“Ask our students”

We asked our students 7 questions about their creativity and art, include asking them to design a t-shirt for Mike to wear in the class (just for fun). We will add more students on a weekly basis.

Ask Our Students – Neeti Baura (Thursday 6.30-9pm)

” There is always a positive atmosphere, lots of cheeky jokes and it’s great to be around people who share a passion for art and learning.”

“The Rose” oil painting by Neeti

Name: Neeti Baura
Occupation: Doctor
Joined NSA: Term2 2011

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

NEETI: I would say the green lady created with pastels and ink, which I did as part of my A-level work when I was seventeen. I also really enjoyed painting the lady on the swing chair with oil pastels and the landscape scene from the Lake District.

the green lady created with pastels and ink by Neeti

“Green Lady” by Neeti.

“the lady on the swing chair with oil pastels” by Neeti.

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

NEETI: Ever since I can remember I have always been painting, drawing or doodling. Initially I used to draw cartoons and images from comic books. Then it progressed to still life, the body and anatomical drawings. This was very helpful in medical school! I have always enjoyed doing paintings for family and friends.

by Neeti.

$Opera House Sketching by Neeti\$

by Neeti

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

NEETI:After studying and working in medicine for such a long time, I wanted to get in touch my creative side again. I had just moved to Sydney and saw the sign for the art school on my way back from work. I think the colourful flowers outside got my attention.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

NEETI: The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai. I already have a print of this at home, but the real painting would be amazing!

“The Great wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

NEETI: I am currently working on a magical fantasy landscape. I wanted to do something which involved the moon and lots of different colours. I hope to continue to develop my skills and work out my own genre of painting, while still enjoying the journey of being creative.

Neeti is working on a magical fantasy landscape.

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

NEETI: I find the classes to be very relaxing and a great break away from the norm. There is always a positive atmosphere, lots of cheeky jokes and it’s great to be around people who share a passion for art and learning.

“Sound Sunset” painted with oil by Neeti

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face Mike said “When I look at Neeti’s painting ‘Green Lady’ as part of her body of work for her A- levels (I remember them so well, English exams equivalent to HSC advanced level) it’s so obvious how very creative she was and is.

I feel honoured to have such a beautiful personality join my art school who makes my role as coach more than teacher so easy ( notice I didn’t say looks!) who’s not adverse to the odd cheeky joke that makes even me blush now that takes some doing!

Neeti has produced some excellent paintings but not enough drawing to develop her ideas so putting my coaches cap on I will encourage her creativity into endless possibilities a journey I am looking forward to as long as she stays in Australia…… I hope.”

Ask Our Students – Lucy Bremner (Wednesday 7-9pm)

” I’ve come to know a lot of the people at the school and I really enjoy the laid-back, flexible and companionable atmosphere. It reminds me of being in Design College.”

LUCY BREMNER - "HOME AMONGST THE GUM TREES"

“Home amongst the gum trees” oil painting by Lucy

Name: Lucy Bremner
Occupation: Home Duties (studied Textile Design many years back 1996)
Joined NSA: 3/4 years ago (2010)

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

LUCY: I was about 6 years old and I was at a Convent School. The nuns got me to decoupage a glass bottle with stamps. I really enjoyed that… much better than the maths!!!

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

LUCY: Yes, I have always been creative and come from a very creative background. My parents are very creative in their home and their sense of style. Probably more on the bohemian side of things. Nothing in our home every matched. My sister is a Ceramicist.

Lucy’s parents.

When Lucy was a student with her parents.

A drawing by Lucy

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

LUCY: I wanted to be creative again after many years of not picking up a pen or paint brush. I was new to Australia and when looking around for possible art classes, I immediately remembered the blue flower pots on the balcony and took down the number.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

LUCY: Any of Margaret Olley‘s work. I’ve only recently come to know of this artist but I love her richness of colours, subject matter and freeness (impressions). I’ve always liked the Fauves and been keen on Matisse and then Cézanne. Her work reminds me a lot of Cezanne and also another famous South African artist that I have followed – Irma Stern.

“Poppies and Checked Cloth” by Margaret Olley

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

LUCY: I am about to start a new canvass – a still life of a flower. I’m looking forward to letting go and being absorbed by the process. I hope to free up even more and find more ‘me time’ to paint at home. I cherish the few hours that I have with Mike and the group. It really inspires me and I’ve discovered the joy of art again.

