Creating Art in Adaptable Spaces

My workspaces have always been humble – an old card table, the kitchen table, an island bench, the floor or a board resting on my knees.

More recently, in our Geelong home, I occupied a small spot in our garage with my husband. I’ve never had my own designated, creative space.

Now, I’m thrilled to have a small, converted (it’s a work in progress) garage to call my own.

Creating Art with Oils

I was given a large set of Windsor and Newton oils many years ago by my husband.

I worked with them whenever I had time, replacing the precious tubes as I could afford to.

Both my daughters used them throughout their senior secondary school years, with my younger daughter using them during her university architectural degree.

Moving to Acrylic Paints

In my later years, I found oils didn’t agree with my health, so I switched to a wonderful Australian made, environmentally friendly acrylic paint.

I also enjoy working with inks, alcohol inks, pens and pencils. Recently, I’ve been using spray cans, too.

Finding Your Signature Style

Finally, I felt confident enough to experiment with landscapes.

I eventually moved into a semiabstract, expressionistic and impressionistic style.

Now, when I paint, most people expect me to create a variation of a contemporary landscape – it’s now my signature style.

Intuition and Memories

I don’t pre-sketch before painting; nor do I paint en plein air or use a photo directly.

People are often surprised by that statement. I have travelled around Australia, particularly NSW, Victoria and Tasmania for decades, so I have many memories, impressions and photos of inspirational natural environments.

More importantly, l feel a deep connection with natural environments.

Instead of preparing to paint with a clear plan or a photo to copy, I begin painting immediately on a blank canvas using only my memories, intuitive feelings and ideas of design.

Eventually, the creative process kicks in and a painting evolves.

Nurturing Creativity

To nurture my creativity, I set time aside to on a painting.

Just as importantly, I set time aside to do other positive activities, like listening to music, gardening, craft and walking.

My creativity is boosted by my habit of visually absorbing scenes and I accept that I have a different way of thinking or seeing things, like many others artists.

I know and embrace it as part of my artistic leanings, e.g. where another person might see a pile rusty metal, I see a sculpture; where someone sees a tree, I focus in on the patterns and intricacies of the bark.

Connecting with nature is an essential for me as natural environments are both inspirational and calming.

Remaining interested and curious is important and I can’t imagine ever feeling bored while engaging in art.

Seeking Creative Joy in Your Art

Simply speaking, I enjoy what I do and try not to worry about things beyond my control.

The joy you get out of creativity is both beneficial and constructive.

I look forward to and am cognisant of my artistic growth.

I am also very much aware of the importance of exercise, a good diet and adequate sleep to stay healthy, so that I can keep creating.

The Path to Building Skills

To build my skills, it’s essential to practice, regularly.

When I was a carefree child, I drew, coloured or painted every day.

Now, as an older person, I continue to paint regularly, but I think ‘art’ constantly.

Aware of Design, Shape and Colours

I remain aware of design, shape, colours and anything that peaks my interest.

Another building skill is to steer clear of comparisons to other artists.

I often remind myself to just be ‘me’.

I can happily admire others artists’ work, but it’s essential to stay on my own course of growth and development.

Connection, Narrative and Nature

I try to create atmospheric scenes that tell a narrative and connect viewers to the elements of our land and, in turn to themselves.

I rely on my paintings to ‘speak’ to me as I work, so I would regard myself as an intuitive artist to a degree.

I often ask of my work (not myself), “What are you trying to say?”.

My tools are brushes, fingers, palette knives and rags.

In the past few years, my husband Paul, has been making my stretched canvases and frames, so my artwork is authentic and has a personal connection from start to finish.

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