Introducing Strokes of Nature

Introducing Vickie from Strokes of Nature. Where every item is hand-painted!! From her home in Banora Point, NSW, Vickie hand paints all of her one-of-a-kind creations, inspired by nature and her love of animals.

Find out why Vickie started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.

Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.

I am a multi media artist experienced in using many mediums. Therefore, my creations are wide and varied. I started on Madeit with my handpainted notebooks which I paint using acrylic paints and handpainted greeting cards using acrylic ink.

The process of making handpainted notebooks - I purchase kraft covered notebooks either spiral bound or cotton bound.  I then freehand draw the image using watercolour pencil - it's much easier to rub out my mistakes whilst drawing. I source my images from the internet or photos I have taken myself.

I then paint the image using left over paint pots from my friends paint by numbers projects and my professional paints.  I often need to use a clear medium to improve fluidity as the covers are very dry. As with any acrylic painting, you start the first layer by blocking in tones and then just keep layering until you reach the desired effect. I also use ink pens or water based posca pens for fine lines and detail. This is what really makes the images stand out.  I spray the finished notebooks with fixative and apply a gloss varnish to both covers for protection.

The process of making hand-painted greeting cards  - With the greeting cards I have sourced many types of cardstock for these over the years and I use many different ones. I then freehand draw the image paint using acrylic inks. Acrylic inks are water based ink that are highly pigmented so the colours are quite vivid. You do need a couple of layers I use the pens to outline the images. I spray the cards with a fixative and then spray with a gloss varnish for a bright finished look. Some cardstock and recycled cardstock will warp using ink they then need to be pressed. I have a homemade press that my husband made where I spray the cards with water and place between two pieces of paper. I leave them in the press for about 3-4 days until they dry flat.

Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.

I have a rural background so come from a family of creators. My mum was an expert at everything handmade. I attended painting lessons for years since living on the coast and the only reason I became an artist was because my teacher Kevin Taylor (since deceased) was a very patient man. I was not a natural artist and it took me years to develop what Kevin referred to as a contemporary impressionist. My journey began doing very large landscapes inspired by world travel.

When I filled the walls of my house I took up pet portraits. Notebooks became a thing when I painted the cover of one I was using at home and found it very satisfying. They are small, useful and people like them to give as gifts. The greeting cards came about because I like to give cards but felt they were just too expensive. So I started to paint my own, Whilst notebooks and greeting cards are my thing at the moment my mind is always busy thinking up the next handmade project. Watch this space.

What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration is to create something with my hands that someone will appreciate - share the gift I have developed with like-minded people.

I find inspiration everywhere. People I talk to, things I see, things I hear. Any animal or bird image sparks a light for potential.

Where did you learn your craft?

I have also learnt so much from other students and people who I have met along the journey. I joined the Banora Point Community Centre Art Group about 8 years ago and have learnt so much from the artists who attend there. I use the internet now when I want to learn something new - you tube has got it all really.

I mainly learn by practice just trying things out, see what works and what doesn't. Trouble is I use so many different mediums and (papers and canvases) that I have to write down the outcomes of my experimenting or I forget. These results are pinned on the wall in my creation station so I can refer to them as I need.

Why is handmade artistry so important to you? 

Handmade for me is special. It is natural, satisfying to know that you can create something that is useful or will bring someone else joy is just so worth it. Someone has taken the time and effort to make something from scratch.

It blows me away when I see what people create on Madeit. I am awed by creativity. In a world of uncertainty as I get older, making things with my hands makes me feel safe and comfortable. And since retiring it makes me feel worthwhile. I have a purpose to my day.

Vickie is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Strokes of Nature, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !