Artists Down Under - Australia and New Zealand - November 2023

DOWN UNDER Australia and New Zealand

I s su e 8 0 | n ove m b e r 2 02 3 | d i g i t a l a r t i s t r y

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EDITOR’S REPORT

33

HELEN MCLEOD

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K AY L E N E H E L L I W E L L

By Pam Henderson

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P H O T O S H O P A R T I S T RY

By Sebastian Michaels

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KIM RICCI

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A N D R E W H AYS O M

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PA M H E N D E R S O N

36-37

S A N D R A DA N N

08

PENNY DE JONG

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DENNIS RICK ARD

09

K YE THOMPSON

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CHINESE WHISPERS #72

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B E V T E R R AW YS K J

41-50

F E AT U R E D A R T I S T

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JUDI L APSLEY MILLER

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H E M A N T KO G E K A R

13-20

A R T I S T S M O N T H LY AC H I E V E M E N T S

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MARINA HOBBS

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M AU R E E N M A X W E L L

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K A R E N WA A LW Y K

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R O S A P E R RY

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G E O R G E KO N C Z

51

C O L I N CA M P B E L L

26

M A R I E H E LYA R

52

DEAN HOHN

27

TRISH HOSKIN

53

MICK ROONEY

P H O T O S H O P I N S P I R AT I O N

54-55

SHARON R ANKMORE

28-32

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By Andrew Haysom

By Maureen Maxwell

I LO N A A B O U - Z O LO F

Rosa Perry - Blossom Tree

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JULIE POWELL

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LY N E T T E PAU L

57

ALISON MEIER

67

AL BAMASS

58-62

ARTICLE

68-69

MARGARET K ALMS

70-71

JA N E T OV E Y

72-73

LO U I S E S M I T H

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M O N T H LY A R T I S T I C PHOTOSHOP CHALLENGE

INTERVIEW WITH S A N D R A DA N N

By Maureen Maxwell

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CHRISTINA BRUNTON SONIA PUSEY

THEME - WINDOWS

F R O N T C OV E R

89-93

ARTISTS BUSINESS A DV E R T I S E M E N T

by I LO N A A B O U - ZO LO F - In Shadow

Mick Rooney - First Sunrise

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a r t i s t s DOWN UNDER Australia and New Zealand

Welcome everyone to our November edition of Artists Down Under.

Oh my goodness, November already. Where has the year gone? It wont be long before Santa is knocking at our door wanting to come in. Are you prepared because I am surely not yet.

Please take you time to browse through our artists’ achievements this month, lots of exhibitions and successes. Well done to all involved.

Andrew Haysom, our Photoshop Guru, is certainly on top of things as he explains in this month’s tutorial all about a new feature in Adobe Camera Raw’s newest version 16 and Lightroom version 13 called Colour Point. A fasinating read and a must try. Thanks Andrew.

Maureen has put together an interview with our extremely talented artist, Julie Powell. Julie has done so many things in her life and has so many hidden talents and it shows in her art. A wonderful insight into Julie’s journey as an artist.

Our Amazing Featured Artist this month is Ilona Abou-Zolof. Ilona has so much talent in so many different genres and never wants to stops learning. She is a very successful exhibitor. I hope you enjoy what she has put together for you.

Each month I try to push our artists in our monthly artists challenge, so this month the theme was set as “Windows”. So many different takes and thoughts go into this challenge each month and it is such a delight when they send them into me and I get to see the final results. I hope you enjoy.

Finally I would like to share with you the Redlands Digital Group’s latest image in their “Chinese Whispers” series - “The Storyteller”. Well done girls.

Well that’s it from me for now. Stay safe, take care of each other and look out for those less fortunate around you.

Pam Henderson

Backgrounds: Foxy Squirrel Laitha’s Designs - Jai Johnson - White Lane Studio Copyright 2017 ©

Julie Powell - Mandarins

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Artists in this publication are responsible for any rights appertaining to their work.

