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© Copyright Cheryl Bruce, based in Wamberal, Australia on Darkinjung land

Simple and moody. The magic of watercolour happens when you let go of control.

Simple and moody. The magic of watercolour happens when you let go of control.

I had a lovely morning at @themakersstudio ‘s open access morning today. Great company and chat always makes art creation more pleasurable. It’s great also to observe other printmakers working on different processes. I created a bigger treescape monotype today than the minis I was working on late last year.

#printmaking #monotype #monotypeprintmaking #printmakingstudio

I had a lovely morning at @themakersstudio ‘s open access morning today. Great company and chat always makes art creation more pleasurable. It’s great also to observe other printmakers working on different processes. I created a bigger treescape monotype today than the minis I was working on late last year.

#printmaking #monotype #monotypeprintmaking #printmakingstudio

Ready to take your watercolour skills on the road? ✈️🎨
Join me in Provence, France for an immersive 8-day watercolour workshop focused on:�
• sketching on location�
• simplifying complex scenes�
• capturing colour, light & atmosphere�
• building confidence painting outdoors.

We’ll paint daily in villages, markets, riversides and lavender country – with plenty of guidance and support. I'm really excited to be partnering with French Escapade who are specialists in art retreats in France.

💜 Early bird special�
Save $150 when you book before 30 Nov 2026�
Use EARLYBIRD at checkout.

Small group. Beautiful locations. Big growth.�

🔗 Bookings now open.

@frenchescapade #paintinginfrance #artretreat #travelpainting #watercolourworkshop

Ready to take your watercolour skills on the road? ✈️🎨
Join me in Provence, France for an immersive 8-day watercolour workshop focused on:�
• sketching on location�
• simplifying complex scenes�
• capturing colour, light & atmosphere�
• building confidence painting outdoors.

We’ll paint daily in villages, markets, riversides and lavender country – with plenty of guidance and support. I'm really excited to be partnering with French Escapade who are specialists in art retreats in France.

💜 Early bird special�
Save $150 when you book before 30 Nov 2026�
Use EARLYBIRD at checkout.

Small group. Beautiful locations. Big growth.�

🔗 Bookings now open.

@frenchescapade #paintinginfrance #artretreat #travelpainting #watercolourworkshop

Nofolk Island put on such a beautiful show for my group of painters for the last week. We had incredible weather, steady daily temps about 22-24 degrees, not too much wind to paint on the headlands, beautiful warm water to swim and snorkel. It was a first experience of Norfolk for everyone in my group and I think many of them will go back again. So much to see, the only thing that could have made it better is a few more days - are we ever ready to leave paradise?

What I don't understand is why Norfolk has a more elderly (in the kindest sense of the word) tourist base. There is so much to enjoy on the island for young people as well.

Big thanks to Norfolk Island Travel Centre for the organisation of our flights, transfers, accomodation, welcome dinners and tours. Everything went off without a hitch.
Watercolour/art workshops are a great way to see and experience a place in a little more detail. Drop me a line if you would like to hear about upcoming workshops
Living my best life!

@norfolkislandtravelcentre #norfolkisland #paintandtravel

Nofolk Island put on such a beautiful show for my group of painters for the last week. We had incredible weather, steady daily temps about 22-24 degrees, not too much wind to paint on the headlands, beautiful warm water to swim and snorkel. It was a first experience of Norfolk for everyone in my group and I think many of them will go back again. So much to see, the only thing that could have made it better is a few more days - are we ever ready to leave paradise?

What I don't understand is why Norfolk has a more elderly (in the kindest sense of the word) tourist base. There is so much to enjoy on the island for young people as well.

Big thanks to Norfolk Island Travel Centre for the organisation of our flights, transfers, accomodation, welcome dinners and tours. Everything went off without a hitch.
Watercolour/art workshops are a great way to see and experience a place in a little more detail. Drop me a line if you would like to hear about upcoming workshops
Living my best life!

@norfolkislandtravelcentre #norfolkisland #paintandtravel

Our second last day painting on Norfolk Island we captured some plant and flower studies at the Queen Victoria Gardens, then visited @galleryguava and experienced the Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. After lunch we relocated to paint at Bumboras Beach. Another fabulous group of painters is making my retreat a great experience. All first timers in Norfolk Island, they are experiencing the beauty of the landscape for the first time together with like minded artists.

#travelpainting #watercolourworkshop #travelsketch

Our second last day painting on Norfolk Island we captured some plant and flower studies at the Queen Victoria Gardens, then visited @galleryguava and experienced the Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. After lunch we relocated to paint at Bumboras Beach. Another fabulous group of painters is making my retreat a great experience. All first timers in Norfolk Island, they are experiencing the beauty of the landscape for the first time together with like minded artists.

#travelpainting #watercolourworkshop #travelsketch

A couple of days into painting in paradise with a fantastic group of participants and I’m loving Norfolk Island even more this trip than my last time here.
Today my group and I painted at Emily Bay and then Kingston Pier, then Jennie and I braved the cool wind for a quick snorkel before dinner.
Tomorrow we are off to Anson Bay.
It’s the good life!

#norfolkiskand #paintingworkshop #watercolourworkshop #travelpainting

A couple of days into painting in paradise with a fantastic group of participants and I’m loving Norfolk Island even more this trip than my last time here.
Today my group and I painted at Emily Bay and then Kingston Pier, then Jennie and I braved the cool wind for a quick snorkel before dinner.
Tomorrow we are off to Anson Bay.
It’s the good life!

#norfolkiskand #paintingworkshop #watercolourworkshop #travelpainting

I’m spending my first few days on Norfolk Island scouting for painting locations, working out what the different wind directions mean for each site, looking at shade, toilets, lunch options (doing some live testing of course), before my workshop group arrive on Sunday. I’ve also been swimming and snorkelling - the glass bottom boat tour was fabulous this morning to learn about the coral and fish before I set out in Emily Bay for a snorkel.
Last trip I didn’t make the steep walk down to Ansons Bay but the water was so stunningly clear and turquoise so I made the trek late arvo and had the beach to myself.
The island is stunning everywhere I turn.

