Children's Drawing Lessons - Why Beneficial?
By JoAnn Clarke
By JoAnn Clarke
A Little Bit About Me
by JoAnn Clarke
Growing up in the bayside area of Brisbane, I was a typical, snotty-nosed, suburban child, running the streets with dozens of others, enjoying the freedom of the 70’s. I was influenced by the hits of Abba, Elvis and disco. School uniforms were seldom worn, probably only on photographic day, but everyone donned an Abba t-shirt, everyone except me. I looked on enviously; never even asking for one because Mum and Dad were always broke. But, I did have knee-high socks adorned with gaudy coloured mushrooms!
Creativity has always been a passion within me. Early on in life I had dreamed of being the lead singer in a rock band. Although I can hold a tune and play the piano enough to fool others, I realize now that I am not gifted, just a try-hard. What does come naturally to me is drawing, funny enough.
It has been a slow road for me. I was married at 19 and two children came along within a few years. So for a long time my creative juices were dried up, being pushed to the background by parenting and earning a living in the daily slog. But now the kids are grown, and one has even moved out. WOW, things are happening again in my brain. So, I now consider myself an emerging Australian artist.
I live and work, teaching drawing, in Hervey Bay. I am currently working on illustrations for my new children’s book, “Something Scary under the Bed”, and creating a collection of works for my first gallery showing.
I am inspired by the photographic work Peter Meyer did of Fraser Island, and have a love for the Impressionists. My work is distinguished by its technical drawing skill, and encapsulates the exciting crossovers between traditional techniques and contemporary design and illustration. Although I have a strong foundation of graphite drawing, I also choose watercolour and oil as medium in many of my pieces.
These detailed, colourful compositions, utilising both drawing and painting, portray the beauty of the natural world, for which I feel an affinity. I believe it is important to take time to appreciate all the wonders that surround us. My subjects often include Australian flora and fauna.
by JoAnn Clarke
Growing up in the bayside area of Brisbane, I was a typical, snotty-nosed, suburban child, running the streets with dozens of others, enjoying the freedom of the 70’s. I was influenced by the hits of Abba, Elvis and disco. School uniforms were seldom worn, probably only on photographic day, but everyone donned an Abba t-shirt, everyone except me. I looked on enviously; never even asking for one because Mum and Dad were always broke. But, I did have knee-high socks adorned with gaudy coloured mushrooms!
Creativity has always been a passion within me. Early on in life I had dreamed of being the lead singer in a rock band. Although I can hold a tune and play the piano enough to fool others, I realize now that I am not gifted, just a try-hard. What does come naturally to me is drawing, funny enough.
It has been a slow road for me. I was married at 19 and two children came along within a few years. So for a long time my creative juices were dried up, being pushed to the background by parenting and earning a living in the daily slog. But now the kids are grown, and one has even moved out. WOW, things are happening again in my brain. So, I now consider myself an emerging Australian artist.
I live and work, teaching drawing, in Hervey Bay. I am currently working on illustrations for my new children’s book, “Something Scary under the Bed”, and creating a collection of works for my first gallery showing.
I am inspired by the photographic work Peter Meyer did of Fraser Island, and have a love for the Impressionists. My work is distinguished by its technical drawing skill, and encapsulates the exciting crossovers between traditional techniques and contemporary design and illustration. Although I have a strong foundation of graphite drawing, I also choose watercolour and oil as medium in many of my pieces.
These detailed, colourful compositions, utilising both drawing and painting, portray the beauty of the natural world, for which I feel an affinity. I believe it is important to take time to appreciate all the wonders that surround us. My subjects often include Australian flora and fauna.
I am especially intrigued and awed with the majesty and silent strength of the sea, and the creatures that call it home. Based on a photograph by Peter Meyer, my favourite oil painting, “The Joke” depicts pelicans in expectation of receiving a fisherman’s morsel. Have you ever seen a whole flock simultaneously jump into the air with their mouths open? It looks like they’re having a good old laugh.
“Green Frogs” depicts the ‘acid frogs’ of Fraser Island, Queensland.
These creatures are able to thrive in the acidic conditions of some freshwater lakes on the island. The lakes’ high acidity, caused by organic acids, are comparable with the citric acid in lemon juice.
These creatures are able to thrive in the acidic conditions of some freshwater lakes on the island. The lakes’ high acidity, caused by organic acids, are comparable with the citric acid in lemon juice.
I have used a mixed medium of both watercolour and graphite for my “Floral” piece. I have implemented an unusual technique of utilizing cling wrap during the watercolour drying process to achieve the marvelous texture shown.
Being a spiritually minded person, I am also concerned with world conditions. This is reflected in the symbolic work entitled “The Game”. The history of humankind is anything but humane. Our past is littered with war oppression and genocide. Religion, politics, the global economy and the entertainment industry seem to control our world. I pose the question about who really controls these institutions, holding the cards, so to speak.
I have chosen graphite drawing as a medium to detail the well-know figures depicted.
(You'll have to forgive the photo quality. This drawing is currently at the RNA Show in Brisbane. My brother-in-law, Paul, kindly went there and took a photo on his mobile for me. I did mean to take a photo before it left, but I forgot!)
I have chosen graphite drawing as a medium to detail the well-know figures depicted.
(You'll have to forgive the photo quality. This drawing is currently at the RNA Show in Brisbane. My brother-in-law, Paul, kindly went there and took a photo on his mobile for me. I did mean to take a photo before it left, but I forgot!)
Two more examples of my graphite drawings are shown here, below, “Snake Picnic” 1985 and right, “Three Generations” 2009 (my daughter, myself and my mum when we were all teenagers - you won’t get us all together like that in a real life!).
Here are some samples of my work. I hope you like them, JoAnn
(Lets meet on Twitter.com/HerveyBayArtist & Facebook.com/HerveyBayArtist)
(Lets meet on Twitter.com/HerveyBayArtist & Facebook.com/HerveyBayArtist)
I hope you enjoy my work. I would be delighted to take create a unique piece according to your brief. Just email joannleesa@yahoo.com.au …JoAnn
