blueBanksia art directory lists art short courses and events

Coloured pencils have been my passion ever since I was re-introduced to them as a ‘serious medium’ while at Uni, while I’ve always loved graphite – Janet M

Janet’s brilliant use of coloured pencils and graphite has justifiably placed her in the forefront of artists using her chosen medium and her realistic, detailed and gentle drawings of animals and birds full of personality and humour, are keenly collected in Australia and overseas. 

Janet combines both mediums to make her subjects more alive, with colour in the focal area and the surrounding details in greylead.  Recently Janet has added Watercolour to her work, with the leaves and branches of flowers painted, yet the birds, flowers and insects are created with colour pencil.

Over her career, Janet’s work has won many awards, including commissions by Australia Post for stamp images released in 2006 and 2009 as well as exhibitiing regularly in Australia and overseas.

Janet grew up in country Victoria, studied art at Monash University in Churchill where she consolidated her passion and skill in drawing and her love of intricate detail, against the 'norm' of painting or sculpture. Perseverance with her style and choice of medium, the humble pencil, and her very skilful and unique artworks have made her a well respected artist in todays artworld.

With a purpose built studio in outer Melbourne, Janet has a wonderful environment in which to work. A native garden outside her windows, gives her daily communication with many of her subjects, both birds and flowers. Her studio is also a hub of activity and peaceful artistic venture for many students, who travel from near and far to share Janet’s knowledge and attention. Janet is a respected and sought after teacher with many years of experience, and a flair for making workshops both informative and fun.

Janet (Dip and Grad Dip Vis Arts, AGRA) is Vice President and Past President of the Wildlife Art Society of Australasia, a "Signatory Fellow" of the Australian Guild of Realist Artists as well as an active member of many other groups, including the Australian Society of Miniature Art, Berwick Artist Society and others.

For more information, visit Janet’s website