#norfolkisland #paintnorfolk #paintingtravelworkshops #travelpainting

I’m spending my first few days on Norfolk Island scouting for painting locations, working out what the different wind directions mean for each site, looking at shade, toilets, lunch options (doing some live testing of course), before my workshop group arrive on Sunday. I’ve also been swimming and snorkelling - the glass bottom boat tour was fabulous this morning to learn about the coral and fish before I set out in Emily Bay for a snorkel.
Last trip I didn’t make the steep walk down to Ansons Bay but the water was so stunningly clear and turquoise so I made the trek late arvo and had the beach to myself.
The island is stunning everywhere I turn.

#norfolkisland #paintnorfolk #paintingtravelworkshops #travelpainting

Friday and Saturday I had the pleasure of working with this lovely group of painters in Rutherford. They paint together socially once a week and invited me to come and share some of my techniques with them.

Did you know you don’t have to be an art society or formalised group to organise a workshop? If you have a group of artists gathering I’m happy to come to you for a workshop.

Friday and Saturday I had the pleasure of working with this lovely group of painters in Rutherford. They paint together socially once a week and invited me to come and share some of my techniques with them.

Did you know you don’t have to be an art society or formalised group to organise a workshop? If you have a group of artists gathering I’m happy to come to you for a workshop.

I’m looking forward to be sketching on Norfolk Island in a few days. I’ll be taking my water soluble graphite pencils for some quick tonal studies.

#sketchdaily #watersolublegraphite #sketchbook #sketchnorfolk #norfolkisland

I’m looking forward to be sketching on Norfolk Island in a few days. I’ll be taking my water soluble graphite pencils for some quick tonal studies.

#sketchdaily #watersolublegraphite #sketchbook #sketchnorfolk #norfolkisland

I was dropping off new work to @bloomfieldfineartgallery yesterday with my daughter Sophia. As I was writing up my new painting Sophia said - I really like those two paintings over there next to Karen’s. She didn’t know they were mine and they are a different style to my normal work, so I was a bit chuffed.

Loving @simontreseder sculptures in front of my paintings.

I was dropping off new work to @bloomfieldfineartgallery yesterday with my daughter Sophia. As I was writing up my new painting Sophia said - I really like those two paintings over there next to Karen’s. She didn’t know they were mine and they are a different style to my normal work, so I was a bit chuffed.

Loving @simontreseder sculptures in front of my paintings.

It probably sounds weird but I rarely `give' myself paintings, or make the decision to keep them, but I gave my self my two little favourite monotypes.

Hoping to spend some time at the Makers Studio next week to do some more print making. I've bought a couple of new colours of etching inks so I need to get to it!

#printmaking #monotype

It probably sounds weird but I rarely `give' myself paintings, or make the decision to keep them, but I gave my self my two little favourite monotypes.

Hoping to spend some time at the Makers Studio next week to do some more print making. I've bought a couple of new colours of etching inks so I need to get to it!

#printmaking #monotype

My Tassie workshop has finished, I've been stuck in admin for 3 days straight, but today I hope to do some painting. 🤞
Soon I head to Norfolk Island and I look forward to seeing this scene again at Kingston Pier. This painting is now available as a fine art print in A3 size at Guava Gallery on Norfolk Island.
I'm taking my snorkelling gear this time!

#norfolkisland #norfolkislandart #paintnorfolkisland

My Tassie workshop has finished, I've been stuck in admin for 3 days straight, but today I hope to do some painting. 🤞
Soon I head to Norfolk Island and I look forward to seeing this scene again at Kingston Pier. This painting is now available as a fine art print in A3 size at Guava Gallery on Norfolk Island.
I'm taking my snorkelling gear this time!

#norfolkisland #norfolkislandart #paintnorfolkisland

Finally getting a chance to do a wrap-up post for my Tasmanian Enclave workshop. I want to say a big thank you to Gillian and Steve, Bridget, Chef Lara and all of the Enclave team for making our stay so special. We ate fabulous meals with a little touch of Portuguese thrown in, sweet treats for morning tea and dessert. I feel like this workshop is a lovely balance of studio time to really paint and focus on technique a little bit of plein air painting as an introduction or a further experience for people who are already painting outdoors or urban sketching, and spending time in the local environment. Lovely walks together at Mirror Lake, Little Blue Lake and twilight walks for some of the group, a rainforest walk with incredible hundreds of year-old trees. Big thank you also to the most amazing group of participants who came to this workshop. You all made it fabulously enjoyable for every minute of every day. I came back so tired from our late night pool, darts, and aurora chasing. How incredible was our luck to be there when there was an aurora and the southern lights and that Gillian was prepared to bundle us into the van at 10 pm to take us to a better vantage spot.
An experience I will never forget!
And the floating sauna at Derby was as good as I remember from last year.

I’m thankful for beautiful feedback from my group and some have gone on to book into other upcoming retreats and that means more than they know. In the lead up to any retreat I second guess myself, and have decision paralysis about reference material and curriculum planning.

I look forward to some painting in the studio and my upcoming workshops and retreats. It’s a busy first three months this year but I love it! 😍

Finally getting a chance to do a wrap-up post for my Tasmanian Enclave workshop. I want to say a big thank you to Gillian and Steve, Bridget, Chef Lara and all of the Enclave team for making our stay so special. We ate fabulous meals with a little touch of Portuguese thrown in, sweet treats for morning tea and dessert. I feel like this workshop is a lovely balance of studio time to really paint and focus on technique a little bit of plein air painting as an introduction or a further experience for people who are already painting outdoors or urban sketching, and spending time in the local environment. Lovely walks together at Mirror Lake, Little Blue Lake and twilight walks for some of the group, a rainforest walk with incredible hundreds of year-old trees. Big thank you also to the most amazing group of participants who came to this workshop. You all made it fabulously enjoyable for every minute of every day. I came back so tired from our late night pool, darts, and aurora chasing. How incredible was our luck to be there when there was an aurora and the southern lights and that Gillian was prepared to bundle us into the van at 10 pm to take us to a better vantage spot.
An experience I will never forget!
And the floating sauna at Derby was as good as I remember from last year.

