Artist Statement

My work is inspired by the striking mountain escarpment on which thee city of Toowoomba is situated. It connects me to the past ecological events of volcanic activity which occurred twenty seven million years ago .It has created the undulating valleys and steep escarpment that enable distant views and feelings of expansion. The rich basalt and sedimentary rocks from volcanic activity are responsible for the abundant vegetation and the parks and cafes add so the social wellbeing of the community i call home.

Biography

Joan Hurtado is a retired primary, secondary teacher who lives in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. She has a passion for art and the natural world and is curious about process, exploring all mediums in her art journey. Since moving to Toowoomba in 2022,she enrolled in a a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree at the University of Southern Queensland.

Influences

Like most students I began with traditional landscapes inspired by Streeton, Drysdale and Lloyd Rees. I was inspired by the superb draftsmanship of Brett Whitely and Frank Hodgkinson. More recently I have discovered Disrupted Realism as a new way of expression.

Awards

2016 highly commended Rabobank. 2015-2016 Grand Champion Barcaldine art Prize. 2014 2nd prize- Landmark Art Prize 2011 Highly Commended Art Prize Roma 2008 Finalist two accepted Warwick Art Prize. Highly Commended

Exhibitions

2024 Toowoomba Art Society on show now 2022 Solo Exhibition Roma Regional Gallery. 2020 Mitchell on Maranoa, group and Solo exhibitions, 20 12-2019.Charles Ginn Gallery solo and group exhibitions 2006