Artists Down Under - Australia and New Zealand - October 2020

DOWN UNDER Australia and New Zealand

Issue 43 - october 2020 | digital ar tistr y

04 E D I T O R ’ S M E S S A G E

27 LY N D A R L I N G T O N - Wisteria

by Pam Henderson

05 P H OTO S H O P A R T I S T R Y 06 K E V I N S I M S - Safe Fishing

07 L O U I S E S M I T H - Darcy

08 J E N N E - Fant astic al Faer y t ales # 2

09 C A R O LY N DA K I N - Bird Nation

- Legs

28 B I L L O L D H A M

by Sebastian Michaels

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- Gonzias Rule

- Ta k e I n T h e G o o d

29 I N G R I D J A KO B S E N - Three Pears

11 D A L E B O T H A - If The Crown Fits, Wear It

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- Exodus

- Waratah Ve n i c e

32 K Y E T H O M P S O N - Fr o g P r i n c e s s

16 J U D I L A P S L E Y M I L L E R - The Watcher (Blue A nd G old M a c a w)

17- A R T I S T S 23 AC H I E V E M E N T S - Fac ebook Page - Living The Photo Ar tistic Life - Shift Art

24 M A R Y K N AG G S - Kings Park Botanical Display

25 A N D R E W H AY S O M - Impressionist Gums - Impressionist Sugar Gums

26 T R I S H H O S K I N - Dahlia - Dahlia Bright

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- Butter flies II

48 A R T I C L E CHINESE WHISPERS # 35

by Maureen Max well

33 M E AG H A N P R YO R

49- F E AT U R E D A R T I S T M AUREEN M A X W ELL 58 - Dancer Dreaming

I N S P I R AT I O N

- Fut ur e D r e a m in g I I

by Andrew Haysom

- Fut ur e D r e a m in g I I I - Sydney Harbour

36 H E L E N A K E R S T R O M - On The Nose I

- Golden Brisbane

- On The Nose II

- Golden Sydney - Melbourne Street Ar t

37 I L O N A A B O U - Z O L O F

- Victoria, BC Dreamscape

- Dead End Bus Stop I

- M e e t Yo u r A r t i s t

- Dead End Bus Stop II

- Just Resting

14- R O BY N L A K E M A N 15 - T h e C r o w

47 D E N I S E M c D E R M O T T

- Question

13 G I TA M A D AY

SUE MAPLES - Cairns Botanical Gardens

30- PA U L N E A R Y 31 - S h e D r e a m e d O f

BARBAR A DUDZINSK A - My Dreams

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- Molly

34- A R T I C L E 35 S O M E P H O T O S H O P

SHARON R ANKMORE - Mates

- Eye O f The Stor m

10 C H R I S B A R N E S

44 C H R I S T I N A B R U N T O N

- D r e am s O f T h e Fut ur e - South Pacific Dreaming

38 S H A R Y N WA L K E R - Prisoner Of Love

59 C O L I N A L L E N - Still Life I

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KIM RICCI - Off Course

40- M A R G A R E T K A L M S 41 - G l i s t e n i n g A r t D e c o 42 M I K E K A N E - Elvin

43 D E N N I S R I C K A R D - Harrassment - In Flight

- Still Life III

60- K A R E N WA A LW Y K 61 - T h e B u z z a r d 62

ALI OPPY - Space Cadet

63 A L B A M A S S - The Jester

64 M A R I S A L I B E R AT O - Fer n

73 J E N N I F E R FAW K E S - Flinders Street

- Kingfisher

65 M I C K R O O N E Y - Sisters - Ve g g i e M a n

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- Oh What Have I Done!

75 S U E M A S T E R S O N

JULIE POWELL - Without Light

- Another Dreamy Time

76 A N N W E H N E R - Yo u N e v e r L i s t e n

67 D E A N H O H N - In The Sacred Garden

68 J A N N E L L E M E R R E T T - Te a F o r Tw o

- Angel Gate

77 H E M A N T KO G E K A R - Seeing The Light

- Mask, Isolation - Va s e s

79 G E O R G E KO N C Z - A r t i s t ’s I m p r e s s i o n O f INTERVIEW

- Madame Dragonfly

81- A R T I S T S C H A L L E N G E 92 M O N T H LY P H O T O G R A P H I C CHALLENGE

By Pam Henderson

93- A D U A R T I S T S 97 B U S I N E S S

ADVERTISEMENTS - Online Courses * Julie Powell

78 C O L I N C A M P B E L L

69 C LY D E S C O R G I E 70- A R T I C L E 72 N I K K I T I B B L E S

74 P E N N Y D E J O N G

80 PA M H E N D E R S O N

- Ar t Of Birding Wildlife & Nature Photography Chal lenge 2020 * Judi Lapsley Miller - W a t e r Fr o m A r t * Dean Hohn - Helping Women With En dometriosis * Margaret Kalms

