From Calligrapher To Wildlife Artist

A passion for nature has helped developthe amazing talents of this prolific artist.

- Corinne Smith-Rush

I was born in Brisbane and have spent a large part of my life here. The sub-tropical climate makes it easy to be outside, consequently, I constantly have my camera at the ready. I have traveled extensively throughout our wonderful country from the outback to the coast, and have acquired a deep respect for our native flora and fauna.

I have been drawing and painting since primary school, earning the Art Prize in my last year at high school. In Grade 7 I was introduced to Calligraphy, further down the track I gained a Certificate in Advanced Calligraphy from the Maitland (NSW) TAFE, and subsequently studied long distance through the Roehampton College in London. Calligraphy taught me how to write and paint with watercolor and gouache. A great deal of my learning with other mediums has come from experimentation supplemented by the occasional workshop and classes with contemporary artists I admire, and local colleges and community groups all over Australia, and has seen me change from Calligrapher to Wildlife Artist. On occasion, I try to combine both disciplines.

My inspiration and passion is nature and all it has to offer an artist’s eye. My travels have allowed me to see animals in the wild in many different places. My other great interest, gardening, has given me an insight into how plants grow and which insects, birds, and animals live on and around them in all the different climatic extremes of this country.