Welcome to
Stevie Russell Art
About Stevie Russell
Hi, I’m Stevie Russell — artist, author, illustrator, ocean wanderer, and shell enthusiast. My work lives at the intersection of whimsy and wonder, where imagination, storytelling, and salt air all collide.
Since moving to the dreamy shores of Tannum Sands in 2021, I’ve found endless inspiration in the tide pools, shells, and shifting colours of the sea. Watercolour has always been my favourite companion, but combining it with the treasures I gather along the shoreline has sparked something entirely new — a way of creating that feels intuitive, unique, and as natural as the tide itself.
Children’s Books
Beyond my artwork, I pour my heart into children’s literature. I see stories as a place where imagination takes shape, and nothing makes me happier than creating worlds where kids can wander, wonder, and believe that anything is possible. My daughter, Millie, is my greatest muse — her curiosity fuels my characters and keeps my stories brimming with adventure. My next book, How to Find a Mermaid, is set to splash onto shelves soon.
Artistic Style
My art dances between delicate and bold — fluid watercolours, abstract ink drawings, and richly layered backgrounds that bring stories (and seashells) to life. I’m fascinated by texture: how something flat can trick the eye into feeling touchable. For my books, I have created a layering technique where characters can be seen popping out of the pages. My shell art and digital prints are also built on this playful illusion, giving you the sense that the shells might tumble right off the page.
Community & Connection
Gladstone’s creative community has been a huge part of my journey — their support gave me the courage to fully embrace my practice. You’ll find my work at the Ocean Breeze Gallery and sprinkled throughout local stores in Tannum Sands and Gladstone. While my original shell frames stay with me, I offer art prints and cards that capture their magic without disturbing the coastline. For locals with their own shell collections, I also offer commissioned pieces where I can frame and showcase your treasures.
At its heart, my work is about imagination, connection, and the quiet magic of noticing small, beautiful things — whether that’s a seashell, a story, or a splash of colour that makes you stop and smile.
Ocean & Sustainability
The ocean is not just my muse — it’s something I fiercely protect. When I collect shells, I do so thoughtfully, always leaving plenty behind and pocketing rubbish along the way. Some of that ocean plastic even makes its way into my mixed-media work, turning what doesn’t belong on the beach into something unexpectedly beautiful.
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.