Welcome to February ...

Our February inspiration comes to you with a painting by Grace Cossington Smith called Trees.

CRITERIA - Nature theme

A little about Grace Cossington Smith ...

Grace Cossington Smith OBE (1892-1984) was an artist who was at the forefront of the Australian modernist movement. Born and educated in Sydney, she studied drawing with Dattilo Rubbo at the Royal Art Society of New South wales between 1910 and 1912. After two years spent travelling in Europe, shere she was inspired by post-impressionism, she returned to continue her studies with Rubbo. Sock Knitter (1915), painted while Cossington Smith was still a student, is considered a key picture of the Australian modernist movement. She was a member of the Contemporary Group (established in 1926 by George Lambert and Thea Proctor to foster young modern artists) and worked closely with modernists Roland Wakelin and Roy de Maistre. However, her contribution to Australian art went largely unrecognised until 1970 when a retrospective of her work, organised by Daniel Thomas, toured Australian galleries. Cossington Smith, who has come to be recognised as a major 20th century Australian painter, produced a large and consistent body of work that is distinctive in its vibrant use of colour, representation of volume and space, and concern for the objects of everyday life. She is best known for her domestic interiors and images of the Harbour Bridge during its construction. Cossington Smith is represented in the National Gallery of Australia and in all the state and many regional galleries.

And now some inspiration from our team ...

(in no particular order)

Sharon Bishop - (Australia)

Plunge - Jenna (DD), swinging off a rope swing and getting ready to plunge into the Jamieson river...an 8 year old with no fear!! (circa 1997)

Karen Brierley - (Australia)

I took my inspiration from the trees and water in the painting, and scrapped a photograph from the Nightcap National Park rainforest. Lots of fussy cutting on this layout!

Tanya Heritage - (Australia)

I was inspired by the tall trees in the painting.

Dale Tiernan -  (Australia)

Annemarie Caister - (New Zealand)

I was inspired by the "nature" theme this month after my recent cruise to the Pacific Islands. We spent a blissful day snorkeling and lounging on Mystery Island, Vanuatu.

Karen McLaughlin - (Australia)

I took my inspiration from the trees in the painting.

Jane Howden - (Australia)

I was inspired by a number of colours in the artwork and used a few photos of my children having fun in a corn maze many years ago.  I have made a concerted effort to use as many stickers as I could on this page - I think it works!

Our main prize winner this year will be selected by random draw - so anyone could be a winner, no matter your style or your level of experience or your country of residence. If there are more than 8 entries in the month a second prize (donated each month by one of our team) will be drawn.

Main February Prize

Second February Prize
(drawn if more than 8 entries)

Donated by Jane Howden

Over to you ......

Please upload the DIRECT link to your actual entry with the link tool on the LEFT by 11.55pm on the last day of the month - please remember we are an Australian based challenge so please check your day and time. You may combine your entry with other challenges. Please include our inspirational picture and challenge details on your blog post as well as providing a link back to us at ARTastic. You may enter more than once in any month as long as each submission is with a different creation. International entries are very welcome. 

Please call past on the 15th for our announcement of January winners.