Copyright Agency/Viscopy 'Voice of the Artist - Age of the Image'

I attended a valuable forum hosted by Copyright Agency/Viscopy at the Art Gallery of NSW, part of Sydney's VIVID Festival, looking at the impact of the digital world on arts practitioners.

Speakers providing different perspectives included a curator, researcher/lawyer, publisher, TV/Film media artist, creator of interactive digital experiences at museums.  Illuminating how all areas of the arts have been both positively and negatively affected by the digital experience.  Still evolving responses (social, legal, practical) as technology morphs into yet another new form. 

Consumption vs valuing original creativity, promotion vs preserving identity, quantity vs quality.  Lots of food for thought!

Magnificent Moreton Bay figs lining the paths towards the Art Gallery NSW, this morning before the Forum.  Thank goodness these trees are (hopefully) safe from 'development', unlike their poor counterparts along Anzac Parade/Moore Park.

Buzz Words e-zine - Competition Win!

I was thrilled to learn today that I had won the Buzz Words Illustration Competition, with my 'Bounce' birds illustration.  The prize is a selection of new children's picture books valued at over $100, which I'm very excitedly looking forward to reading and enjoying.  Thank you so much to Di Bates founder and Editor of Buzz Words, and to Bill Condon who judged the illustration entries!

Look out for my profile in the 'Your Own Work' segment of Buzz Words.

SCBWI February 2016 Word Challenge: Dance!

Theatre, puppets, dance - some of my favourite things!  So I've put them all into this little piece.

SCBWI November word prompt - Reflection

I'm always intrigued by drops of water on leaves and so is my inquisitive ladybird - surrounded by liquid mirrors.

SCBWI October Draw This!

SCBWI's prompt word was 'Enchanted', which of course led me to one of my favourite pieces, my princess in the enchanted forest.

SCBWI September Draw This!

'Muse' was the prompt word and 'Sausages' became both the source of contemplation and inspiration for a hopeful dog.

Creating a shop front Window Design

Creating a Window Picture at the Lindfield Learning Hub Bookshop.  I was asked to create a 'tree design' to decorate the glass shop front of this wonderful bookshop. The 'tree' is significant as the Hub uses a tree logo and it's gearing up for the arrival of Andy Griffiths' latest instalment in the 'Treehouse' Series, "The 65 Storey Treehouse" on Saturday 15 August.

I spent a week working on the design which includes a friendly rabbit, a wise owl and some inquisitive birds. The Hub plan to 'decorate' the tree throughout the year as the seasons pass and in response to their various imaginative children's workshops.

This was quite a project, but lots of fun too!

Yvonne busy creating her tree design for the Lindfield Learning Hub shop front window.

The finished window.

Detail of the Owl.

SCBWI August Word of the Month

The August prompt word was 'Diverse'.

I came up with a group of little humans and one 'ambidextrous' alien, all with diverse backgrounds but united in friendship.  Enjoy!

SCBWI illustrators July word of the month

July's word prompt was 'Adventure'.  So many possibilities...

I ended up with a pair of adventurous kids armed with a bucket, spade and a treasure map on a hot beach day.  Who knows what they'll find!

Draw This! a monthly prompt word for SCBWI illustrators

Bounce is the inaugural prompt word for SCBWI illustrator members, for the month of June, and I've been inspired to create this fun picture featuring some energetic fledgelings who can't wait to try out their wings!

Each month, SCBWI will reveal a new inspirational word and I'm looking forward to being creatively challenged.  Stay tuned for each month's effort...

Yvonne wins Art on Loftus Award

Opening Night of Art on Loftus, 21 November 2014.

I was thrilled when the Art on Loftus Most Outstanding - Open Award was announced - I had won!  The very generous top award was given to my mixed media painting, "Water - quiet ripples catch a shaft of light".  

My inspiration was of course nature and in particular, the beautiful Blue Mountains.  I experimentally combined my favourite medium of watercolour with acrylic and oil pastels and going out of my comfort zone appears to have paid off!  

Here's how the Judge, award-winning artist Lyndsey Hatchwell described my work:  "This work caught my eye immediately.  Lovely flowing composition with skilled use of mixed media.  Great atmosphere."

You can view my piece along with the other winners on: www.artonloftus.c3carlingford.org.au.