Tag: artist

Posted in workshop

Pastels workshop

Posted on by Lorri Lambert Art and Therapy

Caroline Packer (nee Ellis) PAXArt

3rd & 4th October 2026 at Woorinen South Community Hall.
10am – 3.00pm each day (bring lunch to share)

$120 for members $150 for non members.

For bookings please contact the Secretary on 0467 879 261 or email malleeartists.swanhill@gmail.com

Over two days discover the delights of working with soft pastels.

Soft Pastels – these are composed of pigment, water and a smaller amount of binder. The soft texture of these pastels can create smooth, smudgy lines and intense colour.  Soft pastels cannot be mixed on a palette but are blended on the page. 

On day one you will learn about this unique medium and the different levels of chalkiness and softness, how to get different textures and all about the pros and cons of blending. You will create some sample pieces and prepare for a larger piece.

Day two will give you to put the skills into practice and create an animal or pet portrait.

Caroline (Pax) has been using this medium for a number of years and is an accomplished artist. Formerly a Swan Hill resident she now lives in Lakes Entrance.

https://www.facebook.com/carolineellisart

https://www.carolineellisgallery.com

Image of a tiger painted in soft pastel by Caroline Packer PAXart

A bit about Caroline

Over the past 20 years I have also seen the benefit of Art as Therapy for students from the ages of 5 up to 85! through my private studio classes, through doing community art projects and teaching art, music and drama in schools. 

Prior to becoming a teacher I worked as An Environmental Officer and National Park Ranger Interpretation Officer and have travelled Australia taking photos and selling them at markets and eventually my own Gallery.  I have always been passionate about the environment and believe nature is one of the greatest healing resources available to us.  I enjoy showing my NDIS clients how to be mindful in their environment through art, music or nature immersion. 

I currently spend some of my time creating my own art and most of my time helping others discover the joys of art through exploration and therapy. My life has become more complete by having the opportunity to see the benefits spilling over.  

Posted in Uncategorized

MASH 2026 Events & Activities

Posted on by Lorri Lambert Art and Therapy

Brush ‘N’ Brew Workshops

The 4th Saturday of each month will be a Brush ‘N’ Brew held at the hall, 12.30-3pm  (yes while it’s open to visitors).  These will remain $30, all materials supplied, as our aim is exposure and affordability.  Cuppas will be self help with plates of cake etc. made up ready to go.

First Wednesdays

We are again offering workshops free for paid members with a small fee for visitors $20 (includes hall fee of $5)

Any member of MASH is very welcome to offer a workshop to the group.  We still have July to December to fill!

February       Watercolours with Val

March            Abstract background/bird with Donna

April               Impasto texture painting with Sue

May                Watercolour jellyfish or tree with Gail

June                Gel Plate printing with Lorri  (Recipe for making your gel plate will be given prior to the date & a demo given)

Mosaic Mondays
@Lorri’s from 19th January. For any MASH member who has been/or wants to dabble in mosaics. January /February Project create a Mosaic Ball Extra cost (for materials) $15

Broken china and tiles, tile adhesive and grout are supplied. BYO substrate eg:  terracotta pots, old saucepan/frying pan, wall or floor tiles, old microwave turntables.   BYO Snack, Regular Cost: $10 Newbies Welcome!
11 Parkview Drive Swan Hill, contact Lorri: 0467 879 261 for more information.

Guest Artist Workshops

We have tried to source a range of mediums, styles and subjects for the workshops in 2026.

May Sat 23 & Sun 24: Oils with Jon Lam.  Focusing on basics for those who have not used oils before and then painting a seascape or lake scape.  $120 for members $150 for non members.

August Sat 15: Pallette knife with Graham Hearne.  This acrylics workshop is still in planning stages, and further details will be released as they are known.  All material supplied, including large framed canvas.

October Sat 3 & Sun 4: Pastels with Caroline Ellis.  Some beginners activities to start us off and then we will be painting a favourite animal.  This is a great opportunity to learn about texture with this beautiful medium.  All materials supplied.  $120 for members $150 for non members.

Exhibitions

All artworks entered need to be created withing the past 12 months.  Size for regional galleries: a minimum of A4, for sale, framed and/or ready to hang with D Rings and wire. Cards will be made for all artworks to include Artist name, Title, Medium and cost.  A brochure is being developed to feature the artist profile of all current paid members.

Moulamein Art Gallery, May 1 to 29
Afternoon Tea/meet the artists for the local community Thursday 14th May.  Share rides to be arranged.

Balranald Art Gallery, July 2 to August 5
Delivery and collection volunteers needed. Opening of Exhibition Sat July 4, 2pm.  Share rides or mini bus to be arranged.


Woorinen South Community Hall Oct 31 Nov 1 (Melb Cup weekend)
Celebrating the end of the year with new works.

Permanent Exhibition open to visitors

We will be open for visitors while we are at the hall on Wednesdays (10-12) and on Saturdays (11-3). Members will man the hall, enjoy another day of art and sometimes utilize the big TV for free online workshops.  Cuppa and cake will be available for visitors. This is purely voluntary and anyone is welcome to help out.  We are developing a flyer to be placed in motels, information centre and other suitable outlets.

Posted in art, Birthday, drawing, exhibition, news, painting, photography

What is an Artist Statement?

Posted on by Lorri Lambert Art and Therapy

An artist statement is piece of writing by you that helps the audience access or
understand your artistic work. It is written in the first person, while artist bios are written in the third person. Both represent you as an artist, even while you are not there. Both are not meant to come to you right away and it will take some time, revisions, and fine tuning to have a finished written product. They may include sources, ideas, and materials in your current practice.

HOW TO WRITE AN ARTIST STATEMENT WITH A SHORT BIO

Between 150-200 words (two paragraphs) is the best length for a statement that is going to be published. It is long enough to let a viewer learn more about you and your work, but not too long that they can’t follow your story and get distracted. 

The “Who”  Very briefly state a bit about yourself and your highlights and education as an artist.  Do not write a resume!  Readers will be bored if this is the main feature of your statement.  In fact I recommend putting it at the end!

The “How” Refers to how you created your works. Many visitors are interested in knowing about your artistic process. Describe your works; what colours do you use, do you make large marks or small marks, or do you use blending so there are no visible marks at all? If you’re a photographer, what kind of tools are integral to your process?

The “What” Are your paintings abstract? Portraits? Do you take photos of landscapes? What is your imagery? When people describe what you make, what do they say? Describe the content of your works in a general way to flow from how you work to what you make.

The “Why”   Why do you make what you make? What does your life say about your work and your work say about your life? What symbols do you use and why? Explain the influences behind the meanings of your works.

You don’t have to have the same amount of each type of information, but it is a good idea to have part of your statement devoted to each of these categories. However, if one category seems far more relevant to your work than the others, feel free to emphasize it in your statement. You can put as much or as little of each category as you like. If your works are about the medium then you can focus more on how you make your works and if it is more about the “why” and your inspiration, focus on that. Balance your content in any way you need.