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

LUCY: To do something for ‘me’. I live with a house full of boys and lots of demands. I’m a creative person and I need to do it for my sanity. I’ve come to know a lot of the people at the school and I really enjoy the laid-back, flexible and companionable atmosphere. It reminds me of being in Design College and it has just the right atmosphere – lots of easels, the smell of paint and linseed oil and a place that invites one to me messy and creative. It is what an artist studio should be. Not pristine and clinical.

Lucy and her family.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face Mike said “Last year one of my students said ‘God’s punishment for having sex is children!’ Well I feel he is punishing me too, as I have lost (I hope only temporarily) one of my most precious, lovable, accomplished students with a great sense of humour, to have a baby in December. She is married to a south african with parents in law from yorkshire, how’s that for a sense of humour?

Lucy, we all miss you.

Her painting in our most recent exhibition at Mosman Art Gallery showed her dedication, ability, but most of all her potential. A marvellous reflection of the hight standard all my students have reached. I look forward to her contribution with eager anticipation for our next exhibition.”

“GREEN HEAD” by LUCY BREMNER

Ann Reeves is painting in the art class of northshore school of art.

Ask Our Students – Ann Reeves (Wednesday 7-9pm)

” I take an art class
To improve my ability
To see others’ creativity.”

Name: Ann Reeves (Wednesday 7-9pm)

Joined NSA: around 2 years ago

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

ANN: 13~14yo.

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

ANN: Yes. Musical, dance, some acting, drawing and doodling.

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

ANN: From the street sign.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

ANN: Many artists however I love Lautrec, Renoir, Rubens and Monet.

“Salon at the Rue des Moulins” by Henri de Toulouse Lautrec

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

ANN: Better drawing skill.

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

ANN: To improve my ability, to see others’ creativity.

All drawings by Ann Reeves

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face Mike said “The t-shirt……….Naughty!
Annie is my free spirited student who came to me with sketchbooks full of ideas from her time living in America her art teacher had shown her so many things (which made the teacher look good) but didn’t do much to teach her how to do it!
THE CHALLENGE ?
How do I persuade cajole plead talk insist someone with such a bubbly lively personality who breezes into the studio at well more or less when the class starts looking like she has just parked her Harley Davidson outside, to sit down and concentrate on drawing negative space for the next x number of weeks…….not easy!!
Two years later and one glass of wine I ask myself how am I going to persuade her to venture into oil painting…….not easy!!
One year after that and two glasses of wine later I ask myself how on earth am I going to persuade her to paint a group of pears to develop her technique instead of painting the Mona Lisa……not easy!!
Ahhhhhh
She is an asset to my art school big xx and oo”

Ako Lamble Ako said “I would like to show my appreciation to Annie for helping a lot on our annual exhibition last year. She always brightens a room wherever she walks in.”

Annie and Pye helped for our annual exhibition in Dec 2012

Drawing and Painting for Absolute Beginners

Monday Afternoon: 12pm noon – 3pm
Wednesday Evening: 7pm – 9pm
Thursday Morning: 9.30am – 12.30pm

For all those who doubt that they have a single creative bone in their body! Let us prove you wrong! Everybody has the ability to draw and paint. All you need is the enthusiasm to do so. We uncover the tricks of the trade through simple exercises that will teach you to see like an artist. Get your lines right, get your tone right, understand how perspective and scale works. Learn how to use colour pencil and be introduced to oil painting. Discover skills you never thought you had in our fun and relaxed environment!
Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions about the class. Email: info[at]art-art.com.au / Phone: +61 (0)2 9968 1233 / Download Enrolment form

Ask Our Students – Alex Condos (Kids Club Friday 4-6pm)

” I wanted to learn how to draw properly, better than high school art would teach me.”

Name: Alex Condos
Age: 14yo
Joined NSA: 2011

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

ALEX: A self-portait done I was nearly 6, as part of a school portrait competition. I was runner-up.

A self portrait painting by Alex Condos when he was 6.

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

ALEX: Yes, I have always enjoyed anything to do with art. Especially painting and drawing.

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

ALEX: I wanted to learn how to draw properly, better than high school art would teach me.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

ALEX: Probably “Starry night” by Van Gogh. I really like the look of it the way it isn’t realistic and looks effortless.

“The starry night” by Vincent van Gogh

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

ALEX: I’m painting a large chameleon. I want to do some more on perspective and maybe get another painting in.

Alex has been working on “Chameleon” oils.

