Supporting artists with encouragement, guidance, and care.

ALANYA VAN DE WIEL | Artist Guidance & Support

I offer artists support that is both practical and personal.
I provide structure, guidance, and genuine connection so you can focus on your art, while also holding space for your growth as an individual.

Grounded in a person-centred and community-minded approach, my work is focused on growth and clarity.
With professional qualifications in visual art, counselling, and art therapy, alongside years of diverse creative industry experience, I bring a unique blend of skills to my practice.

Why I Do This Work 

I know first-hand how important encouragement, support, growth, and community are for emerging artists — and it’s at the heart of the work I do today.
I believe deeply in the importance of creative practice and the crucial role artists play in our wider community. By standing as an ally; supporting artists’ work, honouring their practice, and helping ensure their value is recognised: I aim to make a positive and meaningful difference.

Eight years ago, I moved from Melbourne to Lake Macquarie & Newcastle to dedicate myself fully to my art career. The extraordinary community of artists here, along with the healthier pace of life, inspired me to make the move. Starting fresh in a new city, I quickly discovered how challenging it can be to build connections and navigate the art world alone. Out of that experience, the New Artists’ Collective was born — today home to more than 150 members and still growing

Clients’ Love

  • “Your ability to guide and provide important feedback where needed has been so helpful and insightful for me and my journey in the art world! Couldn’t recommend you more, thank you.”

    Israel Rumbel, artist

  • “This is Alanya’s wheelhouse. Judgement free discussion about your art goals. Love it”

    Jane Kerrigan, artist

  • “In your element Alanya, your passion and enthusiasm is wonderfully contagious”

    Belinda Dorey, artist

  • “After my initial 1:1 appointment with Alanya I am now a lot more confident going forward with my vision for my art business. She provided so much information and emailed it all through so I could follow it effortlessly. I’m now looking at entering my first exhibition and art prize. She is also introducing me to some amazing local artists who I can also learn from.”

    Mel Hibberd, artist

  • “Alanya is an artist with great enthusiasm and passion to see all artists succeed and fulfil their vision. Alanya imparts practical guidance and market knowledge to help you navigate effectively in this multifaceted space. Thank you Alanya for your dedication.”

    Dawn Cash, artist

  • “I had my first art coaching session with Alanya online, and I’m so grateful I reached out. She genuinely understood where I was coming from and helped me clarify what I wanted to achieve next. With her honest feedback and practical steps, I came away from just one session feeling much more focused and optimistic about my next steps”

    Jen Armstrong, artist

  • “Coaching by Alanya gives you support, encouragement, honesty and heartfelt feedback!”

    Dianna Kellerman, artist