Winter Light

This artwork is part of the 2020 Art in Lockdown Collection inspired by my connection with the natural world painted during Melbourne's strict lockdown restrictions. During the isolation of lockdown I was at my busiest painting at home in my studio; it was a time for inner reflection and creativity. My work done at this time was inspired by my daily walks and a reconnecting with the natural world that surrounds us. I found that each day I noticed little transformations that take place during the changing of seasons from autumn through winter to spring. I became more aware of how the light changes according to the time of day, and I noted the patterns made by the foliage and branches of the trees. They interaction of light created little windows through which the winter sun streamed, appearing like stained glass windows. In this painting the glow of sunlight on the grass brightens the yellow into a light warmth while the cold mist is seen still lingering around the trees. This painting was intended to brighten the soul and warm the heart.

The artwork is stretched, ready to hang and comes with a natural wood frame.

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Art has always played a major role in my life, initially and for many years, as a potter. I particularly enjoyed formulating and experimenting with my own glazes to achieve an interesting range of colour and textures. Then, a few years ago I switched to painting, initially with watercolour but I now chiefly work in oil. My work is experimental and I love working with pure colour, inspired by nature and the changes of the different seasons and time of the day. I love to be outdoors away from city-life, and being surrounded by nature is what recharges me.

When I need a break from the brush and paint I carve woodblocks used in colour printing - a technique known as Makuhanga (Japanese woodblock printing). Here too, it is the colour effects achieved by this process that inspire me.

I am influenced most by German Expressionism and French Post-impressionism, as well as Australian moderns such as John Olsen, Margaret Preston and Charles Blackman