{"id":104031,"date":"2025-04-27T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bendigotimes\/?p=104031"},"modified":"2025-04-23T21:54:17","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T11:54:17","slug":"local-artist-profile-paula-zetlein","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bendigotimes\/living\/local-artist-profile-paula-zetlein\/","title":{"rendered":"Local artist profile: Paula Zetlein"},"content":{"rendered":"

THIS week we chat with botanical illustrator and sometimes painter Paula Zetlein, who said her drawings are reminiscent of historical illustrations, with a realistic yet dramatic style that \u201cdraws people in through intricate details\u201d.<\/p>\n

What motivated you to take up botanical illustration?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always had a passion for drawing, ever since I majored in painting and drawing during my Fine Arts degree at La Trobe University.<\/p>\n

However, it wasn\u2019t until 2018 that I started taking my pen drawings seriously.<\/p>\n

At the time, I was juggling motherhood and working full-time as an art teacher, and I felt frustrated that I wasn’t creating my own artwork.<\/p>\n

I was sharing my frustrations with a creative friend who was experiencing the same thing, so before going off on separate holidays we challenged each other to a drawing a day!<\/p>\n

The challenge was to do a drawing a day and text the drawing to each other.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d never really used a fine liner for drawing before, so I was amazed at what I could create with it.<\/p>\n

I quickly became hooked and as my drawings started gaining attention, I began exhibiting my work and selling limited edition prints at markets.<\/p>\n

How would you describe your style?<\/strong><\/p>\n

My drawings are reminiscent of historical botanical illustrations, with a realistic yet dramatic style that draws people in through intricate details, capturing a moment in time.<\/p>\n

To develop my artwork, I always work directly from my subject to truly capture its essence.<\/p>\n

I pay particular attention to the intricate patterns of each botanical subject and immerse myself in the mark-making, losing myself in the details as I work.<\/p>\n

Which other illustrators inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I find inspiration in botanical illustrators Celia Rosser, Philipa Nukulinksy, and Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher.<\/p>\n

I admire Celia and Philipa\u2019s detailed and precise artwork that beautifully captures our beloved Australian native plants.<\/p>\n

Celia was a true pioneer in the botanical world, taking field trips to draw directly from nature.<\/p>\n

Escher, one of the greats, captivates with his dramatic work that creates optical illusions, masterfully using tone, pattern, and contrast.<\/p>\n

What are some highlights you have from your time as an illustrator so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As an illustrator, I have two major highlights.<\/p>\n

First, I was commissioned by the Australian Ballet to create original illustrations inspired by Alberta Seba’s Cabinet of Natural Curiosities, which were featured in the program for their Kunstkamer Ballet performance.<\/p>\n

Second, I was commissioned by Beechworth Honey to produce three original illustrations of Eucalypts, which were used in a product range that includes tea towels, greeting cards, and mugs, as well as on their packaging.<\/p>\n

How can people check out your work online?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can check out my work online on Instagram @paulazetleinart<\/a> and shop my artwork and product range online on my website: https:\/\/paulazetleinart.com.au<\/p>\n

Do you have any exhibitions on at the moment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have a current exhibition of my paintings at Cantina Mexicana Restaurant as part of the EAT.DRINK.ART<\/a> promotion to coincide with the Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery.<\/p>\n

What would you say to young regional aspiring illustrators who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keep creating and never stop learning.<\/p>\n

Sign up for workshops and courses that will enhance your skills and help you earn qualifications.<\/p>\n

Make sure to showcase your artwork.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re seeking advice from more experienced creators or getting feedback from your followers on a new piece of artwork, social media is a valuable tool for growth and connection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

THIS week we chat with botanical illustrator and sometimes painter Paula Zetlein, who said her drawings are reminiscent of historical illustrations, with a realistic yet dramatic style that \u201cdraws people in through intricate details\u201d. What motivated you to take up botanical illustration? I\u2019ve always had a passion for drawing, ever since I majored in painting […]<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":187,"featured_media":104038,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-104031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-living"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nLocal artist profile: Paula Zetlein - Bendigo Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Paula Zetlein botanical art\u2014realistic, dramatic illustrations inspired by nature, now exhibiting in Bendigo and online.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bendigotimes\/living\/local-artist-profile-paula-zetlein\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Local artist profile: Paula Zetlein - 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