Discover Surface Designer and Watercolour Artist Amanda Grubb
Painting to me is a great form of relaxation. When a design has been thought about for long enough it equates to a very personal creation, that the best part for me, seeing what I have thought about and imagined coming to life, and making people smile.
Artist Inspiration Everywhere
We are so blessed to have inspiration all around us in our beautiful island state. From our unique turning of the Fagus through to the spotted handfish, there are ideas and inspiration everywhere I look. It’s not hard to be inspired at all.
An Artist Journey
I have loved creating since I was a child. In my mid-twenties I discovered quilting, cross stitch and long stitch.
In my 30’s it was crochet and knitting. In my 40’s it was working and sculpting with clay.
I always thought that watercolour was too hard and never tried it until 4 years ago. And now I’m hooked and wishing I started this journey much sooner.
The Constantly Expanding Artist Studio
I do have a little studio but it tends to spill out to the dining room and kitchen!
I am blessed that I do have a beautiful little room at the front of our home that I share with our two pups Pickle and Panda.
They are never too far away from me when I’m in that space. It’s a tad messy as I tend to be working on multiple projects all at once. My dream studio would be a log cabin in the hills with piece and quiet and no social media!
An Artist Working in Various Mediums
I mostly work with watercolour, slowly teaching myself the basic techniques. Then I moved onto Acrylic’s which I also love, two very different mediums.
Creating in the Flow
I enjoy the fact I have a choice, creating doesn’t turn on like a switch. Its all about what I feel like doing . I never create for creating sake. I create with purpose and I always create something that feels right. Creating should never be forced, I learned that very early on in my journey.
Sharing Skills via Workshops
I have just recently announced my inaugural watercolour workshop which is exciting. I have a wonderful collaboration with The Old Kempton Distillery & Café at Kempton where I will be holding my two hour lessons followed on by a tour and tasting at the distillery.
It’s important that as artists we offer not only lessons but an experience to our customers and of course value for money as the cost of living is hitting hard for everyone.
Creating Surface Design Fabrics from Watercolours
From my first watercolor design four years ago, my craft has evolved into using these designs to create my own line of fabric.
I am always looking for ways to create useful items so we don’t add to landfill. My fabric designs with watercolour elements are created so they can be used for childrens clothing through to bedding and tea towels.
I have developed a unique style of my own through practice and love of watercolour. This is what I want to teach in my classes, to show people that anyone is capable of creating something unique and that we should never be afraid to try.
Painter of Trees & Smith of Silver, Artist Russell McKane
Meet Instagram sensation, Russell McKane in his Artist Profile and discover that he’s an artisan with many talents.
Being Part of Market and Arts Families
I’m new to the art community, but I have been doing local markets for over eight years and have made some life long friends.
The Tasmanian Arts Community
It’s great to see Tasmanian artists winning awards and being recognised for their hard work and commitment. I consider myself blessed that we have such a strong arts community.
I have only been involved in one exhibition and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Navigating the Artist Path
I have been in Sales and Marketing for over 30 years, I know what it takes to get a business off the ground.
I’m currently in my second year of development, I’m under no illusion that going full time in this current economy will not be a wise move.
I look forward to the day I am able to leave my full time roll.
5 Key Lessons Learnt
1. Don’t create for the masses just to show your an artist.
2. Stay true to your creative moments and enjoy the ride.
3. Allow yourself those peaceful moments to consider where you are with your creation.
4. Be open to changing direction while creating if it just doesn’t feel right
5. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, be unique and be you.
About the Artist
I’m a plant obsessed animal lover, Kiwi born and living in Tasmania. 2020 was life changing for so many people all over the world, for me I was lucky as it was a positive.
During lockdown and out of work, i picked up a paintbrush and taught myself watercolour.
Over the last four years I have worked on establishing a technique and style of my own and strive to create colourful happy and affordable artwork and fabrics.
I also strive to create items that are useful, so they won’t be added to landfill or never see the light of day.
I literally fell into designing fabrics, it was a transition from watercolour designs into surface patterns. Most of my fabric designs tell a story, like Wagtails and Daisies. My interaction with nature gives me the inspiration.
Explore Amanda’s delightful website, and shop her collections, including her workshops. Follow Amanda on Facebook for her latest deign and market news.
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Read What Our Members Say About Belonging
Join the growing, supportive artists community today and have your Artist story told here.
Belinda is doing a great job creating a professional looking artist hub online. Check out the profile I posted recently to see how well she does them. To all my artist friends let’s help make this THE go to place to discover local artists.
You won’t regret joining Art Trails Tasmania . It’s a welcoming community for creatives at any career stage.Becoming an Art Trails Tasmania member wasn’t a hard decision for me to make as it’s such a wealth of knowledge and support.Being member provides a quality way to showcase your creative endeavours and it’s quickly growing in reach.
We operate a home based picture framing business and recently joined Art Trails Tasmania as a means to giving us exposure to the wider artist community. We have almost immediately seen increase in activity thru our online sites, which I am certain will lead to more opportunities to grow our business.
Artist Profile Stories
I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
So I’m creating, with your help, Art Trails Tasmania, allowing all of us who feel this love to create more of it.
And the Art Trails Tasmania blog is a key part of making this happen, telling the stories of members. It’s about what they have happening with workshops and classes, exhibitions, open studio trails, where to find their outlets, markets, fairs and festivals so you can shop their creations as well as their art and craft retreats.
Also being shared are the supporters of our artists, the galleries, shops, cafes, art societies and groups, places to stay and artist in residencies.
