by Emma Ballingall
Gaining inspiration from her garden, nature and everyday surrounds, Gembrook artist Sue Jarvis is currently holding her first solo exhibition in West Gippsland.
Sue, who is known locally for exhibiting at local competitions including Warragul Rotary Art Show as well as being involved in the 2019 Bunyip Complex bushfire recovery, is displaying about 30 artworks at Red Tree Gallery in Jindivick this month.
The paintings have been created over a 20-year timeframe and range from still life, landscape, old buildings and the odd portrait. However, all work in overall unity with a distinct colour palette.
Setting up an easel in the gallery, Sue is keen to chat to visitors about her works and creative processes. She will be in attendance most weekends and the odd weekday.
"I just want to do my artwork and teach and inspire others," she said.
"You can see something interesting everyday in everything around you. You need to be visually aware, and you can train yourself to be."
Sue has lived at Gembrook since 1980, where she has created a botanic garden on her 10-acre property.
A former teacher, Sue became a full-time artist in 1981 and, after a break to be a carer, has refocused her time into painting.
Last year she was a finalist at the Gallipoli Prize and awarded a local artist award at Pakenham Art Show.
Whilst her art show entries tend to be large and contain subtle socio-political commentary, the pieces Sue has selected for her Red Tree Gallery exhibition are smaller and offer a snapshot of her artistic style.
Gallery owner Laurie Collins described her works as both slightly abstract and quite contemporary.
"Although they have a certain muted tone to them that would fit in with Clarice Becket and also Margaret Preston," he said.
Sue said no two artworks were the same, despite opting to work with a limited number of colours. This exhibition features a lot of greys as well as soft red, blue and yellow.
Her botanic garden which is always flowering, filled with colour and features many layers is a constant source of inspiration.
However, Sue said "I couldn't only paint the garden, I'd go nuts". Instead she picks flowers or leaves and composes a setting around them. The feature plant is accompanied by interesting items in abstract colours, often a vase, plate, teacup or scarf.
"To me, the painting is the whole canvas. It's what's happening in the back as well that needs to be interesting."
She uses photography and computer programs to zoom in, break down colours to only two or three, or manipulate for abstract works. She paints from these images.
Teaching a small number of students, Sue believes anyone can learn to paint - as long as they aren't afraid of failure.
Sue's exhibition is open daily at Red Tree Gallery at 420 Main Neerim Rd, Jindivick until Wednesday, June 25.