I’m thankful for beautiful feedback from my group and some have gone on to book into other upcoming retreats and that means more than they know. In the lead up to any retreat I second guess myself, and have decision paralysis about reference material and curriculum planning.

I look forward to some painting in the studio and my upcoming workshops and retreats. It’s a busy first three months this year but I love it! 😍

I'm really looking forward to hosting and participating in this gel plate print making workshop with the uber creative Maz Creery this coming Friday. If you would like to join us the booking link is https://www.trybooking.com/DIOTF - or click through to my website for the workshop information and links.
I'd love to see you there to create together.

Materials included.

#gelprinting #gelprintingclass

I'm really looking forward to hosting and participating in this gel plate print making workshop with the uber creative Maz Creery this coming Friday. If you would like to join us the booking link is https://www.trybooking.com/DIOTF - or click through to my website for the workshop information and links.
I'd love to see you there to create together.

Materials included.

#gelprinting #gelprintingclass

Such a beautiful camaraderie within my Tasmanian workshop group. I feel very lucky to surround myself with such lovely people and share my love of watercolour.
Some pics of Wednesdays studio day which started with a walk at Mirror Lake, and ended with a twilight walk around the town of Winnaleah.

Such a beautiful camaraderie within my Tasmanian workshop group. I feel very lucky to surround myself with such lovely people and share my love of watercolour.
Some pics of Wednesdays studio day which started with a walk at Mirror Lake, and ended with a twilight walk around the town of Winnaleah.

We are three days into my watercolour workshop at Enclave in Tasmania and we’ve had such lovely days, lovely company, everyone has been working hard. The weather has been awesome. Monday was a studio day and I forgot to take photos, yesterday was a day at the Bay of Fires followed by a rainforest walk on the way home. Sone sketching and drinking in the garden. Competive darts, then to top it right of we experienced the southern lights at their finest.
The food has been delish and so so pretty, with a Portuguese flair.

@enclave.tasmania

We are three days into my watercolour workshop at Enclave in Tasmania and we’ve had such lovely days, lovely company, everyone has been working hard. The weather has been awesome. Monday was a studio day and I forgot to take photos, yesterday was a day at the Bay of Fires followed by a rainforest walk on the way home. Sone sketching and drinking in the garden. Competive darts, then to top it right of we experienced the southern lights at their finest.
The food has been delish and so so pretty, with a Portuguese flair.

@enclave.tasmania

It’s the end of the second full day of my workshop in Tasmania at the Enclave. After an awesome full day at the Bay of Fires, painting and swimming followed by rainforest walk (photos to still to come). Followed by gin and tonics and some sketching in the garden, followed by the most fabulous dinner of Cape Grimm beef and dessert. We passed the evening playing darts waiting for the elusive aurora that one of my fabulous participants had let us know was going to happen tonight. What an incredible experience and big thanks to Gillian 🫶🏻 who took us out at 10 o’clock to a high vantage point to see the lights it was just breathtaking and an incredibly lucky experience. 5 star ⭐️ 😉😉

It’s the end of the second full day of my workshop in Tasmania at the Enclave. After an awesome full day at the Bay of Fires, painting and swimming followed by rainforest walk (photos to still to come). Followed by gin and tonics and some sketching in the garden, followed by the most fabulous dinner of Cape Grimm beef and dessert. We passed the evening playing darts waiting for the elusive aurora that one of my fabulous participants had let us know was going to happen tonight. What an incredible experience and big thanks to Gillian 🫶🏻 who took us out at 10 o’clock to a high vantage point to see the lights it was just breathtaking and an incredibly lucky experience. 5 star ⭐️ 😉😉

If you have been curious about using a gelli plate to create fun and exciting artworks I would love to have you join Marilyn Creery and I for this session on Friday 30th January.

In the past I’ve used my gelli prints for sketchbook covers, collage works, and as backgrounds and elements for my surface design work, but Maz is going to take us beyond that and show us the techniques I was watching her use recently in a figure drawing session. She uses it as a drawing and painting tool. We are adapting that to created abstracted or impressionistic landscapes/seascapes scenes.

For someone like me who gets lost in the details and wants to capture every shadow and lump and bump, this will give me a great alternative technique when I want to be loose and free.

Materials are included and the workshop runs from 10-2pm, Friday 30 January at my studio. $80 per person.

Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/DIOTF

There are only a small number of spots in the class, so don’t wait until closer if you are keen to join in.

#gelliprinting #gelliplate #gelliplateworkshop #printmaking

If you have been curious about using a gelli plate to create fun and exciting artworks I would love to have you join Marilyn Creery and I for this session on Friday 30th January.

In the past I’ve used my gelli prints for sketchbook covers, collage works, and as backgrounds and elements for my surface design work, but Maz is going to take us beyond that and show us the techniques I was watching her use recently in a figure drawing session. She uses it as a drawing and painting tool. We are adapting that to created abstracted or impressionistic landscapes/seascapes scenes.

For someone like me who gets lost in the details and wants to capture every shadow and lump and bump, this will give me a great alternative technique when I want to be loose and free.

Materials are included and the workshop runs from 10-2pm, Friday 30 January at my studio. $80 per person.

Booking link - https://www.trybooking.com/DIOTF

There are only a small number of spots in the class, so don’t wait until closer if you are keen to join in.

#gelliprinting #gelliplate #gelliplateworkshop #printmaking

My Monday class jumped straight back into it this year with these two tablescapes. They were a bit ambitious to finish in each session so I can’t share their works yet but hopefully everyone will let me post some fabulous photos of their paintings soon. Figs, Porridge & Gingham from week 1 and Oysters and Prawns from yesterdays session.
Two more classes on tablescapes in Feb.

