A NEW exhibition titled “The Artist Next Door” was just unveiled at the Artisan Collective Port Stephens, an artist-run gallery situated in d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay.
The exhibition features a collection of watercolours and acrylics by artists Judy Hunter and Anne McLaughlin, longstanding friends and colleagues.
Judy and Anne began their careers as art teachers, first meeting at Bathurst High School where they worked alongside each other for many years.
After 30 years and very different life experiences, they are now collaborating as artists rather than teachers.
The common thread that unites their works is the depiction of natural landscapes that are local and personal to the artists.
Through plein-air painting, the artists are able to depict not just what they see but also the feelings born from the environment, the weather, the smell, and everything around them.
Anne’s paintings focus on the natural beauty of Tilligerry Creek and Salamander Bay, from mangrove swamps to coastlines, striving to express their atmosphere not only with colour but also with feeling and expression.
Judy, who has previously lived in China and Indonesia, chose to depict the sceneries of Narrabeen and Avalon.
Her works on ocean pools go past the naturalistic depictions: they incorporate geometric shapes and lines, with some strips of the painting cut out and moved around.
The emotions and feelings evoked by the scenery are even written on the canvas itself.
“I am a bit of a graphic designer”, she said while explaining her visual choices.
On Saturday 9 May, Judy and Anne celebrated the launch of the exhibition at the Artisan Collective, with many visitors and fellow artists participating.
The “Artist Next Door” exhibition will run until Saturday 30 May.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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