Art Lab For Kids is a wonderful new book by Susan Schwake, the mastermind behind artstream studios. It’s a source of ideas and lessons for creating all manner of different art with children… mind you I learnt a couple of new things from it too.

Beautifully photographed and clearly laid out, it steps you through 52 different art styles, each relating to a particular artist; a type of “how to achieve their look” guide.

And I am delighted to be one of the artists! I’m on the watercolour and pencil page.

The book is lovely, meaty and inspiring. You can buy it online here, and find out more about it here.
 

A few months back I did a commission for a very musical family. Craig and Elke were about to be married after having been together for years and years, and wanted something special to mark this time in their lives together (along with their gorgeous daughter and beloved pooch).

Craig had proposed to Elke by taking her for a walk on the beach and letting her find a message in a bottle he had planted there earlier. A-MAZ-ING!

I included lots of instruments and musical elements in the painting too, to represent the passion they have for their band “Pachooka“. The picture was to be printed on beer coolers for their wedding. Hope it was unforgettable guys.

This month Lifestyle Asia magazine published a lovely big four glossy-paged feature of my work. If you can read chinese you can read the interview, if not the stylish design and layout is worth a look in itself, the Chinese characters make it look so fancy! Big thanks to Ambrosia for the interview (and whoever designed the beautiful layout). Pick the magazine up in Sydney if you feel like a look.

Recently I did a photoshoot for my good friend Cath; (maker of gorgeous cushions, mind and hands behind My Bearded Pigeon), for her Etsy Featured Seller interview.

Yay Cath!

While I was away things were still happening, here and there.

The beautiful MAEVE Magazine interviewed me for their 2011 Winter edition.

Here’s a snippet:

MAEVE is an online magazine for style-savy mums, released quarterly, beautifully designed and filled with good interesting stuff.

Thanks MAEVE!

But as a send off, for these next few days I have stocked my shop to the brim with lots of goodness. Get in quick while I’m still able to fit behind the steering wheel of the car and waddle my way to the post office.

There are wombat prints, pillowcases, and cushion covers, plus 2 designs of whale library bags, and a stack or cards and prints. Once they are sold, that will be it for a while.

So go have a peep-see!

The first lot for the Art 4 Heart auction (raising money for the QLD Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal), wrapped up over the weekend. And I am astounded, and also very proud to pass on the news that together we raised $2,440!

So far…

Now it’s time for Lot Number 2. Even more artists (including Sarah McNeil, one of my all time favourites), even more lovely art, and another chance to nab yourself something wonderful for your walls this new year, all whilst helping those in need.

Go have a peepsee: Art 4 Heart.