#watercolourclasses #learntopaint

My Monday class jumped straight back into it this year with these two tablescapes. They were a bit ambitious to finish in each session so I can’t share their works yet but hopefully everyone will let me post some fabulous photos of their paintings soon. Figs, Porridge & Gingham from week 1 and Oysters and Prawns from yesterdays session.
Two more classes on tablescapes in Feb.

#watercolourclasses #learntopaint

My Monday class jumped straight back into it this year with these two tablescapes. They were a bit ambitious to finish in each session so I can’t share their works yet but hopefully everyone will let me post some fabulous photos of their paintings soon. Figs, Porridge & Gingham from week 1 and Oysters and Prawns from yesterdays session.
Two more classes on tablescapes in Feb.

#watercolourclasses #learntopaint

My Monday class jumped straight back into it this year with these two tablescapes. They were a bit ambitious to finish in each session so I can’t share their works yet but hopefully everyone will let me post some fabulous photos of their paintings soon. Figs, Porridge & Gingham from week 1 and Oysters and Prawns from yesterdays session.
Two more classes on tablescapes in Feb.

#watercolourclasses #learntopaint

What a great gathering of local painters today at Wamberal lagoon for the first @centralcoastartsociety paint out of the year. I was testing out my u.go easel for the first time out in the wild.
So good to see all of these lovely people and meet some people for the first time as I don’t go very regularly.

What a great gathering of local painters today at Wamberal lagoon for the first @centralcoastartsociety paint out of the year. I was testing out my u.go easel for the first time out in the wild.
So good to see all of these lovely people and meet some people for the first time as I don’t go very regularly.

I’m enjoying Debbie Mackinnon’s @drawwithdebbie challenge to kickstart creativity for the beginning of the year. 3mins is all you needed for today’s challenge. Three 1 min sketches drawn with a stick. Not excuse of ‘I have no time’. What I love about challenges set by other artists is I don’t have to think about what to do - I love the decision process bring taken out of the equation.

#drawwithdebbie2026
#Sketchdaily #inkoftheday

I’m enjoying Debbie Mackinnon’s @drawwithdebbie challenge to kickstart creativity for the beginning of the year. 3mins is all you needed for today’s challenge. Three 1 min sketches drawn with a stick. Not excuse of ‘I have no time’. What I love about challenges set by other artists is I don’t have to think about what to do - I love the decision process bring taken out of the equation.

#drawwithdebbie2026
#Sketchdaily #inkoftheday

I’ve spent some time over the last week considering how to better store paints and things that I want more accessible. Do you find that if things are stacked in cupboards and set up and pack up takes time you are less likely to start creating?
A trip to IKEA and some FB marketplace finds have helped me bring out the acrylics, gouache, pastels, printmaking inks, glue out paper, collage fodder to have them within reach quickly.
One of the things I loved at my Mt Wilson residency was having three workstations set up so I’ve been trying to work out how to do that in my smallish space. It’s not a fabulous solution but I’m going to see how this goes with one desk set up for acrylics,gouache etc, my normal watercolour workstation, and the cutting mat and printmaking space on the end of that bench which is standing height.
The plan drawers are what throw my space out but they are so good for storing paper that I can’t part with them.

You all know I love a 30 or 100 day challenge and I saw the fabulously creative Debbie McKinnon @drawwithdebbie challenge was starting today so once I finished my clean up and sorting I spent longer choosing which sketchbook might be the best size, orientation, paper weight, paper texture than I spent on the drawing exercise. Sketchbook Decision paralysis. All I can say is it felt very strange drawing both hands at the same time. Once I stopped thinking so much it was really interesting that my left hand seemed to just be mirroring my right.

#drawwithdebbie2026

I’ve spent some time over the last week considering how to better store paints and things that I want more accessible. Do you find that if things are stacked in cupboards and set up and pack up takes time you are less likely to start creating?
A trip to IKEA and some FB marketplace finds have helped me bring out the acrylics, gouache, pastels, printmaking inks, glue out paper, collage fodder to have them within reach quickly.
One of the things I loved at my Mt Wilson residency was having three workstations set up so I’ve been trying to work out how to do that in my smallish space. It’s not a fabulous solution but I’m going to see how this goes with one desk set up for acrylics,gouache etc, my normal watercolour workstation, and the cutting mat and printmaking space on the end of that bench which is standing height.
The plan drawers are what throw my space out but they are so good for storing paper that I can’t part with them.

You all know I love a 30 or 100 day challenge and I saw the fabulously creative Debbie McKinnon @drawwithdebbie challenge was starting today so once I finished my clean up and sorting I spent longer choosing which sketchbook might be the best size, orientation, paper weight, paper texture than I spent on the drawing exercise. Sketchbook Decision paralysis. All I can say is it felt very strange drawing both hands at the same time. Once I stopped thinking so much it was really interesting that my left hand seemed to just be mirroring my right.

#drawwithdebbie2026

Our first block of class for 2026 will be a fun one. We are going to paint on trend table-scapes. Think gingham or lace table cloths, figs and porridge, camembert, grapes and crusty bread. Lobstercore has been a huge ongoing trend, so we’ll create a scene with prawns, lemons and a coastal feel. Oh my gosh how I love sardine tins so we might also add some sardines to our line up of subjects.

The difference between a tablescape and a still life is that you are general looking directly down on a tablescape from above, whereas a still life set up is usually viewed at eye level, or from slightly above or below.
We’ll also work on composition and how to put together your own table-scape and photograph it.

Booking links
https://www.trybooking.com/DIIEJ 5th & 12th January
https://www.trybooking.com/DIIEM 2nd & 9th Feb

#watercolourclass #watercolourpainting

Our first block of class for 2026 will be a fun one. We are going to paint on trend table-scapes. Think gingham or lace table cloths, figs and porridge, camembert, grapes and crusty bread. Lobstercore has been a huge ongoing trend, so we’ll create a scene with prawns, lemons and a coastal feel. Oh my gosh how I love sardine tins so we might also add some sardines to our line up of subjects.

The difference between a tablescape and a still life is that you are general looking directly down on a tablescape from above, whereas a still life set up is usually viewed at eye level, or from slightly above or below.
We’ll also work on composition and how to put together your own table-scape and photograph it.

