Detailed Painting

As I have started painting, the most familiar platitude is..."one of the most important thing about painting is knowing when to stop." I think there is an over-active fear that many artists learn from the early beginnings of painting that they will ruin their painting if they try to put too much detail in, but I think many painters stop too soon, neglecting to add those little touches that can elevate an average painting into something above the norm.

Those initial washes are important and are the base but it is the detail and texture that gives the work depth and life.

I must admit that I'm rather bias when it comes to Julie Newitt's paintings as I am learning to paint with her, but it is the fine detail in her work that sets her work apart from the average.

In an image like "Sailing" there are broad washes like most watercolours, but it is the detail in the hair and face, not to mention the sailing ship that give the image its life.

The image sailing can be viewed at www.theartoflifeaustralia.com.au

Julie Newitt--Innocence of Childhood

Julie Newitt has an incredible ability to radiate the magic and innocence of small children, her images capture moments of pure delight with touches of whimsy and charm. Illistrations full of nostalgia that fill parents and grandparents with childhood memories, yet are still so totally 21st century.

Julie works on the finest traditional watercolour paper spending most of her time using the smallest of brushess applying the finest of details.

Much of the inspiration for Julie's endering images come from her own children and their sense of discovery of even the simplest of things.

What she conveys in her art is a sense of wonder and the viewer can not help but capture that memory, that sense of untroubled joy that only comes with the innocence of childhood.

Julie's images can be viewed at theartoflifeaustralia.com.au