HTTPS://PROPHOTOSHOPARTISTRY.COM

Image by: Sandra Dann Photoshop Artistry Student

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KIM RICCI

( AUSTRALIA )

MAISIE

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/kim-ricci/

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PAM HENDERSON

( AUSTRALIA )

DO NOT ENTER https://www.facebook.com/snapnshootdesigns/ http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/pam-henderson/

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PENNY DE JONG

( AUSTRALIA )

AFTER THE SHOW

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/penny-de-jong/

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KYE THOMPSON

( AUSTRALIA )

R AIN TREE https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/kye-thompson/

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BEV TERAWSKYJ

( AUSTRALIA )

PA I N T E D L A DY I I https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/bev-terawskyj/

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JUDI LAPSLEY MILLER

( NEW ZEALAND )

T H E G UA R D I A N (r u r u)

https://www.artbyjlm.com https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/judi-lapsley-miller/

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HEMANT KOGEKAR

( AUSTRALIA )

MORNING LIGHT

WINTERS MORNING

https://photos.kogekar.com/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/hemant-kogekar/

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artists down under monthly Achievements 1313

artists down under facebook page The Artists Down Under Public Facebook page has been set up to allow the artists in the group to showcase their work and to enable them to share promotional information about themselves, e.g. exhbitions, awards etc...

You can find the Artists Down Under Public Facebook page at this address; https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtistsDownUnder/

So, if you are an artist in the group, don’t forget to regularly share your work and information here, and to let your friends and family know about the page if they are interested in viewing the latest art and news from the group.

If you are a reader of the magazine who does not have access to the page, please click the link above and request to join. When you request to join you will be asked to answer three simple questions that will allow us to determine if you are an eligible artist who may wish to join the group and therefore be able to post on the page, or a member of the public who can view, comment and like the work on the page. It’s a great place to see some great art from this vibrant group every day!

Three ADU members receive a special gift Our very good Awake friends Teddi Rutschman of Foxey Squirrel and Diane Stafford from WhiteLaneStudio continue to give gifts as a reward for members of the Artists Down Under group who contribute to the ADU Facebook page by regularly posting their artworks and supporting other members with their comments.

Teddi, from Virginia, USA, is well known for her fantastic sets of digital designer backgrounds, masks and all kinds of wonderful elements ready for designers to add to or build a wondrous creation.

Teddi Rutshman can be found at

http://www.foxeysquirrel.com/ http://www.oscraps.com/shop/Foxeysquirrel Teddi has given a 50% off discount voucher for one very lucky member to spend in her on-line shop.

Teddi Rutschman (Foxey Squirrel) 50% off Gift Voucher

Diane Stafford from Chester, UK, designs Photoshop textures and overlays for photo artists and photographers to use in their digital artworks. Diane has created another special kit just for Artists Down Under for the month of NOVEMBER.

- Karen Waalwyk

Two artists will receive a Diane kit each.

Diane Stafford can be found at

https://whitelanestudio.co.uk/biolinks

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The NOVEMBER lucky winners are

Diane Stafford (WhiteLaneStudio) Texture & Overlay Kit - Andrew Haysom - Ingrid Jacobsen

shift art

October 2023 Theme “Halloween”

https://shiftart.com/shift-art-photoshop-challenge-results-october-2023/

Congratulations goes to First Place Winner

Penny De Jong

Being Noticed Andrea Carter Bev Terrawskyj

Andrea Carter - Ego Sum Diaboli

Penny De Jong - Beware The Sinister Cat With Her Spooky Pumpkins

Bev Terrawyskj

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LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE https://issuu.com/thephotoartisticlife/docs/issue104-final?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ Congratulations to the following artists for having their images chosen to appear in the International magazine “Living The Photo Artistic Life”.

Rosa Perry - Fractured Beauty - Halloween Mode Penny De Jong - Creatures Of The Sea Helen McLeod - Burning The Midnight Oil - Isolation Christina Brunton - Crows Attack - Malificent Judi Lapsley Miller - The Guardian (ruru) Kim Ricci - Guardians Of The Keep Maureen Maxwell - Crowded City Andrew Haysom - Time Is Running Out Sandra Dann - Mr. Pigeon

Helen McLeod - Burning The Midnight Oil

Maureen Maxwell - A Crowded City

Rosa Perry - Halloween Mode

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Andrew Haysom - Time Is Running Out

