Nancy Bentliegh

People reading my earlier posts may have been wondering what Nancy Bentleigh is.

It's the latest picture book I've illustrated and was written by Tracey Hawkins.
Everyone should buy it, because it's fabulous!

It really is a wonderful little piece of hidden Australian history. It's all about how a 6 year old girl became the first female member of the Australian Navy. True story - promise.

Nancy Bentley was bitten by a snake on the shores of Port Arthur in Tasmania. There was no medical help nearby so Nancy’s father rowed her out to the HMAS Sydney in the bay.
In 1920 women were not allowed on naval vessels. In order to comply with regulations Nancy Bentley was enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy. Nancy was six years of age and the first female to be inducted into the Royal Australian Navy. The Navy looked after her for eight days before discharging her because she was ‘required by her parents’.
A moving and fascinating true story.

Mona

I managed to find time to get to the new gallery Mona in Hobart.
Very interesting!
And very contraversial. I recommend going, but be prepared before you go.
I won't say more in case kids read my blog!!!

Sick of driving

Driving, driving, driving.
Sometimes I think it's all I do. After driving 3 hours to Bendigo I drove for another 2 to the airport. I didn't manage to get lost which was most impressive, and managed to stay calm and at peace despite the ridiculous and unexpected traffic.

After a further hour of travel I landed in Hobart and met with Tracey Hawkins, author extraordinaire, for the launch of Nancy Bentleigh.

The launch was wonderful and we met Nancy's family which gave the event quite a different feel. It was very personal and we could find out in person all about this remarkable lady.

Tracey and I had a great time - lots of food and chatting about books.
She did snore very loudly though, so I was quite sleep deprived when I got home.

Below are photos of her before getting ready and after -  the hair rollers are a nice touch.

Bendigo Festival and windscreen wipers

A big day last Friday that started with a drive to Bendigo to do some workshops at a Literary Festival at Catholic College Bendigo.
Along the way my windscreen wipers stopped. I discovered this because, of course, it was raining. I did discover that the faster you drive the less the rain stays on the windshield. It tends to make the rain travel up the glass like it does in a car wash.
The impressive thing was that I managed to change the fuse all by myself and fix them. If I was a super hero I could be called 'Windscreen Woman'.

The workshops were great and the kids all lovely. Photos below!

A day at Dromkeen

I had a very lovely day last Sunday at Dromkeen for a 'Meet the Artist' day.
I was the artist and the theory is that people come to meet me, but really I end up meeting people - and people who love kid's books what's more.
It's really quite pleasant.

My latest picture book that I've illustrated called 'Nancy Bentleigh' is on exhibition there, so if you have a spare afternoon make you're way down to have a look. It's a beautiful homestead with the odd friendly peacock or two to say hello to.

Dromkeen-National Centre for Picture Book Art
1012 Kilmore Road
Riddells Creek VIC

Just thought I'd share a wonderful clip.
Arty, musical and a lovely message....

(Limited Edition Prints nearly there......)

I'm working on two lovely portraits at the moment, commissioned by two gentlemen for their wives as a present.

It's so lovely and romantic.

One of these lovely gentlemen was unable to keep any secrets and his wife was onto him straight away!
He had to come clean and tell her and now she's very much involved in the project as well.


To all the romantic men out there, a portrait is a very lovely present.