Just for fun - Mystified Illustration

Mystified

5x7 inches

Gouache on Watercolour Board

I promised my family that I would have a break from the art while we were on holidays, and spend some time with them. It was lovely to do some puzzles and have some quality family time. But school's back tomorrow and everyone was doing their own thing today, so I had to have a play with some gouache that I had recently picked up. I've never used Gouache before, but have to say I found it the easiest of all the different paints to use and will definitely be experimenting with it a bit more. It seems to have some of the benefits of oils, acrylics and watercolours all bundled into one. This artwork is just a bit of fun :)

1st Prize Drawing Section ASMA Awards Exhibition

A Life Well Spent

6x8 cm

Graphite pencil on drafting film

I often forget to post if I have won an award, but have just come back from collecting my prize for winning the Drawing Section of the ASMA (Australian Society of Miniature Art) National Awards Exhibition for "A Life Well Spent". I wasn't able to attend the Presentation Evening last night, as we were on our way back from Canberra, but had the opportunity to browse the exhibition this afternoon. How inspiring!!! When attending these Miniature Art Exhibitions, I am always reminded of why I fell in love with this genre of art in the first place. This was a timely prize for me also, as the prize was a boxed set of 120 Faber Castell Polychromos, and those of you familiar with my work would know that these are my favourite pencils - some of mine are only about one inch long now. Whilst there, I was happy to learn that my painting "Hush Little Mouse" had sold as well.

Commissioned Illustration - Sunset Gathering

Sunset Gathering

9x12 inch

Watercolours, ink and coloured pencil on Canson Mi-teintes Tex Paper

Here is the illustration that I mentioned in my previous post. After starting it a couple of times, a couple of months ago, I initially told the client that it was probably too far removed from what I normally do, and that I didn't feel I could create exactly what she was after. My instinct has always been to paint and draw in a photorealistic style, and this particular client (she has the patience of a saint!) wanted something that looked a bit more cartoon like, and this was a quite a struggle for me. Those of you who follow my blog will know that lately I have been experimenting with different styles and genres, in an effort to move away from the tight style of realism, to something a little more creative. Many people appreciate realistic art more than art that is more illustrative, but to be honest, I find photorealism much easier to achieve. I was frustrated with myself for not completing the illustration when it was first commissioned, and was determined to persevere to completion - I started it again four times in the last week! I'm not sure if I am completely happy with it even now, but at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that I completed it!!!

Little Mouse Lost Miniature Watercolour Painting

Little Mouse Lost

7cm x 9.5cm

Watercolours on Arches Paper

It has been a while since I picked up a paintbrush, particularly to paint with watercolours, and I had forgotten what a joy this wonderful medium can be. A lot of my artwork tends to be very tight and realistic, and it is nice to branch out and be a little more creative and loose, which is easier with watercolours. I think because so much of my work tends to be based on realism, I am also enjoying a bit of experimentations with the world of whimsy - it always takes me back to childhood.