Artist of the month - Natasha Farrar

There are endless possibilities for all the creative minds out there in the world of art. Have you ever thought what a life of an illustrator would be like? You wake up every morning and just draw…too good to be true right? But that is exactly the life of an illustrator. And I believe the work of an illustrator always wins people’s hearts. One such illustrator who won my heart is Natasha all the way from Sydney. There is this soft, simple innocence that oozes out from her illustrations. Her drawings are whimsical, cute and cuddly. Have a look at her illustrations and let’s hear more from Natasha herself!

A brief about yourself. 

Natasha Farrar

I have lived in Sydney all my life, and spent most of my childhood drawing, playing the piano and making up stories with my toys. I studied Fine Arts for a couple of years but transferred to B.Music/B.Education (hons) with the intention of becoming a music teacher. I loved music and teaching! But got wildly distracted by some great opportunities whilst working in a chocolate shop, and focused on that for a few years before finally changing my focus back to picture book illustration! I illustrated a couple of books in 2016 for Little Steps Publishing. Now, I have a beautiful little girl who is about to turn one, so now I draw whenever she's sleeping. Basically, my life revolves around drawing, music, chocolate and babies. What more could one want!

How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it self-taught?

As mentioned, I studied Fine Arts for a couple of years, and have done a few short painting courses over the years. I studied picture book illustration through USyd's Centre for Continuing Education, but most of my style and technique has come through experimenting at home (and during school classes...)

How would you describe your illustration style?

Whimsical, girly, cute, and lots of scribbly lines!

What's your inspiration for your work?

Children and family… I love the imaginations kids have and how they can spend ages playing with something that adults would consider obsolete (like cardboard boxes)!

What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

Trying to capture individual faces and their spark in my simplified drawing style.

What is your creative process like? and what keeps you motivated?

Haphazard! I'm constantly starting multiple projects at once and am constantly having to check back that I'm not forgetting anything! I'm doing lots of custom illustrations for individuals at the moment. I get really motivated by their story and the reason for getting a painting done for their loved ones. They're all so sweet and I am constantly feeling privileged to be part of something that's really special for them

Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your work?

 I love commissions! You can check out the Commissions page on my website or email me for more info. I also have a Red Bubble store.

What is your favorite art piece that you have done till date?

I painted this hot air balloon one when I had just gone part time at work to focus more on illustration, and was changing my drawing style. So it marks a very particular point when things started to come together! 

Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring illustrators who wants to pursue a similar career.

Enjoy the process! Join a community like Heidi's Character Design Weekly Challenge on Facebook- it gives you great motivation to keep drawing and also find some like-minded people in the world!

Thank you Natasha for sharing your art inspirations with me and my readers! 

If you wish to follow her work please click here 

Above images via Natasha Farrar

Artist of the Month - Susan Nethercote

Let’s kick start the new year with Susan Nethercote as the artist of the month. I came across her work on Instagram and I have been faithfully following and getting inspired by her works and style. She is a brilliant botanical and floral abstract painter based in Australia. There is beauty and romance in all her work. The shades of colours that she chooses work so harmoniously together. Her work is poetic to me and there is a feeling of joy and peace while browsing through her work.

Susan Nethercote, Michelle Dunn Photography

Susan Nethercote started out researching, lecturing and tutoring in Fine Arts at the University of Melbourne.  She has spent most of her professional life as the designer and owner of the Australian women’s clothing label Manque Design.  Most recently she has also spent a lot of time coaching creative professionals to greater business success in her consulting practice Creative Conversation.

But her first and greatest Love is making Art, which she has been doing her entire life.

Since having her first child in 2011, Susan has devoted increasing amounts of time to painting, to the point where it has become the primary focus of both her creative and professional life.

Working from her home studio in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, Susan predominantly sells her work privately and by commission.   She can be found at http://susannethercote.com/

Susan is inspired deeply by nature – the plant, mineral and bird kingdom’s in particular. She has a fascination with the different ways that nature interacts with light and weather patterns, and how this creates different atmospheres and moods. It is these ethereal qualities, the “veil between worlds”, that
Susan attempts to capture in her work.

She mainly works in acrylic paint, and often includes mixed media of pastel, ink.

In her words “Sometimes my observations lead me down the path of abstracting my subject completely, and sometimes I feel inspired to represent the subject realistically. Frequently it is a combination of both – capturing a perfect natural subject in a highly abstracted environment.”

In all cases, her focus is on capturing the most subtle, magical and ethereal aspects of natural subjects, attempting to stimulate the most subtle, magical and ethereal aspects of our inner selves.

Susan is endlessly fascinated by how art is able to access the parts of ourselves for which we have no words. “To me making art is soul work.”

·         How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it self-taught? 

