Born in Melbourne in 1947, I was brought up in an average household with no real art background – although my Dad would doodle from time to time and draw ladies’ heads with big hats. I became interested in drawing too; and often doodled myself.
I have an early memory of taking Christmas holidays at a Thagoona farm in New South Wales. That was when my passion for animals began. I wouldn’t miss collecting the eggs every morning on the farm. Those eggs were hard to find (they were in very well hidden places).
I remember entering the Corinella Competition in the ‘Melbourne Sun’ newspaper every Saturday. I won quite a few certificates for my colouring prowess.
My school days gave me happy memories of art and not much else. I really didn’t like school very much, but always came back to drawing and the social aspects. In the later stages of school, I recall that art classes were held on Saturday mornings and I revelled in getting up early to catch the bus.
On leaving school at age 15, I opted for a secretarial career. Years went by and I didn’t really think much about my art, although I still managed to sketch from time to time.
In 1986, my sketching was noticed by a co-worker who asked me to draw a portrait from a photograph. This encouraged me to seek out some lessons, and my passion was re-ignited. I really didn’t have a clue how to apply paint to a surface, so realised I was starting from scratch.
Denne historien er fra No 171-utgaven av Artists Palette.
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Denne historien er fra No 171-utgaven av Artists Palette.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Eye of Observation
Draw, draw, and draw some more; develop your artist’s eye of observation. Sterling advice from a lady who believes that seeing shapes in paintings requires a truly ‘arty’ eye.
Pelicans To Portraits
This lady has painted everything from pelicans to portraits. She has completed commissions including cats, dogs, horses, possums, numerous beach scenes … and even a Scottish piper.
Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession
Looking back on his early career as a bulldozer driver, this rural New South Wales painter laments the days when he was too young to appreciate his outstanding potential as an artist.
Pastels: Once We Were Important
A simplified and well named painting tells a powerful and interesting story. This clever pastel artist is delighted to share her techniques for the benefit of others.
Fibre Art
This artist feels that the hardest lesson she had to learn was to believe in herself … and once she did that, everything started to fall into place and her confidence grew.
Water Lily Magic
Instead of paper and paint, this artist uses fabric and threads … and she uses a sewing machine instead of a brush. The textures, colours and prints of fabrics thrown together with threads fascinate her, and often give inspiration for her designs.
Loading Wheat – 1920s
It is rare to see an artist displaying this level of skill and understanding in capturing the activity and atmosphere of bygone days from Australia’s agricultural history.
‘Jama' – King Cheetah
This exquisitely talented lady believes that every artist has failures … but it is important to remember that every success is better than the one before.
Blahuta's Ute
Early in the year we ran a feature about ‘Utes in the Paddock’ – a landmark project by several notable artists. In this article, one of those artists shares his story and some of his views … and describes the process of creating his own piece of an amazing collaborative work.
Artists' Easels
Many important tools are employed by artists in creating their paintings. Artists’ easels are now available in a host of styles and configurations to enhance the creative process. Some of your favourite art materials suppliers are more than pleased to highlight a selection of the many products being offered.