From Nature to Canvas: The Evolving Artistic Journey of Belinda Nadwie

Tell us about your yourself?

I love the simple things in life such as nature, animals, the sunset, exercise and swimming in the ocean with the salt on my face. I love reading books, hot baths (lava temperature) and switching off and just being while I paint. Travel is another big love of mine and I feel the world is a big playground so I am always looking to see where we should play next.

My three kids are everything to my husband and me. We spend lots of time with our children and as a family as we both work from home; we have the flexibility to do so. Every day we pinch ourselves and treat each day as a new adventure.

Where are you based?

We are based in the leafy suburb of Galston in The Hills District, Sydney. It is a stunning area of the world which gets cold enough to have cosy fires in winter and the other six months is warm and glorious with lots of pool time. We live on acreage surrounded by trees and birds with a pretty creek running through our block. The sound of the frogs at night is incredible. It’s a real orchestra but they are so hard to find.

How would you describe your creative style and mediums used?

My creative style is forever changing with the influences around me although the inspiration seems to be three main subjects: nature, love and being positive. However, my technique remains consistent. Generally, I use a flat brush, (various sizes depending on the scale of my work) I use thickly applied oil paint to canvas and love a good textured piece.

How did you begin your career?

Funnily enough I have always been an artistic person. Many people received drawings or paintings as gifts throughout my childhood as I felt it was a special and personal thing to give someone. After years of travel and working in various jobs such as marketing, hospitality, promotions, and sales I decided to take a leap and give a painting career a proper go (thanks to my husband who gave me the nudge).

Who and what inspires you?

My husband is my muse, he is a very inspiring person. All my love paintings are about him and the kids. Attitude to life is another huge inspiration. You can choose to lie in bed in the morning or you can bounce out…I am the annoying bouncy one. I’m grateful for every day I have on this planet and project that into my art. The rest of the inspiration comes from nature.

What do you love about your work?

I love that it helps to make people happy! How amazing to be able to trigger positivity in people through colour and movement. What an amazing gift! Plus, it is super messy and fun, and I get to wear the daggiest clothes all day and I can have as many cups of tea as I want.