The Warburton Waterwheel’s art exhibition this November is hosting an array of art carefully crafted by the Valley Arts Network (VAN).
Titled From the Heart, the aptly named exhibition showcases work from 16 different artists which emanate with emotion and individuality.
VAN member Di King it was the group’s fifth exhibition together and while it didn’t have any particular theme, the art surrounds things each artist is individually passionate about.
“It’s been a free way of putting together what they wanted to display. So they’re all hung in groups of the individual artist,” Ms King said.
All 16 artists have their own spot where a variety of subjects and styles are depicted.
From brilliant birds to picturesque paintings of pastoral landscapes, the exhibition has something for everyone.
Ms King started painting in 1980 after she spontaneously quit her job to take up art lessons – now she lives in Healesville, where she takes inspiration from the world around her.
“It was scary but I took it on with such a passion, and I still love it,” she said.
Using oil paints as her main medium, her works depict detailed landscapes of the high country and evocative portraits of her daughter – though she said there’s not a particular subject she focuses on.
“It’s a very difficult question when people say, ‘What’s my favourite subject’, it depends.”
“I guess I’m more of a GP, and not a specialist,” Ms King said.
Denise Smith is another artist from the Yarra Valley whose works are characterised by a vibrant, yet realistic style, which mostly features birds.
Having volunteered at the Healesville Sanctuary for 12 years, she spent a lot of time observing many species of birds.
“That was great because the more you sit still, the more they come out, and you can see them up close and see what they do,” Ms Smith said.
She hasn’t studied art, rather her skill comes from experience, having drawn since she was a child.
“I haven’t got any formal pieces of paper. It’s just been an ongoing learning all through my life, so it’s just evolved as I got older.”
Other mediums of art such as pottery and metalwork were on display.
VAN member Bev Hardridge showcased her range of pottery works from various styles at the exhibition.
She likes to switch up subjects and styles frequently in an effort to find fresh and exciting ideas.
“I don’t stick with one style, I like to try different things and new things. So I get bored with doing the same style all the time,” she said.
She often collaborates with her husband where they combine metalworking with pottery to create innovative works.
“Since I’ve done pottery we’ve sort of worked out that we can join the two mediums together and in different ways so it’s been a bit of a fun journey,” Ms Hardridge said.
One of the more recent members of VAN is Healesville-based Mary Anderson who is known for her diverse style.
Her works are eclectic and varied, ranging from quirky, cartoonish renditions of a bird before its morning coffee, impressionistic and textured seascapes and logical, geometric assortments.
“I’m known for my diversity, so I don’t want to be known as the bird lady or the flower lady.”
“I like to paint what I like in whatever medium I want to use, depending on what I’m thinking about or feeling about,” Ms Anderson said.
She also likes to use an array of techniques such as gelli printing and creating surface texture to capture the mood of her subjects.
VAN member Julie Ricketts specialises in pastel and oils with the majority of her paintings taking inspiration from traditional styles.
She started painting 35 years ago to keep herself occupied when she lost her job due to a health condition.
“I wasn’t going to sit around and do nothing so I taught myself to paint at home,” Ms Ricketts said.
Looking to make more of an impact with her art, she completed a diploma in holistic creative art therapies, and now she runs a 10-week program to help people with expressing emotions through art.
“I used art as a therapy when I lost my job. And if not for that, I don’t know where I’d be right now, so I understand the benefit,” Ms Ricketts said.
The exhibition is on until 30 November.