LIVING THE PHOTO ARTISTIC LIFE

Christina Brunton - Crows Attack

Christina Brunton - Malificent Penny De Jong - Creatures Of The Sea

Kim Ricci - Guardian Of The Keep

Helen McLeod - Isolation

Judi Lapsley Miller - The Guardian (ruru)

Rosa Perry - Fractured Beauty

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whats on Celebrations Exhibition https://nzafa.com/Exhibitions/OPEN%20-%20Celebration

NZAFA Academy Galleries

1 Queens Wharf, Wellington, New Zealand 6th October 2023 to 12th November 2023

Featuring

Judi Lapsley Miller with her image “The Guardian”

Judi Lapsley Miller - The Guardian (ruru)

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whats on Transformation Exhibition https://www.belcoarts.com.au/transformation/ Belconnen Arts Centre

Featuring

118 Emu Bank, Belconnen, ACT 2617 1st December 2023 to 11th February 2024 Margaret Kalms

TRANSFORMATION Change through life cycles, metamorphosis, renewal, and evolution. Be it in the environment around us, within ourselves as individuals or as collectives embarking on a shared journey.

Margaret Kalms - The Queen Who Alice Encountered

Margaret Kalms - First Love Story Margaret Kalms - Requiem For The Trees

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whats on Dare To Be Different Exhibition https://www.merakiartists.net/ Corner Gallery

Featuring

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Cnr of Myrtle Street and Percival Road, Stanmore, NSW 2048 24th November 2023 to 26th November 2023 Christina Brunton and Ilona Abou-Zolof

MARINA HOBBS

( AUSTRALIA )

S U N DAY A F T E R N O O N

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MAUREEN MAXWELL

( AUSTRALIA )

BLUE CIT Y

http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/maureen-maxwell/

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KAREN WAALWYK

( AUSTRALIA )

A P R E T T Y PA I R

https://www.flickr.com/photos/88165766@N05 https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/karen-waalwyk/

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ROSA PERRY

( AUSTRALIA )

ROSE https://rosa-perry.myportfolio.com/artwork https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/rosa-perry/

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GEORGE KONCZ

( AUSTRALIA )

B E WA R E I H AV E T H E D R AG O N E G G http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/george-koncz/

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MARIE HELYAR

( AUSTRALIA )

M YS T I C L A DY https://www.mariehelyarartist.com.au

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TRISH HOSKIN

( AUSTRALIA )

E WA N

M AC

https://trish-hoskin.myportfolio.com/ http://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/trish-hoskin/

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a Dr t Oi sWt sN U N D E R Australia and New Zealand

SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION POINT COLOUR

By Andrew Haysom

Adobe have just released Adobe Camera Raw version 16 as well as Lightroom version 13.

These include a new feature called Point Color that allows very accurate adjustments to colour in your image.

Before talking about that it is worth noting that there has also been some re-arrangement of the basic panels with the sliders that were previously contained in the Basic panel now in three panels called Light, Color and Effects (see Figure 1).

[Fig 1 – ACR Basic panel re-organization]

The new Point Color features are found in a second tab in the Color Mixer panel and are shown in Figure 2.

This new feature allows much more accurate colour adjustment than the Color Mixer because it allows selection of the colours to be adjusted based on hue, saturation and luminance, and allows you to select with great accuracy the range of each of these. The Color Mixer only allows selection by pre-determined hue ranges.

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SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION (CONT.......)

[Fig 2 – Point Color dialog]

Use the dropper to click on your image to select the colour you want to adjust, a new swatch is added next to the dropper and the Point Color dialog will change like Figure 2b.

The large square of colour represents the Hue and Saturation, the vertical column of colour represents the Luminance. Within each of these you’ll see a black dot surrounded by a white circle. The black dots represent the position of your original selected colour and will remain in place. You can adjust your selected colour by dragging the white circles. Within the large square of colour, drag the white circle left and right to adjust the hue, and up and down to affect the saturation. Within the vertical column drag the white circle up and down to affect the luminance.

The colour spectrum in the large square and vertical column shows the range of possible colour adjustments that can be made.

As you adjust the colour by dragging the white circles, you’ll note that the Hue, Saturation and Luminance sliders also move.You drag the circles, you can also use the sliders directly if you prefer.

