The Practicing Artist
As a full time artist my time is divided into teaching several classes and workshops each term in a variety of mediums at my own studio.
After-school art classes for children in 3 age groups: Juniors aged 5-7 years, Children aged 8-12 years and Teens aged 13-16 years are proving popular and are generally full. These are held every weekday evening at various times to suit both children and their parents.
Periodically I am employed by various community organisations to present workshops in a variety of mediums. The last one being a Pastel workshop for Mandurah Plein Air Plus as part of the Stretch Festival.
I jealously guard the time allotted to me in the week. This time at the easel, or workbench is for the enjoyment of the creative process. It is for the honing of skills needed for the various mediums I use, and learning how best to utilize elements in visual communication specific for each artwork. This time is essential, as it fuels all the other areas in which my time is spent. Plus it keeps me happy and sane in my busy world.
Working on improving my skills as an artist, teacher and facilitator is an important aspect of my art practice. Aside from the time on the tools, I make time for:
From my studio, I provide a range of classes, courses and workshops of various competency levels for adults and children.
Teaching enables me to share my knowledge about the practicalities of a particular medium and visual communication. Encourage skill building, risk-taking and helping my students develop confidence their own creative abilities.
Current Teaching Appointments
Adult Art Classes and Courses
Refer to my "TEACHING ART - ART CLASSES" menu option for current classes and courses.
(Working with Children Registration - current to July 2025)
Refer to my "TEACHING ART - ART FOR CHILDREN" menu option for current classes this term.
My art interests are many and varied and so are my workshops. I enjoy passing on my art knowledge whenever I have the chance to do so. My current obsession is with Pan Pastels and I have recently rediscovered Gouache as my workshop titles suggest.
My workshops are currently held on every 2nd and 4th Saturday afternoon of the month.
Refer to my "TEACHING ART" menu for current workshops on offer this term.
Artist Residencies
Since Teaching Pastels at the 2013 Summer school at INQB8 (CASM) I have delivered classes, workshops, or yearly art programs for several organizations including:
Exhibitions coordinated for teaching positions held,
Involvement in Community Art Projects
Events
Educational Qualifications
As a full time artist my time is divided into teaching several classes and workshops each term in a variety of mediums at my own studio.
After-school art classes for children in 3 age groups: Juniors aged 5-7 years, Children aged 8-12 years and Teens aged 13-16 years are proving popular and are generally full. These are held every weekday evening at various times to suit both children and their parents.
Periodically I am employed by various community organisations to present workshops in a variety of mediums. The last one being a Pastel workshop for Mandurah Plein Air Plus as part of the Stretch Festival.
I jealously guard the time allotted to me in the week. This time at the easel, or workbench is for the enjoyment of the creative process. It is for the honing of skills needed for the various mediums I use, and learning how best to utilize elements in visual communication specific for each artwork. This time is essential, as it fuels all the other areas in which my time is spent. Plus it keeps me happy and sane in my busy world.
Working on improving my skills as an artist, teacher and facilitator is an important aspect of my art practice. Aside from the time on the tools, I make time for:
- Reading for pleasure and research
- Listening to art podcasts and Artist Talks
- Visiting exhibitions
- Attending workshops
- Watching art videos
- Sharing ideas with fellow artists
- Being involved in artistic community events.
- Accepting teaching opportunities
- Self-evaluation
From my studio, I provide a range of classes, courses and workshops of various competency levels for adults and children.
Teaching enables me to share my knowledge about the practicalities of a particular medium and visual communication. Encourage skill building, risk-taking and helping my students develop confidence their own creative abilities.
Current Teaching Appointments
Adult Art Classes and Courses
Refer to my "TEACHING ART - ART CLASSES" menu option for current classes and courses.
- Taster Classes for the Absolute Beginner in Acrylics ,Pastels, Oils and Watercolours.
- Beginners Courses in Acrylics, Pastels, Oils and Watercolours
- Ongoing Classes in Acrylics, Multi-Media, Pastels and Watercolours
For artists at all levels of experience.
(Working with Children Registration - current to July 2025)
Refer to my "TEACHING ART - ART FOR CHILDREN" menu option for current classes this term.
- Junior Art Classes for 5-7 year old's
- Children's Art Classes for 8-12 year old's
- Teen Art Classes for 13-16 year old's
- Art and Creativity Classes – for those with disabilities not wanting to join other classes.
My art interests are many and varied and so are my workshops. I enjoy passing on my art knowledge whenever I have the chance to do so. My current obsession is with Pan Pastels and I have recently rediscovered Gouache as my workshop titles suggest.
My workshops are currently held on every 2nd and 4th Saturday afternoon of the month.
Refer to my "TEACHING ART" menu for current workshops on offer this term.
Artist Residencies
Since Teaching Pastels at the 2013 Summer school at INQB8 (CASM) I have delivered classes, workshops, or yearly art programs for several organizations including:
- The Mandurah Library.
- The Falcon e-Library and Community Centre.
- The Mandurah Visitors Centre
- Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery
- The Rockingham Peel Home-school Group
- CASM
- Warona City Council
- Ruah Community Care
- Mandurah Plein Air Plus
Exhibitions coordinated for teaching positions held,
- End of year exhibitions for home-schooled art students at my studio.
- End of year exhibitions for art students from the Rockingham Peel Home-school Group.
- End of year exhibitions for the original RTKIDS art program at the Mandurah Library.
- First group exhibition for the Monday Night Pastel Group at the Sailing Museum, Mandurah.
Involvement in Community Art Projects
- 2019 - Resident Artist for The Mandurah Baptist College entry into the Youth Art Perspectives Exhibition at MPAC.
- 2018 - Resident Artist for Frederick Irwin Senior High School entry into the Youth Art Perspectives Exhibition at MPAC.
- 2017 - Resident Artist for Pinjarra High Schools entry into the Youth Art Perspectives Exhibition at MPAC.
- 2017 - Participating Artist in the Stretch Festival Art Trail at Café 158
- 2016 - Participating Artist in the Stretch Festival Art Trail at Café 158
- 2015 - Coordinator, working with Ruah clients delivering a series of workshops which culminated their public art project, ‘Mandurian Stories’ displayed at the Mandurah Museum.
- 2015 - Participating Artist in the Stretch Art Trail at Bouvard Cruises
- 2014 - Coordinator for my pastel students from the Monday Night Pastel Group who participated the Stretch Art Trail at
The Stage Door
- 2013 - Participating Artist in the Stretch Festival Art Trail at CASM. (Formerly INQB8)
- 2011 - Coordinator for RT KIDS participation in the Stretch Festival’s ‘Community Flags Project.’ Click here RT Kids to see photos.
Events
- 2010 - ‘The Secret Garden.’ An interactive installation for the Children’s Festival at the Falcon e-Library and Community Centre.
Debra Petit and I were the artist-coordinators for this project. We delivered a series of workshops in which children created flowers, insects and paper mache rocks for ‘The Secret Garden’. Together we created a walk through, walled garden with interactive features. The Installation remained within the Library well after the Childrens Festival took place. Click here Children's Festival to see photos.
Educational Qualifications
- 1984-1988 Diploma in Fine Art, majoring in Painting. Claremont School of Art WA
- 1989- 2018 Attended numerous workshops, short courses, and classes over a wide range of disciplines. The most recent being in February this year. Acrylic painting with celebrated Western Australian Artist, Henry Mc Loughlin