Art News

The Great Escape

Two new exhibitions that celebrate the beauty of the Australian landscape - The Wandering Brushman by Lynn Shearer and Nature's Palette by Sue Nelson - are now on show at Armistead's Gallery in Lismore.

About 14 years ago, after a long career in aviation, Lynn moved to a property near Lismore and with more time on his hands was able to develop a long dormant dream of painting. He then began travelling to places like west Tasmania and Cape York, finding inspiration for his newfound passion.

"I started to travel to the more remote and natural areas looking for that breathtaking untouched scene," said Lynn, president of the local ArtAbout group. "Camping is essential in these areas and I am sure that becoming absorbed in the environment is essential to the understanding and translation of a scene into a painting."

Sue first began creating folk art 14 years ago when her husband became ill and she was required to be at home full time. Like Lynn she began travelling around Australia, and the rich colours of the Australian environment soon inspired her to begin landscape painting.

"The colours and glow of the Aussie landscape were calling, so it was time to follow with the paintbrush and do my best," Sue said. "You really do appreciate the colours and textures of 'Nature's Living Room' when you experience it up close."

Both exhibitions are on show until February 18. Armistead's Gallery is at 43b Wyrallah Road.