Bec Winnel, Artist, Analogue/Digital
Wake up and have coffee in the sunshine ...
Photo-realistic illustrations of dainty ladies from times gone by contrast with fresh modern faces in Bec Winnel’s portfolio – sketches so detailed and lifelike you could be convinced you’re gazing at a real person in the flesh. After seven years working as a graphic designer by day and dabbling in her drawing by night, Bec made the move to from Melbourne to the Kiewa Valley in Victoria last year, shifting the focus to practising her art full time. Using coloured pencils, pastels and paint washes, Bec creates delicate, soulful feminine portraits often accompanied by elements of nature and nostalgia. This self-taught artist is one of many local and international names gracing the inspiring line-up of speakers at this week’s Analogue/Digital creative conference on May 17–18. The Weekend Edition caught up with Bec prior to the conference to chat perfect weekends.
How do you like to start your weekend?
It all depends on how the week went! Either a few drinks and laughs with friends or getting into my PJs and sitting in my studio drawing and listening to Triple J.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Wake up and have coffee in the sunshine, then head up into the mountains for a bush walk.
How do you like to unwind?
With something yummy to eat and a good TV series to watch.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Switching off from work and responsibilities by visiting a friend or a family member, taking a little roadtrip or pottering around the house and garden.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Probably going for a long horse trail ride.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Take a nice hot bubble bath, get into cosy PJs and watch a TV series.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Spending some time with my sister. I’ve travelled up to the Gold Coast from Victoria, so I’m looking forward to doing something with her. Maybe snorkelling.
What are you reading at the moment?
A book called The Creating Brain: The Neuroscience of Genius by Nancy C. Andreasen. She was a guest speaker on Radio National’s All In The Mind show and I was fascinated by what she shared.
What inspires you?
Life in general! It’s really hard to pinpoint inspiration. It comes from all around and sometimes from places I don’t even expect.
What was your childhood dream?
To own a horse. I loved and still love them. They are graceful and fascinating creatures.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Being a full-time artist. It’s something I’ve spent years dreaming about and finally it has been my reality for a year and a half now.
What are your words of wisdom?
Be a good listener.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … my art studio.
Relax … a walk around the Mount Beauty Poundage with my puppies.
Dine … at Simone’s – my friend is an amazing cook!
Indulge … shopping online.
Shop … Eckersley’s Art & Craft in Prahran.
Catch-up … living in the country, catch-ups usually occur at a friend’s house or on the phone.
Be inspired … I’m always inspired by a roadtrip to a new place. My last visit was to Harrietville and Smoko in Victoria.
