Welcome to
Stevie Russell Art
About Me
Hi, I’m Stevie Russell, the creative mind behind Stevie Russell Art. My journey as an artist has been a fulfilling evolution, especially since moving to the beautiful Tannum Sands in 2021. With a lifelong passion for creativity and a deep love for nature, I’ve found endless inspiration in the stunning surroundings here.
Watercolour has always been a favourite medium of mine, and living in Tannum Sands reignited my love for shell collecting. I’ve now discovered a way to blend both passions, creating unique artworks that combine the delicate beauty of shells with vibrant watercolours. This ocean-inspired fusion has been an absolute joy to create and I love watching my artistic style evolve.
The Gladstone Regional community and its amazing support of the arts has helped me to confidently step into my passion and in turn, I am able to return that effort, in support of the community. My art can be found on the walls of the Ocean Breeze Gallery, alongside many other wonderful local artist and creatives.
My Books
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve also published a children’s book! This project was a personal challenge I set for myself after moving to Tannum Sands. The inspiration came from a rainy bushwalk I took with my daughter, Millie, at Wild Cattle, Tannum Sands. Her excitement and imagination during that walk, where she looked for monkeys among the vines, sparked the idea and the journey that has unfolded.
Artistic Style
My artistic style has evolved over the years, but I’ve always been drawn to watercolour and abstract ink drawings. For my book illustrations, I’ve adapted my style to include characters and objects, using a layering technique to create abstract and colourful backgrounds with detailed overlays. The outcome creates a whole new dynamic that helps bring the story to life.
Creating the illusion of texture on an otherwise smooth page is my ‘thing’. This focus also overflows into my shell art and the digital prints I create from my designs. My goal has always been to develop art prints that look as though the shells are sitting right there.
Tannum Sands Connection
Tannum Sands has a special place in my heart, and the local environment and community greatly influence my creative process. The beauty of the area and the warmth of its people have inspired me to create art that captures the essence of this place. While my original shell frames aren’t for sale, I offer high-quality prints that preserve the beauty of Tannum Sands without disturbing its natural treasures.
Sustainability
I’m committed to environmentally thoughtful practices in my art. When collecting shells, I stick to personal collection limits and always take any rubbish I find. I’ve started incorporating ocean plastic into my mixed-media pieces, helping to clean Tannum Sands’ beaches while creating unique artworks.
Artistic Message
I describe my art as ‘modern coastal’ with a message. My latest pieces highlight the beauty of shells while incorporating ocean plastic and acrylic paint to breathe new life into bleached and broken fragments. Through my art, I hope to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire others to appreciate and protect our natural world.
Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable experiences in my artistic career was being asked to create a commission piece for a local patron using shells she had collected since childhood. It was an honour to sift through a shell collection that held decades of memories, to then create an art piece that held such deep personal significance.
Contact Me
Drop me a line anytime, whether it’s about a new project, a collaboration, or just to tell me you’re a fan. I’m always ready to share the power of art.