Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival 2013

Past the shallows

The Readers and Writers Festival art exhibition had the theme of "Spinal Tap", asking artists to create an image in response to their favourite book.
I chose "Past the Shallows" by Favel Parrett.
It is an excellent read but not my favourite book. I was extremely moved by the characters in the story and found it really hard to let go of the memory of it in the end. This picture is in response to the sand dune scene near the end where a memorial is created. The quote from the book to mark the scene goes "Old shells, white and ancient, marked the spot".

Well, that did it for me really, this little pencil and acrylic effort helped to sooth the emotions that resulted from this read. I'm very happy to say I met the person who purchased this piece and I know it is loved. I wonder what the Festival will throw at us next year?

'Past the Shallows' is available for loan from the Margaret River Library. You can access their catalogue through their blog.

Book review for "The complete guide to altered imagery"

I have just finished using a wonderful library book that I thought worth a post. "The complete guide to altered imagery: mixed-media techniques for collage, altered books, artist journals, and more" by Karen Michel. The title covers it all!

This book explores how to integrate photographs and images into your collage using gel medium, gesso, sandpaper, sewing, stamping, bleaching and transferring, just to mention a few. It offers easy printmaking techniques and layering of paint to create textures and a surface for personal messages.

The author uses guest artists to show their own slant on old techniques plus artist tips to inspire you. Some offer quotes that just hit the spot and helps the new ideas click.

A great book to have around to kick-start some inspiration. What makes it different from the rest? A ton of ideas in one place for putting photos, photocopies and other images into your work using all the materials you have on your art table. No need to buy anything new, just using what we've all got, in different ways. Love it!

also available through your local library.

Book review of "Drawing Lab for mixed media artists"

"We all long to have a style that is fully our own. We want to find our voice and develop a hallmark look that is unique. But how do we get there?" (Carla Sonheim, 2010).

The "Drawing lab for mixed media artists " by Carla Sonheim presents lots of exercises to help you explore a multitude of styles and techniques. The exercises use easy to follow instructions that rely on the fact you are going to give it a go and play. You're not out for awards here. Fun and experimentation are the theme in this book.

If you find yourself staring at the blank page and not sure where to start, doing just 1 exercise will relieve the pressure of what to draw and get you over the hump. I found it motivating to just draw for the fun of it, oh yes - it IS still fun and surprised myself. No perfection or idea of end results, just freeing up my mind to draw.

You can use whatever materials appeal to you for the exercises and styles covered include: eye dropper faces; wrong-handed portraits; Modigliani style portraits; scribble drawings; plein-air and the list just goes on. Featured artists are interviews and share their own personal styles, which are all different.

I like the layout of the Lab series of books by Quarry. They aren't fussy or overly wordy but they are obviously choosing authors of quality who are passionate about teaching.

I originally got a copy on loan from our public library in Margaret River but if you choose to buy a copy like I did, I do appreciate your using my Book Depository link on the right banner. Thank you.

Review of "Flying Lessons: tips + tricks to help your creative biz sour" e-book by Kelly Rae Roberts

I think this e-book helps to answer questions for artists and craft people who are ready to take the next step in their creative business. Some may be established already and happy with sales but ready to move into teaching their special techniques. Some may be ready to create prints out of that special original that deserves to be sold to many. Some may be thinking to start creating at home while working part-time & hitting the market scene with their art. You will know if you are ready for this book.


The book starts by introducing you to your fears of taking that next step, then you are off. Each section offers up information that is sure to give you direction, confidence and motivation.


It answers questions like "How does Kelly Rae Roberts make her prints from originals and what paper and matts does she use?"
"How do I get a company to licence my product and get it into big department stores?"
"Why do I need an online presence in the form of blog, facebook, website etc?"
"How do I manage to market myself and work full-time surrounded by family life?"
This e-book is a comprehensive guide to marketing yourself and your product and having fun along the way. I loved it.


E-books allow you to move through like a traditional book or click links to move forwards/backwards like a website. It has links out to online resources that help support her content. It's all indexed so you can just go to the relevant chapter, or read through from beginning to end as I did. I found it all fascinating.


Kelly Rae tells it in her own style and if you aren't familiar with her work check out her blog. I love that she has created success for herself and stayed true to her own values and style. Her personality shines through in her writing and she's a pleasure to read.


Happy reading!

The art of procrastination

I've recently finished reading this wonderful book and haven't accomplished much else. "Pretty little things: collage jewelry, trinkets, keepsakes by Sally Jean Alexander.
Sally Jean's website

If you've still got bits and bobs left over from your other crafts or have a penchant for collecting found objects this book of projects is for you. Especially if you also like working with metal. It offers an enlightening glimpse into the artists world. This book has a beautifully balanced color scheme and wonderful page presentation in photography. You'll be tempted to get messy for sure. The book cover and link to more details are at the bottom of her website.