My artistic journey commenced when I was a child helping my busy mum make most of the clothes for our large family. I have always dabbled in the fabric arts including teaching patchwork quilting at various locations for 10 years.
In 2005, I found that patchwork/quilting was not fulfilling my creative desires, so, after completing a course called “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain”, I discovered I could draw and did this for many months until my creative juices again started flowing and I sought some tuition in Pastel painting. I was amazed at the ease with which I was able to use this wonderful medium to tell my story through my artworks.
Apart from this short course in Pastels, I am largely self taught, although I get much flow on knowledge from the members of the Childers Visual Arts Group of which I am a long term member
I have been painting seriously for about 12 years. Although Pastels were my introduction to art, I currently work in both pastels and acrylics.
Although my style can be said to be traditional, my work encompasses many different subjects, including Landscape, Seascape, Birds and Animals, Architectural, Florals, Portraits and Still Life. Examples of my work can be found at my website: www.marilynmurray.com.au.
I enjoy en plein air painting, however, because of my fair complexion, I prefer to paint in my studio and take many reference photos whenever I am out and about. I don’t need to travel far though as the spectacular colours of the Greater Wide Bay Region, of which I am a happy resident, provides much inspiration for my artwork. With the busy farming district constantly changing from the rich red soil to the many different shades of green related to sugar cane and various other farming pursuits, I am constantly challenged to complete yet another painting. The beautiful beaches of the area also demand to be painted often.
Of recent years, I have done much travelling around Australia and this too has provided much inspiration. I am currently documenting these travels in a series miniature works in acylic. My aim for my miniatures is produce enough to hold a solo exhibition at one of the many local galleries.
Gallery Gift Shops
Some of my smaller works are available for sale at the following gallery gift shops
•Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery (BRAG)
•Childers Arts Space (CHARTS)
•Gin Gin Courthouse Gallery
Art Memberships
Childers Arts Council - Visual Arts Group
Pastel Society of Australia Inc.
Australian Society of Miniature Art
Publications
2010 - I had an 8 page demonstration and insight article published in the Artist Palette Magazine No103 outlining the process involved in a pastel I called “Wait for Me Dad”.
I very much admire the early Australian Artists especially Frederick McCubbin, but feel that my style is my own. I enjoy the challenge of using a minimal number of colours and blending to achieve the colour I desire. I have completed a number of commissions and I appreciate this aspect of my work.
My artwork can be found in private collections both in Australia and overseas. One painting of Woodgate has found a home in Israel and another of my bird paintings was purchased by a London actor.
