Darebin Parklands in the Alphington Open Studios Weekend

This year I am very pleased to be participating in the Alphington Open Studios event, held over the weekend of the 22-23 November. It has been going for some years and is a fantastic chance to see a range of artists work in their homes and studios in the close knit community of leafy Alphington in Melbourne. As the Darebin Parklands sits in pride of place in the heart of the suburb, this year I am delighted to be a new addition to their program as Darebin Parklands Artist in Residence.

Alphington Open Studios Weekend held 11-6pm Saturday and Sunday 22-23 November 2014.

The Studio in the Ranger's Hut Darebin Parklands

A map and details of all the artists can be found here: http://alphingtonstudios.com/

The artwork coming along...

It's been a little while since I posted purely about my art and I must say I am finding it harder to update here then I had hoped. Leading up to and after my little show at Library I did not get into the studio at Darebin Parklands as much as I would have liked. I was making work at home or outdoors.

Katie Roberts 'Egg Moon Mountain' (detail) 2014

But over the last few weeks I have really got back into it, the inspiration is flowing and although I have found it difficult to have a straight run of four-six hours (my optimal for making artwork) I have the next few days to myself at the park as it is a long weekend. I am so delighted by what I am making at the moment and I cant wait to get back in there and work on this. Here is the studio and several works in progress at the moment.

Katie Roberts' Studio at Darebin Parklands with recent work laid out October 2014

Katie Roberts 'Egg Moon Mountain' (in progress) pencil, ink, watercolour, mixed media 2014

Katie Roberts 'Old Industry' (in progress) pencil, ink, oils. 2014

Katie Roberts 'Wurundjeri Spur and Amphitheatre' (in progress) pencil, oils. 2013- 2014

Artist Books and journals on the journey

Katie Roberts Drawing the Darebin exhibition at Fairfield Library Sept 2014

Katie Roberts - The Yarra and Darebin Journey Book -  Sept 2014

Outdoor Drawing Workshop

Katie Roberts 'The Fairy Bridge Darebin Creek' a lovely spot to draw.

As part of the Darebin Parklands Artist Residency I began in May, I am running Drawing and Watercolour Workshops through October. They will be fun and relaxed and a lovely way to enjoy your Sunday afternoon in nature and immerse yourself in some art.

I would love you would like to join me if you would like.

Drawing Workshop
Sunday 12th Oct 1.30-4.30
At Darebin Parklands $50/$40 concession.

During this afternoon long workshop we will explore the park and find a lovely spot to draw, there are ponds and bridges, trees and the creek. We will then sketch (bring a stool if you need one) using pencils in our art journals. I will teach you about drawing and judging structure with a quick sketch. Followed by the more intensive but brilliant technique of working using tonal realism, which allows you to start to 'see' the world as it is and draw much, much more realistically. BYO journal or sketch book, pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B and 6B) rubber and sharpener. (Some materials may be available if required) All levels welcome. Small group. Adult class (16 and above). Please inquire if you have any special needs or questions.

Katie Roberts 'The Fairy Bridge Darebin Creek'

The Fairy Bridge and Sundi the dog :)

Sundi loves to come along.

 Book or inquire by emailing katierobertsart@gmail.com or calling me on 0435 481 202.

Following this there will be a watercolour workshop, more details bellow.
​

Watercolour Workshop

Sunday 26th Oct 1-4.30

At Darebin Parklands

$60/$50 concession

In this slightly longer workshop I will guide students in the exploration of Watercolour, perhaps for the first time. Firstly we will start at the Studio and I will give a demonstration, we will be exploring watercolour in a very free and relaxing way, getting a feel for the medium. The in the second half I will teach and demonstrate some fundamentals of traditional watercolour techniques, though not necessarily for making traditional work. Following which, students may like to go into the landscape and paint, or continue working in a more free and abstract way at the studio, joining together at the end. Afternoon tea will be provided, (some GF and all vegetarian) please let me know of any other restrictions. BYO watercolour set, brushes and water colour pad, (some materials will be available).

All levels welcome, from beginner to advanced, some experience beneficial. Adult class.

Katie Roberts 'Watercolour in situ'

Book by emailing katierobertsart@gmail.com or calling me on 0435 481 202.

Drawing on the Darein - Fairfield library exhibition - little books and stories

It came upon me very suddenly but these last couple of weeks I have had an exhibition at Fairfield Library, in the glass display cabinets inset into the walls of their lovely architecture. I have wanted to show there for many years and it is a lovely way to start the ball rolling with a new series of exhibitions.

Katie Roberts - The Egg and the Mountain - Journal drawing in pencil and ink

So, if you want to get down these are the last few days, I take it down Tuesday.

Its a show of my works on paper, journals and handmade artist books. An eclectic mix, there are works from the Yarra Series and current works in progress for the Darebin Parklands Series.

Katie Roberts - The Little Yarra Bend Book - Pen and ink wash

Katie Roberts - The Fairy Bridge Dareib Creek - Pencil.

Art Journal Workshop

Next Sunday August 10th, I am holding a wonderful Art Journal Workshop from 1.30-4.30 in which we will use collage and mixed media to enrich our existing journals or create our artistic beginnings in a new one. It is a very exciting way to begin a series of workshops and classes I intend to run over the next few months will in residency at Darebin Parklands. Bellow are some examples of my own journals, my students and some of Asphyxia's too. Asphyxia is an amazing local artist who will join us for an hour next Sunday for the workshop and share with us some of her books and techniques.