Once a colour adjustment has been made, both the swatch and the horizontal bar show the original and adjusted colour for comparison (see Figure 2c).

The Range slider (see Figure 3) allows you to adjust the range of colours that are selected, moving the range slider right (to a higher number) causes more colours close to your selected colour to be selected for adjustment, moving it left (to a lower number) causes less colours to be selected. As you move the Range slider you will see a preview of the range of colours selected (see Figure 3).

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SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION (CONT.......)

[Fig 3 - Range Overlay and Range Slider]

Clicking the Range Overlay icon causes your image preview to change to show you visually on your image which colours are selected. All the parts of your image that are in the colours selected will remain in colour, the remainder of the image will be greyscale (black and white). Holding down the [Alt] or [Option] key while moving the Range slider will also have the same effect.

If you want even more control over the selected colours, click the arrow next to the Range slider value to reveal the Hue Range, Saturation Range and Luminance Range sliders (see Figure 4).

[Fig 4 – Hue, Saturation and Luminance Range sliders]

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SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION (CONT.......)

Each of these sliders has a white rectangle that starts centred around the dot representing the original colour selected with the dropper. All the colours inside the white rectangle will be “fully adjusted”. You can move the rectangle by dragging it left and right, and you can make it bigger or smaller by dragging the left and right handles of the rectangle (these appear when the mouse is pointed at the slider).

To the left and right of the white rectangle are the feather lines, which have a small triangle at the bottom when the mouse is pointed at the slider. These lines determine the colours that are partially adjusted, the adjustment “fades” to zero adjustment between the edge of the rectangle and the feather line on each side. Any colours outside of the lines are not adjusted.

These sliders give you complete control over which colours/tones are adjusted.

If you wish to return one of these sliders to its original state, double-click the slider.

You can use the Point Color feature to modify up to eight different colours in your image (see Figure 5). Each time you use the dropper a new swatch will be created. Click a swatch to access the adjustments for that colour.

Right-click a swatch to delete it or to delete all swatches.

[Fig 5 – Modifying multiple colours]

For even more targeted adjustment you can also access the Point Color feature from within a mask (see Figure 6).

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SOME PHOTOSHOP INSPIRATION (CONT.......)

[Fig 6 – Point Color in Masks]

Also, don’t forget that you have access to Camera Raw functionality from within Photoshop via the Camera Raw filter.

This extended control over adjustment of colours is a very welcome addition to both Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom.

Andrew Haysom

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HELEN MCLEOD

( NEW ZEALAND )

A B I T O F FA N TA SY F U N

https://www.2-galleries.com/

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KAYLENE HELLIWELL

N I G H T WAT C H

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( NEW ZEALAND )

ANDREW HAYSOM

( AUSTRALIA )

REMEMBERING https://andrewhaysom.myportfolio.com/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/andrew-haysom/

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SANDRA DANN

( AUSTRALIA )

https://www.sandradimagery.com/

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FO G GY L A N E WAYS

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DENNIS RICKARD

( AUSTRALIA )

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/dennis-rickard/

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THREE TREES

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artists DOWN UNDER Australia and New Zealand

DIGITAL ARTISTS GROUP A COLLABORATIVE GROUP OF PHOTO ARTISTS

CHINESE WHISPERS #72 “THE STORYTELLER ” STAGE 1

STAGE 2

Maureen Maxwell

Pam Henderson

Once again Pam has brought her extensive skills and creative talent to turn a few challenging elements into a wonderful story.

I always love to see what Pam does with our collaborative challenges, and I am never disappointed.

ENJOY! Maureen Maxwell

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I L O N A A B O U - Z O LOF

WISHING TREE

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PA N DA

ZEBR A

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T U CA N

MONKEY BUSINESS

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TREE OF LIFE

THE LIGHTHOUSE

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MUSLIM GIRL

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INTO THE UNKNOWN

M AG I C I S I N T H E AIR

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S E L F P O R T R A I T N O. 0 9

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Meet your artist

ILONA ABOU-ZOLOF Sydney New South Wales

Website

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/ilona-abou-zolof/

https://www.zolof.net/

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Tell us a little about yourself and where you live?