Booking links
https://www.trybooking.com/DIIEJ 5th & 12th January
https://www.trybooking.com/DIIEM 2nd & 9th Feb

#watercolourclass #watercolourpainting

Due to some valuable productive procrastination a couple of months ago, my new tea towel designs didn’t arrive early enough to promote for Christmas, but they did arrive today. It takes time to set up and photograph properly and create website listings, if you want any posted asap please just order any teatowel on my website and in the notes or a separate email tell me to send you the chickens or the magnolias.

It’s been a while between new designs so I’m excited to add these to my offering.

Due to some valuable productive procrastination a couple of months ago, my new tea towel designs didn’t arrive early enough to promote for Christmas, but they did arrive today. It takes time to set up and photograph properly and create website listings, if you want any posted asap please just order any teatowel on my website and in the notes or a separate email tell me to send you the chickens or the magnolias.

It’s been a while between new designs so I’m excited to add these to my offering.

What a great day I had today at the @bellsatkillcare Christmas Market. Thanks to all of the friends who stopped by - apologies I didn’t get a photo of you all. 📸
My new paper vases were very popular today and the crocheted bags my mum and I have been collaborating on.
Thanks to everyone who came along and supported the local makers who were there, and to the awesome Bells team who go to a lot of work to make it a gorgeous day out.

What a great day I had today at the @bellsatkillcare Christmas Market. Thanks to all of the friends who stopped by - apologies I didn’t get a photo of you all. 📸
My new paper vases were very popular today and the crocheted bags my mum and I have been collaborating on.
Thanks to everyone who came along and supported the local makers who were there, and to the awesome Bells team who go to a lot of work to make it a gorgeous day out.

I think this is my favourite of my new mini monotype series of treescapes. The first opportunity to view them will be at the @bells_at_killcare Christmas market on Sunday. It’s one of the few markets that I do each year because it has such a great loyal client base who turn up with their Christmas gift lists ready for some serious shopping.

#printmaking #monotype #monotypeprintmaking

I think this is my favourite of my new mini monotype series of treescapes. The first opportunity to view them will be at the @bells_at_killcare Christmas market on Sunday. It’s one of the few markets that I do each year because it has such a great loyal client base who turn up with their Christmas gift lists ready for some serious shopping.

#printmaking #monotype #monotypeprintmaking

I’ve been quiet here because I’ve been working away madly on 2 new art collections for the upcoming @bells_at_killcare Christmas market this Sunday.
Giving you a sneak peek of yesterday’s process - these treescapes have a different kind of framing and I’m excited to be sharing them with you soon. No peeking though until Sunday!

Perfect gift size and pricing for lovers of trees, birds and the great Aussie bush.

#monotype #monotypeprintmaking #giftideas

I’ve been quiet here because I’ve been working away madly on 2 new art collections for the upcoming @bells_at_killcare Christmas market this Sunday.
Giving you a sneak peek of yesterday’s process - these treescapes have a different kind of framing and I’m excited to be sharing them with you soon. No peeking though until Sunday!

Perfect gift size and pricing for lovers of trees, birds and the great Aussie bush.

#monotype #monotypeprintmaking #giftideas

I have some lovely works included in the 25% off sale at Bloomfield Fine Art this month. Sale runs until Dec 29. It’s a great time to buy art!
But seriously, when is it not a great time to buy art. Art bring joy 😍 especially to the creator when it sells 🫣🤣

I have some lovely works included in the 25% off sale at Bloomfield Fine Art this month. Sale runs until Dec 29. It’s a great time to buy art!
But seriously, when is it not a great time to buy art. Art bring joy 😍 especially to the creator when it sells 🫣🤣

So happy to see Leah’s parcel arrived at Orange!
@lneich28 Look what just arrived today from @cheryl.bruce.creativ
Thank you so much Cheryl, I love it ...

So happy to see Leah’s parcel arrived at Orange!
@lneich28 Look what just arrived today from @cheryl.bruce.creativ
Thank you so much Cheryl, I love it ...

It was lovely today to deliver these two waratah paintings to a couple from the Mt Wilson community. Thank you so much Elizabeth and Joe for your support of my time at the art residency.
The timing of my stay there was the best I could have imagined with the waratahs blooming all over the mountain, on shrubs the sizes I’ve never seen.
It’s beautiful to see how much the locals love them even when they are surrounded by them annually.
Such a special flower.

It was lovely today to deliver these two waratah paintings to a couple from the Mt Wilson community. Thank you so much Elizabeth and Joe for your support of my time at the art residency.
The timing of my stay there was the best I could have imagined with the waratahs blooming all over the mountain, on shrubs the sizes I’ve never seen.
It’s beautiful to see how much the locals love them even when they are surrounded by them annually.
Such a special flower.

I’ve finally joined The Makers Studio at Gosford and went along yesterday for my first open studios session, facilitated by the fabulous @sally.conn

Continuing with tree studies I had a great time and met some lovely printmakers.

@themakersstudio #printmaking #printmakingprocess #reductiveprint

I’ve finally joined The Makers Studio at Gosford and went along yesterday for my first open studios session, facilitated by the fabulous @sally.conn

Continuing with tree studies I had a great time and met some lovely printmakers.

@themakersstudio #printmaking #printmakingprocess #reductiveprint

On the easel(s)at the moment … finishing off works from my residency. Finishing touches in the big waratah ready to show a client. Varnishing and waxing some ready in prep for framing.

#artistlife

On the easel(s)at the moment … finishing off works from my residency. Finishing touches in the big waratah ready to show a client. Varnishing and waxing some ready in prep for framing.

#artistlife

Since coming back to the real world after my intense focus on art at my @mt_wilson_artist_in_residence month, I've been mostly bogged down in admin catch up and workshop/retreat and class planning and prep. The little snippets of painting time I've had have been dedicated to finishing off a couple of paintings, and varnishing in prep for framing.
This loose impressionistic study of the cottage at @kookootonga247 is about to go off to a new home thanks to a lovely artist and collector I've met through instagram.
I thought I'd share a bit about the process as it is so different to my normal style.