Stanley Chasm

b y Tr i s h H o s k i n

F R O N T C OV E R

by M AUREEN M A X WELL - Fu t u r e D r e a m i n g I

Paul Neary - Istanbul Marketplace

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a r t i s t s DOWN UNDER Australia and New Zealand

Hello everyone and welcome to our monthly edition of Artists Down Under.

As we see the Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease in most places, there is a sense of relief on one hand, but also a nervous tension that hangs in the air on the other. We still have a long way to go, hopefully everyone is safe & staying healthy.

This month, keeping alongside Spring, the Monthly Artists Photographic Challenge was themed “Bees”, and our artists didn’t disappoint us.

Some amazing photography and imaginations have been shared for you all.

Our Feature Artist this month is Maureen Maxwell, who is also one of the members of the Redlands Digital Artists group. Maureen shares with us some of her amazing images, I hope you all enjoy them.

The Redlands Digital Artists Group are atit again, sharing their fun and creativity in another of their Chinese Whispers series.

Andrew Haysom has been hard at it again, putting pen to paper to come up with another Photoshop Tutorial for you to try, this month it is on Improving the Performance of the Spot Healing Brush with Blend Modes - enjoy.

Trish Hoskin interviews Nikki Tibbles this month, what an amazingly talented lady.

Pam Henderson - Flower Child

I hope you all enjoy this edition of Artists Down Under.

Until next month, stay safe everyone and take care of each other.

Pam

Henderson

Backgrounds: Foxy Squirrell Laitha’s Designs - Jai Johnson - White Lane Studio Copyright 2017 © Artists in this publication are responsible for any rights appertaining to their work.

Hemant Kogekar - Countryside Imagined

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HTTPS://PROPHOTOSHOPARTISTRY.COM

Image by: Sonia Pusey, Photoshop Artistry Student

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SAFE FISHING

by KEVIN SIMS

New Zealand

http://www.kevinsims.co.nz https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/kevin-sims/

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DA R CY

by LOUISE SMITH

Australia

https://www.facebook.com/lksmithphotography/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/louise-smith/

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FA N TA S T I CA L FA E RY TA L E S # 2

by J E N N E

Australia

https://www.facebook.com/digitalartistry/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/jenne-jackson/

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B I R D N AT I O N b y C A R O LY N DA K I N

New Zealand

dakincarolyn@myportfolio.com https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/carolyn-dakin/

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TA K E I N T H E G O O D

by CHRIS BARNES

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/christine-barnes/

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IF THE CROWN FITS, WE AR IT b y DA L E B O T H A

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/dale-botha/

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MY DREAMS

E XO D U S

by BARBAR A DUDZINSK A

Australia

https:// www.SmartArtPlace.com

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/barbara-dudzinska/

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JUST RESTING b y G I TA M A DAY

Australia

gitamaday.com/gallery https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/gitama-day/

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THE CROW b y R O BY N L A K E M A N

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Australia

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T H E WATC H E R ( B L U E A N D G O L D M ACAW )

by J U D I L A P S L E Y M I L L E R

New Zealand

https://www.artbyjlm.com/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/judi-lapsley-miller/

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artists down under

monthly Achievements 17

artists down under facebook

page

Hemmant Kogekar - Shipwreck

Joyce Maris - Funky Girl

Meaghan Pryor - The Last Snow

The Artists Down Under Public Facebook page has been set up to allow the artists in the group to showcase their work and to enable them to share promotional information about themselves, e.g. exhbitions, awards etc...

You can find the Artists Down Under Public Facebook page at this address; https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtistsDownUnder/ So, if you are an artist in the group, don’t forget to regularly share your work and information here, and to let your friends and family know about the page if they are interested in viewing the latest art and news from the group.

If you are a reader of the magazine who does not have access to the page, please click the link above and request to join. When you request to join you will be asked to answer three simple questions that will allow us to determine if you are an eligible artist who may wish to join the group and therefore be able to post on the page, or a member of the public who can view, comment and like the work on the page. It’s a great place to see some great art from this vibrant group every day!

