![]() Loneliness is on the rise in Australia, I imagine we are not alone, and it is happening globally. It is not fussy about your age or gender According to the APS (Australian Psychological Society) one in four Australians feel lonely. During the 2020 and beyond lockdowns, this number may have been significantly higher. There is a plethora of information and statistics on the internet regarding loneliness and it’s mental, physical and health factors. The facts are frightening. I know when I moved to Melbourne coming up now 27 years ago, I didn’t know anyone. There wasn’t any family here, initially there weren’t any work colleagues, it was me on my Pat Malone. I found the loneliness extreme for the first three months. It was a fight to keep mentally positive. To meet new people, I attended courses such as photography and golf lessons. Each of them got me out of the house and meeting new people. It was an opportunity to break the isolation factor. Recently, I was running one of my art classes and, it caused me to think back to my own efforts to fight loneliness. I listened as the conversation hit a crescendo of multiple conversations, laughter and connection. Could art classes help the loneliness epidemic? Could those few hours each week, create deeper connections, could they foster a feeling of community and belonging? I believe it can. Those few hours of sitting in a room with likeminded individuals, deep in thought, or sharing titbits of daily life, recommendations of a movie or recipe, or a glimpse into family life, as you create, paint, and draw, transport you into another world. Does a world of connection and creativity, enjoying a new hobby or interest, come from those regular art classes? What re your thoughts? Do you think art and art classes could help with the loneliness epidemic? Please leave your comments below. Featured Artwork: Cityscape on the River
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![]() When I first moved to Melbourne from Western Australia, I didn't know anyone, there was no family here and I had no friends here either. I took golf lessons and I also did a short course in photography. Back then, it was using an SLR camera. Digital cameras weren’t really around back in those days. Years ago. I drove up to Croydon as I had heard about a camera shop that sold excellent second hand cameras. Armed with my new acquisition I headed off to the photography course. At the course we learnt about composition, values and all the technical prowess around the SLR camera. The week before end of term we headed to Mordialloc and took shots around the creek, beach and Pompei’s boat yard. Finally, on our last week we developed our film in the dark room. Gosh, there was a lot to do to finally see the end result. So much has changed in the last 28 years. Nowadays, we have these amazing phones in our pockets that produce outstanding photos. You can quickly snap a moment in time with ease and see the results immediately. Phones these days have better crispness and clarity than the older digital cameras, along with outstanding photo editing capacity. Artist now have a major tool to create reference for their works and use the reference immediately. The sun hitting the trees, the bird in flight, the cheeky smile of a child, or the light hitting a vase at that exact moment. There is inspiration everywhere and capturing those moments in time is easier than ever before. When I am en plein painting, often, I will take a photo to reference the light and shade before it shifts from my subject. Do you take reference shots with your phone? Do you have any tips? Leave your comments below. Featured Artwork: Glass Waters will be featured at 15-16th November 2024 Open Studios ![]() I have just returned from a week down at Phillip Island. Our plans were changed as we recently adopted a rescue fur baby. The weather was chilly and most days it rained, yet we were able to feast our eyes on some spectacular coastline. The day before we decided to head home early, I visited a gallery in the main street of Cowes. As I walked in, I noticed a board advertising an art class that afternoon. After chatting with the artist owner and her invitation to come back for the class, I couldn't wait to return later that afternoon. I enjoyed a few hours of painting a scene from my phone photos. Interestingly, I found it funny to have the colours squeezed onto the palette for me, colours I wouldn't have started with and some colours I would never have picked. Being an artist who enjoys working with a limited palette and mixing colours to create what is needed, I somehow felt overwhelmed by the colour choices made for me. I work from the sky down and this time I had to start working from the ground up. I found it challenging, yet exciting and different at the same time. It was fun to become the student and experience the class from a completely different way, when the fellow artist had no idea I also create art. Featured Artwork: Sunderland Bay, Phillip Island - work in