These follow on from a series of little colourful abstracts that started life as cyanotypes that were rejects or extras. I gessoed over them, leaving a more abstract pattern of the dark blues, and the texture of the gesso. The cottage painting started as a tree study that was just not going to see the light of day because I couldn't unsee and change the eyes, mouth and waiving twig arm. A loose slap of gesso and then a watery colourful watercolour wash and it started to come together as the blue cottage with the chair in the window.
So excited that someone else saw the charm in it.

The two smaller studies on the last slide are also from my visit to Kookootonga, a stunning chestnut farm in Mt Irvine. I loved the shearing shed, and I'm so glad the owners also loved and acquired them. I really enjoyed trying to paint as little as possible to not loose the loose colourful underwash.

Since coming back to the real world after my intense focus on art at my @mt_wilson_artist_in_residence month, I've been mostly bogged down in admin catch up and workshop/retreat and class planning and prep. The little snippets of painting time I've had have been dedicated to finishing off a couple of paintings, and varnishing in prep for framing.
This loose impressionistic study of the cottage at @kookootonga247 is about to go off to a new home thanks to a lovely artist and collector I've met through instagram.
I thought I'd share a bit about the process as it is so different to my normal style.

These follow on from a series of little colourful abstracts that started life as cyanotypes that were rejects or extras. I gessoed over them, leaving a more abstract pattern of the dark blues, and the texture of the gesso. The cottage painting started as a tree study that was just not going to see the light of day because I couldn't unsee and change the eyes, mouth and waiving twig arm. A loose slap of gesso and then a watery colourful watercolour wash and it started to come together as the blue cottage with the chair in the window.
So excited that someone else saw the charm in it.

The two smaller studies on the last slide are also from my visit to Kookootonga, a stunning chestnut farm in Mt Irvine. I loved the shearing shed, and I'm so glad the owners also loved and acquired them. I really enjoyed trying to paint as little as possible to not loose the loose colourful underwash.

What a fun collaboration with @boundtolovethem. Lou hand makes makes sketchbooks with the artists work printed on fabric for the covers.
It’s a great collab idea and business model she has developed.
Thank you Lou for my beautiful sketchbooks.

If you are interested in purchasing one please let me know. They have 100% cotton Saunders Waterford hit pressed paper.

What a fun collaboration with @boundtolovethem. Lou hand makes makes sketchbooks with the artists work printed on fabric for the covers.
It’s a great collab idea and business model she has developed.
Thank you Lou for my beautiful sketchbooks.

If you are interested in purchasing one please let me know. They have 100% cotton Saunders Waterford hit pressed paper.

I posted a new video to You Tube a few days ago that followed on from what we were working on in my last block of classes. We were painting direct, mostly florals, and still life scene, and I had printed this photo out hoping we would get to paint it as well.
We didn't fit it all in, so I have recorded and loaded it up to You Tube for whoever is interested.
My next block of class has a bird focus.

The link is - https://youtu.be/6ntAvIe6-BU or you can go to my channel - www.youtube.com/@cheryl.bruce.creativ.design

#paintingtutorial #directwatercolour #directwatercolortutorial #learntopaint

I posted a new video to You Tube a few days ago that followed on from what we were working on in my last block of classes. We were painting direct, mostly florals, and still life scene, and I had printed this photo out hoping we would get to paint it as well.
We didn't fit it all in, so I have recorded and loaded it up to You Tube for whoever is interested.
My next block of class has a bird focus.

The link is - https://youtu.be/6ntAvIe6-BU or you can go to my channel - www.youtube.com/@cheryl.bruce.creativ.design

#paintingtutorial #directwatercolour #directwatercolortutorial #learntopaint

Most people who join my classes already love watercolour and they want to build their confidence to paint a range of subjects and styles. Each block of classes usually has a different theme, technique, or subject matter that we take our inspiration from.

This next 3-week block is designed with a focus on birdlife, to build your skills step by step — colour, light & shade, feather textures, and movement.

I have one spot available in the morning session and a couple in the afternoon time slot, so jump on it quickly if you want to join us.

Booking links - https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOO - mornings 9-12
https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOM - afternoons 1.30-4.30

Most people who join my classes already love watercolour and they want to build their confidence to paint a range of subjects and styles. Each block of classes usually has a different theme, technique, or subject matter that we take our inspiration from.

This next 3-week block is designed with a focus on birdlife, to build your skills step by step — colour, light & shade, feather textures, and movement.

I have one spot available in the morning session and a couple in the afternoon time slot, so jump on it quickly if you want to join us.

Booking links - https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOO - mornings 9-12
https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOM - afternoons 1.30-4.30

Well I thought I photographed all of my work from the month but realised I forgot the large loose sketches and ink drawings that were on cartridge paper. And I haven�’t photographed much of my sketch bookwork. I also did a heap of flower pressing in the print press.
I’ve included some of the ghost prints in the slide show because some of them are faves or were on coloured backgrounds which have a different look. Some works are yet to be finished.

So much inspiration - my head is full, my phone camera roll even fuller 🤩🫣😭

Well I thought I photographed all of my work from the month but realised I forgot the large loose sketches and ink drawings that were on cartridge paper. And I haven’t photographed much of my sketch bookwork. I also did a heap of flower pressing in the print press.
I’ve included some of the ghost prints in the slide show because some of them are faves or were on coloured backgrounds which have a different look. Some works are yet to be finished.

So much inspiration - my head is full, my phone camera roll even fuller 🤩🫣😭

I'm heading home soon after this incredible experience I am in the midst of, and my next block of face to face classes will be the last classes for the year.

This 3 week block of watercolour classes will focus on feathered friends. We will paint a variety of birdlife, from cardinals to geese, Eastern Spinebill, chickens and more. I will be choosing the reference images to cover a variety of colours, and feather types, depicting movement, and light and shade.

