Autumn

My paintings are inspired by the beauty of nature and are often symbolic. In this painting, the trees dropping their leaves are a powerful universal symbol of letting go. In doing so trees prepare for a period of rest, making space for new growth in the spring.

This painting was inspired by the South Gippsland region in autumn. The deciduous trees have dropped their leaves and there is a gentle quietness in the air. A reminder for us to soak up the quiet calmness that nature offers us from time to time. To just be still and turn away from the hustle and bustle of life. Why not accept the invitation from mother nature to sit on the grass or walk and swish through the grasses … and take time to think of what you could let go of to make way for new growth.

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I paint Australian Landscapes sometimes with a twist of abstract! I love to paint funky trees because that's how I see them. I never tire of watching their bark change throughout the seasons, the colours change with different light and the quirky shapes of their limbs. I try to capture their uniqueness in a fun-loving and often whimsical way. I am lucky to paint against a backdrop of trees with birds and kangaroos frequently dropping in... as well as the occasional brown snake!

I started to paint after suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury at 52 years of age. Painting initially helped to "unlock" my inner-self, thoughts and feelings that I found hard to express. Through my continued recovery, painting has become a love and passion, I call it “healing art”. For me, trees are very symbolic. Even when they lose their bark or leaves and look very different to what they were before, they are still a tree, the same tree! That's what it felt like for me after my injury, I felt like a totally different person, I had to re-learn many basic things in life, but I was still the same person deep inside. I still have to remember to "ground" myself at times - and it's the tree that I look to help me.

Sometimes I cover the canvas in whatever pattern and colours “speak” to me, or I clean my paint brushes or palette knives on a spare canvas. This in itself can be an outlet to experiment with colour, shapes or texture. But I also find that it is often an outward expression of the emotions I often bottle up inside. I leave these canvasses to dry and when I come back to them, and paint over them I find beautiful texture and shapes which guide the composition and colour of my next painting. I still have to remember to "ground" myself at times - and it’s the trees that I look to help me. Sometimes I paint the trees in, other times I scrape back to create the tree - revealing blends of wonderful colours. This way I find my process is quite organic and intuitive to how the painting ends up.

In an earlier life I taught Biology to secondary school students and my passion for the environment, wildlife and ecosystems remains strong in my being. My paintings tell a story of places I have been to; of respecting and caring for our natural environment.

My hope is that my art helps others in their healing journey and provides opportunities for connection with others and nature. I hope they encourage good conversations, opportunities for reflection and a reminder to practice mindfulness.

Each painting comes with its unique "story" and a certificate of authentication.