progress, will be available for sale when completed. ![]() Just this weekend, I was gifted a weekend to myself. Hubby headed off to a blokes weekend in the country and I had the house to myself. As our little fluffy mate passed away over three months ago, there was no one relying on me or waiting for me. I was as free as a bird to do as I pleased. The monthly paint-out had been postponed due to inclement weather. This had been my only commitment over the weekend. After heading out for some extra art supplies I headed back to my studio with the heater blasting and started on a project I had not had time to do for months. The panels I had purchased had sat there on my shelving teasing me every time I went into the art shed. They would look at me and I at them, wishing I had the time to take them off the shelf, unwrap them and then cover them with creamy delicious acrylic paint. I started slowly on my idea using paper and working on my idea for the eight panels. Suddenly two hours had slipped by as I worked on a small 20cm x 20cm piece. I was happy with the outcome. Finally, the next day I set up in the garden room with panels, paint, water, brushes, palettes and paper towels, I was ready. I could now start on my project giving it my full attention. Throughout the process, I mixed an array of colours, used a variety of mark-making tools and skimmed books for the right words to jump out at me for the collage. It was exhilarating, to say the least. I didn't stop for a coffee or a break, I was so focused and in my zone. After many hours, I was finished, it was time to sit back and let them dry so they could be varnished. The gift of a weekend to enjoy creating was invigorating, peaceful and filled with what I love to do. I think you need one of these weekends once and a while. How would you spend the gift of a weekend to yourself? Leave your comment below. Featured artwork: Unscaled Peaks and Uncharted Waters ![]() When I picked up painting again, I went straight into acrylic paint. It was fun and forgiving and I enjoyed the medium. Over the last couple of years, I have taken lessons in watercolour, pastels and gouache. I love various mediums, given I do mixed media, that is a good thing! For the last twelve months, I have been enjoying the medium of gouache. So what is gouache, I hear you ask. Gouache is a water-based paint not dissimilar to watercolour, it is however, matte, opaque and creamy. Being similar to watercolour, it is more opaque, which means you can layer from dark to light and correct mistakes. I love how the medium quickly dries to a matte finish, making it ideal for photographing, and scanning for prints and doesn't have that shine. As I have been venturing out on en plein air excursions, gouache is an ideal medium to take out and about. It is compact enough for a small palette, dries reasonably quickly and can be activated with water. I enjoy being able to sketch and then paint while I am out, sometimes in my sketchbook and sometimes on watercolour paper. These en plein air paintings are then reference guides for future work. The fact I can paint in the colours of the day is ideal to capture the moment, the shadows, the highlights and the essence of the session. Although you can paint larger paintings using gouache, it is often associated with smaller works from an A3 - A5 painting. Smaller work on A3 to A5 is ideal when you have limited time and space, making gouache the perfect medium. The artwork you see here is a small artwork on paper using gouache. This was done with an initial light translucent wash and then layered with a more creamy gouache texture to give depth to the piece. Have you heard of gouache or do you use it? Leave your comments below, I would love to see your comments. Featured Artwork: The outback shed ![]() I can sit and while away hours lost in paint, brush and thoughts. Often, I get lost in the art, conjuring up stories or scenarios that fit with a scene. Take the piece pictured to the left. I imagined myself on this secluded beach, nestled in the rocks with a book, the sun glistening on my skin and the gentle lap of the ocean coming up to the shoreline. I transport myself to that place, if only for the time I am creating, even though it may be raining and windy outside. Some people create art for their pleasure, a form of relaxing, rejuvenation of the mind and soul and a pleasure entirely for themselves. There is no intention for the completed artwork, only for the moment. Hobbyist's create for the joy of a hobby that keeps them active, connected and enjoying their pursuits. Often,joining a group with likeminded creatives. There is also the part time or full time artist who creates art for not only the joy but for the purpose of selling their works. Some are creating for the purpose of their work to be hung in a gallery or museum. Ask yourself, am I creating this piece for: it to be in a museum? it to be in a gallery? to be sold? to hang on my wall at home? me to have no expectation? me to enjoy the time