Entry - Yen Magazine

So I have just entered an artwork into Yen Magazine's Female Art Awards! 

Not gonna lie, yes I feel a little out of my depth - There are loads of amazing artworks up there.

By no means do I expect to come close to winning a prize, but I decided to enter as my goal this year is to get my artwork out there in front of as many people as possible. Not just in order to gain recognition and make sales, but also to show I am serious about my art making, to help build up my confidence, gain experience, gather criticism, feedback and hopefully some support. 

The main prizes are awarded by a panel of judges, but there is also a people's choice award, so if you'd like to show me some love  Click here to vote for my entry 'Beauty in the Broken'

Dani

Click here to vote for my entry 'Beauty in the Broken'

Artwork Print - Good Vibes

Artwork - Birds

New series I am working on - Australian Birds.

Say hello to Mr Magpie & Ms Cockatoo!

I am already under the orders of my 3year old to paint a 'Rainbow Lolikeet', so watch this space, for more birds to come...

Artwork Print - Sunflowers

Artwork - 'Everything You Think I Am, I Am Not'

My latest piece,

'Everything You Think I Am, I Am Not'

I am also excited to begin selling limited edition giclee prints of some of my artworks,
stay tuned in the coming weeks.

Print - Elephant

Just picked up some new archival quality giclee prints of my 'Grubby Princess' work!

Until now I had been printing myself from my studio, but I made the decision to try outsourcing my printing and I couldn't be happier with the results. Thanks to local business Deluxe Art Printing - their print quality is amazing, it looks so vibrant. I am also excited I can now start printing at a larger scale. 

8x10 'Goodnight Elephants' print, now back in stock for a limited time.

Art Lesson

Gave my first art lesson this weekend, to these three budding little artists (aged 4, 7 & 11).

We had so much fun! And I was just so impressed by both their attitude and skill.

Stage 1 - Abstract Art

   

The youngest splashed her paint on, no inhibitions at all and created a masterpiece in no time. 

The two older girls were initially a little hesitant to put the first mark on the blank canvas, 

but as you can see soon embraced the freedom of abstract painting and had a ball.

  

Here are the artworks drying out in the sun.

I was so impressed!

But we weren't finished yet! 

Stage 2 - Line drawing and wording

During drying time the girls each drafted up their own layout including images and wording. 

I just loved how they each had their own clear ideas about what they wanted to create and the 

quotes they came up with were surprisingly insightful.

Once the canvas was dry they drew their designs on with a black sharpie and added some 

highlights in with a white paint pen.

And Voila! Finished!

They were so proud of themselves... Just look at those shining, smiling faces as proof.

And of course I was super proud of them also.

Happy girls and their masterpieces.

Artwork - Pineapple

Artwork

'Pineapple'

This piece is something a little different for me. I actually originally began this artwork some time ago, thought it was finished.... but it just never felt quite right. 

This week I felt inspired to revisit it, I added a whole new layer, and am so much happier with the final result : ) It now feels really complete.

Artwork - Bloom

My latest piece

'Bloom'

I originally did a quick painting in my art journal, see below.
But decided to take it to a MUCH bigger scale.

Making progress

Well I am gathering up quite a collection of artworks, as you can see in the photo below (hooray!)

I have been painting everyday that I am not at my 'day job' as well as some nights.

Some of my artworks are finished, some are nearly there. 

Some I am proud of, others I'm not sure of!

To be honest I am still trying to come to terms with learning when my pieces are 'finished' - I have found I often continue to look and just want to do one more layer, fiddle with one little thing. 

I am working on stepping back and knowing when to stop.

Once I have enough 'stock' I am planning on testing the waters at local markets, or perhaps hang them in a local cafe, and test the response from the public?! 

Artwork - Beauty in the Broken

Acrylic on canvas 24 x 30"

'Beauty in the Broken'

This is my latest artwork, the piece is part of a series I am currently working on.

(I am hoping to exhibit the whole series in the future - will keep you posted)

This piece is about how what you see or the way someone presents themselves to the world may not truly reflect what they are feeling inside.
It reminds me of a quote I have seen posted around from time to time 

'Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about'

This woman is trying to keep up appearances, but can no longer keeping up the facade, for a brief moment covers her face with her hands as her feelings threaten to overwhelm her, she can no longer repress them and show her pretty, happy face. The flowers in her hair, as well as the bright happy colours throughout the artwork are in contrast to her obvious despair.

Even though to the outside world she seems beautiful, inside she feels broken.

Here is a glimpse into my art making process:

Close up of some of the details:

...and finished!

What do you think? I welcome your thoughts, comments, suggestions.

Dani x

Abstract Piece - Search for Fortitude

Artwork - Scarlet's Rose

Final piece - 'Scarlet's Rose'

acrylic on canvas 1x1m