Paul Neary - Istanbul Princess

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Gitama Day - Her Eyes, Her Eggs

Meaghan Pryor - Connected

Trish Hoskin - Dahlia Delights

Julie Powell - Spring Blooms

Meaghan Pryor - Blended Beauty

Three ADU members receive a special gift Our very good Awake friends Teddi Rutschman of Foxey Squirrel and Diane Stafford from WhiteLaneStudio continue to give gifts as a reward for members of the Artists Down Under group who contribute to the ADU Facebook page by regularly posting their artworks and supporting other members with their comments.

Teddi, from Virginia, USA, is well known for her fantastic sets of digital designer backgrounds, masks and all kinds of wonderful elements ready for designers to add to or build a wondrous creation.

Teddi Rutshman can be found at

http://www.foxeysquirrel.com/ http://www.oscraps.com/shop/Foxeysquirrel Teddi has given a $10.00 voucher for one very lucky member to spend in her on-line shop.

Diane Stafford from Chester, UK, designs Photoshop textures and overlays for photo artists and photographers to use in their digital artworks. Diane has created another special kit just for Artists Down Under for the month of October.

The October lucky winners are Teddi Rutschman (Foxy Squirrel) Gift Voucher of $10.00 - Al BaMass Diane Stafford (WhiteLaneStudio) Texture & Overlay Kit - Bernice Fargus - Kay Evison

Two artists will receive a Diane kit each.

Diane Stafford can be found at

https://whitelanestudio.co.uk/biolinks

Karen Waalwyk - Rufous-Crested Coquette

Foxy Squirrel Collection - 200 Eden

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LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE https://issuu.com/thephotoartisticlife/docs/issue67-final?fr=sY2Y1ZjI1ODEw Congratulations to the following artists for having their images chosen to appear in the International magazine “Living The Photo Artistic Life”.

Gitama Day - The Thief - Fertile Kim Ricci - At Journey’s End Julie Powell - Fairy Stories (Autumn) - Fairy Stories (Spring) Jenne - Fantastical Faerytales #3 Meaghan Pryor - Centaur - Falling Leaves Louise Smith - Masked Carolyn Dakin - Morning Light - The Threshold Of Change Christina Brunton - Lilac Breasted Roller - Mum And Bub Zebra Trish Hoskin - Isadora - From The Jetty Dale Botha - She Told Her Story - Melbourne 2019

Carolyn Dakin - Morning Light

Jenne Jackson - Fantastical Faerytales #3

Meaghan Pryor - Centaur

Julie Powell - Fairy Stories (Spring)

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Trish Hoskin - Isadora

Julie Powell - Fairy Stories (Autumn)

LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE

Louise Smith - Masked

Dale Botha - Melbourne 2019

Gitama Day - The Thief

Dale Botha - She Told Her Story

Meaghan Pryor - Falling Leaves Gitama Day - Fertile

Trish Hoskin - From The Jetty

Carolyn Dakin - The Threshold Of Change

Christina Brunton - Lilac Breasted Roller

Kim Ricci - At Journey’s End

Christina Brunton - Mum And Bub Zebra

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shift art SEPTEMBER 2020 Theme “surreal sci-fi ” Congratulations goes to Karen Waalwyk for receiving First Place in the September Shift Art Competition.

Karen’s entry was “Raising A New World” Also congratulations goes to Kim Ricci and Meaghan Pryor for receiving honourable mentions and to Penny De Jong for being noticed.

Kim Ricci - Specimen Found

Karen Waalwyk - Raising A New World

Penny De Jong - Take Me To Your Leader

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Meaghan Pryor - Time Travellers

shift art daz SEPTEMBER 2020 George Koncz Theme Congratulations goes to

for his recent exhibition held at the Cessnock Library in the month of August.

“a little pixie ”

Congratulations goes to Karen Waalwyk for receiving First Place in the September DAZ Shift Art Competition.

