Where it all began
My career as a visual artist, designer, and tutor spans five decades, beginning as a young child with my grandmother teaching me to paint. After three years of formal training in commercial art, I commenced work within the advertising industry, and in 1982 founded the Commercial Art Training Centre in Brisbane (now known as CATC Design School), now the longest-established private graphic art college in Australia.
Transitioning to oil painting in 1997 after relocating to America marked a new direction in my artistic journey, leading to my first solo exhibition in Newport Beach, California and subsequent exhibitions across Australia. My art celebrates self-expression, where vibrant colour, luscious paint textures and pattern invite viewers into a world of creative wonder. I am in my happiest place when in my studio, preparing to develop a new series of work, brushes and canvases surround me in eager anticipation of me starting.
I commence with preliminary drawings and then place a large white canvas on my easel which begs to be painted on. I watch the magical dance of paint responding to surface, layering colour, texture, embellishing with linear elements and mixed medium. I joyously allow the process to take me on an exquisite expedition, sometimes guided by my mood, a desire to capture a moment in time, a feeling or perhaps a place I have visited. Freeing my mind of all thoughts other than where the painting dares me to go, I allow the artwork to take its own course and develop its own personality.
Artist’s statement
When painting I draw on my own personal experiences – spiritual, emotional and physical. Each piece is influenced by that experience, albeit the use of colour, texture, form, design or some other intrinsic elements. Whilst I work mostly in oils and acrylic, I have in more recent years introduced fibre/ textiles into my paintings which has seen the immersion of myself in what seems to be ‘endless’ possibilities of mixed media. I expect the coming years to reveal new works with strong imagery and design, drawing on my cultural, life and travel experiences to create ever-changing works of art that reflects to the viewer a sense of mystery, wonder and beauty. – Tracey Creighton
A global audience
In 2013, Master Artist and Producer Graeme Stevenson, from the ‘Put Some Colour in Your Life’ TV series, invited me to be featured on his international program. This was an incredible opportunity to present my art to a global audience and inspire others to explore their creativity with paint. Filming with Graeme and Videographer Sophia Stacey was a delightful experience. You can view my 25-minute painting demonstration video *HERE*. Unfortunately, Graeme Stevenson passed away in 2022. He will be deeply missed by the Colour in Your Life community, artists worldwide, and all who cherished his generous spirit, remarkable talent, and significant contributions to the arts.
Sharing the joy
I have taught eager teenagers and adults of all ages since 1982. Sharing the creative processes of designing, drawing and painting has been an absolute joy and my students are always amazed and delighted with their completed artwork. Currently only private lessons for participants over 14 years of age are available. The lessons run from 10am -3pm with most materials being supplied. Please contact me to BOOK your lesson.