About Robyn Goodwin, her Backyard, imagination & unique art
About Robyn
Robyn Goodwin is an Australian author and illustrator. Robyn spent many years of her younger life living on farms in the Oberon and Tumbarumba districts.
For the past 23 years she has lived with her family in the heritage listed
town of Braidwood New South Wales. At 12 years of age Robyn left for boarding school, ever eager to return
to the farm at the end of each school term.
As a young girl, Robyn had unrestricted advantage to wildlife, farm animals, domestic pets and the natural environment. At an early age Robyn's imagination always tendered towards animals with human mannerisms. Toys were never just something to play with ... they simply became part of her imaginary world. All toys were fully dressed for the day and had well appointed places on her bed at night. Having a vivid imagination was a benefit when living on a working farm, as it often provided that escape needed from the realities of hard work. Sketching dead insects and copying from nature books was part of life.
In 1979 Robyn graduated year 12 and acquired certificates in both nursing and secretarial skills. Drawing remained a distant passion for many years. The efforts of raising a family
and working were her main focus. The family backyard menagerie grew over these years. Many bed time stories revolved around the backyard animals.
About her imagination - drawing and illustrations
Her Backyard Tales series of picture books are entertaining and boldly illustrated. Robyn’s work in watercolour, pencil and ink encompasses the natural beauty of both animal and plant life that live in and around her backyard. Her stories are bought to life with animals adopting human mannerisms which makes for adventurous storytelling.
“I’m on a mission to introduce my backyard to your blank walls. My art is brightly coloured with delicate detail and welcoming beauty. Australian flora and fauna never ceases to inspire and surprise me. I use my art as a platform to advocate for its protection.
“I’d like for people to look at my paintings and feel happiness. After all an artist doesn’t draw what they see, but what they feel”.
About her imagination - the little books for little hands
In 2011 Robyn wrote and illustrated a small story entitled 'Zipper's Easter Encounter'. On a friends suggestion, she self published her book with wonderful response from her local area. This success encouraged her to continue writing and illustrating.
Robyn now has a growing number books in her 'Backyard Tales' series. She presents her books to schools and libraries. Her visits provide a platform to help educate children about protecting our environment and animals.
Robyn's large illustrated books are published by Brolly Books. Also, the educational publisher, Commontown, are using these books in a digital education program they offer to schools and homes around Asia to teach English.