My journey as an artist began when I was 15 and I begged my mother to let me take oil painting classes with a local artist.  I didn’t stick with painting at that stage though, I went on to study art history, become an academic and then made the surprise move of starting a clothing label which I’ve had for 18 years now.  I returned to painting in a big way after the birth of my second daughter about 4 years ago.  I was having a hard time emotionally and painting was my way of processing it all, it really helped me to heal some old wounds.  I could never have predicted that painting would become my new full-time profession! I took some great online classes in that time by people like Kelly-Rae Robers, Mati Rose McDonough, Faith Evans Sills and Flora Bowley. I totally went to art school online and it was the best!

·         How would you describe your art style? 

Well, I can only describe my art style in terms of what I am making currently. And at the moment I am painting wild, colourful abstracted florals and also loving abstracting the more structural botanical blooms found here in Australia and South Africa. So I think it’s safe to say that my style is Floral and Botanical Abstract.

·         What's your inspiration for your art work? 

Flowers and gardens are my biggest inspiration.  But the paint itself and the act of swiftly moving it around is also incredibly inspiring for me.  I’m a big fan of ‘happy accidents’ in art. I truly believe that we do ourselves a huge favor as artists when we relax, get out of our own way with our desire for perfection and allow something bigger to move through us! That’s where the real magic happens and also where people respond best to your art.

·         What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

Firstly, having enough time! I have two kids, the youngest of which is just about to start school, so hopefully I will have more of that soon.  I’m weirdly comfortable about doing large scale commission work, which is super-challenging, but I’m totally up for it as I absolutely love creating work for others and also painting very big! I am also about to launch an art retreat on the French Riviera, which is really exciting, but has also pressed ALL my buttons and has been a huge challenge.  To be honest, I find the act of painting the easiest part of my job as an artist.

·         What is your creative process like? And what keeps you motivated?

My creative process is very swift and free.  I like to work fast as I love the feeling of just allowing the creativity to move through me.  This really helps with not getting too ‘precious’ about my work.  For me this kind of creativity is very spiritual. I feel like something universal and beautiful is running through me veins when I paint, and I really trust that and give myself up to it.  Not every painting I make is ‘good’, but enough are to keep trusting this process.  I’ve always been a pretty driven and motivated person when it comes to my creativity, my biggest problem is usually the opposite- knowing when I need to slow down and put the brakes on the million projects I could potentially take on.  Over the past year, I have learned to be a little more selective about what I take on.  Saying no to opportunities that just didn’t feel right, was very empowering for me.

·         Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?

I do a lot of commission work these days, as I mentioned, and I really like it.  People have mostly gotten in touch with me to create something for them after seeing my work on Instagram or Facebook. I use those platforms very deliberately as my primary organic marketing tool. I really enjoy the process of creating for someone else, but I have made a system for that so that I am absolutely as clear as possible on what they are after.  I also sell my work directly from my website http://susannethercote.com/  

·         What is your favorite art piece that you have done till date?

I have just recently completed a large, 3 canvas commission for a waiting room at an IVF clinic in a major Melbourne hospital.  Since I went through IVF myself to have my first child, this project was very close to my heart. I am very proud of these paintings. 

·         Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career.

Being a successful artist also means being a business person.  Invest in a website with an online store.  Learn how to take good photos of your art (even an iPhone can take amazing photos if you pay attention to lighting).  Share you art and your art journey on social media, especially Instagram. And by far, the best marketing decision I made was to by stock photography of interiors and Photoshop my art into them so people can picture your art in their home.  My art business has grown so much over the past year as a result of each of these aspects.  And also, allow yourself to get messy, real messy, that’s where the magic happens.

Thank you Susan for sharing your inspiring journey with me and my readers. Wishing you all the best Susan in your creative journey!!

Please click here to follow Susan's work  on Instagram and click here if you wish to buy her work.





All Images and work are copyright Susan Nethercote

How I keep my creative flame alive?

 

I am blessed to have set aside some time to keep my creative flame alive and people often ask me how do you do it? It’s not easy especially when you have to allocate time for yourself in your busy schedule…  I am a firm believer that there is inspiration everywhere…. It comes and goes and it exists everywhere you seek… And creativity happens only when there is some form of inspiration.

 

Here are some of my ways of keeping myself inspired…

 

1.       Nature espresso shot: Nature provides me instant inspiration like an espresso shot!  … Plants, flowers, birds make me appreciate the beauty around. We, me and my family, are blessed to have a small beautiful garden and every day, especially when the weather is good, it is mandatory that we sit out for some time and embrace nature’s beauty. It also helps us to achieve some family time.

2.        Journal: I keep a small journal where I write mundane things and draw and doodle…it’s my way of documenting my life… And it’s fun to look back at these pictures and notes…. It also helps me be grounded and grateful for everything.

