In the fifth grade, I first tried watercolour painting—and it instantly became a source of immense joy. The way the pigments danced and blended on paper felt like magic. I discovered that watercolours have a mind of their own: their fluidity and unpredictability invite collaboration rather than control.
Over the years, this dialogue between brush, water, and pigment has stayed with me. Every time I pick up a watercolour brush, I’m reminded of that first spark of discovery in year 5—the joy of watching colours flow freely, forming something beautiful and unexpected.
My journey with art didn’t stop there. I’ve dedicated my entire life to studying and working with various materials—acrylics, oils, texture pastes, and more—each offering its own challenges and rewards.
Yet watercolour remains my first love, the medium that taught me to trust the process and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
Even today, that simple act of dipping the brush in water brings not only pigments to paper but also a flood of memories, a quiet sense of gratitude, and a profound satisfaction that has endured since those early school days.
I’m back in the studio, back to normality, and ready to continue sharing what I love most — my knowledge of art, different techniques and practical skills that can open up new possibilities for your own creativity. This October, I’m offering two very different workshops, both suitable for all levels and for adults and young people aged 12+. Come and spend a few hours making art, learning a new technique and getting your hands back to the brush. I look forward to seeing you in the studio! 🇺🇦 Petrykivka: Mastering the One-Stroke Technique Discover the beautiful Ukrainian folk painting style of Petrykivka. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history of Petrykivka and how flowers, leaves and berries are built through different brushstrokes. You’ll also learn how to load two colours onto one brush and control its movement to create variations of colour, shape and tone. This is particularly valuable for artists and beginners because it gives you a chance to really understand your brush as a tool — how its shape and size affect the mark, how to control pressure and movement, and how to master the stroke of your brush. Illusion of Distance: The Tricks of Perspective
Breathing Space was a group exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, held at The Art House, Wyong, NSW, from 1–25 May 2024. It felt good to return to the Central Coast and exhibit together once again. The works on display moved between bold painterly gestures and refined detail, with many pieces inspired by the coastal landscapes of the Central Coast and Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The exhibition offered space for colour, reflection, and connection — a moment to pause, breathe, and engage with art grounded in place and experience. Breathing Space was both a return and a continuation — of shared practice, shared values, and ongoing support through art.