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

ALEX: You get all that time and don’t have to think about anything else but art.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face Mike said “For all those former and present students who know me and read my comments about Alex will probably be surprised to read I have such a high opinion of someone of the the male sex. He is such a delight as a person, a delight as a willing and very hard working student, a delight to teach and converse with in class. His painting is entirely made with his own hand with guidance and advice from me. If I was to look into my Crystal ball is I see a very bright future whatever career path he chooses to follow what a great attitude!”

Ako Lamble Ako said “When I saw Alex sitting in the corner of the class quietly and painting the huge chameleon, I thought “he can paint very well, I would like to know about him” so I asked him to answer the seven questions. We have only two boys out of 16 kids in the Friday class, so being a boy and painting very well naturally stands out. Mike said about himself that he was quiet (believe or not) and enjoyed drawing and painting so much when he was young, so whenever and wherever I see a boy like Alex I wonder if Mike Lamble was like him …? That means Alex may end up becoming an extravert artist like Mike!
I found the Youtube video for you, Alex. If you like “The starry night” you will love this.”

Starry Night (interactive animation) for iPad (v3.0)

Ask Our Students – Lorraine Mackenzie (Wednesday 12-3pm)

“he convinced me that he could teach anybody to draw & paint”

Name: Lorraine Mackenzie
Occupation: Retired
Joined NSA: soon after Mike Started the art school (1999)

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

LORRAINE: My early life was pretty much devoid of anything artistic- cant even remember even being in an art class at school.

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

LORRAINE: Not really- though I did take up pottery classes and enjoyed it for some years-until I went back to work full time- I still have some of the things I made. During that time I helped to run a terrific art & craft Show for the 4th West Pymble Sea Scouts. So I met many talented artists & craftspeople.

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

LORRAINE: I joined the NSA because I met Mike Lamble- as simple as that- I was working as the Course Co ordinator the Chatswood Evening College. Mike came to do a course in Illustration- I interviewed him and he was so enthusiastic about his art & wish to teach – he convinced me that he could teach anybody to draw & paint – my first class was a Life Drawing class – why I went back I will never know.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

LORRAINE: Tom Roberts ” Sherbrooke Forest”- it is a wonderful australian landscape.

“Sherbrooke Forest” by Tom Roberts

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

LORRAINE: Right now I am working on a view of Curl Beach where I live . I plan to give to my lovely neighbours who are soon to move away & will no longer have access to this lovely view.

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

LORRAINE: Lots of fun, companionship—plus a great feeling of having made something Beautiful.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face Mike said “Why Lorrain went back and continues to this day is every word I spoke was true !
A retired ecconomic and geography teacher ,you would never know looking at her paintings she is too modest to mention she has been published in Australian Artist Magazine that speaks for itsself.”

Ako Lamble Ako said “Lorraine was there a long time before I came on the scene at the art school. She came to our wedding that was held here in the studio, she has been our close friend ever since, and a great example of how anyone can be an artist in their own right, she keeps learning and developing her skills. By her example, she is giving other students a hope of that ‘anybody can be taught to be an artist’. Here are her paintings that prove this to be true in our annual exhibition last year at Mosman Art Gallery. ”

“POPPIES”

“DAWN AT FRESHWATER”

“CURL CURL”

Would you like to improve your drawing skills hugely? As you read Lorraine started with the Life Drawing and still does, we highly recommend you join the Life Drawing class adding to your painting class like Lorraine. Life Drawing (Mon 7-9pm) is almost a MUST for every artist.

Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions about taking more than one class a week. Email: info[at]art-art.com.au / Phone: +61 (0)2 9968 1233 / Download Enrolment form

Ask Our Students – Pye Twaddell (Wednesday 12-3pm)

“a sense of peace & family
learning to draw & paint
enjoy the music.”

Name: Pye Twaddell
Occupation: longitudinal art student
Joined NSA: 6 years ago (2006-7)

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

PYE: tissuepaper collage – like a kaleidoscope of colour / never did any drawing

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

PYE: dance / music – piano / my version of Faberge eggs made from real egg shell

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

PYE: illusions of grandeur / I live across the street

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

PYE: Brett Whiteley The Sunrise, Japanese:Good Morning (1988) / because I always look forward to This Side of Morning – my title for a new book or painting or just wishful thinking …?

