By Kirsty Ross
FOURTH-generation Williamstown artist Jan Johnston has turned Victoria’s most popular coastal road, the Great Ocean Rd, into the setting of her latest exhibition.
Ms Johnston, a painter, has been working in oils and watercolours for 30 years focusing on themes such as local and outback landscapes, social portraiture and figure studies.
The Victorian College of the Arts graduate also likes to draw inspiration from international landscapes, and has enjoyed study tours in Japan and Europe. Her collections are represented worldwide.
Diane Bapty, Ms Johnstone’s good friend and co-exhibitor in their 21st annual show, has also completed a number of pieces that link to Victoria’s ocean landscape.
Ms Bapty has worked as an artist, jeweller and gold and silversmith, creating original work for more than 30 years.
Since their first exhibition in 1986, the women’s annual show has developed into a highly successful Williamstown tradition.
In 1999, established potter of 20 years Bridget Foley joined the duo.
She specialises in porcelain and uses a variety of traditional glazes in her work as well as combinations to give her pieces a unique look.
All three artists have selected their favourite and latest pieces for the exhibition this weekend.
The talented women’s works are described as “exceptionally vibrant, yet functional jewellery”, the paintings as “an example of refined charm”, and the pottery as “delightful”, they say.
The exhibition runs over the weekends of 2 to 3 and 9 to 10 December at 189 Osborne St, Williamstown.
