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Day 22 of Inktober: Beacon.

It’s half past ten, I’ve been going since 6 a.m., and it’s another day, another bed! This holiday might look glamorous, but there’s a fair bit of travelling, packing and juggling behind the scenes. Still showing up for Inktober though, and I’m pretty proud of that.

Today I met one of my followers, Emily, for a gorgeous day at Tate Modern exploring the Frida Kahlo exhibition. She even gifted me a pencil and sketchbook so we could create together. How lovely is that?

Afterwards, we headed to the members’ lounge, overlooking London, and spent time drawing, chatting, connecting and sharing. An absolute joy.

Emily drew St Paul’s across the river, a beacon of hope whose survival during the Blitz became a symbol of resilience. My mind went straight home to Bodmin in Cornwall.

Bodmin Beacon’s granite obelisk stands around 44 metres tall and was built in 1857 as a memorial to Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert. Such a familiar landmark from home, finding its way into my sketchbook in London.

I started with Emily’s coloured pencils, then tonight added texture, fine lines and details with ink. A little different for Inktober, but there’s ink involved, so I’m calling it perfectly valid!

Give yourself some grace. Make the challenge work for you. We don’t have to be purists; we just have to enjoy creating.

Comment “Inktober win” to go into the end-of-month draw to win a print of one of my original artworks.

Day 22 of Inktober: Beacon.

It’s half past ten, I’ve been going since 6 a.m., and it’s another day, another bed! This holiday might look glamorous, but there’s a fair bit of travelling, packing and juggling behind the scenes. Still showing up for Inktober though, and I’m pretty proud of that.

Today I met one of my followers, Emily, for a gorgeous day at Tate Modern exploring the Frida Kahlo exhibition. She even gifted me a pencil and sketchbook so we could create together. How lovely is that?

Afterwards, we headed to the members’ lounge, overlooking London, and spent time drawing, chatting, connecting and sharing. An absolute joy.

Emily drew St Paul’s across the river, a beacon of hope whose survival during the Blitz became a symbol of resilience. My mind went straight home to Bodmin in Cornwall.

Bodmin Beacon’s granite obelisk stands around 44 metres tall and was built in 1857 as a memorial to Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert. Such a familiar landmark from home, finding its way into my sketchbook in London.

I started with Emily’s coloured pencils, then tonight added texture, fine lines and details with ink. A little different for Inktober, but there’s ink involved, so I’m calling it perfectly valid!

Give yourself some grace. Make the challenge work for you. We don’t have to be purists; we just have to enjoy creating.

Comment “Inktober win” to go into the end-of-month draw to win a print of one of my original artworks.

Day 22 of Inktober: Beacon.

(Poor WiFi reception soz)

A very quiet chat tonight because I’m tucked up in another bed, this time at my nephew’s house in Reading! It’s half past ten, I’ve been going since 6 a.m., but I’m squeezing in the finishing touches to today’s drawing.

I started this one at Tate Modern with Emily, a follower who has become a lovely real-life creative connection. We spent the day exploring the Frida Kahlo exhibition, and she thoughtfully gifted me a pencil and sketchbook so we could do some creating together.

Afterwards, we headed up to the members’ lounge, where we sat overlooking London, drawing, chatting and sharing stories. Such a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon.

Talking about today’s prompt, Emily chose St Paul’s Cathedral across the river as her beacon of hope. My thoughts went straight to my hometown in Cornwall and Bodmin Beacon, that familiar granite landmark standing above the town.

I borrowed Emily’s coloured pencils to get mine started, and now I’m top and tailing the day with a little ink work, adding texture, fine lines and those final details before bed.

Pencils in London, ink in Reading. It all counts! Give yourself permission to make Inktober fit around your life and enjoy the time you have to create.

Comment “Inktober win” to enter the end-of-month draw to win a print of one of my original artworks.

Day 22 of Inktober: Beacon.

(Poor WiFi reception soz)

A very quiet chat tonight because I’m tucked up in another bed, this time at my nephew’s house in Reading! It’s half past ten, I’ve been going since 6 a.m., but I’m squeezing in the finishing touches to today’s drawing.

