Heyday

In this painting I wanted to capture the 'world weary' feel of this old country house. With it's weather-blistered timber and broken windows sitting in a heat baked country field, this house has seen better times.

The old palm tree offering little shade, but a constant companion to the cattle in the fields. I painted this scene en plein air (outdoors) by the side of the road in view of the cattle. By using a limited palette I wanted to create the heat of the day and a sense of glory past.

I hope you enjoy this quintessential Australian scene.

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Often I paint from life using the energy of the moment and my observations to create intimate soft pastel paintings of people and landscapes. I focus on creating an imagined colour palette rather than local colour to create mood, as well as bold mark making to interpret my subjects.

I'm formally trained in graphic design and art in some form has always directed my decisions. I have always painted and over the years have received awards, sales, commission requests and more recently awarded APANZ an artist member honour award within the New Zealand pastel community. I've since returned to Australia and am sharing my artwork with an Australian audience.

Artist CV:
I have a television episode of 'Colour In Your Life' showcasing my mixed media portrait technique of host Graeme Stevenson and this can be viewed on YouTube.
I have taught acrylic painting, inspiring young students (and then their family) through the ‘Art In Schools’ program.
In 2022 I began a practise of weekly Plein air painting in New Zealand's South Island which continues today in Australia.
Seeing a need within the local community, in 2024, I instigated monthly life drawing sessions, inspiring others to get involved in the benefits of sketching from life.