At the current CABBI 32nd Art Exhibition, there have been many winners across the categories. It’s always interesting to know the background of the winning entry.
Audrey Warren of Surf Beach took out First Place in Watercolour with her painting titled “South Coast”. Her painting depicts the old Steam Packet Hotel at Nelligen that the tug boats would pull up at to get refreshments and fuel in the old days. The building is still operating today as a hotel.
Above: Audrey Warren with her winning watercolour “South Coast”
Audrey visited the site recently and painted some studies of the hotel plein air. Then taking these reference paintings home, she produced the winning painting from her studio. Judge Judi Power Thomson said of the painting “A clear and fresh watercolour where the “whites” are actually left white and the colours remain vibrant. A traditional watercolour showing competence in the medium.”
Of watercolours Audrey said “My sister tried for 30 years to get me to paint in watercolours, but I just refused. I was an oil painter back then.” These days Audrey paints weekly with a plein air group under the guidance of Sheryl Miller. Audrey said “This weekly class has awakened the desire to explore with watercolours.” Local artist Carmel Cox took out First in Sculpture and First in Mixed Media. This is the first time Carmel has entered the Sculpture section and was utterly amazed to win. She said “I entered the sculpture section hoping people would love the pyramids, nothing more. I didn’t expect to win this section.” The judges comments were “What can I say? Stunning, creative, colourful and such an original concept. Each one beautifully painted and finished.” Carmel also entered her painting of wild brumbies titled “Once We Ran Free” in the Mixed Media section gaining First Place. Combining acrylic paint, fibres and hand made paper, Carmel said of the painting “It is quite a topical subject at the moment, with the public divided on the proposed culling of the brumbies. I felt very moved to depict their wildness and current freedom.” Judge Judi Power Thomson said of the brumby painting “A beautiful, mystical painting with small areas of detail incorporated into bold and wild abstract areas. The simplicity of colour enhances the action of the galloping horses while the various textures and loose line work give the feeling of the horses rushing through the bush.
Above: Carmel with her winning entry in Sculpture “The Land Down Under”, an installation of 14 pyramids
Above: Carmel's “Once We Ran Free” painting of wild brumbies took out First Place in Mixed Media The Creative Arts Batemans Bay 32nd Annual Art and Craft Exhibition ends today (Sunday 15 January) at 4pm. Batemans Bay High School, George Bass Drive, Batehaven. Cost of entry: Gold coin donation.
