‘Nature in Art’ is a series of classes run at Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre devoted to realistic botanical illustration. In April a select group of students from the classes will be showcasing their talent at the Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery in an exhibition aptly titled ‘Nature in Art’.
This artwork style accurately depicts the natural world using watercolour techniques in an almost scientific manner. The works are produced via the application of many layers of paint that reveal delicate details not always visible to the naked eye. Artists spend up to several months labouring over their works to record every detail of their subject matter.
Works showing in the exhibition cover wideranging themes of flora and fauna painted in their vivid glory. The passion of these painters is clear in these beautiful and captivating illustrations. The emerging artists participating in the show vary in experience; some have regularly exhibited while for others this is their first foray into the gallery world. Many of the students have been attending Canterbury Neighbourhood for years. Each week they diligently attend classes led by distinguished artist Terry Napier. Terry has taught at the Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre for many years and is well-known for his exquisite botanical paintings and his celebrated artworks showcasing birds, butterflies and insects. He is loved and respected by the many students he guides through the complexities of watercolour techniques.
A long-time member of the Botanical Illustrators group at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Terry has exhibited at their bi-annual Art of Botanical Illustration exhibition for most of its history. His much sought-after paintings can be found in homes around Australia and around the world in prominent Botanical Art collections including Victoria’s State Botanical Collection, The Cranbourne Botanical Collection, The Illustrated Garden and in the Government House Florilegium held by the State Library of Victoria and The Permanent Collection at RMIT University. In 2010 Terry was awarded the Celia Rosser Medal for his contribution to Botanical art and teaching.
Hawthorn Arts Centre’s upcoming exhibition will inspire and challenge you to see the natural world in a new light.
Where:
Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery,
360 Burwood Road
When:
15 April – 10 May. (Official opening Saturday 18 April 2pm–4pm)
BRENDA PAGE