Painting Brush Strokes with Soul and Story

My Go-To Brushes for Painting with Heart.

When I paint, I reach for tools that feel like old friends-the ones that respond to every gesture, hold colour like a dream, and make the act of painting feel effortless. the MakeHer Gouache Brush Set, created in collaboration with my favourite brushmakers Rosemary & Co, is exactly that.

Each brush in this set has been chosen for the way it works with gouache — from buttery washes to crisp, confident details. They’re the same brushes I use in my own studio and in my workshops, so when you paint with them, you’re holding the very tools that bring my own stories to life.

Whether you’re just beginning your gouache journey or refining your craft, this set is designed to help you paint with joy, freedom, and a little bit of MakeHer magic.

Each artwork begins as an original gouache painting, rich with story and texture. These limited edition giclée prints faithfully preserve every detail—from the softness of the brushwork to the layered hues that give each piece its soul.

Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, a 100% cotton, acid-free paper chosen for its archival quality and velvety matte finish, these reproductions are designed to last. The pigment inks used are museum-grade, resisting fading for over a century when properly cared for.

Each painting in this collection is a one-of-a-kind piece, created using professional-grade Winsor & Newton Designer Gouache on premium cotton watercolour paper. These originals are rich in story, emotion, and detail—capturing the essence of a moment, a memory, or a feeling through layered brushwork and vibrant pigment. Framed in a contemporary, minimalist frame with a matte and under glass—chosen to complement the artwork without distraction.

These are not just paintings—they’re personal expressions, crafted to last and meant to be lived with. Explore the collection and find the piece that speaks to your story.

Step into the heart of MakeHer Studio—where every painting begins with a feeling, a memory, or a whisper from the coast. My portfolio is a living archive of gouache works that speak softly but powerfully, capturing the warmth of everyday New Zealand life and the resilience of women through color, texture, and story.

This is more than a gallery. It’s a place to wander through café corners, windswept beaches, and quiet moments that echo with meaning. Each brushstroke is intentional, each piece rooted in heritage, emotion, and the kind of storytelling that lingers long after the paint dries.

If you’ve found a greeting card or print that resonates, the portfolio offers a deeper look into its origin—and perhaps the beginning of your own connection to a piece.

Welcome to the card collection—where every brushstroke carries a story, and every message is made to matter. These greeting cards are more than paper and paint; they’re tiny vessels of connection, celebration, and care. Each design is hand-painted in gouache by Wendy Shipman, inspired by the resilience of women, the beauty of the Kapiti Coast, and the quiet magic of everyday moments.

Selecting the right paper is important for successful gouache painting. For A4 and A3 sizes, use Arches Aquarelle Gummed Watercolour Pad 300gsm (Hot Press, 100% cotton). For sheets larger than A3, choose 640gsm.

Hot Press Paper are smooth and allow the paint to glide smoothly onto the paper.