of cicada in Australia. Cicadas are harmless sap suckers who are famous for their loud shrilling song. They lay eggs within slits that they create in twigs and branches of trees. When the eggs hatch the nymphs fall to the ground and burrows down among the roots. Some species stay underground for up to 17 years before emerging to shed its nymphal case. Once shed it is an adult with wings. An adult lives for only a week or two. Although they are particularly large insects, they are often unseen, positioning themselves high in trees. Their empty larval cases are often seen around lower parts of trees and ground and are often collected by children. This is an illustration of a vacant nymphal case. They are empty, brittle shells with a slight transparency.

This particular cherry-nose cicada is the first live cicada I had encountered. Attracted by our light it flew in from the dark of night. The portrait of this cicada shows its beautiful wing still ruffled from its abrupt landing, usually the wings fold down neatly when not in flight. My children and I observed his huge size and colourful markings in amazement. We weren’t even sure what type of insect it was at first because we had not seen a live cicada previously and because it did not look like the empty cicada shells we were so used to. This presented an opportunity to research. Since then we have been lucky enough to also record other live cicada species in this area.

Owl Eyes

2009-12-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

click Image to see larger version

Owl Eyes By Hexagonal Mandala 2009

Urban Tree Of Life - mandala

2009-12-04T21:15:00.001-08:00

My newest image, completed today.
Titled "Urban Tree Of Life - Mandala",
by contemporary Australian Artist Di Mathews.
Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2009.

The image shows a tree of life, whose branches and roots take on a Celtic knotted design which protectively encircling the bird. Knots are symbolic of linked connection to protective powers and their woven tangles are inspired by the idea of co-dependence in maintaining healthy eco-systems. This is further emphasised with the introduction of different insect forms within a small area. The choice of wildlife depicted represents the typical urban backyard, a place where you can encourage a bit of your own wildlife. A bird features as the central character. Birds are often associated with heavenly beings, representing the grace, beauty and freedom that many find unobtainable, while symbolising an emotional and spiritual goal. The interesting choice of black bird or raven is shown because it is often symbolic of death, a reminder that within this small urban confine that YOU have a responsibility. At the top is the day and night while at the bottom the land displays fertile and barren.

Skink Lizard

2009-11-24T18:21:00.001-08:00

This Skink Lizard Artwork / illustration is an original digital painting by Contemporary Australian Artist Di Mathews. It is available for sale as a print on museum quality paper.

The lizard is an Australian species from my backyard. It is about a foot (30cm long) and often bakes itself in the warmth of the sun. This particular skink has a favourite route. At certain times of the day it runs from one side of the cement verandah to the other. Often this routine lines up with my husband standing in the way. They have a ritual where the lizard will run out and stop about 12 cm from my husbands feet, then it will tilt its head to look up at him and wait for him to move. Husband takes a step backward and the lizard continues its dash to the other side of the path... Until one day when the lizard forgot to check and came running full speed out from the leaves and ran smack-bang into husbands foot. He tilt its head to look up at him as if to say "why didn't you move?" then continued to run right over the top of both of his feet. Another time the lizard forgot to check his route he ran smack-bang into a turtle dove, it was hard to tell which jumped the most in fright.

Antique Camera Still Life

2009-11-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

Click image to see large version.

This is a realistic still life artwork by Di Mathews, Created in the memory of Darrell Claude Avery. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2005.

I grew up as the proud daughter of a freelance wedding photographer. My dad's main employment was as a coal miner, grotty and not very glamorous, but when preened and formally attired, armed with amazing gadgets my father could make peoples precious memories materialise. As a child this seemed glamorous and mysterious.

After he died I inherited these items, whose magic I was able to resurrect throughout the years of art school that followed. This image is a celebration of that era. A nostalgic look at the past and recreation of the elegance of equipment. All of the items featured in this artwork are sculpted by myself in virtual 3D space and are based on existing physical items.

Youthful memories of shutters and flash,
Red lit chemicals glimmer.
Enlarger looming over magical images,
While dangling film strips shimmer.

