Hettie Rowley is a Master Pastellist with the Pastel Society of Australia and an award-winning artist based in the Hunter region. Known especially for her portraiture and pet commissions, she has developed a reputation for capturing not just a likeness, but the unique personality and spirit of her subjects.

Her work has received numerous awards and is represented in private collections both in Australia and overseas. While she works confidently across pastel, watercolour, and gouache, her passion lies in creating portraits and animal studies that resonate deeply with those who own them.

In addition to her studio practice, Hettie is a dedicated teacher who runs regular art classes and workshops for adults. She is committed to encouraging creativity at every stage and making the joy of painting accessible to all.

Denise Painter’s creative journey commenced in 1993 when she decided that she would be a ‘stay at home mum’. Denise began to explore creative possibilities. She enrolled in various courses such as Colour and Design and Graphic Design, and, later on Visual Arts at TAFE.

Over the last 25 years she have developed a unique style and now loves to create works using Collage and Mixed Media techniques. Denise’s works are handcrafted or created using digital techniques. She loves to explore the possibilities of the abstract and the surreal using colour as an integral part of the piece.

Einstein is quoted as saying “Creativity is contagious, pass it on”. In 2019, She moved from Sydney to Toronto Lake Macquarie where she has her Studio YouCreate Studio & Gallery and where she holds workshops and classes. More recently, Denise has accepted the post of Art Director for Wangi Lions Dobell Art & Craft Festival for 2024.

Denise has developed a unique style using paper, paint and mixed media. Her designs are either on stretched canvas, wood, ceramics or textiles. Her designs are licensed by Lala Land and Blue Island Press.