See landscapes through artists’ eyes
STUNNING landscapes of South Gippsland and beyond will feature in the latest exhibition at Gecko Studio Gallery at Fish Creek.
Adrian Johnson and Gillian Carpenter will present Double Vision – landscapes in watercolour and oil from November 15 to December 12, with the official opening this Sunday.
Johnson is an award winning painter, having won the Bass Coast Shire Your Art Collection prize three years ago, and is a popular oil painter.
He is known for specialising in the play of light on sand dunes and these works are in demand.
The Wonthaggi artist has also been taking trips into the outback over the last few years and painting what he sees there.
Johnson said, “I try to achieve a determined work practice to help solve problems that may arise during the painting process.
“Varying my technique and subject throws up many challenges. I believe working in this manner helps my development as a landscape painter.”
Carpenter has run a watercolour workshop for Gecko and been an active member of Prom Coast Arts Council, having recently completed compiling an arts trail brochure.
The Fish Creek artist is renowned for her lively scenes and landscapes in watercolour.
Carpenter attributes her skills and style to eminent Australian artists including Robert Wade, David Taylor, Tony Smibert, Amanda Hyatt and Marco Lucio.
“I have exhibited at Rotary, commercial galleries and corporate venues in both Melbourne and the country, and held eight solo and a number of group exhibitions,” she said.
Her awards include: first prize for watercolor at Box Hill Rotary Art Show, Sandy Point Art Shows 2012 and 2014, The Pat West award for Watercolour at Leongatha Rotary Art Show 2013 and commendation at AGRA spring exhibition 2015.
“Currently my art works are represented in galleries, commercial, corporate and private collections in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK and USA,” she said.
Both artists are members are members of the Australian Guild of Realist Artists. In 2011, Johnson was awarded a guild fellowship for outstanding achievement.
Carpenter is also a member of the Watercolour Society of Victoria and Australian Watercolour Society.
Johnson began his painting journey in the early ’80s by joining the Wonthaggi Art Group.
Australian impressionists Max Smales, Mac Wilks and English painter David Curtis have been a source of inspiration and learning for him. He has exhibited and painted throughout Victoria and New South Wales with watercolour artist Bob Pelchen.
The Southern Grampians and the high country around Mansfield and Mount Buller have provided spectacular ‘plein air’ painting challenges in recent times.
Johnson is a past recipient of the Bass Coast acquisitive award and has been invited to judge at many local art shows.
Short URL: /?p=16587