Captured love of marriage,
precious moments of youth,
cherished flowers in the garden
and immortalised snippets of truth.

Crow Dragonfly Bee

2009-11-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

Bird Art - Galah Parrots

2009-11-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

(click image to see larger version).
This is a 12x16 inch Australian native bird illustration by Hexagonal Mandala. Art and text - Copyright 2009.

Australian backyards are hosts to many amazing native and introduced bird species. I am lucky enough to have a few natives that frequent my yard and neighbourhood. This image is from a series of paintings which explores species observed at or near my home in the Hunter Valley on the eastern coast of Australia. This is a scene of Galahs, (Scientific name: Eolophus roseicapillus), where the morning sunlight illuminates the foliage below and signals the start to another glorious day. Galahs are easy to identify because of their colouring and they are one of the most common and widespread cockatoos in Australia. The large trees near my home often host a small handful of these birds, and often they will be seen rummaging through grass in search of a feed. Galahs are usually considered as exhibiting bold and loud behaviour and therefore to be referred to as a "Galah" in Australian slang suggests that your behaviour is perceived as that of a 'fool' or 'idiot'.

Bird Art - Carolina Wrens

2009-11-13T18:42:00.001-08:00

These two Carolina wren artworks are by Di Mathews (Diavma). Copyright Hexagonal Mandala Australia 2009.
Both paintings measure approx 12 x 16 inches, on 250gm archival paper.
Carolina wren among dogwood flowers. The pretty songbird is the "State Bird" of South Carolina.
While the dogwood, a blossom that blooms profusely in spring, is North Carolinas "State Flower".

The Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus, is one of the larger and more richly coloured wrens from the United States. The wren is mostly chestnut brown with butterscotch bellies and a bold white eyebrow and throat. The patterning of its wings and tail make it a wonderful species to paint. The male of the species is a well known song bird, whose song vary regionally. Males and females look alike with the male being slightly larger.

The Gestalt Mandalas

2009-10-30T03:19:00.001-07:00

This is a series of artwork created in 2006 by the Australian Contemporary Artist Bob Mathews. The images are original, hand drawn & digitally manipulated multimedia fine art images, printed by the artist. The images and their text are subject to copyright laws. Copyright of images and text belongs at all times to RB & DA Mathews Soft Solution- Hexagonal Mandala 2006 - All rights reserved. These works are available for purchase approx size = 11.5x11.5inch (27x27cm) on museum quality 100% cotton paper, each comes with a signed certificate of authenticity which incorporates an artist statement.

Series Title: The Gestalt Mandalas

Series Statement: This small series of six mandalas represents a mystic appreciation of the totality of the cosmos and our true place and therefore tries to give an answer to the "meaning of life". An answer that involves Christian concepts of God and Grace. Jungian concepts of Mind and Symbol. Quantum Mechanic concepts of physical reality. Cosmology concepts of Creation. Chaos Theory concepts of structure and effect. Taoist concepts of Energy and Change. Finally my own concepts of triangular relationships expressed in the name Hexagonal Mandala

The term Gestalt is intended to mean a synthesis of separate elements of Emotion, Experience and Knowledge that constitute more than the sum of the parts. A mandala is a circle, whose archetypal symbolism, in creation, becomes spiritual and sacred. What Jung called Archetypal Symbols of Transformation. Thus in part through execution, or contemplation, of mandalas the individual can find or balance their true sacred self and therefore their correct place in relation to the Universe. Thus leading to rebirth and therefore Healing.

While Science, Religion and Psychology are referenced constantly in this series of images I am not practicing any of these disciplines but rather the craft of the fine artist. Still it is my deeply felt hope to create Symbols of Healing. Images that will act as empowering conduits for individual growth & healing in this crazy world.

Art Work Title: "Change" (click on image to enlarge)

Artist Statement: Cosmologists would claim Creation started with a Big Bang. That the entire nature and history of the universe was written in less than a second. Taoist philosophy states that all that exists consists of Linked Energy that is involved in constant Cycles of Change that creates Fluid Balances. Chaos Theory deals with absolutely simple maths that produces relationships of enormous complexity. Also referenced is the concept of many complex arrays of triangular relationships involved in these processes. One example of which physicists call the "Three Body Problem". While this image is about creation, more so it is about the on going processes that creation set in motion. So it tries to express the total wonder at the magnificence of Creation and the changing, evolving inter-relatedness of all aspects.

