why you should use your own reference photos

Using your own reference photos for painting is more than just practical - it’s a deeply satisfying part of the creative process. In this post, I share why using my own photos has become such a rewarding part of creating art, how it keeps me connected to my subjects, and why I find it so much more fulfilling than endlessly scrolling Pinterest. From self-portraits to family moments, using references bring my art to life.

perspective shift – painting forearm balance in watercolour

This post shares the story behind 'perspective shift', my newest painting in my 'home body' collection. A self-portrait in a variation of pincha mayurasana, one of my favourite shapes - I honestly find myself in forearm balance almost daily - I can find so much peace within myself when i'm upside-down! In this post, I reflect on the pose, the meaning behind it, and why painting yoga continues to be such a powerful practice of self-love. Like all 'home body' pieces, it’s painted with just three hues and a whole lot of heart.

open heart – painting wheel pose in watercolour

This post introduces my new painting, 'open heart' - the first piece in my new collection, 'home body'. I'm painting myself in various yoga poses as a way to reconnect with my body, honour the movement it allows, and explore self-acceptance through watercolour. In this post, you'll find the story behind the painting, yoga facts, psychology insights, and the meaning behind wheel pose. I hope you love this new collection as much as I do!

painting dacelo novaeguineae (the laughing kookaburra)

This blog shares the story behind my painting of the iconic Australian laughing kookaburra, dacelo novaeguineae. You’ll find fun species-specific facts, insights from my life as a veterinarian, and the personal journey of restarting a painting that just wasn’t working. This piece is part of my fauna collection - complete with a tea-stained background, colour bubbles, and scientific labels.

how I stay kind to myself when I think my art sucks

This week, I wanted to rip up all of my work. I hated my artistic style, I felt like I hadn’t improved at all, and all I wanted to do was give up. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever stared at your own artwork and felt a wave of disappointment or shame, this post is for you. I’m sharing the things I’ve learned—both as a self-taught artist and a provisional psychologist—about how I stay kind to myself in those low, raw moments when I think my art sucks. If you get stuck in your head sometimes and feel disappointed with your art, you're not alone!

social comparisons as an artist – balancing inspiration and self-deprecation

As artists, we often turn to social media for connection and inspiration—but what happens when it starts to make us feel small? This blog explores the emotional tug-of-war between admiration and self-doubt. I’m sharing my own experiences as a self-taught, part-time artist navigating the world of roses-tinted squares, Instagram scrolls and highlight reels. We’ll explore how to stay inspired without falling into the trap of comparison, and how to protect your creative joy (and your self-worth) while staying connected online. Dealing with social comparisons as an artist can be really detrimental to our work at times, but there are things we can do to help ourselves stay confident and inspired.

feeling lonely as an artist? you’re not alone

feeling lonely as an artist? you’re not alone <3 Being a part-time painter can feel beautifully freeing—and strangely lonely. Whether you paint at night after work, squeeze in studio time on weekends, or juggle art between other commitments, it’s easy to feel isolated as an artist. In this blog, I’m sharing thoughts on the quiet loneliness that sometimes comes with creating, and how to gently reconnect—with yourself, your art, and the wider world.

deciding to start a painting again – how to stay confident & inspired

Sometimes, despite all the hours, effort, and love you pour into a painting, you reach a point where it just doesn’t feel right. In this blog, I’m talking about the emotional rollercoaster of deciding to start over—from the frustration to the quiet confidence that comes from trusting your own creative instincts. Deciding to start a painting again is something I seem to face over and over - sometimes I know i'm being too perfectionistic and other times, the painting really does just need a do-over. Whether you’ve been here before or you’re facing a similar decision right now, this one’s for you.

letting go of perfectionism in your sketchbook

Do you ever avoid your sketchbook because you're scared to mess it up? You're not alone. In this post, I’m talking about how I’m learning to let go of perfectionism in my sketchbook, and why it’s one of the kindest things we can do for our art practice. This one’s for the self-taught artists, the overthinkers, and anyone trying to loosen up and enjoy the process. If you struggle with allowing perfectionism in your sketchbook, I'm here to help!

collecting art on a budget – tips for new art collectors

Think collecting art is only for the wealthy? Think again. In this post, I share simple, thoughtful ways to start your own art collection—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re decorating your first home, falling in love with handmade work, or just starting to support independent artists, here’s how to collect meaningfully (and affordably). If you want some tips for collecting art on a budget, this post is for you!

dealing with creative block as a self taught artist

Staring at a blank page with no idea what to paint? You’re not alone. Dealing with creative block (aka artist block, or art block) is something every artist goes through—especially when you’re self-taught and figuring it out as you go. In this post, I share gentle, practical tips that help me get unstuck (and stay kind to myself in the process). Whether you're just starting out or simply in a bit of a rut, I hope this gives you a soft nudge back into your flow.

building confidence as a self-taught artist

Feeling unsure of yourself as an artist? You're not alone. In this post, I share what I've learned (and am still learning) about building confidence as a self-taught artist. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the middle of your creative journey, this blog is full of practical tips, mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that you’re doing better than you think.

how to care for watercolour brushes – make your brushes last!