Karen’s entry was “Freeing The Fireflies”

Karen Waalwyk - Freeing The Fireflies

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K I N G S PA R K B O TA N I CA L D I S P L AY b y M A RY K N AG G S

Australia

https://www.facebook.com/MaryK-Photographic-Art-145293185640662/ http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/mary-knaggs/

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IMPRESSIONIST GUMS

IMPRESSIONIST SUGAR GUMS b y A N D R E W H AY S O M

Australia

https://andrewhaysom.myportfolio.com/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/andrew-haysom/

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DA H L I A

DA H L I A B R I G H T

by TRISH HOSKIN

Australia

https://www.trishphotography.com http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/trish-hoskin/

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WISTERIA b y LY N DA R L I N G T O N

Australia

http://www.sabvaningphotoart.com https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/lyn-darlington/

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GONZIAS RULE

by BILL OLDHAM

Australia

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25818712@N04/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/bill-oldham/

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THREE PE ARS

M O L LY b y I N G R I D JA KO B S E N

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/ingrid-jakobsen/

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SHE DREAMED OF VENICE

by PAU L N E A RY

Australia

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/paul-neary/

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31

FROG PRINCESS

QUESTION

by K YE THOMPSON

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/kye-thompson/

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EYE OF THE STORM b y M E AG H A N P RYO R

Australia

https://www.theartinspires.com/ http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/meaghan-pryor/

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a Dr t Oi sWt sN U N D E R Australia and New Zealand

SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SPOT HEALING BRUSH WITH BLEND MODES

By Andrew Haysom

The Spot Healing Brush tool in Photoshop usually does a pretty good job, but there is a fairly easy way to improve the accuracy and performance of it using blend modes.

The tool itself has Blend Modes that you can change via the drop-down list in the Options bar (see Figure 1).

[Figure 1 – Healing Tool Blend Modes]

Using the Spot Healing Brush tool in Lighten mode will only target dark objects (eg dark hairs on a subject’s face, or dark skin blemishes).

Using the Spot Healing Brush tool in Darken mode will only target light objects (eg light hairs on a subject’s face, or highlights on skin).

Both of these methods provide you with a much more targeted replacement than using the tool in Normal mode, making it much less likely that the tool will replace unwanted areas around the blemish.

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SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION (CONT....)

When you have the Spot Healing Brush active, you can use the following shortcut keys to select the tool blend modes.

[Shift+Opt+G] (Mac) or [Shift+Alt+G] (Windows) – Lighten blend mode [Shift+Opt+K] (Mac) or [Shift+Alt+K] (Windows) – Darken blend mode [Shift+Opt+N] (Mac) or [Shift+Alt+N] (Windows) – Normal blend mode It is always advisable to utilise a blank layer in Photoshop to perform this sort of image correction. Not only does this make the operation non-destructive, but it also gives you the option of reducing the repair layers opacity slightly which can often make the changes look more natural (especially with skin retouching).

If you don’t like to change the tool’s blend mode, another option is to keep the tool blend mode at Normal, but to change the blend mode of the blank layer you create to do the correction to Lighten or Darken.

Figure 2 shows a layer structure I will often create for retouching, with a layer named Lighten which has the blend mode set to Lighten, and a layer named Darken which has the blend mode set to Darken. Then, remove the dark blemishes on the Lighten layer and the light blemishes on the Darken layer.

Next time you’re using the Spot Healing Brush try using Lighten and Darken blend mode – I think you will appreciate the difference.

Andrew Haysom

[Figure 2 – Using layers with Lighten / Darken]

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ON THE NOSE I

ON THE NOSE II

by HELEN AKERSTROM

Australia

https://www.facebook.com/helen.akerstrom https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/helen-akerstrom/

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DE AD END BUS STOP I

DE AD END BUS STOP II

by ILONA ABOU- ZOLOF

Australia

https://www.zolof.net/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/ilona-abou-zolof/nu n d e r. c o m .

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PRISONER OF LOVE b y S H A RY N WA L K E R

Australia

https://www.changeoffocus.com.au http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/sharyn-walker/

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OFF COURSE

by KIM RICCI

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/kim-ricci/

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GLISTENING ART DECO

by MARGARET K ALMS

Australia

http://www.endowomanart.com https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/margaret-kalms/

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E LV I N

by MIKE K ANE

Australia

https://www.mikekanephotography.com.au/ http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/mike-kane/

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HAR ASSMENT

I N FL I G H T

by DENNIS RICK ARD

Australia

https://ink361.com/app/users/ig-3279276017/dennisrickard/photos https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/dennis-rickard/

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LEGS

by CHRISTINA BRUNTON

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/christina-brunton/

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M AT E S

by SHARON R ANKMORE

Australia

https://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/sharon-rankmore/

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CA I R N S B O TA N I CA L G A R D E N S

WA R ATA H

by SUE MAPLES

Australia

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/sue-maples/

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B U T T E R FL I E S I I

by DENISE McDERMOT T

Australia

https://www.imagesbydenise.net https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/denise-mcdermott/

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aDrOt W i s tNs

UNDER

Australia and New Zealand

DIGITAL ARTISTS GROUP A COLLABORATIVE GROUP OF PHOTO ARTISTS

CHINESE WHISPERS #35 “THE ARTIST”

STAGE 1

TRANSFORMATION! When Pam finished ‘playing’ with the somewhat difficult challenge I set her, I immediately thought ‘… what a transformation!’. Whilst there are many interpretations of the word, this dictionary meaning leapt out at me - ‘a metamorphosis during the life cycle of an animal’.

