Gerlinde Thomas is an artist whose passion for creating beautiful works of art has been a constant in her life since childhood. Growing up in Melbourne, Gerlinde was a quiet and reserved child, finding solace and joy in her room where she would spend hours sketching with her treasured Derwent pencils. Despite the prevailing belief that art was a mere "time-waster," Gerlinde persisted, driven by her love for the medium.
As an adult, Gerlinde found herself immersed in the corporate world while also managing a family. It wasn't until she moved to the Blue Mountains of NSW and returned to drawing nine years ago that she truly rekindled her love of art. From there, she began to experiment with oils, reveling in the smells and textures of the medium. Although self-taught, Gerlinde's works are imbued with a raw, instinctive quality that speaks to her innate talent and years of dedication.
Over the past decade, Gerlinde has held multiple solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows. Her work has garnered critical acclaim, earning her awards such as the Judges Prize, Portraiture Prize, and Highly Commended in the local Chamber awards for Arts and Entertainment. She has also been commissioned for portraiture work, which she describes as a particular passion.
Gerlinde's art has been used to promote various events, from art shows to light projections onto the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath. She has also been featured in publications such as Blue Mountains Life Magazine, OzArt Magazine Autumn, and the Blue Mountains Gazette. In addition to her exhibitions and publications, Gerlinde self-published a book based on her solo exhibition, "On the Face of it," featuring portraits of 30 artists.
Today, Gerlinde's comprehensive body of work can be seen at the Cancer Wellness Support Robyn Yates Centre in Leura, where a portion of the sales goes to support the Centre. With her dedication to her craft and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects, Gerlinde is a true artist who continues to inspire and create. She is also available for commissions, offering her unique vision and talent to those who seek it.