The Versatility of Acrylics
The fast-drying nature of acrylic paints brings an entirely different kind of energy to my practice. They provide immediate results and encourage a spontaneous, expressive approach that keeps the process fresh and dynamic.
What I love most about acrylics is their incredible versatility. They can be used on canvas, paper, or wood — opening endless creative possibilities for experimentation. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate many of their qualities:
- Versatility – suitable for almost any surface.
- Quick drying – perfect for working in layers or capturing fast-changing ideas.
- Water-soluble – easy to clean and manipulate.
- Layering and texture – ideal for building depth and tactile interest.
- Colour range – vibrant, pure, and adaptable to many moods.
- Adaptable to different styles – from sharp and precise to soft and atmospheric.
- Mixed media compatibility – blends beautifully with texture paste, collage, or other materials.
- Surface finish – can be matte or glossy, depending on the artist’s intent.
The combination of acrylics and texture paste allows for a dynamic interplay between colour, texture, and form — giving the artwork a unique, tactile quality. It’s a medium that rewards curiosity, experimentation, and the courage to explore new directions.
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“Australiana — Incinerator Art Space”
The 7th fundraising exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow took place at Incinerator Art Space, Willoughby, from 16–27 November 2022, and remains one of our most memorable milestones. Over two weeks, we were overwhelmed by the support, kindness, respect, and genuine engagement from the local community. Australiana brought together seven artists and resulted in 18 of 30 artworks sold, with close to $10,000 raised to support people in Ukraine during a time of great need. The exhibition was alive with connection and participation. I conducted two highly successful workshops on site, including a painting workshop where Scarlett Banksia bloomed across every artwork, and a special children’s workshop for students from Nova Ukrainian School. Seeing young participants engage with art in this context was deeply moving. We were honoured to welcome remarkable supporters and guests at the opening, including Mayor of Willoughby City Tanya Taylor, MP Tim James, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sydney Jaroslav Duma, Deputy Chief of Mission Volodymyr Shalkivski, Co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations Kateryna Argirou, and many others. The opening was enriched by the music of Harrison Taranec on tenor saxophone, and the closing event was beautifully marked by violinist Maryana Sywak from Jaga Band. Australiana was more than an exhibition — it was a shared effort, a meeting of art, community, and generosity, and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with care and purpose.
“Double Solo exhibition at Chatswood Art Space on the Concourse ”
Our double solo exhibition at Chatswood Art Space on The Concourse was an experience we will long remember. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited, supported the exhibition, and purchased artworks — your engagement made this show truly meaningful. Out of my 28 artworks presented (18 on the walls and 10 in storage), 19 have found new homes. Over the ten days of the exhibition, we had the privilege of speaking with around 600 visitors, and we are deeply grateful for the thoughtful feedback and personal stories shared along the way. Special thanks go to the Willoughby Council staff and Mayor Tanya Taylor for their support and smooth organisation. We are also thankful to our guest speaker Alan Davies and musician Viktoria Stepanenko, whose contributions added depth and warmth to the opening evening. The atmosphere throughout the exhibition was generous and engaging. We hope visitors carried a sense of positivity with them, and perhaps a renewed desire to connect with nature — something art does best when it is shared.
“The Classical Beauty of Oil Painting”
My journey with oil painting began in year 7, when I was studying at the State Secondary Art School in Kyiv, Ukraine — a highly selective school that required passing three entrance exams in painting, drawing, and composition. It was there that we transitioned from watercolours and gouache to the timeless medium of oils. I’ve always loved this classical medium. Oils have a long and rich tradition in fine art, and I’ve admired their depth, luminosity, and the way colours blend so seamlessly on the canvas. Working with oils teaches patience and reflection — they dry slowly, giving time to build layers with care and intention. I feel incredibly fortunate to have received proper academic training in the classical use of oils, alongside in-depth knowledge of anatomy, linear perspective, perception principles, and art history. That foundation continues to shape how I see and create today, allowing me to appreciate not only the technique but also the discipline and history behind every brushstroke.