By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Clyde North artist Helen Anderson is drawn to the vivid colours in Australia’s landscape.
She and other Berwick Artists Society members will be showcasing their works as part of a Winter Arts exhibition this month.
Ms Anderson has chosen two vibrant, impressionist works – an oil painting of water lilies and an acrylic of irises.
Her favourite themes are gardens and the Australian outback. Growing up in Mildura, she has always loved the outback’s red dirt and wildflowers.
It is a stark contrast to the muted tones of the European masters.
“I hadn’t realised how different the colours are to Europe – the Australian colours are a lot brighter.
“Now I understand why the artists overseas painted the way they did.”
Ms Anderson had put aside her passion for painting after a Year 12 teacher told her she had no talent.
She revived her art 20 years ago as a relief from her stressful social-work job at a Sydney half-way house.
A picture framer praised her silk paintings, telling her that she could put them up for sale.
Ms Anderson has since sold hundreds of works.
She is part of the popular Berwick Artists Society, which has been running the past 26 years.
Members socialise and paint together on Thursdays at the Old Cheese Factory.
The society also hosts monthly demonstrations by successful artists.
The free Winters Arts exhibition will have society members on hand to speak with visitors. Most paintings will be for sale.
The exhibition runs from June 16-28 at Bunjil Place Library.
Opening hours are from 9am-5pm Mondays-Fridays and 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
