I began my true artistic journey 11 years ago in 2002, when I considered it was high time for a bit of selfishness in my life. I had played with creativity as a child, experimented in oils as a teenager and encouraged art in all my teaching roles as an adult. When it came time to pursue my own art dreams, watercolour was what I wanted to do. I had spent years touring galleries, studying and admiring works of art that were way beyond my financial means. In the end I decided that I just needed to paint my own!
Watercolours were inspirational because of transparent beauty and the flow of the medium. I loved the clean power that could be expressed through this medium. The techniques were initially learnt by methodically working through books obtained from the local library. I worked on a corner of the kitchen table for several years, using white dinner plates as my palette. Being of a mature age I knew what I wanted and what I could do, and was prepared to put in the hard yards to achieve it. I juggled my work as a teacher, the mother of a large family, including a newborn baby with colic, a business woman and an active role in the church and community because this was important to me. I was inspired! I was having success and my spirit was light. I have been pursuing my dream in a dogged, unrelenting fashion ever since.
I work in isolation, not by choice, but because this is where I live, and where my family lives, in Mundubbera, Queensland. Because of this I make every effort to attend at least one workshop a year so that I can learn more quickly from experienced tutors and to enjoy the fellowship of, and be inspired by other artists.
Esta historia es de la edición Issue 34 de Australian How To Paint.
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Esta historia es de la edición Issue 34 de Australian How To Paint.
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Paints And Mediums
Here’s a summary of some of the fabulous products that are now available in Australia, with plenty of hints and tips.
Ellen Lee Osterfield: The Singing Artist
This multi-talented Australian lady has nurtured her love for art and music by travelling all over our magnificent country while promoting her creative work.
I Love Drawing
In Derek’s own words: “Drawing gives you freedom to roam. A pencil and pad is all you need, and you can lean against a wall, in a pub, on a train, you can always draw.”
Ludij Peden: Queen Of The Rusty Iron
Born in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and raised in Cairns in Far North Queensland, Ludij Peden has seen her share of contrasts during her life’s journey.
It's MY Turn
Being a teacher, mother, business woman and active community member wasn’t enough for this artist, who decided that she also needed to follow her artistic ambitions.
Thistle Patch – Freemans Reach
The reference photograph for this painting was selected because the artist really liked the light, the old sheds, and the interesting foreground with the thistles and weeds.
Drawn into Art
Not many people can claim that Woody Woodpecker inspired them into the world of art!
Sketching And Painting In Paradise
Paradise conjures up clear azure skies, white fluffy clouds bouncing along on a warm tropical breeze, swaying palm trees on white sandy beaches, and a serene and relaxing ambience.
The Vase of Flowers
The roses are beautifully brought to life in this painting.
My Creative Nature
An online ‘love affair’ with coloured pencil artworks was just the beginning. After developing a website to meet with similar minded people, this artist is now in the final stages of launching her first online coloured pencil classes.