Creating has always been a huge part of life for sunny Queensland artist, Kylie Tully (@thecolourfulhippie). Her colourful wisps of paint balance out the abstract patterns and dreamy blends, that reflect the aura of her inner creative spirit.
Kylie Tullys’ work also includes polymer clay sculpting, which she turns into one-of-a-kind treasures, hoping those who wear them, can find just as much joy in them.

I’m a very laid-back person, not much stresses me. I’m a mum to three, a grandma to two bratty, but adorable, little girls. I like to think I’m a fairly friendly, accepting person who is happy to go with the flow and let everyone live their best lives.

I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t creating or making something. Since I was little, I’ve been artistic and was lucky to have parents and grandparents that always encouraged me to be creative.

Maybe not overly exciting, but I once painted my brother’s car in a zebra pattern. I think I was 17 at the time and painted the whole of his Escort van with a paintbrush. It turned out fantastic and it was a huge talking point in the town I live.

The evolution of my art style is always changing and I’m excited to see where I might be in the future. I could be painting landscapes, or I could be painting contemporary mixed media pieces- who knows?!

When I’m not actively working on a piece, I like to have a canvas set up in my studio. Sometimes I’ll walk past it and just feel like I need to add to it. Or sometimes I’ll see something on my social media feed that I’m inspired to try.

I’ve tried most mediums but always seem to come back to acrylics.

I always listen to my favourite playlist when I paint, and sing along loudly (and badly). This makes me happy and I think that shows in my artwork.

Of course, I love the range of acrylic paints and brushes that Mont Marte produce, but to be honest, I use Mont Marte products for just about all of my art and creating. I also make a lot of jewellery and use everything, from the polymer clay to coloured pencils for my craft. I love that if there’s something that I need for art or craft, that my local Mont Marte supplier will have it, and that I won’t have to mortgage my house to buy it.

Growing up I was always a Van Gogh fan, it’s his colourful, bold style that gets me. At the moment, I can’t get enough of Jonathan Gemmell’s art, every piece is so full of colour and happiness.

My youngest child is now 15, so I no longer have the time constraints I once had. I do also have a full-time job, and I have other responsibilities that need my attention, which I find that can sometimes be frustrating when the creative bug bites.

Being a financially successful artist is a notoriously hard thing to achieve, to be honest I have not yet achieved it. I paint more because it brings me a huge amount of joy and fulfilment, and occasionally I will sell a piece. I think it takes a lot of time and commitment to get your art out there and you have to have a really thick skin because people can sometimes be unkind about your art. I hope to one day be able to give my art the attention I know it deserves.

If I’m not painting, then I am invariably making something. I feel that if I have a day where I don’t create something then I have wasted that day. I am also an avid reader and a plant mum.

Be open to trying new styles. I scroll voraciously through Pinterest, Instagram and Tik Tok watching art and craft content. There are always new things to try and sometimes you’ll find something that grabs you and won’t let go.

We hope Queensland artist Kylie Tullys’ work inspires you to pick up a brush and start experimenting too. Show us what you create. Add #montmarteart or tag @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. Or check out more of our featured artists here.