I started this one at Tate Modern with Emily, a follower who has become a lovely real-life creative connection. We spent the day exploring the Frida Kahlo exhibition, and she thoughtfully gifted me a pencil and sketchbook so we could do some creating together.

Afterwards, we headed up to the members’ lounge, where we sat overlooking London, drawing, chatting and sharing stories. Such a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon.

Talking about today’s prompt, Emily chose St Paul’s Cathedral across the river as her beacon of hope. My thoughts went straight to my hometown in Cornwall and Bodmin Beacon, that familiar granite landmark standing above the town.

I borrowed Emily’s coloured pencils to get mine started, and now I’m top and tailing the day with a little ink work, adding texture, fine lines and those final details before bed.

Pencils in London, ink in Reading. It all counts! Give yourself permission to make Inktober fit around your life and enjoy the time you have to create.

Comment “Inktober win” to enter the end-of-month draw to win a print of one of my original artworks.

Day trip London adventure coming ….

On the train from Reading to London for a little creative, cultural day trip, and today I’m meeting one of “my followers”.
Honestly, it’s blowing my mind!

In amongst family time and recording podcasts, someone 10,000 miles from home (OZ) has reached out and said, “Fancy going to an art gallery together?”

I’m used to connecting with our lovely creative community in Brisbane, but taking those connections across the world feels pretty special.

Emily’s dropped her kids at school and is heading in from south London. I’m coming from the west, and we’re meeting at Tate Modern for a day of art and a good chat.

It’s a lovely reminder that the world can feel surprisingly small, and that showing up and sharing what you love can make a positive difference to someone else’s life. You never quite know where it might lead.

Super excited. Follow along for a little creative connection!

Day trip London adventure coming ….

On the train from Reading to London for a little creative, cultural day trip, and today I’m meeting one of “my followers”.
Honestly, it’s blowing my mind!

In amongst family time and recording podcasts, someone 10,000 miles from home (OZ) has reached out and said, “Fancy going to an art gallery together?”

I’m used to connecting with our lovely creative community in Brisbane, but taking those connections across the world feels pretty special.

Emily’s dropped her kids at school and is heading in from south London. I’m coming from the west, and we’re meeting at Tate Modern for a day of art and a good chat.

It’s a lovely reminder that the world can feel surprisingly small, and that showing up and sharing what you love can make a positive difference to someone else’s life. You never quite know where it might lead.

Super excited. Follow along for a little creative connection!

My goodness, trying to juggle it all while I’m on holiday! Seeing family, moving around England and still squeezing in my Inktobers every day. It’s 11:30 p.m. and I’ve just finished this one. Let’s hope I can get it posted before midnight!

Day 21’s word is HERO. I thought about superheroes, but they’re not really my jam. Instead, I chose my own unsung hero: my husband @david.bessell

He’s there every step of the way, ready to catch me when I fall. Metaphorically… although given how clumsy I am, sometimes literally too!

I’ve drawn a little vignette of me falling into his hands, using biro for that scratchy, sketchy texture of hardworking hands that always show up for me.

Who’s your hero? I can’t wait to see your drawings.

Comment “Inktober win” to go into the draw to win a print of one of my original artworks at the end of the month.

My goodness, trying to juggle it all while I’m on holiday! Seeing family, moving around England and still squeezing in my Inktobers every day. It’s 11:30 p.m. and I’ve just finished this one. Let’s hope I can get it posted before midnight!

Day 21’s word is HERO. I thought about superheroes, but they’re not really my jam. Instead, I chose my own unsung hero: my husband @david.bessell

He’s there every step of the way, ready to catch me when I fall. Metaphorically… although given how clumsy I am, sometimes literally too!

I’ve drawn a little vignette of me falling into his hands, using biro for that scratchy, sketchy texture of hardworking hands that always show up for me.

Who’s your hero? I can’t wait to see your drawings.

Comment “Inktober win” to go into the draw to win a print of one of my original artworks at the end of the month.

Day 21 of Inktober, and today’s word is HERO.

