Libby Derham is a fourth-generation contemporary watercolour artist with a deep appreciation for the natural and avian worlds. Her ethereal paintings capture the connection of Australian birds and their landscape, transcribing birdsong to line to create signatures for different types of birds.
Originally from the UK, Libby moved to Australia in 2000 where she studied Teaching and Visual Art at Monash University. She was awarded the Annie Tan Memorial Watercolour Award as part of Queensland Regional Art Awards and has been finalist in multiple local and national awards. These included Splash: McClelland Contemporary Watercolour Award, Queensland Regional Art Awards, Local Artist Local Content and Du Rietz Art Awards.
We asked Libby some questions about her work with watercolour, her inspiration, and the artistic hurdles she has faced.
You're a fourth-generation watercolour artist. Other than family influence, what is it about this medium that you love?
I love the unexpected nature of watercolour where pigments collide, mix and repel. Its translucency allures me, layering marks and colours. The flowing consistency allows me to drip and move the paint as I tilt and move my paper, increasing the unexpectedness of marks.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
The natural world and landscape around me is my source of inspiration. I feel incredibly lucky to live on the Sunshine Coast, Gubbi Gubbi country, where we have such rich diversity from rainforests, hinterland and the coast, its flora and fauna is stunning all year. The sensory experience plays a big part of my practice and I incorporate the sounds and movements of birdsong transcribed into line.
What is the biggest hurdle you have encountered in your art practice? How did you overcome it?
Juggling being a Mum to two busy boys, both on the spectrum. Time is so precious when I get it and there is always so much to do, but carving out time to be creative or be in nature is vital (however brief the moment for the day is!).
What other artists inspire you?
John Wolseley’s approach to immersing himself within the landscape and his passion for telling stories through his practice are hugely inspiring. His use of watercolour washes layered with delicate drawings and authentic marks are delicious! Artist’s plein air (outdoor) work that is filled with immediacy, energy and a plethora of marks are incredibly inspiring.
Which of your many achievements and awards are you most proud of?
Winning the ‘Annie Tan Memorial Award for Watercolour’ as part of Flyings Arts Queensland Regional Art Awards was a huge achievement and so lovely to be in a touring exhibition with many other talented artists I know. It was also extra special to be a finalist in Local Artist Local Content at Caloundra Regional Gallery, Sunshine Coast, alongside my Mum and son. Three generations in one show!
What advice do you have for emerging artists just starting out?
Experiment and play alongside what you normally create, helping to find your voice as an artist and make discoveries of new ways of working.
What are some of your favourite watercolour products to work with?
My favourite brushes are the ‘Micador for Artists’ Revolution Mop Brushes. My most loved size is number 2; a great all-rounder for en plein air (outdoor painting) and studio work. I love their firmer feeling and their water holding ability, I use a lot of pigment and water! My favourite artist paints are Daniel Smith watercolours in tubes for their range of colours and archival qualities, but when I am working with the kids, the Koh-I-Noor Watercolour Discs are fantastic.
How do you feel about the role art plays in mental health?
Art, whether viewing or more so participating, is incredibly powerful in maintaining and helping positive mental health. During COVID lockdown I was suffering PTSD from a traumatic experience and the ‘exercise’ rules didn’t allow for my regular outdoor painting practice. Instead, I began ‘drawing whilst walking’ and turning these into a series of envelope artworks. This process kept me afloat during a time of crisis. The act of painting, especially when painting in nature, has always been my mental escape from the busyness of life. I feel humbled when I can introduce people to the medium of loose watercolour painting and its calming qualities.
In your opinion, what is the golden rule of watercolour?
Paint what you love, start the painting with what inspires you, experiment and use materials that make you feel good. Allow the medium to ‘breathe’ and flow, not overly controlling it. My Grandfather used to also say “when you’re dabbing you should stop!”
What would you like your legacy to be in the art world?
To be known as a passionate and inspiring landscape artist who shared her lifelong knowledge of watercolour to others so they could discover the calming and alluring qualities of this beautiful medium.
To learn more and view Libby’s enchanting watercolour work, visit libbyderham.com and follow her on Instagram @libbyderham.art
