Dr. Karen McPhail-Bell

07/08/2026

Come meet Professor Bow Bow on display in the SURFACE fenceline exhibition!

I love SURFACE for the way it brings Miami (even more) alive with public art. Thank you to the hard working team, volunteers, artists & art lovers for making it awesome!

Shout out to Mo for making these t-shirts out of this painting. They’re pretty cool eh 🙌

Check it out by 19 July. See final image for a map of where. My piece is at the north end of Nobby Parade 🤩

PS I take commissions 🐈‍⬛

06/25/2026

I get to meet and work with inspiring people all the time in my creative work, and Tony O'Malley is one of those people.

Tony, a local conservation advocate, created a new community-led publication to shine light on the natural places that make Burleigh unique, capturing local stories and perspectives on the area's biodiversity, cultural significance and future.

'Nature in the Heart of Burleigh' is a free factsheet featuring nine stories from people with strong connections to natural places across Burleigh Heads and its coastal landscape.

I too cherish the people and places in this factsheet, and many of the places show up in my own painting practice, either directly or as inspiration.

The publication comes at a pivotal time for Burleigh, a suburb experiencing rapid urban growth while remaining home to significant ecological and cultural values.

Through a series of short, personal stories, contributors share what they value most about these places and their hopes for the future.

The publication aims to:
✔️ Highlight a range of important natural places in Burleigh.
✔️ Share local perspectives on urban biodiversity.
✔️ Encourage discussion about the future of nature in a rapidly changing coastal environment.
✔️ Build understanding of biodiversity values, threats and opportunities in urban beach suburbs.
✔️ Inspire individuals, organisations and decision-makers to take positive action for nature.

While not intended to be a comprehensive account of Burleigh’s natural assets, Nature in the Heart of Burleigh provides a valuable snapshot of local places and community aspirations at a significant moment in the suburb’s history.

Please share far and wide! A PDF is available too, I can DM if needed.

Contact Tony O’Malley for more info:
[email protected]
Ph 0437 728 190

Cr Nick Marshall OAM Division 12, Gold Coast Gold Coast Arts and Culture Hermann Vorster MP

06/25/2026

My gratitude to the art lover who bought this work, and to all involved in making The Doyles Art Prize possible.

Congratulations Karen McPhail-Bell. Miami Beach Shack has sold.

06/20/2026

Thank you so much Doyles Art Award for a fun awards night and outstanding show. So honoured to be a finalist.

And thank you to the collector who purchased my painting. Your support means more than you might know. I hope the work brings you joy, like it did for me creating it.

Big thanks to my beloved Mo too. 🌼

06/11/2026

Wow thank you Art Marketplace and Online Gallery | Buy Art, Explore the Trail for the special surprise that you’ve featured my art on the home page today. I so appreciate the support you give artists and art lovers alike - such a unique platform!

Friends, if you’ve not checked it out yet, pop over to Art Marketplace and Online Gallery | Buy Art, Explore the Trail and see all that’s on offer, from art events near you, art for sale (mine included), artists nearby, and more.

Thanks Nikki 🙏🤟

05/13/2026

My painting, Miami beach shack, is a finalist in the 2026 The Doyles Art Award! I’m in a bit of disbelief… so many artists I look up to have been, and are, finalists in the Doyles Art Prize.

My chosen painting, Miami Beach Shack, is a special one. I paint beach shacks around where I live, many of which are knocked down soon after I paint them - but this particular beach shack is still there. The shacks I paint symbolise simpler, colourful times, like a kind of nostalgia and reprieve from all the change and development that surrounds us on the Gold Coast. Their colours reflect an enduring charm often attached to these beautiful structures.

The Doyles Art Award is a nationally recognised award that includes an exhibition in Mudgeeraba, 19-28 June. My painting will be on show and available for purchase through The Doyles. I hope to see you there!

Congratulations to all the finalists and to the mighty team behind The Doyles Art Award for another year… and most of all, my deepest thanks.

05/07/2026

Grab your spot! Limited places.

Are you ready to creatively uncover and focus on what’s important to you?

This taster workshop introduces you to a creative, evidence-based coaching process to reimagine what you’re doing, slow down and enjoy what you have, and support your next steps.

You’ll create your personalised collage about a topic or theme you’re looking for clarity on, which you can take with you as a source of motivation. You’ll then engage in a short coaching exercise that draws out the insight within you.

This workshop is really special to me, because I know the creative coaching process works to create a new story and do more of what brings us alive. I’m thrilled to partner with the amazing to share the power of creativity and art for wellbeing in our local community.

No experience or "artistic skill" needed. Materials provided.

NOTE: We are not creating vision boards.

Come solo or share the fun with your loved one – friends, parents, and partners are welcome.

Register with via Logan Art Gallery's events page (link in the comments) or comment below and I can DM you the link.

05/05/2026

It was a joy to be a panel speaker at ’s launch of the Aqua Limina exhibition - and what company I was in with , and , under 's gentle moderation (and generous pool of water puns) 🙌👏💙

Well done to the GC Creatives team who worked hard behind the scenes to make Aqua Limina a success, especially Karleen Gwinner of for your vision to make the show a reality.

Here's to the power of bringing art, science and community together 👏