My Journey
Born in Sydney and now living in Gympie after 30 years on the Gold Coast, I am a representational artist with 27 years teaching experience throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Art is such an important part of my life. The need to create is a strong force that is both stimulating and satisfying. I also enjoy the challenge of learning new skills and it is especially beneficial being able to pass on what I’ve learnt to students in the many art classes and workshops that I tutor.
Painting florals in watercolour is my particular passion. I strive to create uplifting paintings of truth and beauty, pieces that are a pleasure to live with and that inspire the viewer. Sunlight dancing on transparent petals, the nuances of colour in shadows and reflective lights; these are subjects that motivate me to record nature in some of its finest moments. Coloured pencils are another medium I have explored since the beginning of my art career, with recognition gained through articles written for leading art magazines.
Quickly produced work is not my style. Focusing on details of the natural world is a contemplative experience and I enjoy the process as much as the outcome. By being immersed in the study of God's creation, I aim to achieve a sense of quiet and stillness in my work.
Painting florals in watercolour is my particular passion. I strive to create uplifting paintings of truth and beauty, pieces that are a pleasure to live with and that inspire the viewer. Sunlight dancing on transparent petals, the nuances of colour in shadows and reflective lights; these are subjects that motivate me to record nature in some of its finest moments. Coloured pencils are another medium I have explored since the beginning of my art career, with recognition gained through articles written for leading art magazines.
Quickly produced work is not my style. Focusing on details of the natural world is a contemplative experience and I enjoy the process as much as the outcome. By being immersed in the study of God's creation, I aim to achieve a sense of quiet and stillness in my work.
Professional Development
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2017
2017 2016 2016 2013 2013 2008 2006 2005 2004 2004 2004 2003 2003 2002 2001 2000 1998 1995-2000 |
2 workshops, Mixed Media with Tricia Reust
Workshop, Typism Conference, Brush Script Lettering with B Enright & Carla Hackett Workshop, Mt Tamborine, Palette Knife Painting in Oils with Brian Cook Workshop, RQAS Brisbane, Portraiture in Oils with Frank Giacco Watercolour workshop with Charles Sluga Weekend workshop, Watercolours with John Lovett 5 day workshop, Brisbane Artists Academe, Alla Prima portraits with Clayton J. Beck 2 week workshop, McGregor Summer School, Collage with Elizabeth Gower 2 week workshop, McGregor Summer School, Mixed Media with Gary Miles 2 week workshop, McGregor Summer School, Book Illustration with Paul Lennon 1 day workshop, Brisbane Institute of Art, Flowers in Oils with Fu Hong 3 day workshop, Fibre Montage with Noela Mills 2 week workshop, McGregor Summer School, Book Illustration with Paul Lennon 3 day workshop, Fibre Montage with Noela Mills 2 week workshop, McGregor Summer School, Animals in Acrylics with Trevor Weekes 2 week workshop, McGregor Summer School, Portraits in Oils with Keith Dewell 2 week workshop, McGregor Summer School, Pastels with Tim Miller 1 week workshop, Watercolour with Alvaro Castagnet Weekly art classes, Tutor Dale Crabtree, Dale’s Art Studio, plus 3 mths life-drawing lessons |
Gallery Representation
Exhibitions
Individual Exhibitions
Art’s Café, Gold Coast Arts Centre, QLD 2006
'Art is the Flower' RQAS, Broadbeach 2010
'Art is the Flower' RQAS, Broadbeach 2010
Selected Group Exhibitions
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2019 - 2020
2019 2012 - 2018 2013 - 2014 2007 - Present 2003, 2009, 2013 2005 -2008, 2012 -2013 2009, 2011 - 2013 2004 -2009, 2012, 2017 2008- 2021 2006 2004, 2005 2002, 2003, 2005 2003 - 2004 2004 2003 2003 2002 1998 |
Chevron Island Art Gallery, Gold Coast
Fabriano in Aquarello festival, Italy Myart Gallery, Toowoomba The Art Gallery, Mt Tamborine Moulton Galleries, Robina & Southport Royal QLD Art Society, Gold Coast Border Art Prize, Gold Coast City Art Gallery King’s Christian Arts Festival St Hilda's Art Show D’Arcy Doyle Art Awards 30 Icons Portrait Competition Stanthorpe Regional Gallery Dalby Spring Fair Art Show Leukemia Foundation Art Show, Helensvale Gold Coast Convention Centre Exhibition QLD Cancer Fund Art Exhibition, Southport Kenilworth Arts Festival, Kenilworth Women of Our Time Exhibition, Hilton Hotel Brisbane Redland Bay Art Competition, Brisbane Plus various local and regional exhibitions and competitions. |
Awards
|
2017
2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2009 2008 2007 2006 2006 2006 2005 2004 2004 2002 |
First Prize – Still-life, D’arcy Doyle Art Awards
First Prize – Botanical theme, RQAS First Prize – Watercolours, Ocean Shores Art Competition Third Prize – Still-life, RQAS Awards First Prize – Still –life, Ipswich Art Awards First Prize - ACPN coloured pencil competition Second Prize – Watercolour, RQAS Awards First Prize – Watercolour, Gold Coast Show Finalist – 30 Icons competition, Pacific Fair Second Prize – Challenge no. 28 Australian Artist Magazine, June First Prize – Watercolour, Elanora Art Show Watercolour, Springfest Art & Craft Festival Set Design Award – Dramafest First Prize – Pastels, Elanora Art Show First Prize - Drawing, Elanora Uniting Church Art Show First Prize – Abstracts, D’Arcy Doyle Art Awards First Prize - Watercolours, Laidley Art Show Plus numerous commendations and awards |