I reside in Bankstown, a suburb of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. I have a positive outlook towards life and always see the glass as half full instead of half empty. I am blessed with a daughter and a son, each of whom has given me four wonderful grandchildren. As a proud grandmother, I have eight beautiful grandchildren between the ages of 5 and 21.

How did you become interested/get started in Photo Artistry?

I started pursuing my photography hobby in 2008 after my busy business life had settled down and my children had grown older. By then, I had already become a proud grandparent of four beautiful grandchildren and had taken many photos of them. As I got better at photography, I wanted to explore new ways to make my photos unique and different from the millions of photos shared on social media daily.

My friend Christina Brunton introduced me to the Photo Artistry course with Sebastian Michaels, and I joined the Photo Artistry, AWAKE and KAIZEN communities for further learning. This journey helped me evolve my photo-editing skills and experiment with painting on my iPad and in Photoshop.

I am content with my current life and enjoy every day to the fullest, but I will never stop learning.

We are living in a very exciting time.

What inspires you or gives you inspiration to create your art?

I find inspiration in the works of old masters and the artworks shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. The Facebook groups I am a part of also play a significant role in fuelling my creativity. Additionally, I enjoy watching my grandchildren play various computer, iPad, and PlayStation games. The graphics in some of these games are unique and are another source of inspiration.

Do you have a certain approach to creating your art?

As a passionate digital artist, my creative process revolves around developing a series of interrelated works that convey a particular message or theme. Exhibiting a cohesive collection of six or more pieces enhances the visual impact and provides a more profound and meaningful experience for the audience.

I continuously seek inspiration from various sources, including online tutorials, art galleries, and museums, to refine my artistic skills and techniques. I then apply these insights to my artwork, which I create using digital tools such as Photoshop and my iPad. Through this iterative process of learning and creating, I strive to produce aesthetically pleasing, thought-provoking, and emotionally engaging artwork.

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What does your art mean to you?

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 lockdowns, I found solace in my art. Creating became more than just a hobby; it became my therapy. Every day, I woke up with a sense of purpose, knowing I could turn to my art to help me process my emotions and keep me grounded. It was as if my art had become an anchor, holding me steady amidst the storm.

For me, art is not just a pastime. It is an integral part of my daily life. It flows through my veins, giving me the drive and inspiration to wake up each morning and create. Whether painting with my iPad or using the mixer brush in Photoshop, making something new fills me with a sense of fulfilment that I can’t find anywhere else. My art gives me stability and direction in a chaotic and unpredictable world.

Do you think since starting in photo artistry it has changed you and if so, how?

Our world is constantly changing at a pace that has never been seen before. We must embrace these changes and keep updated with the latest developments to ensure progress. Refusing to accept change will only leave us stuck and unable to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of the modern world. We currently witness an influx of artificial intelligence in various aspects of our lives, including the art world and everyday activities. We must try to learn more about AI, as neglecting to do so will result in us being left behind.

Is there anyone that you draw inspiration from?

As an artist, I draw inspiration from a multitude of sources. One of my go-to places for inspiration is the creative members of our Facebook groups. I also enjoy following talented individuals on Instagram and browsing Pinterest. Recently, I have been captivated by the intricate details and bold geometric shapes of Art Deco. The works of renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky from that era have become my most significant sources of motivation for creating my own Art Deco-inspired pieces.

Where do you see (or hope to see) your art taking you in the future? What are your next steps?

As I approach my 67th birthday in December, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an artist. I have decided to open my first-ever Etsy and Shopify store to sell my art under the business name of Giggle Gallery. My grandchildren have always supported me, encouraging me to share my art. As nerve-wracking as it is to put myself out there, I firmly believe that age should never hold you back from pursuing your passions and trying something new. I post updates about my art and store on Facebook and Instagram under the Giggle Gallery name. I am thrilled to see where this new venture takes me and excited to share my art.

