Five minutes with Leanne Courtney, Creator of Leanne’s Collection and Leanne’s Rainbow Brushes
If you are a face painter that uses social media, you have to know at least a little something about the Australian face painter, Leanne Courtney! She has been brightening up face paint kits around the world for years with her beautifully designed split cakes, and sharing the magic of face painting with her inspiring works of art! Leanne has a group on Facebook called Leanne's Collection, where artists share their designs that they made using her combos from Fusion Body Art.
Leanne just released a new line of face paint brushes this year too! She is on a roll doing what she loves! If you want to learn a little bit more about the artist dancing across the rainbow, read this Jest Paint interview with the one and only Leanne Courtney! Scroll to the bottom to find the links to her products!
"My head lives in fairyland a lot of the time, I dream up these dreams and even if they seem crazy I give it a shot" -Leanne Courtney
Tell us a little bit about you and where you live!
Hi everyone, most of my friends call me Lea. I am a face paint artist from Sydney Australia it’s a beautiful place and I love living here. You can often find me walking around Bondi Beach or hiking in our stunning bushland.
How did you start face painting?
I started face painting in 2013 in a Sydney hotel we call them pubs. The face painter went on holiday for 6 weeks and they asked me if I could paint, always a bit of an adventurer, I said I would give it a shot. From that first shaky spider-man, I never looked back. I was totally obsessed, I thought about paint every single second of my day and often woke up in the middle of the night and thought about it.
Do you have an artistic background?
No, I had never studied art and even at school it didn’t grab me. Drawing and shading in pictures of peas in pods did not hold my attention for long! I did love my colour pencils and Texta’s growing up and I still remember how wondrous they looked all lined up neatly in a myriad of colours. My grandfather was an artist though and I would be allowed in his little veranda studio to watch him paint when I was little.
What was the biggest challenge when you started face painting?
Oh that one is easy! Linework, linework and linework. It still is a little hard for me. I cannot put enough emphasis on that you should try to practice your teardrops and swirls and lines every day even if it is for a few minutes on your own arm. The other thing that was challenging was knowing what to buy, but I can honestly say buying better products will make you faster and it is easier and your work will look better and that will get you booked on more jobs.
How did you start your face painting business?
I practiced and practiced and asked a local mum’s group if I could paint their children for free so I could get some photographs. They were really happy to do this and it was a fun morning. Now I had photos I could use to advertise! I was ready to start my Face Book business page and start taking bookings. I did lots of small parties and didn’t know any other face painters. I wanted to improve so I paid for a workshop with a fantastic face paint artist that was on you tube and in that class I met so many other painters and they were lovely and they added me to a Sydney Face Painting page where artists shared jobs. I learned I needed insurance and they really helped me by booking me to do the jobs that they couldn’t attend if they had other bookings. It took me about a year before I was booked every weekend because I got better at painting.
Who were your biggest inspirations when you first started face painting?
So so many fabulous face paint artists that I admire inspired me! Jenny Saunders, Nurit Pilchin, Mark Reid...and then I met Natalee Davies who took me under her wing a bit and really helped by giving me pointers on how to improve my art. Erica Wafford in England has a beautiful style I also love and was inspired by. Anita Lyn, in New Zealand, was the first person to help me do a double dip flower and I’m forever grateful to her. I never wanted to copy anyone, as that was their style. I wanted to paint like me, even if that meant it took a little longer to develop my own style, but these artists were definitely an inspiration.
How did you create Leanne’s Rainbow?
I fell in love with paint, like madly head over heels. It gave me so much joy and focus and I met artists and had friends and I would rather buy paint than anything else for myself. I bought and tried nearly every product trying to learn about paint, but the one thing that made me sad was that when I tried to paint a rainbow it didn’t make me happy like when I saw a rainbow in the sky, so in all honesty I refused to paint them. After a year of not ever painting rainbows I decided to solve it, so it took me a few hours and my kitchen was horrendously messy with paint everywhere but when I brushed that first stroke on my arm of Leanne’s Rainbow (neon) I got goose bumps like when singers move you, it was the same feeling and I knew I had something that would change face painting for artists all over the world.
