Anna Battle

Shiny Happy Art + Ideas Show is my largest exhibition to date, bringing together bright floral paintings for Toowoomba’s 75th Carnival of Flowers in September 2024 and a host of ideas that have been percolating for long enough!

When offered the opportunity to have an exhibition in this amazing space - I think Emma’s word was ‘Blockbuster’! - I immediately knew I wanted it to be bigger than just me. I wanted to showcase collaborations and some of the (probably) HUNDREDS of ideas that I have made notes about in many, many scrapbooks over the years. 

So welcome to the show!

When it comes to painting I believe that the art on your walls is the backdrop to your life. Painting flowers means that I can play with colour. And I know that having colour in your home makes such a difference to your happiness.

I count many incredible artists as influences on my ever-evolving style. I often turn to the Masters along with Matisse, Ken Done, Manny Farber, Margaret Olley and Wayne Thiebaud to inspire my work.

I honestly do believe that everyone is creative. The more you can own your creativity, step up to it and allow yourself to see the world through the eyes of an artist, the more you are practising creative problem solving. And THAT will help the world.

I also talk a LOT about Art Fitness because I believe that just as physical fitness is important for your body, art fitness is important for your mind. And your drawing doesn’t have to be ‘good’! Set a timer for 10 minutes and fill a page… and do it regularly… before long you’ll have filled the book and have a body of work to impress the most important person… you.

The sketchbooks included in this display are about one tenth of my full collection. I started sketching ‘everyday-ish’ in January 2017. My sketches are the way I process the world, to really absorb what I see around me and bring a richness to my day. I am thrilled to be able to share these special moments with you. 

Art has brought me a wonderful collection of Art Friends. I hope that visiting this exhibition ignites a spark of inspiration that encourages you to put a pencil (or brush) to paper and I would love you to join us over at www.shinyhappyart.com.au or on my socials.

Thank you to my village for all of your help bringing this idea to life!

Thank YOU for visiting! 

Have a shiny happy day!