“The Sunrise Japanese Good Morning” by Brett Whiteley

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

PYE: finish my painting – it is a gift – & then paint one for me, maybe This Side of Morning / more pencil drawing

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

PYE: a sense of peace & family / learning to draw & paint / enjoy the music.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face Mike said “I have to admire this woman’s tenacity, It’s received wisdom that left brain is our analytical logical mathematical side, where as our right side is generally accepted to be our creative side these are oversimplifications I know but for the sake of brevity etc, Pye is just past the bloom of youth and from the years we have spent together it’s obvious she has a highly developed left hemisphere, (another one of my quintessential rocket scientists) I have never known in all the years I have been teaching, a student of art so determined to learn how to draw and paint, lesser students would have given up long ago! But the rewards of such determination speak for themselves. Something else we share together is our love of classical music often we chat in class about the concerts we enjoyed at the Opera House the problem is my other students need my attention which brings me back to reality!

I am conscious of the music playing in the class room, because it creates the right mood to help support my students’ creative process and add to the enjoyment of being here. I have built up the collection over many years going to great lengths sometimes to track down the most obscure pieces I have listened to on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, 2MBS, Triple J, Radio 1UK, Kiss FM New York, to Music I have heard to while enjoying a films at the Orpheum, along with students clutching a CD arriving at class saying “You have got to listen to this”.

Ako Lamble Ako said “I would like to mention about Pye as one of many who’ve supported NSA in many ways, particulary when we had our annual exhibition at the Mosman Art Gallery last December she helped hanging the pictures on the wall, serving food and drinks at the opening night and so forth. We thannk you Pye, here’s Pye’s paintings being exhibited in our anuual exhibition”.

“THE WAVE”

“LAKE DISTRICT”

Would you like to improve your art skills hugely and set your mind focusing to achive your goal? If you are serious about your art, we highly recommend you join more than one class a week like Pye. Particularly Life Drawing (Mon 7-9pm) is almost a MUST for every artist.
For example, Pye Joins;

Draw & Paint – Monday 12-3pm
Life drawing – Monday 7-9pm
Draw & Paint – Wednesday 12-3pm

Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions about taking more than one class a week. Email: info[at]art-art.com.au / Phone: +61 (0)2 9968 1233 / Download Enrolment form

Ask Our Students – Steve Murnaghan (Thursday 6.30-9pm)

“Like any skill
practice practice practice is what will take you to another level.”

Name: Steve Murnaghan
Occupation: Company Director
Joined NSA since: 2011

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

STEVE: I have been doodling all my life and continue to do so. Every day. I tend to do faces/characters, trees, flags, circus tents (for some reason!), steps, perspective, buildings, anything really. I use an Artline .4mm black pen for everything and it happens to be a great pen for doodling!

Steve Murnaghan at Life Drawing Class Monday 7pm

Steve also joins the Life drawing Class (7-9pm Monday)

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

STEVE: Yes. It was the one subject at school that I was any good at. My father was fairly artistic so I guess it runs in the blood. I went to art school after high school and then into graphic design & print as a career. I am now in marketing and promotion but still in a creative field.

“Old Man”

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

STEVE: I was given a Red Balloon voucher for a birthday present and was so pleased to see an art school as one of the options. I had been thinking about doing an art course of some kind so it was a perfect solution.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

STEVE: The Bal du moulin de la Galette by Renoir. I love the atmosphere the picture depicts. You can almost hear the chatter and laughter and the hubbub of people having a good time. I also love the flickering light of the afternoon sun through the trees. It would also be extremely pleasing to have one of the worlds most valuable paintings on my wall!

weau moulin de la galette by pierre auguste renoir

“Bal du moulin de la Galette”

STEVE: if I was allowed to have any artwork (and not just a painting) I would have the Dying Gaul, a sculpture that I saw many years ago in Rome. Unknown sculptor, unknown age. It was discovered in the 17th century so it is certainly very old. What I love about it is the perfect depiction of the human form and how it was executed so perfectly all those years ago.

“Dying Gaul”

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

STEVE: I am concentrating on portraiture at NSA. I have got a landscape on the go at home. I have a particular style in mind for my portraiture so I want to keep working towards that over the course of this year.

“Vic”

“Lake Eyre”

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

STEVE: Like any skill practice practice practice is what will take you to another level. I am enjoying developing my art skills but I also enjoy the relaxation that the class provides. You leave all life’s stresses at the door when you arrive at class! It’s also a nice group of people with a common passion.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face
Mike said “Old art students never die’ it was obvious Steve had been to art school a long….. long time ago, it never leaves you within a term some of his work was reaching proffessional standards He is a delight to exchange creative ideas with because of his experience he grasps things imediately he makes my job as a teacher so easy( it chokes me to say that in view of where he is from and the team he supports, who’s name I cannot bring myself to type)
A word about the design on my t-shirt………………..bastard!”