Heat, Birth, Expansion:
Infinite Complexity
Deep Simplicity

Art Work Title: "Reality" (click on image to enlarge)

Artist Statement: This image explores visually the real nature of physical reality at the atomic level. The solar system model of the atom as hard little particles orbiting around a central collection of larger particles is only a convenience that does not truly reflect reality. Closer to actuality is the concept that atoms are constructed of Forces and Fields. That the atom is a collection of standing waves of energy called Electrons surrounding trios of entities called Quarks whose interaction creates Protons and Neutrons. The action of Quarks is a fundamental Triangular Relationship. So physical reality is in fact a seething, bubbling, changing and rearranging mass of energy. More than that it is thought that the very vacuum of space is constantly bubbling with created and destroyed energy particles. So the true nature of physical reality is strange and wondrous indeed.

The search is on for a unified field theory which is hoped with bring the theories of quantum mechanics and the theories of relativity under the umbrella of a single set of equations. It is my belief that in the direction of, and beyond, a unified field theory is the all pervading creative power of God.
This Divine Energy I call the Sea of Grace.

Below Sensate Ken
Beyond Mystic Discernment:
Meta Perception

Art Work Title: "Rebirth" (click on image to enlarge)

Artist Statement: Death is equivalent to Birth. Birth is equivalent to Death. So for the individual to grow or heal some aspect of self must be let go or let die. This process happens throughout life. The child dies at puberty so that the developing youth can emerge. Some aspects of both individuals must be sacrificed to create a successful marriage. Where two become one flesh. It is only with a genuine desire of great integrity that, though the universal power of Grace, can aspects of the Ego die so that the individual can be reborn to reflect the True Sacred Self. Thus to also find growth or healing where the need is dire.

Winters Cold Grasp Ends:
Joyous Rapture, Life Renews
Grace Fulfills Circle

Art Work Title: "Presence" (click on image to enlarge)

Artist Statement: Anyone who is open and sensitive to the deeper undercurrents of life should have at least a dim awareness of the continuous Presence of the Divine. There are, at least for me, rare moments where experience transcends awareness to become an all enveloping spiritual relatedness.
A period of overwhelming joy.

Quiet Reflection:
Bathed in Fire, Flow Gentle Waves
of Awesome Power

Art Work Title: "Journey" (click on image to enlarge)

Artist Statement: In this mandala the Dragon is most definitely intended to be ambiguous. On the one hand the Dragon Symbol can represent the challenge of facing up to evil. It can symbolise difficulties that must be over come to obtain a desired treasure of great value. Also the Dragon is Symbolically the source of messages from heaven. It can bring good fortune and frighten away demons. So the journey of life is full of confrontation with many styles of Dragon. The journey of life is also traversing the labyrinth with many surprises and dangers. Of not knowing what is around the next bend. The Labyrinth Symbolises both the discovery of ones hidden spiritual centre and the ascent from darkness to light. The Journey always is a challenge to accept all opportunities to learn and grow.

Travel in Hope, Faith
Strive, Stumble, Fall, Always Grow:
Tempered Spirit

Art Work Title: "Balance" (click on image to enlarge)

Artist Statement: Carl G Jung believed that most people were not completely self realised. That some aspects of their personality were emphasised and other aspects ignored or hidden. That the first step for a man to be balanced and complete was to acknowledge his feminine aspect and the reverse for a woman. That with effort an individual could become conscious of their true self. It is my belief that a spiritual transformation is also necessary. That to place yourself as the centre of the universe can lead to great mischief. Therefore an acknowledgement of the individuals relationship with the Divine, and so his correct place, is of absolute necessity for the true self to also become sacred. Thus a fully effective human being. Find who you are and live in acceptance of this. Find your inner balance. Find your correct place in the universe.