From Leanne’s Rainbow I became known all over the world and now I have an entire face paint range Leanne’s Collection that is produced for me by Fusion Body Art. I won’t say I haven’t worked for it because I did. A lot of work perfecting them, sometimes 6 months playing around with a cake until I thought it was beautiful enough and unique and would enhance face painters businesses. Fusion has backed me so much allowing me creative freedom and working so hard to have my collections made and shipped worldwide.
Did you do face painting full time?
I decided one day to quit my job in a pub and go back and study. I thought I could now support myself face painting on weekends and study during the week. I started studying to be an accountant. I wasn’t at all smart but I worked hard and eventually got a degree. It took me about 5 years as I have 4 children and studying and working and being a mum was a very busy life. I ended up with a graduate role as an accountant and I realized I could never give up face painting, so now I do both. I love both for different reasons, but face painting is definitely what brings me happiness.
Do your kids like being face painted?
Well that’s a tough one and the answer is no, they are proud of me but they think I’m a little crazy. My beautiful little girl Elise supports me by being my model for Leanne’s Collection and that is hours and hours of painting many many designs so I am very grateful to her. They are used to seeing me in rainbow clothes and flowers in my hair or walking with me down the street with my face painted, but really never wanted me to paint them.
What do you like to paint most?
That one is easy - BUTTERFLIES!!!!!!!! Butterflies of all different colours! I will never be bored of them.
What is so addictive about face paint?
The colours, the smiles, making art. Never feeling like I know enough and always wanting to learn more. The friends I have made in Sydney and all over the world and the feeling I get when I have painted something that takes my breath away. Its all addictive not only addictive it’s my life 😊
Below are some of Leanne's Incredible palettes that she designed. The first one that she created is called Leanne's Tropical collection, bursting with bold neon colors and her original cake Leanne's Rainbow! The second palette that she designed is called Leanne's Butterfly Palette. This palette includes an amazing array of gradients and one of her most popular rainbows, Leanne's Lollipop!
Fusion Body Art & FX - Spectrum Palette | Tropical Collection by Leanne Courtney
What is included in this Fusion Body Art and FX Spectrum Painting Palette?
The Fusion Body Art Spectrum Palette Tropical Collection by Leanne Courtney includes 6 Fusion Body Art mini Split Cakes: Leanne's Purple Pixie, Summer Days, Leanne's Flower Fairy, Fancy Eyes, Leanne's Rainbow (neon) and Neon Nirvana.
Fancy Eye's: Prime Magic Blue - Prime Deep Teal - Prime White - Prime White - Prime Magic Magenta - Prime Deep Purple
Neon Nirvana fx: Prime Deep Purple - Prime Magic Magenta - FXUV Neon Pink - FX UV Neon Orange - FX UV Neon Yellow
Summer Day's fx: FX UV Neon Pink - FX UV Neon Orange - FX UV Neon Yellow - Prime Light Yellow - Prime Deep Teal
Leanne's Purple Pixie fx: Prime Deep Purple - Prime White - FX UV Neon Yellow - FX UV Neon Green
Leanne's Flower Fairy fx: Prime Magic Magenta - FX UV Neon Pink - Prime White - FX UV Neon Yellow - FX UV Neon Green
Leanne's Rainbow fx (neon): Prime Magic Blue - Prime Deep Teal - FX UV Neon Yellow - FX UV Neon Yellow - FX UV Neon Pink - Prime Cardinal Red
What are the dimensions of this palette?
The case is approximately 8 3/4" x 2 1/2" x 3/4". Each removable 10 gr container is approximately 1 1/2" x 1 1/4" x 1/2".
What is this Spectrum painting palette best for?
