About the Artist
Stef, born in Bournemouth UK, has been painting/drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. However she did not attend college until she was a mature student. Having talked her my way onto an illustration course in Southampton in 1983, it was a shock to find she’d actually enrolled on a fine arts course!
By then the illustration course was full so she transferred to a Scientific Illustration course instead. On completion of this O.N.D. Stef found there was not a higher course to continue onto so transferred to an H.N.D. in Graphic Design instead. She won three design awards for a calendar, advert and a pub sign. As she was now a ‘hybrid’, illustrator/designer, she was hired by a studio and found herself doing both graphics and illustration.
This work lasted until she decided to travel with her husband and his work. Having travelled and lived in several countries Stef continued painting for her own enjoyment and found other areas in which to apply her creative skills including a Bachelor of Education degree in Design and Technology.
Eventually settling in Australia and now living near Subiaco Stef has rediscovered the joy of watercolour and started to paint again adding to her retired lifestyle of exercise, Red Hatting and keeping up with 4 grandkids. Having attended several courses to brush up her watercolour skills Stef was introduced to the WA Watercolour Society and was accepted in 2020.
Stef has now joined a Plein Air group and practices her art through them and in her studio. Having had several commissions Stef feels she is embarking on a new journey in Art with the help of fellow artists in the WAWS and hopes to continue to explore and improve.
Exhibitions
Watercolour Society of WA Annual Exhibitions 2020
Ellis House ‘Colours of Spring’ Group Art Exhibition 2017
Tresillian Arts Center Student and Tutor Exhibitions 2016 – 2019
‘ColourInfusion’ Patricia Jamieson and Stef Hayward 2007
“I love colour, drawing and the challenge of representing 3D into 2D believe me it is always a challenge!”
Sunset in Sicilia
$400
50 x 40 cm Framed
This is a view taken by my friend who was living on her boat in Marina di Cala del Sole Licata, what a view! I felt inspired to try and capture it in watercolour.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
SOLD
50 x 40 cm Framed
I took a photo of this on the Bolganup trail in the Porongurups. I loved the window the rocks created and really wanted to play the textures using granulation fluid.
Government’s House oldest Olive
$400
42 x 30 Framed
I painted this magnificent 197 year old olive tree as a Plein Air in the grounds of Government House Perth, I bet it has seen a lot!
Moore than the eye can see
$400
50 x 40 cm Framed
Whilst camping at Guilderton, WA. I climb the steps to the lookout, this was my view, the Moore river almost meeting the sea.
Beautiful scenery always cries out to be painted.
Looking into History
$400
50 x 40 cm Framed
Red Bluff WA photo reference but of course with artist license. These rocks have so much history, if they could tell!
Perry Lakes
POA
50 x 40 cm Matted
First Plien Air of 2023. Perry Lakes WA, now has water back and look beautiful with their reflections.