By Alesha Capone
Artist Jaime Russell says that she was not creative until a chance discovery at Werribee South beach sparked her passion for painting.
Ms Russell, a Point Cook resident, said she was supervising her son and his friends doing clean-up work at the beach, when they found some painted rocks.
In recent years, it has become popular for people to paint rocks and hide them in outdoor spaces, for children and families to find and re-hide.
Ms Russell said she loved the idea and started painting rocks to hide in the Wyndham area.
This led to her discovering fluid art, which uses acrylic pigments to create abstract and patterned paintings.
Ms Russell said that she began teaching herself the medium, using YouTube videos and online art forums.
Ms Russell said that around a year ago, she discovered an unused canvas of her daughter’s, and decided to try creating fluid art upon it.
“It’s unpredictable, it’s messy, I can lose track of time for hours when I’m doing it and I’m definitely addicted to it,” she said.
“Until a year ago, I was not artistic – I’m still struggling to actually describe myself as an artist.”
Ms Russell said that when she began posting images of her creations on Facebook and Instagram, people began asking how much she wanted for the paintings.
This inspired her to start a small business, named Puddles of Colour Art, selling her works online and at markets.
Ms Russell said she worked full-time, but being in lockdown due to COVID-19 had given her more time to devote to art after hours.
Ms Russell said that in the future, she hoped to start teaching fluid art. She would also like to build a shed in her backyard, to use as an art studio.
Details: puddlesofcolourart.com.au/
