The third book in the Portraits in Blue series, Jack has lost all that he loves, including Sofia, who has vanished from him without a trace. Will tragedy, grief and war prevent their reunion?Unbearable loss divides artist Jack Tomlinson from Sofia. After scouring Melbourne for her without success, he finally accepts she has left him for good and returned to Spain. Bereft of his family, Jack is plunged into despair and his life unravels. An encounter with Sunday and John Reed, influential art enthusiasts who are dedicated to establishing a truly Australian modern art movement, proves life changing for Jack. The couple are sympathetic to Jack's circumstances and invite him to live with them at Heide, a home which provides nurturing and tranquility for Melbourne's emerging artists. Here, Jack achieves a degree of restoration under the Reeds gentle, if not intense guidance. When World War Two breaks out, Jack knows it is time for him to move forward with his...

Sometimes an opportunity becomes a lifechanging journey. For Jack Tomlinson, the journey begins in Paris.Jack has been praised all his life for his extraordinary artistic talent and is rarely seen without his sketchpad. However, in Jack's world art is considered a hobby - men are expected to have jobs that offer security and advancement.Future responsibilities are far from Jack's thoughts when he travels to London to visit relatives. On the crossing, Jack's drawings astonish fellow artist, Margaret. Convinced of his potential, she draws him into the well-connected Bloomsbury set, opening his eyes to a world where lives are dictated by passions rather than social conventions.Accepting a thrilling opportunity to attend Paris' esteemed Académie Julian, Jack's life is forever changed. He forms a deep friendship with fellow student, Andrés and his sister, Sofia, whose dark eyes and sweet smile captivate Jack's heart. Together, the...

A biographical novel about Lee Krasner, who had an eye for genius and a passion for art. From the age of fourteen, Lee is determined to make her mark as a painter of significance. For this first-generation American, born to a Jewish family who fled Russian pogroms, overcoming obstacles is in her blood. Gutsy and determined, Lee defies the religious and cultural conventions that would keep her from her goal.By her late twenties, Lee's artistic innovations earn her a commanding position among fellow artists who paint in a style that becomes known as Abstract Expressionism, the uniquely American movement that establishes New York City as the center of the Western art world. Her reputation seems assured when her paintings are hung alongside those of the European modernists taking the world by storm.Lee's priorities are realigned when she falls for Jackson Pollock. Awed by his talent and captivated by his slow smile, she tirelessly...

The loss of her child leaves Sofia Tomlinson broken in mind and spirit. What is wrong with her, that everyone she loves dies? Convinced her husband, Jack, is also in danger, Sofia makes the agonizing decision to leave him and return to the home of her childhood. On the ocean crossing, Sofia's fragile state draws the attention of fellow traveller Marcus Edmunds, a psychologist whose professional interest soon becomes personal. Despite his efforts to dissuade her, Sofia sets forth for Malaga where she plans to reunite with her father and brother—a journey thwarted by Franco's brutal grip on Spain and Hitler's march across Europe. Determined to forge an independent life for herself, Sofia joins the British Nursing Service, but the battlefronts of World War Two offer no relief from her agonizing past. When the ever-steadfast Marcus presents her the chance for happiness, she realises it is an offer she should not ignore. Will Sofia accept the hope he so...

Book Two of the Portraits in Blue Series, Shattered Dreams continues talented young artist, Jack Tomlinson's story. With his eyes now opened to experiences outside those of his conservative upbringing, Jack realises that a life dedicated to painting offers opportunities he cannot ignore. Boldly, deferring the unappealing career that awaits him in Australia, Jack accompanies Sofia and Andres to their home in Malaga, Spain. Whilst Jack finds joy in days spent painting alongside Andres, his relationship with Sofia is marred by cultural differences and misunderstandings.Although they find happiness together, tragedy and economic circumstances beset them, and Jack encourages Sofia to leave the home she loves. Returning to Australia, they become captivated by the magnetic personality of Melbourne's inspiring, albeit unconventional, tonalist artist, Justus Jorgensen.They join Justus' group of passionate supporters who are committed to...