Humble and Transformed
Aware, Committed, Willing:
True Sacred Self Stands

rose tree frog

2009-10-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

Praying Mantis Sketch

2009-10-24T23:10:00.001-07:00

This is a quick sketch of a praying mantid. It was created in memory of Phylis, a mantid that George & Carla had the honor of looking after. Saddly Phylis died after laying her egg cases. With luck George will be blessed with heaps of mini phylis's soon.
This image isn't of Phylis (from the USA), It is one of the mantids from my own yard in Australia. It is because of a painting I previously did of this mantid that George introduced himself and shared his excitement about Phylis. So I thought it a fitting gesture to create another small image of my mantid.

frog -metaphor

2009-10-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

left click image to see it larger.

I finished my "I Hear Voices" image yesterday. This is the latest contemporary painting / artwork by Hexagonal Mandala. The size is approx 12x16 inches on archival artist paper. My winged frog takes its place among a lush garden. I am pleased with the results of reds and greens working so well. The original poetry will accompany the image in the form of a printed artist statement. The original poem and explaination is on my previous upload.

Winged Frog

2009-10-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

My newest painting titled "I Hear Voices". This is a hand-painted digital artwork, copyright Hexagonal Mandala 2009. It is based on an original poem I wrote about two variations of song for healing & prayer. It unites the deep earthy, soothing vibrations of the shaman with the melodious, angelic breath of the priest.

The frog is known for its metamorphic ability and is a symbol of adaptability and change. It is a creature sensitive to the poisons in its environment. The wings are associated with flight and are a symbol of our connection to the heavens, of the human soul.

I often paint nature illustrations of frogs and birds, usually in a hope that they will inspire people to look around them and appreciate the fragility and beauty of nature. In this image the morphed character serves as three different metaphors.

* The artist self portrait. Where her life is seen as constant growth and change, morphing from timid child, to rebellious teen, to passionate artist, then wife & lover, to mother and carer. I see a new change soon as I'm getting older and my children are now in their teens. The wings have always appeared throughout the past 20 years in my self portraits. Originally they appeared in my art as an unobtainable hope of escapism. They still represent a potential freedom, but have changed in nature over the years.

* The Shaman and Priest are represented using the frog and wings. An easy association.

* The frog because of its sensitivity to toxics and its threat of extinction can be associated with mankind itself and the effects of sin that poison our lives. The wings represent our soul, the non perishing aspect of our selves. The wings have an association with freedom, escape and hope.

guttural vibrations
resonating through human flesh,
enveloping & soothing the soul
binding the wounds of life.
while
personification of angel breath
lowers protective shields,
washing over tainted senses
in a promise of acceptance.

surreal images

2009-09-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

These surreal artworks were created by Hexagonal Mandala 2009. as part of a theme challenge titled "Look into my eyes". They are a liitle different to my usual genre of wildlife and nature, but are still based on organic life, even if it is a sureal. The images were created through 3D digital sculpting, the models used are my own creation. They were a fun creative exercise, and each of the resulting images are available as 16x12inch prints on arcival artist paper. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing.

Frog & Spider Drawings

2009-09-17T23:10:00.001-07:00

I just posted these 2 off to their buyer in USA. They are fun little sketches. The spider was created for an online challenge called "look into my eyes". Both images was done in coloured pencil.

Frog Mandala Tessellation

2009-06-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is a delightfully whimsical frog composition by Hexagonal Mandala, where the frogs are presented in a Mandala circle, whose archetypical symbolism, in creation, becomes spiritual and sacred.

The frogs appearing in this mandala are different shapes and sizes which fit together perfectly with each individual adapting to their surrounds and becoming part of a larger sense of order and existence. With their organic ochres and earthy colours they create an aura of calm natural harmony. The image is a reminder to you of your own personal strength and ability to change and grow with life experiences, and of the existence of your own creativity and power of adaptation to overcome difficulties. It is also an image that reminds you of the fragility of the planet and the wonder and magic of its creation, a reminder to find and enjoy the beauty of what surrounds you.