3.       Books: Reading is another way of keeping my inspiration and creativity alive… I have books everywhere in my home, from my living room, kitchen and my night stand…. Even though I don’t get time always to read, just flipping through it makes me feel rejuvenated!

4.       Photography: Capturing memories through my camera lens is another way of journaling everything I do and I tend to lose myself in this art. And thank God for Instagram where you can share your daily journal and connect with people all over the world who share your love for creative art and other passions and thereby inspiring each other.

5.       Painting: To me blending and splashing colors on a blank canvas is therapeutic… it gives me a wave of stimulation and emotional energy.

6.       My blog: Through my blog I am so fortunate to have met virtually many artists who have inspired me and allowed me to soak up their creativity. Their journey has given me strength especially when I felt disconnected from everything around me. I guess the key is to allow yourself to open to inspiration and influences around you and have the courage to be creative.

7.       Digital Detox: To make myself a better me, I try to digitally detox from everything once in a while (which is rare!) even though I find it so hard especially when you are  digitally dependent!! The key is to set boundaries so that you strike a balance somewhere between your family, art and work.

 

 
I would love to hear from my readers on how you stay inspired to keep your creative flame alive…. It is a beautiful day here and I wish I could share this beautiful weather with you all… Nevertheless I wish each one of you a Happy and Blessed day!!!


 

All Images are copyright Tickled by Inspirations






 

Artist of the month: Rashmi Krishnappa

Doodle art these days are pretty popular. It’s a recognized form of art that is fun and relaxing. This art is basically an impromptu method to express ideas, thoughts and emotions that is spontaneous in nature…. And they are depicted in abstract illustrations. You start with a simple sketch and all you need to do is work on it with a little imagination, without any proper skill, discipline and style. I believe that creativity is at its best when you doodle.  

Rashmi Krishnappa is one such artist whose art is influence by doodle art or rather an extension of doodling. Her passion for art can be seen on her feed on Instagram and Facebook. I am mesmerized by her detailing in each of her art work. Before we hear from Rashmi about her art journey, have a look at her work and you will know what I am talking about.

 

 

A brief about yourself.

Wife, mom to 2 and a software engineer by profession.

How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it self-taught?

During my school days I loved drawing and painting and took part in drawing competitions and such. Once I started my engineering I had to leave art behind but I did not stop doodling in my textbooks and notes. Several years later - marriage, kids and jobs later I picked up a pen to draw again and have not stopped since. Drawing patterns is relaxing to me like yoga to the mind.  I have had no formal training in art - the more I draw the more I seem to learn and get better at it.

How would you define art?

It’s an expression, something you feel, something you want to convey , something you want to portray or maybe just something you create that pleases you and others.  

 

What's your inspiration for your art work?

My art work gets inspiration from everyday events, nature, abstract patterns and Hinduism in general.  The art form I use in the drawings is heavily influenced by various art forms like Madhubani , Zentangle , Henna patterns , doodle art and mandalas. I first draw a basic outline of whatever it is I am drawing and then basically fill with patterns.

 

What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

Time - Art has not been and still is not my profession so making the best possible use of the time I can spare does get challenging , but I think it’s easier for me since I do not consider art as 'work' 

 

What is your creative process like? What keeps you motivated?

Process of creating art is very satisfying to me, time spent drawing those patterns in my art work is very relaxing and therapeutic to me. The End result of a completed drawing/art-work is the icing on the cake. I am my own critique and constantly want to keep improving and trying to do better.  With age came the deep desire in me to leave a mark in the world and what better way to do this than with art. If I could make my art reach places - it gives me immense joy. 

 

Tell us a bit about your online shop. Do you commission different projects?

When I got back to art after a gap of 20 years I initially had no intentions of selling , My art got noticed on Instagram by people like you and I had some requests to start selling my art prints. I opened my etsy shop early 2016    http://www.etsy.com/shop/RashmiArtPage   , as of now I have art prints of various art work I did in the last 2 years . Till today every  sale makes me very happy , some times its still surreal to me that people like and want my art hanging on their walls . Trying hard to sell or trying to get myself noticed is not very productive for me and also not something I am good at , so I hope that if I keep creating my art will get noticed . I have recently opened up for commissioned projects - I have not worked on any so far.  

 

Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists?

Keep those creative juices flowing - keep creating - do what you love and love what you do. 

 

 

Thanks Rashmi for sharing your inspiration and thoughts with me and my readers. Looking forward to seeing more of your amazing work!!!

 

Click here to get updates on Facebook, here to follow her work on Instagram and here to purchase her beautiful art on etsy.

All Images are copyright Rashmi Krishnappa