RapperBee
Written by Harry Laing and Illustrated by Anne Ryan – Ford Street Publishing 2021 NEW RELEASE………………. Time to brush up on your poetry! This fun poetry book written by Harry Laing will get us all dabbing across the room, buzzing to a rhythm and spinning to words. Can’t wait to share it soon! See details…
Launch of ‘Salih’
My new illustrated picture book “Salih“ written by Inda Ahmad Zahri is released on March 1st 2021 with Ford Street Publishing Paul Collins and the enthusiastic team at Ford Street Publishing, should be enormously proud of not only releasing this book on the due date, but also hosting a combined launch to a full house…
Below Zero
Throughout my childhood in Ballarat, we knew the distressing bite of a long, cold winter, below zero. We rode to school in the rain and occasional snow, but there was always a promise of warmth and comfort the minute we arrived home. I suppose the thought of never being able to come back home, and…
‘Moonfish’ poetry
Playing and having fun with words are core strategies for developing skills of creativity, especially for the very young. Edward Lear and Spike Milligan’s nonsense poetry have always inspired me. From a very early age I was fascinated by the minimalism and efficiency of these author’s poetry accompanied by their simple line drawings. Recently I…
Artist in Residence (Part B) -Storytelling through mark making
(Part B) -Storytelling through mark making Sharing storytelling and mark making in early years is an exciting way to develop a child’s understanding of the world around them. Collaborative groups with their peers opens conversations and provides an attentive audience. During my recent Artist-in-Residence with the Pre-Prep group at St Peter’s, Loreto Toorak, the children…
Artist in Residence – ‘Herbaria’ (Part A)
‘Herbaria’ is a nature atelier experience designed for early years children, to inspire curiosity, storytelling, imaginative play and sensory art experiences. During my recent Artist-in-Residence with the 3YO children at St Peter’s, Loreto Toorak, I have been enjoying presenting nature art play experiences through my ‘Herbaria’ workshops. Inspired by my trip to the Loris Malaguzzi Center…
In the studio
Spending time in the studio is always magic! This short video shows me working on some new illustrations using mixed media. (watercolour, gouache and pencil )
nature inspired
Natural outdoor spaces are a wealth of inspiration for new ideas. Windows of curiosity can be opened by the most unexpected experiences. Little ‘Tachy’ was very happy to share his day in our company. He wobbled and dawdled around the garden in the morning sun, feasting on lots of tasty treasures. I was so excited…
Visual thinking and sketchbook fun
Watching some characters just appear on the page with all their personality and pre-exsisting back story, can be a mystery even to the artist. It sometimes takes a while to recognise the appeal or potential of a character and that it ‘s not just another ‘extra’ in the rolling scenes of sketchbook pages. In the…
Improving drawing skills through play!
Children observe detail and form through self directed play. As they build, create , problem solve and develop storytelling through play experiences, children can develop observational awareness of form. Play is engaging, social, develops language and imagination and is lots of fun. Toys are a great source of reference for observational drawing. These ‘Bionicles’ have…