Featured Artist: Belinda Nieuwesteeg
Born and raised in NSW, before heading south to Melbourne, I am a self-taught artist finding satisfaction in nurturing my creativity once again. After raising a family and, rightly putting them first, I am grateful to have a bit more time on my side and am finding opportunities to devote myself to various creative projects. I have always been creative. My earliest memories of myself have me sitting at a table with pencils or paint brushes all around me, immersed for hours. Creating visual art in all its forms, is something that I have always loved, either for a specific cause or simply to unwind, relax and give myself a good mental massage!
I love learning different techniques through either trial and error or seeking the advice and expertise of other artists. I am always looking to build my capabilities with different media. Presently, I’m finding a lot of joy in working with watercolour and graphite and coloured pencils. I also dapple with mixed media and love producing the occasional three-dimensional creation, which could involve polymer clay, wood or textiles.
I find inspiration in nature and am constantly fed by the beauty of the natural world. I have an eye for detail and marvel at the precision of creation - colours, symmetry, repetition, mathematical fractals - so much plays out in our natural surrounds. My morning walks are the best opportunity for me to observe these unfoldings in nature! My attachment to detail allows me to take pleasure in revealing intricacies of a subject in my art. I also love playing with bright colours and have recently taken some enjoyment in simply having some ‘child-like’ fun with bright watercolours, producing cartoon characters or repetitious images of doughnuts, cupcakes and lollies. I have no preferred ‘style’ but am currently just loving the doing and learning that comes with producing pieces with different mediums.
In my day job, I provide learning support to primary school students. Though art is still very much my hobby rather than a profession, my work with children has helped me realise how even the most simple of drawings can inspire creativity. During a rare quiet moment in the classroom, I might deliberately flick open my diary to reveal to a student a picture I have drawn. It is always so satisfying when the child’s eyes widen and then a sudden outburst follows: “How did you do that? I want to learn how to draw!” It’s a lovely reminder that creative people have a gift and a wonderful duty to inspire.
I joined Hobsons Bay Art Society in 2021 after participating in the 5x7 art prize and have had the great pleasure of participating in several classes and activity nights. I have been introduced to many supportive, humble and highly creative people who have and continue to encourage me to use my strengths, dive in and try new things. They are great sources of inspiration!
I love learning different techniques through either trial and error or seeking the advice and expertise of other artists. I am always looking to build my capabilities with different media. Presently, I’m finding a lot of joy in working with watercolour and graphite and coloured pencils. I also dapple with mixed media and love producing the occasional three-dimensional creation, which could involve polymer clay, wood or textiles.
I find inspiration in nature and am constantly fed by the beauty of the natural world. I have an eye for detail and marvel at the precision of creation - colours, symmetry, repetition, mathematical fractals - so much plays out in our natural surrounds. My morning walks are the best opportunity for me to observe these unfoldings in nature! My attachment to detail allows me to take pleasure in revealing intricacies of a subject in my art. I also love playing with bright colours and have recently taken some enjoyment in simply having some ‘child-like’ fun with bright watercolours, producing cartoon characters or repetitious images of doughnuts, cupcakes and lollies. I have no preferred ‘style’ but am currently just loving the doing and learning that comes with producing pieces with different mediums.
In my day job, I provide learning support to primary school students. Though art is still very much my hobby rather than a profession, my work with children has helped me realise how even the most simple of drawings can inspire creativity. During a rare quiet moment in the classroom, I might deliberately flick open my diary to reveal to a student a picture I have drawn. It is always so satisfying when the child’s eyes widen and then a sudden outburst follows: “How did you do that? I want to learn how to draw!” It’s a lovely reminder that creative people have a gift and a wonderful duty to inspire.
I joined Hobsons Bay Art Society in 2021 after participating in the 5x7 art prize and have had the great pleasure of participating in several classes and activity nights. I have been introduced to many supportive, humble and highly creative people who have and continue to encourage me to use my strengths, dive in and try new things. They are great sources of inspiration!
