It is refreshing in this time of technology and slick representations to come across a perfect marriage between the subtleties of watercolour and a deep empathy with the Australian landscape. This marriage has been achieved by Tamworth artist Yvonne Overton in an exhibition of outstanding paintings now on display at Armidale Art Gallery in the Mall.
Overton spent a large part of her life living near Moree on the western plains, where she developed a close affinity with the ever-changing landscape. She continues to be fascinated by the precious sparkling waterholes, which are the life-blood of a hot and often dry country. It is this remarkable sense of place that Overton has captured in her sophisticated and delicate artworks.
“As a child,” said Overton, “all social events were held down at the river.” Informed by this early experience, the vegetation along riverbanks and the changing patterns of light and shade continue to provide inspiration for her art.
Although the artist has been drawing most of her life, she took the opportunity to move into painting after the sale of their northern NSW property. She then completed an Advanced Diploma of Fine Art at Tamworth TAFE and a Fine Arts Degree at the University of Newcastle.
Since then, she has received several prestigious awards, and her paintings are held in private, government and corporate collections within Australia, UK, Japan and Korea.
For those who like traditional art with just a touch of mysticism, a strong sense of belonging, and an almost tangible connection with the natural world, this exhibition is for you. The paintings will be on show at Armidale Art Gallery until June 22, along with other interesting art works by local artists.
Enquiries to the Gallery at 6772 9993.
