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Behind the Brushes and Pencils
I've developed a technique of my own using multiple skills from jobs I've held in the past.
Having been an inquisitive artist all my life has led me to explore every type of media possible. In the process I've developed  my own techniques by combining the skills that I've learned. Some of these come from formal training, others from having a career as an Art Director in my original home town of Sydney. When I lived in Australia I was painting and showing my work while employed in the film industry. I learned editing, filming techniques, and drafting while working on all aspects in the production of set design. All this experience has given me a unique in site into dealing with images of all kinds. In 1994 I was interviewed by Australian Artist Magazine and have a six page publication as an Australian Artist. At that time I was turning a recession of empty retail space into painted aquariums and worked in conjunction with stage carpenters to create display boxes which I filled with artworks of my own.
 My artwork now revolves around doing a variety of portraits including children, pets and homes. I use watercolors, pencils, pastels, carbothello pencils and a variety of other techniques to achieve my results. When I'm feeling particularly inspired by an image I will also create large canvasses in acrylic.
Currently, I live in sunny California with my lovely husband. His career has moved us around the world and fortunately my career as an Artist enables me to create while exploring new places with him and our 2 dogs Charlie and Polly. Our first dog Charlie, (from Sydney Australia) trudged along with us. For his immigration trip to Canada he was stuffed into a crate and put into cargo.
After arriving in Vancouver we couldn't find him. Hey!! Where's our beloved dog? Lost? What section, where? After some major panic we were re-united with a very confused Charlie who was thrilled to see us. After being released from his crate he bolted for the first squirrel he saw, (there are no such things in Australia). Our second dog Polly is also a mutt that we found though an ad in the newspaper. She has become a great companion for Charlie and us. She has a sweet and delightful disposition, is light gold in color, and is as big as a school bus.
I work in a Studio warehouse among other artists by the docks. My technique for composing the portraits that I do is determined by the information and photos that I receive from you. Since I can't have the actual subject sitting in front of me, the next best thing is to have a good digital photo. With all my experience, (especially some recently acquired skills in digital photography) I can create very effectively from a clear photograph. I'll put on my headphones, crank up the music...  I get inspired, I get into the detail, the pencils fly, and Voila!! Through my artistic abilities, I'm able to capture the essence of my subject. I see it and bring it out. It's the rewarding and fun part of my work. No portraits are alike just like no pets, people or homes are alike. My technique changes with every subject. Give me the freedom and I will give you my best work. If you like what you see, please do commission me, I would love to turn your beloved or your home into art work.
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