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colin campbell

( AUSTRALIA )

VIVISECTION 1

VIVISECTION 2

https://colincampbell.myportfolio.com https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/colin-campbell/

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DEAN HOHN

( AUSTRALIA )

NANKEEN KESTREL ART

A J U V E N I L E AU S T R A L I A N H O B BY AT P L AY

https://www.facebook.com/dean.hohn/photos https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/dean-hohn/

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MICK ROONEY

( AUSTRALIA )

B I G DAY

CHINESE ANGEL

https://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/mick-rooney/

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SHARON RANKMORE

( AUSTRALIA )

https://www.artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-4/sharon-rankmore/

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AT TAC H M E N T I I I

55

JULIE POWELL

( AUSTRALIA )

DOG PORTR AIT I

https://www.juliepowellphoto.com/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-2/julie-powell/

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ALISON MEIER

( AUSTRALIA )

E S S E N C E O F DAV E

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a Dr t Oi sWt sN U N D E R Australia and New Zealand

INTERVIEW WITH JULIE POWELL

By Maureen Maxwell

Julie, you’ve been a very active member of Artist Down Under since the beginning in 2017. During all those years you’ve been generous with your time, and knowledge, in helping ADU members in numerous ways.

You were an early Featured Artist in the international magazine ‘Living the Photo Artistic Life’.

The 100th edition of this popular magazine was published recently, where you had some of your images displayed. This is the link for those readers who may not have seen it. https://issuu.com/ thephotoartisticlife/docs/issue100-final You have also had images published in all 79 issues of our Artists Down Under magazine. A wonderful achievement!

Thank you Julie for doing this interview. I’m sure your story will be of interest to our members and other readers.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN CREATIVE, AND HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN PHOTO ARTISTRY? I have always been creative, a jack of all trades, but was never a master at anything. I loved playing with Photoshop and used it for design work. But nothing overly creative at the time.

About 10 years ago I hit a crossroads in my life and needed something more. I was bored with my job and life basically.

After a serious illness I was drawn back into photography after a 30 plus year gap. I had to learn how to shoot all over again. But still that wasn’t enough. Then I heard about Sebastian’s Grunge course and thought I doubt there is anything I don’t know, but it could be some fun, who knows maybe pick up a trick or two. For starters I was very wrong, so much that I learnt from that course (and so many others since), about art, being creative, photography and living a creative and artistic life. I started creating art and loved it and the community. I then started taking photographs to use in my art. I started merging my photography and my art together. I was completely transfixed with what I was creating. I always want something more, something new, something magical. Something that made me feel connected and natural.

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INTERVIEW WITH JULIE POWELL (CONT....)

Smoke And Mirrors

Holly

Steampunk Sally

YOU HAVE BEEN DANCING IN THE CREATIVE CIRCLE FOR A WHILE NOW. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT AREA OF CREATIVITY YOU LIKE THE BEST AND WHY? What I really like about the creative arena, is just about anything goes. It’s almost impossible to be bored, as there is always something new to learn or try. Just this past weekend I tried Cyano type printing for the first time. Such fun! If you can imagine it, you can create it. You just have to be imaginative in HOW to create something. I love that anything can be a substitute or stand in for pretty much anything.

WITH SO MUCH OF YOUR WORK BEING PHOTOGRAPHY RELATED, DO YOU STILL MANAGE TO FIND JOY IN PHOTOGRAPHY AS A HOBBY? Oh yes…I love my job, but I also enjoy it as a hobby. When we travel (another hobby) I love to try my hand at landscapes and travel blogs. I love to potter in my garden with my macro lens.

I adore the social aspect with my photography friends, it’s all very inclusive. I mean we chat, get exercise (well sometimes) and often finish off with coffee and cake, or wine and dinner. What’s not to love? I also like my own personal projects and creative collaborations with like minded creatives. The joy I get out of creating something truly amazing, nothing like it. The fact that I am constantly surrounded by creative people is amazing and I have met so many. I also love teaching too.

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INTERVIEW WITH JULIE POWELL (CONT....)

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARGUE THAT OUR PHOTO ARTISTIC WORK IS NEITHER A PHOTO NOR AN ART PIECE. IF YOU ENCOUNTER SUCH PEOPLE, HOW DO YOU HANDLE THEIR CRITICISMS, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE ‘PURISTS’?

Each to their own I say. Some people will never appreciate it, but times are changing. I have people look at my art and can’t figure out if it’s a painting or photo or even Ai…to me it’s all digital art, even the photos. To the purists out there, well even Ansell Addams used a darkroom to manipulate his images, I am no different, I just do it digitally and take it further.

