In The Studio
Celebrating Artistry: Finalist in the People's Choice Art Prize on BlueThumb
Being selected as a finalist in the People's Choice Art Prize is an incredible honour. I'm so grateful for the support and votes from everyone who appreciated my work. This achievement is not just a personal win but a celebration of artistry and creativity.
Be Well, Relax and Create!
Belinda x
Scroll through my five paintings that reach to Finalist - The People's Choice Art Prize on Bluethumb, 2024.
SeaScapes
Sea Spray series inspired by nature. These artworks are all about capturing the magic of light, mood and movement. In some of my seascape paintings, I aim to paint the energy and ocean waves crashing against the rocks.
Belinda
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Title: Sea Spray, Port Macquarie, Town Beach, 2022, Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolours on Arches 300gsm, Cold Press, Acid Free. Donated to a family member at the value of $800.00.
Winner of The Lloyd Rees Prize Award, 2022
In the Cove newspaper article by Jacky Barker. To have a read about the winners of the Lane Cove Art Society Artxtra Exhibition in year 2022.
Studying A six week watercolour course - 2020
My Journey with Art and My Vision
In life, we often face challenges that test our strength and resilience. For me, one of these challenges has been my eyesight. Since the tender age of 5, I have battled with poor vision due to lazy eyes "amblyopia" condition in both eyes and dry eye syndrome which seems to get progressively worse with age. Despite this hurdle, I discovered my passion for painting around the time when I started wearing glasses at 5 years old and found solace in the world of art.
However, my journey took a frightening turn in 2021 when I was confronted with the possibility of losing my sight completely due to Uveitis. This was a wake-up call, reminding me of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Thankfully, timely treatment spared me from this fate, but the experience left a lasting impact on me.
It was during this time of reflection that I decided to make a change - not just in my art but in how I approached life. I chose to change my signature, not only for practical reasons but also as a symbolic gesture of my resilience and determination. I also chose to take up yoga, a practice that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.
Despite the challenges I face, I refuse to let them define me. I am a painter, a creator, and above all, a strong individual who refuses to be held back by adversity.
So, as I continue on my artistic journey, I invite you to join me. Let us celebrate the beauty of life and art, knowing that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to guide us forward.
Be well, relax and create!
Belinda
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Lane Cove Art Awards 2022 - Peace Rose
A Glimpse into my Watercolour Creations
I am registered with Bluethumb an online art gallery for artists selling original artworks. You have the option to acquire any of my paintings directly from their platform with free shipping. I have a profile, in the studio information and updates, a collection of series and an artist biography on Bluethumb. I sell watercolours and oil paintings on this platform and I have a message system on there if you require to contact me.
Belinda
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Unveiling the Soul of Art: Exploring Life's Pace Through My Sketchbook Journal
I allocate time to collect photographs, create small thumbnail sketches, and document any inspirational ideas in my sketchbook journal. This becomes a cherished moment of respite from painting and other commitments. I enjoy using my own reference photographs to draw inspiration from nature. Taking my own photographs is crucial because it is through this creative process that I come to truly comprehend what I am painting.
Maintaining a journal holds great significance to me, considering the fast-paced nature of life. While my preference lies in intuitive painting, I find value in documenting various aspects, as it has the potential to expand my creative horizons. By recording experiences, thoughts, and observations, I leave room for my mind to embark on new explorations and uncover fresh inspirations.
Belinda
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Seashore Symphony, Maroubra Beach Matisse Acrylics on Cotton Canvas - $550 - Finalist at ArtXtra! Exhibition 2024 - Donated to Charity
Explore a world of vibrant hues and delicate brushstrokes in my online gallery, featuring a collection of mesmerising watercolour paintings. From serene seascapes to breathtaking landscapes and beautiful florals , each piece captures a moment of tranquillity and beauty. Immerse yourself in the ethereal world of watercolours, where every stroke tells a story.
Belinda
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My full collection of watercolour paintings
"Starting Your Watercolour Journey"
I have some ideas that I would like to share with you about my approach to watercolour painting
Choose the right paper: Watercolour paper is specially designed to absorb water and pigment, so it's important to choose the right type of paper for your painting. By using pure cotton you can guarantee quality and excellence in your practice, the thickness of the cotton is very important too, I use 300gsm or 600gsm they don't buckle when wet, In addition I use cold press or rough papers for landscape painting because they are more forgiving.
Sketch your design: Start with a light pencil sketch of your subject to plan your composition and ensure the proportions are correct. However, as I like to limit myself with detail I have started to draw with my paintbrush to create a more sophisticated scene.
Wet your paper at the top only: Use a clean brush and water to wet the paper before you begin painting. Have tissue near by to dab your paintbrush to remove excess water. Ideally to start with painting in the sky first, other techniques can be used the further you go with your painting.
Start with light washes: Begin by applying light washes of colour and gradually build up the intensity of your painting. This allows you to see how the colours are interacting and make adjustments as you go.
Practice layering: Watercolour is known for its transparent qualities, so layering is essential to building depth and richness in your painting. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next.
Experiment with different techniques: Watercolour offers a wide range of techniques, such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, and splattering, so don't be afraid to experiment and see what works for you.
Enjoy the process: Watercolours can be unpredictable, but that's also part of its beauty. Embrace the happy accidents and enjoy the process of creating something unique and beautiful. Sometimes backruns can happen, I cover mine up or removing them. In floral paintings they can look quite nice or seascapes if you meant them. It is knowing when a mistake will work. If it doesn't look right best to start again.
One tip for overcoming doubt when starting a watercolour painting is to remember that mistakes can be turned into beautiful and unique features of the artwork. If you have too many doubts then it is a good idea to practice on student quality materials until you master your desired level with watercolours.
Remember to have fun and experiment with different techniques and styles as you explore the beautiful and versatile medium of watercolour painting.
'I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present and still to come. I extend that respect to Aboriginal peoples here today.'