Page 8 - Australian_How_To_Paint

INSIGHT

outback, capturing images of station
homesteads and outbuildings before
they disappeared.
After becoming seriously ill from
the effects of the heavy metals in her
oil paints and solvents, Ludij changed
to watercolours in the ’80s and,
through this new medium, continued
her love affair with old buildings.
Before marriage and children, Ludij
had been a school teacher. She
continues to use her teaching skills to
conduct on-demand workshops for art
groups in Queensland and New South
Wales. Her ability to produce a
‘weathered texture’ effect in her old
buildings has seen her dubbed in
many circles as ‘the Queen of the
rusty iron’.
Recently Ludij was introduced to
Genesis Heat Set Oils. These paints
are free from the metals, odours and
solvents which caused her earlier
health problems. They handle like
any other oil paints, remaining soft
and pliable … but can be instantly
dried with a heat gun. They are also
very economical to work with,
offering significant cost savings
when compared with many other
artistic mediums.
The big advantage for Ludij in using
Genesis Heat Set Oils was that she
began to experience new freedom in
her studio. She could come and go
without having to clean up brushes
and palettes – and even switch
between oils and watercolours without
any disruption. In the often damp
Atherton Tablelands climate, being
able to control the drying of her paints
was a real benefit. Because of the
quality of the paints and the ability to
dry sections of her work at will, Ludij
is now able to achieve (in oils) the
same detail for which her watercolours
are renowned.
While still enjoying her painting in
watercolours, Ludij Peden has
8 Australian How to Paint