The rather fanciful drawings of a crocodile and fish I started out with, have been turned into a Crocodile Artist, and a fish using an umbrella. What a leap of imagination! We usually take our artistic attempts quite seriously, but at times, it is pure joy to create something humorous and fun! Letting the imagination run wild is just one of the many reasons we all love the endless opportunities Photo Artistry has given us.

Maureen Maxwell

STAGE 2

ENJOY! Maureen Maxwell

Pam Henderson

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M AU R E E N M A X W E L L

DA N C E R D R E A M I N G

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FUTURE DRE AMING II

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FUTURE DRE AMING III

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SY D N E Y H A R B O U R

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GOLDEN BRISBANE

G O L D E N SY D N E Y

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MELBOURNE STREET ART

V I C T O R I A , B C D R E A M S CA P E

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Meet your artist Maureen Maxwell Brisbane, QLD Australia

Website :

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http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/maureen-maxwell/

Tell us a little about yourself and where you live.

I live in the beautiful waterside city of Redlands, 30kms east of Brisbane on Moreton Bay. It is a small city and an area rich in wildlife and beautiful scenery. I am a mother of two children and grandmother to a wonderful grandson. I also have a lovely extended family. My husband is very supportive and enjoys my artistic endeavours. I’ve always enjoyed going to art galleries both in Australia and overseas, but had thought I had little creative ability.

How did you become interested/get started in Photo Artistry?

When I retired after a long career in IT, and raising a family, I wanted to get the creative side of my brain working and to travel. I took up photography as a first step. I tried many genres and achieved a level of success in International and Australian competitions. I’m not a competitive person and found the rules imposed on this type of photography too restrictive. I was looking for some other creative outlet.

Producing books became an interest. These range from biographies, books about our travels and my art endeavours. I have just finished the 6th edition of a series called ‘My Photo Artistic Journey’. This journey began when I came across the courses run by Sebastian Michaels.

That was the ‘Ah! Ha!’ moment when I realised Photo Artistry would be my new direction.

What inspires you or gives you inspiration to create your art?

Inspiration comes from so many sources. It may be a piece of music, a quotation or passage in a book, a chance comment by a friend, visits to an art gallery, being out in nature observing the landscape, or walking around a city. Suggested projects from my courses also can be inspiring. Primarily I want to let my imagination run free and enjoy the journey. I write down all these flashes of inspiration for development later.

Do you have a certain approach to creating your art?

I like to try different styles and techniques, so I don’t have a particular approach. I occasionally do a theme-based set of images, but after a while I feel the need to move on to something else.

I’ll trawl through my stash of photos until one pops out, or I will dip into my journal of ideas and go from there. I will also get ideas from watching the training videos of the courses I do.

What does your art mean to you?

My art is a major focus in my life. I gain a wonderful sense of achievement through learning and increasing my skills, and then producing art I’m pleased with. My artistic journey is not one that I thought possible for most of my life. It lifts me up! I find it rewarding, satisfying, relaxing and an escape from the pressures of life.

Do you think since starting in Photo Artistry it has changed you and if so, how?

Photo artistry has enabled me to embark on a creative journey that has limitless possibilities. I now know I’m only limited by my imagination.

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Is there anyone that you draw inspiration from?

I love belonging to my private local and international art communities – the people involved are so positive and friendly. The many talented artists in the ‘Artists Down Under’ and ‘Living the Photo Artistic Life’ groups are very inspiring and motivating. I particularly find the art of USA artist Cheryl Parris inspirational. I also enjoy working with Pam Henderson, our editor, on our collaborations. We are always challenging each other and she enables me to see how an image can be taken in so many different directions.

Where do you see (or hope to see) your art taking you in the future? What are your next steps?

I want to continue to further develop my creativity. I also want to turn some of the many creative ideas recorded in my journals into artworks. Still Life photography has also become a major interest so that will be another focal point. I also have a children’s book underway. I recently took up abstract painting (both digital and with ‘real’ paints), which is interesting and challenging. So, the future is full of lots of ideas and plans.