My mind went straight to superheroes, but Marvel isn’t really my jam. I thought about people who serve and care for others, then landed on an unsung hero a little closer to home: my husband.

He’s there for me every step of the way, with hands ready to catch me when I fall. Metaphorically, of course… although given how clumsy I am, sometimes literally too!

So today’s drawing is a little illustrative vignette of me falling into his hands. I used biro because I wanted that sketchy, scratchy texture to capture a hardworking pair of hands. The hands of someone who always shows up for me.

Who did you think of for today’s prompt? I’d love to see your drawings.

Comment “Inktober win” to go into the draw to win a print of one of my original artworks at the end of the month.

Day 21 of Inktober, and today’s word is HERO.

My mind went straight to superheroes, but Marvel isn’t really my jam. I thought about people who serve and care for others, then landed on an unsung hero a little closer to home: my husband.

He’s there for me every step of the way, with hands ready to catch me when I fall. Metaphorically, of course… although given how clumsy I am, sometimes literally too!

So today’s drawing is a little illustrative vignette of me falling into his hands. I used biro because I wanted that sketchy, scratchy texture to capture a hardworking pair of hands. The hands of someone who always shows up for me.

Who did you think of for today’s prompt? I’d love to see your drawings.

Comment “Inktober win” to go into the draw to win a print of one of my original artworks at the end of the month.

A little behind the scenes of setting up for Holiday Art Club!

Before the kids arrive, there’s a bit of prep to make sure everything is ready to go.

From setting out placemats so everyone knows where to sit, starting an underpainting so it’s ready for the day, and writing up our timetable, to portioning out materials and setting up our everyday supplies.

Having everything ready means the kids can jump straight into creating, know what to expect throughout the day, and have everything they need within reach.

This is how I set up for both our half-day and full-day Holiday Art Club classes!
#ucreateartstudio #arteducator #holidayartclass #artforwellness #kidsart

A little behind the scenes of setting up for Holiday Art Club!

Before the kids arrive, there’s a bit of prep to make sure everything is ready to go.

From setting out placemats so everyone knows where to sit, starting an underpainting so it’s ready for the day, and writing up our timetable, to portioning out materials and setting up our everyday supplies.

Having everything ready means the kids can jump straight into creating, know what to expect throughout the day, and have everything they need within reach.

This is how I set up for both our half-day and full-day Holiday Art Club classes!
#ucreateartstudio #arteducator #holidayartclass #artforwellness #kidsart

Day 20 Inktober
Lounge

Day 20 Inktober
Lounge

Day 20 of Inktober – LOUNGE!

Well, I’ve left the sunny shores of Cornwall behind and I’m now up on the Welsh border, in the Forest of Dean, staying with my sister.

Today’s word is LOUNGE, and my mind didn’t go to a couch or settee. Nor did I imagine someone elegantly reclining on a chaise longue in some glamorous boudoir.

Oh no. I think I’ve spent far too long in Cornwall!

Instead, I immediately pictured a Beryl Cook-inspired, fabulously voluptuous, bikini-clad lady lounging in a deckchair by the seaside, enjoying the sunshine while those pesky Cornish seagulls nick half her picnic!

And if you’ve ever been to Cornwall, you’ll know those bloody seagulls are the size of elephants and will steal anything that’s not bolted down. Especially your Cornish pasty!

So today’s drawing is a little tongue-in-cheek, a bit cheeky and hopefully makes you smile. I had great fun creating this one!

I can’t wait to see how you’ve interpreted today’s prompt. Keep sending me your drawings, and I hope the sun is shining wherever you are today.

Comment INKTOBER WIN to go into the draw to win a print of one of my original Inktober artworks at the end of the month.

Happy creating!

Day 20 of Inktober – LOUNGE!

Well, I’ve left the sunny shores of Cornwall behind and I’m now up on the Welsh border, in the Forest of Dean, staying with my sister.

Today’s word is LOUNGE, and my mind didn’t go to a couch or settee. Nor did I imagine someone elegantly reclining on a chaise longue in some glamorous boudoir.

Oh no. I think I’ve spent far too long in Cornwall!

