Let’s get to know Australian artist, Joel Vanderduys (@artbyjoel_). He specialises in realism, creating anything from detailed human and animal portraits to live painting at events. Hailing from central Queensland, Joel brings an inspiring perspective to creativity, so read on to find out more.

We see you also do live painting (so cool!). Can you tell us a bit about the challenges and rewards you experience doing this?

This is such a fun service that we offer. I wanted to find new and unique ways to provide art to a range of people. We started with little live guest illustrations and have recently expanded to live canvas paintings.

A challenge is the potential to fail in front of everyone. However, I just take a deep breath and remind myself that I am hired for MY work, and they want me to do what I do. That being said, I also prepare poses and ideas prior to the live paintings to ensure that everything can go as well as possible. I have also spent a LOT of time practicing to be confident enough to take on the challenge of live paintings.

If you were an animal… what would you be?

A golden retriever (my wife reckons).

Where do you get creative inspiration for your artwork?

All around, I love nature and am a people-person, so I love seeing people’s features and animals. It’s always inspiring wondering how I could make that in paint.

Growing up, did you come from a creative family?

I wouldn’t say creative; however, they were very encouraging of my artistic pursuits. Dad would sketch once in a blue moon, and it was the coolest thing. Mum did quilting, so I guess they were creative, just not as focused on painting but other creative activities.

What’s something you were nervous about starting, that turned out amazing?

Wedding art. I had no idea if I could draw all the guests at weddings and we had booked in ten weddings before I ever painted at one. The first wedding was incredible, and we have 23 booked in this year!

What would you tell your younger self?

Just trust the process and don’t stress about the journey. Keep on practicing and don’t let your current limitations stop you from doing your best to pursue what you love to do.

What are your tips on how to improve at art?

Find time to create and then practice, practice, practice. Don’t discard paintings you aren’t fully happy with, finish them anyway and improve over time. The art will tell a story of change and improvement that you can look back on. Find a supportive person or group of people that help you to build your skill and are honest with you about improvements to be made.

Don’t self-critique too hard. Remember only you know where all the mistakes are in your work – to others they may just look perfectly placed.

If you were a song, what would it sound like? Genre, era – we want the scoop!

I think it would be something with Indie Folk / Acoustic Pop with cinematic builds from the early 2000-2010s, I reckon. Something that has good words that people can sing along to!

If you had no time frame, what would you love to create?

I would love to paint a mural on the side of a highway for everyone to see that tells others that being an artist is possible and realistic. Probably something with birds! 

What’s an art medium that you love and one that is more of a challenge?

I love acrylic, it’s my main go to when painting. I find oil challenging but have only tried it once, so I’d like to explore it again soon.

Joel has taught us not to give up and keep creating – skill comes with time and practice so there’s no point being too hard on yourself and quitting. Just go with the flow and keep at it.

See more about @artbyjoel_ by checking out our gallery, where his art journey is featured, or jump on his website to find out more about live painting. Stock up on acrylic paints and canvas if you feel inspired to paint a bird, portrait, or something else entirely. #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook to show us what you come up with.

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