DRE AMS OF THE FUTURE

S O U T H PAC I F I C D R E A M I N G

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STILL LIFE I

STILL LIFE III

by COLIN ALLEN

Australia

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/colin-allen/

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THE BUZ Z ARD b y K A R E N WA A LW Y K

Australia

https://www.flickr.com/photos/88165766@N05 https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/karen-waalwyk/

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S PAC E CA D E T

by ALI OPPY

New Zealand

https://www.facebook.com/Mystic-Sparrow-Digital-Art-548233315689785/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/ali-oppy/

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THE JESTER

by AL BAMASS

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/al-bamass/

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TERN

KINGFISHER b y M A R I S A L I B E R AT O

Australia

https://www.marisalphotography.com https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/marisa-liberato/

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SISTERS

VEGGIE MAN

by MICK ROONEY

Australia

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/mick-rooney/

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WITHOUT LIGHT

by JULIE POWELL

Australia

https://www.juliepowellphoto.com/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/julie-powell/

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I N T H E S AC R E D G A R D E N

by DEAN HOHN

Australia

https:// www.facebook.com/Dean-Hohn-Photo-Artistry-247723325687722/

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/dean-hohn/

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T E A FO R T W O b y JA N N E L L E M E R R E T T

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/janelle-merrett/

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A N G E L G AT E

by C LY D E S C O R G I E

Australia

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-1/clyde-scorgie/

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a Dr t Oi sWt sN U N D E R Australia and New Zealand

NIKKI TIBBLES INTERVIEW

By Trish Hoskin

Hello again everyone, this month I decided to look for some beautiful forms of art that are a little different from what we all do, but amazing creativity none the less.

Having been to London 9 times, I do have an affinity with it (do you think!!) and have always read heaps of articles, looked at various YouTube sites and subscribed to heaps of newsletters etc., where I came across the stunning work of Nikki Tibbles. I absolutely love flowers as most of us do and her work just resonated with me and thought it would be interesting for all of us.

So, I decided to ask Nikki if she would be kind enough share some of her insights for us.

Nikki all of your floral designs are absolutely a work of art - and I love your Company Name how did that come about?

When I was setting up my floral business many years ago everyone use to read magazines. I sat and pulled out images and words I loved and I kept coming back to the movie Wild at Heart.

I tore out lots of images of typography. I loved the Wild at Heart tattoo of a heart with a dagger and flowers. I kept coming back to that image and knew that was what I should name my business.

Looking at your work both on your site and on Instagram, I would have to say you are certainly not the average Florist - where did you get your amazing sense of artistry to produce floral masterpieces?

I just like masses of colour and pattern and stripes and spots and all different patterns that are never meant to go together. I like layers of print on print on print and I love generosity of spirit which is why everything has such scale.

Some of your wedding arrangements are just stunning - how long would it take to put together one of these displays and what preparation is required beforehand?

It very much depends on the size and scale of the event but we take great care putting our flowers together, choosing our flowers and making sure we have the best quality, each piece is unique and exciting.

Some brides come to us with ideas from magazines, Instagram, Pinterest etc., and know exactly what they want. Others have no idea so we lead on the creative process.

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NIKKI TIBBLES INTERVIEW (CONT....)

Your works are truly artistic and for most of our group who work with photos or designer products to create our own kind of digital artistry that lasts as long as we would like I guess, do you feel sad that your creations have a limited lifespan?

No I love the fact that flowers grow, we use them they fade and die. My job suits me perfectly as I have a short attention span.

That’s why I have remained so passionate and excited about the work I produce for the last 20 years.

Do your ideas depend on what is available in the flower markets etc., or do you have an idea and then work out how you can bring it together with what you can get?

I think we know what’s around at that time of year but obviously, all the time new flowers are developed and introduced. I always look to nature for inspiration – in hedgerows / woods / the countryside and look to add something that gives it more individuality.

I can see on your website that weddings have been hosted in Europe, does that mean you get to travel to do the arrangements and I assume you have some great contacts in specific places to be able to source the right flowers at the right time?

All our flowers come from Holland and Great Britain. We try to buy British when we can. Otherwise all our flowers come from Holland and are shipped to wherever we are working.

How has Covid-19 Pandemic affected your business - have you found people are buying more flowers to cheer themselves up?

We as an industry have been one of the hardest hit in hospitality as all events have been cancelled since March. Obviously, events make up the major part of our business.

