Zoe's Art

My beautiful wedding invitations

2011-03-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

'Babushka Dolls'

2011-03-14T21:19:00.001-07:00

'A Golden Afternoon'

2011-03-08T01:43:00.001-08:00

'The Night Garden'

2011-02-22T01:33:00.001-08:00

I am happily embarking upon a new style of painting for 2011. I guess you could say I'm exploring my inner-child?

An Autumn Wedding....

2011-01-02T21:36:00.001-08:00

After an intense year of study, I am now ready to throw myself head-first into my art practice again. Oh how I've missed all things creative. However, being engaged is a slight distraction, albeit a good one, with a wedding in May to plan for! I must say I am enjoying the planning process so far. I am enlisting the help of my talented Graphic Designer friend Melanie to design our wedding invites. Above are some images that give you an idea of the sort of theme we're going for!

Crafty Creations

2010-05-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I had an urge to do something 'crafty.' So I gave the above item a well needed re-vamp. Originally it was an ugly, heavy, dark brown colour. I painted it in cream and mushroom- pink, and filled the inside of each box with wrapping paper and wall-paper off-cuts. I have always had a love of beautiful papers, patterns, butterflies and birds, and this project combined all four! I was quite pleased with the outcome, and I enjoyed doing something completely different to what I would usually do. I've hung it in my bathroom (it's been well varnished) and use it to display my trinkets and treasures, such as perfumes, soaps, candles, jewellery dishes etc. It looks lovely in the morning light......( I apologise if the photos look dark; I was trying to capture the natural light- not sure if I succeeded!)

'Shereen'

2010-02-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

My good friend Shereen's Mother secretly commissioned me to paint a portrait of her. This was my first attempt at a realistic portrait, and it was without a doubt one of the most challenging, but also rewarding things I have ever had to paint. The fact that I was painting a friend made the whole process so much more personal, and I felt even more compelled to get it absolutely perfect! I must say though the time and effort was well worth it.......Shereen's reaction was priceless too!

'All the Pretty Dresses'

2010-01-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

SOLD

''Chaise in Blue'

2009-12-30T18:46:00.000-08:00

SOLD

'What to Wear?'

2009-12-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

SOLD

'Morning Light'

2009-12-10T01:46:00.001-08:00

This is my latest interiors painting for the deli/cafe.....which sold after one day! I feel on top of the world at the moment as six of my artworks sold in the first week. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my first exhibition. There was so much detail to paint in this picture but I think that's what makes it successful! I would love to know what you think.

SOLD

Exhibition

2009-12-03T02:22:00.001-08:00

SOLD

I have just finished working on a small-scale exhibition for a Cafe/Deli in East Brisbane. I had an 8 metre wall to fill with paintings and framed lino-cut prints, in a variety of sizes. I must say I was very happy with how it all looked hanging on the wall. Although the past three weeks have been very demanding, it was well worth the effort!!! I like to think of it as a 'warm-up' to my solo exhibition next year!!!!

Business cards and Website

2009-10-11T00:07:00.001-07:00

Recently my very talented Graphic Designer friend Melanie helped me to design some business cards. I was very happy with how they turned out. (Click on the image to supersize) We also had a heap of fun designing my website together! Both of these things I have been meaning to do for a long time. Please have a look! http://www.zoewilson.com.au/

'Hope Flies'

2009-10-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I did a gallery painting of a girl with a butterfly on her shoulder, called 'Hope' (it's actually my profile picture....the little box top right!). I received so much positive feedback for it that I decided to do another one. I know I've used this same girl for a couple of previous paintings, but I just love how she looks as though she's walking and all of a sudden she stops and looks back over her shoulder, with her hair blowing in the breeze. Anyway I promise my next girl will be different! I'm really happy with the red/blue combination in this painting, and also how her dress and eye colour match the butterfly. I originally had blue in the background, then I painted over it with red, and I love how the blue still shows through... I think it gives the background depth. For me, butterflies signify hope and new beginnings...it seems I am inspired by anything with wings! I apologise for the quality of the photo.... the light wasn't quite right. Please stop by and say hi, I would love to know what you all think!

SOLD

Self- Portrait

2009-09-06T01:52:00.001-07:00

This is a stylized self-portrait that I recently finished, for a friend of mine who makes my canvases for me. His canvases are works of art in themselves! I have always loved birds and find them very uplifting, so this is what I felt compelled to paint. I had never done a self-portrait until now, and I found it quite enjoyable.... The bee-eater bird was the inspiration behind the colours for my bird!