One Day Booster Portrait Workshops

Saturdays 10am – 4pm (45 min lunch break)

30th March 2013
1st June 2013
31st August 2013
9th November 2013

* Please note: Dates can be changed according to students’ needs.

These are for students who have completed beginners portrait workshops. Live model all day. Extra one day booster workshop will be added depending on demand. Please feel free to ask us if your have any questions about the workshop, send us an email to info[at]art-art.com.au / phone: +61 (0)2 9968 1233 .

We asked Steve during the lunch break about the Portrait Workshop he joined.

Ask Our Students – Erika Dollission (Mon 12-3pm)

“A sense of achievement, friendship, a good laugh, interesting talks, and above all a passion for art.”

Name: Erica Dollission
Occupation: Barrister and Solicitor (retired)
Joined NSA since: September 2008

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

ERIKA: Never doodled.

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

ERIKA: Yes though I painted with words- published poet and writer.

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

ERIKA: My daughter bought me some lessons because I always noted the flower pots at spit junction and I wondered what it would be like.

NSA BUILDING FRONT

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

ERIKA: Mona Lisa I like her half smile.

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

ERIKA: Still life I have called “Message in a Bottle” for fun. I continue to strive to be better . there are so many things that Mike shows us to make the painting that much better. It fascinates me.

“Message in a Bottle”

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

ERIKA: There are a lot of things one gets out of the classes. A sense of achievement friendship, a good laugh, interesting talks, and above all a passion for art.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face
Mike said “Erika encompasses my whole reason for teaching, we all like to be proved right in her case she proves to all those who have said to me over the years they can’t draw and never will be able to, when I have said ‘ its a skill anyone can learn, its an urban myth its a talent you are born with.
Thank you Erika! she was your quintessential ‘rocket scientist’ so to speak as left brained dominant as anybody I have ever had the privilege to teach, my mantra to all my students is practice, practice what you have learned the results speak for themselves a wonderful attitude a great example to us all.”

Ako said “I admire Erika’s deligent attitudes towards her art. The other day she showed me her sketchbook(see images below) – she’s developed great habits drawing from the pictures in newspapers/magazines (you can often find the interesting shots in newspaper, can’t you?) It was well organized, she pasted the cut-out photos on one side and her drawings on the other side. Of course it always good to draw from life but she does it adding to the life drawing, oh boy, she IS a hard worker. ”

Would you like to improve your art skills hugely and set your mind focusing to achive your goal? If you are serious about your art, we highly recommend you join more than one class a week like Erika. Particularly Life Drawing (Mon 7-9pm) is almost a MUST for every artist.
For example, Erika Joins;

Draw & Paint – Monday 12-3pm
Life drawing – Monday 7-9pm
Draw & Paint – Wednesday 12-3pm
Draw & Paint – Friday 9.30am-12.30pm

As you see Erika’s improvement is not a luck, it’s a fruit of hardwork.

Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions about taking more than one class a week. Email: info[at]art-art.com.au / Phone: +61 (0)2 9968 1233 / Download Enrolment form

Ask our students – Olivia Case (Fri 4-6pm)

“I can see the improvement the classes make in my ability.”

Name: Olivia Case
Age: 18
Joined NSA since: I joined when I was ten, so I’ve been here since around 2004-05

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?
OLIVIA: When I was around nine I drew a castle, and, as it actually looked like a castle, I was pretty impressed with myself.

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?
OLIVIA: I have always really enjoyed art, especially drawing. My mum used to give my sister and I loads of art projects to do, and she used to always bring drawing pads out to restaurants with us. In hindsight I can see that this was just to stop us annoying the people around us, but it really fostered my love of art and encouraged my creativity.

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?
OLIVIA: I joined the NSA after attending an art party there in the fourth grade. My favourite class in school was art (obviously) and I thought it was insanely cool that there was a place you could go to take more art classes – and they didn’t make you do maths or anything!

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?
OLIVIA: Pretty much anything Jenny Saville has ever done, she is my favourite artist of all time (if you don’t know her, Google her, she is amazing), but if I were too choose a single one of her pieces, I think it would have to be her portrait Reverse (2003).

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?
OLIVIA: I am currently working on my HSC major work, so within this year I would like to finish that (I don’t really have a choice, the HSC board is kind of pushy that way).

