ARTIST’S STATEMENT
For in truth, art is implicit in nature, and whoever can extract it, has it.
Albrecht Durer
We are all part of nature, and for me nature is an endless source of wonder and inspiration.
I live in Sunbury Victoria with my husband John. We studied Architecture together at RMIT. Our home/office/studio faces north on to the creek, its large windows bring in the light and connect us to the outdoors.
Whether I am painting flora, fauna, the landscape, or people, my work is a search for beauty, but not for perfection. I see beauty in a furrowed brow, the rounded form of a baby’s cheek, or the glowing threads of tousled hair illuminated by the sun. The myriad effects of light provide infinite possibilities for artistic interpretation.
My portraits are very personal, mostly of family and friends, or people I admire. I strive for authenticity, to create a true likeness without flattery. I try to capture the unique qualities that draw me to my subject.
I am also intrigued by the many ways that an image can be created, using opaque or transparent colour, by applying and removing – how the fine grain is revealed at close range, to become as beguiling as the subject.
To see more of my work and find out about my latest exhibitions visit
AWARDS
2015 – Winner, Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Hilton South Wharf Melbourne
2014 – Winner, Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Hilton South Wharf Melbourne
2013 – Encouragement Award – Established Visual Artists– Hume City Council
2012 – Professional Development Grant – Hume Art Awards – Hume City Council
2011 – Finalist City of Perth Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, Perth Town Hall WA
2010 – Winner, Hidden Faces of the Archibald Portraits, Age Gallery Melbourne
2010 – Winner, Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Hilton South Wharf Melbourne
2010 – Runner-up People’s Choice Award, Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, Perth WA
2009 – People’s Choice Award, Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, Perth Town Hall WA
2009 – Winner, Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Smart Artz Gallery, Melbourne
2008 – Runner-up, Hidden Faces of the Archibald, Park Hyatt Melbourne
1998 – Finalist, Australian Artists Magazine 1998 Watercolour Art Prize
1995 – People’s Choice Award, Camberwell Art Show, Camberwell Civic Centre Victoria
Jacquie Blight with a portrait of her son Matt Blight. Opening night of “Quiet Achievers” – PAA Exhibition in Parliament House, Canberra, 2012