Instead, I immediately pictured a Beryl Cook-inspired, fabulously voluptuous, bikini-clad lady lounging in a deckchair by the seaside, enjoying the sunshine while those pesky Cornish seagulls nick half her picnic!

And if you’ve ever been to Cornwall, you’ll know those bloody seagulls are the size of elephants and will steal anything that’s not bolted down. Especially your Cornish pasty!

So today’s drawing is a little tongue-in-cheek, a bit cheeky and hopefully makes you smile. I had great fun creating this one!

I can’t wait to see how you’ve interpreted today’s prompt. Keep sending me your drawings, and I hope the sun is shining wherever you are today.

Comment INKTOBER WIN to go into the draw to win a print of one of my original Inktober artworks at the end of the month.

Happy creating!

Super late tonight!
Sorry I look so tired…I am and I have a cold coming!!
Just 15 minutes left of day 19, and I’ve squeezed my Inktober in just in time.

Up at 6 a.m., down to Penzance to record two podcasts with two amazing creative businesses here in Cornwall, then back for a farewell dinner with my mum. It’s been a lot. I’m juggling plenty of balls, but still carving out a little time to draw and show up here with you.

Today’s word is CONFUSED, and between the jet lag and a very full day, that feels pretty accurate! This drawing is my take on how I look coming off a long-haul flight. Not flattering, but definitely how I feel.

It’s now 23:46 and I’ve just finished my live. Squeezed it in!

How are you getting on with your Inktober? Keep sending me your pictures. I love seeing what you’re creating, so share the love!

Super late tonight!
Sorry I look so tired…I am and I have a cold coming!!
Just 15 minutes left of day 19, and I’ve squeezed my Inktober in just in time.

Up at 6 a.m., down to Penzance to record two podcasts with two amazing creative businesses here in Cornwall, then back for a farewell dinner with my mum. It’s been a lot. I’m juggling plenty of balls, but still carving out a little time to draw and show up here with you.

Today’s word is CONFUSED, and between the jet lag and a very full day, that feels pretty accurate! This drawing is my take on how I look coming off a long-haul flight. Not flattering, but definitely how I feel.

It’s now 23:46 and I’ve just finished my live. Squeezed it in!

How are you getting on with your Inktober? Keep sending me your pictures. I love seeing what you’re creating, so share the love!

Day 19 of Inktober, and today’s word is CONFUSED.
My inspiration? Jet lag.

If you’ve experienced it, you’ll know.
No idea what day it is, whether you’re coming or going, or why you want dinner in the middle of the night and your bed straight after breakfast.

I haven’t been too bad coming over to England, but it’s been a long day and I’m certainly feeling it tonight. Going back to Australia is usually the one that really gets me!

So here’s my interpretation of what I look like coming off a long-haul flight.
Not the most flattering face I’ve ever drawn, but honestly? That’s exactly how it feels.

Want to win a print of one of my Inktober drawings?
Comment “Inktober Win” to go into the draw.

Day 19 of Inktober, and today’s word is CONFUSED.
My inspiration? Jet lag.

If you’ve experienced it, you’ll know.
No idea what day it is, whether you’re coming or going, or why you want dinner in the middle of the night and your bed straight after breakfast.

I haven’t been too bad coming over to England, but it’s been a long day and I’m certainly feeling it tonight. Going back to Australia is usually the one that really gets me!

So here’s my interpretation of what I look like coming off a long-haul flight.
Not the most flattering face I’ve ever drawn, but honestly? That’s exactly how it feels.

Want to win a print of one of my Inktober drawings?
Comment “Inktober Win” to go into the draw.

Day 18 of Inktober: Flightless.

Tonight’s live comes from my little bedroom in my sister’s lodge in Cornwall, where I’ve attempted to set up an art studio on the spare bed! My camera and everything else are charging, ready for a couple of podcast interviews tomorrow.

And honestly, I’m proud of myself. Between travelling to England, being present with family and celebrating Mum’s birthday, I’m still carving out time for Inktober and checking in live with you lot. It’s a makeshift setup, but I’m here and still creating.

