Modern Conversation

Inspiration happens at the most random times! This was the case when I was waiting for a traffic light to change last year. I was a passenger in our car, saw these guys and grabbed my phone (haha) taking this shot through the back window as we drove off. These young guys were waiting for a bus; such a typical scene these days for how kids pass the time of day and interact.
 
I've been hankering to include more figures into my paintings and, while I'm not much for social statements, I specifically wanted to paint 'Modern Conversations' to highlight how youth interact these days.
 My intent with this painting was to play up the juxtaposition of this modern past time against an old heritage building. How times change!
 
I loved the high contrast of the bright sunny day and deep shadows almost underlining the boys in the scene. You couldn't have art directed them any better… the almost monotone backdrop (building, footpath and blank windows), all helped to accentuate their warm flesh tones and brightly coloured clothing. Their pose was intimate and casual, obviously great mates sharing a moment together.

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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.