Some frames of my nephew Sammy shot over the past few months hanging out… he’s definitely not shy of the lens.

Currently on exhibition at the Gallery Of Modern Art in Brisbane is Matisse: Drawing Life, the most comprehensive presentation of Henri Matisse’s original drawings & prints ever mounted. Also to complement the exhibition there is ‘The Drawing Room’, an interactive large-scale drawing studio for visitors, inspired by Matisse and his working environments.

If you live locally and haven’t already been I highly recommend it, though be sure to choose a day when they have the life models to draw from to complete the experience.

My line drawing is the purest and most direct translation of my emotion. The simplification of the medium allows that. At the same time, these drawings are more complete than they may appear to some people who confuse them with a sketch.

As we welcome in the new year, I’d like to share with you an image and a quote to kick start you into 2012!

Photographed on Stradbroke Island, 30th December 2011.

While we prepare for a Christmas spent lazing on the beach, surfing, BBQs & basking in the sweltering Australian heat, I can’t help but think of my friends & family back in Switzerland rugged up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate held tightly in both hands. It is beautiful way to spend Christmas and as much as I enjoy the sun & surf I can honestly say I miss spending my Christmas in these conditions.

The following two photos I shot back in Switzerland on my last return, the first on the far western {French} side of the country, the second on the far eastern {German} side, both in the respective villages of my wife’s grandparents.

On that note I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël & Fröhlichi Wiehnacht have a safe & happy break and all the best for the coming New Year!

Lignières, Neuchâtel CH.

Appenzell CH.