Gaye’s Studio News

Exhibition madness

18 June 2022

I have been in exhibition mode the last few weeks. This included pulling together a solo exhibition of 19 works at the Huon Doctors Practice in Huonville. For my first show in this location I chose the theme of The magic of flowers, inspired by the magnificent floral arrangement in the entry area I saw on my reconaisance visit.

And what a lovely welcoming reception I had from staff and many patients who watched me roaming around placing works. I thought the floral theme would be cheerful and uplifting for the Huon Valley residents who pass through the space. There is a mix of work from abstract through to representational work. Even though some of these were painted a few years ago they still bring me joy; am emotional connection. The other bonus for me was the lovely drive in the country on a sunny day with the backdrop of snow capped mountains.

This painting titled Force field is one of my entries in the Clarence Open Art Exhibition on from 2-24 July at the Rosny Schoolhouse Gallery and Barn. I love the colour combinations in this of maroon and deep teal with a touch of gold.

My second entry is Building bridges with a slightly different palette using ultramarine blue instead of deep pthalo turquoise. I love the way the light glows through in the neutral background. A joy to paint, these are both 60cm squares on wooden panels.

Overlapping with this exhibition is the Art Society of Tasmania’s Annual exhibition commencing on 29 July and running until 7 August in the magnificent Long Gallery space at the Salamance Arts Centre. I am yet to finalise my entries but have had my in-house framer working hard lately preparing my boards.

Following these are another two major local exhibitions; the Rotary Hobart Art Prize and the Royal Hobart Show exhibition. The latter to be held this year at the City Hall in Hobart.

The lime set I had started about the time of my last news is finished I think. My intention was to feature lime green in works that are both high key and minimal tonal contrast; to convey the feeling of the freshness and light of spring, New leaves and new beginnings. The one above may be named Wonder why green and the one below The colour of leaves

There are six more in this set and they will be up on my website soon.

The other two I have been working on are nearing completion, returning to the palette of Building bridges above.

Another that I am reworking is More than this. I loved the energy, colour, lines, marks and shapes in this and the fiery orange glowing through but it looked too raw.

Fear of messing it up overcame me so I put it aside, not sure if I considered it finished. That time out of sight and mind and a re-evaluation gave me the courage to push on. Liking where it’s going.

I participated in an online artists retreat last week with Alice Sheridan, a London based artist, teacher and motivator who I admire. This has compelled me to try incorporating some printed collage papers into some works and maybe abstract florals and still life. Exciting! That’s what I love about art. The infinite possibilities and opportunities to experiment.