Grants
G.C.City Council Rapid Response Cultural Development Grant 2002
Corporate Collections
Portrait of Margaret May, Portrait of Dr Cherrell Hirst AO: Women at Work International
40 artworks for Air Apartments, Broadbeach
14 artworks, Surfers Paradise Executive Offices
40 artworks for Air Apartments, Broadbeach
14 artworks, Surfers Paradise Executive Offices
Commissions
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1999 - Present
2004 - 2019 2012 2007 2006 2005 2005 2003, 2005 2003 2001 |
Various painting and drawing commissions for private clients
Various designs and painting of sets for school musicals 14 artworks, Surfer’s Paradise Executive Offices 4 Paintings, Tokiya Restaurant, Mermaid Beach Outside murals, Hillcrest Christian College Artist’s impressions for real estate agent 40 artworks for Air Apartments, Broadbeach Murals for the grounds of Hillcrest Christian College Tea towel designs for Souvenirs Australia Portrait painting for principal Hillcrest Christian College |
Artist In-Residencies
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2011
2009, 2010, 2013 2009 |
Guest Artist: St Hilda's Art Show
Guest Artist, Gold Coast Show Guest Artist, Southport Library |
Selected Teaching Appointments
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2016 - Present
2019 - Present 2019 2019 - 2020 2019 2019 2019 2019 1999 - Present 2010 - 2019 2017 - 2020 2017 - Present 2018 2017 2017 2015 - 2018 2012 - 2019 2016 2016 2009 - Present 2015 - 2016 2015 - 2016 2015 - 2016 2014 2014 - 2016 2013 2013 2010 - 2012 2007 |
Various art workshops in watercolour and colour pencils, Artable Workshops, Gold Coast
Watercolour workshops, Brisbane Painting Classes, Brisbane Weekly art classes, Flare Academy, Nerang Weekly art classes, Primary & Community Care, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast 3 day colour pencil workshop, Oakey Art Group, Oakey Weekend watercolour workshop, McGregor Spring School, USQ Toowoomba Weekend art workshops, Gympie Weekend watercolour workshop, Warwick Artists Group, Warwick Various Professional Art & Development Workshops for teachers & students, Hillcrest Christian College. Weekly Art Excellence art classes for High School students, Hillcrest Christian College Weekly watercolour lessons, Royal QLD Art Society, Broadbeach Monthly art workshops, Framed Just For You, Gold Coast 4 workshops, Artable, Alcohol Inks 2 watercolour workshops, Don Milner’s studio, Tinbeerwah 2 watercolour workshops, Redcliffe Art Society 4 x 5 day workshops, watercolours, McGregor Winter School, USQ Toowoomba 9 coloured pencil/watercolour workshops, Murray’s Art & Framing, Toowoomba 2 watercolour workshops, Ipswich Art Society 6 day watercolour workshop, Oakey Art Group 18 watercolour/colour pencil workshops, Coochie Art Group Weekly watercolour lessons & colour pencil lessons, Artable Studio, Robina Weekly children’s art lessons, Artable Studio, Robina Watercolour lessons, home studio and Louise Corke’s studio, Pimpama Weekend colour pencil workshop, Rockhampton Art Society 2 watercolour workshops, Lismore Art Club Watercolour 4 day workshop, McGregor Spring School, USQ, Toowoomba Coloured Pencils 6 day workshop, Maryborough Art Festival 9 various art workshops, Brisbane Artist’s Academy Weekend drawing workshop, Annabel Tully’s studio, Quilpie |
Selected Publications
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2019
2014 2014 2013 2010 2010 2007 2000 2002 2001 |
Art Edit, Autumn edition. Back cover.
Australian Artist Magazine, May, June, August. 3 full length articles, Coloured pencils Artwise Australian Schools Textbook, reference and weblink Australian Artist Magazine, November. Full length article, Coloured pencil workshop report Australian Art Collector, Issue 53 Paradise Magazine, Gold Coast Bulletin, August. Full page article, ‘Delight in the Detail’ Australian Artist Magazine, June. Photo of winning painting Australian Artist Magazine, August. Full-length article, “Coloured Pencil: the No-Fuss Medium.” Margaret May Reports, Photograph of portrait painting and short story Hillcrest Christian College Year Book, Portrait painting of school principal on cover of yearbook |
Catalogues
International Watercolour Society catalogue 2013, 2016
Online Publications
Featured artist December 2010. www.colouredpencils.com.au
International Watercolour Society catalogue 2013, 2016
Online Publications
Featured artist December 2010. www.colouredpencils.com.au
Judging Appointments
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2022
2022 2021, 2022 2002 2000 |
Woodford Community Art Group
Maryborough Art Society Watercolour Society of QLD, Brisbane Dalby Art Festival, Dalby Children’s art competition, Network Video Parkwood |
Professional Memberships
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2017 - Present
2017 - Present 2016 - 2018 2011 - Present 2007 - Present 2000 - 2006 1999 - 2006 |
Flying Arts, accredited membership
International Watercolour Society Watercolour Society of QLD Australian Coloured Pencil Network Royal QLD Art Society Pastel Society of Australia Coloured Pencil Society of America |
Painting Donations
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2022
2019, 2021 2019 2018 2017 2013 2002, 2003, 2005 2003, 2004 2002 |
Gympie Special School
8x8 to Educate Combat Recovery Charity Ball & Auction Epilepsy Action Australia School art auction, Hillcrest Christian College Riding for the Disabled Leukemia Foundation Art Auction Access Arts Champagne Box Auction Women at Work, Art Collection |