
Bernadette Whisson
Artist’s Statement
Colour and spontaneity are two touchstones of my painting. While I enjoy viewing many different styles and see value in most works I encounter, I keep returning to the impressionists and post-impressionists especially Vincent Van Gogh. Watercolour is my preferred medium when I want to wander and immerse myself in mostly natural surroundings. It's a habit I love.
Biography
Painting has long been an interest accompanying me through my journeys. It's taken a back seat to my teaching career and nurturing a family. However, it's always allowed me to branch out, meet wonderful people and be expressive in my own personal way. Sketching has become a joy, as I fill visual journals with records of my wanderings.
I contribute pieces to on-line sites such as Loose Watercolour, Abstract Landscapes and Contemporary and Traditional Tonal Painting. I'm a member of TAS where I enjoy connecting to other artists.
I particularly enjoy opportunities to submit work to rural and regional exhibitions: for example, Bell, Lockyer Valley, Warwick and here in Toowoomba.
Influences
I love obviously painterly work with brushstrokes and a certain indifference to perfection. Turner, Van Gogh, Margaret Olley and Craig Penny are just a sample of amazing influences. I deeply admire artists such as John Atkinson Grimshaw, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, Clarice Beckett and John Russell as well.
Awards
I've received local show awards over the years from a small number of entries overall. More recently I gained a Highly Commended for a piece, Creek Crossing, at a TAS Spring exhibition.
Exhibitions
Contributions to annual group exhibitions include TAS, OAG and Downlands. I enjoy supporting smaller regional exhibitions such as St Mark's in Warwick, Bell and the Lockyer Valley Foothills. Acrylic pieces have been hung with others from TAS in a medical practice here in Toowoomba in recent weeks.
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