Very exciting news for me, and I’m sharing the good news! My acrylic mixed media painting Indian Ocean Coastline, W.A. has just won the Curator’s Pick Art Prize, at the MCAA annual Art Exhibition in Perth, Western Australia.

Acrylic Mixed Media Techniques
The painting is a modern abstract using thick Indian Village watercolour papers collaged together for a multiple layered approach.
I used the colours found along the coastline here, predominately ochers, siennas, with a rich prussian/ultramarine blend. There were significant textural techniques to provide a sense of age and a rough natural grittiness that is also quite prevalent on the beaches and sandstone escarpments.
The other major technique I used was to take acrylics into a plastic bag, poke a small hole and then squeeze the paint throughout the image centrally. This was to increase texture but also to reflect the movement of both land, sea and waves upon the shoreline.
The frame and matt, which is integral to art presentation, I chose specifically for its neutrality. I also specified to have the image ‘floated’ on top of the lovely terracotta matt board, which would increase the sense of depth.
The MCAA Art Awards 2015 Judge’s Comments on my painting, Indian Ocean Coastline WA,
“This work has an almost Timeless quality of sea, sand, earth and current. Very suitably framed too!”
More Exciting News!
Do you remember my post on Dreams of an 8 Year Old Artist ? She entered into the youth division and won First Prize with her Matisse’s Woman! She was very happy indeed. As I was myself.

Art Makeovers
Did you know, your art images can be made to look sensational with the right ‘accessories.’ The right frame, the right matt. Neutral frames and white matts nearly always help an image. Not too much bling bling going on in the matt colours and the frame’s details.
Its quite bit like a “Makeover” effect, i.e. if you have the right makeup, wardrobe, hair – we all can look quite glamourous. A painting is nearly The Same Thing. Just something to think about……….
Things have been busier than normal around here.
I’ve had several major art projects on the go at the same time and deadlines about the same time as well, so my 4:30 am alarms are getting old about now. But in another 2 weeks things will have quieted down back to normal.
In the meantime, I’ll be posting and updating as much as possible. I’m thinking I will be using my camera and the new lens for awhile in the posts as my painting time at the moment has dwindled a wee bit.
If you happen to be in Perth, WA and can stop in and visit the Atwell Gallery to view the MCAA 2015 Annual Art Exhibition please do so, there are some lovely artworks to view. Atwell Gallery is at the corner of Northlake Road and Canning Highway, Alfred Cove phone is 9330 – 2800 for more information and details on art courses being held there.
” Congratulations” on your fine Award!!..Thank you so much for posting the good News. I am so happy for Taylor as well!..I follow your posts daily , and bursting with new enthusiasm!!..😊 🌹 from Canada Land Joanne . Wighton . Feeling inspired !!
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hi Joanne, thank you for such a wonderful comment and for following my posts ! At some point, I’d like to do a post on Tom Thompson one of the Canadian group of 7 who was a fabulous artist 🙂
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Congratulations Debi, that is fantastic, so happy for you.
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Leanne, your positive words mean a lot, thank you!!
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Fantastic! Congrats 🙂 🙂 🙂
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🙂 thank you very much ! almost did a happy dance……. LOL
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it’s not too late for that :D…
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no, not to late at all ! good thing no one is watching LOL
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go for it 😉
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Congratulations!
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Thank you David 🙂
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…it is a vibrant and radiant piece with well-deserved juried recognition. I’m glad to see this post.
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Congratulations to you Debi and to your talented granddaughter Taylor!! Artistic blood runs in your family! So happy for you both. Teresa XX
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Teresa, you’re very kind to say so, thank you!! my only sadness…… You didn’t put any work into the show 😦 How about the Next One?
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what lovely comments!! thank you – that definitely made me smile 🙂 cheers, Debi
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Lovely and very kind comments Lance 🙂 Thank you !!!!! Debi
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Congrats to you debi! Great pic, artist and teacher!
Sent from my iPad
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your lovely compliments are very much appreciated 🙂 thank you!
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Congratulations Debi!!!👏👏👏
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hi Jodi! Thanks so much for the congrats 🙂 Its marvellous of you ! cheers, Debi
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Debi, Congratulations To You! Thanks for sharing your Good News! Best wishes, Leslie
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hi Leslie thank you for your good wishes !
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Congratulations! You deserve it!
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thank you very much! its fantastic to hear so many kind comments on the award, people are amazing 🙂
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So great to read the news Debi!! Congratulations – well deserved.
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good morning Mary, thank you for your congrats, lovely of you to say so! 🙂
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Congratulations Debi – magic! 🎉
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much appreciated Ian, thank you !! 🙂
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Congratulations! Wonderful news! Cheers, Linda
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hi Linda, Thank You 🙂 very kind words!!
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Congratulations.
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Belated congrats Debi – brilliant news, super-well done on the award!!!
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wonderful to hear your great comments 🙂 thank you! I always love it when people give comments, makes me realise there really are people out there reading my posts, lol. and thanks again !
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Congratulations on your award. 🙂
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Warmest congratulations Debi. Why am I not surprised 🙂 So richly deserved.
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hi Andrew, you’re most generous with your kind words, thank you very much !
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Congratulations! Your artwork is wonderful!
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Thank you!! I appreciate your comments, and that is very kind of you to say so 🙂
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