Studio Diary - October 2025

Charlotte Wensley
1 day ago
4 min read

Blue-leafed trees against a pink sky with an orange sun. Hills and small houses in the background. A bright, whimsical scene.

With Noosa Open Studios 2025 now over for another year, I've found myself reflecting on the experience and the learnings that have happened through my interactions with this year's wonderfully engaged visitors.

As always the magic of opening my studio door and waiting to see who will walk through it and what perspective they will bring is something I have come to cherish.

Nothing is ever quite the same at the end of those 10 days.

This year I had a wonderful mix of visitors with fellow artists, art lovers and collectors dropping in to explore my sketches and drawings, new paintings and to learn about my latest project.

If you've been in the loop for a while you'll know I've been working on developing pieces that began with a printmaking session with the Round Leafed Mallee eucalypt leaves which evolved into a series of sketches, and subsequently into experimental work-in-progress paintings; one of which was purchased during open studios by collectors who felt so drawn to the work that they were compelled to buy it, despite that fact I had yet to varnish and frame it!

This wonderful surprise purchase, (of a piece that I wasn't sure was finished), got me thinking about the role of collectors in the creative process, not simply as recipients of finished paintings but as essential participants in the ongoing dialogue between artist, artwork, and audience.

Their engagement through conversation, interpretation, or selection of a painting helps shape the life and meaning of a piece beyond the studio walls. By bringing their own perspective and emotional response to a work, collectors extend the story of a work and give it new context in the world.

When a collector chooses to support an artist’s vision, that act becomes part of the creative exchange itself. Their commitment and trust allows artists to take risks, explore new ideas, and sustain a long-term creative practice. In this way, collecting is not just about acquisition, it’s about collaboration and making a gesture that fuels creative experimentation and evolution within the artists' studio.

Collectors become caretakers of that living energy. By engaging deeply with the work, they help preserve its relevance, invite fresh interpretations, and ensure that creativity remains a shared human experience rather than a solitary pursuit.

Collectors complete the creative cycle.

Art becomes fully alive when it’s seen, experienced, and lived with.

'Two Lands' is now on its way to it's new home, and in the positive energy left in the wake of it's departure new pieces are emerging. I have committed to a new series, taking risks with my visual language and exploring new ideas.

Watch this space!

| Blog Catch Up

Artist focused on painting in a colorful studio. Artworks, books, and supplies surround her. "NOOSA OPEN STUDIOS" sign visible.

Take a virtual studio tour - and check out my new front porch and gallery wall! Don't forget - you can visit the studio anytime by appointment - just let me know when you'd like to drop in; Mon - Sat 10am to 4pm.

Virtual Visit 2025

I'm thrilled to have been selected for the latest edition of Art Ideal: Volume 5, published by the Circle Foundation for the Arts, alongside creatives from across the globe. Myrina Tunberg Georgiou writes a timely and insightful essay on the importance of diverse perspectives in art. She also discusses the significance of experiencing art in person and the challenges artists face in maintaining unique creative voices amidst the rise of social media.

Art magazine titled "Art IDEAL" with colorful cover. Open pages show black and white photos and articles. Minimal, expressive design.

Moving Past Visual Monoculture

| What's On

Queensland Regional Art Awards 2025

The Dreamer's Way has been selected for the Emerging Artist Exhibition!

I'm very excited to have my work included in this group show which will be held at the Flying Arts Gallery in Brisbane early next year.

I'll send out further details in January with an invitation to the opening celebrations.

Abstract artwork with vibrant geometric shapes and patterns in pink, orange, and blue hues. The composition is intricate and energetic.

Affordable Art Fair - Sydney

My work is heading to the upcoming Affordable Art Fair in Sydney with Stevens Street Gallery in early November - head to the Affordable Art Fair website to get your entry tickets and enjoy 4 full days browsing and collecting art from a huge range of styles, sizes and genres, with artworks to suit every budget!

Get Affordable Art Fair Tickets

Colorful abstract artwork with leaf patterns on left, event text on pink background to right. Details: Stevens Street Gallery @ Affordable Art Fair Sydney, 6-9 Nov, Carriageworks.

| Final Thoughts

Much love and gratitude to everyone who came to visit during open studios, for all your wonderful conversations, support, encouragement, deep dive chats, insights, purchases, laughs and general joy at being in my creative space!

It was wonderful to meet so many new people and catch up with returning visitors and friends, I can't wait to do it all again next year!

Sending happy creative vibes out into the world this month - hopefully they land with you😊