YOU ARE KEEN TO EXPLORE DIFFERENT SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS AND NEW TOOLS. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY YOU CHOOSE TO EMBRACE NEW TOOLS SUCH AS GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), AND OTHER TOOLS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO US, AND HOW YOU USE THE RESULTS? I guess I am an early adaptor for a lot of things, software, and digital technology for a start. I mean I have been using Photoshop since 2000! I started AI fairly early on too, but not in the infant stages, way too confusing back then. I use Mid Journey quite often in a variety of ways. I love to put in a simple command and see what happens. Tweak it and get creative ideas from that for photography and digital art. Some of my AI stuff is actually pretty bad and it will never see the light of day, but it’s the ideas it generates for me that are important.

I also use AI to create elements that get used in composites. I might use 5 or even 50 different elements in a final digital artwork. I might just want a particular sword or crown, which I don’t have a photo of and use that.

Then I might construct an elaborate AI prompt and create some amazing art from that. The point is, often people just never know.

I do not think AI will ever completely replace the pure creative heart, it is simply just a tool, no different to buying stock images. It’s just a little more fun to play with.

Enclosed

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Vintage Goddess

INTERVIEW WITH JULIE POWELL (CONT....)

Amongst

Watch Out

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART TAKING YOU IN THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO? Simply more. More travel, meet more people, work with more sponsors and paid partnerships.

Work with more creative people on collaborative projects, designers, hair and makeup artists, special effects artists, other photographers. At the same time, I guess I am winding things down (just a little, as I am no spring chicken anymore) and I need the occasional quiet time too. Just to create and to read more, listen to music more and watch bad TV more.

I have also been taking more workshops myself this last year or so. Stretching my creativity, learning new styles and techniques. I have always enjoyed learning and I think it helps us stay alert, active and mentally strong. Covid taught us all a few hard lessons about ourselves, I think.

I learnt I need to stay mentally active and I am 100% OK with being totally alone for long periods. But I also NEED human interactivity to stay sane too.

Still Life

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INTERVIEW WITH JULIE POWELL (CONT....)

DURING YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY WITH AWAKE, KAIZEN AND ADU YOU DECIDED TO SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS. PLEASE TELLS US ABOUT THIS ENDEAVOUR? At first, I wanted to be a portrait photographer and ran a small home studio. I was never going to be rich, but I was mostly happy and had fun. Creating art on the side, just for the fun of it.

Then I was getting asked more and more to run presentations, run workshops and classes. I enjoyed that side of things so much more. Covid saw my business model totally change and I must say it is where I am most happy.

The last few years my journey has taken so much more of an educational role for me. I adore running classes and workshops and would love to run more, perhaps even larger, and more elaborate settings. Even more online education (video) portals. Teaching creative portraits and more.

I still do the occasional portrait or product photography clients, but I spend most of my time writing, doing reviews, creating classes, and coming up with ideas and organising workshops.

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR BACKGROUND AND OTHER INTERESTS. I grew up in Melbourne, into a very creative family. But I never really excelled in anything. I moved from job to job, never really finding anything that fit. I worked in the TV industry for quite a while. I got interested in decorative (Folk Art) painting when my children were small and eventually taught that for awhile too. I have worked in sales, marketing, office managements and graphic design, so I guess that set me up for my current phase of life.

Apart from that I have been married for over 30 years to my ever supportive Hubby, have two grown daughters and my lovely dogs. That all keeps me busy and grounded when I am not creating or teaching. I love to travel and cook, read, and even occasionally try my hand at writing short stories, just for fun.

