AinslieG Artistry

I believe one of the most important lessons to being an artist is learning and in doing so, improving over time. To pull out my earlier work and see this is quite an emotional feeling, but also very motivating and such strong proof as to how much I have grown as an artist.

I would love to share with you some of this earlier artwork (in no particular order) that goes back well over a decade and some stories behind them. It is obvious looking at them how I have evolved as an artist and continue to. I always say:

"If an artist thinks they have learnt all that they can; they need to cease being an artist"

 "An Arabian Stallion" * Graphite * 1997  * Ainslie Aged 16

Looking at this artwork now; the eye is wrong, as is the forelock and the shadow under the head isn't right either. I had a good understanding of values, (tones) and remember using the side of my pencil most of the time for technique/texture.

"An Arabian Mare" * Coloured Pencil * 1999 * Ainslie Aged 19

From memory, this was my first Coloured Pencil drawing. I have a natural fascination for light/shadow and feel this drawing really shows this. Of course, I now know that I should never of used a Black pencil, (yuck!) and an equine's coat is 'multi-coloured' -never just the one pencil!

"Grace & Beauty: The Study of Horses" * Mixed Media * 1998 * Ainslie aged 17/18

In Australia, we have compulsory exams in Year 12 called "Higher School Certificate" (HSC). This is my Unit 2 HSC Artwork, created over the whole year I was in Year 12. It is BIG -about 1.5mx1m- which, for me, was a step out of my Comfort Zone and a chance to do something different. I can honestly say my blood, sweat and tears went into this work!

To this day, it hangs, fully framed, over the staircase at home and although the work of a developing artist and not technically correct; it is all my own and I still get a little smile on my face whenever I walk past it...

North Shore Times, Wednesday, 21 October 1998

Imagine my surprise when I opened up the local newspaper to read it and saw this!

Two Pen & Ink Stipple Sketches * 1998 * Year 12

I found school to be too restricting and uncreative: I need constant creativity and so would sketch through classes, (above and below). I had just learnt the 'Stipple' technique with pen and ink, so practice this.

Two Graphite Sketches * 1998 * Year 12

"Hoofs & Horns Magazine", July 1995 * Page 79 * Ainslie Aged 14

This magazine is no longer around, but back then, it was very popular and had a kids section called "Pony Express" where you could send in drawings, poems and photos. I sent in this coloured pencil drawing of an Arabian stallion and to my utter and sheer delight- it was published! A real boost for a budding artist...

"Hoofs & Horns Magazine", June 1996 * Page 51 * Ainslie Aged 15

Wondering why I've included this article? Behind the writing features a pencil drawing of an Arabian Stallion... drawn by me! And in the very bottom right hand corner is: "Graphic by Ainslie Gilles". That's the best bit!

I received a handwritten letter from the Editor of Hoofs & Horns, Fran Cleland and I quote: "...Your lovely drawing was just what we needed for a story in the June issue... As your drawing was in pencil, it was perfect... Keep up the good work."

I wonder if Fran Cleland knew just how much this letter meant to a 15 year old, who only ever just wanted to draw Arabians... I often wish I could thank her for her kind words and the encouragement and belief in my art and talent.

 And above; here is that drawing featured behind the article and what Fran Cleland was referring to.

"Lab Puppy" * Watercolour * 1994 * Ainslie Aged 13

An art project for school. I was in Year 8 and we had to draw/paint a subject matter we hadn't drawn before or usually didn't draw. Seeing as I couldn't remember ever having drawn a dog, (always horses, of course!) I did this cute Labrador puppy. We were marked on our efforts. In the very bottom right hand corner I got a "9 1/2" out of 10 for this. I was very proud of myself!

"Race To The Finish" * Coloured Pencil * 1997 

This artwork resides very proudly in my Grandmother's house. I was desperately trying not to make the supposed Thoroughbreds look like Arabians!