The incredible Leanne Courtney designed this Spectrum Tropical Palette for all the color lovers of the world! You can paint all sorts of tropical and colorful inspired designs that will pop like crazy! It’s perfect for your cosplay characters, Halloween costume parties, carnivals, birthday fun, etc. All Fusion Neon colors are black light reactive! They will not glow in the dark without a black light. Read below for more important info on neon paints.
How to apply, remove and store the paint?
Add water to your brush or sponge and then load the paint onto your tool, rather than spraying the paints with water. Sweep your tool across the Split Cake until you have created a light creamy paste. You want the paint to be fully loaded, but not drippy. Remove paint with soap and water. Store in a dry and cool place away from a direct source of light. Let your paints air dry before storing away.
What else should I know about Fusion Body Art and FX paints?
Fusion paints are not tested on animals and they are vegan, hypoallergenic, and perfume, parabens, and lanolin free to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Neon colors are made with pigments that have not been approved by the FDA to be used in cosmetics (the FDA has not tested them yet for cosmetic use) They have been independently tested and determined safe for cosmetic use by independent labs. Following FDA guidelines, they are labeled as a Special FX product. Fusion Body Art & FX paints are manufactured in China under the direction of the Fusion Body Art & FX team in Australia. Check out the bottom of the Fusion Category Page for tons of extra info on this amazing brand!
Though determined skin safe by independent labs, following FDA guidelines these colors are labeled as follows: Special FX Product - Prosthetic Paint (for professional use only) - Not a cosmetic Product Apply product to prosthetic appliances, bald caps, clothing, etc to create a glowing effect that will be even brighter under black light. Use contrasting colors to achieve a chromadepth or 3D effect. Because this product can stain other surfaces, please avoid contact with carpets, fabrics and upholstery. Use within 12 months of opening the package. Access Fusion Body Art MSDS here
Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Glycerin, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PEG-32, Water (Aqua), may contain: Iron Oxides (1332-37-2)(CI77491), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), FD&C Yellow 5 (CI19140), FD&C Red 40 (CI16035), FD&C Blue 1 (CI42090), Ultramarines (CI77007), D&C Red 7(CI15850), Mica (CI77019), Aluminum Powder (CI 77000) and non toxic neon pigments. Made in China.
¿Qué incluye esta paleta de pintura Fusion Body Art y FX Spectrum?
La Fusion Body Art Spectrum Palette Tropical Collection by Leanne Courtney incluye 6 mini Split Cakes de Fusion Body Art: Leanne's Purple Pixie, Summer Days, Leanne's Flower Fairy, Fancy Eyes, Leanne's Rainbow (neon) y Neon Nirvana.
¿Para qué es mejor esta paleta Spectrum?
¡La increíble Leanne Courtney diseñó esta paleta Spectrum para todos los amantes del color del mundo! Puedes pintar todo tipo de diseños inspirados en colores tropicales que se verán increíbles e incluso brillarán bajo luz negra (no todos los colores en esta paleta brillan bajo luz negra).
¿Qué más debo saber sobre las pinturas Fusion Body Art y FX?
Las pinturas de neón Fusion no contienen perfume, parabenos o lanolina para reducir el riesgo de reacciones alérgicas. Las pinturas Fusion son veganas y no se han probado en animales. Los colores neón, como en muchas otras marcas, están hechos con pigmentos que no han sido aprobados por la FDA para su uso en cosméticos, pero se han probado de forma independiente y se ha determinado que son seguros para uso cosmético por laboratorios independientes. Siguiendo las pautas de la FDA, estos colores están etiquetados como un producto FX especial para su uso en prótesis, ropa, etc. Las pinturas de Fusion Body Art se fabrican en China bajo la dirección y supervisión estricta del equipo de Fusion Body Art en Australia. Los productos Fusion Body Art son excelentes para tus personajes de cosplay, fiestas de disfraces de Halloween, carnavales, eventos para recaudar fondos y más.
Fusion Body Art & FX - Spectrum Palette | Leanne's Butterfly Palette
What is included in this Fusion Body Art and FX Spectrum Painting Palette?