In the mythology of many cultures frogs are linked to cleansing, healing and creative powers. Their metamorphosis from tadpole to frog is often used to symbolise the awakening of ones creativity and recognising one's own power of adaptation. Frogs are naturally symbols of a peaceful, harmonious coexistence and interdependence with nature. Frogs because of this sensitivity serve as a strong lesson about our own interdependence within a fragile eco-system. Teaching a connection with the earth and everything on it.

Copyright of both mage and text belongs to Hexagonal Mandala Australia 2009. This image is available for sale as a print on high quality artist paper.

3D Botanical studies

2009-06-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Digital illustrations of botanical species by Hexagonal Mandala. Both of these images were creates from original 3D virtual sculpted models. I create each model directly into the computer based on live specimens from my garden. These are 2 from a series of 12 images. They show a coleus flower and geranium. Each image is printed on 11.5 x 16.5 inch high quality artist paper. If you wish to purchase from this series email me to view the set in its entirety. In each of these images the asymmetric composition is reminiscent of Japanese prints, creates a lively visual aesthetic. These images are clean and fresh like the nature illustrations of the 19th century. The open spaces of clean, fresh colour surrounding them creating a calm atmosphere.

Blue Fairy Wren Bird

2009-06-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is a portrait by Hexagonal Mandala of an Australian male and female superb blue fairy wren (Scientific Name: Malurus cyaneus), which is also known as a Mormon wren, Gould’s blue wren and a long tailed superb warbler. The male in breeding plumage is easily recognised with his beautiful blue colour. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles are predominantly grey-brown, but females can be identified with a brown rather than black beak. I have a breeding male and 3 or 4 females or juveniles that regularly frequent my backyard. Often seen flitting around the tadpole pond, their lively hops and bounces are intriguing to watch. At the time of creating this image I have a pair that are showing great interest in a thick tangle of vines in our yard, this is the perfect area for nesting. During the day the female’s "peeet-peeet" sounds can be heard as her male franticly flitters close by. This Australian wildlife image is an original Hexagonal Mandala fine art, digital illustration approx 11x16 inch on high quality artist paper.

Miniature Drawings - SOLD

2009-06-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

6 examples of little miniature art images (ACEO collector card size), that have sold before I had the chance to show them here. The top 4 are created using an ink pen, the bird chicks are using graphite. Quick fun sketches.

Snake drawing -ACEO

2009-06-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Not the type of creatures Ive voluntarily set out to locate in the wild so I decided to use book references for this picture.
Ive encountered a few snakes locally and they make me nervous.

The last snake that I came across was during our floods and I unknowingly got between it and the safety of the long grass.
I turned around when my son yelled at me, to see a black snake strike at my heal, luckily it just grazed my shoe.

The snake in this image is native to northern Queensland Australia and it is a constrictor rather than poisonous.

Now being a large lady, I guess the size of a constrictor that takes me down would need to be equivalent to those that horror movies are made of. But just the same Im happy to make lots of room for the tiniest of slitherers to pass by.

Image is Copyright RB & DA Mathews Soft Solutions - Hexagonal Mandala 2009.

Asiatic Moon Bear Portrait

2009-06-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

This is an unusual image for me to create in that it is not a species native to my country nor one that I was familiar with.

It was created with the prompting of a customer whose passion lied in the right of asiatic bears.

The scientific name of the Asiatic Black Bear is Selenarctos thibetanus or Ursus thibetanus, meaning "moon bear of Tibet". It is also called a Tibetan black bear or a Himalayan black bear.

The bear's conservation status is considered threatened mainly by deforestation and habitat loss. This nocturnal omnivore became unpopular with farmers because he is a threat to livestock and has a habit of stripping bark from valuable timber trees, and locals fear his aggression in the wild. They were hunted for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Until the 1980s, when China outlawed the practice. Now bear bile is supplied to the industry by special farms. These farming practices are currently debated as cruel and inhumane because synthetic ursodeoxycholic acid is just as medicinally effective and cheaper.

This artwork shows an Asiatic bear free to roll in the grass. His soft, clean fur gleaming in the light while his innocent, youthful eyes create a romantic portrayal of the species.