relaxing, having fun and forgetting what is going on in my life? There is no right or wrong to any of the reasons we create art. When I am in the studio or out an about creating, I don't have anyone in mind, I don't create with the intention to put the piece up for sale. I create for the joy, the experieince and the sheer enjoyment and pleasure of creating. I personally think, for me, it takes the pressue off, it allows you the freedom to explore, break the rules, have fun, create without expectation. If someone loves what I have created enough to purchase it, take it to their home and enjoy it, that is all I can ask for beyond my pleasure. Are you a creator or an admirer? Leave your comments below. ![]() I remember as a small child the gift of a point and shoot camera, the type that had a flash cube click on top. Pocket money was saved up for the purchase of film and then developing. Being able to capture moments in time was thrilling to me. My love of photography continued into adult life when I completed a photography course which also had a component for dark room developing. Nowadays, we are so lucky to have a camera with us wherever we venture. Our phone can capture those moments in time. We can capture any exciting or beautiful inspiration right then and there. I take many photos when we are out and about. It may be the perfect rose bloom, an unusual colour combination, a bike leaning against an old fence, a cloudy sky, some shadows playing amongst trees or the reflection in a pond. If you look with art in mind, it is amazing you will find something for inspiration, everywhere. At the art classes I run, I am often asked, where do I find ideas for my artwork. The answer is everywhere. I take photos when I am out and about, I save photos from the web, I cut out photos from magazines that have a colour, texture or design that speaks to me. Found objects such as shells, twigs and leaves are a particular favourite. All of these combined offer me inspiration for creating a new piece of artwork. One piece or many pieces together may spark an idea for an artwork, sometimes it could be a single word that carries me away. Where do you find inspiration? Leave a comment below. ![]() I am an all or nothing type of person. When I start a new hobby or project I seem to swamp myself with he must haves and a few might grabs. I can't help myself. There are a few essential items to have in your kit if you are planning to start creating. Instead of starting on canvases there is the option to start in sketchbooks/journals or pads. Not only is it cost effective, as someone that is starting our you are more likely to experiment and have fun than worry about wasting a canvas. A few quality pencils starting with a HB and then a range from 2H to 6B is a terrific starting point and often can be purchased in packs. A kneadable eraser and a rubber eraser are also ideal to have on hand. For those wanting to explore painting a basic brush set is indispensable. Include a variety of sizes and types such as filbert, round, flat to give you different brush strokes. A couple of palette knives are also a worth while investment. You can buy packs of brushes with a few palette knives to give you a reasonable variety of tools. Choose your medium, do you want to use watercolour, acrylics or gouache? Start with a basic colour palette of your chosen paint, this will inspire your to mix your colours and experiment. You can always upgrade the quality and colour range as you become more comfortable. You don't have to spend big on palettes and cups. I use recycled food jars for my water cups and a plastic palette. I also use a perfect for me size cardboard and tape greaseproof paper to it. This is perfect for acrylic paints and for watercolour I have an old plate. One tip I do have is try and work on a whit palette so you don't change the look of the colour you are mixing by the distraction of another colour or a pattern. The photo above is of my mixing palette using the greaseproof paper. Finally, learning resources are something to tap into. I run over 80 classes a year if you live near my studio or use the internet and check out some of the great resources on Youtube. There you have it, you can get creating on a small budget and enjoy the process. I have put together, my favourite tools as a starting point, if you are not sure where to start. Do you have your favourite tools you would like to share? Leave a comment below. ![]() I love painting, I love sketching and I love spending time in my art shed. As soon as hubby heads off for golf with his buddy's, I have whipped open the door of the studio before he has even reached the end of the driveway. There is something about having no one around, no distractions, no noise, nothing for me to even think about. I open my sketchbook and lose myself in the pages. sometimes I decide to use watercolour, other times acrylics or there are times I delve into the art supplies and enjoy the freedom of mixed media. There is no rhyme or reason to what