So, it’s given us the opportunity to work on our online offering and develop that to bring out new products online including Wild at Heart Bride and Wild at Heart Home and look where we need to develop our brand moving forward which will include an all immersive fabulous new store.

People are still buying flowers and sending flowers to loved ones who they can’t see.

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NIKKI TIBBLES INTERVIEW (CONT....)

Wild At Heart Bride

Wild At Heart

Has the likes of Instagram and Social media been able to boost your business long term rather than just the original shop front etc? Would you recommend these types of platforms for anyone trying to sell their “art”.

Absolutely, yes.

I am also amazed at your finding time to be heavily involved in your foundation for stray dogs and animal welfare, how do you find the time to keep up with this fantastic project?

Because it’s my real passion and I have been able to give back to the world thanks to my business. Dogs have always been my passion having grown up with them all my life. When I found out there were 600 million stray dogs in the world I knew I had to do something about it. I spend time everyday working on various projects and meetings but I have the most incredible team to help too. They don’t really need me!

What’s the average day in the life of Nikki Tibbles?

I wake up and let the dogs into the garden for a wee and make a cup of Earl Grey. Then we all go back to bed and I check my emails and see what the day has in store. It’s usually various meetings with clients or my team. If I don’t have an event that evening I like to meet up with friends and eat somewhere close to home.

A last piece of advice you could give anyone wanting to pursue their artistic endeavour as you have done?

I don’t believe in giving up on anything. Never give up and always believe in yourself. I was taught I could do anything, so I did!

Thanks so much again and I am such a fan of her beautiful work, if I ever get back to London again with all these strange times, I will be sure to stop by the store to just take in all the gorgeous blooms.

Trish

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FL I N D E R S S T R E E T

by J E N N I F E R FAW K E S

Australia

https://www.facebook.com/Jen-Fawkes-Photography-326371111357378/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/jennifer-fawkes/

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O H W H AT H AV E I D O N E !

by PENNY DE JONG

Australia

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/penny-de-jong/

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ANOTHER DRE AMY TIME

by SUE MASTERSON

Australia

https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Masterton-Digital-Artist-1662189864018110/ http://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/sue-masterson/

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YO U N E V E R L I S T E N

by A N N W E H N E R

Australia

https://www.annwehnerdigitalartistry.com https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/ann-wehner/

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SEEKING THE LIGHT b y H E M A N T KO G E K A R

Australia

https://www.instagram.com/hkogekar/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/hemant-kogekar/

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M A S K , I S O L AT I O N

VA S E S

by COLIN CAMPBELL

Australia

https://colincampbell.myportfolio.com

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/colin-campbell/

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A R T I S T ’ S I M P R E S S I O N O F S TA N L E Y C H A S M b y G E O R G E KO N C Z

Australia

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/george-koncz/

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M A DA M E D R AG O N FLY b y PA M H E N D E R S O N

Australia

https://www.facebook.com/snapnshootdesigns/ http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/pam-henderson/

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artists down under monthly artistic photographic challenge theme:

buzzy bees 81

Andrew Haysom - Bees

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Julie Powell - The Birds And Bees

Pam Henderson - Back To Work

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Chris Barnes - Just Being Me

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Karen Waalwyk - The Honey Bee

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Margaret Kalms - 2 Bee Or Not 2 Bee

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Jannelle Merrett - Bee Wisteria

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Kim Ricci - Lavender Bee

Christina Brunton - Pink With Bee

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Jenne - Fantastical Faerytales #4

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Maureen Maxwell - Bees And Honey

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Mick Rooney - Queenbee

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Judy Lapsley Miller - Bumble-Bee Feasting

Penny De Jong - Bee

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aDrOt iWs tNs

UNDER

Australia and New Zealand

adu artists s s e n i s u b s t n e m e s i t r e v d a 93

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Australia and New Zealand

FOREST & BIRD Online Store Bird Art by Judi Lapsley Miller

Forest & Bird’s online shop now stocks four new fine-art bird prints by photo-artist Judi Lapsley Miller, featuring the beloved tūī. Sales support Forest & Bird’s enduring advocacy work for the wildlife of Aotearoa. Judi also donates 10% of her proceeds to Zealandia EcoSanctuary. Forest & Bird is New Zealand’s leading independent conservation organisation. For nearly a century they have been protecting and restoring Aotearoa’s wildlife and wild places - on land and in the sea. Judi has been a member and supporter for over 15 years and is delighted to be able to further support their efforts through her wildlife-advocacy-inspired art. https://shop.forestandbird.org.nz/bird-art-by-judi-lapsley-miller?gn=Home&gp=3

From Whence Cometh Evil

At What Cost Forever

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WATER FROM ART

by Dean Hohn

As many of you will know, my “WHY”, is using my art to support the Care for Africa Foundation to drill fresh water wells in the 6 villages it supports in the Tarime District of Tanzania. These villages are off the tourist route and therefore received no form of aid until the Care For Africa Foundation heard about their plight and decided to do something to help.

