About the Artist

Julie Traylen is an artist who specialises in linocut printing. After years as an early childhood teacher and now mother of two, Julie has developed an appreciation for children's art.  The idea of combining her passions came when she gave her 5 year old daughter a piece of lino to draw on. Julie carved the image, printed and painted it. That first print is now a framed artwork hanging in their home in Watsons Bay and is greatly admired by everyone who sees it.

The 'Tadpole Art' Experience

Step 1

Julie will have a sitting with your child, this will involve encouraging and guiding your child to create the best image appropriate for their stage of development, on the actual lino tile. Julie uses her knowledge and experience as a teacher to make this as fun as possible. Your child will draw directly onto the tile using a pencil.

Step 2

Julie will take the lino and carve it by hand with her tools in her studio. Once carved, block ink will be applied to the lino. The image will then be printed on fine art paper by pressing paper onto the lino.

Step 3

The print will be painted by hand using designer gouache paint.

Step 4

The artwork will be returned to you for your child to sign and for framing.

Please note:

Sittings can take place in your home or at the artist's residence at Watsons Bay. For those outside the area, a lino tile will be posted to your home. Your child can then draw directly onto the lino tile - it is that simple. Return the tile to Tadpole Art and the linocut printing process will continue. A guide with helpful tips will be sent with the lino tile to help you guide your child to create a wonderful masterpeice.

The Tadpole Art process

A linocut is made when an image is carved out of a soft linoleum tile by hand, using special tools. The raised pieces of lino left after carving are what will create the image. Block Ink is then rolled over the tile, leaving ink on only these raised pieces (the image). Paper is pressed onto the lino and the image is transferred to paper. Once  the ink is dry, Julie paints the individual prints by hand using designer gouache paint.

Contact Details

Phone: 02 9337 3762

Mobile: 0411 320 357

Email: tadpoleart@gmail.com