Tonight, I considered the obvious flightless birds: dodos, penguins, emus… but then went somewhere a little quirkier.

Swapping stories with old family friends last night reminded me of the time I tried to fly out of my bedroom window. I was about three. Ambition clearly arrived before common sense!

That got me thinking about our fascination with flight. From Icarus to homemade contraptions, humans have always wanted to get airborne. And now we have people putting on wingsuits and launching themselves off mountains. As you do.

So BASE jumpers it is! I loved exploring the perspective, movement and energy in this one.

What did “flightless” inspire you to draw?

To enter the draw to win a print of one of my Inktober artworks, comment “Inktober Win”. Winners will be drawn at the end of the month.

Happy creating!

Day 18 of Inktober: Flightless.

Tonight’s live comes from my little bedroom in my sister’s lodge in Cornwall, where I’ve attempted to set up an art studio on the spare bed! My camera and everything else are charging, ready for a couple of podcast interviews tomorrow.

And honestly, I’m proud of myself. Between travelling to England, being present with family and celebrating Mum’s birthday, I’m still carving out time for Inktober and checking in live with you lot. It’s a makeshift setup, but I’m here and still creating.

Tonight, I considered the obvious flightless birds: dodos, penguins, emus… but then went somewhere a little quirkier.

Swapping stories with old family friends last night reminded me of the time I tried to fly out of my bedroom window. I was about three. Ambition clearly arrived before common sense!

That got me thinking about our fascination with flight. From Icarus to homemade contraptions, humans have always wanted to get airborne. And now we have people putting on wingsuits and launching themselves off mountains. As you do.

So BASE jumpers it is! I loved exploring the perspective, movement and energy in this one.

What did “flightless” inspire you to draw?

To enter the draw to win a print of one of my Inktober artworks, comment “Inktober Win”. Winners will be drawn at the end of the month.

Happy creating!

Day 18 of Inktober: Flightless.

I considered a dodo, penguin, emu… even a peacock, before remembering they can actually fly! But I wanted to take this one somewhere less obvious.

Last night, swapping stories with old family friends, I was reminded of the time I tried to fly out of my bedroom window. I was about three. Clearly, ambition arrived before common sense.

That got me thinking about our fascination with flight. From Icarus to homemade flying contraptions, we’ve always wanted to get ourselves airborne. And now? People put on wingsuits and launch themselves off mountains. As you do.

So tonight I’ve drawn BASE jumpers. I loved exploring the perspective, movement and energy of this one.

Where did “flightless” take your imagination? I’d love to see your drawings.

To enter the draw to win a print of one of my Inktober artworks, comment “Inktober Win”. Winners will be drawn at the end of the month.

Happy creating!

Day 18 of Inktober: Flightless.

I considered a dodo, penguin, emu… even a peacock, before remembering they can actually fly! But I wanted to take this one somewhere less obvious.

Last night, swapping stories with old family friends, I was reminded of the time I tried to fly out of my bedroom window. I was about three. Clearly, ambition arrived before common sense.

That got me thinking about our fascination with flight. From Icarus to homemade flying contraptions, we’ve always wanted to get ourselves airborne. And now? People put on wingsuits and launch themselves off mountains. As you do.

So tonight I’ve drawn BASE jumpers. I loved exploring the perspective, movement and energy of this one.

Where did “flightless” take your imagination? I’d love to see your drawings.

To enter the draw to win a print of one of my Inktober artworks, comment “Inktober Win”. Winners will be drawn at the end of the month.

Happy creating!

Back to Basics: Watercolour Art Hacks

Two simple watercolour tricks that make a big difference!

1. Natural sponges – Perfect for adding texture to your paintings! Use them for grass, skies, water and so much more. They absorb the paint and help spread it around to create some really interesting effects.

2. Two water pots – One for washing your brushes and one for clean water. I always use clear pots so my students can see how dirty their water gets. Keeping them separate means your paint stays clean and your colours stay vibrant!

Follow along for more art hacks, and let me know in the comments what you’d like me to cover next!
#ucreateartstudio #arteducator #watercolour #arthack #artforwellbeing

Back to Basics: Watercolour Art Hacks

Two simple watercolour tricks that make a big difference!

