Meet Kerrie Woodhouse | Artist & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kerrie Woodhouse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerrie, what makes you happy? Why?
The tactile delight of a soft juicy brush slipping over thick textured paper leaving a glorious trail of vibrant colour – how can than not make a heart happy?

Giving myself permission to play with art supplies and let go of any expectation was one of the best things I have ever done for my mental health. These days we do so much digitally. Part of that is awesome, of course. I love efficiency and the ease that technology has brought but it has its down sides.

I believe finding time to work with our hands is vital. It is the way we have evolved. We might no longer need to make things with our own hands in order to feed, clothe or shelter ourselves but I believe the innate need to create still cries out. Finding even a few minutes in the day to retreat from the busyness and push some paint about or doodle can be enough to remind me that there is still calm and joy to be found even in a chaotic day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Chartered Accountant by profession so I spent most of my life in the world of numbers and logic. I enjoyed arts and crafts as a child but put that away when it felt time to do more grown up things.

But then I had children and began to rediscover the delight of play – and kids art supplies! One day, on a beach holiday I watched my then three year old daughter completely absorbed in creating a picture with delightfully creamy fat sticks of colour.

I thought to myself – *I want some of that*!

The next day I found a book called “Funky Things to Draw” in a discount bin at the shopping centre. Only $5… a sign, surely? I bought that book and never looked back.

My next adventure was mixed media art journalling. The main thing I learned here was that I am an art supplies junkie. I love All The Things. Eventually I realised it would be best to simplify and when I found watercolour I was hooked. It is so simple to get set up, requires very little in the way of art materials and clean up is a breeze.

My best discovery was that watercolour will do so much of the painting for you – if you let it. It is sometimes described as an exacting, challenging medium but once I learned that it didn’t have to be I couldn’t wait to share this secret.

Having spent ten years as an academic in the faculty of business and economics, teaching felt quite natural (but I don’t think it has ever been this fun).

It is one of my greatest joys to be able to share my love of loose expressive watercolour in the hope that I can spare a beginner much of the frustrations that come with getting started.

I believe the world would be a much happier place if everyone with the slightest urge to draw and paint had the chance to do so.

One of my greatest joys is to show those that doubt their creative abilities that painting has little or nothing to do with talent.

With a bit of help, anyone can experience the fun and relaxation of this rewarding pastime.

I feel very lucky to be able to spend my day creating art classes with this aim in mind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Melbourne, Australia. While the city is vibrant and exciting with plenty of things to draw, (if you like urban sketching), I prefer the beautiful, natural open spaces. But we would first have to take a day to explore the city itself. The historic City Circle Tram has been lovingly restored and will take you on a loop of the city allowing you to hop on and off as you choose.

Southbank is a bustling interesting place, perfect for lunch. It is the bank of the Yarra River, where it runs through Melbourne city centre. Restaurants, bars, cafes, river cruises, street performers, a casino and if you cross the bridge you can visit Melbourne’s aquarium – something for everyone.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a little oasis in the inner city. Sweeping lawns, serene lakes and majestic trees set within the backdrop of Melbournes city sky line.

The Great Ocean Road is another must see. The road winds along the edge of the exquisite coast and is home to some breathtaking sights like the 12 apostles. These are a series of limestone stacks that began as cliffs, eroded into caves and are now individual stacks. There were only ever 8 but they were still named the 12 apostles. Sadly another has collapsed which is just another reason to get down there and appreciate them while they are still with us.

While we are at the beach we would have to go to Phillip Island, a tiny island joined to the mainland by a bridge and home of the fairy penguins. At sunset, you can watch all these adorable little miniature penguins swim in and then waddle up the beach to their homes for a good nights sleep. Walkways have been built just above the ground so the little penguins are very close. This is an experience not to be missed.

Another of my favourite spots is the Yarra Valley. Another very short drive from the city, this is a haven for wine lovers. A very pleasant day can be spent sampling local wine and cheese at cellar doors nestled in the most stunning vineyards.

Actually, there is so much to see and do here (I haven’t even got to the theatres and museums yet), are you sure you only want to stay a week?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Creative people are among the most generous. I am so grateful to the myriad of artists (far too many to mention) that so willingly share their processes and beautiful artwork on youtube. Being able to watch others work gave me a chance to see that this was something I could perhaps do too, despite never having done any sort of painting or drawing when I was at school.

I particularly enjoy being able to find artists at all stages in their journey. There is always someone at the same stage as you which helps you feel less alone and always someone creating something amazing that you can aspire to. And of course there are sometimes days when getting out the art supplies can feel hard but you can still get your creative fix vicariously. Watching someone else paint is both relaxing and inspiring – the next best thing to doing some painting yourself.

Website: https://www.kerriewoodhouse.com/

Instagram: https://www.kerriewoodhouse.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kerrie-woodhouse/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerrieWoodhouseArt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBqR_6JX6Df3nuyFS7GZo_A

Other: https://www.pinterest.com.au/KWoodhouseArt