THE ACTIVE VOID STUDIO
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A quiet corner of the studio. Stories from the dark, tips for your walls, and a deeper look into the world of high-contrast acrylic art.
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Welcome to the blog. This is where I share the stories behind the paintings, the techniques that shape the Active Void process, and the practical advice I’ve gathered from thirty years of designing and painting.
Latest Articles
What is negative space in painting and why leave parts unpainted?
Negative space is the empty area surrounding a subject in a painting, and in the Active Void technique, it is just as important as the…
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How does an artist decide what to leave out of a painting?
Deciding what to leave out of a painting is often harder than deciding what to put in. After thirty years working as a designer, I…
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What is negative space in painting and why leave parts unpainted?
Negative space is the empty area surrounding a subject in a painting,…
How does an artist decide what to leave out of a painting?
Deciding what to leave out of a painting is often harder than…
What is tenebrism, and does anyone still paint that way?
Tenebrism is a dramatic painting technique that uses extreme, almost theatrical contrasts…
Why do artists paint the background dark before adding light?
Painting the background dark before adding light creates a unified void that…
How long does an acrylic painting actually take?
For a standalone piece, the physical painting takes about two to three…
Does monochrome art work in a colourful room?
Absolutely, and not just black and white. In my work, monochrome means…
Does black and white art work in a colourful room?
Absolutely. In fact, black and white art is one of the easiest…
How do you hang dark artwork in a bright room?
Dark artwork relies on high contrast, so placing it in a bright…
What size art print suits a bedroom wall?
For a standard bedroom wall, an A3 print (roughly 30x42cm) is the…
Why does monochrome art feel calming?
Monochrome art feels calming because it removes the chaos of competing colours.…
What’s the difference between buying an original painting and a print?
An original is the one-of-a-kind piece that I painted with my own…
How do you start buying art on a normal budget?
You start small. You start with prints. And you start by buying…
How can I see artwork on my wall before I buy it?
The best way is to use an augmented reality viewer right on…
Are ringtail possums good to have in your garden?
Yes, absolutely. Ringtail possums are gentle, native herbivores that help pollinate native…
Which Australian animals are nocturnal?
Australia is home to some of the most fascinating night-time creatures on…
Why do green tree frogs come inside Queensland houses?
Green tree frogs come inside Queensland houses for three simple reasons: they…
What makes Australian wildlife art different from generic animal art?
Australian wildlife art is different because it carries a lived-in energy. It’s…
The Story Behind ‘Branch Manager’: A Sleepy Koala in High-Contrast Acrylic
We’ve all had those days. The 3 PM slump hits, the endless…
How do you care for an acrylic painting on paper?
Caring for an acrylic painting on paper is surprisingly simple. Keep it…
What is a frilled-neck lizard’s frill actually for?
The frill is a built-in panic button. When the lizard feels threatened,…
The Story Behind ‘Rent Free’: A Cheeky Frog in High-Contrast Acrylic
We all know the one. You walk into the laundry at 2…
The Story Behind ‘Roof Access’: A Wide-Eyed Possum in High-Contrast Acrylic
It started with a towel. My daughter’s place in Brisbane. A rustle…
The Story Behind ‘Night Shift’: A Silent Barn Owl in High-Contrast Acrylic
There is a reason the barn owl is steeped in myth. They…
The Story Behind ‘Plus One’: A Stoic Kangaroo and Her Joey in High-Contrast Acrylic
She stands completely still in the dark. Tall. Unblinking. Watching you with…
The Story Behind ‘All Talker’: An Overdramatic Lizard in High-Contrast Acrylic
We all have that one mate. The one who hears a tiny…
The Story Behind ‘Hang Ten’: The Original Night Surfer in High-Contrast Acrylic
They don’t flap like birds. They don’t fight for airspace. They just…
The Nightlife Collection
Where the bush comes alive after dark. Briefly. Lit for a second.…
What is Active Void painting?
Active Void is a high-contrast acrylic technique where the artist paints the…