medium I choose. Sometimes, I flit between sketchbooks, Just the other day, I went from sketchbook watercolour (the photo is the end result of my sketch book watercolour) to a canvas using bold vibrant colours with impasto medium. As one part dried I worked on the other. Can you believe three hours had passed by without me even knowing it. There is something said about immersing yourself in art. For me I go to a place where worries, sadness, hurt, frustration and negative thoughts don't live. This is a place that is void of negativity and a place where time stands still. This is a place that time forgot and peace exudes. Does art give you a happy place? Does art give you a sense of peace that can reinvigorate you and send you back into the world refreshed and positive? Leave your comments below and let me know what art does for you and if you can relate, ![]() In the art classes I run, I use photographs and artwork for students as inspiration. It is easier as a student to have a reference shot to learn techniques and to develop skills. So what if you are no longer a student and now creating your own artwork, can you still use reference shots? When you stumble upon a stunning artwork or photo that speaks to you, it can spark a flood of creative ideas. It might ignite your imagination, to assist you in developing your own unique creation. You may draw on elements of the reference be it the colours, composition, theme, or mark making and reshaping them through your eye and interpretation. When coming to creating your own artwork it is about making something that is uniquely your own. In the realm of creativity, using a photo or artwork for inspiration can be powerful as a reference for your own imaginative journey. It is about interpreting, reimagining, and creating something that has your stamp of style, voice and take on the piece. Personally, one of my favourite things to paint is flowers in vases. Whilst I may look at a van Gough for inspiration, for his use of light, colour and texture, I don't want to recreate his piece, I can do that with a photocopier or camera. I do however, want to look at his work and identify some of his prowess with the brush strokes, colour, texture and light, even seeing how I can incorporate some of his elements into my piece. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, true creativity lies not in replication but in the ability to weave inspiration into something uniquely your own. No to mention, copyright laws. ![]() I once knew a lady who spent so much time talking about how little time she had that she never actually got anything done. We all have the same mount of time in our day 1440 minutes to be precise. It is how we choose to use those minutes which makes a difference. Personally, I am a paper diary gal, I write everything in it and schedule time for particular tasks. Yes, I schedule medical appointments, classes I run, business tasks, cleaning the house and also studio or painting time. I also have non-negotiable times which often my painting or studio time falls into that category. Non-negotiable means it must be something super important for me to schedule over that time. If your hobby of art is important to you, you will schedule in time to spend pursuing it. It may be as little as 30 or 40 minutes a day. The first step is giving ourselves permission to take the time to enjoy our hobby, I don't know about you, as I was growing up the fun stuff could only be done when the work was finished. Our brains have been programmed to allow ourselves pleasurable pursuits after the work, chores and responsibilities have been completed. Guess what? They never end, they never are completed so we don't end up enjoying our hobby, art, painting, knitting or any other hobby. Think about the last time you "indulged" in your hobby or a pleasurable pursuit. How did it make you feel? Did you feel calmer, less stressed and revitalised? If like me, the answer is yes, this is the time to grab that diary, planner, phone and schedule in the time to enjoy your hobby. You are no good to anyone else or yourself if you are frazzled, stressed or feeling down. Making our art or hobby a priority is helping ourselves to a better, less stressed and more rounded life. Leave a comment below on how you prioritise your time to pursue your hobby or what you plan to do now. I would love to see your ideas. ![]() I opened my first business when I was in my late teens/early twenties. I loved it and it gave me the taste of entrepreneurship from a young age. Fast forward to today and I have navigated the corporate world for quite a few years, owned and operated several businesses, and was on the board and president of a radio station. In each of these roles and businesses, it taught me to review. Goals are great to have both personally and professionally but we need to know where we have come from, where we are now and what worked and didn't work. Toward the end of December of 2023, I sat down and wrote a list to wrap up my year. It wasn't