You can chose between the morning and afternoon session - please look carefully at the different codes for the sessions to ensure you are booking the preferred one.

https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOO - mornings 9am-12
https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOM - afternoons 1.30-4.30pm

17th Nov, 1st & 8th December. No class on 24th Nov

I'm heading home soon after this incredible experience I am in the midst of, and my next block of face to face classes will be the last classes for the year.

This 3 week block of watercolour classes will focus on feathered friends. We will paint a variety of birdlife, from cardinals to geese, Eastern Spinebill, chickens and more. I will be choosing the reference images to cover a variety of colours, and feather types, depicting movement, and light and shade.

You can chose between the morning and afternoon session - please look carefully at the different codes for the sessions to ensure you are booking the preferred one.

https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOO - mornings 9am-12
https://www.trybooking.com/DGSOM - afternoons 1.30-4.30pm

17th Nov, 1st & 8th December. No class on 24th Nov

One of the commitments of the Mt Wilson Artist in Residence Program is a community engagement event. Thank you to everyone who came to my artist talk - you were a very supportive and interested audience.

One of the commitments of the Mt Wilson Artist in Residence Program is a community engagement event. Thank you to everyone who came to my artist talk - you were a very supportive and interested audience.

Artist in residence weekly wrap up video for the end of week three. I was trying to make the video really short to get out of the studio and lay flat, so I didn’t really put into words my thoughts about the value of playing or what I think playing actually is. Whether it be experimenting with different materials or different surfaces, or a different technique - it doesn’t really matter what you’re choosing to do, but for me the idea of calling it play means I’m taking away the expectation of having a good finished product. And that’s a little bit why it’s a mental dilemma for me. My little inner voice is telling me but what if it works out and I’ve only done it on lightweight paper.? And the opposite - but what if I just waste a 15 or $20 sheet of good watercolour paper? Also the thought - I don’t have much time today so shouldn’t I get straight into the things that I need to do.

All of these things are running through my head, plus lots lots more - kind of self sabotaging in a way to not do it because I actually find it harder than painting a ‘painting’.

But what I’ve really enjoyed about it is that I’ve played with some materials that I haven’t used much, I have sometimes put restrictions on myself about the number of colours I’m going to use. With these last couple I have actually done them on paper wrapped over canvases because I brought a lot of those with me. But I still tried to keep the thought of ‘it really doesn’t matter if it doesn’t turn out I can take the paper off the panel and wrap a new piece over. I haven’t wasted anything. ’ I’ve really enjoyed the time spent on these pieces. I’ve enjoyed the process of thinking ‘What will I do differently?’ I have found some new techniques that I then incorporated into a large watercolour painting on my ‘normal’ paper.
I’m hoping when I get home, I will continue to add play into my daily practice.

#processoverproduct #artistlife #artistinresidence

Artist in residence weekly wrap up video for the end of week three. I was trying to make the video really short to get out of the studio and lay flat, so I didn’t really put into words my thoughts about the value of playing or what I think playing actually is. Whether it be experimenting with different materials or different surfaces, or a different technique - it doesn’t really matter what you’re choosing to do, but for me the idea of calling it play means I’m taking away the expectation of having a good finished product. And that’s a little bit why it’s a mental dilemma for me. My little inner voice is telling me but what if it works out and I’ve only done it on lightweight paper.? And the opposite - but what if I just waste a 15 or $20 sheet of good watercolour paper? Also the thought - I don’t have much time today so shouldn’t I get straight into the things that I need to do.

All of these things are running through my head, plus lots lots more - kind of self sabotaging in a way to not do it because I actually find it harder than painting a ‘painting’.

But what I’ve really enjoyed about it is that I’ve played with some materials that I haven’t used much, I have sometimes put restrictions on myself about the number of colours I’m going to use. With these last couple I have actually done them on paper wrapped over canvases because I brought a lot of those with me. But I still tried to keep the thought of ‘it really doesn’t matter if it doesn’t turn out I can take the paper off the panel and wrap a new piece over. I haven’t wasted anything. ’ I’ve really enjoyed the time spent on these pieces. I’ve enjoyed the process of thinking ‘What will I do differently?’ I have found some new techniques that I then incorporated into a large watercolour painting on my ‘normal’ paper.
I’m hoping when I get home, I will continue to add play into my daily practice.

#processoverproduct #artistlife #artistinresidence

Today was a long one taking in loads of floral and bird and butterfly and big vista inspiration before spending the afternoon on the studio.

The bird life up here makes me so excited.

@breenholdgardens
@botanicsydney

Today was a long one taking in loads of floral and bird and butterfly and big vista inspiration before spending the afternoon on the studio.

The bird life up here makes me so excited.

@breenholdgardens
@botanicsydney

What a day today has been. Continuing my plan to start each day with play I worked in a similar fashion to my play session yesterday and just chose two colours plus water soluble graphite sticks to create moody treescapes.
At the moment I’m working on about 5 different works in various stages of completion and I love flitting from one to another to vary up my day. I had a creative friend join me today for some great printmaking experimentation. I think she experimented more than I did!
I was focusing on trying to achieve more variation in my light to mid tones.

One of my favourite monotypes is of a vase of waratahs that my lovely host Anne set up for me. The 2nd ghost print on rice paper was my fave but it is too light and I was curious about embellishing it with hand colouring - watercolour or coloured pencil / I wasn’t sure. It ended up watercolour, pencil and gouache and nearly went in the bin at one point - I thought totally ruined it but actually I really like it now. I brought it back from needing cpr!
After a late afternoon wander I pottered in the studio until late starting the prep for my artist talk this Sunday.

I realise I haven’t shared much finished work on my feed - mostly snippets in my stories and that’s partly because many peices are not quite finished or there are more ideas brewing for companion works.

@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence
#artresidency #processoverproduct #printmaking #subtractiveprinting #artistinresidence

What a day today has been. Continuing my plan to start each day with play I worked in a similar fashion to my play session yesterday and just chose two colours plus water soluble graphite sticks to create moody treescapes.
At the moment I’m working on about 5 different works in various stages of completion and I love flitting from one to another to vary up my day. I had a creative friend join me today for some great printmaking experimentation. I think she experimented more than I did!
I was focusing on trying to achieve more variation in my light to mid tones.