Hummingbirds

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Sea Jewels

christina brunton

( AUSTRALIA )

S TA I R WAY T O H E AV E N https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/christina-brunton/ https://chrisbrunton.com/

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SONIA PUSEY

( AUSTRALIA )

https://www.instagram.com/soniapusey/?hl=en

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BLUE HOUR

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LYNETTE PAUL

( NEW ZEALAND )

THINKING IS NOT DOING

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AL BAMASS

( AUSTRALIA )

URBAN WINTER

THE SILENT ONE https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artists-1/al-bamass/

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MARGARET KALMS

( AUSTRALIA )

https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/margaret-kalms/

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C O U N T RY M A N

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JANE TOVEY

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( AUSTRALIA )

WINTER SUNRISE

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LOUISE SMITH

( AUSTRALIA )

https://www.facebook.com/lksmithphotography/ https://artistsdownunder.com.au/artist-3/louise-smith/

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UNDER THE UMBRELL A

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artists down under monthly artistic photographic challenge theme:

windows

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Bev Terawskyj - Windows

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Ilona Abou-Zolof - Coffee Shop

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Karen Waalwyk - A Window With A View

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Christina Brunton - Lady In Red

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Colin Campbell - Windows

Andrew Haysom - Memories Of A Different Time

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Jenny Davidson - Painted Window

Prue Wright - Window

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Jan Hannasky - Window

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Marina Hobbs - Just A Quick Glimpse

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Penny De Jong - Window Wonderment

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Julie Powell - Window To The Universe

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Rosa Perry - Lavender Window

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Pam Henderson - Looking Out

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Sandy McCleary - Window

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artists DOWN UNDER Australia and New Zealand

adu artists s s e n i s u b s t n e m e s i t r e v d a 89

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Australia and New Zealand

FOREST & BIRD Online Store Bird Art by Judi Lapsley Miller

From Whence Cometh Evil

At What Cost Forever

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9292

Helping Women with Endometriosis

Art

by Margaret Kalms

50% of profit donated to endometriosis research 26 women with endometriosis have told When I first heard about endometriosis I felt a me about their experiences. They spoke to deep compassion and need to do what I could me about their concerns and collaborated to help. Women with endometriosis suffer during the photo session. We explored debilitating pain, disruptive symptoms and often meanings of body, ideas of self and impacts endure multiple operations simply to function of illness together, agreeing which ideas normally. Few people are patient when listening we would explore photographically. My to descriptions of pain, symptoms or illness. This photos are often carefully arranged, but that can have the effect of silencing people who are doesn’t mean they are fake. They represent ill. the personal truth and experiences of 26 women with endometriosis. These women My compassion inspires my photoart which I are remembering and acting out their show in presentations to raise awareness. I OWN experiences. They choose their own joined Awake to teach me advanced Photoshop stance and facial expression. Women with skills, specifically to expand my photoartistic endometriosis are the only people who truly skills to create imaginative and dramatic images. know what endometriosis FEELS like.

My photoart opens dialogue enabling freer Unfortunately endometriosis is relatively expression of hidden feelings, experiences too common; an estimated 1 in 10 women living private to mention in ordinary conversation. with endometriosis, being over 175,000,000 I create photoart inspired by the concerns of women worldwide! And an estimated 500,000 women with endometriosis. Several women have women in Australia! Their experiences said that the process of imaging their suffering are heart-breaking. Regular illness and has helped them to face their pain and illness. debilitating pain result in missed education There is immense strength in being heard. I want and poor career opportunities leaving them my photoart to become visual screams!! women vulnerable to poverty.

Share ‘EndoWomanArt’ with your friends on social media to raise awareness and money for women’s health!

We all need clothes & household goods. Buy yourself a treat or buy a special gift for your friends. Make your shopping count!

Remember 50% of profit goes to endometriosis research!

https://www.redbubble.com/ people/EndoWomanArt/shop Follow ‘Life with Endometriosis’:

https://www.facebook.com/ LifeWithEndometriosis See Margaret Kalms photoart, ‘Life with Endometriosis’:

http://www.endowomanart.com

Kalms

Margaret

Women with endometriosis need real medical progress to reduce their suffering.

I passionately desire to raise money for endometriosis research so that faster diagnoses are made and more effective treatments are found. To raise money for endometriosis research, I host events and sell products on Redbubble.

Recently I gave $3,000 to Canberra Endometriosis Centre!

Bunch Of Butterflies On Grevillea Sweatshirt

Butterflies False Colour Grey Stripes

Bunch Of Butterflies On Grevillea Pencil Case

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WEBSITE:

http://artistsdownunder.com.au/

http://tinyurl.com/artisitsdownunderpublic