The Fusion Body Art & FX Spectrum Leanne's Butterfly Palette includes 6 Fusion Body Art mini Split Cakes: Leanne's Lollipop, Berry Butterfly, Berry Pretty, Tink, Leanne's Sunshine and Leanne's Princess.
Leanne's Lollipop fx: Prime Deep Purple - Prime Deep Teal - FX UV Neon Yellow - FX UV Neon Orange - FX UV Neon Pink
Berry Butterfly fx: Prime Deep Purple - Prime Magic Magenta - FX UV Neon Pink - Prime White - FX UV Neon Yellow
Berry Pretty fx: Prime Deep Merlot - Prime Magic Magenta - FX UV Neon Pink - Prime White - FX UV Neon Orange
Tink fx: Prime Deep Green - FX UV Neon Green - FX UV Neon Yellow - Prime Lime Green - Prime White
Leanne's Sunshine fx: Prime Magic Magenta - FX UV Neon Pink - FX UV Neon Orange - FX UV Neon Yellow - Prime White
Leanne's Princess fx: Prime Deep Purple - Prime Deep Teal - Prime White - FX UV Neon Pink - Prime Magic Magenta
What are the dimensions of this palette?
The case is approximately 8 3/4" x 2 1/2" x 3/4". Each container is approximately 1 1/2" x 1 1/4" x 1/2". There are 10 grams of paint in each container. The containers are removable to use separately and to make cleaning the palette easier.
What is Leanne's Butterfly palette best for?
The incredible Leanne Courtney designed this Spectrum Butterfly Palette for all of the color lovers of the world! You can paint all sorts of tropical and colorful neon/UV inspired designs, from butterflies, to roses, fairies and princess crowns, there is nothing that you can't paint with this beautiful palette. It’s perfect for your cosplay characters, Halloween costume parties, carnivals, birthday fun, etc. All Fusion Neon colors are black light reactive! They will not glow in the dark without a black light.
How to apply and remove and store Fusion paint?
Add water to your brush or sponge and then load the paint onto your tool, rather than spraying the paints with water. Sweep your tool across the Split Cake until you have created a light creamy paste. You want the paint to be fully loaded, but not drippy. Remove paint with soap and water. Store in a dry and cool place away from a direct source of light. Let your paints air dry before storing away.
What else should I know about Fusion paints?
Fusion paints are not tested on animals and they are vegan, hypoallergenic, and perfume, parabens, and lanolin free to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Neon colors are made with pigments that have not been approved by the FDA to be used in cosmetics (the FDA has not tested them yet for cosmetic use) They have been independently tested and determined safe for cosmetic use by independent labs. Following FDA guidelines, they are labeled as a Special FX product. Fusion Body Art & FX paints are manufactured in China under the direction of the Fusion Body Art & FX team in Australia. Check out the bottom of the Fusion Category Page for tons of extra info on this amazing brand!
Though determined skin safe by independent labs, following FDA guidelines these colors are labeled as follows: Special FX Product - Prosthetic Paint (for professional use only) - Not a cosmetic Product Apply product to prosthetic appliances, bald caps, clothing, etc to create a glowing effect that will be even brighter under black light. Use contrasting colors to achieve a chromadepth or 3D effect. Because this product can stain other surfaces, please avoid contact with carpets, fabrics and upholstery. Use within 12 months of opening the package. Access Fusion Body Art MSDS here
Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Glycerin, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PEG-32, Water (Aqua), may contain: Iron Oxides (1332-37-2)(CI77491), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), FD&C Yellow 5 (CI19140), FD&C Red 40 (CI16035), FD&C Blue 1 (CI42090), Ultramarines (CI77007), D&C Red 7(CI15850), Mica (CI77019), Aluminum Powder (CI 77000) and non toxic neon pigments. Made in China.
¿Qué incluye esta paleta?