Presented as an 11x16 inch image on high quality artist paper. Copyright belongs to Hexagonal Mandala.

Celtic Knot Patterns

2009-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

What does an artist do as a break from making art??
I've been working on creating cross stitch patterns...
This is the 9th set in a series.

Why Celtic knots? what a silly question. It is fascinating to weave the threads under and over to create intricate patterns.

I have adverts for my designs at:
Celtic Cross Stitch Link

FROG - ACEO ink sketches

2009-05-31T02:24:00.000-07:00

A few drawings from today. These frogs are created with black gel-pen on parchment card. They are ACEO size (art collector / swap cards 2.5x3.5inch). They show 4 different species of frog.

If you had to choose one which would it be???
Sometimes when I sell an artwork I ask the buyer why they chose it and the answers are always fascinating, usually to do with a personal association with the creature that the image portrays. I believe what makes the best art is portraying what the artist has personal experience of and a connection with, whether that is a creature, a scene, an emotion, or a philosophy. Art is a visual language and while these spontaneous, light hearted little sketches are not pretending to be great masterpieces but rather little comments on environmental awareness .

Bug ACEO insect

2009-05-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

Bugs and beetles have different anatomy. A true bug has a proboscis for sucking sap or blood whereas a beetle has a jaw for biting. This is a bug found in the vine in my back yard in NSW on the east coast of Australia. I think it is what is called an Orange-bronze bug. This image is only small, printed as a miniature 2.5x3.5 inch artist card. It was created digitally by painting with a pressure sensitive electronic pen directly onto a computer. The colours are applied to a dark surface allowing the base colour to show around each section to create a similar feeling to a traditional hand coloured block print. Im enjoying creating these miniature artworks featuring larger than life creatures, little glimpses at a macro world that surrounds us everyday.

giant FLY - miniature ART

2009-05-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

...Left click image to see full size...

"Why on earth is she painting flies?"
"If you've seen one fly you've seen them all!"

I read somewhere that there are hundreds of species of flies. I have personally noticed that the more you look the more colours and varieties you start to see. The little black house flies as art subjects do get a bit boring but if you go out into the long grass in summer you can find some pretty metallic colours. Aussie native flies don't like to come indoors, from what I've read they are the ones that go crazy at the windows trying to get back outside. Flies are an important ingredient in the ecology food chain, and I reckon they make pretty impressive miniature art works. These are all ACEO's (Art Collector Cards measuring 2.5x3.5 inches). Hhhhmmm can you still refer to them as miniature when the subject matter is actually painted a few hundred times larger than the physical object.

Baby Guinea Pigs

2009-05-23T04:45:00.000-07:00

...Left click images to view full size...

Calysta and Pippy had 3 babies last night.
I guess Im gonna have to make a few guinea pig artworks.

Cassowary - Ink drawing

2009-05-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Don't ya just love cassowaries.

Huge birds that look like they belong in the dinosaur age, running around at the bottom of the rainforests. They also make me think of the Pachycephalosaurus because of their amazing crown. I also think of the animated movie 'Fern Gulley' when I think of the cassowary.

This is my tiny ACEO drawing of one. My daughter saw it and said it is the first time she has seen a cassowary look pretty. If you've never heard of them before look them up, an interesting species...

FROG - Tutorial

2009-05-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

...Left click image to enlarge it...

This is not really a tutorial but rather a selection of screen shots of the image at different stages of completion. The image is created digitally by drawing/painting directly onto a computer with a pressure sensitive pen and digital drawing tablet. Although it is using a relatively new art media it has still been approached in a traditional manner. This is one of the many frogs that frequent my back yard. I love the pose, how he's energy is all coiled-up ready to spring.

Frog - Miniature Ink Drawings

2009-05-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

Occasionally it is nice to revert back to pen and paper drawings. These are two out of a handful of drawings I did tonight.

They show two of the frogs that frequent my yard. The first is an Australian green tree frog on the fence, the other is a common brown tree frog on a bamboo wind chime that hangs outside among the vines. This is a favourite feeding spot as the chime is positioned under a fluorescent light that attracts insect.