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?
OLIVIA: I take classes at NSA because I love art, and because I can see the improvement the classes make in my ability.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?
OLIVIA:My design for Mike’s T-shirt would be simple, just the words from his answering machine that always make me laugh so much.

mike_face Mike said “One of the most rewarding things of being a teacher is watching your students growing.
When Olivia first joined us she was just 10-11yo but amazingly advanced for her age, within a year of joining us she was accepted into the Mosman Youth Art Prize, I was so proud of her when I gave her the reward (you can see it in the video below) , in some respects it’s a pity Olivia wasn’t born 500 or so years ago she would have graced any of the Old Master’s workshops as an apprentice ( eat your heart out Leonardo).
Now she is 18yo facing her challenge of HSC, she knows I am always there if she needs my help and support, I have no doubt she will dazzle the accessors. ”

Ask our students – Genevieve Woodbridge (Tue 7-9pm)

“It’s almost like meditation for me.”

Name: Genevieve Woodbridge
Occupation: Physiotherapist
Joined NSA: Term 4 2011

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

GENEVIEVE: Probably a drawing I did in art in year 7- it was a juxtaposition of a buddha’s head with some spoons. (a random combination I know but that is what juxtaposition is about!)

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

GENEVIEVE: I guess I have always been a bit creative- I loved art, crafty things and taking photos etc growing up. I did art through until year 12 in high school but did photography because I loved it and I also didn’t think I could paint very well.

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

GENEVIEVE: My Mum bought me a term of drawing classes for my birthday as I hadn’t really done anything “arty” since school. I didn’t think I would paint but I’m really enjoying it. I found NSA searching on the internet.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be and Why?

GENEVIEVE: Degas- La classe de danse (The Dancing class) c. 1873-75
I think his series of ballet dancers is so beautiful and the texture in the paint is so interesting to look at close up- it would be lovely to have hanging on your wall.

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

GENEVIEVE: I just finished a painting of a sunset over a field. I wanted to do something where I could practice being a bit more free with the brush strokes. My painting before was of Loch Fyne in Scotland and the water took me a long time to get right so I wanted to do something that needed a bit less detail. I’m just about to start a new landscape of another bush scene at sunrise (I’m a bit obsessed with skies!). In terms of what I’d like to achieve I really just want to continue to build my skills and enjoy what I’m doing. Perhaps build up to a portrait but I think that will take a while!

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

GENEVIEVE: I really enjoy coming to class- my job doesn’t have much of a creative outlet so this is great for that and I also find it really relaxing. It’s almost like meditation for me- I come home tired and realise I’ve spent the whole night not thinking about anything other than what I was doing in class.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face Mike said ” It was obvious from the first class Genevieve could draw but like so many of my students at some early stage chose a career that wasn’t conducive to being creative but was reasonably secure ( what is these days) so needed lots of drawing to blow the cobwebs off as it were,within a year she was asked to submit an oil painting in the art school exhibition at Mosman Art Gallery ”

Ask our students – Mark Braidwood (Tue 7-9pm)

Name: Mark Braidwood
Occupation: Doctor
Joined NSA: in 2004 & 2011

NSA: What doodle / drawing / painting did you do in your early life that you were the most proud of? How old were you?

MARK: a WWII aeroplane and I was about 12.

NSA: Have you been always artistic / creative? if so, in what way?

MARK: Nope. I don’t come from an artistic family and it’s been a slow awakening but a great journey.

NSA: What made you join NSA? Where did you hear/find about NSA?

MARK: I drove past it on a Bus and noticed the bright signage.

NSA: If you are allowed to have any famous painting in the world on your wall, what would it be?

MARK: Flaming June, by Frederick Lloyd Leighton.

NSA: What are you working on in the class right now and what would you like to achieve with your art within a year?

MARK: I’m painting some Magnolia’s for my Mum’s birthday. My goals are impressionist landscapes that make people feel a connection.

NSA: why do you take the class, or what do you get out of it?

MARK: I find the creative process like a form of meditation. It’s also very satisfying to have created something that you can appreciate later on.

NSA: Finally, would you design a T-shirt for Mike to wear in the class?

mike_face
Mike said ” I spotted almost from the first class Mark had great potential but was aware the demands of training to be a doctor would take him away from the art school for quite a time, having said that four years later he re-enrolled and again within two to three weeks it was like he had never been away. From my point of view I consider Mark to be a friend , we did many radio programes together he was the host me the guest once a week discussing Art particularly painting ,its place in history philosophical and religious meanings, content and style.

You can listen to one of the radio programs we did it together >> Click Here.