One of my favourite monotypes is of a vase of waratahs that my lovely host Anne set up for me. The 2nd ghost print on rice paper was my fave but it is too light and I was curious about embellishing it with hand colouring - watercolour or coloured pencil / I wasn’t sure. It ended up watercolour, pencil and gouache and nearly went in the bin at one point - I thought totally ruined it but actually I really like it now. I brought it back from needing cpr!
After a late afternoon wander I pottered in the studio until late starting the prep for my artist talk this Sunday.

I realise I haven’t shared much finished work on my feed - mostly snippets in my stories and that’s partly because many peices are not quite finished or there are more ideas brewing for companion works.

@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence
#artresidency #processoverproduct #printmaking #subtractiveprinting #artistinresidence

Today was very cold and drizzly, but it was lovely and foggy amongst the trees so I set off the take photos this morning. I was chilled to the bone but it was worth it! I explored lots of streets and no through roads, and some fire trails.
Then I worked some more on my large waratah scene, and experimented with printing using oil paint instead of the printing ink. A kookaburra was immortalised in blue then back to the sepia printing ink sepia.
My ‘play’ starter today was adding a narrative to my crazy waving/shouting log.
@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence

Today was very cold and drizzly, but it was lovely and foggy amongst the trees so I set off the take photos this morning. I was chilled to the bone but it was worth it! I explored lots of streets and no through roads, and some fire trails.
Then I worked some more on my large waratah scene, and experimented with printing using oil paint instead of the printing ink. A kookaburra was immortalised in blue then back to the sepia printing ink sepia.
My ‘play’ starter today was adding a narrative to my crazy waving/shouting log.
@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence

It’s my week 2 wrap up ! The other thing I didn’t mention getting out of this residency is the lack of care factor being on camera looking like a shambles. My prior career as a hair and makeup artist means usually I wouldn’t have been seen dead on camera without my full face on and hair done nicely. But you know what - all that does is hold me back from sharing so I’m turning the tables and you can just have to cope with me wrinkles and all or you can scroll on by!
#artistresidrncy #srtistintedidence @mt_wilson_artist_in_residence

It’s my week 2 wrap up ! The other thing I didn’t mention getting out of this residency is the lack of care factor being on camera looking like a shambles. My prior career as a hair and makeup artist means usually I wouldn’t have been seen dead on camera without my full face on and hair done nicely. But you know what - all that does is hold me back from sharing so I’m turning the tables and you can just have to cope with me wrinkles and all or you can scroll on by!
#artistresidrncy #srtistintedidence @mt_wilson_artist_in_residence

Gadget girl to the rescue! All of you plein air painters out there need one of these vest/totes from @temu_au 🫣

Gadget girl to the rescue! All of you plein air painters out there need one of these vest/totes from @temu_au 🫣

Picture yourself painting in the fresh island air, surrounded by turquoise waters and historic stone cottages… That’s exactly what awaits on my Norfolk Island Watercolour Retreat.
But – there are only 4 spots left for painters! If you’ve been dreaming of combining travel with art, this is your moment.

✨ Paint en plein air with step by step demonstrations while we explore the island and it’s history.
✨ Dive into studio sessions to refine your watercolour skills.
✨ Connect with fellow creatives in one unforgettable location.

Non painting partners welcome.
🌿 Secure your place today:
cherylbrucecreativ.com/norfolk-island-retreat

#watercolourretreat #norfolislandretreat #pleinairpaiting #australianartist #artretreat #watercolourworkshop #slowtravel #creativegetaway #paintingholiday #pleinairpainter #pleinairpainting #norfolkisland #explorenorfolk

Picture yourself painting in the fresh island air, surrounded by turquoise waters and historic stone cottages… That’s exactly what awaits on my Norfolk Island Watercolour Retreat.
But – there are only 4 spots left for painters! If you’ve been dreaming of combining travel with art, this is your moment.

✨ Paint en plein air with step by step demonstrations while we explore the island and it’s history.
✨ Dive into studio sessions to refine your watercolour skills.
✨ Connect with fellow creatives in one unforgettable location.

Non painting partners welcome.
🌿 Secure your place today:
cherylbrucecreativ.com/norfolk-island-retreat

#watercolourretreat #norfolislandretreat #pleinairpaiting #australianartist #artretreat #watercolourworkshop #slowtravel #creativegetaway #paintingholiday #pleinairpainter #pleinairpainting #norfolkisland #explorenorfolk

I’m really enjoying breaking my day up with several different projects and mediums. Today was crazy windy so a full studio day today which was fab but tomorrow I need to spend some time out exploring Mt Wilson.

@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence
@kookootonga247

I’m really enjoying breaking my day up with several different projects and mediums. Today was crazy windy so a full studio day today which was fab but tomorrow I need to spend some time out exploring Mt Wilson.

@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence
@kookootonga247

What a day I’ve had. After some productive procrastination (which @craftychris57 has kindly called mindfulness) of setting up an acrylic and gouache workspace, I got stuck into it.
For the first time ever I’m writing down the things I’m thinking or my ‘self talk’ reminders. I’m analysing a little more.

I’ll pop some little video snippets in my stories.

@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence
#experimentingwithcolor
#watercolour #gouache #printmaking #sketchbook #watercolor #artresidency #artistinresidence #mtwilson

What a day I’ve had. After some productive procrastination (which @craftychris57 has kindly called mindfulness) of setting up an acrylic and gouache workspace, I got stuck into it.
For the first time ever I’m writing down the things I’m thinking or my ‘self talk’ reminders. I’m analysing a little more.

I’ll pop some little video snippets in my stories.

@mt_wilson_artist_in_residence
#experimentingwithcolor
#watercolour #gouache #printmaking #sketchbook #watercolor #artresidency #artistinresidence #mtwilson

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