The drawings are only small ACEO size, which are the size of baseball trading cards 3.5 x 2.5 inches each. The drawings are similarly styled to how I used to create lino prints, perhaps they will eventually be the beginnings of larger works. I enjoy line work and the challenges it presents. I'm thinking that a larger scale and adding colour could create some lovely bold results.

But for now they are tiny initial sketches and I will be selling them as original art collector cards on eBay as soon as I get around to uploading them.

Cameo Art

2009-05-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

A little side-step from my usual animal themed art. I created a cameo. It is presented as a postcard size image on high quality artist paper and will be sold with an 8x10 inch mount ready for framing.

Spider Art - Wolf Spider in Progress

2009-05-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is a portrait of a Wolf Spider. His patterns and colours allowing him to camouflage into his natural environment. Often a large spider it is not considered dangerous to man. It is one of the most common species of spider.

This nature artwork is available through Hexagonal Mandala. It was created as a digital art work, produced directly onto a computer using a pressure sensitive pen and digital drawing tablet. The finished art is sold as an A3 archival print on high quality artist paper. It is a lovely example of Contemporary Art and Australian Wildlife Portraiture.

The techniques for creating this using a digital media were similar to those of using more traditional materials. The drawing's detail was gradually built-up by layering scribbles of colour and tonal variations to produce a detailed surface texture.

I have uploaded a few images that were saved during the making of the wolf spider to show its development. Perhaps you will find them interesting.

Left click the image below to see it full size.

Bird Photos - in the park

2009-05-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

(left click image to view larger version)
A small selection of the photos taken by Di Mathews of Hexagonal Mandala during "a day at the park". These were taken with a canon 1000D digital SLR. The park is a small one in Telarah near Maitland NSW. It isn't much to look at, just a small area off the highway that has a lagoon, not many trees and heaps of goose poo, but it does manage to attract some interesting water birds. These images might eventually become resource material for future artworks.

ACEO Bird Art - Magpie Portraits

2009-05-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

These are my 3 latest miniature magpie portraits available through Hexagonal Mandala.

We currently have a small group of magpie that visit our back yard for hand feeding every evening. The love to eat minced kangaroo meat. These portraits are of those birds. They are created by digitally drawing directly into a computer using a pressure sensitive pen and a digital drawing tablet. They are currently available as limited edition ACEO (3.5 x 2.5 inch) collector cards or as postcard sized images on super gloss paper.

Spider art - Huntsman

2009-05-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

This Hexagonal Mandala artwork titled "Said the spider to the fly" was hand drawn/painted by Di Mathews directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board. All of the detail and textures are built up with tiny scribbles of colour.

This is a portrait of a huntsman spider, there are over 100 species of huntsman recorded in Australia. Huntsman don't make webs but rather chase their prey. Their main habitat is under loose bark of trees.

This image is approximately 11x16 inches and printed on high quality artist paper.
(left click image to see larger version)

Todays Renders

2009-05-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Three little digital art images created today.

ACEO - More Mini Bird Art

2009-04-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

west
"Sparrow in Rain" is a digital painting.
"Wagtail on Fence" is a photograph.
Because my computer is in for repairs (Ive got a temporary machine) I have been limited in the last few weeks on the quantity of artwork Im producing. These are my 2 newest.

SOLD - Original Art

2009-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Usually we specialise in editions, but occasionally we sell a once-off image. Sometimes it is a quick pencil sketch or occasionally it might be a rare artist proof print.

This is a small 2.5x3.5inch ACEO (art collector card). It is a quick pencil sketch of a green tree frog.

The coloured Carolina Wrens were part of a work in progress. It was a
one-off "artist Proof" print.

FROG - Pencil sketches

2009-04-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

A few pencil sketches based on one of the green tree frogs in my yard.

BIRD - Kookaburra Art

2009-04-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Title: Hunter River Kookaburra
The background is the river near my home and the buildings in the distance are my local shops

Title: At home among the gum trees
The cheeky kookaburra with its beak slightly open, teases the viewers anticipation of the next laugh about to erupt.

