All in an artist's day's work

Three Bunbury artists have been showcased in an inaugural regional art festival designed to stimulate the South West arts community by inviting members of the public to watch artists as they work.

Elly Craike, Amanda Doust and Christine Blowfield, who work for Jacksons Drawing Supplies in Bunbury, were invited to participate in the Margaret River Regional Open Studios event and produce artworks in front of an audience at their store in Busselton.

Ms Blowfield said the event was an opportunity for artists to gain exposure and also encouraged novices to experiment with their own artistic projects.

“People are fascinated by it, ” she said.

“It helps people visualise and see the techniques we use and also makes them feel like they can do it themselves – that it’s OK to make mistakes.”

Ms Blowfield said discipline and time management were essential to working successfully as a professional artist.

“I’ve constantly got work on the go, ” she said.

“I find I have to be in a routine and to want to crave doing it – I paint every morning before work.”

Although she said the artists at Jacksons were lucky to talk about art with customers every day, the Open Studio event had given them the chance to produce art as part of their workday.

“I’ve actually been able to sit down for a full day and paint, ” she said.

“It’s been very inspiring to have people talk to me and ask questions while doing it.”

Eighty artists have opened their studios, from Busselton to Augusta. The event ends this weekend.