Watercolour brushes are delicate, precise, and (let’s be honest) often a bit of an investment. Whether you're just starting out or using high-quality, handmade brushes like the ones I use, taking care of them means they’ll keep performing beautifully for years. In this post, I’ll share my favourite tips for keeping watercolour brushes in top shape—from everyday rinsing to deep cleaning and storage. Learn how to best care for watercolour brushes and start preserving your art supplies today!

the psychology of collecting art – what neuroscience tells us about art collectors

Have you ever bought a piece of art and felt something shift once it's on your wall? That quiet sense of joy, of connection, of "this belongs with me." You're not imagining it—science backs it up. & the psychology of collecting art is a fascinating topic! In this post, we’ll explore what psychology and neuroscience tell us about why collecting art feels so good. From dopamine to memory, identity to storytelling, collecting original artwork is more than a hobby—it’s a deeply human experience that supports our wellbeing.

how to start an art collection

Have you been wanting to start an art collection? It can feel overwhelming—where do you even begin? With so many styles, artists, and price points, choosing the right pieces can seem like a daunting task. But the truth is, you don’t need a fortune or a gallery space to start collecting art. In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics—how to find art you love, where to buy it, how to build a collection over time, and why supporting independent artists makes all the difference. If you’ve ever wanted to own original art but didn’t know where to start, this guide is for you!

choosing the right watercolour brushes – are high-quality brushes worth the investment?

Watercolour painting is all about flow, control, and softness, and the right brush makes all the difference. Unlike acrylic or oil brushes, watercolour brushes need to hold a lot of water, release pigment smoothly, and maintain a precise point. But with so many options—synthetic, natural, sable, squirrel—how do you choose? And is it really worth investing in high-quality brushes? In this post, I’ll break down the differences between watercolour brushes and other painting brushes, explain the different types of bristles, and share why investing in good brushes is a game-changer for watercolour artists. Plus, I’ll introduce the only brushes I ever use for my own paintings—a handmade, professional-quality, animal-free brush set available in my shop.

the artist’s complete guide to facial expression – artist book review

Capturing facial expressions in art is more than just drawing a smile or a frown—it’s about understanding the subtle muscle movements, emotions, and psychological cues behind them. That’s exactly what gary faigin’s "the artist’s complete guide to facial expression" sets out to teach. In this review, I’ll break down what the book covers, how it can help improve your portraits, and why it’s a great resource for artists wanting to create more expressive, lifelike faces. If you’ve ever struggled with making your characters or portraits look truly alive, this book might be just what you need.

is arches watercolour paper really worth it? why I always use arches

If you’ve ever painted with watercolours, you know how much the right paper can make or break your work. Some papers buckle, some don’t hold pigment well, and some make layering a nightmare. Enter arches watercolour paper—the gold standard in the watercolour world. But is it really worth the price? Spoiler: Yes, absolutely. In this post, I’ll break down what makes arches so special, how it compares to cheaper alternatives, and why investing in quality paper actually saves you money in the long run.

creativity and mental wellbeing – why making art is good for your brain

There’s something magical about getting lost in the process of making art. Whether it’s painting, sketching, or even just doodling in a notebook, creativity has a way of calming the mind and bringing a sense of peace. But this isn’t just a feeling—science backs it up. As both an artist and a provisional psychologist, I’m fascinated by the connection between art and mental wellbeing. In this post, I’ll share how creativity affects the brain, why making art is such a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, and how you can incorporate art into your routine for better mental health.

finding inspiration without copying – how to stay creative whilst developing your own style

Every artist has been there—you see a beautiful painting, an incredible colour palette, or a striking composition, and you immediately feel inspired. But then comes the tricky part: how do you use that inspiration without just recreating someone else’s work? In this post, I’ll share practical tips for finding inspiration without copying - so you can keep your work original. I’ll cover how to use references the right way, where to find creative ideas, and how to make sure your art always reflects YOU. If you’ve ever worried about unintentionally copying or struggled with making your art feel more you, this one's for you!

the art of watercolour layering – techniques from the masters

Watercolour is often described as a light, delicate, and unpredictable medium—but the secret to mastering it lies in layering. By building up transparent washes, artists can create depth, texture, and luminosity that give their paintings a rich, glowing quality. But layering isn't a new concept—many of the greatest watercolour artists in history used layering techniques to achieve stunning results. In this post, we’ll explore the historical roots of watercolour layering, why it’s so effective, and how you can apply these techniques to your own work.

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