Young Designer's Markets # 4

2009-07-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

This Sunday 5th of July we will be doing another stall at the Young Designer's Markets in South Bank, Brisbane. Please stop by if you are in the area, as there is such a huge range of top quality products at resonable prices. It is from 10-4pm, and there is always such an amazing atmosphere. Here is a little sample of what I will be selling....hope to see you there!

'Glow'

2009-07-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

This is my latest commission piece, for a friend of my sister's. I was really happy with how it turned out, especially the colour palette. I wanted to make it seem as though she was basking in the light... or glow of pregnancy. I hope I achieved this!

Young Designer's Market #3

2009-06-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

My friends and I recently participated in our third Young Designer's Market, held in Brisbane. We had a very successful day of sales, despite the cold and rainy start to the day. This time I worked within a botanical, vintage theme, creating floral and butterfly illustrations. I was really pleased with how they turned out, and with how professional and eye-catching our stall was. We always have so much fun doing these markets, and were pleased to discover that they will now be held monthly. Lots of work to do!

'Contemplation'

2009-05-22T03:43:00.001-07:00

SOLD

So many people have been asking me lately, when am I going to do a cat painting? Well, being a cat-lover myself, of course I couldn't resist. ...so here it is. I think it's somewhat cute. Sorry to all the people who hate cats!

'Happiness is a new pair of shoes'

2009-05-14T14:57:00.001-07:00

'Happiness is a new pair of shoes'

Original oil painting

Need I say anything more about this one?

SOLD

'A Vintage Morning'

Original Oil Painting

This is a take on one of my favourite interiors pictures, posted my Amanda at Oliveux a few months ago. I love the soft, ethereal quality of this painting. Please let me know what you think!

SOLD

A little bit of romance

2009-05-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

In 2005 I did a painting very similar to this for a motel in Boonah. A lovely Brisbane lady stayed in the particular room in which it hangs, and aksed me to do a similar one for her fiance, as a wedding present. How could I say no? I thought it was such a sweet idea and I was so happy with how it turned out......I actually think it's much better than the original!

Finally finished!

2009-04-14T19:11:00.001-07:00

Well I must say I was very relieved when this painting was done! This was a commission piece for a lady who owns a Beauty Salon. The Salon has been decorated in a very Asian/ Feng Shui theme, so my painting of course had to fit in with that. I probably would never do this style of painting by choice, but I'm glad I did because I was totally out of my comfort zone and it extended my boundaries as an artist! I really want to be one of those painters who can do a variety of different styles....the whole time I was asking myself 'Why on earth did I choose such a complicated, intricate pattern?' I do think the time and effort was well worth it though.....what do you think? I will post another picture soon of my next commission piece!

Young Designer Markets

2009-03-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

On the weekend my friends and I did a stall at the Young Designers Markets. It was so much fun, our stall was very full and impressive if I do say so myself! This is our second try at it and we probably sold at least 70% of our stock, which is great. You have to keep the prices way down at the markets otherwise you don't sell a thing, but everyone has to start somewhere, establish a following and then build your prices up from there (That's my theory anyway!). It's such a great way to get your name out there and to get exposure, not to mention the joy of creating art with your friends. The floral paintings and the bird silhouettes are mine, the jewellery is Mariette's, and the beautiful bird drawings are Melanie's. I am putting my leftovers on my etsy shop so take a peek!

SOLD

The Green Chair

2009-02-26T14:37:00.001-08:00

Original Oil Painting
36 cm x 26 cm

This is my latest interiors painting, which is a modified version of one of my favourite magazine clippings. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I'd love to know what you all think!

SOLD

The Lilac Room

2009-01-26T21:26:00.001-08:00

Original Oil Painting

20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches)

SOLD

Ballet Slippers

2009-01-26T21:23:00.001-08:00

Original Oil Painting

20 x 25 cm (8 x 10 inches)

SOLD

A Little Touch of Pink

2009-01-26T21:17:00.001-08:00

Original Oil Painting

20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches)

SOLD

2009-01-16T04:01:00.000-08:00

2009-01-16T03:53:00.000-08:00

New paintings

2008-12-21T14:45:00.000-08:00

'The Yellow Dress'

Oil on Canvas, 25 x 20cm

SOLD

'Teapot with Roses'

Oil on canvas, 36 x 26cm

'Fashionista'
Oil on canvas, 61 x 46cm

Please click here to view these paintings at Art and Soul Gallery!