Workshop Sunday 10th August 2014, 1.30-4.30 at the Studio (in the Ranger's buildings) at Darebin Parklands, $50 full $40 con. 

The students using collage in my workshop.

Robyn's book - created in an earlier workshop

Jen Storer journal collage from earlier workshop

More of Robyn's book

Katie Roberts - Journal artwork using collage of bark, leaves and mixed media

Guest Artist Asphyxia's Journal

Katie Roberts - Journal Drawing of the Yarra River

Katie Roberts - Journal drawing

The flood of Inspiration

The flood of inspiration comes as an artist sometimes when you dont expect it. Other times it seems to creep up, I can feel it coming, like a tidal wave rising and my long-range detectors seem to tune in. At times I can even plan for it, which is wonderful (if it comes true that it!) at this time it seems to actually be happening this way. In fact, I am still having inspiration flow through me so much right now it is very hard to keep up... here are some snaps of where I am at...

King Sun - Meeting John Olsen

Last week I had one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of my life. I met John Olsen.

It was the opening of his new show 'Myself and Other Animals' at Metro Gallery in Melbourne and I dropped in to see the last of his speech, buy his signed book 'John Olsen - Drawings the Human Touch' with the hope that I finally might fulfill one of my dreams and meet the man, the legend himself. Not only did I meet him, I told him he was one of the greatest inspirations of my life and thank him. He wished me 'Good luck' and even gave me a kiss! I was so overcome I was nearly in tears and had to leave the building immediately.

He is one of my 'heros' though I do not use that word often. John Olsen's artwork has inspired me most of my life long. He is one of the circle of artists that created the quintessential modern Australian art movement of the 20th century. Out of all those artists that I admire so much Arthur Boyd, Fred Williams, Sydney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, John Percival, Lyodd Rees, only Mirka Mora and John Olsen are still living and thriving. They make more vibrant and intense art then ever. Seriously, John Olsen's artistic outpourings over the last year or so are astounding and beautiful.

John Olsen - The Sydney Sun

You might be able to see from this where some of my inspiration comes from.

The mapping begins...

Over the last two or three weeks I have started in earnest on the real heart of the project: to map the length of the Darebin Creek, its history and environment.This piece is of Darebin Creek from where it meets the Yarra River to LaTrobe University, with the Yarra Ranges in the distance to the East.

It is very large and a work like this take a loooong time to complete. Here it so far....

My student's artwork

Oh the collage workshop was lovely! There is nothing like being snuggled up in the lovely warm space of the studio on a cold Winters days when its raining outside and you have lovely art materials, and people to play with! Especially when they bring lovely cake too! (Thank you Robyn) :)

Twelve weeks in and planning

It's week twelve of my artist residency at Darebin Parklands and over the last few weeks I have begun the first of the large scale, map-like pieces documenting the length of the Darebin Creek.

I did have a week by week plan at one stage, maybe I will check it out and see where I am at! :)

Here was the plan, (by putting it down here, I might even follow it, a bit) lets see how I go...

Research and Development
April - Setting in and Beginning. Exploring and Playing. Contacts and Planning.
May - Getting to know everyone. Understanding organisation structure. Research and resources.
June  - Working practice. Testing ideas. Classes and promotion. Begin really making body of work.

Production and Immersion
July - Establishing deep connection to place. Start serious work. Immersion in the art practice.
August - Working rhythm and pacing. Research Deepening, Ideas rising. Presentation to groups.
Sept - Peek Productivity. Promotion and open days, presenting to the public. Organise exhibition. 

Presentation and Connections
Oct - Access resources, connections with Councils, communities and other organisations.
Nov - Presentation. Open studios. Promotion. Public talks and art workshops. Completion begins.
Dec - Completion. Documentation. Begin review process, organise next phase, research funding.

Completion and Documentation
Jan - Exhibition planning, research funding, completion, documentation.
Feb - Presentation of complete body of work to organisations and committees.
March - Possible report and review of residency, funding applications/options, proposal for ongoing residency. 

Exhibition Venues - Bundoora Homestead, Hatch Contemporary Art Space, Fairfield Library?

Collage Workshop this Sunday.

This Sunday the 29th June (2014) I hold my first proper workshop at Darebin Parklands. This time the theme is collage and mixed media and I would love it if you came along! :)

Drawing the 'Fairy Bridge' at Darebin

Midwinter is almost here and it's hard to get out into the cold and make art, but we have had quite a lot of lovely sunny days in the last month or so. When I go down to Darebin I try to either take my dog Sundi or my bike Ruby. It is hard to take both! (Though I still am trying to figure out a way)

A week or so ago, I took Sundi down on a lovely afternoon and he very patiently let me draw the 'Fairy Bridge', which I have wanted to do for a very long time. So here it is for you, and some pictures of my very pretty puppy too.

The 'Fairy Bridge' Darebin Parklands by Katie Roberts

The completed 'Fairy Bridge' Darebin Parklands by Katie Roberts

Sundi the Golden Retriever "Can we please go for a walk now!"

Various Artworks by me, Katie Roberts

Free Art Workshop and Introdction to the Artist in Residence at Darebin Parklands

I have been officially doing the residency for nearly a month now, so it is about time for an introduction. You can find out a little bit more about me here on this blog by clicking The Artist above. But better yet, come down to the parklands themselves, introduce yourself and join me for an Artist Picnic from 1pm, or come to my Drawing om the Darebin art workshop. The first of many I hope, this first one is FREE :) It will be lots of fun, come and make some art with me, bring your kids. Everybody is welcome, no experience needed, just come along and play!

Next Sunday 1st June from 1-5pm at the studio.