La paleta de mariposas Fusion Body Art & FX Spectrum Leanne incluye 6 mini Split Cakes Fusion Body Art: Leanne's Lollipop, Berry Butterfly, Berry Pretty, Tink, Leanne's Sunshine y Leanne's Princess.
¿Cuáles son las dimensiones?
La caja mide aproximadamente 22,22 cm. x 6,35 cm x 1,91 cm. Cada envase mide aproximadamente 3,81 cm x 3,17 cm x 1,27 cm. Hay aproximadamente 10 gramos de pintura en cada recipiente.
¿Para qué es mejor esta paleta de pintura?
Puedes pintar todo tipo de diseños tropicales y coloridos inspirados en neón / UV que resaltarán increíblemente, incluso brillarán bajo luz negra. No busques mas el combo de color perfecto, los tienes todos aquí en esta paleta bellamente diseñada. Desde mariposas hasta rosas, hadas y coronas de princesas, no hay nada que no puedas pintar con esta hermosa paleta.
¿Qué más debo saber sobre las pinturas?
Las pinturas de neón Fusion no contienen perfume, parabenos o lanolina para reducir el riesgo de reacciones alérgicas. Las pinturas Fusion son veganas y no se han probado en animales. Los colores neón están hechos con pigmentos que no han sido aprobados por la FDA para su uso en cosméticos, pero se han probado de forma independiente y se ha determinado que son seguros para uso cosmético por laboratorios independientes. Siguiendo las pautas de la FDA, estos colores están etiquetados como un producto FX especial para su uso en prótesis, ropa, etc. Los productos Fusion Body Art son excelentes para tus personajes de cosplay, fiestas de disfraces de Halloween, carnavales, eventos para recaudar fondos y más.
In March 2020 Fusion Body Art released 4 New Leanne's Palettes that have been flying off the shelves like crazy! The Petal Palettes contain larger cakes that are designed for loading up with petal shaped or regular sponges for beautiful bases!
Later in the year Leanne made another great move and released three beautiful Leanne's Rainbow Face Painting Brushes in bright pink! These beauties are perfect for one strokes, tear drops and double dipped flower petals! Check them out at our site and see the demo images. You are going to love them!
Leanne's Rainbow | Face Painting Brush - 3/8" Flower
What materials are used in this Leanne's Rainbow brush?
Leanne's Brushes have wooden handles and Synthetic golden tacklon bristles. The brush pictured is a full image and an up close shot. The price listed is for one brush.
What are the dimensions of this Flower brush?
Coming Soon!
What is the best way to use Leanne's 3/8" Flower Face Painting Brush?
The 3/8" Flower Brush is Leanne's go to for double or triple dip petals, rainbow petals and for large tear drops. To create rainbow petals, activate your brush with water and swipe the brush back and forth on the 1 stroke cake to load the bristles with face paint. Apply to skin in a pressing motion, stamping out rainbow petals and re-load the brush if needed. For double/triple dip flowers first load the brush really well in a light color. Dip the tip and wipe off the light color off the tip on the edge of your cup, and then rub the tip back in for in a darker color. Now stamp your brush and you will have two toned petals. Dip the tip again in a darker color if you want a triple dip look. Wash your brush with soap and water, or use a special brush cleaner like Lush Brush to remove any paint deep within the bristles and to condition your brush bristles.
What else should I know about Leanne's Rainbow Brushes?
Leanne Courtney, world recognized face painter and face paint cake designer, designed this beautiful new collection for all of us to enjoy. Because the brushes are made from synthetic bristles, no animals were harmed for the production of these brushes.
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If you aren't already, make sure to follow Leanne on Instagram and Facebook! She has lots of contests and her posts are always fun to read. Thank you Leanne for spending some time with us and letting us know a little bit more a bout your face painting adventure! You really show us that if we follow our passion amazing things can happen!
"My head lives in fairyland a lot of the time, I dream up these dreams and even if they seem crazy I give it a shot" -Leanne Courtney
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