By Callum Ludwig
Warburton art enthusiasts might notice some particularly familiar sights in the art gallery at the Warburton Arts Centre next month.
Painter Sara Perry’s Hinterland exhibition will open on Saturday 18 March and run through into the middle of May.
Ms Perry said the pieces of the exhibition are inspired by the scenery of Warburton.
“Lots of the works in the show are inspired by aerial or panoramic views of Warburton and the surrounding area. I use these as a guide for planning the composition, though I edit them as I paint using and abusing my creative license,” she said.
“I do not name the landscapes by location. I like a certain amount of uncertainty in the landscape so that the viewer can put their ownership on where they believe it to be or where it reminds them of.”
Ms Perry describes her art style as impressionist, an art movement originating from 19th century France known for its small, unblended colour and accurate depictions of natural light.
Ms Perry said Hinterland is about escapism.
“I aim to create landscapes that pull you in and away from your fast-paced life. Through classic techniques of atmospheric and linear perspective, the viewer is pulled down paths, across the terrain, and towards a stable but u explored horizon,” she said.
“As an artist, I like to explore how the landscape can be unified by light at certain times of the day. I paint with oils, using a restricted pallet. I like to contrast gradual hues and tones with short sharp brush strokes and to create ambiguous forms.”
The Hinterland exhibition captures some of Warburton’s alpine areas, down to its trails and the river.
Coming from a small town on the Western side of Victoria, Ms Perry said small towns like her home and Warburton have such great communities and support for the arts.
“Warburton’s location just suits my love of landscape and escape perfectly – it’s been a pleasure to experience the place and transfer that onto canvas,” she said.
“The opportunity to showcase work is something an artist is always happy to do. The late nights and the endless whirring of the brain all become worth it when you see your work in such a great context. The Warburton Arts Centre is so beautiful and is run with such professionalism. The team have been great to work with.”
