by Bonnie Collings
Artwork capturing the beauty of nature and the depth of human emotion, features in the latest exhibition at The Red Tree Gallery in Jindivick.
Paintings by young Jindivick artist, Grace Macdonald will be on display until August 30.
Grace grew up in Jindivick and continues to live there today. She has been creating artwork since she was 12 years old, finding it very beneficial to her mental health.
"As long as I can remember I was either drawing or reading," Grace said.
The natural beauty of the environment around her as well as thoughts and feelings from her life experiences are key focal points in Grace's paintings.
"I feel like life and nature are the two big things that inspire me," she said. "Nature is the purest kind of art."
Showcasing her art for the first time in her own town has been an amazing experience for Grace.
"It's been a massive opportunity to share my work with my local community," she said.
Grace hopes the people who view her exhibition come away considering the world around them in a different light.
"Art is how I see the world," she said. "I hope it makes (people) think about how they see the world."
Grace said she wanted to encourage people to create their own art, and to know that they can make art for any reason.
"I hope I can encourage them to see beauty in the world and think about how if they've gone through something difficult, they can turn it into something beautiful."
Paintings can also be viewed online at www.redtreegallery.com.au. Select works can be purchased from the gallery.