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What an absolute treat; not only did we get to see Greg Hansell’s studio but, since there was some time to spare, we went to the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery ‘on spec’ just to see if anything was on. We go often & it’s always well worthwhile as yesterday there was a fabulous selection of work from quite a number of local artists. The gallery was full with a variety of artistic groups showing paintings of many types, glassware, ceramics, metalwork & photography.

Each group had a number of artists showing work; too many to list individually, but each listed their respective artists’ works on their lists, which covered the following:

• Greg Hansell
• Basia Nowacki
• Piggery Lane Studios
• Hawkesbury Camera Club
• Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop
• Macquarie Towns Arts Society
• Ferry Artists’ Gallery & The Hawkesbury Artists & Artisans’ Trail.

This is a beautiful gallery & works such as these only make the experience better. The exhibition runs until 2nd. December so you have plenty of time. We’re going again; it’s that good!  The Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, 300 George St. Windsor. (the old hospital site). Open from 10 am – 4 pm M – F closed Tuesdays; Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 3 pm. Closed public holidays.

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Yesterday we went to Windsor to see Greg Hansell’s ‘open studio’, where a fabulous selection of his work was on display.

His studio, I should point out, is a classic representation of the subjects in many of Greg’s paintings – in other words, an old cow shed with a loft. Made from the basic materials of its time, it demonstrates the longevity associated with care & constant use, offering a combination of shed, retreat, studio & summerhouse. Built of corrugated iron & tree in the form of vertical split log siding, it takes you back to the early days of Windsor & is obviously much loved & used by its owner.

Inside there is a wonderful collection of Greg’s paintings; mostly in pastel, but some oils & a couple of etchings. Landscapes & old farm buildings predominate but there is a departure from his usual subject in the form of a painting of one of New South Wales Government Railways’ (NSWGR to special people of the more senior variety) Garratt locomotives, which is guaranteed to get your blood racing! These open studio days are really not to be missed & if you have, then you’ll just need to wait until next year. Keep your eyes open!

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We took ourselves to Bowral again; this time to see the beautiful exhibition put on at the BDAS Gallery at 1 Short St, Bowral.

Set in a picturesque area with beautiful gardens giving just a taste of the botanical works on show inside. Most were watercolours but there were examples of colour pencil, graphite, charcoal & even etching to be appreciated. Colour & detail were amazing: just how so many talented people can produce such fine, precise work without going blind escapes me.  I’m just glad that they do!

Keep your eyes open for the next one: it’s well worth the trip

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An exhibition by the 2017 Wallarobba Outstanding Local Artist; Lyndall Beck.

Many of you will be familiar with the works of Lyndall Beck & this exhibition is a marvellous opportunity to enjoy her many & varied artistic talents under one roof at one time. Lyndall has indeed done herself proud, virtually filling Wallarobba with a display of art in many categories, but all to do with the changing local suburban & regional environment & the attendant social impact resulting from this. As the catalogue says, “Of memory and change documents Lyndall’s personal attempt to grasp and hold onto a world that is slipping away into memory”. In this attempt she has succeeded & the time spent appreciating the work & chatting to the artist was thoroughly enjoyable.
Lyndall’s work is certainly varied & ranges from collagraphs, oil on canvas and mixed media, with a highlight being her film “Solastalgia” in three acts depicting yesterday, today & her perception of a possible tomorrow for the development of Hornsby.

On until Sunday, 11th November.

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The ninth annual Romantics Art Exhibition is on again, but you’ll have to be quick! Only today & tomorrow, on show from 10.00am at the Hunters Hill Town Hall; 22 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill.

This event is a must on my calendar, as it brings Just so much enjoyment to the senses. There are five of Australia’s leading traditional artists exhibiting here who are also recognised globally & who have each received numerous awards. This is an unmissable opportunity to enjoy their collective talents under the one roof at the one time.

The exhibiting artists are: Ian Hansen, Ramon Ward-Thompson,  Werner Filipich, James Hough and Max Mannix. Their work is simply superb. Exciting, satisfying, colourful & evocative! If you miss it just have a look at their respective websites & put it on your calendar for next year.

Check here for a quick view of their work.  www.romanticsfineartexhibition.com.au

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As the invitation says: ‘Four artists united by their admiration of the Australian landscape and their ambitions to express it artistically. They believe that this continual practice, this quest to interpret the unique beauty of the environment is a lifelong challenge, but definitely one that can provide much satisfaction. Join us in celebrating this fabulous exhibition.’

The four artists involved are Kristine Ballard, Tony Hook, Melony K. Smirniotis & Peter Porteous. Having had a quick look at their catalogue I can only say that I am really looking forward to seeing it in person at ‘gallery one88’, located at 188 Katoomba Street, Katoomba.   As if the prospects of satisfying the mind & the eye were not enough, one of the artists, Melony has just joined Hornsby Art Society and her work may be seen in our 9 X 5 exhibition currently on at Wallarobba.

The official opening is on Saturday 18 August & it runs until 26 August. www.galleryone88finearts.com/exhibitions

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[cmsmasters_heading shortcode_id=”cbu7t32rz” type=”h2″ font_weight=”default” font_style=”default” text_align=”left” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″]Well worth a trip Newcastle NSW: a city which is re-inventing itself[/cmsmasters_heading]

You’ll love the many heritage buildings, many of which have been skillfully restored & are in beautiful condition; complemented by some stunning, impressive new buildings, which do not need to resort to high rise! What’s more, their light rail system down Hunter Street is progressing apace, with much activity & visible progress. Go there by train to the interchange & then shuttle bus to the city centre.

OK….. enough travelogue. On show at the Newcastle Art Gallery are three great exhibitions; the Kilgour Art Prize (Won by Natasha Walsh, for a self portrait miniature; in oil on marble). This is Newcastle’s annual art prize for figurative & portrait painting. It awards $50,000 for the most outstanding work of art and $5,000 for the painting voted most popular by the public.

The second exhibition was by Patricia Wilson – Adams, comprising traditional etchings & engravings, installations & major sculptural works: interesting, clever & innovative. Beautifully presented on the gallery’s upper floor

The third exhibition was from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection, by Newcastle arts writers John Barnes & Jill Stowell. ‘Critics Choice’ explores over a century of art history & complements the Kilgour Art Prize on the ground floor of the gallery.  We spent two days enjoying this beautiful city; go & see it for yourself! Check their website for details: www.nag.org.au

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