Welcome to my Winter Studio News!

“Baby, it’s cold outside!” I hope these Winter Art offerings get you out of the cold and into a warm creative space this season.

Group Show Adventures

As you might remember, I’ve committed to participating in GROUP shows this year, instead of a big SOLO show. Reflecting on the past six months, it's been fascinating to see new opportunities and connections arise through making this change.

New Opportunities and Achievements

Aspire Gallery UNVEILED Artist of the Year Competition
This week I was selected as the May winner in Aspire’s Gallery UNVEILED Artist of the Year, Competition. This competition runs all year long, with an artist selected each month to go into Aspire’s UNVEILED Exhibition in July. I am so excited about this moment in time and look forward to exhibiting alongside many artists that I follow and admire! And…If you live in Brisbane, I’d love for you to attend Opening Night on my behalf—5-7 pm, 6 July at Aspire Gallery in Paddington, Brisbane. Please email me if you’d like to attend. For more details, visit Aspire Gallery.

New Work

Since writing to you in Autumn, I’ve been working on two new floral series - Entwined and Botanical Blues, featured below.

Affordable Art Fair in Sydney and Melbourne
For those Sydneysiders, you may have got caught up in all the buzz around the Affordable Art Fair this month. I didn’t get to exhibit this year, but went along to support my fellow artists, and couldn’t help feel a little FOMO for not having work displayed this year. However, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been offered a spot at Melbourne’s Affordable Art Fair with Bluethumb Art. This invitation-only opportunity has me super chuffed! I keep pinching myself - did they really pick me?!!! Yes - me, awesome. I’ll be sending all my Botanical Blues and Entwined works to the Fair, I can’t wait to see them hanging in the Exhibition Hall!

Highlights of the Year So Far

FINALIST - "Inside the Box Art Prize" at the Corner Store Gallery, Orange
FINALIST - "Next Big Thing Art Prize" at The Toowoomba Gallery, Toowoomba
FINALIST - “Unvieled: Artist of the Year” at Aspire Gallery, Brisbane

Super pleased!

NEW WORK

Both my Entwined and Botanical Blues series are a celebration of my exploration into silhouette and the interplay of positive and negative space within the Still Life genre. I've dedicated myself to creating sets of six paintings, not only to hone my skills but also to continually evolve and explore new ideas. I'm thrilled that Bluethumb has embraced these series, with the majority of my works receiving Staff Pick recognition badges and being showcased at the Affordable Art Fair Melbourne. It's been an incredible journey of creativity and recognition!

You’re Invited to ‘LET THEM EAT CAKE’ @shacgallery, Robertson

*One of my ‘Sweet Tooth Tondos’ for LET THEM EAT CAKE, 40cm Diam, acrylic on board.*

I’m very pleased to be taking part in this delightful group show by SHAC Members, inspired by the famous phrase “Let Them Eat Cake,” often misattributed to Marie Antoinette. The artists were asked to respond to this phrase from Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s autobiography, Confessions, and the results are as diverse as they are captivating.

From thought-provoking pieces addressing social justice and food insecurity to joyful works inspired by the impressionists and American artist Wayne Thiebaud, the exhibition celebrates the joy and beauty that cake brings to daily life.

I’ve created four Sweet Tooth Tondos, inspired by the motto: “Happiness is just a cupcake away!” I hope you can join me either at the Opening or during the exhibition season, which runs until 18 August.

Join me this Winter @greendoorstudios

*One of four take home ‘Pattern on Pattern’ works we’ll be creating together this August*

Just 3 Spots Left for Pattern on Pattern: Acrylic Painting Workshop

Escape the winter chill and join me for the highly anticipated Pattern on Pattern: Acrylic Painting Workshop at the enchanting Green Door Creative Studios in Robertson on Sunday, 11 August.

I absolutely cherish these workshops. Green Door's ambiance is truly inspiring, and our gracious host, Zoe Waters, spoils us with her delectable home-cooking. Nestled by the fireside, we'll paint while looking out at her stunning farmscape.

During the workshop, you'll delve into the world of colour mixing, brush and acrylic painting techniques; selecting one of four joyful still life paintings to create on the day. Engage with fellow creatives, share a few laughs, and leave with your very own masterpiece.

What could be more enticing on a Winter's day in the Southern Highlands? We still have a couple of spots available for this immersive experience—secure your place by booking here.

Do you live in Brisbane? Yes!!! then SAVE THE DATE for ‘Unveiled’

@aspiregallery - Opening 5pm, Saturday 6 July, Paddington, Brisbane

'm so pleased to be joining eleven other fabulous artists in the ‘Unveiled’ Grand Finale Show. So many of the artists selected are artists I admire and follow and are all women. I’ve linked their instagram page, incase you’d like to follow, and if you’re not already following me - get to it!!! ha ha, from Aspire:

Unveiled is an ambitious initiative, spanning across 12 consecutive months, that is designed as a grand exploration, identification and ultimately celebration of artistic talent. Our panel of judges will assess every piece submitted each round, seeking signs of innovation, technical skill, originality, and a distinct artistic voice. The winner of each month's competition not only secures a small token of recognition but also secures their position in the Grand Finale.

Ree Hodges
Smith & Brooks
Katie Thomas
Katie Sandison
Wendi Leigh
Stephanie Langlois
Kelly Mackey
Mia Liang
Katie Leavey
Jacyln Poke
Julie Lynch
Wild Card (waiting for announcement)
‘Unveiled’ Exhibition runs until 3 August, please let me know if you are attending here

SAVE THE DATE for the Affordable Art Fair - Melbourne.

@affordableartfair - 29 Aug - 1 Sept

Meet you at the Royal Exhibition…

Nestled in the breathtaking Royal Exhibition Building in the heart of Melbourne, I'm bursting with excitement to see my work showcased in such a revered venue. It's beyond my wildest dreams to have my work hang in this elegant hall. I'd love to know if you'll be there too—let's catch up over a coffee and share this moment together.