1. Natural sponges – Perfect for adding texture to your paintings! Use them for grass, skies, water and so much more. They absorb the paint and help spread it around to create some really interesting effects.

2. Two water pots – One for washing your brushes and one for clean water. I always use clear pots so my students can see how dirty their water gets. Keeping them separate means your paint stays clean and your colours stay vibrant!

Follow along for more art hacks, and let me know in the comments what you’d like me to cover next!
#ucreateartstudio #arteducator #watercolour #arthack #artforwellbeing

Finally getting to do my live tonight, with just 20 minutes to go before midnight!

We’ve been celebrating Mum’s 80th birthday with some old family friends. A beautiful reunion, swapping stories, reconnecting and making memories. So sorry I’m coming to you so late, but it’s been a lovely reason to leave the drawing until last!

Let’s talk Day 17 of Inktober: CONTRAPTION.

Being back in England, my mind went straight to Wallace and Gromit and those wonderfully ridiculous inventions. We explored Nick Park and Aardman’s stop-motion creations in our recent animation workshop at U Create, so tonight I’ve drawn Wallace in his Wrong Trousers. If you haven’t seen the film, do yourself a favour. Absolutely brilliant!

What weird and wacky contraptions have you come up with? I can’t wait to see.

Comment “Inktober Win” to go into the end-of-month draw to win a print of one of my original artworks.

Finally getting to do my live tonight, with just 20 minutes to go before midnight!

We’ve been celebrating Mum’s 80th birthday with some old family friends. A beautiful reunion, swapping stories, reconnecting and making memories. So sorry I’m coming to you so late, but it’s been a lovely reason to leave the drawing until last!

Let’s talk Day 17 of Inktober: CONTRAPTION.

Being back in England, my mind went straight to Wallace and Gromit and those wonderfully ridiculous inventions. We explored Nick Park and Aardman’s stop-motion creations in our recent animation workshop at U Create, so tonight I’ve drawn Wallace in his Wrong Trousers. If you haven’t seen the film, do yourself a favour. Absolutely brilliant!

What weird and wacky contraptions have you come up with? I can’t wait to see.

Comment “Inktober Win” to go into the end-of-month draw to win a print of one of my original artworks.

Day 17 of Inktober, and today’s word is CONTRAPTION.

Back in England and embracing a bit of British brilliance with Wallace and his easy invention in “Wrong Trousers!”

We looked at the brilliance of animator Nick Park and Aardman’s studios in the wonderful stop-motion creations during our recent animation workshop at U Create, so this idea came straight to mind. If you haven’t seen The Wrong Trousers, I’m saying nothing.
Just watch it. Absolutely brilliant and so funny

Now, what weird and wacky contraptions will you draw? An electric toothbrush? A ridiculous Viking slingshot? Something that solves a problem nobody actually has? I can’t wait to see.

To go into the draw to win a print of one of my original artworks, comment “Inktober Win”. Winners drawn at the end of the month.

Day 17 of Inktober, and today’s word is CONTRAPTION.

Back in England and embracing a bit of British brilliance with Wallace and his easy invention in “Wrong Trousers!”

We looked at the brilliance of animator Nick Park and Aardman’s studios in the wonderful stop-motion creations during our recent animation workshop at U Create, so this idea came straight to mind. If you haven’t seen The Wrong Trousers, I’m saying nothing.
Just watch it. Absolutely brilliant and so funny

Now, what weird and wacky contraptions will you draw? An electric toothbrush? A ridiculous Viking slingshot? Something that solves a problem nobody actually has? I can’t wait to see.

To go into the draw to win a print of one of my original artworks, comment “Inktober Win”. Winners drawn at the end of the month.

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The U Create Art Studio in Brisbane offers; kids art classes, kids arty birthday parties, online art classes, adult art classes, private parties, sip & paint nights and community art projects.

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The Studio is located in the beautiful leafy Brisbane Suburb of The Gap.

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The Gap, QLD, 4061

T: 0435 765 607

E: karen@ucreateart.com.au

@ucreateartstudio

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