until I started checking my diary, checking my notes and really drilling down to see what I had achieved over the last twelve months. We can get so caught up in the day to day over our business, craft or lives that we forget what we did often without thinking about it and sometimes in adversary. Putting pen to paper and really thinking through achievements, processes and highlights can be quite eye-opening. I for one, was pleasantly surprised at my achievements through 2023. Once I had a gauge on 2023, I was ready to put my plan together for 2024. Do you review and reset or do you leave it to chance? Leave your comments below. ![]() Can creativity positively effect your mental wellbeing? Well, in my humble opinion, yes it can. I have talked about this before in classes and on the socials, how returning to creativity helped me through the COVID lockdowns. For those in Melbourne, you would understand what it was like to live through the lockdowns, as one of the most lockdown cities in the world. I rediscovered art during this time and found I lent on it to relax me and take my mind off what was going on. In the art classes I run, often there are comments such as, "where did that 2 hours go?", "I got lost in the painting.", or "This is my happy place, I forget what is happening in my life." "This is my me time to relax and enjoy some quiet time." Just 40 minutes of art can help to reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in your body. There is a fabulous book, Your Brain on Art; How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross which goes into great depth. It is well worth a read. You can check out the link under my favourite tools. Art therapy is now found more in mainstream mental health services as the benefits of art and creativity on wellbeing is being highlighted more and more. I have found when I run an evening art class, I sleep better that night, participants of the night programs have also commented they have the same restful night's sleep. If I have had a particularly busy day or really have been under the pump, I take some time out for 20 minutes to half an hour to sketch or dip into some watercolour, it can have a profound effect on my mind, mood and wellbeing. Sometimes, taking a short amount of time can be all you need to shift your mood with a simple sketchbook or a simple watercolour palette, a few brushes and an art book. Have you found art has helped your wellbeing in anyway? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. ![]() Artists that find inspiration in nature have a never ending opportunity to bring the outside in. Nature has a certain way that it casts a magic spell over us. A walk in nature, you can hear the rustle of leaves, the lapping of the ocean or a sunrise or sunset filled with vibrant hues. As the urban sprawl continues and medium to high density living increases, there is less and less opportunity to experience nature regularly. Art is a way to bridge the gap between the great outdoors and the limited space indoors. Mother Nature offers endless inspiration from mountain peeks, rivers and beaches to the tiniest of petals on intricate flowers and everything in between. Art can be a conduit to the connection between nature and indoors, creating a certain ambiance melded with your own personal decorative elements. Imagine waking to a beautiful bouquet of flowers on your side table with water you never have to change, or a sunset that never sets on your wall. You can have it all with art in your home. ![]() Acrylic paint was my way back into art and I loved it that's for sure. I signed up for some on-line art classes during lock down and was exposed to the world of mixed media. This changed everything for me and my art. Also, attending art classes where you could experiment and use different mediums opened my eyes and hands to different textures and styles. So what is mixed media I hear you ask. Mixed media is the combination of two or more art mediums into one piece of art. Some examples would be painting a watercolour picture and then adding pen or ink to the works or using acrylic paint and then adding oil pastels to the piece. Of course, you can have multiple mediums in one piece to get your desired effect. I tend to use soft oil pastels and or charcoal after I have completed the acrylic artwork. I find adding another medium gives you some amazing affects you can't necessarily achieve using the one medium. Mixed media can be used on all genres of art whether you love abstract, realism, expressionism or impressionism. Vincent van Gough before his early death had been experimenting with colour combinations and mixed media, although it hadn't been named at that stage. Mixed media for me is a new and exciting way to find expression and texture in my artwork, particularly as my art is inspired by nature and nature is full of texture and colour. |
AuthorLee Cummins is a mixed media artist, workshop and art class facilitator. Archives
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