My Art Story
Artythings
My art practice is eclectic - using a variety of media and reflecting on many subjects. My most recent projects are drawings with sculptural elements (e.g. copper, pulped paper and polymer clay, textiles), inspired by artists working in the mid 20th century with new forms of modern abstraction.
Drawing
I have always drawn - using every kind of pencil or marker. My drawing practice has expanded into stop motion video and animation. Drawing is a vast field - defined simply as one surface touching another.
Urban sketching
I enjoy sketching outdoors as a way of experiencing the world with a deeper reflection and appreciation for the environment. It's lovely to chat with passers by while sketching, and to meet with other sketchers. Each sketch holds memories of the place and people I met. I joined Adelaide Urban Sketchers in 2021 and I have found this to be a great way to practice my drawing skills. I went to the Asia Link Sketchwalk in Penang in August 2024, and met many hundreds of amazing artists there. I am currently interested in drawing public sculptures, as part of my Honours project in 2025. I drew every sculpture in the Chihuly exhibition in the Botanic Gardens. My urban sketchbooks are a treasured foundation for development of other works.
Prizes and shows
I have entered a few prizes and group shows, and earned some accolades: * Peoples' Choice Award, Royal Society of Arts members exhibition, January 2023. This was for the picture shown here of my dogs eye. * Highly Commended award from Blackwood Rotary Art show, 2024. This was for a charcoal drawing of a male figure in the landscape. * Winner, Bald Archies Portrait Prize 2009. This was for my portrait of Charles, which is now hanging in the Grace Emily Hotel. * Finalist West Torrens Art Prize, 2022. My painting sold at the opening.
Painting
My paintings are usually figurative and have a story. I think a lot about composition and colour, and I usually plan this out quite carefully. I use acrylic paint for quicker results, or where I need texture, or for underpainting layers. Oils are more refined and allow me to be more accurate with colours and details in the final layers. Painting is really a solitary activity - best done carefully alone in the studio. That said, I have had some success painting "all prima" quickly. My painting of the Black Cockatoo was carefully planned and drawn up, but the painting was completed in just 2 hours as artist in residence at Blackwood Rotary. My fellow artists at the Splashout studio call me speedy because I can paint quickly once I know the basic layout.