Title: Kookaburra Chorus
Three kookaburras perched in the forest.

Australian backyards are hosts to many amazing native and introduced bird species. I am lucky enough to have a few natives that frequent my yard and neighbourhood. These three images are from a series of paintings which explores species observed at or near my home in the Hunter Valley on the eastern coast of Australia.

A kookaburras is a forest kingfisher famous for killing snakes. It is also known as The Laughing Jackass. Often I hear and see kookaburras on the overhead power lines or resting in the tall trees. They are best known for their unmistakable loud call which is like hysterical human laughter. It is the highlight of my day to hear them, their laughter sounds guaranteed to bring a smile to my face as my eyes scan the neighbouring trees to capture a fleeting glance at them.

Since ancient times birds have been regarded as mediators between heaven and earth because of their associations with the sky. They are seen as embodiments of immaterial things, particularly the soul. Wings are often associated with heavenly beings the most obvious is angels.

Angels boldly laugh
as immortal souls fly.
Flapping wings swoop
ending the serpents reign.

These three images were created by hand drawing/painting directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and a digital drawing tablet. They are original works which are copyright protected. The works are for sale as 11x16 inch prints on high quality artist paper. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala Australia 2009

ACEO - Miniature Bird Art

2009-04-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

ACEO refers to "Art Card Edition or Original".
They are 2.5x3.5inch collector cards (the same size as baseball cards). ACEO's represent an affordable way to collect miniature contemporary art pieces. Their size makes it easy to frame the images or display them in an album. These are a few of the miniature bird ACEO images that I've created. Each is digitally hand painted directly onto the computer and presented as a limited edition, each print is an original not a reproduction. Clockwise left to right - cockatoos, silver eye, blue fairy wren, emu & chick, heron, yellow breasted robin and in the center are a pair of variegated wren.

FROG - Brown Tree Frog

2009-04-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

This artwork was hand drawn/painted by Di Mathews directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board.

It shows one of the small brown tree frogs that frequent my back yard. Unsure of the viewer it sits coiled ready to spring. Its animated pose adds tension to the image, while the muscle tone and underlying physical structures adds to the realism.
In the mythology of many cultures frogs are linked to cleansing, healing and creative powers. The change from egg to tadpole then metamorphosis to frog is often used to symbolise the awakening of ones creativity and recognising one's own power of adaptation. A frog is a symbolic reminder of our own ability to grow and mature when faced with difficult situations. A strong frog population is an indication of a healthy ecology due to their sensitivity to changes and toxins in their environment. Frogs therefore are naturally symbols of a peaceful, harmonious coexistence and interdependence with nature. Frogs because of this sensitivity serve as a strong lesson about our own interdependence within a fragile eco-system. Teaching a connection with the earth and everything on it. Sadly numbers of frogs now seem to be dwindling.

Folk wisdom tells that dreaming of a frog means
good fortune, happiness and great friendships.
May your dreams be filled with frogs...

This image is part of a series of frog illustrations, species common to where I live. It is available for sale as a print on high quality artist paper.

BIRD - Australian Magpie

2009-04-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

This artwork was hand drawn/painted by Di Mathews directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board.
It shows two juvenile Magpies, known for their melodious song. As a child I associated the call with school holidays at the local lake, bring woken every morning to their sounds. We now have a family of these living in the tree behind our house. Who are happy to be hand fed.
This image is part of a series of backyard birds, species common to where I live. It is available for sale as a print on high quality artist paper.

BIRD - Cuckoo Shrike

2009-04-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

This artwork was hand drawn/painted by Di Mathews directly onto a computer using an electronic pen and digital drawing board.
It shows different views of a juvenile Black Faced Cuckoo Shrike. This bird was brought to us when local kids found it fallen from its nest. It is still too young to fly. As it matures the bird will loose its' grey pattern which will be replaced by an all-over smooth, silver body and a bold black face. The plant that it is perched on is a Jade tree, commonly thought to be lucky.
This image is part of a series of backyard birds, species common to where I live. It will soon be available for sale as an 11x16inch print on high quality artist paper.