Day bed

2008-11-15T19:40:00.001-08:00

This picture is of a beautifully re-upholstered day bed that I worked on with a lovely customer earlier in the year. She wanted a really neutral look, so we selected three different striped linens- I think the fabrics work together so well...it's very calming to look at- perfect for lazing about on a sunday afternoon.....

Feeling colourful!

2008-11-08T03:32:00.000-08:00

I'm in a very summery, colourful mood tonight...aren't these images beautiful with their subtle bursts of colour? Once again, there's the claw-foot bath. I think I'm obsessed! Love the picture cluster with black frames, the duck-egg blue chairs with white piping, the hot pink bolster...ok love it all!

Simplicity...

2008-11-01T02:45:00.000-07:00

How relaxing are these pictures to look at? A freestanding bath is definately on my list of 'must haves' when I eventually have my own house. I have really come to appreciate simplicity and neutral colours in interior schemes....it's just so calming and serene. I do love the odd burst of colour though!

Shabby-chic flowers

2008-10-25T01:13:00.001-07:00

Ok I admit it, I have always been a fan of the whole shabby-chic thing...it's just such a girly style and I am such a girly girl! I love these pictures for they're simplicity...some faux flowers and an antique mirror- such a sweet look.

Wardrobe Love

2008-10-25T00:55:00.000-07:00

I don't have too much to say about these pictures except that this week I'm obsessed with French Provinial armoires! In the first picture I love how the doors are open, showing linen and old books tied up with twine....and the second picture...love it love it love it! The armoire is so beautiful, especially with the ralph-lauren style suitcases stacked up beside it.

My kitchen obsession...

2008-10-14T04:08:00.001-07:00

Oh my I cannot believe how long it has been since I have blogged! Sorry for my slackness everyone, but I do have a valid excuse- I have been on holidays and my partner and I went to stay in the country for a week where there was no traffic, no mobile phone reception, no TV or computers....nothing to do except read my novel and flick through interior design mags! It was pure bliss- I grew up in the country and I definately think I will move back there one day as I get so frustrated with living in the city...the ratrace (everyone is always in such a rush!), the trafiic which seems to be getting worse everyday, the feeling of living on top of eachother ( I feel so cramped!). What I love most about the country is having so much space and waking up to the sound of ten different varieties of birds! Anyway it was a lovely week....and yes I am still obsessed with kitchens. Because I live in a very small flat, I have a very small kitchen, and this frustrates me, as everyone knows a kitchen is where you need the most space and storage! So I think that is why I keep drooling over beautiful kitchen images.....the top image is a copy of Dianne Keaton's kitchen in 'Something's Gotta Give' (best Hamptons kitchen ever!), and the second image I chose simply because it is lovely. I adore the green chairs and the hanging lights. I just know I will have a gorgeous kitchen like this someday! x x

A beautiful kitchen

2008-09-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

Is this none other than the perfect kitchen? Pretty close for me anyway....I love the white-washed look and the raw, rustic, shabby appearance- it adds so much character. Sigh, I'll be dreaming for now....

Sarah-Jessica Parker's table!

2008-09-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Sarah-Jessica Parker's table in her house at the Hamptons. We had a great book in-store a while ago, (can't quite remember the neme of it!) that showed the interiors of many different so-called 'celebrity' houses, and I remember being all excited at the thought of posting some images of SJP's house, and then the book sold and I was sad.....but I just found it on google so all is ok now! I love this picture, mainly because of the black mis-matched chairs. I think the fact that they are all completely different in design makes such a bold statement and creates so much interest....and how unusual (in a good way) is the blue pendant light? x x

White on white

2008-09-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

This week I have been in love with and hugely inspired by white on white images. There's just something about white interiors that is so appealing for me (and for many others of course!)- it is such a clean and fresh look, it is very classic and timeless, is the best colour scheme for maximising the use of light, and acts as a great canvas for adding bursts of colour. The word 'refreshing' comes to mind! I absolutely adore the wallpaper in the second image- so soft and delicate. The set of drawers and mirror in the final image are also beautiful.....