It was the middle of June 2016 when a friend and fellow photographer posted some of her designs on Facebook that the idea of using my art for designs on clothing and scarves hit me. I asked her if she would mind if I copied the idea, of using my art on clothing and she said no.

The end of June 2016 I launched my Nuna Collection, with designs originating from my rock art that dated back to the Nuna Era. As a designer I receive a commission of 10% for each piece that is sold and I in turn donate all proceeds to the Care For Africa Foundation.

My designs have evolved over time and my latest designs are more contemporary and varied. You can view the collection at

https://tinyurl.com/yc5ar9gw

I also do custom designs and if you would like something created especially for you, you can contact me at dean.hohn@bigpond.com and I will be glad to discuss it with you.

The scarves are available in Modal, Cashmere Modal, Cashmere Silk and 100% Cashmere. If you find a design you would like in a fabric other than shown, please contact me and I’ll add it and let you know when it’s available to order.

I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received to date and would appreciate any support you can give me in the future.

Dean L Hohn Below are samples of some of my latest designs.

Mall Art Cashmere Silk Scarf

Autumn Leaves

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Copper Beach

Red Hot Poker

Natures Abstract #1

Autumn Maples 1

Helping Women with Endometriosis Art 50% of profit donated to endometriosis research

When I first heard about endometriosis I felt a deep compassion and need to do what I could to help.

Women with endometriosis suffer debilitating pain, disruptive symptoms and often endure multiple operations simply to function normally. Few people are patient when listening to descriptions of pain, symptoms or illness. This can have the effect of silencing people who are ill.

My compassion inspires my photoart which I show in presentations to raise awareness. I joined Awake to teach me advanced Photoshop skills, specifically to expand my photoartistic skills to create imaginative and dramatic images.

My photoart opens dialogue enabling freer expression of hidden feelings, experiences too private to mention in ordinary conversation. I create photoart inspired by the concerns of women with endometriosis. Several women have said that the process of imaging their suffering has helped them to face their pain and illness. There is immense strength in being heard. I want my photoart to become visual screams!!

26 women with endometriosis have told me about their experiences. They spoke to me about their concerns and collaborated during the photo session. We explored meanings of body, ideas of self and impacts of illness together, agreeing which ideas we would explore photographically.

My photos are often carefully arranged, but that doesn’t mean they are fake. They represent the personal truth and experiences of 26 women with endometriosis. These women are remembering and acting out their OWN experiences. They choose their own stance and facial expression.

Women with endometriosis are the only people who truly know what endometriosis FEELS like.

Unfortunately endometriosis is relatively common; an estimated 1 in 10 women living with endometriosis, being over 175,000,000 women worldwide! And an estimated 500,000 women in Australia! Their experiences are heart-breaking. Regular illness and debilitating pain result in missed education and poor career opportunities leaving them women vulnerable to poverty.

by Margaret Kalms

Share ‘EndoWomanArt’ with your friends on social media to raise awareness and money for women’s health!

We all need clothes & household goods. Buy yourself a treat or buy a special gift for your friends. Make your shopping count!

Remember 50% of profit goes to endometriosis research!

https://www.redbubble.com/ people/EndoWomanArt/shop Follow ‘Life with Endometriosis’:

https://www.facebook.com/ LifeWithEndometriosis See Margaret Kalms photoart, ‘Life with Endometriosis’:

http://www.endowomanart.com Margaret Kalms

Women with endometriosis need real medical progress to reduce their suffering. I passionately desire to raise money for endometriosis research so that faster diagnoses are made and more effective treatments are found. To raise money for endometriosis research, I host events and sell products on Redbubble. Recently I gave $3,000 to Canberra Endometriosis Centre!

Bunch Of Butterflies On Grevillea Sweatshirt

Butterflies False Colour Grey Stripes

Bunch Of Butterflies On Grevillea Pencil Case

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WEBSITE:

http://artistsdownunder.com.au/

http://tinyurl.com/artisitsdownunderpublic