Blue & White. . .

2008-09-07T00:48:00.000-07:00

These images are from a fantastic book called 'Decorating with Blue and White' by Gail Abbott. How fresh and summery is a blue and white colour scheme?! It's as though the two colours were meant for eachother- such a classic pairing that never seems to date. The top image is of a beautiful old door in Marrakech. I have always had a bit of a thing for doors- what better place to make a statement than in the entrance of your home? This door definately achieves that- I love the signs of wear and tear and how the colour has faded to a mere wash of it's original cobalt blue. The second image is just heaven...oh how I wish I could just lie down on that bed and have a nap! The embroidered sheer fabric draped over the bed is simply stunning- it adds so much interest to an otherwise minimal room. An old cabinet in Cape Town, South Africa is seen in the third picture. The naturally weathered appearance of this piece really appeals to me....some people would want to immediately strip it down and re-paint it, but not me. I think it gives it so much more character, not to mention the historical value. The tattered window shutter near-by is also lovely. The final image- that wallpaper is to die for!!! The pattern is based on an 18th century french damask and oh my god I just adore it. It looks so divine paired with the neutral timber...love the exposed beams! What great inspirational images to start the new week off nicely x x

Spring is here!

2008-09-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a few days late, but I thought I would celebrate the arrival of spring with a beautiful flower image.....how gorgeous do these roses look in the champagne bucket! I've always thought that in another life, I would have been a florist. How lovely would it be to work with flowers everyday? But for now I am perfectly happy working in interiors everyday! The two industries are very much interlinked though, which is great.

Pretty composition

2008-08-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

I really love this picture....it's probably not everyones cup of tea, but I think it's quite a clever combination of objects- what appears to be a very ancient (japanese?) room divider, a beautiful aqua drum stool, a colourful abstract painting and some pale pink roses.....I have some just like these in my bedroom (fake). The colours all work so well together. This picture proves that combining seemingly mis-matched items of different styles can still create a successful display!

Blue Bird

2008-08-24T00:40:00.001-07:00

I love images with birds, butterflies or dragonflies, and soon I want to start doing a series of bird paintings in neutral tones. If I ever do actually get round to it...I will try to post some images of them!

Marie Antoinette

2008-08-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

This is a snippet from the latest Mokum fabric range. The textile designers are always inspired by a set theme, and this time it was the Marie Antoinette era. I love how the colour palette is so soft and feminine, and the different patterns look so great together. The pink and white floral fabric in the top picture was my favourite. I'll let you in on a little secret....my ultimate dream is to be a textile or wallpaper designer!

French Bedside Table

2008-08-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this bedside table!!! I seemed to be really attracted to any picture that has fresh flowers in it. It really is such a simple image, I think what makes it so appealing is the white on white look. ..

Tea Party

2008-08-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well I thought this picture was just way too cute to not blog about! How pretty are the colours.....pastel pink with blue is my favourite colour combination at the moment. Doesn't this picture just make you want to sit down there and have a girly tea party?

A French Touch. . .

2008-08-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

I absoloutely adore this picture! The venetian mirror is stunning.....but what I love most are the little vases with fresh pink flowers. Can you tell I am a pink girl? I am on the lookout for vases like these to put in my house!

Juliette Bedhead

2008-08-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

Isn't this French bedhead elegant? The little rosettes and buttons in the corner are such a cute touch.

Beautiful Fabric

2008-08-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

As soon as I saw this fabric I fell in love with it. The turquoise colour is so vibrant it seems to jump off the page. I also love the idea of continuing the pattern on the back of the cane chair. This is proof that re-upholstering a chair in a beautiful fabric immediately gives it new life. How lovely is the contrast between the fabric colour and the flower colour?

Silver Chair

2008-08-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous french chair with touches of silver. This style would look great in a bedroom with a beautiful item of clothing draped over it. . . .very feminine. I have always considered silver a great colour to decorate an interior with.

Osborne & Little Crazy

2008-08-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Although I will always have a deep respect for subtle, neutral colour schemes, I have always been very passionate about colour and pattern. Osborne & Little have always been a favourite brand of mine- I find their designs and colour combinations so inspiring. These are just a couple of my favourite ranges (the top picture is actually a Nina Campbell fabric), courtesy of the Osborne & Little website!

2008-08-01T23:10:00.000-07:00